Disclaimer: This story was written for pleasure and not for profit. The characters do not belong to meAnne Morrow Lindberg inspired the idea of "chance treasures".
July 7, 2007
Chance Treasures By Gia August
Chapter One
Waiting Out The Storm
"Chance treasures…must not be sought for or—heaven forbid! —dug for…That would defeat one's purpose…To dig for treasure shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith." Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Jesse Duke woke with the first light of sunrise on the morning of his sixtieth birthday. He had spent a restless night listening to the early spring ice storm raging against his bedroom window. The exhaustion he felt was not entirely due to his lack sleep. It was mostly due to worry. He was worried about his three kids. He might have even enjoyed the inside coziness of the storm if they had been safe at home with him. They had waited out many storms together over the years. They would sit around the fireplace wrapped in blankets, drinking hot chocolate and playing games. Jesse would tell exciting stories about running moonshine and the fierce weather he encountered. The kids would listen wide-eyed as they huddled close together. There was togetherness during storms that Jesse was not able to enjoy this time. As it was, he didn't know exactly where his kids were. The storm had taken down the telephone lines and the power went out late last night. He hoped the kids had enough sense to stay put in Atlanta. He was counting on Luke to make that wise decision. He could only pray that they were safe.
Yesterday had started out gray and overcast. The temperature unexpectedly dropped throughout the day turning a misty rain to ice. The storm gathered and intensified quickly. Luke, Bo and Daisy had left early in the morning for Atlanta. The old tractor refused to start and the boys had practically rebuilt the engine from junkyard parts but they still couldn't get it going. They needed to replace the front and rear wiring harnesses and that was a big problem. The parts couldn't be replaced with used ones and the new parts were expensive. Jesse didn't know how they would manage the spring planting without the old tractor. Somehow, Luke had come up the money. His only explanation being that he had saved it for a special occasion and Jesse supposed this qualified. It wasn't exactly a "special" occasion but it was an emergency. So the boys had gone off to Atlanta to pick up the part.
Daisy jumped at the opportunity to go with them and do a little shopping. Window-shopping anyway. The family's cash flow at the moment was practically non-existent after the unusually hard winter. They had needed repairs on the roof, the barn, the furnace and the water heater all at the same time. And now the tractor. There wasn't any money for anything but necessities. Thanks to her tip money, Daisy usually had a little extra cash that she generously contributed to the family. Jesse had convinced her to take a little bit of that cash to Atlanta but it didn't amount to much. Typically, Daisy planned on surprising the boys and treating them to dinner on the way home instead of treating herself. Jesse hoped they used the money to find a motel room. He hoped that's where they were now, waiting out the storm.
Despite his intense desire to have his kids home with him on his birthday and despite their promise to be here, Jesse now hoped that they had the good sense to stay put and not attempt to travel under these treacherous conditions. As much as Jesse wanted to celebrate this day with them, he would never want them to risk their safety. He pulled the covers up higher and sighed. If they couldn't make it home today, this would be the first birthday he spent without a least two of them since Luke came to live on the farm. Daisy and Bo had never missed his birthday. Luke had only missed his birthday when he was in the Marines and then he managed to call. Even when he was in Vietnam, he somehow managed a phone call. Unless the phone lines were fixed today, which wasn't likely, Jesse might not be hearing from them at all. And that thought made him feel lonely.
The more he thought about it, the more Jesse worried about the kids' promise to always be home for his birthday. Bo might be foolhardy and impulsive enough to try to brave the storm and keep that promise but Jesse felt assured that his oldest nephew would not allow such impetuous actions. Luke had a good head on his shoulder. He was usually able to put his emotions aside and think calmly and rationally especially during a crisis. That had been a hard lesson to learn but he had learned it well. Jesse was depending on Luke to do just that now.
Jesse smiled thinking about the battle that probably ensued when Bo and Luke clashed once again. He was sure Bo would've wanted to come home no matter what. But Luke was dauntless when he needed to be and he needed to be this time. Jesse thanked God for his oldest nephew's resolve and strength of character. Yes, Luke would do what was best to keep everyone safe. He wouldn't let Bo try to make it home under these conditions.
Jesse's thoughts turned to his niece. He was grateful that Daisy was with her cousins. Not only was she a buffer between the two boys when necessary, she also had instincts that neither of his boys possessed. She would know that it wasn't safe to travel. She would make sure that Luke didn't give into Bo, which he sometimes did. In a lot of ways she was tougher than either boy. She could more than hold her own and impose her will on them. And she was more than willing to take them on knowing full well that they'd never hurt her.
