Little House on the Prairie Forum Home  Calendar  Chat Room  FAQ  Search  Register  Log in       Little House on the Prairie :: Little House on the Prairie :: LHOTP Fan Fiction  LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)     Goto page : 1, 2, 3   Author Message rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:59 am This is the story from the old forum - so far... Carol wrote: This is an attempt to try and have an Open Storytelling. Rules: One person writes a whole paragraph, at the end he/she writes (Continue) And the next poster continues the story... so you can make it sad, funny, scary... you decide what happens. I want to see how this turns out... or if it works at all... :) Okay, so I'll start: (This story take place in the 6th Season, so remember the characters and their ages) The summer had gone by so quick and now school had started all over again. Laura laid on her bed at night going over the days events. So many new changes she thought. Nelly was out of school now, a new teacher had come to Walnut Grove and most important, Almanzo had come to Walnut Grove. She had met him barely today and she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She began to laugh out loud when she remembered that she had called him “Manly”. Albert who was also awake sat up and asked her… (Continue) And Now It's Your Turn: :wink: alaker wrote: "what's so funny?". "Oh nothing", Laura sighed. "Yeah, right!, It's the new fella in town, isn't it? Albert asked back. "What fella?" At this point Albert was getting a little irritated. "Do you really expect me to believe you hadn't notice this new fella in town? The one you met? The one you were making googly eyes at?" "Was not!" "Was too!" At this point Pa yells up, "It's about time for some quiet Laura and Albert. Now get some sleep" "Yes Pa," they said in unision. As they lay their heads back down on their pillows, Laura quietly mumbled, "ok, maybe a little". "Told you so", Albert said with a smirk. Laura quickly turned to her side as to hint this conversation was over. Amy wrote: The next morning Laura could hardly wait to get to school. She knew she needed to hurry if she wanted to see Almanzo when he dropped off Eliza Jane to school. She decided not to braid her hair today, just to see if wearing her hair down would make her look older, not to mention the time it saved her! Albert and Carrie were not nearly finished with their breakfast when Laura exclaimed, "Come on you two! We're gonna be late!!" "What's the hurry?", asked Albert, who already sensed what she was up to. "Afraid you miss the chance to make some googly eyes?" Laura just glared at him and grabbed her books. "You two will just have to walk alone today. I want to get to school early to help Miss Wilder get things ready for class. She's new here, and she'd probably appreciate some help!" "Laura, you haven't even braided your hair yet!", said Ma. "Oh, that's all right, Ma. I've decided to try wearing it down today." "Mmmhmm", said Ma, remembering the last time Laura wore her hair down to school. A certain young lad named Jimmy Hill. Immediately, Ma knew there must be a new interest for Laura. Little did she know, this was no schoolboy. (Just a sidenote...we do this on my Dr. Quinn board too. We call it "Pass it along fanfic). This is fun! :wink:   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:02 am Rhonda wrote: As Laura approached the school house; walking as mature as she could with her hair flowing in the breeze, she noticed Nellie Oleson standing next to Almanzo's wagon. As Nellie stood there talking to him, she twisted her curls in her little flirtatious way. Laura saw red as she watched this display, and vowed that Nellie would not get her Almanzo. As she passed by the wagon, Nellie gave her that little snippy look that she could give so well. Laura huffed past them, and just before she got to the steps of the school, Almanzo said, "Mornin' Laura!" Laura turned to say hi, just as she saw Nellie 'humph' off in a storm. Laura shyly dropped her head, grinned and said hello, then ran into the school before Almanzo could say anything else to her............. CONTINUE Carol wrote: The class was reading and it was almost time for lunch. Laura had her eyes on her book and could hear what was being read out loud but she wasn’t really listening. She felt anxious because in just a few minutes Ms. Wilder would dismiss the class for lunch and she would get to see Almanzo. All of a sudden she felt embarrassed. If Ms. Wilder only knew that all Laura could think about was her brother! Why was she feeling this way? She had never felt this way about a boy before. Sure, she felt she liked some guys, like Jason, Johnny or Jimmy Hill but this feeling was different. Could this be the real thing? Laura thought. “Okay class! We will finish the chapter after lunch, you are dismissed”, said Ms. Wilder. The sound of Ms. Wilder’s voice startled Laura and she came back to reality. “Laura! Are you playing ball today?” asked Andy. “How is she going to play ball with all that hair in the way?” said Albert as he put his book away and stood up to go to lunch. “Besides, my dear sister is going to play a different kind of game”, said Albert as she winked at Laura. “Mind your own business”, said Laura as she felt her face turn red. It was bad enough that she kept getting caught daydreaming and here was Albert teasing her all the time! Laura stood at the steps of the school and looked for Almanzo in the distance. When she saw him, she smiled and hesitated in going to him for a minute. She had made him a special batch of cookies and couldn’t wait to give it to him. “Well…. Here we go”, she said to herself as she walked towards him. “Hi Laura!” said Almanzo when he saw her coming. “Hi!... um… how… how are you?” Laura hated the way that sounded. She felt nervous. “Oh just fine, glad it’s lunch, I’m starving!” Almanzo said as he looked for someone in the distance. “Well, that’s good because I have something for you” Laura handed Almanzo the cookies and smiled at him. “I made them, thought you might enjoy them”. “Wow! Thank you!” Almanzo said as he bit into one of them. “Delicious!”. Just then a beautiful older girl came and greeted Almanzo. “Sorry, I’m late Almanzo, you ready to go?” said the girl. “Yeah, I thought you would never get here. Laura…” said Almanzo turning to her. “Thank you so much for the cookies. I’ll see ya!” Laura couldn’t believe her eyes. “Yeah…. See ya” she said softly as she watched them walk away. Nelly had been on her way somewhere and had see what had happened and made a face at Laura as if sarcastically saying "Gee.. too bad". Laura glared back at her. All of a sudden she felt like an idiot for baking those cookies! She walked back to the school, humiliated and mad at herself. (Sorry, I know it's more than one paragraph, I got carried away, lol) Kathy wrote: And all that came back to Laura at that moment was a memory long ago of Nellie pretending to be paralyzed when she wasn't and she felt herself wanting to say to Nellie once again in reply to Harriet's comment "Laura Ingalls where on earth are you keeping that filthy animal" and Laura's reply of "Nellie, your mother is calling you" is ringing in her ears now wishing she had a good reason to say those words to Nellie in retaliation for the mean looks Nellie just gave her because of Almonzo's interest in another girl. Why oh why does he see me as a child......   