First in a series

I decided to try something new.  This is the first post in a series of three featuring the Marshall triplets who are central characters in the Bayou Beni series.  I'd love to hear from you on how the girls have changed as they have grown older.

The triplets, meanwhile, had reached their personal limits of silence.

“Should we call you Ms. Jessie?” asked Grace.  “You sure are pretty,” added Lou. “Is your hair always curly like that?” asked Rosie.

Jessie squatted down to be at eye level with the three girls.  “Ms. Jessie is fine, thank you, and yes, my hair is always curly like this.”

“Do you have a husband?” asked Gracie.  “Because you are kind of old,” added Lou.

“Girls!” Rosadel kind of screeched.  “Those are not appropriate comments”

“But Mommy,” said Rosie, “ You said it makes people feel good if you ask them questions about themselves.  We were trying.”

Rosadel sighed. “I know Rosie.  But all three of you listen up. It is not polite to ask about weight, age, or relationship status.”

“Mommy, I know what age and weight are, but what is that other thing you said?” asked Lou.

“It means you don’t ask if someone has a boyfriend, or a girlfriend, or a wife or a husband.” explained Rosadel.

“But Daddy always asks Uncle Pete if he found a girl yet.” said Grace.

“That is because he is my brother,” said Clancy.  “You can ask your brothers and sisters anything.”

“How come Mommy never told us that?” asked Lou.

“Cause Mommy is an only child and she didn’t know.” replied Clancy.

Rosadel looked over at Jessie to apologize again, and saw Jessie’s big smile and laughing eyes and knew no apology was necessary.

 From "Count Your Blessings"  Book 1 in the Bayou Beni series.