Black History Challenge - 1870s - Proctor

Aging is realistic - The seasons amount to 3 months of the year - This story will be real, raw, and graphic. You've been warned. 

Summer 1870 - 

Proctor Household: Elnora Proctor - 48y;  Audra Proctor - 28y;  Neil Chalmers - 35y; Lillian Proctor (Bear) - 18y; Tamika Proctor (Hays) - 8y

5 years since the enslaved were freed - 5 long years. Elnora lookes over at her pride and joy, Audra, with her grandbaby, Tamika. The girls were enjoying a simple game after the morning chores.

Meanwhile Elnora youngest was talking with the Mullins boy. She had high hopes that they would end up together but they fought like brother and sister. Elnora shakes her head at her daughter, the clock was ticking now that she was an young adult and there just wasn't time for these childish games.

The family did count their blessings though as they were able to secure some land from Mr. Rock. He insisted that all freemen call him by his first name though the ladies did not feel right about it and often put a Mr infront of it. But like every quarter he was here from rent and of course Lillian, who was still busy arguing with the Mullins boy.

Rock: Hello Audra, I presume you know why I am here but I was also curious if Lillian was around by chance or did I just miss her?

Audra: O'course Mr. Rock. Lillian is inside if you care to join us while I gather ye money.

Rock: Gladly!

Once inside General Rock thought best he step back outside. A yelling match between the alluring Lillian and annoying Jeffrey Mullins was happening. General Rock looks around the humble home and noticed how not a soul seemed bothered by all this ruckus. 

Thankfully his money was delivered to him quickly but not before Lillian looked up to see him and give a sly smile. His heart did a couple of flips on his way home. 

He knew it was still illegal in the great state of Virginia for him to make an honest woman out of Ms. Lillian but damn if he didn't try.

Early the next morning Elnora had some news for her youngest. 

Elnora: You got a letter in the mail today darling girl.

Lillian: Okay, what is it about?

Elnora: It's from General Rock, as you know, his wife died a few summers ago and he could really use the help around the home, just until he finds a suitable wife for himself and young Buzz. He says he will knock our rent down by 400 dollars! 

By the look on her mothers face Lillian could tell her mother was seriously considering this. 

Lillian: Absolutely not! How could you suggest this? Especially with the life you lived and I watched. 

At this Lillian took off visibly upset. Elnora shook her head once again. "So childish" the wise Elnora thought. 

Lillian spent her days there after reading the latest gossip around town, chores, and heading to the market. She had yet to speak to her mother. 

General Rock phoned at least once a day asking for an answer and Elnora knew she couldn't ignore him any longer.

Elnora: Hello Mr. Rock.. Yes I spoke with her but she hasn't given me an answer.... Mhm, Well hopefully the child comes to her senses...Mhm, al'ight, bye. 

While Elnora was tracking down her estranged daughter Audra was checking the mail to see more bills. She just wanted to know when a break was going to be caught.

Exciting and good things were happening for the Proctor family. Audra was being courted by Neil Chalmers. He was a hard working man. From what Audra understood he worked in the animal care field. He took care of everyones sick animals. 

The couple was moving swiftly. Neil was a widower much like Audra. It seemed they had similar lives 

Meanwhile inside Lillian and Jeffrey were busy yelling about current events.

Lillian: Who cares if the government has added 'holidays' I still have to work 365/24/7!

Jeffrey: You are such a pessimistic princess, I don't know why I come over here!

Lillian: The lord himself knows I wish you wouldn't!

Like children, the two ended up fighting over a different in opinions. The whole family stood around to watch and see who won. 

Spoiler: it was not Lillian.

With Lillian having a couple of bumps and scraps and Neil having very limited medical knowledge he helped clean her up. 

Lillian had seen her sisters boyfriend in passing but she had never really looked at him, now she was stunned. This man was beautiful. Tall with chocolate skin that seemed to gloss in any light. Strong ropey muscles and a smile that made her knees weak. 

Elnora was no fool and quickly noticed Lillian tagging along with her sister and Neil everywhere they went. Elnora makes a call that would forever change her youngest daughter life. 

Lillian: You were Mr. Rocks'? He seems like such a kind master.