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:05 am Amy wrote: This is the continuation of Kathy's paragraph: The next day, Nellie watched as Laura approached the school. She put her hands on her hips and placed herself in the middle of the road, right outside the mercantile. Laura felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, as she prepared herself to confront her arch enemy. "I see you baked 'MANLY' some cookies yesterday....just what are you trying to do, Laura Ingalls?", said Nellie, her tone seething. "Why, whatever do you mean, Nellie?", Laura asked innocently, wondering to herself how in the world did Nellie find out she mistakenly called Almanzo 'Manly' instead of 'Manny'? Lori wrote: "You're such a child, Laura. Do you think Almanzo would be interested in a little girl like you?" "He'd never notice a toad face like you, Nellie," replied Laura. She then pounces on Nellie and they are rolling around in the road. The children playing in the school yard run over and surround them chanting "Fight! Fight! Fight!" lauraingalls1991 wrote: "Hey Laura are you all right? You have a funny look on your face." " Yeah," replied Laura. " I'm just thinking about that Almanzo Wilder. I can't seem to get him off my mind." Laura pulled herself by her elbows and peeked out the window. The moon shined bright, but to her the moon looked like Almanzo Wilder. " Well good night Albert. We better get some sleep or we'll fall asleep in our breakfast tomorrow." " Yeah, well good night Laura," and Albert rolled over to his side and fell asleep. " Good night Almanzo Wilder, where ever you are." Laura closed her eyes and dreamt of the man of her dreams. Amy wrote: Months passed, and Laura felt that her 'love-life' was at a stand-still. Try as she might, she just couldn't get Almanzo Wilder to notice her as anything but his sweet young 'friend'. It was obvious that the two men she loved most in the world thought of her as just a 'little girl', as her pa was not too keen on the idea of his 'half-pint' taking the teacher's examination that she was so determined to pass. Not only did Laura feel destined to become a teacher, she felt that maybe this would be her answer. Perhaps both her pa and her beloved would finally see her as the woman she knew she was becoming. bethandmanly wrote: Laura needed to study hard if she was going to pass the teacher's exam. She had begged Nellie to let her borrow the final year's books she would need. Getting down on her knees and begging to Nellie was humiliating, but Laura was willing to do it, if it meant she could finally show Pa and Almanzo that she was a woman. Every night after she finished studying, she would take out a piece of paper and a pencil and practiced writing "Laura Ingalls Wilder" on it. to be continued....   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:08 am Sleepyeye wrote: Little did Laura know, that although she had sacrificed her pride to apologize to Nellie, that Nellie had an alternative in mind. "So...she wants those books...perhaps now is my chance to get even for that "favor" she did for me"....Nellie pipes "Oh Laura....I'll tell you a bit of a secret about the test....there won't be any History questions...so don't waste your time studying History" Laura answered, "Gosh Nellie....Thanks!!"...then off she ran to study, so much wanting to pass the test...more so to be the woman to marry Almanzo than to become a teacher. But Pa wasn't ready for her to grow up so fast...after all she was still his little 'half pint' .....Did Nellie's plan work? Was Laura able to pass her test?....Would Pa lose his little "half pint" to Almanzo so soon...or would things take a step back in time and slow down a bit in Walnut Grove? [type] LHDaisy wrote: 'Are you sure you want to take this test Laura' ma asked. 'Yes ma, I want to be a teacher as fast as I can.' At that moment Charles walked in the Little House. He overheard what Laura said to Caroline and he got kind of upset. The last couple of days Laura didn't seem to be his little halfpint anymore. Although he was used to her daydreaming once in a while, this was something different. He just couldn't understand why Laura wanted to do everything so quickly lately. Taking her schoolexam, then her teaching exam. Caroline even told him that Laura begged Nellie for the study books. He just couldn't believe that this was his little girl. Tomorrow he would sit her down for a good conversation he thought. 'Hi Caroline and HALFPINT!' (He said her nickname, which he gave her when she was little, some louder on purpose) 'I sure could use a cup of coffee right now.' bethandmanly wrote: Later that night, Caroline and Charles sat up in bed eating popcorn. Caroline had the family Bible out and Charles was reading the newspaper. "Caroline, is Laura feeling okay?" "Why do you ask?" Charles put down his newspaper. "Well, she's been acting different lately...wearing her hair down, walking to school early, and I think I smelled your perfume on her the other day." Caroline laughed. "She's just growing up." Charles looked over at her with concern. "But she's still so young." "Charles she's changing." Caroline smiled at him. "Maybe you haven't noticed, but she's struggling between being a kid and being a young woman. I don't think she always knows how to act, but I'm sure she wants to be seen as a woman." "When did this happen?" Caroline smirked. "As soon as Almanzo Wilder came to town." to be continued... Rhonda wrote: "I'm not sure about that Wilder boy, he seems a little old for my Half-Pint", Charles said as he turned the page in the paper roughly. "It may appear that way, but only time will tell how things will turn out. Would you like some popcorn?", Caroline offers the bowl and turns a page in the Bible. "No, I think I am through with the paper, I've got a big day ahead of me tomorrow, g.nite Caroline." Charles gives her a peck on the cheek, throws the paper in the floor,rolls over, pulls the covers over his head, and lets out a big sigh.... Caroline smiles to herself, knowing that their lives are about to get a bit more interesting than they already are. She sets the popcorn bowl down, lays the Bible on the table beside her, pats Charles gently on his back, turns the light out and snuggles under the covers. As the light dims out, Charles is snoring and Caroline lets out a little giggle.   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:11 am Amy wrote: The next morning, as Pa was hitching the team outside the homestead, he looked up and saw Laura running frantically out the front door, books in hand, leaving the door wide open behind her. "Hey, slow down there, Half-Pint, did you forget something?" "Oh, sorry Pa!", Laura replied as she ran back to pull the door shut. "I just have to make a quick stop somewhere before I go to school." Pa looked at her with a frown, "Seems like you've been running off early a lot lately...ya know ya can talk to me if something's troublin' ya." Laura smiled and said reassuredly, "Thanks Pa. I know, but everything's just fine! I just have lots to get done in the day! See ya after school, Pa!" He watched her worriedly as she ran down the road leading away from home, wondering what in the world she was up to? LHDaisy wrote: As Laura ran of, Albert and Carrie were coming out the Little House. "Bye Pa!" yelled Albert. "Albert, wait a minute". Albert walked up to his pa. "What's the matter??". Laura just run of, saying see had to make a quick stop somewhere before she goes to school. Do you know where she is going?". Albert replied: "I don't know pa, before I could grab my slate and books she already left". "Well, I would appreaciate it if you would keep an eye out on your sister today" said Charles. "Sure pa" said Albert. "Allright, now go on to school or you'll be late". "Oke, bye pa". "By son". Albert runned back to Carrie and Charles watched them walking away down the road before he got back to work. bethandmanly wrote: When Albert and Carrie crossed the bridge leading into town he spied Laura over at the Feed and Seed talking to Almanzo. "So that's why she needed to leave early," he said out loud shaking his head. "What?" asked Carrie. "Oh never mind Carrie. You go to school, I'll be along." "But Albert," she whined. "Can't I come too?" "No. Now go to school." "Oh all right," said Carrie her head hung low. Albert walked towards the Feed and Seed to check on what Laura was up to. to be continued... Carol wrote: Laura was really into the conversation she was having with Almanzo that she didn't notice Albert at first. "Hi Almanzo" Albert said. "Hi there!" Almanzo started loading some sacks into the wagon. "Laura, you ran out of the house so fast, you forgot your lunch. Here. Is this where you have been all this time?" Albert said as he saw Laura's face turn red. "I ... uh... I gotta go. Bye Almanzo" Laura walked away as quickly as she could. How could Albert be so insensitive! "See ya Laura!" she heard Almanzo say. Albert joined Laura as they reached the school steps. "I'm sorry.... It's just that Pa...." Albert wasn't sure if he should tell Laura that their Pa had told him to keep an eye on Laura. "Just that Pa what?...." Laura asked. "He...... he just wanted me to make sure that I gave you your lunch", said Albert relieved that he found something to say. "Well, you sure picked a PERFECT time to do it Albert Ingalls!" With that, Laura went inside the school, sat at her desk and opened up her book to read. To be continued.... :mrgreen:   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:15 