Portrait of Jenny 

Jenny frantically looked around for a place to run, but Sophie spoke up before she could do so. "Mother, this is my friend, Jenny."

"Jenny, you say?" the older woman said. She tightened the comb with both hands that was keeping her bun of reddish brown hair in place. "Where did she come from?"

"Some faraway place," Sophie said in an excited tone. "Ole Scurvy here scared her. Then when I came in the barn I found her here."

"Oh, the poor dear," she said, coming towards Jenny, but she backed up a little. "It's alright, dear. You're welcome. The name's Maudene Gamgie." She held out a hand to Jenny.

She took it reluctantly. "Thank you," she said in a quiet voice.

Maudene looked over at Sophie. "Well, now. You know what this means." Sophie looked at her mother puzzled. "It means all those tall tales your father tells is true... Well, maybe."

Jenny looked relieved, but she was still on edge. She didn't feel comfortable without her inhibitor. "I need to find my friends. They're here somewhere. I know it."

"There will be plenty of time for that," Maudene said. "For right now, I think you need a good night's rest, and supper will be on soon."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Jenny said. "Without my bracelet to disguise my appearance it could be dangerous. I don't want to put your family at risk."

"There is no risk, young lady," Maudene insisted. "Now, come along. Supper is served promptly at six, and there will be no late comers."

Jenny reluctantly followed Maudene and Sophie into the house. She didn't take two steps in, when two young boys came charging at her. Jenny gasped but was able to dodge the rough-housing boys.

"Jack! Michael!" Sophie yelled. "Stop it right now!"

"Sorry, Sophie," they both said at the same time. They didn't give Jenny a second glance. "Don't pay them any mind, Jenny."

"Who are they?" Jenny asked.

"My two youngest brothers," Sophie announced. "Jack is five, and Michael is six. He was named after Uncle Mike. Sometimes I think he acts like him as well."

"Uncle Mike?" Jenny asked.

"Michael Thomason, Aunt Laela's husband," she said in answer to Jenny's question. "He's off on some adventure. I sometimes wish he had taken the boys with him."

Jenny laughed at that. "I'm an only child, so I really don't know what it's like to have siblings."

"Okay, you girls get washed up for supper," Maudene said. Sophie took Jenny by the hand and led her outside. They both washed their hands and faces as someone approached. Jenny looked up to see a girl about her own age come towards them. She had blonde hair that was slightly curled that seemed to get darker at the tips. It was tied up at the sides with two small red bows. She wore a dark pink flower dress and a pair of white boots. "Mother says dinner's ready," she said. The girl stared at Jenny in shock.

"Amelia," Sophie said, which made Amelia jump. "This is my new friend, Jenny."

"I see," she said, still staring at the blue-skinned girl. Amelia backed away slowly, and then ran into the house.

"Who was that?" Jenny asked in confusion.

"Oh, that was just my sister, Amelia," Sophie said, not paying any mind to her sister's behavior.

Jenny had a worried look on her face. "Maybe it's not a good idea that I stay here. I saw the way your sister looked at me."

"Don't worry about Amelia," Sophie said with a smile. "She gets upset if one hair is out of place."

"Sounds like my friend Millie," Jenny said with a little laugh. Her mood turned lighter, but she was still worried.

Sophie laughed too, but remembered how late it was getting. "We better get inside," she said and took Jenny's hand and led her through the back door. Jenny was still reluctant as she took each step.

To Be Continued...  

Once again. Thanks for reading. There's more to come.