Susie's Birth (ages 13-17)

 by Ellie Innes

Chapter one 

An Upside down day turned right side up

     Ellie Carter opened her eyes and groaned, it was already morning! She could stay in bed for a good half hour more. These days it was getting harder for her to move around being pregnant an all. It seemed like she was just tired all day long.

Ellie yawned and stretched rubbing her eyes as she dragged herself out of bed. She slipped on a faded pink dress, and washed her hands and face at the wash basin, before making her way slowly down the stairs.

 As Ellie headed into the dining room she heard Chad talking to mother, “The mare had her foal last night. It’s a pretty thing too. A rich chestnut gelding.” Chad’s voice echoed through the room. Ellie sank into a dining room chair with a sigh. So that’s where Chad was last night. She glanced across the table at Mitch. He flashed her a lopsided grin.

“Okay, Chad,” Mitch interrupted his brother’s chatter. “Looks like everyone’s here, I’ll pray then we can eat!” Everyone joined hands and bowed their heads as Mitch said the blessing. Then the meal began.

     “Hey Mitch?” Chad dug into a thick slice of ham. “ I think today we should move the herd to the south pasture….” The talk and conversation lingered on around Ellie. Mother passed down a plate of fresh bread. She took a piece, but still the sleepiness didn’t move from her.

Ellie blinked, I am so tired I can’t keep my eyes open! Maybe some of Louise’s good eggs will wake me up. She reached across the table and grabbed the platter, CRASH! In her clumsiness her elbow brushed against the milk pitcher sending a stream of milk across the table into Mitch’s lap. 

     “Yahweh!!” Mitch’s loud yell pierced the room. He sprang to his feet and snatched his napkin mopping the milk from his pants. 

     “Oh, Mitch I’m so sorry!” Ellie burst into tears. What’s wrong with me? Chad paid no attention to Mitch’s explanation. “Are you feeling alright sweetheart?”  He pulled her into a gentle hug. Ellie leaned her head on Chad’s shoulder sniffling.  Mother look at Ellie, her brow furrowed with worry.  

     “I don’t know, I just feel so tired. I didn’t know carrying a baby would be this hard. I can barely do anything.” More tears spilled down Ellie’s cheeks. “Mother and Louise have to do all the work...” 

     “Now don’t you worry about the work. You are doing enough carrying around that baby.” Mother reasoned. “What you need is a little rest.” She glanced up at Nila, who was drying the table with a cloth, and smiled her thanks. 

     Mitch picked up the empty pitcher. “I’m alright Ellie a little milk isn't going to hurt anybody.” He reassured her.

Chad grabbed the platter of eggs and dished Ellie up a generous helping. “Try eating something sweetheart and maybe you will feel better.”  

                                                 ***

After breakfast, mother coaxed Ellie to sit with her on the front porch to enjoy the fresh afternoon sunshine. 

     “This was such a good idea mother.” Ellie sipped her cup of tea. “I already feel so much better.”

Mother smiled warmly. “Have you and Chad decided on baby names?” Ellie nodded and brushed off her skirt. “Chad really likes the name Thomas. So we were thinking Thomas James if it’s a boy. Or Susie…”

     Pounding hooves filled the air as a horse and rider skid to a stop in front of the house. Mud kicked up from the horse’s hooves and flung across the porch floor. The horse was streaked with sweat and breathing heavily, as the rider jumped off. Mother and Ellie rose from their chair as Diego stomped onto the porch. 

     “Miss Carter a cowhand has been hurt. He broke his leg roundn’ up them steers.” He drew his Stetson hat off of his head. “The boss sent me to get you here ladies.” Mother was already heading in the direction of the door to fetch her apothecary bag. Ellie turned towards the barn.  “Diego can you hitched a horse to the wagon? I’ll grab some blankets.”

“Sure thing señorita.”

Ellie rushed into the barn and grabbed a generous armful of wool blankets, mentally calculated what they would need. I should also grab hot water from the kettle in the kitchen. She snatched the kettle half full with hot water and pulled a coat over her shoulders. She met Mother outside on the porch.

Diego helped Ellie climb over the wheel to the wooded high back wagon seat. Elizabeth gave her a questioning look. “I feel okay Mother, I want to help all I can.”

Elizabeth nodded and let Diego help her up. The horses started, Mother patted Ellie’s leg. “I want you to take it easy dear, but I may need your help.” Ellie’s face flushed a smiled at her mother in-law. 

     A half hour later. Ellie gripped the wagon seat with her knuckles. “How much further?” She was starting to feel weird again. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. 

Diego glanced at her sideways “We’re almost there Mrs. Carter.” In the distance, the south pasture loomed ahead of them. She could see cattle scattered about, with a few cowboys mingled around. The wagon jolted towards a small group of men who were huddled around someone lying on the ground. Ellie spotted Chad and Sid crouched down beside him. Diego pulled in the rains, and the wagon jerked to a stop. Mother quickly jumped down.  

     The hurt cowhand lay sprawled out in the dirt. One leg was bent at an odd angle, tucked part way under the man’s body. A deep gash ran the length of his ear where his head hit the saddle horn. Red Blood oozed from it. Mother pressed her lips together.  

     “That doesn’t look good. Ellie can you please grab my bag?” As soon as Mother came up Chad began barking orders.

