The Redbird's story.

Blake didn't look up, and glared down at the rope.

"Thank-you sweetie." Papa said patting her on the head.

Layla came into the cottage before Sally. "Hi papa", she said smilng at him.

Sally smiled when she saw her papa.

Cora smiled at her father when he patted her on the head, though she wasn't too happy about Blake sleeping in her bed again.

Papa frowned when Layla walked in. "Would you, layla mind telling me why you threw a cat on Blake?"

Layla shrugged. She had thrown the cat on Blake because she was bored but she didn't want to say that to her father.

Sally looked at Layla.

"Layla you are the second -" He messed up. "I mean you are the eldest! You souldn't pick on your little brother." Papa said.

Layla wondered why he started to say second, but didn't ask. "Yes papa", she said.

Sally was quiet listening to them.

Papa crossed his arms over his chest. "And what about your punsiment?" He asked

Layla looked at her father not knowing what to say at this moment.

"Make Blake sleep in her bed, that's punishment enough," Cora mumbled, barely audible.

Blake looked up, but said nothing.

"How would that be punishment, cora?" Papa asked. "I would have a fear of her killing him in his sleep."

Cora blinked, realizing she had spoken too loudly. "Sorry, papa," she said, not looking at Blake.

Layla stayed quiet listening to her father.

"Your mama will not be back till after dinner, she is helping the Hearts with something. So could one of you girls get dinner set." Papa said. "And Layla you will be doing most of the chores starting tomorrow."

Layla sighed. "Yes papa", she said.

"I'll get dinner set," Cora volunteered. "Can you help me, Sally?" She asked.

Blake got up ad put the rope up. He wacth Cora, he loved his sister. He loved all his sisters. No matter how mean they were.

Sally nodded. "ok", she said and walked over to Cora.

Cora went through the food, looking for something other than bread. There was nothing. She set the bread out on the table along with plates.
~~~~~
Elliot and her mother were sitting at the table now. They only had soup tonight.

Blake sat at the table.

Cora sat in her spot next to Blake.

Papa began eating.

When papa wasn't looking Blake ripped a slice of his bread up and handed it to each of his sisters.

Cora sighed when Blake handed her a piece of his bread, but didn't protest and took it anyways.

Blake looked at Cora when she sighed but didn't say anything.

Cora ate silently. She had nothing to say.
~~~
Elliot's mother saw she had been crying.

"What's wrong, Elliot?" She asked.

Elliot shrugged. "Nothing, mama," She said. Her mother frowned but didn't press the matter. They continued eating in silence.