Welcome to Montana

Welcome To Montana

By: Emma

Chapter One

Dear Mama and Papa,

I and Peter are in Montana now. We decided to move here since we found out that Peter’s parents bought a lawn and it is enough room for some fields, a barn, and nice old house. Peter says it will be just fine. I hope so.

Love your nicely well daughter,

Gabriella

I stepped off the train with my bags. Some men carried Peter’s car off and set it down. Peter put our bags in the trunk and we got in. Peter drove us to town to buy nails, and stuff we needed to make our new home. Peter came back with three or four trucks carrying our furniture and told them where to bring our stuff. We drove to the open field. And it was surely wide. The grass was growing tall. There were some fences that were alright but had a faded color and there were a lot that were broken. The men put our stuff down in our yard and rode back to town. Peter turned, “Go rest by that tree Gabriella, this will take a while.” Said Peter. I walked over to a tree and lay down to go to sleep. I laid there looking up at the sky. And finally closed my eyes.

“Gabriella! Gabriella!” said Peter. He shook me awake and I sat up. “I got the place done expect for the barn but all I have to do is the roof and I will be done.” Said Peter. I looked at the log house. It was beautiful! Peter had built a chimney too! I hugged Peter. “It is beautiful Peter!” I said. He put his arm around me. “This life will be perfect, won’t it be Gabriella?” asked Peter. “Yep.” I said.

That night we had slept on the floor but the next morning Peter went right to work. I walked down the road and saw a house. I knocked on the door and a woman with strange black curly hair opened the door. “Hello, my name is Gabriella Jones. We just moved in down the street.” I said. “Oh you are Mrs. Jones?” asked the woman. “Yes ma’m.” I said. “Come in.” she said. I walked in. “My name is Marcy, Marcy John. I’m married to Karl John, he is from England.” Said the woman. “Oh that is my hometown!” I exclaimed. “Well maybe you might just know him.” Said Marcy. I looked at her lovely furniture. “What a nice house.” I said. “Well thank you.” Said Marcy. We sat on the couch talking. When I looked outside. “Oh! Peter should have finished the house by now and have the furniture in! And maybe the roof of our barn is done! He is at the shop buying some animals!” I said. I stood up and ran out the door and went home. When I got home I was right, Peter was in the barn feeding the animals. I made some soup and while I was making dinner, Peter went out to plow the field. He mowed the lawn while he plowed and made a fence. When he finally came in dinner was ready. I sat down at the table to eat. Peter looked through the paper. “You are looking for a job?” I asked. “Nope some more furniture!” said Peter. I laughed. “We have enough Peter!” I said. “Well what about the baby?” asked Peter. Oh did I forget to tell you I was pregnant? Well now you know. “Oh yeah.” I said. I looked at my stomach. “But we have a while Peter.” I said. “The wheat and grapes and corn got planted.” Said Peter. “Well good but we need that thingy to clean the milk.” I said. Peter nodded. He then folded the paper. “You coming to bed?” asked Peter. “Yes.” I said. I took the plates and placed them in a bucket and walked upstairs. Peter stayed behind locking the door and blowing out candles. I dressed into my night gown and got into my bed and fell asleep.

The next morning, Peter was awake before me. I got dressed in a yellow sundress and walked downstairs. I took me some leftover soup and ate it. When I came out the fence was done! Peter was scurrying the sheep into a pen. “Go on!” he said. I looked over to the left and there was a windmill then there was something to make the milk clear. I forgot what it is called. I sat down on the porch. Peter came and gave me a shaver. “Well if you are going to shave those sheep you better go on and do it.” Said Peter. So I carried a stool over and shaved the sheep. I placed it into a basket and when I was done, I carried it inside. Then I took a needle and thread and started to sew a blanket for the baby, which was two weeks away. Who knew maybe the baby would come early. Peter contacted a doctor and got her address. I sat on the couch for many more hours when Peter said, “Let’s go to church.” I put my stuff down and pulled on a white sweater, combed my hair and pulled on my high heels. Then I pulled on a yellow bonnet and went into the car we drove to church which was made out of cobblestones. I looked at it as I got out. I knew church would at least be good.

