Faith

A Terrible Day

IN Momma's ninth Month she was worse, Her ankels swelled, she was bloated. It was almost like the baby was pumping air into her. When I told Shawn he laughed.
"It does seem like it, don' it? You do know, it be a girl in 'ere. You ain't going to be Daddy's little princess, anymore!" Shawn poked my side. I glared at him angerly. How would he know anyways? But deep down in my secret heart, I knew it would happen, but I put on my best snobbish accent.
"Of Coruse I won't be the princess, I'll be the Queen of his heart! And you will be nothing but a court jester of fools!" I snapped, and strode away, Shawn ran up to me, and grabed my elbow
"I'm sorry Faithy, really I am, I was just joshing with you, you know that, please don't be sore." He looked so sad, so I quickly squeezed his hand.
"Of coruse I forgive you! Listen we better get movin to school, eh! Mr. Drewmore is an orge, when people are late for his class!"

During school, our sectary, Ms. Edwards came in, and talked to mr. Drewmore. He looked at her, then at me then at Ms Edwards again. She nodded and left the room.
I glanced at my Best friend Diana Morgan, and she lifted on shoulder, What was going on?
Mr Drewmore called me up to his desk.
"Faith, your father called here. Ms Edwards is going to drive you to the hospital." My eyes popped out of my head. the hospital? Momma was having her baby!
I turned around and looked at Diana. Diana smiled at me and picked up my books and stuff, and placed it in her desk, I smiled back at her, and left the classroom. Shawn was pacing up and down the hallway.
"Well it's blimy time, ya go down, 'ere! what were ye doin? Tellin the whole class?" Shawn said in a strong irsh brouge. I stuck out my tounge, and hurried after Ms Edwards who was waiting impaiently for us.

When we got to the hospital, Daddy rushed out to meet us. "Thank ye Martha." Ms Edwards dimpled, and walked away. Daddy gathered us into his arms, and husteled back into the Labour an Maternity room.
"It be the baby Faithy, it be coming! She wants to speak to ye, so that's why I brought ye. Shawn, please stay here with, ye" Daddy said. He sounded worried and irrtable, his' accent grew thicker and thicker as he talked.
"But Daddy! how can we? isn't she having th baby now?" I asked. Daddy patted my hand. "She's in labour, yes, love, but she's far from pushing the wee one out into this world." Something was wrong. I didn't like how everything was so rushy-rushy, and Daddy looked so tired...
We reached Momma's door; daddy pushed me inside. I was so scared, for I never really seen a woman in labour before. It looked awfully painful. Every few seconds, Momma let out a low moan, or a grunt. The nurse looked at me, smiled and left.
"Momma?" I whispered.She turned to me, "Come here darlin." I crept up to her, reverant like a church mouse.
"Sweetie, don't give up on your fiddlin' playin' here me. keep it up...ohhhh lord of mercy!" Momma hollered. my eyes popped. Momma never, EVER took the Lords name in vain. she must have been hurting like somthing fierce!
"Darlin Faith, please promise me somethin"
"Momma, I promise. I'll keep it up, I'll get callouses...."
"No, darlin, nothin like that. Just that if your father tells you anythin about me, just promise you'll still love me. please? I was so selfish, so very selfish..." her voice trailed off. Momma? Selfish?
"Oh baby, I so very selfish..I loved you so much..no matter, what anyone tells you, I did everything because i loved you dearly..." Momma let out a scream, and I jumped back. The doctor and the nurse came back into the room, and pushed me outside. Daddy gave me a hug; I barely felt it I was so numb.

"Faith what did she want?" Daddy asked with a tremble in his voice. I looked at him. "She wanted me to make a promise to her...to take care of the baby is anything were to happen." I lied. I never lied to Daddy before, but how could I tell Daddy the truth? Especally when i didn't understand it myself?
It felt like Momma was screaming in that little cramped room for days, but it only two hours. The Doctor came out, with blood on his hands. Momma's blood, I realised.
"Mr O'Leery, I'm sorry, so dreafully sorry," he started in his British accent. "But there was nothing I could do." Daddy let out a sob.
"What do you mean? Where's Momma? Where's my Momma!" I demanded. He didn't answer, I shoved him away, and burst into the room. There was the nurse crying softly, and a bed, Momma's bed, with a figure there, with a sheet over her head. I dashed over to the bed, grabbed a piece of blanket, and pulled it down so I could see my mother's face. "She couldn't BREATHE you dummy!" I shouted to the doctor. "Momma? Are you okay? Momma?" Momma didn't stirr. She wasn't fluttering her eyelashes, she wasn't blink, she wasn't moving...she wasn't breathing. She was dead, I realised with horror.
"Momma! Please you can die, MOMMA!" I shrieked. Someone was dragging me away, Shawn I figured. "Faith, Please! Come on! Faith!" I let myself be pulled but then, planted my feet down. The baby? where was the baby?!
"Shawn! the baby? Where is it?" Shawn stopped in his tracks to, and turned to the nurse. She pointed to Momma. We looked at each other, and went up to her. I pulled down the sheet farther. In Momma's hands there was a baby girl, sleeping peacefully, just like Momma. I glanced at her. Not a strand of red hair. I touched her cheek, growing cold, and opened an eye. She didn't have green eyes either. But she looked like a beautiful baby, and she was now dead too.

Daddy came up behind us. "The Doctor said, the baby kept, breechin'; that's when-"
"We KNOW what it means!" Shawn snapped at Daddy. "It's when the baby was stuck, Momma was stubborn, and decided to have the baby rather then give it up, so then she died, and what's worse, the baby's dead too! I hate her for dying!"
WHAM! Daddy's hand hit Shawns' face! I was shocked. Daddy never hit us for no reason! Daddy's face was bright bright red
"Never let me here you hated your Mother, here me Shawn? Do you?" Daddy yelled. Shawn stared back, at him, then ran off. "Shawn! Shawn!" Daddy shouted, but he ran out of the room. I bit my thumb. Is that what Momma meant? Keep loving her because she was selfish to keep the baby? Did momma really give up her life to have a dead baby? If that was true...
"Then Momma, I really can't help but hate you too." I whispered

