Truths Unseen — The 1930s Part 3

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Welcome back, everyone.  I’m muddling through with a brief post this time, continuing this “character study” series.

Crystal w-Story Jar 06-29-14

But first, a BFF Update… Crystal had the huge growth removed last week. She bounced back in amazing form, regaining her appetite and personality.  Meanwhile we awaited the test results for what couldn’t be seen.

As with every detail of this experience, anything good is counterbalanced by something bad. The growth was cancerous.  Dr. Villar removed everything, but cautioned that “Cancer never sleeps.”  So I have to watch carefully from now on.  (I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop, so nothing has changed there.)

It’s good that it was the kind of growth it was (how it was positioned)… but bad because it was in a place where that doesn’t usually happen.  Making him wonder if it wouldn’t appear somewhere else.  So my anxiety level has only improved a little.  Meanwhile, as long as Crystal is feeling good and happy, I try to take one day at a time.

Girl Truths Unseen 1
Unsplash

 A few people have said they don’t see the darkness in this story, and I agree… on the surface at least. Yet knowing the full story, I also know the darkness in which the seeds were sewed.  When I began this, the story that keeps coming back, demanding to be told… though I just don’t seem able to do the telling — my intention was to go all the way back and show the characters where the darkness took root.  Hence the Depression Era setting. 

I also wanted to show the life changing effect of that darkness on the people around them, even people who were not yet born, generations to come.

However, the depth of that light-less place is too much for me.  It’s too hard to swim to the surface, once immersed.  I don’t think I’ll be able to tell the story past the 1930s where the seeds took root.  

That said, I have a couple more “studies” in the Great Depression that I can share.  This one is short.  It’s from Mattie’s point of view.

1930s Part 3 

Hat veil ad 1930s

Mattie Hardy and Frank Cutter were pronounced man and wife in the Runner County courthouse by the justice of the peace.

Some folks said a man wouldn’t have proper commitment or fidelity to the marriage without a church ceremony.  However, Mattie couldn’t bear the thought of that preacher’s wife having a hand in things.  As soon as Betty Sharp mentioned having a veil Mattie could use, she decided the justice of the peace would marry her and Frank.

Besides, Mattie had quickly learned how to control Frank.

As she grew from young girl to teenager Mattie figured out how to “make” people like her.  That usually involved whispering tales from one person to another or other tricks of words.  She arranged situations to suit herself.  Manipulating Frank was a piece of cake.

She even had old man Cutter on her side most times, and he was a crafty old codger, despite his fondness for whiskey.  Mattie reminded herself that despite what the preacher said, there was a big difference between enjoying a drink of whiskey and being a drunkard.  He was probably smarter than he looked.  She thought she’d better be mindful of the old Cherokee.

They handed paperwork to the clerk.  While they waited for the judge Mattie tucked her hand in the crook of Frank’s elbow, the way gentlemen and ladies did in films. 

She imagined the future.  She would tell him that she wanted to get a job, pretending she wanted to contribute to the finances, but Frank would forbid her to get a job, for the sake of his male pride.  She’d never seen him act that way, but she was sure, just the same.

After long enough that no one could gossip that it had been a shotgun wedding, she’d get pregnant.  They’d have two children, a boy to bring in money, and a girl to do the chores and help with cooking…  And none of it involved living in that wretched shack on that barren ridge.

Mattie adjusted the pillbox hat she wore in the reflection from the windowpane.  It was decorated with a bit of netting that she pulled down over her face.  Frank playfully lifted it up to kiss her.

They didn’t have a honeymoon.  Such things were foolishness for rich people.  Frank prudently put that money toward a house.  However, they didn’t have the house yet.  Clarence and Ben were happy to have them stay on the ridge with them, until the newlyweds could get a house.

Six months after the civil ceremony, Mattie still had not escaped from the shack on the dirt covered ridge… but she would.

Dirt Road warm color seth-fogelman-26949
Seth Fogelman, UnSplash

***

On a brighter note…

I rarely do birthday shout-outs, but I know two with such a close proximity to my own that I can’t resist.  Belated wishes for a wonderful birthday to Mary J. McCoy-Dressel!  Happy birthday to Christoph Fischer!  Many happy returns to you both.  

Mega hugs all around,

Teagan

 

Copyright © 2017 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

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101 thoughts on “Truths Unseen — The 1930s Part 3”

    1. I hope so too, Inese. But something is already back. It hasn’t gotten any larger though. The other one grew really fast. Fingers crossed that it’s scar tissue… I won’t keep putting her through things that hurt her. Even though everything else has been taken from me since I moved here…
      Thank you for your good wishes. Hugs.

