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The Untold Story By RON WYNES This is a partially true story told by my Grandfather about the life they had and how they treated their slaves. This story begins on a hot summer day in late August in the mountains of North Carolina near the Georgia line. FADE IN EXT.FIELD-DAY Ted a mountain farmer was plowing a field with his two mules in his overalls and boots taking his straw hat off wiping his forehead with his handkerchief watching his son Marty running towards him. Marty a young boy around the age of thirteen in his overalls and bare feet with his straw hat bouncing around his head. MARTY (Breathing heavy) Pa, you got to come quick, Ma is having trouble. TED Catch your breath son and tell me what her problem is. MARTY Ma fell down in the kitchen but Gertie and the rest of us boys got her to the bed. She told me to run down here and get you. Ted looks at Marty then the field. TED Son I'm going to need you to finish plowing this field up while I go see what is wrong with your Ma. Ted hands Marty the reins to the mules. Marty gets behind the plow and flips the reins as Ted walks to the house. CUT TO: INT-FARM HOUSE- DAY Ted walks into the two-story farmhouse to the bedroom where his daughter Rose is putting a washcloth to her mother's head. All seven of their children were in the bedroom. Ben and Jim the youngest boys are at the foot of the bed along with Gertie their middle daughter as well as Alvin the oldest son. Effie the oldest daughter was going back and forth from the bedroom to the kitchen. Mable the youngest daughter walks over to Ted. Ted hugs Mable as she gets to him looking in her big blue eyes. TED You kids go on out and play. Ma is going to all right. ROSE Pa don't you think she wants us to be here with her? TED Later Rose you take the kids and go play. MARGE (Faintly) Come give Ma a hug and go play. The kid's rush to Marge's bedside and gives her a hug and leaves the room one at a time. Ted walks over to the bed and takes Marge's hand and looks deep in her eyes. TED Hun you're going to be all right. You have had seven other babies and this one ant going to be any different. MARGE (Faintly) No Ted there's something wrong this time it ant like the others. You might want to send one of the boys after Doc Mills. TED I will you just keep calm and rest. Ted walks out of the room to the front porch where all seven children are setting around looking at him. TED (CONT'D) Alvin go get Doc Mills and hurry. Alvin starts running. Mable runs up and hugs Ted's leg. MABLE Pa I don't want anything to happen to Ma. TED Don't worry kids your Ma is going to be all right she has tried to over do herself is all. Ted tries to give the kids a reassuring smile. TED (CONT'D) You might want to keep her cooled down the best you can. Her fever is on up there. ROSE Yes Pa. Rose walks back in the house. JIM Pa, we ant going to loose Ma are we? TED Heck no son don't even think that way. Ted hugs the kids. TED (CONT'D) You kids have seen Ma when she had the rest of you and this baby ant no different so just go on and play. Ted walks back into the house. Ted looks at Marge lying in the bed with Rose wiping the sweat off her head. Ted takes his pocket watch out and looks at the time. ROSE Pa she is getting hotter. TED It is hot in here just keep wiping her head till the Doc gets here. Hopefully it want be much longer. MARGE (Faintly) Ted I'm worried. Ted holds her hand. TED No use to worry your sweet head off everything is going to be all right. MARGE Promise me you want let anything happen to the kids. TED Marge you know I would never let anything happen to these younguns.You just lie still and quit worrying. Marge squeezes Ted's rough hand. Ted takes his pocket watch out and looks at the time. TED (CONT'D) I wonder what is keeping Alvin and the Doc? ROSE Pa it takes a few minutes to get out here from town. You need to quit worrying Ma is going to be all right. Ted walks over to the bedroom window and pulls the curtains back. TED Thank God the Doc is here. Ted runs out of the bedroom to the front porch watching as Doc Mills and Alvin pull up in Doc's buggy pulled by a black mare. Ted throws his hand up. TED (CONT'D) Boy am I glad to see you. DOC.MILLS You ought to be use to this by now as many kids as you have had. Ted gives Doc a smile as Doc walks up on the porch carrying his black bag. TED It would seem like it but this time seems different for her. Ted opens the screen door for Doc and he walks into the house. Ted points to the bedroom as the two continue walking with the kids following them. DOC.MILLS Lets see what we have here. The Doc opens his black bag. DOC.MILLS (CONT'D) Plenty of needles for whoever needs a shot. The Doc smiles as he looks at the kids standing around the bed. With that statement all the kids get wide eyed. JIM It's Ma that's sick not us. Doc smiles. TED You kids run on out and play so the Doc can get to your Ma. All the kids walk out of the room with their heads hanging down. Doc Mills takes Marge's temperature and checks her heart with his stethoscope. MARGE (Faintly) Doc something's not right. DOC.MILLS Well Marge you are going to be as good as new so just hang in there. Marge's body trembles and she starts gasping for breath. DOC.MILLS (CONT'D) Hang in there Marge. Doc holds Marge's hand. Marge takes a deep breath and her body stiffens then goes limp. Doc checks for a heart beat then turns to Ted. DOC.MILLS (CONT'D) Ted, I'm sorry but her heart wouldn't let her keep going. We can save the baby if we hurry. TED Save it Doc. The baby is still part of her. DOC.MILLS We are going to need plenty of hot water and towels for this one. Ted runs out of the room to the front porch. TED Rose you and Effie get the Doc some hot water and towels. Rose and Effie run into the house. MABLE Can we see Ma now? TED Not yet later Hun. Ted walks back into the house to the bedroom. Doc has his scapples out cutting on Marge. TED (CONT'D) What do you need me to do Doc? DOC.MILLS Pray right now that the baby is going to be healthy is all you can do. Rose and Effie walk into the room carrying water and towels. Ted hugs Rose and Effie as they put the bowls on the nightstand. Doc takes the baby out of Marge and wraps it in a towel cleaning it off the baby starts to cry. Doc smiles as he looks at Ted and the two girls. ROSE What is it Doc? DOC.MILLS A girl. You want to hold her? ROSE (Smiling) Yes please. EFFIE What about Ma? Doc looks at Ted then at Effie. DOC.MILLS I'm sorry your Ma's heart was just too weak to have this baby. Effie starts to cry as well as Rose. TED Sorry girls but Doc saved the baby. Ted hugs Effie and Rose as well as the baby, wiping the tears from their faces. TED (CONT'D) I'm going to need your girls help around here now more than ever. ROSE I know Ma would have wanted me to be strong. EFFIE Me too Pa. TED Your right girls she would have. Doc puts a sheet over Marge's head and walks out of the room with Ted and Effie and Rose carrying the baby following him. TED (CONT'D) Don't you think we should let the others see her too? ROSE We need to name her. Ted opens the screen door with Rose following him carrying the baby then Effie and the Doc. The kids are running up to the porch to see the baby. TED Well you guys have a new sister got any idea what to name her? Jim made a face. JIM Not another sister. GERTIE We can name her Paula. BEN How about Thelma? ALVIN What does Ma want to name her? Everyone's expression changed. MABLE I think we should call her Margaret. Ted looks at Ben. TED Ben go get Marty, I think he needs to be in on this decision too. Hurry. Ben starts running. MABLE Margaret is such a pretty name don't you think Pa? Ted looks at Mable with her big blue eyes looking at him. TED Yes I do. DOC.MILLS Ted you going to need help on this? TED I think it is going to be hard but we can manage. DOC.MILLS If you need us you know you can call on us anytime day or night. TED Thanks Doc I appreciate that. Doc walks to his buggy and gets in. DOC.MILLS See you kids later, be good. The kid's wave bye to Doc. Mills. Marty and Ben come running up to the porch. MARTY Got a sister huh. TED Sure do you want to see her? MARTY Sure. TED (Yelling) Rose bring your sister out here. Rose walks out of the house carrying the baby. Marty walks up to see her. MARTY What we naming her? MABLE We are going to name her Margret. MARTY That's a pretty name. TED That name was Mable idea. What you got in mind? MARTY It doesn't matter to me what does Ma have in mind? TED Kids gather around here for a minute I have something to tell you. The nine children all gathered around Ted. TED (CONT'D) Kids your Ma's heart wasn't strong enough to make it. We are all going to have to pitch in now and help one another. It is not going to be easy on any of us but we will make it. MABLE Pa is Ma with the Angels? Rose hands Marty the baby (Margret) and goes to Mable. ROSE Yes she is Mable. Jim and Ben start crying as Effie hugs them. Ted walks into the house into the bedroom where Marge is lying. Ted lifts the sheet off her head and looks at her. TED (In a low voice) Marge why did you have to leave us so soon? I don't know what I am