Chapter Two

Dear Nana,

Peter has finally finished the house and furniture! Now all we need to expect is this October’s harvesting and the baby! But mama says not to rush being a mother is hard and of course I believe her nana so don’t go around saying it is Gabriella! I mean come on I am 24-

I looked up from what I was writing and put it away, the baby was coming. I ran inside. “PETER! GET THE DOCTOR!” I said. Peter ran down the street I got in bed and breathed. The doctor, Dr. Mike came in. His two X-wives, Marie and Laura came in as nurses. “Go get me a basket with blankets and some newspapers!” said Dr. Mike. He took my hand. “Breath.” He said. I breathed in and out. Laura came in with a basket and Marie with the newspaper. Dr. Mike placed the newspaper between my legs. “No push!” he said. As I pushed I thought I was going to throw up. “It’s a boy!” said Dr. Mike. I sighed a sigh of relieve. Dr. Mike washed the baby and brought him in with a diaper. I held him and looked over him. Then the doctor got a blanket and gave it to me. I wrapped him up in a blanket. Peter came in and walked over to the bed. “Peter, this is your son.” I said. “What should we name him?” asked Peter. “Jeremy?” I asked. “No.” said Peter. “Kyle?” I asked. “No.” said Peter. Then I remembered saying he always wanted to name his son Carter. “Carter?” I asked. “Yes!” said Peter. He looked at Carter. He then handed him back. Dr. Mike cleaned up. “Make sure to take good care of that boy Mr. and Mrs. Jones.” Said Dr. Mike. “Thank you.” We both said. “My pleasure.” Said Dr. Mike. He tipped his hat and went out. I gave Carter some milk and then I got Peter to ride off the town. He came back with a blue and green baby suit, a hat, jacket, mittens, shoes, and then a bib. I pulled the little green and blue baby suit on him and looked over him. “Carter.” I said. I rubbed my nose against his and put his bib on him. He drooled and I laughed.

Chapter Three

Dear Mama, Papa, and Nana,

The baby finally arrived! It’s a boy and his name is Carter. He is now two weeks old by the time you get this letter. Peter was happy it was boy because now he had help in the fields. Well not yet but when he turns four Peter is going to teach him to work and plow. I said not to be too hard and he nodded. I guess men aren’t as snotty as I thought. Peter is a darling Nana, Mama and Papa I expect to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Gabriella, Carter, and Peter

“Ow!” I said. I looked at my pricked finger as Carter crawled on the porch playing with his new toy cars. I rubbed my finger. Peter came up with the wheat. “I’m about to go get the fruit and veggies.” Said Peter. I nodded. I picked up Carter and a basket. “I’m going to get the eggs.” I said. I walked to the barn and picked the eggs. Eight from Cariole, two from Claire, Nine from Carrie, and one from Marie. I brought the eggs and Carter inside and set the eggs on the kitchen counter. Peter came in with the corn. “Milk is in the clearer.” Said Peter. “Good.” I said. I looked around and grabbed a bucket and handed it to Peter. “I need nine pumps.” I said. Peter took the bucket and went outside. “Waa!” cried Carter. “Shush.” I said. I dabbed his mouth with his bib. Peter came inside. Then he ran towards the clearer for the milk. I put some water into a small tub and placed a orange, giant sponge in there. I then took off Carter’s clothes and diaper and placed him in. I washed him and his hair and then dried him. I put on a new diaper and his clothes and then I took out the sponge. I walked upstairs and laid Carter down for a nap. Then I came back down and took the veggies and fruit and washed them. Then I took a glass bowl and put them in. Then I took the corn and washed that and put it into another bowl. Then I took the milk and put it into a cupboard with paper covering the bottom. There was also ice all in it. I put the milk in there and closed the cupboard. Peter came in and took off his hat. Then he got in his car and rode to town to get the curtains I asked him for. I took a bowl and took the corn. Then I cut the corn off the cob and placed them in. I got some more water and took some patios’. Then I cut them up and placed them in. I took some chicken and cut it up and then placed it in. I put it on the stove and turned it on. Peter came in with curtains and some logs. He lit a fire as I hung up the curtains. I placed that lunch into some bowls and took some spoons and placed it on each bowl [Carter’s bowl was almost the size of a three year olds hand]. I then sat down to eat. Then Peter came. Carter sat up. “Waa!” I stood up from the table and went to get Carter I placed him in his high chair and let him eat then I sat down to eat. Peter went outside and I picked up Carter and placed him on the floor. I let him play with his cars as I took the washboard and started scrubbing. Rinse, scrub, scrub, rinse, scrub, scrub, rinse I repeated over and over and over again. I then washed the dishes, dried them and put them up in the cupboards. Peter ran in soaking wet and closed the door. I had all the clothes placed by the door. “What happened?” I asked. Carter sat up and clapped. “Wa!” said Carter. He held a note out to me. “From your parents.” Said Peter. I took the note and it said

Dear Gabriella,

The newspaper asked if you would do a newspaper add. You would get paid 35.00 every month. I hope you are having fun as your pinnorre life. I hope that soon we can come but for now here is forty-five dollars.