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  2. I am so pleased you explained more in your next post dearest Teagan.. Sometimes the exposure of those truths that have laid hidden for so long are in themselves healing the inner wounds that have laid buried deep for so long. I hope even though you have now put this story to bed. That in trying to reveal the story of an illness that for some can not be helped has in some way given some release.. For it now no longer lays hidden.. a glimmer of light has been cast upon the events and story.. And as dark as it still may seem.. I Feel a sense of relief.. In that at last its been given voice..
    Sending Love dear Teagan.. And now to the Lighter subjects as we hold love and laughter that bit closer. ❤ xxx

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    1. Dear Sue, you are so kind. I know all that was a lot to read and you have many other things to do. The thing that bothers me most (well, many things bother me “most”) about Menchausen Syndrome by Proxy (and about domestic abuse too) is so many respectable people turning a blind eye — while many suffer and even die… But it’s too early for me to get on my Julia Sugarbaker soapbox, and I have to get ready for the office. Sunshine super hugs to you my friend. ❤

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      1. My pleasure in reading Teagan.. And awareness is the key you are bringing forward here Teagan.. So many are unaware of the various mental health issues surrounding abuse.. Working within Mental Health, and seeing also the knock on affects of child abuse and neglect is shocking.. So I commend you.. ❤ xxx

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    1. Hi Trisha! Thank you re the cover. I saw the photo and thought it was perfect.
      Yes… it has been an extremely challenging year from the beginning. I hope all is well with you. Hugs.

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  4. So glad Crystal is back to her old self, but sorry to hear the growth was cancerous, Teagan – we lost Shadow a few years ago to a pancreatic tumor, which the vet said was practically unheard of in cats. Hoping Crystal has many more years of good health! Happy Belated Birthday!

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  5. So sorry that the cyst growth was cancer, Teagan. Sweet Crystal probably was quite scared about the procedure.
    This was a fascinating snippet of a story and now, I shall proceed back to the other parts. I’m on vacation so spending time reading blogs, visiting 88 year old Mom and being taken to a brewery opening with my artist brother Randy who did great murals! Phew! Busy but happy. Hope you are having a wonderful week! Smiles Robin 🐦

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      1. Oh, just wanted to leave a personal note to keep up and will love staying better connected one of these days!! I run through Dan Antion’s blog once a week and he is so kind to reply each time. I want to be this way!
        Take it easy, I imagine your life goes full speed! 😊

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  6. Short, but just as good and indulgent as the first two parts, Teagan. I had a feeling that Mattie was a strong woman. In fact, I wonder if she is on the dark side of strong? I have a feeling about her.
    Belated Happy Birthday (if it’s already been) or Happy Birthday if it’s in a few days time.
    So very pleased to hear the news about Crystal. My fingers are crossed for those results.
    Hugs to you both,
    Hugh
    xx

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    1. Thank you Hugh — for everything you said. I’m glad I could spend my lunch break with you. Yes, it was the first. But I’ll happily toast you with a glass of Riesling when I get home this evening. 😀
      You’re spot-on about Mattie and the dark side. You’ll see that I took this series as far as I was able, in the next post. But I’ve moved on to something new and much happier. (I closed the comments, but if you want to play, just let me know and I’ll give you a “faery name” for a character.) Mega hugs.

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      1. I’m so far behind on catching up on posts, Teagan (but I’ve a very good reason for that. All will be revealed soon). In the meantime, Happy Birthday for 1st July 🎂 🍷
        Now, a fairy name. What a great idea you’ve got going with that new story. My fairy name is Ivy Twinkle. I’m using my real first name for this, as Hugh is my middle name (but not many people know that, so keep it to yourself 😀) 😉

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  7. Teagan, I’m so happy to hear Crystal is doing okay. I hope all news continues to be good and she doesn’t have a recurrence.
    I have a bad feeling about Mattie.
    Love and hugs.

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    1. Hi there, Michelle. Thank you so very much for your good thoughts. Yes, I’m trying really hard to take it one day at a time. Although it’s hard to not be waiting for the other shoe to drop — especially when there have been so many “shoes” that I could open a shoe store. 😉 Have a terrific Tuesday. Mega hugs.

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  8. Hi Teagan, I am glad to hear about Crystal’s improvement xx May she stay healthy and your anxiety continue to disperse. I understand about your not wanting to take the story to the full end.. We have to know our limits, right? I’m still proud of you for having brought us what you did – My, that Mattie seems to like control. She’s determined to get out of that shack life! Superb writing. Many hugs!

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  9. I’m glad to know that Crystal is doing well and sending you healing thoughts that she continues to do well. I enjoyed this character study, Mattie is an interesting, and I suspect very complicated, character – it’ll be interesting to know how she develops.