going to do now; you know how hard it is with the two of us trying to raise these kids up. Now I am left here all alone. Alvin and Marty walk into the bedroom. MARTY Don't worry Pa we will make it. ALVIN Pa most of us are big enough now to help. We will miss Ma but we will make it. Ted grabs Marty and Alvin and hugs them. TED Boys you are right we will make it but it is going to be rough. CUT TO: TWO DAYS LATER EXT.GRAVE SIDE-DAY Ted and the nine children are standing at the grave of Marge with the rest of the family and friends. The children trying to be strong holding back tears as they each threw a flower on Marge's grave. Aunt Gertrude was holding Margret. AUNT GERTRUDE Margret is such a good baby. Marge would have been so proud of her. Mable looks up at Aunt Gertrude with her big blue eyes. MABLE I named her. AUNT GERTRUDE And that is such a lovely name. Mable smiles. Aunt Gertrude leans down and hugs Mable with her free arm. Aunt Gertrude turns to Ted as she stands back up. AUNT GERTRUDE (CONT'D) Ted how in the world are you planning on raising all these kids and working too? TED I don't know right now but we will make it some how. Uncle Harry walks up to Ted and shakes his hand and puts his arm around him. UNCLE HARRY We are going to miss her. I know you and these younguns will. TED All ready do. UNCLE HARRY I bet so. It is hard enough trying to raise kids with two much less alone. You got any idea how you can work the farm and raise these kids too? TED Not the slightest. I know I'm going to have to do something but what I have no idea. Fred one of the neighbors walks up to Ted taking his hat off as he approaches. Fred shakes Ted's hand. FRED Ted I know it is going to be hard on you and these kids but I have an idea that might make it easier on you and help me out too. Ted looks at Fred with a strange look. TED I'm listening. FRED You know that Mammy and Buck, I own? Well they would make you a good pair. TED Fred you know with all these mouths to feed I could never afford to buy them from you. FRED Buy, who said anything about buying them? TED You know I want except charity. FRED This ant charity it's trading. TED Trade for what? FRED You got a pair of horses over there I have had my eye on for a long while. TED Which one you talking about? FRED That set of grays. TED You sure you want to trade? FRED It will help both of us out. TED You know I can't afford to throw no boot in on it. FRED I'll bring them over in the morning and get those Grays. Ted held his hand out and Fred shakes it. Ted smiles as he turns to Aunt Gertrude and Harry playing with the children. TED Our prayers have been answered. AUNT GERTRUDE How's that? TED Fred just traded me his Mammy and Buck for my two Grays. Aunt Gertrude smiles as well as Harry. AUNT GERTRUDE That is a big relief. You could use all the help you can get. UNCLE HARRY The Mammy alone was worth that trade. Ted smiles. TED It was his deal. UNCLE HARRY You sure got the best out of him. Glad to see that. How many does he have over there now? TED I'm not really sure a dozen or so. Ted turns to the kids. TED (CONT'D) You kids ready to go home we got to get everything ready. UNCLE HARRY Ted you be careful and good luck. Ted and the nine children walk to the wagon. CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY EXT.FARM HOUSE- MORNING Fred pulls up in his wagon driven by two horses with two blacks setting in the seat behind him. Ted walks out the front door to greet them. All nine children are standing behind him watching. Fred gets out of the wagon first. The black man gets out next, he is a stout looking man in his mid thirties dressed in over-alls and a straw hat. He helps the black lady out of the wagon; she is in her mid thirties with a long dress on and her hair put under a bonnet. She was a heavyset woman with a warm friendly smile. FRED Morning Ted this is Buck and she prefers everyone to call her Mammy. TED Morning Buck, Mammy and you too Fred. Come on in. I'll introduce the kids to you all. FRED I ant got much time this morning Ted, maybe later on. TED Effie show Buck and Mammy in while I go get Fred's Grays for him. Buck grabs the two bags he and Mammy have as they walk towards the front porch. Ted and Fred walk off. CUT TO: INT.FARM HOUSE- MORNING Mammy and Buck walk inside the farmhouse with the nine children following them. EFFIE Hi, I'm Effie, this is Rose, Marty, Alvin, Jim, Gertie, Mable, Ben and this one is Margret. Effie leans to Mammy with the baby. MAMMY Can I hold the precious one? EFFIE You sure can. Effie hands Mammy the baby. Buck reaches out to touch the baby. MABLE I named the baby. BUCK You did. MABLE I sure did because Ma went to see the angels and didn't name her before she left us. MAMMY You are a sweet one. All you younguns are. I think we are going to love it here. ALVIN We sure hope so. Our house is your house. Ben looks at Mammy. BEN Rose ant that good of a cook are you? Alvin and Marty snicker. MAMMY I like to think so. Rose is still young give her time and she will be a great cook. JIM I hope so for her husband's sake. BUCK You getting her married off already? JIM It want be long, she's almost twelve. MAMMY She has time to learn to cook. Ted walks in the door. TED I hope you make yourself at home here and the kids don't get on your nerves. MAMMY They are all so well mannered. TED They better be or they will get a good licking. Mable looks at mammy with her big blue eyes. MABLE Pa uses a hickory on us. MAMMY It keeps you in line doesn't it? MABLE Yes Mam. MAMMY Can't be too bad for you then. Mable looks at her. TED These kids showed you all your rooms? BUCK Not yet. Mr. Ted did Mr. Fred tell you we were married? You mean we are going to stay in this house with you? Ted looks surprised. TED No he didn't but that makes it better. Yes you two are part of the family now. Buck and Mammy smile. TED (CONT'D) Alvin show Buck and Mammy their room. We got work around here that has to be done. ALVIN Sure will Pa. Alvin turns to Mammy and Buck. ALVIN (CONT'D) If you would follow me I'll show you to your room. Buck and Mammy follow Alvin to their room. Mammy looks at the big room and then at Buck. MAMMY The Lord has really given us a chance Buck. BUCK Looks too good to be true. Buck pulls Mammy to his side and hugs her as Alvin watches. ALVIN I'll let you two be but you might want to save that for later. Pa wants us to get the field turned under today. BUCK We will be right down. Alvin walks off. Buck pats Mammy on the rear. Mammy looks at Buck with a big smile. MAMMY That will have to wait till the kids are in bed. Buck smiles and walks out of the room. CUT TO: EXT.BARN-DAY Buck walks to the barn with a smile on his face looking the land over. Ted, Marty and Alvin are hitching the mules up to a drag sled with a plow on it. BUCK Mr. Ted Where you want me to start? TED Well would you rather start off plowing or finish getting the tobacco hung? BUCK It don't really matter to me, one is as good as the other. TED Alvin take Buck down to the bottom and show him where to start plowing then you can come back up here and help me and Marty get this tobacco hung up to dry. ALVIN All right Pa. Alvin looks at Buck as he walks to the drag sled. ALVIN (CONT'D) You ready? BUCK Yea son let's get to it before the sun try's to cook us. Buck walks beside Alvin on the drag sled with the two mules pulling it. ALVIN Hop on Buck rest your legs. Buck looks at Alvin with a disbelief look, and then gets on the drag sled setting on the plow. BUCK You folks are sure nicer than the others we had. Alvin smiles at Buck. ALVIN Well Buck we figure it like this, if your good to someone they will always be good to you. Buck smiles as he takes his straw hat off and wipes his head. BUCK I guess that's one way to look at it. Will your Pa ever beat us? Alvin looks at Buck with a funny look. ALVIN Beat you? BUCK You know, take the whip to us. ALVIN He ant never took the whip to us if that tells you anything. Buck rubs his chin. ALVIN (CONT'D) Why would he want to beat you and Mammy anyway? BUCK If we didn't do like Mr. Fred wanted he would take his horsewhip to us. ALVIN Pa ant like that. He will take a hickory to us kids when we don't behave any horsewhips. Alvin stops the mules at a gate. ALVIN (CONT'D) Well Buck see the fenced in area? BUCK Yes Sir Mr. Alvin. ALVIN This is the field Pa wants turned under. Alvin gets off the drag sled as Buck opens the gate. ALVIN (CONT'D) You going to need any help with the plow? BUCK No son, I think I can manage it from here on out. I think we are going to like it here. ALVIN We sure hope so, there is a lot of land for us to try and farm by ourselves. Buck smiles as he leads the mules threw the gate. Alvin walks back to the barn. CUT TO: INT.KITCHEN-DAY Mammy is standing beside a wood cook stove stirring a pot. Rose walks in the room. ROSE Mammy you need any help? Mammy looks at Rose with disbelief. MAMMY Lord no child you go play. Rose turns to walk out of the kitchen. MAMMY (CONT'D) You could get one of the boys to bring me some more wood in. ROSE I'll get Ben I don't think he is doing anything. MAMMY Thank you child. Rose walks out of the kitchen.' CUT TO: EXT.FARMHOUSE-DAY Rose