am Amy wrote: (LOL...well, forgive me if I don't elaborate on Laura's 'illness' and Dr. Baker's leeches. ;) ) After school, Almanzo waved to Laura as she headed home with Albert and Carrie. She blushed as she glanced at Albert, knowing well that he was on to her 'crush'. She would have liked to have gone over to talk to Manly again, but she knew Albert would only harrass her about it back at home. She simply waved to him and said, "See ya, Manly!" He called out, "Have a good day, Beth!" and flashed that adorable grin that she loved. She had this overwhelming need to be alone right then, without Albert, so she told him to go on home. She wanted to visit her pond for awhile, so she could think. Along the way, she came to the 'Sweethearts' Tree', where lovers had carved their initials. Her heart swelled as she got an idea.... (I just HAD to write this, being the first day of the month of Valentines! ;) ) bethandmanly wrote: At the Ingalls farm a nosy and impatient Charles watched Albert walk down the road to the house. "Hey Albert," he called from the barn. "Can you come in here son?" Albert walked over to Charles. "Yeah Pa." "Did you see Laura today?" "Yeah I saw her. She was busy talking to Almanzo." Albert rolled his eyes. "Almanzo again." Charles looked up at the sky. "Thanks Albert." "Sure Pa." Albert left to bring his school books in the house so he could start his chores. Charles stood there in the barn for a few mintues trying to devise a plan to get Laura's mind off Almanzo. to be continued.... Amy wrote: Meanwhile, Laura busied herself at the Sweetheart's Tree, carving L.I. + A.W., joining hers and Almanzo's initials with countless others on the tree. She was quite certain that most of the others on the tree were those of lovers, but she was positive in her heart that one day she and Almanzo would be. She believed with all of her being that someday she would be Laura Ingalls Wilder. Time seemed to stand still as she sat at her pond and contemplated the ways she could make her dream become true, but the dusk seemed to jerk her back into reality. With a start, she jumped up and ran for home, stopping momentarily to give a quick kiss to the initials of her beloved Almanzo on the way.... bethandmanly wrote: The next morning Laura was blabbering on and on about Almanzo. Charles told her how sick he was of hearing about him and then walked out the door. Laura followed him and begged to go see Almanzo train his new colt, Barnum. Her Pa insisted all her chores had to be done before she could go watch Almanzo and Barnum. When an unahppy Laura started to argue, Charles put and end to the discussion. A disappointed Laura walked back into the house. 'I have to find a way to get her mind off Almanzo,' he thought. When he looked up, he saw a young blond-haired boy walking into the yard. The boy introduced himself as Perley Day Wilder. Charles smiled wide. What a perfect way to get Half-pint off her Almanzo kick. to be continued.... Amy wrote: "What can I do for ya, son?," Charles asked Perley Day. "Well, Manzo told me how Laura's been helpin' him with training his horse for the race, and he wanted me to come out here and see if she'd be available today." Charles thought a moment. "Hmm, I just told Laura she'd have to do her chores before she does anything, so...." Laura, who had already come back out of the house to go clean out the stalls in the barn, had been standing in the doorway listening. "Please Pa!! I promise I'll do my chores just as soon as I get through with Barnum. I won't stay long, really!" Charles asked if she'd met Perley Day already, and she said, "Oh yes, we met yesterday. Hi Perley Day!" As Perley Day acknowledged her, Charles could see the twinkle in the young man's eye as he looked at Laura. It hit Charles all of a sudden how close in age these two were, and Perley Day seemed nice enough. This could actually work!! "All right, but you be back here by two o'clock. That should be enough time to get your chores done." Laura beamed, thrilled to have caught a lucky break at seeing Almanzo again! "Oh, thank you Pa!" she exclaimed as she ran up to give him a big hug. "You're the best!" As Charles watched the two walk happily down the lane, he couldn't help but smile at himself for his 'ingenious' idea! flatbroke4ever wrote: When Laura arrived at Almanzo's, he was upset because his horse had thrown a shoe, and asks Perley Day and Laura to go to the blacksmith and see if he can make them a new one. Laura is upset to have to leave Almanzo, but knows that Almanzo is leery of Perly Day, and loves his horse, so she goes.   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:17 am LHDaisy wrote: While Perley Day and Laura were walking towards town they saw Nellie Oleson walking towards them with a basket of cookes. "Hi Laura, who is your new friend?" Nellie asked. Laura awnserd her short: "This is Perley Day, Almanzo's younger brother." Nellie: "Oh, I see. Well nice to meet you Perley Day". "Nice to meet you too miss...". "Oleson" Nellie said. "Well, I have to go now, I want to give Almanzo these cookies while they are still warm" said Nellie. "I'm glad you decided to take someone more closer to your own age Laura" Nellie said wit sarcasm. Nellie walked away and Laura looked angry at her while she was leaving. Why did she say that to her, did she knew she was in love with Almanzo. And is that why she goes to Almanzo to give him cookies she thought. Laura then suddenly heard Perley Day say: "Kind of strange girl". "I know" Laura replied. "Well, let's go to the smith". Perley Day and Laura continued their trip to town, although Laura would have loved to turn around to catch up with Nellie and give her a big punch, but she knew that wouldn't fix anything. Amy wrote: Laura got this uneasy feeling that Perley Day had an interest in her. She was unaware of the fact that Perley Day sensed her 'crush' on his older brother, and never one to back down from a competition, thought he'd show her that he was the better brother. On their way back from the blacksmith, he took advantage of their time alone in the buggy, and asked Laura what her lifelong aspirations were. Laura, surprised but pleased by his interest in her, answered, "I want to be a teacher more than anything, but I also want to marry one day and have children." Perley Day, guessing what she would respond and ready with a quick boost to her ego, "I'll bet you'll be the finest teacher in these parts, Ms. Ingalls. And anyone can see that you'll make just as fine a wife and mother." Laura blushed at his forwardness. She thought to herself, 'If only Manly could see what his brother sees in me. If only I could make him see that I'm not a little girl!' bethandmanly wrote: When Laura and Perley Day returned to the Wilder farm Almanzo was pacing the ground outside the barn. "Well it's about time you two got back!" he yelled. "Now brother, I know ya want Barnum here in tip top shape for the race, but Laura is one entertainin young lady." Laura blushed wondering what Perley Day was up to. Almanzo glanced over at her and she quickly looked away. "Well Beth is my favorite girl," he said with a smile. "So you better treat her nice." Laura got angry over Almanzo calling her a girl, once again. "Perley Day has been a perfect gentlemen," she stated. "In fact, I was thinkin of askin him over for supper tonight." Perley Day smirked. 'That Laura sure is a fiesty one,' he thought. "I would love to," he said to her. He looked over at his older brother. "Ya don't mind do ya Manzo? I'm sure ya won't be missin my company." Looking from Laura to Perley Day, Almanzo answered, "No, I don't mind at all." Laura's face turned sullen. She wished Almanzo hadn't responded that way. Maybe Perley Day was the only Wilder brother she would ever have. to be continued... Amy wrote: On the way to supper, Perley Day thought it was a perfect opportunity to take Barnum out for a better ' test drive' before the big race, to see what he was capable of. Laura told Perley Day to slow down, because she knew that Almanzo had been trying to nurse his leg back to health from his past injury, and Barnum was nowhere near capable of trotting, no galloping, at the pace Perley Day was taking him. Laura kept yelling at Perley Day to slow down, but he was on a mission, and just ignored her. As they came near a bend in the road, Perley Day barely slowed Barnum, and Laura had this knot in the pit of her stomach that something terrible was about to happen. "STOP, Perley Day, STOP!!!", she screamed, just as the buggy tipped over, not able to withstand the speed and force of the turn. Perley Day had been thrown from the buggy, barely a scratch on him, but when he turned toward the scene of the accident, there lay Laura, legs pinned under the carriage, crying and whispering, "Almanzo".   