Shawn wasn't home we got there. I was worried. he wasn't like him. Since Momma wasn't there (it was hard to think like that, but it was true) it was practally a feast for Daddy and I, if we were hungary that is. I only felt sawdust, or what I imangined saw dust to taste like.
I went up into my room. Why Momma? Why didn't you let the baby die and save yourself! You could have had more! Ihate you momma! And the sad thing was, since, I never even promised Momma I wouldn't hate her, I didn't feel guilty. I heard Daddy coming up to my room, and rest his hands on my shoulders. I turned around and I saw tears running down his face.
"Faith, do you hate her for what she's done? the truth now Faith." I nodded softly. He smirked.
"I know. Because I do. But I hate myself more. Not protecting myself, not give her something. But she never used them anyway. never ever did she once. Damn her, Damn Lizzie for leaving it up to me!" Daddy shouted, squeezing my shoulders.
"Daddy!" I was shocked, and he was hurting me!
"All she wanted was babies. Most sensible women when they are at that time of month, they don't want to have their way with the husbands, but not Lizzie! Lizzie had to have her own way! Another babe in the house! can you imagine that!" Daddy hollered. his hands were slipping down my shoudlers, towards my bosom. I stared mesmerised, and in horror. "DADDY!! STOP!" I shouted

Daddy lookedd at me then his hands. "Oh Faith I'm sorry, I wasn't go to be doing nothin to you, you know that Darlin?" I just wrapped myself in my arms. Daddy had showed me a side of him I hope he never showed me again
Daddy ran his hands into his hair. "Faithy, my little leprechaun, did I hurt ye?" I shook my head no, I didn't trust my voice, just yet. "Faith, I'm sorry. I didn't know, never realised...well, darlin, I'm sorry. rest well." he kissed my forehead; longer then usual tonight, it seemed.
I looked at myself in my little mirror, by standing on my bed. I only looked sadder. Not over developed, but not a little girl either. Was that why Daddy was going to touch me? I went underneath my covers, and quickly went to sleep, shutting out everything. I heard, later that night, a door slamming and raised voices, then pounding up the stairs, and another door slamming. Shawn, I grogly though then I heard someone open my door, then shut it gently. It was Daddy. he just stood there in his robe. I don't think he knew that I was awake.
"Ohhhh Grace...I'm sorry, I really be sorry. I didn't mean to touch, ye." he mummbled, then walked away. Grace? who was Grace? But I didnt' care as I fell back asleep.

Royalty? Me?

It was silent. It was so thick, I could have served it with breakfast that morning. Shawn had a little mark on his face where Daddy hit him, Daddy was broading, because of Momma? Me? and me? I was silent because of what Daddy did, and said the night before. Who was Grace?
"Faith, you'll not be attending school today." Daddy said quitely. I looked up sharply.
"What?! I need to! I have to! I have a test today, and, then I have to practice my fiddle, and-"
"I said YOU'LL NOT BE GOING TO SCHOOL TODAY FAITH!" Daddy screamed. I bit my tounge in fear.
"DON'T YOU DARE SCREAM AT HER!" Shawn screamed back. What was going on! I liked the silece better then this bickering!
"She has to learn how to listen!" Daddy thundered.
"Faith does! She does all the work around here, while you just sit and do nothin! We have no food most of the time, and we make due on what she prepares! You never do nothing Dad, and Momma, ha! She sat there sitting high and pretty and-"
"STOP IT BOTH OF YOU! STOP!" I screamed. Like Daddy always said, I had the temper of a true Irishman, and this was one of those times. "I'm not SHE, I'm Faith! Call me by my name why don't you! And I'm right here in the room, Shawn O'Leery , let me defend myself! And you Daddy, what Shawn said was true, you never do anything!"
I got up and ran from the kitchen, Daddy and Shawn ran after me. "Faith stop!"
I glared at them. "Why should I?"
Daddy looked miserable. "I better explain myself. You'll be living in Dublin now, Shawn. Workin, ye be doing." Daddy puffed
Shawn? Working in Dublin? With high socitey!? Oh good gosh!
"And what about Faith? what will she be doing?" Shawn snapped.
"Faith will be here with me, for the day. Then tommrow, she too will go to Dublin. To visit family." Daddy said crypitnly. Family? Who lived in Dublin? Who!?
"Nice father, you are! Thank, ye for asking me!" Shawn yelled, and walked out of the house. I looked at Daddy. "But Daddy..."

Daddy hugged me. "Oh Sweetie, it will be for the best! I know it will." He ran his hands up my back, as if to soothe me. I stiffned. I saw Daddy do this to momma, lots of times. They usually ended up in their bedroom.
"Daddy. you are making me feel uncomfortable." I said softly. Daddy just breathed into my hair. "Daddy!" Daddy's arms dropped, and he stepped back from me. "Faith I.."
"Don't you ever touch me again, you here me?" I spit, and ran upstairs. Was the whole world going crazy, because Momma died? I heard Daddy run after me. "FAITH!"
I stood in my doorway, "What?" I asked.
"I need to tell you something."
"So. Go tell." I said cheekly Daddy crossed his arms.
"You'll be visiting your...your grandmother in Dublin, Faithy." Grandmother? I thought, looking at Daddy. Grandmother lived near where we did! In Dumark!
Daddy saw my confusion. "Let me tell you the truth. You see 12 years ago I feel in love-"
"Yes, with Momma" I interruped
"No with a woman named Grace. Grace Sullivan. Aye, she was beauitful." My eyes bulged. Grace! Daddy called me Grace!
"Her hair was soft, and here eyes as clear as the sea you love so much. I never felt at peace as I did when I was with here. She lived in Dublin, but she ran away. a place called Darbyshire Hall." he said.
Darbyshire Hall? Was Grace a princess? Only roylalty named their houses!
"When we kissed it was magical Faithy. she didn't care taht I was already married..."
Married? Married? Daddy was married when he met Grace..did that mean..."Momma?" I whispered.
"She knew...she was upset, when I told her I wanted a divorce. She didn't understand, how I didn't want to stay with her and our young son. She didn't understand, how I felt about Grace...and the little baby she was carrying...my baby..do you understand, what I'm telling you Faith?"
I felt like I was floating. Daddy cheated on Momma, with this Grace Sullivan person....but Grace Sullivan was pregnant, that meant... NO! my mind ran back when I was younger....
"Momma!"
"Yes Darlin?"
"Momma, why don't I look like you?"
"You just don't sweetie."
"But WHY don't I?"
"Because darling, you look like a leprechaun. She kissed you the minute you were born, unknown to the doctors, and POOF you came out just like one!"
Then later it was, "You look like your aunts Faithy honey..." but it wasn't true, none of it was true, I was a subject of lust! Not planned! I was Grace Sullivans daughter! Oh, how I hated Daddy just then!
"Faith, please don't be sore..." Daddy pleaded. Don't be sore? What a hoot!
"Daddy, what else should I be eh? Happy? Jumping with joy? You just taken 12 years of my life, I have no idea who I am!" "You are Faith Abigal O'Leery , that is who ya be!" Daddy said. "Sweetheart, your mother had great faith in our love, and when you came pretty as a picture, the first thing that came out of her mouth was Faith be the glory, your a mircale. So we called ya Faith."

