Elizabeth Thatcher finished writing on the chalk board as her students began to file in through the door to start another day at the little Hope Valley school where she taught. As she finished the final word, turned and couldn't help but grin as the students came in full of excitement for a new day. She loved being able to touch their lives in many different ways, and in return be taught by each of their examples.
"All right class, it's time to begin." She said and watched her students eagerly find their seats.
"What are we talking about today Miss Thatcher!" exclaimed a young girl in the front.
"Something very exciting!" she explained keeping the children in suspense. She stepped away from the chalk board to allow the students to see what she had planned for them.
"Orange Belt?" asked Gabe from the back. "Why do we need to learn about belts?"
Elizabeth chuckled, "Not Orange Belt Gabe, Orians Belt. The Big Dipper, the little Dipper, anyone know what these have in common?"
Elizabeth patiently waited and examined the room. Everyone was looking around at each other waiting for someone to answer, everyone except Becky Crawley. She kept her head down staring at her shoes. She took note to check on her during their next break.
"Well class, these are all constellations."
"Constewhata's?" asked Albert.
"Constellations, or groups of stars that form a shape. It is a way for boats to navigate, and to understand where they are. Plus they are incredible to look at. There are billions and billions of stars in the sky, and the fact that we can look up and see different designs, is wonderful." Elizabeth explained dreamily.
"Can you see them in Hope Valley?" asked another student.
"Of course you can, better than you can from where I came from." She smiled as she saw the wonder and interest peak in their little eyes.
"Today we will talk about a few of the constellations that we can see tonight right here in Hope Valley."
Elizabeth continued to talk and teach right up until the student's first break.
"Alright class," She said as she picked up her beloved cowbell. "Time for an outside break." And with that she rang the bell and watched as the students filed out of the church. She watched as they went and was reminded that something was going on with Becky as she watched her slowly make her way to the door.
She began to follow her out when Abigail Stanton walked through the door.
"Abigail!" Elizabeth said happily and went to greet her friend
. "Good Morning Elizabeth, I hope I didn't interrupt anything." Abigail said apologetically.
"Not at all, your timing was impeccable actually."
Abigail smiled and raised a basket that she had been carrying to the table. As she uncovered it the aroma of freshly baked muffins filled the air.
"Of Abigail!" Elizabeth groaned with delight. "What's the occasion?"
Abigail grinned at Elizabeth's reaction. "Well Clara, Rosemary, and I all baked the same muffins by accident. We didn't coordinate very well. So I figured why not give it to some of my favorite little people and as Rosemary said 'open up their minds to the world of the unknown.'" Abigail explained in her best Rosemary impression.
"Well I can't say I'm too disappointed." Elizabeth said as she grabbed one for herself.
She looked out the window at the children and was reminded of Becky Crawley. Becky was nearly done with school. She had blossomed into a beautiful young lady, and was starting to gain the attention of many boys. She was very happy and loved to learn, and had many friends. Yet today there was something not right, as she was sitting alone under a tree.
"Abigail," Elizabeth questioned, "What do you know about the Crawley family?"
Abigail was surprised and paused for a moment to think. "Well they are newer to Hope Valley. I believe they came from the city and are very well to do. Mr. Crawley was recruited for the mine, and Lee was so impressed with him that he kept him on as his number 2 at the lumber mill. "Her face became somber as she continued. "They also lost a son in the mine, and Mr. Crawley hasn't been the same since I think. Mrs. Crawley's healthy turned for the worse after the accident, and after the past few days, it has become even worse. She is near the end according to some of the other widows."
"Oh I had no idea!" Elizabeth said as she gazed out noticing Gabe had taken a seat next to Becky. "As soon as I feel like I'm starting to understand things here, I'm always thrown for another loop." She said sadly.
"It's a small town," Abigail explained, "but sometimes small towns, have the deepest secrets."
The two women continued to visit until the break for the children had ended.
Elizabeth rang the cowbell and called "Time to come back in children!" As the students made their way back into the church the smell of the muffins hit them like a steam engine.
Both Abigail and Elizabeth giggled. "First everyone tell Mrs. Stanton thank you for her wonderful treat she brought us. "
"THANK YOU!" the class roared with eagerness.
Abigail grinned "your welcome! Now listen to Miss Thatcher and learn lots." Abigail stated and made her way out the door.
"Now children you may each grab one muffin on the way back to your seats."
Elizabeth watched as some children couldn't wait until they got to their seats before beginning to eat their muffin. She smiled and watched with surprise as Becky made her way directly to her seat and skipped the muffin line. She made her way over to her desk and crouched down beside her. "Good Morning Becky, how are you today?"
Becky looked up with surprise and placed a forced smile on her face. "Oh I am doing wonderfully today Miss Thatcher, how are you?"
Elizabeth was taken aback with the sudden forced change of subject. "Oh I'm doing lovely thank you."
Before Elizabeth could question it anymore, the boys began fighting over who was to get a second muffin.
"Boys!" Elizabeth exclaimed and stood up. "Boys!" she yelled again and clapped her hands. She walked over to stop the argument. She glanced over at Becky and thought it seemed as though Becky had breathed out a sigh of relief.
"A new challenge is never too big. I'm Elizabeth Thatcher!" Elizabeth thought and noted to figure out what was going on soon. She calmed the class down and jumped back into her lesson for the rest of the morning.