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:24 am bethandmanly wrote: Perley Day tried several times to lift the buggy off her, but he wasn't strong enough. He was afraid having Barnum drag it off her might cause further injury. Knowing Almanzo would have his head for being so reckless, Perley Day tried to figure a way out of his predicament. In excruciating pain Laura pleaded with him to go get help. "Perley Day please go back and get Almanzo!" "I can't do that Laura. He'd wallop me." "Perley Day, my legs are numb. You have to get this buggy off me. Please help me!" She tried in vain to lift the buggy off herself. When he said nothing she pleaded again. "Please Perley Day. I'm scared. Go find help please!" "All right," he said aggitated. He still couldn't figure out how he was going to save himself from Almanzo's wrath. "I'll be back as soon as I can." He ran off towards town and Laura screamed after him, "Where are you going?" He stopped and turned around. "To find Doc Baker." "That's too far. You have to go back and get Almanzo." Perley Day shook his head. "I promise, I'll be back right away." He began running again, ignoring Laura's screams. to be continued... Savannah wrote: Laura was exhausted from the pain, and from calling for help. She had no idea how long she had laid there, but she was beginning to worry that Perley Day may have gotten lost trying to find Doc Baker. He didn't know the area very well, and it had been so long since he left to find help! ~~~~~~~ Perley Day sat on a large rock, hating himself. He was too much of a coward to even go find Doc Baker. Perley had always been able to get himself out of a scrape by talking his way out of trouble. And if things looked bad, he ran away. He didn't really want to run away this time. But if he went for help, then Almanzo would eventually find out what had happened, and big brother had a big temper...........But this was important. What if Laura was injured for life? Or worse, died, pinned under that buggy? "So why can't I get up the gumption to go find help??" he asked himself aloud. "What is wrong with me??" Then he made a decision..... Amy wrote: Almanzo was putting the horses up in the barn for the evening, when Eliza Jane called him in for supper. He couldn't explain it, but something wasn't settling in the pit of his stomach. He had this strange sensation for the past half hour that something just wasn't right. He thought to himself, 'I wonder if those two kids went off and got themselves into some kind of trouble.' He had this feeling like someone was calling for him, someone who needed him desperately. He hopped onto his his horse and rode out of the barn, yelling over his shoulder to his sister, "I'll be back in a bit....I'm just checking to make sure Laura and Perley Day are all right!" He raced down the road leading to the Ingalls farm, his heart beating so fast for some inexplicable reason. What was this feeling??? To Be Continued.... bethandmanly wrote: Perley Day was tired of running away. He had done it all his life. When things got tough at home he picked up and left. He had traveled from here to there and always told his family how much fun it was. But deep inside he wished he could find a place to call home. He didn't like the person he had become, forced by circumstance to be a schemer and a flatterer just to survive. At first it had been exciting to see how far he could go and how much he could get from people, but now all he wanted was a normal life like everyone else. "C'mon Perley Day, you can do it!" he said to himself. He would make the right choice for once. Perley Day raced off towards town to find Doc Baker and get help for Laura. He would worry about Almanzo's wrath later. Meanwhile, Almanzo and his horse stumbled upon the overturned wagon and a crying Laura who was still pinned underneath. to be continued...   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:27 am Amy wrote: "Oh my God", Almanzo said under his breath as he swung his legs off his horse. He could not believe what he was witnessing. "Laura!!" Laura looked over at him running to her and whispered his name. She could no longer feel her legs, and she was on the verge of becoming unconscious. Almanzo immediately went into action, using all his muscle to lift the buggy off of her, all the while trying to console her with comforting words. "It's gonna be all right Beth, I'm gonna get this off of ya," although he wasn't convinced himself by that point. He was beginning to panic, as it became clear there was no way he was going to be able to budge this without help. He went up by Laura's head and wiped her tears that she was so desperately trying to stop. He pushed her hair out of her eyes and asked where Perley Day was? She told him he went to get the doc, and he cursed his brother under his breath. How could he be so stupid?? Almanzo thought for a moment, concluding the only thing left for him to do. He had to leave her there. "I don't want to leave you alone, Beth, but I don't have a choice. I can't do this by myself. I'm goin' for your pa," he said reluctantly. Laura nodded her head, trying to be brave, "Hurry Manly...I can't take this much longer." He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and ran back to his horse. At that moment however, he saw the most beautiful sight....Dr. Baker's buggy hurrying around the bend. LHDaisy wrote: 'Doc over here!!' Almanzo yelled. Doc baker raced his buggy and stopped next to Almanzo. 'How long is she lying here!' he asked with concern. Almanzo anwserd: 'I don't know, I just found her, I wanted to get her pa'. Doc Baker responded 'There is no time right now, we have to get the buggy of her'. Almanzo nodded quickly. They both grabbed the buggy and lift it with all their powers! Finally the buggy landed on his 4 wheels. Doc Baker immediately got to Laura to check her situation. Laura almost passed out. 'Almanzo, help me to get her in my buggy, she has to go to my office now!'. They both lifted her in the buggy. 'Now go on and get her parents Almanzo, hurry!. 'Right' Almanzo answerd, he runn to his horse, jumped on and rode to the Ingalls place, while Doc Baker hurried to his office! bethandmanly wrote: When Doc Baker reached town Perley Day helped him get Laura into his office. Laura tried to protest. She was still angry at Perley Day for leaving her alone for so long. But her head was fuzzy and she drifted in and out of conciousness. "Laura? Laura?" She heard a voice say in the darkness. She tried to focus her eyes on the blurry form in front of her. "Laura, it's Doc Baker. Can you hear me?" She smelled a strong odor under her nostrils. It shook her awake. Laura nodded at the doctor who had taken care of her since she was a little girl. "Laura, I need you to listen to me," he said gently but firmly. "I can't give you any morphine for the pain yet. I have to keep you awake so I can tell how bad you're hurt." She nodded again to tell him she understood. "Now I'm going to touch your legs all the way down, starting from the top. I need you to tell me where it hurts. If it hurts more in one spot than another you have to tell me. Okay?" "Yes," she whispered. Doc Baker pulled up her dress and began his examination. He heard the outside door open and Charles' voice screaming, "Laura! Laura!" to be continued... Amy wrote: Laura tried to sit up upon hearing her father's voice. "Pa", she said, with so much emotion in her voice. She hadn't realized just how much she needed him until that moment. "I'm here, Half Pint," he told her as he rushed to her side. They just looked at each other for a minute, he taking in her appearance, and she taking comfort in his warm brown eyes. "Your ma's at home with Carrie & Grace. Don't worry honey, everything's going to be just fine," he assured her, as he looked questioningly at Doc Baker. The Doc met his eyes but could not meet Charles's half-smile. Charles knew that he needed to examine his daughter more to be sure. He told Laura he'd be right out in the waiting room, and as he left Laura called out to him, "Pa, did Almanzo come with you?" Her question pulled at his heart-strings a little, as he realized that she needed someone else besides 'her pa'. "Yeah, he's right outside", as Laura rested her head back consoled by the fact that Almanzo was still there.... TO BE CONTINUED bethandmanly wrote: Charles walked out into the lobby and pulled the curtain closed. He found Almanzo pacing the floor, his hat in his hands, the right one covering the big round top. "How is she?" he asked with concern. Charles shook his head. "We don't know yet. Doc is examining her now." Almanzo nodded. He took to pacing again, thinking about the pain and fear that covered Beth's face when he arrived at the scene. He didn't even know what happened, but he was sure Perley Day had done something stupid. Almanzo heard Laura cry out in pain. He closed his eyes and prayed that she would be all right. Charles sat down and began to say a prayer of his own. He hated to see one of his children suffer. 