"What happened to her?" Maybe I could find her! Grace Sullivan would take me in! She would lavish me with adoration! She sounded like a princess, and she...
"She's dead. She died not long after your birthing. Same way Lizzie died, too much blood lost, and breeching to much. But she made me promise not to blame you for her death, if death did come to you. And I didn't and don't and never will. I blame myself. If I had been more carefull...Grace would have been here today..." Daddy sobbed. "Anyways. your mother decided to take me back, to raise you, if I promised never to look at another woman in lust agan. the minute I did, we, you and I would be thrown out. it was hard, I can imagine, to have you raised as her own, looking like Gracie. But she fell in love with you...but she always kept that threat over my head. we only loved each other for the fullfillment, not the love, and adoration that husbands and wifes should love each other. We only wanted to be stasifed, and to give you a home darlin..."
I felt like sobbing. Momma had Daddy in a loop. That's what Momma meant before she died. She was selfish with Daddy. She didn't want to share him with anyone else, maybe deep down with me. But I couldn't have blamed Momma for trying to keep her and Daddy and Shawn together.

"And this grandmother in Dublin?" I asked, quitely.
"She agreed to take you in for awhile. it might be better for you this way, get to know more about Grace's family." I nodded silently. This meant then he was planning this way before. No way would this Dublin Grandmother, know about me in a night.
Daddy looked shameful. "I wrote to her about a month ago. I was going to tell you it was a member of your...of Lizzies family but i guess there's no point now. I mean of telling you that." My mind was racing. I had no mother...I only had Daddy. And what was sad, I lost both of them, with out even saying goodbye.
"she'll treat you like a princess, sweetheart." Daddy kissed my cheek, and patted my shoulder, then left my room. The dam of tears that I had stored burst, and I sobbed. No longer was I Faith Abigal O'Lerry, daughter of Elizabeth and Thomas O'Lerry. I was Faith Abigal O'Lerry....or Sullivan, and I was a bastard child. A Princess with riches, and wealth then I could ever imagine, but still, nothing but a bastard child.

Darbyshire Hall

I sat on my magic rock. I could here the laughter. The tears. I may never sit here again. I thought sadly. Never ever. Never to sit on this rock, and imagine that I was left on this same rock by pixies and leprechauns. Never to glance out at the sea, to play my fiddle..How could you do this to me Daddy? HOW?
Shawn tapped my shoulder. "Faithy?" he whispered, and I knew, i just knew that he knew.
"It look like ye be going to Dublin, eh?" I asked, my accent thick. I had always tried not to succomb to the thick Irish accent, most people in Dummark had. But if I were to cry, or to be extremly angry, everything, the slang, the thick brouge came. Shawn looked upset.
"Faith today of all days, don't be talkin like a hick. Speak normal, teach 'em snobs in Dublin who's who. I'll be going to Scarbrough."
"SCARBROUGH! Why, that's in London! Daddy said-"
"Father said a lot of things in his life. like you being kissed by leprechauns that's why you didn't look like the rest of it, while all the while, some, some whore..."
"Shawn O'Lerry! Don't you dare talk about my real mother that way! It wasn't all her fault! Daddy could have said no!" I said hotly.
"BUT he didn't! Your real mother, bahh. She was nothing but a princess. she couldn't handle living here. That's why she died up here. If she were in Dublin, and near hospitals an' stuff, ya know, rich people things, you'd have a mother."
I glared at him. I didn't want to hate him, I didn't but if he didn't shut up about my poor dead Mother, Grace Sullivan, I would, I swear I would!
"Why are you moving to Scarbrough? Why so far for work?"
"Because. He never meant to say Dublin, he only said it because....well just because!" Shawn said.
"Are you mad at Daddy?" What I really meant was, are you mad at me? Shawn looked at me, then out to the sea.
"Nah. Not at Daddy persay, just at all that happen, is all. I'm going to miss you Faith. Scarbrough is so far away from Ireland, I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb."
"I'm going to miss you too, Shawn! And the rock, and the sea.."
"They have rocks, and seas in Dublin too, Faith! is that all your going to miss? Material things?" Shawn snapped.
"NO! Of Coruse not, I'll miss Diana, and my teachers. But It doesn't matter, I could be offered the Atlantic herself, but it won't be as special as this sea!" I yelled at him. Shawn stared at me, then kissed my cheek. "Well, I'm flyin', and your drivin', so I'll see you later, I guess. I'll be writting you, Daddy gave me the address." Shawn gave me a hug, and another kiss, then walked off. I may never see him again! My thoart clogged up, and I lept up from the rock, then stopped. Right there was a stone, molded by the sea, it was heart shaped, and it was greenish-grey looking. I stuck it in my pocket, it was like the sea was telling me it loved me. I could always look at this stone, and see the sea. Daddy met me up at the porch, my bags there. No one was there to see me off. I already said my goodbyes to my friends from school. Shawn was driving off, by a cab; his friend rode on the weekends. I stared at Daddy, and he looked at me, and he hugged me tightly. "Good-bye my wee leprechaun, my darlin Faithy..." he whispered as the Darbyshire Hall person drove up. The man, tallish, kinda old looking, tipped his hat at me, and lifted my bags. I sadly waved my hand at Daddy. He smiled and waved back.