walks out of the farmhouse and sees the children playing in the yard. Mable along with Jim and Ben are kicking a ball around. ROSE Ben go get Mammy some firewood. BEN All right, come on Jim you can help. JIM She told you to not me. ROSE Jim you can help too, Mable ant you suppose to be helping Gertie with the laundry? MABLE I ant big enough to reach the clothesline. ROSE You can hand her the clothes to hang up. We all have to pitch in here now we can't expect Mammy and Buck to do everything for us. Mable walks off as well as Jim and Ben. Effie walks out of the house carrying Margret. ROSE (CONT'D) She getting too hot upstairs? EFFIE I thought she might need a breath of fresh air. Rose and Effie set down on the front porch. Mable slips around the corner of the house peeping around to see if Rose is watching her. Effie sees her shadow. EFFIE (CONT'D) Mable what are hiding for? Mable eases around the porch looking at Effie with her big eyes. MABLE Rose told me to go help Gertie with the laundry, but I ant big enough to reach the lines. Effie smiles at her. EFFIE Can't you hand the clothes to Gertie? MABLE I was trying to but they kept dragging the ground and Gertie told me to go play. Gertie walks out of the house setting beside Rose and Effie. EFFIE Well you can get me a diaper. MABLE Okay. Mable runs into the house. GERTIE The poor baby kept trying to help but she's so short everything she got out of the laundry basket half of it ended on the ground. Rose and Effie giggle. Mammy walks out of the house with Mable almost running into her with a diaper in her hand. MAMMY Loll child you might want to slow it down a bit before you run into someone. MABLE I had to get Margret a diaper. Mammy walks over to Margret holding her hands out to Effie. EFFIE You might want me to change her first. MAMMY I was going to change her for you. It's my job to look after you children. Effie looks at Rose then Mammy. EFFIE You are here to help not try to do it all. There are enough of us around here to make it easier on you and Buck. Mammy looks at Effie with disbelief. MAMMY Child you are so sweet but if we can't earn our keep your Pa will ship us off or beat us. ROSE Pa would never beat you. EFFIE Where did you come up with that one? MAMMY Child our other owners beat us when we didn't do as they thought we should. ROSE Well Mammy you and Buck ant got nothing to worry about on that part here. Mammy smiles at her. MAMMY The Lord has sent us an angel to watch over us. Mammy hugs all the girls. Ben and Jim walk around the house. BEN Mammy we got you enough firewood to last threw supper. JIM We sure did. Mammy smiles at the two boys. MAMMY Thank you child. Mammy walks back into the house. Rose looks at Effie. ROSE Could you imagine someone beating Mammy? EFFIE No I couldn't or Buck either. Mable looks up with her big eyes. MABLE I don't want anybody beating Mammy or Buck. GERTIE You don't have to worry they are safe here. Pa want beat them. MABLE But he takes a hickory to us. EFFIE That is different we ant grown up. ROSE The only time he does that is when we are bad. MABLE I'll tell Mammy and Buck not to be bad then. The girls laugh. Mammy walks out of the house looking at Jim and Ben. MABLE (CONT'D) Mammy you and Buck need to be good so Pa want take a hickory to you. MAMMY We will child don't you worry none. Mable smiles. MAMMY (CONT'D) Ben, I need you and Jim to go get the others for dinner it's almost ready. BEN You want me to get Buck too? ROSE Of course silly he is part of the family too. Mammy smiles as Ben and Jim run off. EFFIE Gertie go set the table for Mammy. MAMMY I can handle that child. EFFIE That has always been her job Mammy. MAMMY So it be then. Mammy walks back into the house with Gertie following her. ROSE We better get washed up and help out too. EFFIE I know but it feels so good just setting here. Rose and Effie along with Margret and Mable walk into the house. CUT TO: INT.DININGROOM-DAY Ted, Marty, Alvin, Ben, Jim and Buck walk into the dining room. TED Boy something smells good. BUCK Mammy can cook. MARTY I'm starved. ALVIN Me too. Everyone sets down at the table except Buck and Mammy. Ted looks at them. TED Set down and eat. You two are part of this family now. We expect you two to act like you are part of the family not slaves. BUCK Mr. Ted we are use to having to eat in the kitchen away from the white folks. TED You two are the same as family in this house as long as I have a say so in it. Mammy and Buck smile. Buck sets beside Marty and Mammy sets beside Mable. MABLE I told Mammy to be good so you want take a switch to her. TED What give you such a notion? MABLE Mammy said they whipped her at her old house. Ted looks at Mammy with a concerned look in his eyes then at Buck. TED I can tell you two there ant going to be no beatings here, you can mark my word on that. Buck looks at Mammy then Ted. BUCK We are sure glad to hear that Mr. Ted. TED Now get those foolish thoughts out of your heads and pass me the beans. Everyone laughs. ALVIN I told Buck that you wouldn't beat him. ROSE And I told Mammy you wouldn't either. Ted shakes his head. TED All right that's enough foolish talk about beating anyone. How's the bottom coming Buck? BUCK It is slow but sure. TED I don't reckon there is a race going on here. BUCK Hopefully I will have it turned by dark. TED Just don't wear out my mules. They are our only set. BUCK I'll treat them like they were my own. TED That's what I expect you to do. Ted smiles at Buck. TED (CONT'D) It looks like you two are going to have to get use to different customs around here. Buck and Mammy look at Ted with an astonished look. BUCK What you mean Mr. Ted? TED For starters you two are not slaves you are here to help us out. I don't expect you two to try to take care of the farm by yourself. There are plenty of kids around here to help out with anything you need. If you two need anything don't be afraid to ask anyone here. Buck and Mammy are watching Ted as he speaks. MAMMY It shore is a big change Mr. Ted. We are use to having to try to carry it all. TED Well Mammy, don't you think it is time for a change? MAMMY Bless you Mr. Ted. Mammy takes her apron and wipes her tears away. MABLE Don't cry Mammy, Pa didn't mean to make you cry. MAMMY Tears of joy child, tears of joy. TED I guess we better get back to work the sun ant going to stay up all day. Ted stands up with Buck and the rest of the boys following him out of the room. CUT TO: MONTHS LATER EXT.CHURCH-DAY Ted and the nine children walking out of the country church. The church was painted white with a steeple on top and the cemetery beside it. TED You kids want to go see your Ma's grave before we head back? KIDS We always have to tell Ma the weekly events Pa. TED Well run on out to her grave I want to holler at your Uncle Harry for a minute. Harry and Gertrude walk out of the church along with a crowd of other people. Ted watches Harry and Gertrude as they walk near him; there is a black haired lady in her late thirties Ted had never seen before following Gertrude. Ted puts his hand out for Harry to shake. Harry shakes Ted's hand. TED (CONT'D) You two look awfully dressed up today. Harry loosens his tie. GERTRUDE It ant everyday a body gets to dress up. Where are the kids? TED They are at Marge's grave telling her the weekly events. Gertrude grabs SELMA'S hand and pulls her up to Ted. GERTRUDE Ted, I want you to meet Selma she is staying with us for a while. She lost her husband a few months back. Ted holds his hand out to Selma. TED Mam, it is a pleasure to meet you. Selma shakes Ted's hand. SELMA It is a pleasure to meet you too. I have heard a lot about you and your kids. TED You got any kids? SELMA No I don't but I have always wanted a houseful. Ted smiles at Selma. Mable runs up with her big eyes gleaming as she looks up at Selma. MABLE Hi I'm Mable and what is your name? Selma looks at Mable looking up at her and smiles. SELMA My name is Selma. Mable you sure are a pretty little girl. Selma holds her hand out to Mable. MABLE Thank you Mam. I was talking to Ma. SELMA You were. MABLE Yep I was I told her it was time Pa found me a new Ma. They all laugh. HARRY Why do you think it is time Pa, found you a new Ma? MABLE I ant getting any younger and a girl needs a Ma. GERTRUDE But you got Mammy taking care of you. MABLE Mammy is too busy to be a Ma. She ant got time to play. SELMA Oh I see. I suppose a real Ma is supposed to be able to play all the time? MABLE Not all the time but when I need her to. GERTRUDE Finding a Ma like that could be a tough order. MABLE I suppose but I'll keep trying to find her. Miss Selma you like to play? Selma's face turns red as she looks at Ted and Harry. SELMA I think everyone does Mable when they have the time. GERTRUDE Ted, I want you and the kids to come over for dinner today. It will give you time to relax and get to know Selma better. The other children walk up to the others standing there talking. TED Kind of short notice, I'm sure Mammy has got a big dinner already made. How about you all coming over to the house instead? Harry looks at Gertrude and the Selma. GERTRUDE You don't think Mammy would mind extra mouths to feed? TED Mammy always