     “Everyone move!” He hollered waving his arms. Ellie dismounted with Diego’s help carrying Mother’s apothecary bag, along with the kettle. Her stomach churned uneasily at the sight. 

Mother knelt beside the ranch hand and dipped a cloth into the warm water and began to clean the wound. 

I wonder if doctor Weaver was sent for?  Ellie dropped to her knees beside the man’s leg.  It was clearly broken and would need a splint to be moved. “Can someone please find something to make a split?” Chad sent orders flying in different directions to do Ellie’s bidding. The man was out cold and would not feel any pain at least.

Chad appeared by Ellie’s side with two long pieces of wood and a length of rope. Ellie grabbed them and placed one on each side of the broken leg. She leaned forward to secure the rope, when a sharp pain hit her side. 

Her stomach seemed to twist in a pend up knot. Ellie drew in a sharp breath. She clutched her belly and sat back on her heels. She’d never felt this sensation before. A little thought tickled her mind. Maybe the baby is coming? No, It’s too early for the baby to come. Two weeks, it’s probably just some of those cramps i’v been having. Ellie brushed it away. Chad didn’t seem to notice, and Mother was busy bandaging up the wound.  

     Several minutes later the man was ready to be moved into the wagon. Sid and Diego lifted him carefully and placed him into the wagon box, among the many wool blankets Ellie had lined it with.

Chad came to stand beside his wife. “I’m surprised to see you here after what happened this morning.” A grin played across his lips. 

Ellie smiled back. “Mother needed help so she had to let me come along.” She looked up at her husband with a questioning look. 

   “Chad where is Cook?” The question had plagued Ellie’s memory this whole afternoon. I just need to talk about anything to get my mind off of this pain. 

Chad shrugged. “Oh, I gave Cook a few days off to go visit his family.” Ellie Sighed and peered at the wagon. Chad raised his eyebrows. “What’s the matter?” 

     “Oh, I’m not looking forward to the bumpy ride home.” Maybe I should ride in the box. It might be better than sitting up on that high back seat.

“Chad could you please-“ Ellie stopped and held her stomach. A gasp escaped her lips. This is really starting to hurt. 

Chad looked alarmed, he grasped Ellie by her shoulders. “Ellie are you all right? Is something wrong?” His ice blue eyes searched hers. “

Ellie took a deep breath and forced a smile onto her face. “I’m alright Chad.” The brief spell had passed. She whipped beads of sweat from her forehead. Chad’s expression appeared unconvinced. He drew Ellie close and said nothing. 

     A brief moment of silence followed. “Chad did you send for doctor Weaver already?” 

     “Yes, Wyatt went after him.” Relief washed over her. Chad drew Ellie’s face in his hands. “Ellie tell me the truth, is the baby coming?”

     “Yeah, I’m afraid so.” She breathed deeply. “I didn’t want to say anything with all the stress from the accident. Besides I didn’t think the baby was coming until now.”

                                              ***

“Ellie dear,” Mother’s hand gently padded her arm. “We are here. How are you feeling?”  

Ellie opened her eyes. “Huh?” The past hour had been miserable filled with intense pain off and on. The jolting of the wagon, mixed with a piercing pain of her contractions rippled through her body. Ellie didn't know if she would ever get through it. A rain drop splashed down on her face and thunder boomed in the distance. She was still in the wagon bed.  “I’m feeling okay.” Ellie’s voice quivered. The pain subsided to only a dull ache. 

     “Chad’s coming right up to help you down.” Mother’s voice was soothing. A jolt of the wagon told Ellie Chad had leaped into the bed. He gathered her into his strong arms and lifted her up. 

     “Chad?” Ellie said. He peered down at her. “I think I can walk.” 

Chad snorted his opinion. “Not on this rough ground, I'll set you down on the porch.”  He gently lowered her onto the porch floor and grasped her hand. Ellie’s whole body ached and her muscles seemed to scream from the wagon ride. They ambled slowly into the kitchen.

Louise and Nila glanced up startled when they entered. “Goodness señorita Ellie are you alright?” Ellie’s face was flushed and there was drops of sweat on her cheeks. She clutched the counter. 

     “Take it easy Ellie.” Chad grabbed her arm. Ellie doubled over, holding her stomach and groaned. This was the worst pain yet. Her hands shook as a wave of pain fluttered over her. She grit her teeth, heaving. A small pool of water splashed at her feet.

                                                       ***

Ellie lay in bed, her mouth dry, as she tossed her head back and forth on her pillow. Her pain had gotten considerably worse, and Ellie knew she was almost at the end. Six hours of this! Ellie panted. 

     “You are doing great Sweetheart.” Chads face was close to hers. “It’s not much longer now.” He squeezed her hand tight. When another knife wrenching pain engulfed her, she closed her eyes, and beared down. God Help me! 

     A babies cry filled the room, and the pain was over. Hot tears slid down Ellie’s cheeks. “You have a daughter.” Mother announced, Wiping the baby clean. 

     “Really” Ellie gasped.

“It’s a girl.” Mother proudly handed the baby cradled in a pink blanket to Ellie. Chad wrapped his arms around Ellie and the baby. “She looks like you.” Mother smiled.

She was right, soft Auburn hair clung to her little head. Ellie looked up at Chad. “We’re a family.” 

     “Yes,” Chad agreed. “We’re a family!”