The man; Julian, I found out, had been working for my grandmother's family for a very very long time. He chattered, but I only answered when spoken to, part of it because I was so sad, but the other part for I was extremly nervous.
I must have fallen asleep, for I when I woke, I saw, big buildings, mansions, and stores surronding me. No hills, for which Ireland got her name, The Emerald Isle, no oceans, and no seas...I was going to be absoutly miserable. I sighed. Julian gazed at me.
"Young Miss? is anything that matter?" He asked. I glanced up. "Oh, I was just wondering if all of Dublin was like this?" I whispered. Julian grinned.
"Oh no! There's some pretty ocean front near Darbyshire Hall, trust me, this Lady of the house loves coming down here for shopping though, so I come down here often."
We turned onto a strech of land, and saw big iron wrought gates, that had a big D with ...things, in it, I couldn't place it, but it looked magnficant. The house....it was larger then I could ever imagine! It was the size of our house, 10 fold! "How do people get their money to live in great finery..." I whispered, but Julian either didn't hear me or didn't want to answer. He dropped me off at the front of the house, then he got out and grabbed my bags, and knocked at the door. Another man, opened it, smiled at me, then moved away. "The Miss's is waiting for you, in Master's office." he said in a British accent. It made me think of Shawn and his voyage to Scarbrough. How was he, where was he?"
A Sharp, ahem-ahem grabbed my attention, and a a very sharp looking couple, old looking but very attractive never the less came in followed by a man around Daddy's age, give or take a few years. The man didn't take his eyes off of me, and I felt nervous.
"You must be what Thomas O'Leery calls my grandaughter" the lady; my grandmother said.
"Yes....yes I am." I trembled. my granmother smirked
"What does he think I am. Stupid?" My mouth dropped. WHAT?
"Now, darlin, maybe this is our granddaughter." The man said, my granfather replied in my defence. The younger man nodded.
"Oh Please. he just picked anyname out of the blue, and it matched ours! That's all. I only accepted because I was curious. Now that I had whetted my apptite-"
"Elizabeth, none of that now." the man gently intervined. Elizabeth! The woman, started at me; with piercing green eyes like mine!
"Girl, what's your name, where are you from. I mean who raised you." I cleared my thoart.
"My name is Faith ma'am, Faith Abigal O'Leery, my parents were Eliza and Thomas O Lerry-"
"There you see Mark! You see Patrick. Did I have a daughter named Eliza? Nooo I didn't! Your father is a liar, and I despise liars!" she crowed
"But Mrs Darbyshire, please, listen-" a snort, then a fit of laughter, followed the men, and my grandmother Elizabeth. "Mrs, Darbyshire? my dear dear girl, Faith is it? My name is NOT Mrs Darbyshire. on the contary, it's Elizabeth Ann Morgantile. This is my huband, Markus Mogantile, and our son, Patrick Morgantile. Your father was a sham! You may stay the night, but I'm sending you back home!"
"WAIT a minute, Mrs Elizabeth Ann Morgantile! how was I supposed to know? I lived in the hills of Dunmark, Ireland, where people don't name their houses, or if thy do, the name it after themselves! So if I thought differnt I'm sorry!" I clenched my fists together. "And another thing, my real mothers name was Grace! Grace Sullivan!" It was worth losing my temper to see all three of their faces go white like paper. Finally, I had the upper hand.
"Grace? Grace Sullivan. Elizabeth..." Mark Morgantile said softly. My grandmother's hand clutched her thoart, and Patricks face turned deadly white. "When did your mother die, child?" Mark asked softly.
For some reason, I didn't the real reason. "She died of the flu ma'am, so what my father told me."
"And your birthday, when is your birthday child?" Patrick asked, almost like his life depended on my answer.
I told them the date, a year later, just like Daddy told me to say, just so they think Grace had a long life, he told me. Patrick's face and that of my Grandparents turned back to regular peach, and tan.
"It looks like then, Girl, you are my granddaughter, and I am, sorry. It's just that we are richer then most, and I didn't want anyone one playing me for a fool." Elizabeth said. "You, girl, can call me, Miss Elizabeth, or Elizabeth, or if you wish," she sighed, "Grandmother. What does Emily call me?" she turned to Patrick.
"Grandmother dearest" patrick said.
"yes that's what my grandaughter Emily calls me. she's older then you by a year or so. Go upstairs, and take a shower, I don't want any insects in here. Oh and Faith, please dress apporitly for dinner. If you have nothing fancy, you will wear something of Emily, she wasted enough of our money on stupid clothing. Mark." She called Mark. He came up to me, and kissed my cheek. "You my dear can call me grandfather, or if you wish, Grandpa. Emily of coruse calls me Grandfather, dearest." he walked out of the room, with Patrick following him.
I sat on the chair. What a family!
A Maid hurried in. "Miss Elizabeth, demanaded that you go bathe miss, and not oggle. I'm Martha, I'll be your maid. I'm Miss Emilys maid too." Martha said wrinkling her nose.
"Is Emily good to get a long with?" Martha looked at the door, then at me. "She a princess, Miss Faith." I got the double meaning in that saying, and followed Martha.
"Miss Elizabeth, set up this room for you, right next to-"
"Miss Emily, I know." Martha glanced at me and smiled. "That's right. Miss Emily." she softly said, and sucttled away. I glanced at my new room. Why....it was bigger then our living room, and kitchen! How do people get this kind of money, I just couldn't understand it! Why didn't they do great things with their money?

At Dinner, (I wearing one of "Miss Emilys" dresses), I was sitting in front of Patrick. My Uncle I figured, then there was my grandfather, and Grandmother "dearest" sat either way. The guests, some business men, and their wifes, just sat on either ends of the table
"Oh how enchanting, Elizabeth! Grace has come back to us!"a ample woman cried. "She looks just like her!" another man said. "Why she hasn't been with us since she's..."
"Why, Mr, Landon, you know, I don't like talking about my daughter. But your right, the girl does have similar features. Like Grace."
"Why, Miss O'Leery, what do you like to do for fun?" Mr Landon asked me.
"Oh I like to read, and play my fiddle" I answered, Grandmother Morgantile snorted. "Such a backwords thing, a fiddle!"
"All Irish people in their life, listen to fiddlers, Grandmother, dear, I'm just one of the people who actually, knows how to play." I said demurly. Grandmother, glared at me, for making her look bad. It was true! I thought, wanting to glare back.
"Your know, Miss O'Leery, it's mighty bad for a young girl, to read so much! you might not fulfil yer duty, lassie, then what man will have ya?" Mr Donovan said with a grin. What? what did he mean? But Grandfather, and Uncle Patrick, laughed, and even her magesty, Grandmother, smiled.
"Her duty? what would be her duty?"
"Why! havin and raising children! A good Irish woman, should at least have four children!" Mr Donovan boomed. My heart sank...four? Grandmother tittered.
"It is a good thing I was born and Bred, English, but raised, here in Ireland. Patrick, Amamnda has a ways to go aint it?" Patrick nodded, with a smile.
"But, reading, and writting, doesn't matter in having children!" I whispered.
"Any doctor would tell you, my dear! that's why most colleges won't except you!" Mr Donovan chuckled, and sipped some brandy. All the rest of dinner I was silent. I dreamed of being someone important one day like a teacher, or a lawyer...but I wanted to have children to! Woudld I have to compromise? I may never have children...I slipped out of the blue dress I wore, and stood only in my bra and panties, and reached for one of Emilys clothes (Grandmother's instaing,I wear nothing of mine, panties, and bras excluded, untill they have been washed). I stood there looking for her nightgowns,when i heard a muffling shriek.
"Who the hell do you think you are!"