'What is taking so long?' he thought. Almanzo and Charles heard Laura wail again. "That's it. I can't stand here and listen to her," said Almanzo. "I'm going out to talk to Perley Day, see if he can tell me what happened." "All right," whispered Charles. Almanzo opened the office door and then turned back to face Charles. "You'll come get me when Doc Baker knows anything." "Yeah." to be continued...   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:30 am Amy wrote: Almanzo was relieved to get out of the doc's office. He was distraught at the sound of Laura's cries, and he felt himself becoming enraged. He had every intention of hearing Perley Day's excuse, but deep in his heart, he knew what had happened. His immature brother was up to his old tricks again. He rode back out to his homestead, entered the living room and locked eyes with his sister. "Where is he?", he demanded. Eliza Jane was visibly concerned, not having a clue as to what had happened. "He's upstairs, packing to leave!! Almanzo, what happened?" Almanzo didn't answer her, just bolted up the stairs to the bedroom Perley Day was staying in. There he stood, packing everything up, obvioulsy not quickly enough to escape the wrath of Almanzo. They just eyed each other at first, when Perley Day broke the silence. "Go ahead, big brother. Tell me. Tell me what an irresponsible idiot I am." TO BE CONTINUED.... bethandmanly wrote: "I'm sure that will come up, but the first thing I wanna know is what happened to Beth." Perley Day swallowed hard. He looked down, his hands shaking. After a deep breath he began, "I was tryin to see how fast Barnum was." Almanzo started to say something but decided not to interrupt, maybe he would get to the truth faster if he waited until his brother finished. "Laura begged me to slow down...but I didn't listen," he said shaking his head. "I took the turn too fast and the buggy tipped over." "Why didn't ya come get me right away? Our house is closer than town." He couldn't look at Almanzo when he answered, "Because I was too busy tryin to figure how I could get out of tellin ya what happened. I knew ya would wallop me for sure." "So ya left her there all alone? What in the heck is wrong with you Perley Day? God knows how bad she's hurt!" Almanzo turned to the wall, his anger rising. "This is all my fault," he whispered, shaking his head. "What are ya takin about?" asked Perley Day. Almanzo faced him again. He walked closer to him, watching Perley Day squirm. As he spoke, he pointed his finger towards his little brother's face. "I shoulda known ya weren't interested in havin dinner at the Ingalls place. All ya wanted to do was race Barnum. All ya think about is yourself. And now Beth is sittin in Doc Baker's office, screaming in pain and afraid of what is gonna happen to her." "I know," Perley Day answered, hanging his head in shame. "That's why I'm goin." "Oh no you're not. You're comin with me to Doc Baker's. I want ya to see what your selfishness has done." Almanzo yanked Perley Day by the arm and led him out to the wagon, leaving a confused Eliza Jane behind. to be continued... Amy wrote: "Go ahead Doc, tell me", a very grim Charles Ingalls asked the Doc as he came into the waiting room. "Relax, Charles. She's gonna be all right. She has a broken leg so she'll need to keep it in a fracture box for the next few weeks. Other than that, she's got some cuts and bruises on both legs, but nothing too serious." Charles breathed a sigh of relief. He and Doc Baker joined Laura in the examination room, and Charles gave her a big smile. Although she was in significant pain, the color was finally returning to her face and she was able to return a smile to her pa. "Thank God you're all right, Half Pint. You have no idea how worried I was," he said, as he held her as best he could, and tried to brush her hair back that was all askew. "I'm Ok, Pa. I was just so scared. I thought nobody was gonna come for me," she whispered, starting to get teary-eyed, just reliving the events of the past couple of hours. "Laura, I want you to tell me everything that happened. How on earth did you end up underneath Almanzo Wilder's buggy?" Laura opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a voice at the door. "Maybe Perley Day here can explain that to you, Mr. Ingalls," Almanzo said gruffly as he shoved his brother into the room.... To Be Continued.... bethandmanly wrote: A nervous Perley Day walked over to Charles, his hat in his hand. Unable to look at him, Perley Day stared at the floor. "You see Mr. Ingalls, I was..." At the sound of his voice Laura looked up. "Get him out of here!" she screamed. "I don't want him anywhere near me! Get out Perley Day! Get out!" He ran over to her and tried to explain, but she wanted no more of his lies. "I don't care what you have to say Perley Day. I never want to see you again!" Almanzo came up alongside his brother and whispered, "Maybe it's better if you go into the other room." Perley Day nodded and walked into the lobby. "Could I have a couple minutes with Laura, Mr. Ingalls?" asked Almanzo. "I'm not sure..." Charles began to say, but Laura interrupted him. "It's okay Pa." Charles agreed but said, "I'll be right outside if you need me." Laura nodded and waited for the men to leave. Almanzo flashed her his crooked smile, the one that always made her heart jump. "How ya feelin Beth?" He cupped her head in his hand and then ran his fingers down her long reddish-brown hair. "A lot better than when I first saw you," she smiled. She saw the concern in his eyes and wondered if he could ever care for her in the same way she cared for him. "I'm sorry about what happened. I shoulda known better than to let Perley Day drive ya home." "It's not your fault Manly. Perley Day has his own mind about things. It's too bad, I was kind of starting to like him." "Not more than me, I hope," joked Almanzo. "You're still my favorite girl, aren't ya?" He smiled innocently at Laura, not realizing how much she wanted to be his favorite girl in other ways. "Always," she replied in a serious tone. She wished once again that she could make Almanzo see her as something more than a young friend. To be continued...   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:32 am Amy wrote: Doc Baker sent Laura home with a pair of crutches, but warned Charles that he wanted her completely off her feet for at least a week. "I know it won't be easy, Laura, but if you want that leg to heal up proper, ya best do what I tell ya," Doc said sternly, although not without adding a smile and a wink. He had always had a special place in his heart for this little girl. Where have the years gone, he wondered to himself upon studying her more closely. She was growing up right before his very eyes. "That's one strong young lady you have there, Charles," he commented, receiving a surprised grin from Laura, and eyebrows raised from both Charles and Almanzo. Had he just called her a young lady? "Thank you, Dr. Baker...I really appreciate that," Laura responded, in her most 'grown-up' voice, of course hoping that her pa and Almanzo would get the hint that she was indeed no longer a 'little girl'. She was thankful that at least Dr. Baker was noticing! Almanzo looked uncomfortably at Charles and offered to carry Laura out to the wagon, since her pa's hands were occupied with the crutches. Charles reluctantly agreed, knowing that what was simple and innocent to Almanzo was anything but for his daughter. "Come on, Beth, I gotcha," and with that he carefully manuevered her out of the confines of the exam room and into the waiting room, where Perley Day was