Neil: He could be, his father not so much!

Lillian: Oh my!

Audra: Come young one, lets get you into bed. 

Audra throws daggers at her sister for bringing up the topic in front of her daughter. Neil gets up too and heads into the room to help Audra put young Tamika to bed. Lillian sat there with a pout. 

Over the next few days Elnora kept her daughter very busy. Lillian was not happy about the mundane chores from washing dishes to keeping Tamika occupied. Her mind often drifted back to Neil. 

Townie: Have you 'erd?

Audra: Of?

Townie: Mr. Rock has finally found a lady to take ov'r til he finds a suitable wife!

Audra: Wha? Who is't

Townie: No one knows yet but hes been gitty bout it fo a week now. 

Audra: If I 'adn't met Neil I was thinkin' of takin' that job!

Townie: Me as well! I mean money off yo rent fo yo family? Who wouldn't take it!

With Elnora making sure Lillian was busy, Audra and Neil had nothing but time and they were quickly falling in love.

Lillians' heart was growing bitter about it. She had been 18 for almost 3 months now and her mother had yet to find her a suitable match. While Lillian was looking on in envy Elnora was busy preparing for Mr. Rock to collect Lillian.

Lillian: Mother I meant to ask you, when will you find a suitable match for me?

At this Elnora waves her hand in front of her daughter as to dismiss her; 

Elnora: There is no time for that young girl, hurry to the washroom and bathe, you smell of outside. 

Lillian *Excited*: Is someone coming?

Elnora [with a sly smile]: Oh yes darling girl someone is.

With Lillian bathing Elnora heads inside to see her flower, her pride and joy smiling from ear to ear.

Elnora: What has you so happy?

Audra: Oh mama, I think Neil is going to make an honest woman of me sometime soon! On my way from the market I saw him in the jewel shop!

Elnora: OH MY flower that is exciting news!

Not even an hour later Neil phones to let his beloved know he would be by later that night. 

But before he could even make it to the house Lillian was waiting for him.

Lillian: I'm glad I caught you before you made the biggest mistake of your life. 

Neil: What in the world are you talkin' bout girl?

Lillian: I know you've felt the chemistry between us..

A very angry and confused look crosses Neils face. 

Lillian: It aint too late for you to court me instead. I'm much younger then my sister and can easily bare children...

At this Neil rips his hands from Lillians. He was so angry he could barely talk. 

Neil: We speak of this NO MORE. You should be ashamed of yourself!

At that he makes his way out the outhouse but before he can make it far a teary filled Audra fills the door. Neil goes to speak to explain himself but she lifts a single finger up to silence him. She walks right past him to her sister and the sound of the slap echoed around the world it seemed. 

Audra: I had no idea you would go so low, so low to betray your own sister. You truly are yo fathers daughter!

Audra held her face while tears ran down and for a brief moment the room was filled with tension before she fled from the small outhouse. 

In an instant Audra was back to her sweet natured self, she turned to face her love with a small smile upon her lips. 

Audra: I believe you have something you wanted to give me and ask me?

Quickly Neil got down on one knee and asked Audra to be his wife. She happily accepted. 

****

The tension in the house was intense, it was starting to affect Tamika. Lillian knew she had ruined her relationship with her sister and now there was no hope, so with a last ditch effort she attempted to speak to Neil again. He didn't even give her to opportunity to open her mouth before he was shoving a finger in it and yelling shame at her. 

Elnora heard all the commotion and heads outside with Audra to see what was happening.

E: It isn't bad enough that you intentionally went after your sisters soon to be husband? 

The arguing continued for quite sometime before Elnora got sick of her daughters excuses. 

Elnora: Pack your bags, you leave tomorrow!

Lillian: I will not! You can't force me to work! Slavery is OVER mother.

At this Elnora laughed, Elnora: Oh childish girl, you've never been a slave in your life, since a wee baby you've been the apple of your daddy's eye.. You remember your daddy don't you? Papa Bear? My master.. 

Lillian had no words and shut her lips twice. This had been twice in as many days the girl had been too stunned to speak. She walked past her mother and gathered her things. Her mother was right about one thing, she did remember her daddy and hell would ran down before she was working at Mr. Rock's house.