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  10. My grandmother ha a story about losing a husband to the depression–he went to look for work, leaving her with an 11 year old girl and a 7 year old boy with no means of support and was never heard from again (until my mother searched him out, difficult do do in pre-internet days). Her story from that point was a story of dashed and then rebuilt dreams through guts and fortitude on her part. She was an amazing role model to me as a small child of the 50’s. In a time when girls were told women could not do everything or anything, my grandmother proved them wrong because she did both!

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  12. Teagan, Happy Birthday today! I’m also a July Birthday Girl (the 9th). Take one day at a time with Crystal. Your continued love, care and holding onto the hope factor most important. I read your latest post and I’d say you’ve completed the character studies. Enough told to know the progression and why you are done with it. Power of the past shut down. Your decision of strength to move on to a lighter, most intriguing project. I’m thinking of fairy names. Have a peaceful birthday. Huge hugs, my friend! 🌺🌷🌸 Christine

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    1. Dear Christine, thank you so much. Happy early birthday to you too! (So that would make your fairy surname Rainbow! I’ll post the naming chart tomorrow, but you can also make your own name if you want.) Crystal feeling good right now is my birthday wish granted. We just had a nice rain with a bit of thunder — a perfect summer thing, so I actually am feeling peaceful (and trying to keep thoughts of work at bay so I can stay that way for a moment).
      I appreciate this feedback and support too. ❤ Hugs.

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  15. I’m so glad Crystal is on the mend! You are right, you need to take it one day at a time with your feline friend, and enjoy every one of them!

    That Mattie is sure one gal to watch out for! I’m not liking her at all, but you know that means you are just an excellent writer. I’m quite interested in seeing where this leads Teagan! XOXOXO

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  17. Pingback: Truths Unseen — Closure | Teagan's Books

  18. I am just thrilled that Crystal is doing well and I pray for her continued good health and recovery. This is a really wonderful story Teagan, Mattie hmmmm… I think you have developed a character that is fascinating, a character that has so many possibilities. I like her, I think of Scarlet O’Hara when I think of her. Resolute, ahead of her time, strong and torn. This is such an amazing character study.

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    1. Thank you Suzanne. I appreciate the feedback and encouragement. I had a brief thought of Scarlet with Mattie’s determination to get away from that shack and dirt covered ridge (God as my witness, I will not be hungry again!), LOL. Scarlet, however, eventually grew the seed of goodness at her core. With Mattie, that seed had died.
      Prayers and good thoughts for my BFF are greatly appreciated.
      Great big hug.

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  19. Hi, Teagan. I’m so glad for now Crystal is doing well. This was a great extension to your story. I know we’ll all be waiting for the next episode in the serial. I know just what you mean about writing sad stories. It’s difficult for me too. I also almost scare myself when writing horror stories. Happy Birthday and all the best. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  26. Crystal is always in my thoughts and prayers, Teagan, as are you. I am glad to hear the growth is gone now and she is recovering nicely.

    I am enjoying your writing, and look forward to more installments of this story!

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    1. Thank you Lavinia. She’s feeling so much better. However, she’s still afraid to leave the basement (her safe place). It will take time for her to get over that degree of trauma — especially since there was a lot of noise from outside just 2 days after her surgery — she was terrified. Sensitive little thing. Hopefully with time the emotional part will heal too. Sooner better than later, I hope, because I have to be able to catch her for her check up in a week. o_O Hugs.

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  27. I realized I haven’t stopped by for awhile. Prayers and good thoughts and best wishes for your kitty. It’s so hard being a pet parent sometimes- they can never tell you what’s wrong and there’s so much responsibility that goes into each decision.

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  28. Why do I like Maggie? Or is that have a grudging respect? I think she’d be fun to know – maybe at a distance. Maybe I’m just a little menopausal or something, but given when this takes place, and the entrenched patriarchal attitudes, a woman with that sort of drive and life skills to get by has to be admired, not treated with suspicion. Anyhoo, enjoying the swerves and curves, Teagan. Oh and bon chance to Crystal; all our paws are crossed over here.

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  29. Ohhh, Mattie has a dark personality! Very mysterious. I like this story, Teagan. It has my imagination going in many directions! 😮

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  30. I am glad to hear that Crystal is doing better, Teagan. Sorry about the bad news but there is lots of hope. The cancer might well all be gone. This was an interesting edition to the story. Hopes and dreams that have not quite achieved lift off. I am looking forward to seeing where you go with this.

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    1. It’s always a pleasure to see you Robbie. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement.
      I have something new up my sleeve. I’ll try to do a post about it soon to give everyone a chance to participate. Or you can look it up on FaceBook if you get curious. Happy weekend hugs.

