Farmerettes by Gisela Sherman Read Free Book Online Page B

calmly.
    Jean watched his mouth as he comforted Tessie with sweet nothings. She wondered what it would be like to kiss those lips. They were just good friends, but Jean was ready for more. Still, she’d never chase him like the other girls did.
    Once Tessie relaxed, Johnny prodded her belly. “Feels like the calf is turned the wrong way. No wonder she’s having trouble.” He rinsed his hands in a pail and pushed his right arm into her to confirm his diagnosis. Then carefully, firmly, Johnny reached in the other arm too and maneuvered the calf into position.
    â€œThat should help,” he said, wiping the slime off his hands. “Hopefully tomorrow.”
    â€œThanks.” Jean stifled a yawn.
    Johnny looked at her with concern. “It should get easier with the farmerettes here.”
    Jean rolled her eyes. “A few princesses signed in today. One wanted to know where she could take a bubble bath.”
    Johnny laughed. “She’s lucky you didn’t send her into the horse trough.”
    Jean laughed too. “Once they get used to things, they’ll be fine.”
    Johnny patted Tessie again and asked, “Any word from Rob?”
    â€œFinally. A field service postcard arrived Friday with one sentence written in German. I am a POW in German hands and am well. He’s in Stalag VIII-B. The Red Cross ladies promised to send him a food parcel.”
    â€œAt least he’s alive, hopefully well,” he said. “I should get going. Early start tomorrow. Dick Pratt enlisted, and I promised to help him fix his barn roof before he leaves.”
    Jean couldn’t miss the longing in his voice. She knew how badly he wanted to go too. “You’re playing baseball Saturday?”
    He nodded. “See you there.” With a last pat on Tessie’s rump, he said goodnight and left.
    Jean watched him climb onto his horse and ride down the lane and noticed some farmerettes also eyeing him. She shook her head, yawned, and headed for the chicken coop.
    Isabel
    Isabel lay in the dark, wishing that the last group of girls would stop giggling and whispering. What could be so funny about these little cots still smelling of disinfectant? She missed her own comfortable bed and pretty room. Some creature was making a chirping racket outside, and the girl beside her snored.
    She was tired, but she lay rigid and sleepless. Every time her eyes closed, she saw that vicious rooster again. Why did anyone keep such beasts on a farm? And there was so much excrement here—piled behind the barn in a disgusting heap and lying around the barnyard for anyone to fall into.
    She had felt so humiliated, sitting in that reeking mess, everyone thinking she was a baby. She shouldn’t have pushed away the offer of help, but for a second, that girl had reminded her of Gloria, always so helpfully superior. Were Mom and her sisters right? Was she not strong enough for this?
    If only she could hug Billy, even for a moment, everything would feel better. Where was he now? In some cold, lumpy army cot, wanting her too? Or on a deadly mission, holding brave against the enemy? She had no excuse to feel sorry for herself.
    Was that a sob, she heard nearby? Could someone else feel as lonely as she did tonight? Somewhere outside a dog howled. Isabel pulled the covers around her and hugged her teddy bear as if it were Billy. But still sleep eluded her.
    X
    A few girls still whispered softly, and the spring peepers croaked lustily in the pond outside, but she knew she’d sleep well tonight. Tomorrow was a new start among friendly strangers. She would be normal like these other girls, get rid of her shameful sickness. She breathed in the smell of fresh sheets and clean country air, turned on her side, and fell into a peaceful sleep.
    Helene
    Helene lay in her bed, too happy to sleep. Inside she was surrounded by the soft, safe sounds of girls settling down for the night, while outside rang the songs of