Jesse couldn't help but smile again when his thoughts turned to his youngest nephew and the trouble he was likely giving his two older cousins. Bo had promised to be home for his Uncle's birthday and the boy was determined once his mind was set on something. And Jesse knew his mind was set on this. He could only imagine the arguments he was probably giving his cousins. He knew Bo's stubbornness.
Jesse knew he was blessed with three wonderful children. He was glad that they had decided to spend some time together on this trip to Atlanta. There was safety in numbers and each one had their own strength. Luke and Daisy would understand that their safety was much more important than any promise they made to make it home. They would know that their wellbeing was the best possible gift Jesse could receive on his birthday. Thinking of his youngest nephew again, he hoped that Luke and Daisy had been able to convince Bo of that fact. He had to trust Luke to provide direction in his absence. Luke had never let him down in this respect. He could handle his cousin—most of the time. And if he couldn't and they traveled in this storm anyway, he'd put the lot of them over his knee when they got home. That is, after he got through hugging them.
The light in the room was growing steadily stronger as the sun rose higher in the sky. Reluctantly, Jesse pulled back the layers of blankets and quilts he had practically cocooned himself in to protect himself from the dropping temperatures. He had gotten up twice during the night to add a few logs to the fire but the warmth it had provided had long left the room. Jesse shivered. Sitting up on the edge of his bed, he grabbed his robe and took a moment to straighten his back. He thought that getting older was not an easy process. Of course, the alternative was not to be even considered. He was in relatively good health but he could no longer deny the aches and stiff muscles. The little discomforts were always there but they weren't anything he couldn't live with. He didn't complain because he didn't want his kids to worry about him—especially Bo. Bo worried about him too much and he didn't want to give any cause to that worry. He supposed Luke and Daisy worried as much but they were better at hiding it.
Sighing again, Jesse pulled on his robe and went over to the fireplace. He tried stoking the last embers but the fire refused to start again. He decided to brave getting dressed in the cold room and wait to start a fire in the living room. They were out of oil for the furnace and couldn't afford a delivery for a couple of weeks. That was fine until they were hit with this unexpected storm. They'd survive without the furnace. After all, this house was over a hundred years old and his family had done just fine with just the fireplaces to heat the house.
Jesse walked over to the window and pulled aside the curtains to look out into the yard. The glass was covered in frost making it impossible to see out. The sun shinning through the window gave it the appearance of fine crystal. Jesse unlatched the lock and forced the window open. A blast of cold air assaulted his face. He was surprised to see the sun and pale blue sky. The storm had departed leaving an ice-blanketed landscape in its wake. The trees were covered in fine ice that sparkled brilliantly in the early morning sun. Although it looked beautiful, Jesse knew that the ice would make travel even more treacherous. His hope that conditions would improve enough for the kids to make it home was fading. The salt trucks were probably out in Atlanta but it would take a while to make the country roads around Hazzard passable. It could take days unless it warmed up quickly.
Jesse closed the window feeling sorry for himself. It looked like he would be spending his birthday alone for the first time in his life. He slumped down into the comfortable stuffed chair by the fire. He reached behind him and grabbed the quilt that was draped on the back of the old chair. He wrapped himself in the skillfully crafted handmade quilt with a bear's paw design. His late wife had made it for him when they were first married. It captured her spirit in the bold, beautiful colors. More than warding off the chill that hung in the air, it was an emotional comfort to wrap it around him. It made him feel like Martha was there with him. Despite the years, not a day went by that he didn't think of her and miss her.
The cold in the room pulled Jesse back to the present. He pushed himself out of the chair and got dressed as quickly as he could manage. He put on a heavy sweater to keep warm until he could light the fires. There was always plenty of firewood. He knew he gave the boys that chore more than necessary but then it kept them out of trouble and let them burn off some energy in a positive manner. He chuckled as he thought that it also helped him keep them in their place when necessary. He lit the fires in the kitchen and living room as soon as he got downstairs. Once they were going, they would provide sufficient heat. The room was already getting warmer. A cup of coffee was what he needed to warm up inside.
Jesse filled the coffee pot with water. He'd have to remember to keep running water throughout the day to be sure the pipes wouldn't freeze. When he opened the coffee tin, he was surprised to see a neatly folded piece of paper. He unwrapped it, shaking off the grinds of coffee. He immediately recognized the flowing handwriting of his niece. He quickly read the note.