fixes more than enough to eat. Come on. HARRY The way these kids talk about Mammy's cooking I would love to be able to taste it. TED Well follow us then. Selma you want to ride with this crew? SELMA I would love to. MARTY Pa, I will ride with Uncle Harry and Aunt Gertrude give you all more room. GERTIE Me too. TED Well pile in one of the wagons I'm getting hungry. Ted helps Selma up in the wagon as the kids run between the two wagons getting in. Ted turns to Rose. TED (CONT'D) Hand me the baby till you get situated there Rose. Rose hands Ted the baby as she gets up in the wagon. Ted looks at Selma looking down at him holding Margret. TED (CONT'D) Would you like to hold Margret? Selma smiles. SELMA Sure I would I love kids. If it is all right with Rose? ROSE Sure it will give me a break. Mable looks at Selma. MABLE I named her. Selma smiles as turns around to look at Mable. SELMA You did? MABLE Yep I did. I named her after my doll. SELMA Well you did good. Margaret's a very pretty name. MABLE Yes it is. EFFIE Mable will talk you to death. BEN She has a big mouth. MABLE I do not. TED No arguing kids. SELMA Sometimes we all talk too much. Ted points to a fence line starting. TED This is where our property lines start. Selma looks at the fenced in land with the fields plowed up. SELMA Looks like rich land. TED It didn't use to be but the boys and me built it up pretty good. BEN Don't forget Buck. TED And Buck too. Selma turns around looking to see which one Buck is. SELMA Which one of you are Buck? The kids and Ted laugh. BEN Buck ant here, he is a black man that works for Pa. Selma's face turns red. SELMA I'm sorry. There are so many new names to learn. BEN It ant nothing. MABLE We got Buck and Mammy they are both black not like me. SELMA Color doesn't mean anything. TED I'm glad you think like that I was wondering about that part. Buck and Mammy are part of our family now. EFFIE They even stay in our house and eat at our table. SELMA They are family then. That is a rare sight these days. TED That's the only way to have it. It was hard getting them use to the idea but they seem happy. SELMA Happiness is all that matters. The two wagons pull up to the big farmhouse. Buck is setting on the front porch and Mammy walks to the door opening it. TED Alvin and Marty you two go take of the mules and hurry back to eat. ALVIN Ok Pa come on Marty. TED Take Harry's mules down too. HARRY I'll help you boys. Buck walks down to the mules and Harry. Buck holds his hand out to Harry. BUCK Howdy. HARRY Howdy. You must be Buck? BUCK Yes sir that's me. HARRY Well I'm Harry. BUCK Glad to meet you Mr. Harry, You go on in the house I'll get your mules rested up for you. Harry smiles at Buck. HARRY Thank you sir. Gertrude and Selma are walking up on the porch with the baby and Mable. MAMMY I see you got the little one already asleep. SELMA Yes, poor darling has had a rough day. GERTRUDE Mammy this is Selma. Selma this is Mammy. MAMMY Pleasure to meet you Mam. Mammy wipes her hands off with her apron and puts her hands out to take the baby. Rose runs up to them and takes the baby. ROSE I'll put Margret down, you go ahead and talk. MAMMY Thank you child. Rose walks off with the baby. GERTRUDE She thinks she's the mother to that child instead of her sister. Mammy looks at Selma. MAMMY She was both before we got here and old habits are hard to break. It has been hard trying not to step on her toes. SELMA I bet it has. EFFIE She promised Ma she would raise her for her. GERTRUDE Well she needs to be a child every now and then she will be a mother soon enough. MAMMY She sure will. I'm going to set the table you all get washed up to eat. Mammy walks into the house. Ted opens the door. TED You all going to wait till it gets cold before you eat? The children start running to the door. Ted looks at the children going in the door. TED (CONT'D) Go wash up. MONTHS LATER INT.CHURCH-DAY Ted and Selma are getting married with all nine of the children watching along with Harry and Gertrude and Buck and Mammy and the members of the church. PREACHER You may kiss the bride. Ted kisses Selma as Mable and Ben close their eyes. Mammy hugs Mable as Ted and Selma walk down the isle. As everyone stands up Mable turns to Mammy MABLE I'm glad Selma is going to be my new Ma. MAMMY Me too child, me too. Mammy takes Mable hand in hers and leads her out of the church. Mable walks up to Ted and Selma standing at the door and hugs Selma's leg, looking up at Selma. MABLE I'm glad you're my new Ma. Selma smiles at Mable and bends down hugging her tightly. SELMA Me too. Ted watches the two of them and smiles. Mable hugs Ted next. Ted picks Mable up as Mammy hugs Selma. MAMMY Welcome to the family. SELMA I was hoping you wanted me to be part of the family. Mammy smiles real big at Selma. MAMMY Oh yes Mrs. Selma hopefully you will keep me and Buck on. SELMA I had not even considered letting you two go, as far as that goes I hadn't planned on any changes. Buck was listening as well as Ted. MAMMY Bless you child. TED You can't let family go till they want to leave. BUCK You're stuck with us forever then. Ted and Selma smiles. SELMA I sure hope so. MABLE I'm not ever going to leave either. SELMA And you better not either. Everyone laughs. TED Everyone ready to get back home? This tie has got to go. Ted pulls at the tie around his neck. BEN You mean this choker. MARTY That's what they are. Selma looks at Ted and the boys. SELMA You men look awfully handsome dressed up. MARTY We don't feel handsome. You ant going to make us wear these all the time are you? SELMA No boys don't worry. TED Pile in the wagon kids. The younger kids run to the wagon as the older ones walk beside Ted and Selma. GERTIE Pa ant we going to visit Ma's grave today so we can tell her? Ted turns around and looks at Gertie in disbelief. TED Not today, maybe Sunday after church. ROSE Today is Pa and Selma's day. GERTIE Your right I'm sorry. Gertie drops her head. Selma reaches around Ted and holds Gertie close to her. SELMA Ted you and the rest go ahead I want to talk to Gertie for a second. Ted and the others walk on to the wagon. SELMA (CONT'D) Gertie I'm not here to replace your Ma but to make your Pa's life happier. Hopefully you can accept me in your life as your friend. I do not want to make any changes. GERTIE As long as you don't try to replace Ma. SELMA I want. Selma hugs Gertie tight. SELMA (CONT'D) You ready to go home now? GERTIE I'm ready. Gertie and Selma walk to the wagon. CUT TO: MONTHS LATER INT.FARMHOUSE-EVENING Ted and Selma along with Buck and Mammy and all nine children setting around the table eating supper. Selma slides her chair back and stands up. Ted and the children looks at Selma trying to figure out what she is doing. SELMA Listen up everyone I have an announcement to make. Selma looks at everyone setting around the table with a sharp eye. SELMA (CONT'D) Now that I have your attention I would like to announce that there is going to be a new member to this family. Ted looks shocked and then starts smiling as everyone looks at the other. MAMMY Your pregnant, well congratulations child. Mable looks up with her big eyes. MABLE What's pregant? Rose turns to Mable. ROSE That's pregnant, it means Selma is going to have a baby. MABLE Do I get to name it too? SELMA We will see how the others think about that one before we give it a name. ALVIN Not another mouth to feed, that's all we need around here, TED That's enough of that Alvin, you should be happy for Selma and me. Rose looks at Margret. ROSE You want be the baby around here anymore. Selma turns to Rose with a smile on her face. SELMA She will always be the special baby around here no matter how many more there might be. MARTY Congratulations Pa and Selma. MAMMY Just think I will have a baby to cuddle now. BUCK You mean two. Ted looks at Mammy then Buck all smiles. TED Two? MAMMY Yes two I'm pregnant too. MABLE Oh no two names to come up with now. Everyone laughs. SELMA Mammy when were you planning on telling us? MAMMY When the time was right. Big mouth over there never could keep a secret. BUCK I didn't mean to let it out it just slipped. I'm Sorry Hun and Mrs. Selma. SELMA You don't have to apologize to me Buck. BUCK Yes Mam I do, it is your special day and here I go ruining it with my big mouth. Ted walks over to the cabinet and pulls out a jug of homemade wine. TED You timed that one perfect Buck we can celebrate both at once. Buck smiles at Ted and Selma. Ted pours Buck a cup full of wine then Mammy then Selma then himself. TED (CONT'D) You kids want a taste? Selma looks at Ted with a strange look as Ted pours more cups and all the kids get one. SELMA I didn't even know we had that stuff in here. TED It has been here for a long time just waiting for something to celebrate. Ted takes his cup and holds it up. TED (CONT'D) Here is to the new additions to the family. BUCK And the Mamas. The kids snicker as they take a drink. Ted looks at Buck. TED Well Buck with the family growing don't you think it is time to have your own place? BUCK I would sure love to have my own place but you know we ant got no money to buy anything. TED There's that corner lot over there that you could