sitting, nervously chewing on his fingernails..... To Be Continued.... bethandmanly wrote: Perley Day stood up to get the door for Almanzo. Laura glared at him, but said nothing. Charles and Perley Day followed behind Almanzo. Charles crawled into the back of the wagon and took Laura out of Almanzo's arms. She was disappointed. She loved being in Manly's big, strong arms. "Mr. Ingalls, if there is anythin I can do for ya please let me know," said Almanzo. Still furious over what happened to Laura, Charles responded, "No I think the Wilder family has done enough for us today." Embarrassed, Laura looked up at her father. "Pa, it wasn't Almanzo's fault I got hurt." "It was his buggy, his horse, and his brother that caused this to happen. He's as much at fault as Perley Day." Laura began to argue but Almanzo interrupted. "No Beth, your Pa is right. I'm responsible for Perley Day. I never shoulda let him drive ya home. I'm sorry ya got hurt." With nothing left to say, Almanzo slapped Perley Day on the arm and the men walked over to Almanzo's wagon. They glanced back at Laura one last time before heading back home. Laura watched until she could no longer see Almanzo's wagon. She looked up at Charles who was still kneeling above her. He pointed his finger at her and said, "I'm only gonna say this once Half-pint. You stay away from Almanzo and his horse from now on." "But Pa..." she pleaded "No, I don't want to hear it. I knew it was a mistake to let you go over to Wilder's and this has proved it. I mean it Laura. You are not to go over there ever again." To be continued... ChristinaAL wrote: (can I jump in on this??) ;) The Ingalls' house was finally silent. The silver light from the moon flooded in through the window and across the wooden floor of the loft, where Laura lay awake in her bed. She had tried to sleep; after the day's events she was exhausted. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't. The pain was just too bad. Not the pain in her leg, she really had felt better after being treated by the Doc. Plus, Ma had made sure she was well taken care of when she got home. But her heart hurt. Ached is more like it, she thought to herself, trying to stiffle a sob. How could Pa forbid her from seeing Almanzo? Surely he knew how she felt about him, even if she didn't say the words herself. He was her pa, she his little girl. He knew these things. Why would he do such a thing to cause her such pain? It wasn't Almanzo's fault that Pearly Day had turned out the way he did. Now she would never be able to spend time with Almanzo again. She would never have a chance with him and he would meet someone else. Unable to muffle it this time, Laura let out a sob. Quickly, she buried her face in the pillow and continued sobbing. She was crying so hard that she didn't even notice someone walk across the floor until she felt a hand placed gently on her shoulder.... (to be continued) (the bad part about this is I have an idea in mind for who it was!! LOL. But it's up to whoever wants to continue :) bethandmanly wrote: Albert's touch shocked her and she tried in vain to hide her emotions. "It's all right Laura, you don't have to hide your tears from me." He sat down carefully on the bed. She winced in pain as the mattress moved. "I'm sorry," said Albert. "It's okay. The pain in my heart is worse than the pain in my leg." "Pa's real angry, huh?" "Furious is more like it," she replied. "He told me I can't ever go over to Almanzo's place again." "But it was Perley Day that caused the accident." "I know," she said, shaking her head. "But Pa never wanted me around Almanzo's new horse in the first place. Actually, he never wanted me around Almanzo at all." Laura sniffled and wiped away the last few tears. "What are you gonna do?" he asked. "I'm not sure yet. I guess I'll wait for Pa to get over being mad and see if he changes his mind." "Not much of a plan," Albert, the perpetual schemer replied. "I know, but most of my plans don't turn out too good anyway." "Let me think about it. I'm sure there's a way to get Pa to change his mind faster." She leaned over and hugged him. "Thanks Albert." "No problem Laura." Albert stood up and wandered back to his side of the loft, pulling the curtain shut. "Good night Laura," he called. "Goodnight Albert." Laura nestled into her bed, her heart not quite so heavy. How could she ever convince Almanzo she was a woman if she wasn't able to see him? As she drifted off to sleep, she said a prayer that whatever plan Albert was hatching would work. to be continued... (BTW Christina, glad you jumped in here. I hope others do too. Cheryl)   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:35 am LHDaisy wrote: A new morning started and Albert and Carrie were about to go to school, when Albert climbed up to the loft and walked over to Laura. 'I'm going to school now and wanted to say goodbye'. 'Albert' asked Laura. 'Yeah' he responded. 'Do you really think that what your up to will work?' she asked. 'Well, all I can do is try, but I'll do my best'. 'Thanks' said Laura. 'Your welcome' answerd Albert. 'Well, take care allright'. 'I will' said Laura. Albert walked back to the ladder and started to decent when he suddenly stopt and looked at Laura with a big grin on his face. 'What?' said Laura, who knew that face of her brother so well. 'Shall I ask Nellie if she wants to come by today?' he said holding back the laughter. 'Oh you!' Laura tried to look angry at him, but they both started laughing out loud. 'I love ya Albert'. 'I love you too Laura'. Then Albert was out of Laura's sight, she heard him and Carrie say goodbye to ma and pa and heard the door shut. Then she lay there, alone, in the silent loft. Amy wrote: That evening, Laura lie in her bed staring at the ceiling, listening to her family going about their business down below. She'd had such a boring day; she wondered how she could possibly tolerate so much time on bedrest. She felt so helpless, so useless. She heard a knock at the door, and the shrill voice of Eliza Jane Wilder speaking to her pa. "Good evening, Mr. Ingalls, Mrs. Ingalls. I just wanted to pay a visit to Laura. How is she?" Ma showed Eliza Jane up to the loft for a visit with Laura. "Mrs. Wilder, how kind of you to come visit me!", Laura exclaimed, sincerely surprised that Eliza Jane had come. "It's my pleasure Laura, you know what a special student you are to me! I'm just so sorry that this has happened. I apologize for Perley Day's behavior," she remarked, as she looked away embarrasedly. Laura just shrugged it off, thanking her, but politely letting her know she didn't want to talk about it. "Well Laura, I'm here for another reason, besides checking in on your health." Laura looked at her quizically. "I had an idea that I wanted to share with you. I know that you'll be on bedrest for some time, and I thought that maybe....well, maybe you'd like to study for the teacher's examination? I don't want to put pressure on you, but I just thought that with all the time you have at home, you could be studying. I could get some books for you to start. What do you say?" Laura could not believe her ears. Why didn't she think of that? That was it! Not only was it her dream to become a teacher, but it occured to her at that moment that this could be just the thing to put her in a different light to both her pa and Almanzo. "Thank you, Mrs. Wilder. I would love to start right away!" To Be Continued I'm thrilled to see others joining in! Let's keep it going guys! [type] Hey Misti, come join in the fun! ;) bethandmanly wrote: Laura borrowed the necessary books from Miss Wilder, knowing her family couldn't afford them. Her days now became ones of purpose, as her body healed she could work towards her goals of becoming a teacher and making Pa and Almanzo see her as a woman. Pa had said once she became a teacher, he would consider her a woman. One night Laura was studying extremely late and Albert poked his head out from behind the curtain begging her to turn down the lamp. "Just cover your face with a pillow," she replied with annoyance. "Nice way to talk to the brother who asked Miss Wilder if you could study for the teacher's exam while you're laid up." Laura dropped her vocabulary book on the floor. "Are you all right Laura?" Caroline yelled up the stairs from her bedroom. "Yes, Ma it was only a book hitting the floor." "It's time to turn out the lights Laura. You need your rest." "Okay Ma," she replied, turning down the lamp. She looked over at Albert and whispered. "You're the one that got Miss Wilder to come over?" "Yep. I told her how sad you were feeling about missing school because you really wanted to take your teacher's exam soon...and how I wished there was some way for you to keep up with the lessons from home." "I suppose you put on your distraught face before mentioning it too." "Of course, I have to put those skills I learned in Winoka to good use some time," he chuckled. "Thanks Albert. I really appreciate it. If I can be ready to take my teacher's exam by the time I get out of this cast, then Pa and Almanzo will see me as a woman for sure." "It might take more than one exam for that Laura." "Well, it's a first step anyway," she said with confidence. "Goodnight Albert." "Goodnight Laura." She watched as Albert's hand disappeared behind the curtain. Laura knew this teacher's exam would make all the difference in the world and she intended to pass it with flying colors. She leaned over and picked up the book off the floor. Pulling the lamp closer to her bed, she kept reading under the dim light until sleep overtook her. To be continued... LHDaisy wrote: Caroline layed back when she heard Charles say 'I can't believe she was still studying at this hour'. 