Sincerely,

Mama, Papa, and Nana

I screamed. “What?” asked Peter. I showed him the forty-five dollars. Peter’s eyes widened. We can finally get an air conditioned house and pay off our bills!” said Peter. He looked outside, grabbed the money and rode to town. I smiled and picked up Carter. “Hear that Carter? You will finally be cooled off from the sun!” I said. I kissed his little small cheek.

Chapter Four

                     England’s News

By: Gabriella Jones in Montana          

Sometimes I wondered what would happen if I lived in Montana put now I know. Everyone is here, happy and I am happy with my new one!

“So this is Carter?” asked Hattie. “Yes.” I said. Peter sent me over to Marcy’s so he could get the new house built. “You are no problem Mrs. Jones.” Said Marcy. “Truly, the children love you!” said Marcy. I smiled. “Same thing my Aunt Carrie said.” I said. Marcy chuckled. Chase looked at Carter. “Are you sure is two months? He looks younger.” Said Chase. “Chase!” scolded Marcy. I touched Marcy’s hand. “It’s alright, same thing I would say if I were him.” I said. Marcy turned back to me. “So when is the house supposed to be done?” asked Marcy. “You’re not trying to get rid of me are you?” I asked. “No! Just for you know, in case it gets too late. Or you head home too early.” Said Marcy. “Five o’clock.” I said. Marcy’s eyes widened. “That’s right now Mrs. Jones!” she said. I sat up in alarm and got up. “It was nice to visit but I got to go.” I said. “Good-bye Mrs. Jones.” Said Marcy. I walked outside and got in the car. I drove to the house. There, instead of my little wood house was a two story, white house. There were some blinds and some brown front steps. There were two white bench swings on both sides of the porch. The windows had flowers sills and I knew now I could plant my flowers by my windows. The men rode by. Peter ran up. “Come on Gabriella!” said Peter. “Ok.” I said. I drove to the side of the house, parked and got out. I picked up Carter and ran inside. I stepped inside and a cold breeze flew upon me. My books were on real shelves! I looked around and took in a breath. Carter, for some reason sat up and clapped his hands. “Yea!” he said. I looked at Carter then at Peter. “What?” I laughed. “Book!” he said. I looked at Peter, he looked at me. “His first word!” I said. “Book!” repeated Carter. I laughed. Now it was just plain old funny.

That evening, I settled down with a book, with Carter asleep and Peter out in the fields I was perfect, sipping some tea. Then I felt myself chill. I looked outside and a blizzard was on. I pulled on a coat, gloves, and a hat. Then I ran to get some logs. When I came in, I stopped dead in my tracks. Carter! I ran upstairs. Carter sat up in his crib crying, his nose was red. I picked him up and wrapped him in a blanket. I put his hat on him and I carried him downstairs. I placed the logs in the fireplace and lit them. I then settled down. Where was Peter? Did he die? Did he get lost in the blizzard? Then I remember the animals. I placed Carter down and led the animals into the barn. I rushed inside and was freezing. I turned the temapture in the house to warm. Then I picked up Carter.

It was two in the morning, Carter was asleep, but Peter was still gone. I finally locked the door, blew out the candles and went upstairs for bed. Things were scary tonight, though I didn’t know what. I settled down and went to sleep.

Chapter Five

                                        England’s News

When I was young my mama always said being a mother is hard and I agree, with Carter and Peter and about to have another one this is tough. I hope it isn’t another boy. But if it is I will still love him. I also feel happy and confident with myself when I’m outside watching my little boy, plow. I love to plant my roses and picked my strawberries, grapes, oranges, and apples. I love to plant and collect eggs. And on some spring days when I’m done with my chores I will head to my friend’s house to have tea. Or I will sit on my porch and read. The exciting thing is that I finally got a mailbox. And yesterday a new calve was born, we named her Carrie the second. Peter said we should name her after her mother. I am still happy since, Peter built another room in the house. One for Carter’s bedroom and one for my art studio. I finally bought a typewriter, but I don’t use it much. My mother gave me a sewing machine for my birthday last November. But now it is spring and there is a LOT to be done. I’m so proud of myself. When I came here, I had Carter in my stomach. And now he is four, and now I’m with another one! Well man my life is getting harder and harder.