Emily & Matthew

I spun around. a girl, thin,with long hair, the color of flax, was standing there with her hands on her hips. Whore half naked! Well go on with ya! There'll be no men in here!"
I glared at her, and she glared at me. "Grandmother! GRANDMOTHER! A SERVANT IS NAKED IN MY ROOM!" She hollared, and I felt, stupid, and yanked the dress back up. Grandmother rushed into the room, along with Grandfather.
"Check the rooms grandfather, dearest, make sure this...thing, didn't hide a man in here." Grandfather looked at me and laughed. Grandmother stood there with her hands at her hips. "Now Emily...this isn't a servant." Emily! this...witch,was EMILY?
"Then a theif! She was rumming through my cheast of drawers Grandmother dearest."
"Because Emily, I had SENT her in there!" Grandmother exploded Emily looked meek. "Oh."
"Yes, OH." Grandmother turned to me "Explain yourself, girl."
"I was just looking for a nightgown, I didn't know she was here, or I wouldn't have changed in here. Honest, Grandmother Morgantile, I wouldn't have." I stummbled. Emilys eyes widened.
"Grandmother? She's not your-"
"EMILY! For goodness sakes, child be quite! I'm tired, and I want to get to bed. Emily, get ready for bed, girl, you take whatever Emily gives you, and you go to bed too. Land sakes above...." Grandmother muttered, and walked away

Emily stared at me. "The only way you could be my cousin if you were davids sister...or that runway girl...Grace. Are you Grace's daughter?"
"Yes I am." I muttered. "May I have a nightgown now." I was still smarting from her rude comments. Emily reached down, and grabbed a white lace one. "here, Cousin. Wear this." Emily shoved it in my hand. "Oh. by the way, I didn't mean to call you a whore..it's just that-"
"It's okay. Thank you very much." I said, and left Emilys room quickly. What a rude, spolied brat, I thought. Momma, I mean the person who raised me, would have given her one slap. Or at least a horrible glare. A Whore! How dare she! That, and the comments Mr. Donovan made at Dinner, ran through my mind. How could it possibly be true?
It was only Patrick, Emily, and I who was at breakfast that morning, my first morning at as, Morgantile.
"Is it good, Faith? Your not eating." Patrick asked. Emily glared. "Oh Daddy, if she's not hungary, she's not going to eat it. It IS sad when children-"
"I'm not used to rich food, is all. And I was thinking. and I'm NOT a child, I'm the same age as you!" I snapped.
"No your not. I'm 13 and your 12!" OHhhh! I hated Daddy then! I was 13 too! Why so many lies!
"Emily, darling where were you last night?" Patrick looked at Emily. "Oh with friends father. that's all."
"Where Grandmother? And Grandfather. Do you have a mother?" I asked Emily politly.
"They ALWAYS sleep in, they aren't spring chickens, you know! And yes I have a mother! What are you stupid!" Emily barked at me. I turned red, and saw red. Patrick saved his daughter from a verbal war.
"She's not stupid Emily, she doesn't know. a Differnce dear child. And Amanda; my wife, keeps weird hours. You can see here at almost any given time, she's given servants to awlays, if she is in the house to serve her meals upstairs. We never ask why."
"Because! Amanda Dubois Morgantile, is a spolied baby, and demands nothing but the very best! hello darlings!" a elgant woman swept in and kissed Patrick and Emily on the cheek. Then She saw me, and turned pale
"GRACE!" She shrieked.

Patrick lept up from his seat, and hugged this woman.
"Amanda darling, this isn't Grace, it's Faith...Faith O'Leery. Grace's daughter." Amanda peered at me through her fingers.
"Grace's daughter? She's the same age as Emily!" Amanda looked at Patrick with a look of hatred? disbelif?
"NOT true Mother! She's only 12!" Emily cried hotly.
"You know, that Grace..." Patrick trailed off, as he noticed, I ducked my head down, trying to fight off the coming tears. "Now Faith...don't cry." he said softly.
"Well, her mother was a whore. That's what Grandmother Dearest says." Emily crowed. Amanda looked horribly upset, and I felt a trickle down my cheek.
"I'll be going shopping and eating. Patrick please meet me for lunch. Nice to meet you dear." Amanda breezed out of the house. Patrick glared at Emily. "Emily you apologize to your cousin! That was uncalled for." Patrick scolded her. Emily stared at me.
"I'm so ever sorry it's just that Grandmother, Aiiiiiiii!" Emily screamed. My tea had spilt on her lap. "Don't you ever say that to me again! I'm not a whore, and neither was my mother!" I screamed at her, and left the table.
"YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU BRAT!" Emily screamed after me, and I could hear Uncle Patrick scolding her again. That little witch needed a slap on her bottom, or on her face. She better hope it's not I who give it! I thought widly.

I stopped in front of the Libery. I saw a bunch of textbooks for medicne, and my mind ran back about what Mr. Donovan said. I picked up B for Babies, then it told me to look for Preganacy, and Pre-natal care.
I flipped through the books, crossing my legs underneath my skirt, looking at the text, and the corresponding picutres. When I heard a sharp cough, I nearly flew of the ladder.
"What are you trying to do? Kill me?!" I screamed. The young man, raised her eyebrows. "What are you doing in here!"
"I could very well ask you the same question, Miss..."
"It don't matter what my name is! You don't just come up in here, and scare the living heck out of people!"
"Now just wait, a darn minute here..."
"This whole family is inconsiderate, and now-"
"Now don't you DARE talk about my family that way" the man snapped. "I'll make sure you'll never..." he trailed off when he saw my mouth drop open wide.
"Your...family?" I trembled.
"Yes, MY family. the one who employs you!" he snapped and grabbed the book out of my hands.
"It's my family too. I'm Faith...Faith O'Leery." the man looked at me. "We don't-"
"-Have any O'Leery's in your family. I know I know. It's a long story, who are you?"
"Matthew. Matthew Morgantile." Matthew said stifly. I brushed my hair back, and studied him.
He had a locks of blond hair, and shinning blue eyes. A male version of Emily, I thought, and tears came to my eyes, as I remembered all the horid things she called me, and my poor dead mother.