'I know' said Caroline. 'She just wants to pass the exam so badly'. 'Well, I know, but that doesn't give her any reason to study this late' anwserd Charles. 'I don't understand why she wants to take the exam anyway, she is still a little girl'. 'She will have students older then her'. Caroline listend to him talk with a smile on her face. She waited till he stopped talking and said 'Well, Charles, she is getting older. I mean, she will be turning 16 soon'. 'And with all the time she have to spend in that bed, I'm glad she found a way to make it usefull'. Charles now listend to Caroline, but he didn't had a smile on his face. He waited till Caroline was finished talking and said 'There are so many ways to do something usefull and she picks out studying for her teaching exam'. 'It was nice of Mrs. Wilder to come by, but I wish she told me about this idea first'. 'Now Charles, does this have something to do with the fact that you still see Laura as your little girl' ma asked. 'Well, she is' he anwserd'. 'Fathers', said Caroline with a grin, it's so hard for them to see their daughters growing up'. 'And that goes for mothers too' Charles replied with now a big grin on his face too. 'Well, what about if we try to go to sleep too, we both have a bussy day tomorrow' he said. 'Allright' said Caroline. Charles took Caroline's arm and put it around his waist. 'Goodnight darling' he said. 'Goodnight Charles' she replied. Caroline couldn't help but still laugh in herself about Charles concern about Laura. Note: I can't remember if Laura was already 16 in this story or not, if so, then forget that line. ;)   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:39 am bethandmanly wrote: The next morning Charles and Caroline took Laura in to see Doc Baker. She was uncomfortable being jostled around in the back of the wagon, but her hopes that she would run into Manly while they were in town kept her in good spirits. Almanzo was over at the Feed and Seed when he saw Charles pull up to Doc Baker's office. Seeing Laura in the back he hopped down from the platform and ran over to greet them. He removed his hat. "Howdy Mr. Ingalls, Mrs. Ingalls. It's good to see ya around Beth." "Thanks Manly," Laura said with a big smile. "Hello Wilder," Charles said tersely. "Can I give ya a hand gettin Beth out of the wagon, Mr. Ingalls?" Charles shrugged. He was having a hard time managing Laura and her wrapped leg all by himself. "I guess so." Laura smiled again as Manly reached into the back of the wagon and grabbed her hand. When Laura got to the edge of the wagon, Almanzo put his arm around her back. "Now lean on me Beth. I'll make sure ya don't fall." "I know you will Manly," Laura replied, her heart flip-flopping inside her chest. Once Charles and Almanzo were sure Laura was firmly on the ground, Charles handed her the set of crutches Doc Baker had given him the day of the accident. "Thanks Manly," she said smiling at him. He flashed his crooked smile at her. "It's my pleasure Beth." "I'm going to see if the cast can come off today," she told him. "That's good to hear." "I've been studying for my teacher's exam while I've been laid up at home." "I know. My sister told me. Seems like my girl's growin up." Laura frowned at his reference to her being a girl. She knew she just had to pass this exam to prove to him once and for all she was indeed a woman. Charles frowned for another reason; he didn't like the affection Almanzo seemed to have for his young daughter. "Well Wilder, Laura has to get in to see Doc Baker. Thanks for the help," he said, putting his arm around Laura's back and directing her towards the doctor's office. "See ya later Beth," he called after her. "See ya Manly," she answered. When she saw Pa's face Laura doubted she would be seeing Almanzo any time soon. To be continued... LHDaisy wrote: Almanzo walked back to the Feed & Seed. He felt that Mr. Ingalls still was unhappy about all what happend. I should have know better about Perley Day. How could I have been this stupid, he thought. If I wouldn't have gave him permission to ride Barnum, all this wouldn't have happend. 'Hey Almanzo!' he heard. 'You going to finish loading my wagen? I'm on time schedule here'. 'Oh, yeah, sorry Danny' said Almanzo as he hurried to grab the next seedbag and threw it in the back of the wagon. While he was finishing the loading, his mind again wondered off about all the stuff that happend. Maybe it was a good idea to go over the Ingalls place anytime soon to talk with Mr. Ingalls. Amy wrote: "Albert, hurry and finish your breakfast. I want to get going!", Laura scolded her brother for being so slow. She was anxious to get to Doc Baker's to remove her cast. "Laura, I know you're excited, but be patient", ma said soothingly, understanding Laura's anxiety. "I can only imagine how cumbersome that cast has been for you." Laura smiled at ma lovingly, grateful for her understanding. Albert finished shortly after and they all piled into the wagon, Pa once again lifting Laura into the back. "Pa, do you think it would be all right if I go back to school now that my cast is coming off?" "Are you sure you're ready for that Half Pint?", he asked, somewhat surprised, considering she was doing so well studying at home for the teacher's exam. "It would be good for me to continue studying at the school, pa...that way Mrs. Wilder will be right there if I ever have any questions." Pa nodded his approval, however somewhat uneasy at the name 'Wilder'. Laura winked at Albert, knowing that her brother would be on to what she was up to. Even though Laura knew her pa wouldn't let her near Almanzo, at least she had the privelege now of being able to see his handsome face every day, and perhaps a wink from him on occasion! Ma turned to look at her precocious daughter from the seat of the wagon, raising an eyebrow at her knowingly. To Be Continued... bethandmanly wrote: Perley Day had been staying close to the Wilder farm ever since the accident. Eliza Jane took care of what he needed, and even though Almanzo was still furious with him, they agreed Perley Day should stay at least until Laura was back on her feet; maybe by that time she would be ready to hear his apology. Almanzo had work to do around the farm this morning so he went out to the barn and started his day. He saw Perley Day sitting on the porch whittling a stick. "Perley Day," he yelled out the barn door, "Why don't ya come give me a hand." He mosied over to where Almanzo stood holding a few planks of wood and his hammer. "For cryin out loud Perley Day a man could die standin her waitin for ya!" "I ain't no hired hand." "You listen to me Perley Day," said Almanzo, pointing a finger at him. "Eliza Jane and I are feedin ya, and given ya a roof over your head...the least ya can do is help out." Not moving, Perley Day looked down at his feet and shuffled the hay around on the floor. He was almost afraid to ask, but he knew Almanzo would know more about this than their sister. "Manzo, I was thinkin of askin Mr. Ingalls if I could do some work around his place for a while...kinda make up a little for what happened to Laura. Do ya think he'd let me?" Almanzo shook his head. "I don't know Perley Day. Mr. Ingalls is still pretty upset about it. Albert told Eliza Jane that he forbid Laura to come over here again." "What do you care if she comes over anyway?" Perley Day asked, baiting him. "She's just a little girl, ya said it yourself." "I know she's young, but I like talkin to her and all. She knows a lot for someone her age." "Maybe she's not as immature as ya think big brother." Almanzo shrugged. "Are ya gonna go talk to Mr. Ingalls?" "Yeah, the worst he can do is say no. See ya later Manzo." As Perley Day walked off towards the Ingalls farm, Almanzo stood there for a few moments thinking about what he had said. Manly had always considered Laura to be a nice, young friend, but when he found her underneath his buggy that day he felt something different. He had disregarded it as his being concerned for her welfare, but he had felt it again the other day when he helped Laura out of her Pa's wagon. It felt natural to have Laura by his side, and being that close to her he noticed how pretty she was for the first time. Almanzo shook his head. 