build on. It ant doing me any good. BUCK That sure is a good building spot but we can't afford to buy it from you and you know we don't accept charity. TED Who said anything about charity, you can work it off, as hard as you and Mammy have worked around here you two deserve it. Mammy starts crying. MABLE You made her cry Pa. Mammy takes her apron and wipes away the tears from her eyes and Bucks. Mammy looks at Mable. MAMMY Tears of joy child, tears of joy. TED What do you kids think? ALVIN I think it would make Mammy and Buck a great spot. EFFIE And they would be close by. MARTY There is enough timber on it to build a house. MABLE I could play with her little girl. ROSE I could watch her baby. SELMA Looks like you two don't have a choice now. Buck pats Mammy's stomach. MAMMY God bless every one of you. BUCK We are blessed to have such a wonderful family. TED Everyone better get some rest tonight, tomorrow is land-clearing day. Ted and Selma walks away from the table. CUT TO: EXT.SPRING-MORNING Ted and Buck are cutting trees down with an axe while Marty and Alvin hook them to the mules with Ben and Jim dragging brush to a pile. Ted stops and takes his straw hat off his head wiping away the sweat when he sees several mules coming their way with a wagonload of men in it. TED I be darn. Buck stops cutting to look up. BUCK Well I'll be. Buck and Ted watch as the wagons come up to them. UNCLE HARRY We thought you might need a hand or two. Buck and Ted smile. BUCK Mr. Harry I sure do appreciate this. TED Word got out quick. UNCLE HARRY Selma told Gertrude and you know how that goes. TED Sure do. Howdy fellows. Buck is shaking hands when he sees Fred in the line of men congratulating him. Buck keeps his eyes on Fred as he walks up and shakes Buck's hand. FRED Congratulations Buck and you too Ted. BUCK Well thank you Mr. Fred. TED Thank you Fred and fellows. Everyone ready for trees to fall. THE MEN Lets go to it. FRED You hoping it's a boy Buck? BUCK That would be nice. FRED If it is and he is as strong as you I will have to trade Ted out of him. Buck clinches his fist drawing back as Ted grabs his arm. Ted looks at Fred. TED They ant going to be no trading Buck is a free man now. Fred walks over to his mules and hooks a log to them. Buck looks at Ted. TED (CONT'D) Calm down now, look at it this way Fred is your slave today. BUCK How is that? TED He is working for you ant he? BUCK I guess your right. Yes he is. Buck smiles as he grabs his axe and starts chopping away. Ted picks his axe up watching the men dragging logs. Ted is cutting trees when he looks up and sees a group of women and girls carrying picnic baskets towards them. TED I'll be. Uncle Harry and Buck look up too. UNCLE HARRY You didn't think they were going to let us starve over here did you? BUCK No body is going to starve with Mammy cooking. TED That's for sure; if you leave her table hungry it is your own fault. The rest of the men see the group of women walking up to them and they start walking to where Ted and Buck are standing. Selma and Mammy are leading the group. Selma looks at the group of men standing around. SELMA You didn't think we were going to let you starve did you? UNCLE HARRY I have been waiting on Mammy's cooking all day. MAMMY Well it is here dig in before it gets cold. Buck looks at Mammy as she walks to him. The others are gathering around the food. BUCK We got us a slave now. MAMMY Buck you have been out in the sun too long. BUCK No Mammy we do at least for today. Mr. Fred is here and Mr. Ted told me to think of him as my slave for today. Mammy laughs. MAMMY If you look at it that way I guess we do. Fred walks up to Buck and Mammy eating a piece of chicken. FRED Nobody on earth can cook a chicken like you Mammy. Mammy smiles at Fred. MAMMY Thank you Mr. Fred I appreciate that. Buck you better get over there and get you something to eat before it's all gone. Buck walks over to the food. FRED Well congratulations Mammy. Ted tells me you are free now. MAMMY Thank you, ever since we have been here we haven't been a slave. I better give the girls a hand. Fred looks at Mammy with a strange look. Mammy walks over to the others gathered around the food. Buck looks at Mammy. BUCK Don't he make your skin crawl? MAMMY Only if you let him get to you. TED Mammy you fixed another delicious meal. THE MEN Thank you Mammy it was delicious. MAMMY Well I hope you fellows had enough to eat. THE MEN We did too much though. Mammy smiles at the men as they are walking back to their mules. CUT TO: MONTHS LATER EXT.FALL-DAY Gertie is running to the field where Ted and Buck along with Marty and Alvin, Ben and Jim are gathering up the tobacco. Ben and Jim are in the wagon stacking as Marty and Alvin hand it to them. Buck takes his hat off wiping the sweat from his brow he sees Gertie running towards them. BUCK Mammy must be having that youngun. TED Yep other wise she wouldn't be running like that. Buck starts running towards Gertie along with Ted and Marty. Gertie stops and tries to catch her breath. GERTIE Pa, Buck, Mammy is having the baby. Buck starts smiling. BUCK Lets go see what I got. Ted turns to Marty. TED You go back and tell the others to go ahead and bring the wagon on up to the barn and unhook the mules for tonight. MARTY Sure will Pa. Marty runs back to the wagon as Ted and Buck walk with Gertie to the house. Buck looks at Gertie. BUCK Mammy all right? GERTIE Yes Mammy is fine just having the baby. Buck looks up to the sky. BUCK Thank you God. CUT TO: INT.FARMHOUSE-DAY Buck along with Ted and Gertie enter the farmhouse where Rose is putting a washcloth on Mammy's head. Mammy sees Buck and smiles. MAMMY (Weakly speaking) It's not here yet but it want be long. Buck smiles at Mammy. BUCK The good Lord will send it when he's ready for it. Mammy smiles. MAMMY He sure will. TED At least Mammy is in good hands. Ted winks at Rose. ROSE Pa don't you think you might better get Doc.Mills here? TED It probably wouldn't hurt any. Ted turns to the door. TED (CONT'D) Gertie run down and get Ben tell him to go fetch Doc.Mills. GERTIE All right Pa, I'm gone. Gertie runs out of the room running into Mable coming in the hallway. Mable walks into the room looking at Mammy with her big eyes. MABLE She is going to be Alice. Buck looks at Mable as he squats down to her level. BUCK Who is going to be Alice? MABLE The baby. Mable smiles. MABLE (CONT'D) I have been thinking about that one for a while now. TED Don't you think you ought to let Mammy and Buck pick their babies name? MABLE lowers her head. MABLE Yes Pa. BUCK You think Alice would suit a boy? MABLE But Mammy is going to have a girl for me to play with. MAMMY If it is a girl we will call her Alice but if it is a boy we should call him Albert. MABLE smiles at Mammy. MABLE Yea. ROSE I like Albert. BUCK That was my Dads name. Effie holding Margret walks into the room with Selma following them carrying a bowl of hot water. Selma looks at Rose. SELMA I thought you might need some warmer water. Rose wrings the washcloth out and hands Selma the older bowl. ROSE Thank you it was starting to get a little cool. MAMMY I think Rose is going to be a nurse. TED Looks like she already is. Rose smiles as she looks up at Ted. ROSE As long as there are babies being born around here I am. BUCK I don't see a slow down on that anytime soon. Selma smiles as she stands next to Ted holding her stomach out. SELMA You know there is at least one more coming soon. Mammy has a labor pain and yells. Buck walks over to Mammy holding her hand looking scared. BUCK What is keeping that Doctor? TED He will be here anytime Buck don't worry that was just a labor pain she will be having a lot more of them. Rose puts the cloth to Mammy's head wiping the sweat off. TED (CONT'D) How much longer you reckon it will be? ROSE Shouldn't be too much longer her pains are getting stronger and closer. Mammy squeezes Buck's hand as she has another labor pain. BUCK You going to be all right hang in there. MABLE Mammy going to die like Ma did? TED No baby this is what happens when a woman has a baby. Ted picks Mable up and hugs her. TED (CONT'D) Why don't me and you go outside and see if the Doc. is coming? MABLE Let's go this is scaring me. Ted smiles as he carries Mable out of the room followed by Effie and Margret. CUT TO: EXT.FARMHOUSE-DAY Ted is setting on the front porch watching the children playing as Doc.Mills rides up in his buggy with Ben setting in the seat beside him. Ted stands up from his chair and throws his hand up to Doc. As Doc. is getting out of the buggy. Doc. reaches and gets his black bag from the seat. TED Looks like your going to be living out here for a while. Doc smiles at Ted. DOC. MILLS Your family keeps a growing doesn't it? TED It sure seems like it. Doc walks up on the porch and shakes Ted's hand as Ted points to the room where Mammy is. Selma is standing in the door way as Doc. enters the house. Doc looks at Selma. DOC. MILLS You shouldn't be too much further behind her. SELMA I sure hope not I feel as big as a cow. DOC. MILLS After we get this one out I'll check you while I'm here. SELMA Thank you Doc. Doc walks on to Mammy. Selma walks out on the porch. Ted is