"Now now don't cry. It's just that I thought, well never mind what I thought. Who else in this family have you met, to make you think that we Morgantiles are inconsiderate, eh?"
"The whole family! All of them! Your father, and your mother, and Grandmother, and Emily!" I yelled
"Mother has a realitly problem. she thinks everything is a bed of roses, and Father helps her, by fulfulling every whim. Emily is a spolied brat because of it. And Grandmother is just a hard woman, after some girl left, Grace, something. Your mother I guess. I see you haven't mentioned Grandpa." Matthew smiled. And I noticed that his eyes brightned whenever he did.
"Why do you call him Grandpa, but Emily calls him Grandfather?"
"Because. She thinks she can more out of him by sucking up, it never works. He tolerates it though. Now why were you looking at David's medical books?" he asked.
"Because, someone told me at dinner time, last night, that women, can't have children,if they had too much knowledge, and I was wondering...."
Matthew laughed. "Let me guess? Congressman Donovan?" I nodded. "Mr. Donovan, always thinks the stupidest things, it's never true. A woman can be a genious, and have scores of children." Matthew said, and helped me down from the ladder. "I am sorry for scaring the 'livin heck' out of you" he laughed. I laughed too, and then Emily, came in.
"Ah. there you are. Grandmother wants you. And before you start crying, I didn't tattle! Oh hello Matthew. Grandmother wants you too." And Emily pranced off. I started to walk to Grandmothers suite, with Matthew close behind me.

The Rules of the Game

I knocked at Grandmothers door. She and Grandfather was sitting on the settee, and gestured for Matthew and I to sit down.
"First and formost, welcome back Matthew. I see you have met your cousin." Grandmother said stiffly. Matthew winked at me. "It was a exciting introduction, wasn't it Faith?"
"oh yes it was!" I chirped. Grandmother looked at me.
"Now girl, there are some rules. Number one and formost, you treat your elders with respect!" Grandmother thundered. "I didn't appreacte you dressing me down last night at dinner. And I didn't like hearing how you screamed at Emily and poured hot tea on her!"
"But Grandmother!" I implored, "Did she even tell you why?"
"It doesn't matter why she did anything, you should have kept your temper. And I don't want you going anywhere he family isn't. is that understood girl?" She peered at me, from her spectacles. I saw red.
"Granmother! listen,she called me a whore! And my mother! So did Uncle Patrick, what was I supposed to do, keep my temper then? it's not fair, it's not!" I clenched my fists in my lap. "and my name isn't GIRL it's Faith. Faith Abigal O'Leery. I'm proud of my name. My mother named me that, MY MOTHER! Your own daughter, your flesh and blood! I don't want to be called Girl anymore! I don't care what you call me aslong as it's not not girl! I'm not a dog!"

Grandmother stared at me, like if I was a a person with two heads. Grandfather smiled softly, and Matthew patted my hand.
"Fine, child, I won't call you girl. I'm sorry. I didn't realize. Well good. You told me, and I'll try o respect you. DO not though, go into the upper northen room, unless you are sent. Is that clear?"
"Yes Grandmother." I said softly.
"Good. Good. You may leave child. Matthew I want to speak to you, oh and Faith?"
I turned around. "Yes Grandmother?"
"There is no doubt in my mind now, that you are indeed's Grace's daughter. She would have told me off too." Elizabeth Morgantile said, then shooed me away.
Was she blind? Was she deaf? Stupid? or all three? Aunt Amanda had almost had a heart attack when she saw me I looked so much like my dead mother. And so did Grandfather Morgantile! Did she hate my mother so much, that she didn't want to realize who, or what I really was? And was in the upper nothern hall, that I couldn't go in there? I asked Martha about it.
"Oh...stuff. the Servants, Me, and Hattie, live up there. So does-" and she hushsed herself. Who?! My appitte was whetted instantly.
"Please tell me!"
"No one is allowed up there unless sent." Martha said with a twinkle in her eye. "You knopw Faith, I have to dust, and I left my duster upstairs, with the polish...would you mind...?" I smiled at my new friend, and quickly ran to to Upper Northen Room

David

I crept upstairs. I was nervous. If Grandmother cought me.I shuddered. But then a gleam twinkled in my eye, but I had been sent...I laughed, and went upward and onward. I heard some talking in a closed door, and went to knock at the door. At the same moment, I saw a man, half naked, open the door, and stared at me.
"Why! Who are ye?" he exclaimed. "Ye better not be a servant!" My mouth dropped, as he spun around, then turned his head like a turtle. "Well, come on, if Miss Elizabeth catchs ye, ye done for!"

I followed him into his suite of rooms. "Why do you live in here?"
"Because I hate this family. Except grandfather." he said matter of factly. "And ye be?"
"Faith. Faith O'Leery." I whispered. the man looked at me up and down, still in his towel.
"Ahhh..your Grace's little Faith eh?" he said at last, and I gasped. He laughed.
"Grandpa told me. Before you get ideas in that preety little head of yours. But I could tell. You look like her. She was a whore you know. Well that's what Miss Elizabeth says. I think she's a cranky old woman."
I could have kissed him! Finally! Someone liked my mother, in the miserable family!
"What's your name?"
"Why Miss O'Leery they never told you about me? I'm David."
He looked at me again. "Ye know ye ain't supposed to be here. Unless..."
"Oh I was sent." I said. David smirked, and went to go change. in a couple of minutes he came back.
"So Miss O'Leery do you like ye family?"
"No...they are all miserable, Grandfather, and Matthew exlcuded."
"Matthew? He's home? Aye, that you are. Amanda and Patrick, and Elizabeth and Emily can all sit on a pile of rot. I'm glad I not be related to 'em."
"Your not? But?"
"My real parents' died when I be one. Grandpa took me in. He told me to call him father, but it was weird. I only do it in public. Indoors, I call him Grandpa. You should do that to you know."
"What?"
"Call him Grandpa. it's so much better then grandfather. Everyone but Emily, calls him that anyways."
"Are you so matter of fact?" I asked. David smiled.
"More so. I pride my self on it. If I don't like soemthing, I tell the person, look i don't like it. Why lie? Needless to say, Emily and I have had our tifts." I nodded. "You too, Miss O'Leery? I'm not suprised. She thinks she's Queen Sheba. She needs a kick in her bottom."
I liked David. He was a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of Shawn.
I wondered what he was doing, how he was doing. I missed Daddy too, and his bright smile. I hated it here, but David made it all worthwhile.
"So...Miss O'Leery, what brings you here?" David asked me gently
"My momma, the woman who raised me, died in childbed. My Daddy sent me here to be close to Grandmother, but she hates me."
"Because you look too much like Grace, and she, for she to take a fancy to ye. If ye looked like Emily now, then maybe, maybe she'd like ye."
"Why? What did my mother do!?" I begged him. David shrugged. "I really don't know lass. I was only 4, and who tells a four year old anything? No one is who, and remember, lass, I not be a Morgantile, so that's double the reason." David muttered.
"But...but you called my mother a whore! If you know that..."
"Your momma was made out to be a Lolita inside the house, and a saint outside. Like Congressman Donovan, he only knows the good about the late Grace Sullivan. But Elizabeth and Patrick, and the rest, they make sure, that everyone doesn't become like Grace Sullivan, the Lolita. Now, now, don't be upset, ye asked and I told ye." I whiped my eyes.
"Why do you talk like that?" David looked at me. "Well lassie, how else am I supposed to talk?"
"I mean your brouge. Why do you make it so thick?"
"Because, I refuse to sound refined, as those hipocrites downstairs. Now, Miss O'Leery. I had things to be doin, so if ye can excuse me, I need ye ta leave." David ushered me out. "Now, I want ye to come visit me often, ya here me?" I nodded with a smile. and I walked quickly downstairs.

