Charley’s fourth birthday marked a major turning point in her life. Β Her mother unexpectedly went into labor. Β At the age of forty-three, Ellen hadn’t had a menstrual cycle in eighteen months and of late had gained a few pounds. Β She’d been extremely moody and fractious about her weight gain and loss of sexuality so her husband had steered clear of the sensitive subject
Coincidentally, Charley awoke with a fever and cough. Β When Ellen’s screaming started, Charles did an exam and found her in labor. Β Cora took Charley to Geneva’s house. Ellen Β gave birth to a seven-month baby girl after twenty-four hours of bloody labor. Β The baby was tiny, but perfect. Β Ellen was ecstatic. Β “I finally have a daughter.”
“Ellen, this is our second daughter. Β Don’t forget Charley.” Β Charles reminded her.
“I never had a girl named Charley. Β That’s crazy. Β I finally have my little girl. Β My life is perfect.” Β Ellen was euphoric. Β Her eyes glittered strangely.
“No, Ellen, Cora took our girl Charlotte to your mother’s house while you were in labor. Β This is our second daughter.” Β Charles persisted. Β I need to send Cora for Charley now you’ve delivered.”
“Cora’s not going anywhere. Β I need her. Β I don’t have a girl. Β Let me rest. Β Have Cora wake me when the baby needs nursing. Β I think I want to name this one Charlotte after you since she’ll be the last.”
“Ellen, are you trying to tell me you don’t remember our little girl?” Β He feared her mind was unhinged.
“This is my daughter. Β Now, let me rest, Charles.” Β Ellen closed her eyes. “Don’t be talking to me about another baby. Β I won’t have you mocking me.”
Charles left the room puzzling over his wife. Β He’d seen baby-blues before, and heard of madness after giving birth, though he’d never actually seen it. Β He hoped Ellen would rally after rest. Β She’d always been high-strung and subject to mood swings, but this was delusional. Β Surely she’d rally when Charley came home.
Geneva called for him to come see to Charley. Β As soon as he saw her, he knew she’d contracted measles. Β “Miss Geneva, I am so sorry to put this on you, but I can’t bring her in the house with a new baby. Β Can you keep her if I get someone in to help? Β I’d send Cora but Ellen and the new baby are keeping her tied up. Β Ellen seems a little confused and I don’t want her alone with the baby.”
“Of course, Charley will be fine here. Β My help Birdie’s daughter Josie has already said she’ll help us out. Β What’s wrong with Ellen? She’s always been notion. Β Her daddy spoiled her so.Β Is the baby okay?” Β Now Geneva was really worried.
“The baby is tiny, but I think she’ll be alright. Β We’ve got her in a basket on the radiator, so she’s warm. Β Cora’s waking her every two hours to feed and she’s always hungry. Β That’s good. Β Frankly, Ellen worries me. Β She doesn’t remember Charley. Β She says this is her first girl and wants to name her Charlotte. Β I believe she will come to her senses in a day or two, but I am worried.” Β Charles poured his worries out.,
“”One of my aunts was real queer after a baby. Β She kept saying it wasn’t hers and she didn’t want anything to do with it. Β She swore her husband had brought one of his women’s babies in. Β Poor Wilbur sure was hurt hearing her say that. Β He hadn’t ever been anything but good to her. Β She finally came around but it was nearly six weeks. Β Most of the time she did good after that, but she did have a few bad spells over the the years. Β Ellen will do after her female problems settle down. Β I sure hope so.” Β Geneva’s words worried him. Β He didn’t know if hearing the family history made him feel better or worse.
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