grinning. TED As big as a cow huh? SELMA It is not funny. Ted pats her on the rear. Mable walks on the porch and looks at Ted. MABLE And what did Ma do to deserve a spanking? Ted looks at Mable and smiles. TED That wasn't a spanking it was a love pat. MABLE It looked like a spanking to me. SELMA No Mable it was a love pat. Selma leans back in her chair next to Ted smiling. SELMA (CONT'D) Did you hear what she called me? TED I caught that. Looks like she has accepted you as her Ma. SELMA Now only if the rest of them would it would make it easier. TED They will in time. Selma puts her finger to her mouth. SELMA Did you hear that? TED Sure did sounds like Mammy has had the baby. Rose runs out of the house. ( Yelling) ROSE It is a boy. Ted turns to Selma giving her a hug as the children run up on the porch. Mable crosses her little arms. MABLE I guess it will be Albert not Alice. Rose bends down to Mable putting her arm around her. ROSE Selma is going to have her baby pretty soon so you might get your Alice after all. MABLE But what if it is a boy too? ROSE We will have to see on that one. MABLE Well I hope hers is a girl. Buck walks out of the house smiling. Ted and Selma smiles at Buck. TED Well congratulations Daddy. MABLE Can I go see the baby now? SELMA Wait till the Doc. Gets finished first. BUCK Thank you all. SELMA Mammy all right? BUCK Healthy as a horse and the baby too. Mable walks over and hugs Bucks leg and looks up at him. MABLE I wanted Mammy to have a girl. BUCK Well maybe the next one will be your girl. Besides I needed a boy to help me out around here. MABLE But Mammy needs a girl to help her. Everyone laughs as Doc. Mills walks up to the door. DOC. MILLS Who wants to see Mammy and the baby? Mable runs to the door first. Doc looks down at her looking up at him with her big eyes glittering. DOC. MILLS (CONT'D) You don't want to see a boy do you? MABLE He will do till Ma has her baby girl. Doc. Mills looks at Selma and Ted as he holds the door open for the kids to come in the house. DOC. MILLS Looks like she has taken up to you. SELMA Yes she has. Ted stands up holding his hand out to Selma. TED Lets go see the baby and Mammy. Selma takes Ted's hand as he helps her up. DOC. MILLS I still want to check you out before I leave. SELMA We want be long then. Everyone goes into the house. CUT TO: THE NEXT WEEK INT.BEDROOM -NIGHT Selma shakes Ted from a deep sleep in their bed. SELMA Ted it is time for the baby. Ted rolls over quickly and jumps out of bed. TED You sure? SELMA I'm sure; I have been having labor pains all day. Ted puts his pants on and walks to the bedroom door. Selma looks at him. SELMA (CONT'D) Where you going? TED To wake the kids up. SELMA Let them sleep they have had a rough week trying to run both households. TED Someone has to get Doc and get water ready for him. SELMA All right. Selma has a labor pain at that time and cringes. Ted runs to Rose and Effie's room. TED Girls it is that time, your Ma is having the baby. Both girls jump out of bed and run to Selma. Ted walks down the hall and wakes Alvin up. TED (CONT'D) Alvin go get Doc.Mills Your Ma is having the baby. ALVIN She ant my Ma but I will go get the Doc. Marty rolls over. MARTY Pa she going to be all right? TED Sure son go back to sleep. MARTY I can't I'll go ahead and get up and give you all a hand. Ted walks back to the room where Rose is putting a washcloth to Selma's head. Ted stands at the door watching them as Marty walks up and Selma smiles at him. MARTY (CONT'D) You want me to go get Buck and Mammy? TED No son let them rest; they have probably been up all night with the baby. Selma motions for Marty to come to her. Marty walks to her bed and takes Selma's hand that she has held out. SELMA What do you want this one to be? MARTY It doesn't matter as long as it is healthy. SELMA Well what do you want to name it? MARTY If it is a boy how about Lyle? SELMA That is pretty. If it is a girl? MARTY We had better name it Alice or Mable will have a fit. SELMA What name do you like? MARTY Ant really thought about a girl's name. TED I like Lyle sounds good. ROSE That is pretty. Mable walks in rubbing her eyes. MABLE Alice or Lyle but it better be a girl. Too many boys around here now. Marty grabs her up in his arms as she giggles. MARTY They ant never too many boys and what are you doing awake? MABLE I wanted to see the baby. MARTY Ma ant had it yet. Selma looks at Ted with Marty calling her Ma. Mable looks at Selma. MABLE What you doing up if you ant had the baby? SELMA It is on its way. MABLE I'll set right here and wait on it then. Mable sets on the edge of the bed. Effie brings Ted a cup of coffee. She looks at Selma. EFFIE You want a cup too? SELMA No thank you dear. Selma has a labor pain. Mable looks at her with her big eyes. Effie walks over and takes Mable's hand. EFFIE Come on kid let's get breakfast started. MABLE I'm waiting on the baby. EFFIE We can wait in here on it, besides I might need your help. Mable hops off the bed looking at Selma. MABLE You let me know when it is here. SELMA You will be the first. Selma smiles and Mable smiles as she walks out with Effie. CUT TO: TWELVE YEARS LATER EXT.FARMHOUSE-DAY Ted and Selma setting on the porch with Buck and Mammy watching all the children playing in the yard Ted's eighteen and Bucks five plus three grand children. Buck looks at Ted holding a pipe in his mouth. BUCK Mr. Ted Don't you think eighteen children is a plenty? Ted laughs as he pulls the pipe out of his mouth. TED Well Buck it is but Selma keeps having them. SELMA With your help. TED Alvin is twenty-four now with three of his own, and Effie is twenty-two and doesn't have any yet, Marty is twenty-one and has one on the way. Rose has three. Gertie has two. . I'm just glad I had all this land so we could help the kids get started and keep them close by. BUCK That has been a blessing. I don't know what Mammy and me would have done without your help. TED You two would have made it anywhere. MAMMY But with your help it was so much easier life on us. SELMA You two have made our lives easier too, we couldn't have made it without you. TED As long as we own this land you two have a place for the rest of your lives. BUCK I heard rumor the TVA is going to buy some of the land around here and put a power plant on it. Ted looks worried. TED I have heard that same rumor going around. It scares me a little bit with the water that is on this farm. Buck takes his hat off and looks at Ted. BUCK What would we all do then? TED I don't know Buck, I don't know. A truck is coming down the dirt road with dust following it, as it gets closer to the farmhouse. Ted looks at Buck. TED (CONT'D) You got any idea who that could be? BUCK No sir Mr. Ted never seen that one around here. TED Me either. Ted stands up on the porch as the truck stops next to the house. All the children stop playing and run up to the porch as a man with a suit on gets out. Ted walks off the porch to greet the man. TED (CONT'D) Howdy. TVA MAN Howdy. TED You lost? TVA MAN I sure hope not. You Ted? TED Yes sir that is me. TVA MAN Good I was hoping I would catch you here. TED Well what can I do for you? The TVA Man walks up to Ted holding out his hand to shake. Ted shakes his hand. The TVA Man looks at all the children watching him. TVA MAN I want to talk to you about buying your farm here. TED Well it ant for sale. TVA MAN I was hoping we could talk at least make you an offer. TED Not even an option. We are settled in here pretty thick. TVA MAN I can see that but we need your place for the new dam site. With all the water coming threw here we decided your farm would be the best place around here. TED Sorry but it is not for sale at any price. TVA MAN I wished you would at least hear our offer other wise we will take your land for what we feel is fair market value. Ted looks at the TVA Man with a hard look. TED You think you all can just walk in here and take our land? TVA MAN Unfortunately we can as long as we give you fair market value. TED With all the farms located around here can't you put your dam elsewhere. TVA MAN We have looked the area over more than once and your farm has the most water source on it. TED Don't you think you might need to talk to Buck about his land too? The TVA MAN looks over at Buck setting on the porch then looks back at Ted. TVA MAN You deal with him. Ted looks at the TVA MAN. TED I ant the one taking his land. TVA MAN We'll just take his then. TED No you want you will pay him fair market value for his land too. The TVA MAN hands Ted his offer and walks back to his truck. Ted looks at the offer as he walks on the porch. Ted throws the offer down. Selma pats the seat beside her. SELMA Set down Ted we will think of something. Ted walks over and sets beside Selma looking at Buck and Mammy setting across from him. TED The rumors we heard weren't just rumors. That was the man from TVA. BUCK They want the farm? TED They are going to take the farm. We don't have a choice. We have to take what they offer us for it. I'll not let them run over you Buck. MAMMY That doesn't seem fair. ALVIN Nothing ant fair Mammy. SELMA Doesn't the TVA know we just can't pack up and move with all these kids? TED