Aunt Gertrude

A short story by
Angela Raines

"How's the Little Parasite today?" Aunt Gertrude asked as she walked into the kitchen.

I hated to be called a parasite. She constantly called me that. It was not my fault my parents got themselves killed. She took me in when no one else would. She never stopped telling me the story and making me feel less than a person. I was constantly hearing her say "You will do what I say. If it weren't for me you would be dead. You should be thankful instead of complaining about what little work I have you do."

It was so bad that I heard those words in my sleep. Little Parasite,
Little Parasite. My name was Charity. Why couldn't she just call me by my name? "Little Parasite, you better get this kitchen cleaned up. The floor is a mess."

I looked at her and the next thing I knew she was swinging the birch switch again.

"I told you not to look at me. I can't stand the site of you. Now get back to work."

I dropped my eyes and moved to mop the floor. As I sloshed the water on the floor I got a glimpse of myself. I didn't see anything that bad about me. As I looked at my reflection I heard Gertrude heading my way. She sounded like a freight train, puffing and puffing. I wondered what had her so worked up.

I took the mop and sloshed more water on the floor. Then I heard her right in front of me. I dared a glance and saw her start to slip on the water.

"Give me your hand!" She demanded.

I put my hand out, but it was wet and her hand slipped from mine. As she started to fall I looked into her eyes. She looked frightened. I felt a surge go through me. She was scared and falling. I started to put my hand out, but then I pulled it back. As she went down she was cursing me.

"My name is Charity, say it. Charity, Charity, Charity!" Each time I said my name it became louder and louder as I watched her fall.

As her eyes rolled back in her head I heard her whisper, "Little Parasite."

This work of fiction is the sole property of the author Doris McCraw. No portion may be used without the authors permission. The story may be passed along with this information contained in its entirety.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Autumn Creek Part 1

by Angela Raines When I arrived on the stage it was a cold, over cast day. My parents had died the past summer and I found that I could not and did not want to maintain the family farm. Henry had wanted the farm and me. I gave him the choice and he chose the farm. That did little for my self-confidence, but I sold the farm and used the proceeds to the travel to west fork of Autumn Creek in the Colorado Territory. The little settlement on the creek was called Fairview. I was hoping it lived up to its name. The house I had rented site unseen was at the edge of the settlement. It had been the home of a family who had died of the fever three years ago. As I opened the door there was dust everywhere. Still the roof seemed sound and with a bit of work it looked like it would clean up nicely. I had a funds, but they would not last long. I needed to look for a way of earning a living. There was little I could do, but perhaps taking in sewing or maybe cooking. Nice job...
Read more

My "AHA" Book Marketing Moments

Image
 Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines (C) Doris McCraw When my book, "The Outlaw's Letter" was released I had a built-in audience. This was the second book I'd written with a group of authors in their 'Lockets & Lace' series and the third overall. Therefore, a majority of the marketing was a group effort. Yet, I write slowly and my books need a long shelf life, so what could I do? Fate provided some interesting lessons. The first came from a friend. My friend Dianne, who has an online store:  Blanche's Place  told me she'd contacted the town of Tin Cup about possibly carrying the book. Talk about an eye-opener. I hadn't thought about people wanting to read a story that took place in their town. However, when I thought about it, the idea made sense. I always include real history in the stories so, why not? The second lesson was something Judith Briles,  The Book Shephard  has mentioned more than once. What 'pain' does the story I offer...
Read more

IT'LL LIGHT UP YOUR

Image
Post by Doris McCraw writing as Angela Raines On July 4, 2019, Prairie Rose Publications will be releasing a new anthology, "Hot Western Nights". This 'spicy' collections will help heat up your summer reading or keep you warm as the nights get colder. Amazon I have a story included: 'Duty'. Below is an excerpt: Both Dan and Miranda have made commitments that keep them going on the path life set out for them. Problem is, they may want to start a new one together, but with their 'Duty' can this ever happen? Riding toward the ranch house, as evening approached, Dan took in the corals, barn and bunkhouse. Everything appeared in even better shape than it seemed when he looked it over before riding down. Like a small town with a road through the middle, with gates at each end. But it was quiet, too quiet. For a second time today Dan called out, as he closed the gate behind him, "Hello?" He heard a door open at the side of the h...
Read more