I picked some eggs. “Come on push!” said Peter. Carter pulled on the corn cob. “Again!” said Peter. I laughed. And set the eggs on the porch. I sat down on a stool and milked my cow. Then I took all the milk from my cows and poured it into the cleaner. I went inside, brought out yesterday laundry and began to wash it on the wash board. I pinned it to the clothes line and when I was done I picked some apples and oranges. I took another basket, picked the fruit and vegabtles. And then I brought it all inside. I took the bucket outside and poured the milk in. Then I brought it inside and put it into our new installed fridge. I looked out the window as I washed my dishes. I smiled. It was nice to know Carter could help his father. I wanted him to be strong like Peter. I looked back at the dishes, dried the plates and cups and put them up. Then I started on the bowls, wash, wash, scrub, scrub, wash, wash, dry, dry I went over and over again. Finally when I was done I put up the bowls and took the broom and swept the floor. I washed the windows and water my window flowers. I hung new white lacy curtains and went to paint the living room green. I put new sheets on the beds and then I folded the beds. I took the laundry I had taken off the clothesline and folded it. I put away blankets in the hallway closet. Then I put away clothes. I washed the fruit and vegabtles and then put them in the class bowl. Peter and Carter came in carrying the corn, wheat, and dough and watermelon. I washed everything and the boys went off to plow the lawn, and then put new seeds in. Then I saw a man holding a golden retriever pup, and with a rope leash, the puppy’s mother. He yelled, “Anyone want these dogs?” yelled the man. I ran outside and Peter and Carter came up. “We do!” said Carter. He looked at us. “So you’re the only kid so far?” asked the man. “Nope my mama is seven weeks pregnant.” Said Carter. “Nice to meet you sir, I’m Mrs. Gabriella Jones. And this here is my husband Peter Jones and this is our son, Carter Jones.” I said. “Nice to meet you sir.” Said Peter. He shook the man’s hand. “Nice to meet you all.” Said the man. “James B. Wheaton.” Said the man. He handed me the pup and the rope leash to Peter. “Good-bye!” said Mr. Wheaton and went away. I took the puppy out. “Carter, got get that tub in the sink.” I said. “Yes mama.” Said Carter and he ran into the house. He came out and he filled the tub with water, that afternoon we spent our time bathing the dogs. When we were finally done it was seven o’clock. We headed inside and I washed the water out and got new water into the tub. I placed it back in the sink and we sat on the couch with the dogs. “Should we name the mama Betsy?” asked Carter. “That’s a wonderful name Carter.” I said. “The mother’s name is Betsy then.” Said Peter. Peter looked at me. “What should we name the boy Gabriella?” he asked. I looked at the puppy. “Well… I think his name should be Spencer.” I said. Peter nodded. “His name is Spencer.” Said Peter. We sat down to have corn on the cob and we blew out the fire. We locked the doors and blew out the candles. I tucked in Carter and went upstairs to bed.

The next morning, I lay in bed breathing hard. There was Dr. Mike again, helping me give birth again. “It’s a girl!” said Dr. Mike. But I still breathed hard. “And a boy!” said Dr. Mike. I had a half man lash woman? I looked over and saw it was twins. They washed them and put diapers on them. Then they handed them to me. Peter and Carter came in. I let Carter sit down and hold the boy. Then his father held the boy and he held the girl. Then Peter held the girl and handed them to me. “The girl is Carly.” I said. “And the boy is….” Said Carter. “Bobby!” said Peter. “Yeah, Bobby.” Said Carter. Peter got some new clothes and I put them on the babies. Then I fed them milk and the next day, I was up again, I didn’t paint for a while. Especially since I had twins. I didn’t work nor did I paint.

After one year, Carly and Bobby were crawling. Carly had blond hair like me and Bobby had brown hair like Peter. Carly’s first words were “Dog” and Bobby’s was “Ball”, Betsy was older and now Spencer was the size of a dad. And down the street was his girlfriend, Francine. Carly sat on the porch playing with her rag doll and Bobby played with Carter’s old cars. I stood on the porch, with a canvas and my paint. I was painting the sunset. And then I remember the kids, I looked over and saw Carter and Peter in the fields. Carly and Bobby asleep. I stopped painting and picked up Carly and Bobby. This was how it was to live in Montana. This was my brand new life.

About this story and author

Emma, was nine when she wrote this story. Emma was inspired about her favorite praie book and her favorite one Hattie Big Sky. When Emma came up with the name Gabriella she was thinking of her friend’s name, but when her friend was growing up they called her Gabby.