They don't care as long as they get what they want. BUCK Who else's farm they going to take? TED I don't know, all I know is they want this one. MARTY Sounds like we better be looking for another farm. TED Unfortunately it ant going to be that easy to find a place big enough to handle our crew. MARTY Don't worry about me and Hattie we will try and find us another place. ALVIN Lucille and me can too. BUCK Mammy and me would love to move wherever you folks move but if it means keeping you from finding a place we can go elsewhere. TED I'll start looking around tomorrow to see what I can find that will let the family stay together and that means you and Mammy. Nobody go jumping, yet there will be plenty of time to find something. Mable looks at Ted with her big eyes. MABLE Pa I don't want our family to be separated. TED Me either little one. Selma holds Alice close to her as she sobs. ALICE Ma, I'm scared. Albert is setting on the porch looking at Buck and Mammy. ALBERT It ant going to be easy finding a place that will take us black folks in. BUCK No son it ant but where there's a will there's a way. MABLE Pa ant going to let them separate us. MAMMY No sir we want be split up Mr. Ted and Mrs. Selma Has been too good to us for us to let that happen. TED I'm going to try my darndest to keep this family together. Now you kids go on and play I will take care of all this. BUCK I have faith in you Mr. Ted. TED Thanks Buck. Ted walks off the porch to the barn. MAMMY Poor man I ant never seen him this upset. SELMA Me either but he will come up with something. A truck was coming down the dirt road with dust flying around it. ALVIN I bet it is another one of those TVA men. Alvin walks to the end of the porch facing the barn and yells. ALVIN (CONT'D) Pa, Pa we have another TVA man coming. Ted runs to the house as the truck is stopping in front of the house. Ted looks at the man getting out in a suit. TED I'll be. SELMA Who is it Ted? Ted goes to the man getting out of the truck and hugs him. TED You are a site for sore eyes. UNCLE BART I was heading up north to pick up some more china and thought I would check on you folks as I pass threw. TED We are glad you did come on up to the house. Everyone will be glad to see you. Uncle Bart and Ted walk up on the porch with all the kids gathering around to see whom it is. TED (CONT'D) Kids this is my Uncle Bart. UNCLE BART Well you sure have a mess of younguns to keep up with. Howdy kids. ALL THE KIDS Howdy Uncle Bart. TED This is Mammy and Buck and their five kids, Albert, Sonya, Todd, Missy, and Sonny. Uncle Bart puts his hand out shaking Buck and Mammy's hand first then the kids. UNCLE BART Glad to meet you all. TED You know my wife Selma and my crew. Uncle Bart grabs Lyles ear pulling a nickel out of it. Lyle looks at Uncle Bart. LYLE I didn't have that in there. Where did you find that? Everyone laughs. UNCLE BART You never know what you're going to find in a kids ear. Lyle puts his finger to his ear trying to find more. Selma looks at Uncle Bart. SELMA Have a seat. UNCLE BART Well Ted what is new around here? TED Bad news arrived today. Uncle Bart looks at Ted with a serious look. TED (CONT'D) The TVA wants to put their dam here. UNCLE BART Just think how close you will be to the lake now. TED If they just wanted part of the land it wouldn't be so bad but they are buying the whole farm. UNCLE BART What you going to do now? TED I ant sure yet but I'll think of something to keep the family together. UNCLE BART You can always move down to my neck of the woods. They are calling it China Grove now. Can you believe that? TED Just think you started a new town. SELMA That is great Uncle Bart. UNCLE BART I guess so. TED I figured I would go out tomorrow and see if there are any farms close by for sale. UNCLE BART My offer still stands. It ant going to be easy to find a place big enough to corral this mob. SELMA That is what worries us. ALBERT Especially a place that will allow black folks. Uncle Bart rubs his chin as he looks at Albert. UNCLE BART Yep that could be a problem. I didn't even stop to think about that. BUCK The rest of the world ant like Mr. Ted and Selma here. UNCLE BART No they are one of a kind. MAMMY Have you had supper yet Uncle Bart? UNCLE BART No I can't say I have. TED Well you are in for a treat then. I ant never tasted anything like Mammy's cooking. You kids put another plate on the table. UNCLE BART I don't want to put you to any trouble now. SELMA It is no trouble at all, what is one more mouth to feed with all these. Uncle Bart looks at all the kids watching him. UNCLE BART I guess your right. TED Well let's get washed up and see what these girls have got fixed up. Ted stands up and walks into the house with everyone following him. CUT TO: WEEKS LATER EXT.FARMHOUSE-DAY Ted is driving away from the farmhouse in his truck. Selma and Marty are on the porch watching him drive away. Marty looks at Selma. MARTY You think Pa is going to have any luck finding a place? SELMA We can only hope. MARTY I think it would be a lot easier if some of us went our separate ways. SELMA But you know how much it means to your Pa if the family lives together. MARTY I know but it would make it a lot easier on Pa if he didn't have to try and find a place with a half dozen houses on it. Marty looks at a dozen trucks coming down their dirt road. MARTY (CONT'D) What in the world is going on? SELMA I think it is the TVA men. MARTY And Pa is not here; I'll go and see what they are doing. The group of trucks stop at the creek pulling out of the road into the field area and men get out of the back of the trucks with digging tools. Marty runs down to the trucks. MARTY (CONT'D) What do you think you are doing here? A man in a white hat walks over to Marty. THE FOREMAN We are starting to dig the footers for the dam. MARTY Right here? THE FOREMAN Yes sir right here. MARTY How long will it take you all? THE FOREMAN It depends on how much rock we hit. You folks about moved out yet? MARTY No we ant even started. THE FOREMAN I suggest you might want to get started, hate to see you folks flooded out. Once the dam is built it want take long before the water gets up and floods this whole valley. MARTY The whole valley? THE FOREMAN Yep the whole valley. It is not just your farm but everyone around here is going to be under water. Marty turns and walks back to the farmhouse. Hattie and Selma are standing on the front porch looking at the men unloading the trucks as Marty walks up. HATTIE Well what are they doing here? MARTY They are starting the dam. SELMA Right there? MARTY Right there. They said it wouldn't take that long with all the men they are going to bring in. HATTIE Marty we can't wait for your Pa to find a place big enough to house all of us. We need to find our own place the time has come for the family to split up. Selma puts her arm around Hattie. SELMA I'm afraid your right Hattie as bad as we want everyone to stay together. Marty kicks the ground. MARTY I'll go out in the morning and see what I can find us. Hattie looks at Marty then Selma. HATTIE We don't want to leave the family but time is running out for all of us. SELMA I know and I think your Pa knows too but he just doesn't want to admit it. Marty walks off. CUT TO: LATER THAT DAY INT.FARM HOUSE - EVENING The family is setting around the dinner table. Ted stands up and looks at each one of them. Ted clearing his throat. TED Well family, I think we all know by the trucks coming in today that our time here is only days away. As bad as I hate to say it we are going to have to go separate ways. I haven't had any luck on finding a place big enough to handle all of our crew. They might separate us but not dismantle our family. MARTY Pa, me and Hattie talked about finding our own place already. ALVIN We have too Pa. We found one we like over in Andrews area but we were waiting for your final findings. TED I'm sorry to let this family down by not being able to find a place that could handle us. ROSE Pa you were trying to do the impossible. They don't build houses that can handle our mob besides Mammy and Buck. TED I'm afraid for them. SELMA Why is that Ted? TED Well the world ant like us Selma, people didn't like the idea they were eating at the same table with us much less them living on our land. MABLE You mean they are going to have to find their own place now? TED I'm afraid so. I have to look out for all you now and Buck has to look out for his. MARTY I hate it for him but a man has to do what a man has to do. Buck and Mammy walk in the door with their five children. TED Come on in and set down Buck and Mammy. I need to talk to you. Buck and Mammy set down. TED (CONT'D) You kids go on and play we adults need to talk. Buck looks at Ted as the children go out. BUCK Mr. Ted you look worried. TED I am Buck. I haven't had much luck in finding a place that will handle all of us. Buck tilts his head. BUCK I see. Mr. Ted don't you worry about us we will make it. You and Mrs. Selma have been a big help to us already. Mammy pats Ted's hand. MAMMY We got this paper today in the mail and wondered what it meant. Mammy hands Ted a paper. Ted looks the paper over. TED It is a check from