My hand almost reached the doorknob, when I heard someone clearing his thoart. I turned, and it was Matthew
"How IS David? Did you even see him?" Matthew asked, as I opned my bedroom door.
"I saw him...he's very peculiar." I sighed. Matthew looked at me, then turned to leave then, looked at me again.
"Oh. By the way, Faithy, I'm to let you know, from David himself, that in no case in history, does women not been able to reproduce, by having brains in her head." He winked at me, and left.

In Loving Memory

The months flew by so quickly. I had only gotten two letters from Diane, and one from Shawn. Emily, (thank god) had returned to school in London, along with Matthew and I was bored. I spent most of my time with David, when I could, and he kept me laughing all the time. But I missed my father. I missed the sea, blowing air in my face, and I missed my secret places, and the rock.....I missed Dunmark. I held my favorite stone often.
I saw Amanda often too. She always send for me, and she treated me, like she would a sister. But she was so secretative...always rushing to leave the house, never wanted to stay with the whole family. I wonder why often.
Grandpa loved me dearly, and showed it in hugs, and kisses, and compliments. I kept my promise to Momma, and despite, my grandmother's bellyaching, I played my fiddle daily.
It was Summer now, and time for my 15th birthday. I couldn't belive a year had gone by. A year. My Mother died this day, I thought sadly. My grandmother called me to her office.
"Listen, Child, I want the truth. I told you I hate liars, I never accepted it and I won't start now." I looked at her strangely.
"Have you, or have you not, been in the upper northern room?" my eyes bulged. How did she know?
"Yes grandmother."
"After I told you not to HOW DARE YOU!" Grandmother screamed.
"David sent for me, what was I supposed to do, say no?"
"He's not a part of our family, Faith, and god damn it, when I tell you something you listen! I don't want you to go up there!"
"Why? He's my cousin! Adopted or not!"
"Hmm...fine, waste your time. But my dear child, tell your grandmother, " she cooed at me, "exactly ow old are you?"
"I'm turning 15 this summer, same as Emily."
Granmother looked tripumphant. "Ah, you finally admit it Faith. 15., but yet still you came into this house, a 12 year old, and been here for a year, how could this be?"
I hung my head. Damn, I had forgotten about the lesser age thing.
"TELL ME THE TRUTH FAITH!" Grandmother screamed. I stood up, placed my plams on the flat of her desk, and let Grandmother have it.
"FINE! Grandmother dearest. I lied to you! Yes, Granmother ME your Daughters little Lolita! That's what you think of me! I only lied about my age for, my Daddy told me too! that's all! I'm sick and tired on how you treat me! I want to be treated with respect! Why do you hate me so much?"
"BECAUSE!" Grandmother screamed. "YOU REMIND ME OF WHAT I LOST!"
"What? You loved my mother?"
"Of course I did. She was my daughter, my little girl. she left me with out saying good bye. 13 years later, I get a letter from your father, saying that I had a granddaughter, and she needed to be loved and raised. I was mad. Grace didn't have the nerve to write me, and tell me she was alright. And you were born out of wedlock, that's a sin. A Heinous one."
"It's not my fault. Don't take it out on me." I whispered.
"And I am sorry. Please forgive me child." Grandmother, looked contrite, so I shook her hand. maybe...just maybe it was a start.

When I told David he was shocked. He kept going on, how something was up, it wasn't like Grandmother to give up, and forgive and forget so easily. "Watch, ye self, Faithy" he told me time, and time again.
Matthew and Emily came home, for our birthdays, Emily, and mine.
"Faithy! I'm back!" Matthew cried. I laughed, and ran out to meet him. "Matthew! Oh I missed you so much!" Matthew laughed in my hair, and whispered, "And me too, lerachaun" I beemed. Emily stood there with her hands on her hips.
"And Me, did you miss me, Cousin dearest?"
"Oh very much so, who else to drive me crazy?" I answered sweetly. Matthew laughed, and Emily turned red.
"Happy birthday Emily darling, happy birthday, Faith, " Amanda kissed us on the cheek three weeks later. I smiled back, everyone was there, except David of coruse. Grandpa tapped my shoulder and hugged me tightly. "I have a suprise for you Faith." I looked at the door, what could it be?

"SURPRISE!" Shawn came running to the room! Shawn! "Shawn?" My lips trembled.
He streched out his arms, and I ran into them, and we hugged. "Ohhhhh how sweet." Emily hissed behind us, Shawn and I ingored her.

"I was a wonderful birthday Faithy. Why did you have to share with, that awful girl-"
"Emily, Shawn? Oh...it's so close, our birthdays, why spend money for 2 partys when you can have a grander better one?" I smiled. His accent changed. I liked it.
"Have you heard from Daddy?" I asked, as we walked the grounds, of Darbyshire Hall.
"No...it's like he fallen off the face of the earth." Shawn retorted. "He doesn't answer my letters, or my calls, it's like he wants nothin to do with us!"
"You can't mean that Shawn." I whispered. Shawn muttered underneath his breath, and we went on.

