Quiet
Words 2
by soho178
Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program
"Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and
have been used without permission. No
copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.
“Silas?”
“Yessir, Mr. Heath?”
“Why won’t you call just call me Heath?”
“If you don’t mind my askin’, why it bother you so much?”
He turned to pull a loaf of raisin bread, hot and fragrant from the oven. “You
let that cool now, Mr. Heath.”
He shrugged, “Just don’t seem right, is all.”
“How so?”
“Seems disrespectful.”
“Am I so old you feelin’ like you got to treat me like a
wise man now?”
“No, no that’s not what I meant!” A blush crept up from
his neck.
“Look at me Mr. Heath.” A gentle smile crept over the
kindly features.
“I know what you
meant and I thank you for it.” He continued on with his work, hands busy with
their graceful ballet. “When I was a boy, it was all Yassuh Mr. Boudwin and
Nosuh, Mr. Boudwin. It wasn’t respect,
I said it because my Momma woulda got beat if I didn’t.” Heath’s eyes reflected
his sadness in their blue depths.
Silas continued on before his young friend could dwell too
long on that cross. “When I ran away and made it here, I swore I’d never call
no white man ‘Mr.’ again. Then I met your Daddy and I knew I could ‘cause he
showed me the same respect he’da showed any man, no matter what their color
skin.”
He paused to look directly at the eyes that watched him so
intently. “So don’t you go frettin’ over my feelings boy. I call you Mr.
because I want to. Now eat your raisin bread before that brother of yours comes
down here hollerin’ for me to bring him some!” He smiled and set the butter
keeper on the table.
“I’ll get us some coffee, Mr. Heath.”
“You take good care of me Silas.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Heath.”