the TVA to buy your land. Buck smiles and pats Mammy's hand. BUCK Well, now we can buy our own farm. TED It will be a start. Mammy looks at Ted and smiles. MAMMY See now you can quit worrying your head off. I told you the LORD would work things out. Ted looks at Mammy and Buck and smiles. TED You folks got any idea where you want to try and find a place? BUCK No Mr. Ted But we want to be close to you folks. Good neighbors are hard to find. TED Well Buck I was looking over towards Smith creek area but I'm not sure yet. SELMA Ted we are running out of time they are building the dam. TED I know but good land is hard to find around here. MAMMY We will pray about it Mr. Ted. SELMA Bless you Mammy. CUT TO: SEVERAL DAYS LATER INT.FARM HOUSE-EVENING Marty walks in the house smiling as he looks at Rose and Selma in the kitchen. MARTY Where's Hattie? ROSE She is up stairs cleaning. What you all smiles about? Rose looks at Selma with both of them staring at Marty. MARTY (yells) Hattie come down here for a minute. HATTIE (yells) I'll be right down. SELMA You want a cup of coffee Marty? MARTY That sounds good. Rose turns away from the sink and gets a coffee cup out of the cupboard and fills it with coffee. As she is carrying the coffee to Marty she looks at him grinning. ROSE All right what's the big mystery? MARTY Wait till Hattie gets down here and you will see. Rose turns to Selma. ROSE We better get us a cup on this one. Selma takes two more cups out of the cupboard and fills them with coffee. Walking To the table where Marty and Rose are setting she puts the two cups of coffee down looking at Marty smiling as he takes a sip of his coffee. MARTY I'm sure going to miss your coffee. Selma smiles as Rose has a dumbfounded look on her face. Hattie walks into the room looking at Marty HATTIE What's wrong? Marty looks at Hattie and pats the seat beside him. MARTY Set down I have some news. Hattie sets down beside Marty at the table. ROSE You want a cup of coffee? HATTIE I guess so. Rose gets up a fixes Hattie a cup of coffee. Marty takes a sip of his coffee. HATTIE (CONT'D) Well what's the great news? MARTY I found us a place. Hattie starts smiling as well as Rose and Selma. HATTIE You going to tell us about it or just set there smiling? SELMA You're keeping us in suspense. MARTY Well it is a nice little house in Candler not too far from the paper mill I got a job at. SELMA You have been busy today to get all that done. Hattie setting there looking shocked. ROSE That is great Marty but that is going to be quiet a way to travel. MARTY Rose there ant a lot of jobs in this area that pay much. ROSE I know that is our problem too. I Think Harold has decided to go to work for Uncle Bart in China Town. SELMA You kids do what you have to do I'm sure your Pa will understand. MARTY I'm sure he will too. Where is Pa? SELMA He is out looking at farms. He should be back any time now. HATTIE When are we moving Marty? MARTY I start work on Monday so it will have to be in the morning if we are going to get everything ready. Rose and Hattie look shocked. ROSE So soon? MARTY Well, if we are going to get settled in before I start shift work we don't have a lot of choice besides have you looked at the dam lately? ROSE They are moving right along with it. MARTY It want be long now. Ted walks in the door smiling. SELMA Where we moving to? TED Who said I found anything? SELMA Your face gives it away. Ted rubs his chin. TED Never could tell a lie. Rose stands up and looks at Ted. ROSE Set down and tell us all about it and I'll get you a cup of coffee. Ted sets down next to Hattie and looks at her in a stupor. TED Did the cat eat your mouse? SELMA Ted, Marty found them a place and got a job at the same time. Ted smiles at Hattie then Marty. TED Well tell me about this. MARTY No go ahead and tell us about what you found. Buck and Mammy walk into the kitchen, as Ted was about to start speaking. Ted turns his head to Buck and Mammy all smiles. TED Looks like we are all happy this evening. Buck smiling big. BUCK Yes sir Mr. Ted We found us a place. Looking at you seems like you did too. TED Yes Buck I sure did. The old Jones farm. BUCK Well that is sure a nice farm but it ant got but one house on it. TED That was the only thing I found wrong with it, but we can build more around it with all the timber on that land. From the sounds of today's events I don't think we are going to need all the room we did here. Buck looks surprised at Ted. TED (CONT'D) Marty and Hattie found them a place today and a job. Buck walks over to Marty holding his hand out. BUCK Well congratulations. Where did you find a house and a job? MARTY Buck it is a paper mill in Canton and the house is in Candler. Ted looks at Marty with a surprised look. TED Candler, that's a pretty good piece from here. MARTY I know Pa but the pay is better and it will give us a new start. TED What do you think of it Hattie? HATTIE I'm not quiet sure yet. Marty just told me about it. Ted hands Rose an envelope. TED I almost forgot about this. Rose opens the envelope and starts smiling. Everyone is watching Rose. TED (cont'd) Well? ROSE It is from Uncle Bart and he is going to put Harold to work in his china shop. SELMA I guess that means you will be moving there? ROSE Yes it does, I guess I had better get busy packing. Rose stands up. TED Set down for a minute. Seems like this family is going in all different directions lately. Well Buck where you all heading? BUCK We ant going that far just down the road about five miles. We bought old man Isaacs place. TED There's not much land with that spot is there? BUCK About three acres is all but I figure we could try to buy more land later. Ted rubs his chin as he looks at Buck. TED That should give you a garden space at least, and then you could use our land for your cattle. MAMMY We don't have any cattle. Ted smiles at Mammy and Buck. TED Not yet but your going to need at least a cow for milk and one for beef. Then you're going to need a hog or two. BUCK You got this all planned out don't you Mr. Ted? Ted just smiles. Mammy pats Ted's hand. MAMMY I don't know what we would have ever done without you folks. God Bless you. TED Well Marty when do you start your new job? MARTY Monday morning. I figured we would pack up and start moving tomorrow so we could be settled in before I started. Ted looks at Marty with a surprised look. TED Moving quickly. MARTY Don't have a whole lot of choice. TED I guess your right. We have drug our feet too long. How about you and Mammy, Buck? BUCK We had planned on starting tomorrow too. TED Looks like tomorrow will be moving day. We might better get some rest tonight sounds like tomorrow is going to be a busy day for all of us. BUCK Yes sir it is going to be a busy one for sure. MAMMY Hattie, Rose you going to need any help, you're moving further than the rest of us? ROSE Most of our stuff is already packed up we have been planning this move for a while now. HATTIE The only thing we should need help on is loading the truck. How about you? MAMMY Just help loading the truck. TED With all these kids around here loading ant going to be no problem. Everyone go on to bed and get some rest. Good night. Ted gets up from the table and walks off. CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING EXT.FARM HOUSE-MORNING Trucks are backed into the yard with everyone carrying furniture and boxes. TED This is one advantage to having so many kids. SELMA I am going to miss not having them all around here. TED Me too. I was hoping we could keep the family together but sooner or later we got to let them go. Buck drives up in his truck. Ted looks at him as he walks into the yard. BUCK It ant going to take long with this mob. TED That is one advantage to having a houseful. Buck smiles. BUCK Could I borrow one or two of them to help me load? TED Pick you out three or four they have just about got this placed cleaned out. BUCK We sure are going to miss you folks. TED We aren't going that far Buck, besides you are going to have to come over to see your cattle. BUCK I ant got no cattle yet. TED Yes you do, see that steer and milk cow over there. Ted points to two cows standing at the gate. BUCK Mr. Ted you are something else, but I can't take your cows. TED That is yours and Mammies going away present and our way to say thank you for all your help. Buck looks at Ted with a tear in his eye. BUCK Thank God for friends like you. TED (yells) Arnold you and Wade go with Buck here. Buck walks back to his truck with the two boys. Hattie is hugging everyone with tears in their eyes. Marty walks over to Ted. MARTY Pa we are going to miss you. TED Son just remember the things I have taught you and you will be fine. Hattie walks over and gives Ted a big hug. HATTIE We are really going to miss everyone. SELMA Don't stay away too long or my grand children want know us. HATTIE We want. Bye. Hattie walks to the truck with tears in her eyes. Marty shakes everyone's hand as Mable runs up to him hugging him looking at him with her big eyes. MABLE Just remember we all love you. Marty walks to the truck with tears in his eyes as he drives off. FADE OUT.
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