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The Damned Neighbors

by Beck Fenton © 2005

Mother made me take the last of our eggs to the Mc Brides. I didn’t want to do it. I’d thought that I would make a cake for the festival tomorrow. A giant white cake with cooked frosting to be auctioned off at the feasting. Jamie loved white cake and I loved Jamie. Mother stamped her foot at me when I balked.

“You’re an ingrate! How did I raise such a spoiled brat? Get ye over there and I’ll be adding the pat of butter you were savin’ for that fancy cake of yours.”

Mother’s face turned pink with her rising temper. She began slamming the doors as she went down into the cellar for my butter and eggs. I didn’t dare cry for Mother would give me a reason to howl. She handed me my basket, then crossed her arms across her chest, watching me with fierce intensity.

“Yes’um, “ I mumbled, “I’m dreadful sorry I am.” The words would hardly get past my tongue, but Mother heard them for she turned and went back to her own preparations for tomorrow.

The path was well worn. My family had given more than our share of food and clothes to the Mc Brides. I was glad this was the last trip I had to make. The woods seemed darker today, quieter without birdsong to cheer me. It was always like this before the festival, but I never could get used to the silence. Mother would grunt when I used to complain that it was scary.

“The birds will be singing again tomorrow after the feast. Nothin’ scary about it. You’ll have people thinkin’ you’re daft if ye don’t hush about these fancies a’yours.”

Sari was wearing my favorite blue dress when I arrived. It was too tight in the waist, but I had to admit that her chest had filled out more than mine. She was sitting in the swing watching me, her red hair shining like an expensive kettle. She didn’t offer to take my basket, so I went up and knocked on the door. Mrs. Mc Bride hollered me into the cabin.

I found her changing Clarence‘s piddled pants. Four years he was and still wet himself. I stared at his face to see if he would smile, but he didn’t. Mrs. Mc Bride finished and let him continue crawling around the floor. I handed over the basket with the customary greeting.

“Tis a blessin’ ta give.”

I was shocked when she didn’t respond. Shocked. Mother would have had a fit if she were here. I watched as she dumped the basket onto the floor, breaking the eggs. The butter rolled and Clarence grabbed it in his dirty hands starting to gnaw at it as if it were sweet dough. His fat fingers squeezed the soft ball until it covered his hands. I felt tears pricking my eyes and lowered my head so she couldn’t see how shamed I felt for her.

She hissed as she threw the basket into the fire. I had to run out into the yard. Sari was waiting for me. Standing up she looked older than her years. Her body had almost doubled this year. Thanks to our blessing her so much, I was sure.

“Will ya be there?” Sari asked.

“A’course,” I answered. “Are you daft? We all have to be there.”

“Do ya like the white or dark meat?”

I thought a moment. Sari was poking where she shouldn’t, but she was also favored. I couldn’t even imagine what mother would say to her. I could only run away. It seemed like that’s all I did lately. Run away.

Mother’s eyes squinted when I told her about my visit. Never had anyone insulted the giving. Never. Everyone accepted the ritual as necessary.

“Mrs. Mc Bride will find some fires burn hotter than others,” Mother whispered to me.”

“And Sari and Clarence?”

“Ach, don’t worry about the babes. They are the true sacrifice. Favored they be, but that’s to the good of the ritual. They must burn quickly and be eaten as fast as possible. The meat from the mam may be a bit tougher, so a slow roasting be needed to bring out the juices.”

I leaned against mother’s knee and she brushed my hair. I wasn’t angry anymore. I was wondering which I preferred. White or dark meat.

x x x




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