'This is crazy,' he thought. He couldn't have feelings for Beth. She was too young for him...or was she? To be continued... You know ladies, I noticed that you stick by the rules and write a paragraph and let the next person post. But it seems I always write more than that. Please feel free to let me know if you think I'm being a hog. Cheryl   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You decide what happens)   Fri Oct 20, 2006 1:41 am LHDaisy wrote: Perley Day arrived at the Ingalls place and nokked on the door. 'Oh hello, Mrs. Ingalls' he said when he saw that Caroline opend the door. 'Hi Perly-Day' said Caroline. She was surprised to see him. 'Euh...is Mr. Ingalls here'? 'No he drove into town with Laura and Albert'. 'Oh...how is Laura?' Perley Day was almost afraid to ask, because he didn't know how Mrs. Ingalls felt about everything. 'She's doing fine, her cast is coming off today'. 'Oh that sure is good news'. I'm euh..I'm really sorry about everything that happend Mrs. Ingalls' said a nervous Perley Day. 'Thank you for coming to apologize' said Caroline. 'Well, that's not the only reason I'm here, but that's something I have to talk about with Mr. Ingalls. You think he'll be back soon'. 'Well, he'll be back later this day' Caroline replied. 'Oh well..then I'm coming back later. Sorry again for everything'. 'Allright Perley Day'. 'Goodbye Mrs. Ingalls' he said. 'Bye Perley-Day' said Caroline as she looked at him walking away. Perley-Day felt dissapointed that Charles hadn't been there, now that finally he went up to do something right away. He could also go into town to see Charles there. But he wasn't sure if that was the best thing to do. Maybe he should just come by the Ingalls house later, he thought. bethandmanly wrote: Perley Day finally decided he would walk the road from the Ingalls house towards town. If he were lucky, he would cross them on the road somewhere. He knew he had to set things right with Laura...and her Pa. He had walked about a mile when he saw the wagon coming down the road. He stopped and waited for Charles to pull up alongside him. Perley Day removed his hat and looked up at Charles. "Afternoon Mr. Ingalls," he said, swallowing hard. Charles nodded. "Perley Day." He noticed Laura would not look at him, but he thought maybe she would soften towards him if her Pa would let him work at the farm. "Mr. Ingalls, I was hopin I could convince ya to let me work at your farm for a few weeks, ya know kinda help ya out a little." Suspicious, Charles eyed him warily. "Why would you want to do that?" "I know ya have every reason to doubt it Sir, but I'm really sorry for hurtin Laura the way I did. I was thinkin if I lent ya a hand that would help make up for some of the Doc's bills." He stopped to glance over at Laura, who was still turned the other way. "And I thought, it might give Laura a chance to see I'm not a total cad." She turned to look at him, her eyes squinting in anger. "You left me pinned under your brother's buggy just to save your hide Perley Day. I could have lost my leg. If it weren't for Almanzo, who knows how long I would have been stuck under there." "Laura, ya have to believe me, I was goin for Doc Baker." He hung his head down in shame. "But I knew Manzo would murder me if he found out, and I got to thinkin about that, so I stopped to mull things over a while. I decided it didn't matter if he whalloped me, I knew I had to help ya and I went to get the Doc, but Almanzo showed up first." "I'm sorry Perley Day; I know I'm supposed to forgive and forget, but I can't right now. Not yet." He turned back to Charles who was still on the wagon seat. "So what do ya say Mr. Ingalls, can I work for ya? Please, it would help me feel better about the whole thing." "I don't really care how you feel about it Perley Day, but I could use a hand right now." Looking back at Laura, he pointed over at Perley Day and said, "It's up to you Laura. If you're okay with him being at the house then it's okay with me." Laura glanced over at Perley Day and then back at her Pa. She didn't like being the one who chose. She loved her Pa and she knew how much work he had lately. The mill had been busier than usual and even though Albert stuck close to home when he wasn't in school, there were still things that needed to get done around the farm. How could she say no, when she knew how much Pa needed the help. Feeling like she had no choice she answered, "It's okay I guess." Perley Day smiled. "Thanks Laura. You'll see, I'm not the man ya think I am." She shook her head in response. He promised Charles he would be at the Ingalls farm tomorrow morning and then he began his walk home. He had a much livlier step than he had on his way there. Perley Day would show Laura, her Pa and Almanzo that he could be a better man. To be continued... LHDaisy wrote: Charles arrived at the house and pulled the wagon to a stop. Although Laura was able to get out of the wagen herself now, he still helped her out. Together they walked to the house, when the door already opend and a happy Caroline run to greet them. 'Did everything go allright?' she asked anqiously. 'It went fine, ma' Laura responded happily. 'Good! Now come inside quick I want to take a look at your leg'. Inside the house Caroline looked at the leg from Laura. 'It healed so well and it looks really good' she said. 'Thanks Ma!' 'I'm so glad the cast is off' Laura replied. 'I think that makes 3 of us' said Charles. Laura smiled at her father, while he winked at her back. 'Oh, Perley Day stopped by the house a little while back' said Caroline. 'We met him on the road' said Charles. 'Oh' replied a surprised Caroline. 'He said to me that he wanted to talk to you about something, what was it about?'. Charles was silent for a moment and looked at Laura, before he told Caroline what Perley-Day wanted. To be continued.... bethandmanly wrote: Almanzo saw Perley Day strolling up the front steps. He sat down in his chair next to the fireplace to see what his brother had to say about his visit to the Ingalls farm. "Howdy Manzo!" he exclaimed when he walked in. "Well I guess by that smile on your face I can tell Mr. Ingalls said yes." "Ya bet he did, but it was Laura who decided." "Whatdya mean?" "Mr. Ingalls said he could use the help if Laura was okay with me bein around, and she said yes." He sat down in the chair across from Almanzo. "Can ya drive me by there on your way into town tomorrow mornin?" "Sure, I'd like to see how Beth's feelin anyway." "The cast came off today. She'll be on crutches for a little while till she gets her strength back, but Doc says she'll be fine in no time." Almanzo closed his eyes and breathed a sign of relief. "I'm sure glad to hear that. But ya know Perley Day, it coulda been a lot worse. I hope ya learned a good lesson from all this." "I have big brother. And I promise I won't pull a foolish stunt like that again." "I wonder if I should bring some flowers to Beth in the mornin," said Almanzo. "Kinda like a get well gift." "I thought ya said she was just a little girl." Embarrassed by what Perley Day was thinking Almanzo tried to recover quickly. "I...a...I just thought it would be nice. She's been through a lot lately and it just might cheer her up." "U-huh," said Perley Day with a smirk, knowing his brother wasn't as innocent as he pretended to be. To be continued...   rana New Pioneer Age : 39 Joined : 09 Oct 2006 Posts : 119 Location : Germany Mood :  Subject: Re: LHOTP - The Continuing Story (You deci