HC02A: Wind and the Willow
by VStarTraveler
Summary: Three months after the events of "The Ride," housekeeper Violeta takes a leave to visit her sister, setting off a chain of events that could change lives on the High Chaparral.
Author's Notes: This story is takes place about three months after the end of "The Ride." If you're a High Chaparral fan and haven't read it (and its predecessor, "The Fight") yet, you might want to read that (or those) first since the major event of that story is reflected here. Unlike the earlier stories, this story will not be rigid drabbles but will use relatively short chapters of variable length, with each chapter told from the perspective of the title character. A situation may be seen much differently from different perspectives and the truth may not always be what one thinks. Due to the author's real life issues, this story will probably be told at a leisurely pace, so you may wish to follow the story to receive word of updates.
Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction, written entirely for fun and not for profit. This interpretation of The High Chaparral is entirely my own, and The High Chaparral and all of its various components remain the property of their respective owners.
Chapter 1: Victoria
Violeta had gone to see her sister for a month, taking Isabella, her sister's daughter, with her.
Victoria was sure she could manage when her housekeeper had approached her about the trip and she'd gladly agreed. Now, on the second day of Violeta's sabbatical, she wasn't so sure. One three month old was nursing happily and the other was starting to stir. Again.
Victoria fought off a yawn as little Bobby's "hic, hic" sound quickly turned into a wanting cry.
Betsy's little hands turned to plump fists that pummeled her mother's breast softly at the disturbance.
"Sorry, it's your brother's turn again," she said as she burped the girl and laid her back in the basinet next to her. "We'll change everyone shortly."
Bobby was quite hungry, too, but Betsy wasn't happy and began to cry. Pulling Bobby away, she shifted him to her shoulder and reached into their little bed for his sister. Scooping carefully from her seated position, she was able to bring the tiny girl to her other shoulder.
Victoria knew that Betsy would not be tiny for long. As quickly as the kids were growing, she also knew that she would not be able to pick them both up like this at one time for much longer. Perhaps John would; it was so sweet seeing him be so careful and loving with the little ones.
The thought almost brought tears to her eyes but there was no time for that. Two babies were crying instead.
Victoria sighed as she patted a small child on each shoulder. She was so very thankful for her little ones; still, it was going to be a very long month.
~HC~