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  31. Happy birthday for tomorrow, Teagan! I seem to be missing many notifications these days. I am happy and sorry about Crystal, if you know what I mean. I am pleased she is feeling better and I’m with John that the best thing is to take a day at a time and keep a watchful eye on her, as usual. Enjoy her company and have a good time. Mattie is getting eerie but perhaps it’s my expectation…

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    1. Thank you so much for the good wishes, Olga. I toast you tomorrow.
      That’s the truth — I’m not getting any notifications at all… and I’ve become too distracted and sleep-deprived to remember to check on everyone…
      I hope I’ve conveyed the characters well enough for you to get that just from the story. But in our communications, you probably figured out a lot, at least about the future generations of this story. I might do one more “study” in this series, but I’m taking your advice — I’m not ready to tell this story… I console myself with knowing that I’ve been upfront with everyone about the fact that I might not be able to take it to completion. Hopefully there was value in it somewhere.
      Have a wonder-filled weekend. Hugs.

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  34. As I have said before I’m glad Crystal came out of the surgery and is her happy self. I would cling to the idea of taking one day at a time. It is the only way not to waste the precious time we have. Hugs.

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    1. I’ve always said you’re a crafty one with your stories, John, but you are a wise man too. Yes, you are right. As long as she feels good and is happy, I will cling to that.
      I don’t remember when you were coming back from vacation, but keep taking pictures and having fun, and then safe journey. Hugs right back.

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  35. It’s great that Crystal is doing so well. I’m holding back judgment about the dark side. You gave such a dire warning in the prolog, that we were all expecting the worst. But the tale has only begun, so darkness can swoop in quickly and mercilessly — and so I wait, a bit on the edge, for more of the unseen truth.

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    1. Tim, that is a beautifully spoken comment. Thank you, my friend. I might do one more episode, but I can’t stay in the dark place of this story. I appreciate everyone here for putting up with me while I tried to tell it. On to sunnier things! Hugs.

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  36. I just hope crystal opp has successfully removed all the bad bits and I am sure with your loving care and positive love, she will keep on thriving..
    Seems like Mattie is starting to take on a darker side the more of her you reveal. Only write what you are comfortable at writing Teagan..
    I am enjoying alot what you have written.. xxx
    Wishing you a Peaceful weekend.. xxx Hugs xxx ,<3

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    1. Sue, you are such a wellspring of support — thank you. Yes, this story keeps coming back, insisting on being told. But I’m simply not up to living in the dark. Not to worry — I have something else up my sleeve. 😀 Huge hugs right back. ❤

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  37. I’m glad to hear the good news part of Crystal’s story. I hope the bad news stays hidden and suppressed for a good long time. As for Mattie, I could be snarky and say “I hope she gets everything she deserves” but I’ll sit back and watch, The bits of this story you have shared have me wanting to read more. I understand your reservations, but I’m happy to follow as long as your comfortable leading. Have a glorious weekend, Teagan.

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    1. Thank you so very much, Dan! I appreciate the way you said that too. I have one more “study” almost finished, but… If I do that one, I believe it will be the last.
      However, I’ve been inspired via a bit of fun on Facebook. I’ll soon do another series, in a similar way to how I did the Get Caught Reading series, bringing other bloggers into the story. Here’s the catch — to be part of the story, you have to find (or make up) a fairy name. If you’re game, either look me up on Facebook, or leave a comment here.
      Yes, a glorious weekend to you too, my friend. Happy Forth of July. Hugs.

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  38. I’m glad Crystal is ok, for now. Sorry about the bad news part, but I’m glad to hear she’s recovering. Big hugs to both of you. xoxo
    Oh oh, Maggie seems a bit full of herself, giving her a longer way to fall. Hmm, why am I picturing her like Audrey Horne (Sherilyn Fenn) from Twin Peaks? lol 😉
    Love this so far and can’t wait for more…but I will. I can see the darkness hidden but always close to the surface.
    Thank you, what a great way to start he weekend. Best wishes, dear friend, for you and Crystal and all the birthday bloggers, hope this weekend treats everyone well. 🙂
    Mega a veil can hide so much hugs xoxox

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    1. Dear Donna, I always look forward to your visits. Thank you for your good thoughts. The first vet had said that sometimes just removing the growth is enough. So I try to remember that and be hopeful… but over the years (particularly recent ones) I think I’ve used up my reservoir of hope. Deep breath. One day at a time.
      I’m delighted that you are enjoying this. So I’m sad to tell you that I really just can’t take it much farther. You’re welcome to email me if you have questions.
      Wishing you a terrific Canada Day my friend. Mega hugs right back.

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