The next day, I went to see David.
"Even though her majesty the Queen of Darbyshire Hall, didn't invite me, I have something for you." I opened the wrapping slowly. It was a charm bracelet. "How did you buy it?" I wondered.
"Well since I never left my room, it was up to Matthew to get it for me, ain't it Faithy." I blushed. Matthew had grown...affectionte more then a cousin should, towards me.
"It's going to be a sad day. I can feel it in the air, Faithy...it's like, lighting,never know when the sadness is going to hit you." David mumbled, and sat down in his chair.
There was a bang, and Julian came running towards us. "Miss Faith? Miss Elizabeth, wants your, right away!" puffed, and dragged me along with him.
Something was wrong as I entered the parlor. Everyone was quite, and sad. Even Emily looked upset.
"My dear, someone sent this. From Dumark." Dumark! I cried, Daddy! I took the letter from, Grandpa, and opened it. My heart dropped like it was stone. I had to read it, then read it again. Shawn took it from me, and stiffled a cry. "Blimy, no!"
The Letter read:
Miss Faith O'Leery,
Your father has been ill for some time now, and despite efforts to reach you, you have not replied, and he has expected this.
Two night ago, he passed away from Prostate cancer, and wanted you to have this for your birthday.
Mr. Jack, esquire.
"Faith...Faith...."
Matthew started. No! NO! this couldn't be happening! Not my Daddy! my only link to the past! NO! I pushed Matthew and Shawn out of the way, and ran upstairs into my room. Grandpa came up after me.
"Faith, dear, I'm sorry...really, I am." He patted my arm.
"I'm an orphan! I'm nobodie!" I sreamed, and sobbed again
"NO you are note! You are my grandaughter, Faith, andI'm very proud of you. I'm glad that I have at least one un-spoiled granddaughter. I only wish you would change your name to Morgantile. But,I like the O'Leery in you, too." Grandpa kissed my cheek, and left. About an hour later, Matthew came in.
"Faithy...Shawn said goodbye. He had to go." He whispered. I nodded. I still couldn't talk.
"Poor Faithy....my poor poor leprachaun" Matthew rubbed my back, and kissed my cheeks. "I'm sorry that his had to happen to you." he kissed my lips. I was shocked. Of coruse cousing DID that, but....
Matthew's hands slipped to my bosom, and even though I knew it was wrong, I couldn't help but wait to see what he would do next. My head snapped into gear.
"Matthew stop it!" I blinked my eyes. He dropped his hands, and glared.
"damn it Faith, don't you say, you don't want this to happen. I love you!" Matthew cried.
"Matthew, your my cousin..."
"So? It's not fair!, I loved you Faith from the moment I saw you on that stupid ladder. And I will never stop loving you!" and with that, Matthew ran away. I sat there. I coudn't deny the feelings I shared. But they were wrond..incestous...I fell asleep.

But I woke up quickly. I couldnt' sleep. I went into the libary, and I saw a book with letters in it...letters addressed to Faith O'Leery!
I opened them. They were from Daddy! And Shawn! and Diane! all of them! Hidden in this book! But why? I turned the book over. Property of, Patrick Morgantile! I was furious. I stalked up to Uncle Patricks room. "UNCLE PATRICK!" I screamed. He opened the door
"Faith!"
"What are THESE?!" I shrieked. He turned pale. "Faith, I"
"HOW DARE YOU! I Hate you! I hate you!" I stamped my foot,and clenched my fists, and he winces, as they hit my sides. "He DIED thinking I didn't care for him!"
"Faith, you were getting so happy. I...I didn't want your brother, or your father making you upset, so I hid them."
"Now I know where Emily gets her mean streak from!" I screamed, and ran away. I would never ever forget Uncle patrick, NEVER! I ran down the stairs, and out the door. I was running towards the Sea. I could hear Daddy laughing, as I used to dash towards it, then scream when the waves coming. Never again, never again will he do that, because of Uncle Patrick!
I stopped at the edge.
"I LOVE YOU DADDY!" I screamed. I heard the echo come back towards me. "I LOVE YOU MOTHER!" I screamed for both, my real mother and momma. I took a stick and drew in the sand a big heart. then I wrote
IN LOVING MEMORY, THOMAS, GRACE and ELIZA. Then I turned to walk away. Then i went back, and wrote
O'LEERY

A Compromise

I fingered the watch Daddy had given me. I loved it with all my heart. I had for given Uncle Patrick, but not forgiven him. Matthew went away, with me thinking, about him, in ways I wish I didn't. Grandmother came up to me.
"I think it's time Faith."
"Time for what?"
"You to become a proper lady. Come this Fall, you will attend the school in London. With Emily. No more public school." Grandmother said.
Leave? For London? But that would mean, I would have to leave Ireland, the sea, Daddy and Momma, and my real mother, and David! And to go to school with Emily!
"No! I don't want to!" I cried.
"It's for your own good. Emily benifted, and so will you."
"I'll learn to be a self centered person, no thank you"
"Fine. a compromise. You want so despertaly to have my respect, and treat you as indivual. Not as Child, but as Faith, no? You want to see David, all the time but I forbade it right? You want to see that hill billy brother of yours, right? Go to London, and you can have all of that, and more."
To see David when ever I wish, and Shawn too! And I yearned Grandmothers love...and respect. to leave Ireland? I sighed. It wasn't the same love and respect I wanted, or needed, but, it was a start.
"Alright. I'll leave with them."
Grandmother looked with a self satisfied smile.
"I knew you would." she said

ON the way to London, I let my mind wonder. How would it be like? Emily was mad, that I was coming, and David was mad becaus I sold myself to the devil. But, I imagined grand partys, me learning how to be a lady!
I could hear the waves crashing on the shore, as Daddy lifted me up on his shoulders.
"You know what, Darlin?" Daddy would ask
"What daddy?"
"You Me'dear are a specail lady, Great things will happen to ye Faith. I may not be there to see you down here, when they happen, but, I'll be watching from above. Keep the sea, close to ye Faith. The little people talk to you through there."
I clutched my sea formed colored rock. This was my sea, for the time being. Everything would turn out okay.. I could see hope on the horizon. It looked like Daddy's smile. I smiled back, whispered, "I love you Daddy," and fell asleep, with my fiddling music in my head, and my family in my heart