Dear Uncle Jesse,
I heard the weather report this morning and there is a small possibility that the storm might not wait till late tonight. Luke said we had to pick up the tractor parts today because they'd be no telling when we could get back to Atlanta if the storm is bad. He thinks we'll be home in plenty of time to beat the storm. Just in case we don't make it home in time, we wanted to wish you a happy birthday. We're thinking about you if we ain't there, and I guess we ain't if you're reading this. There are three presents for you on the top shelf of my closet. You can open Bo's and mine if you want. Luke says not to open his. It might make it feel like we're there with you. I wish I was. I wish we all were. Don't worry about us. We'll be home as soon as we can.
With all our love,
Daisy
Bo
Luke
Jesse carefully folded the note and placed it in his pocket, close to his heart. He couldn't resist going to Daisy's closet and finding the three presents. The largest one was beautifully wrapped in shinning paper and tied with a fancy ribbon. Without looking at the card, Jesse knew that one was from Daisy. The other two were smaller. The wrapping weren't fancy but neither one of his boys ever had a flare for such things. The box from Bo was a little smaller and narrow. The smallest box was from Luke.
Jesse gathered the boxes in his arms and brought them into the living room. He carefully placed them on the coffee table. After pouring himself a cup of coffee, he settled into his easy chair. It was a comfort having the presents in front of him to remind him of his kids. It made him feel closer to them and he needed that right now. He wouldn't open any of them unless he really needed to. He wanted to wait for them to get home. The storm was over. It was just a matter of time waiting for the ice to melt and the roads to be clear enough to make traveling possible. Until then, he'd have to be patient. He hoped his kids would be patient too, wherever they were.
Jesse decided to wait to open the gifts just in case his kids made it home. He tried to keep himself busy with chores and neglected paperwork during the day but he found it hard to concentrate on the figures. By the time mid-afternoon arrived, he figured that the kids had probably done the smart thing and waited for the traveling conditions to improve tomorrow. Although the sun was warm, the ice on the roads would take some time to melt.
By late afternoon, Jesse stood in front of the fire stoking it. He took a seat in front of his presents and wondered what his kids had in store for him this year. Perhaps Daisy was right. Opening the presents would make him feel better. They weren't going to make it home today. He decided to open Daisy's present first. Reluctantly glancing at the front door one last time, Jesse pulled on the large ribbon releasing the wrapping paper from the box. He took the lid off and carefully moved back the tissue pink paper, revealing a beautiful mahogany photo album. The old picture on the front was of his parents on their wedding day. Engraved under the photo was, "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Jesse gently touched the photograph as if that would connect him to his parents. He turned the page to find the last family portrait taken of him with his parents and all ten of his younger brothers and sisters before life pulled them in different directions. There would be many reunions but none with all of them together. His father passed away shortly after the photo was taken.
Jesse flipped the pages to the last one and gazed at a photo taken this past Christmas of himself with Luke, Daisy and Bo. He remembered Cooter taking the picture but it just occurred to him now that this was the first time he saw it. The kids were surrounding him, looking happy. It was about that time that Daisy found the box of old photos in attic. He wondered why she never brought the box out. She probably wanted to surprise him with this album. She must have spent hours going through all the old photographs to create the album. The book itself cost a pretty penny. Although he was anxious to look through the album, he decided to wait until the kids got home. He wanted to share it with them. He carefully placed it on the coffee table, hoping he could resist opening it again.
Jesse reached for Bo's present. He pulled the ribbon and carefully unwrapped the gift. He removed the lid, revealing a beautiful wooden frame. It was apparent that Bo had carved the frame himself. He had always been quite good at widdling but Jesse hadn't realized how good his craftsmanship had become. The frame was beautiful. Inside the frame was another family photo taken shortly after Daisy arrived to complete their family. She sat between Uncle Jesse and Aunt Martha while the two boys stood on either side of their aunt and uncle like bookends to frame the family.
Jesse smiled. It seemed there was a theme here. He knew things were tight this year. He knew the kids didn't have much money to spare but he always told them that material things weren't important. If the Dukes didn't have nothing else, they had each other. They had family and that was the greatest gift of all. He was proud that the kids understood that.
Jesse carefully placed the frame upright on the coffee table alongside the photo album. He curiously looked at the small box wrapped in brown paper. The wrapping was slightly askew like Luke had wrapped it in a hurry. Daisy's note had asked him not to open Luke's present but curiosity got the best of him. He unwrapped the box and opened the lid. Inside was a small object wrapped in tissue paper. He carefully unwrapped it. He was surprised to find a small rock. It was almost perfectly rounded. It was gray with a line of pink running through it. It felt silky smooth in his hand. He knew it had no monetary value but there was something vaguely familiar about it although he couldn't recall what.
Shaking his head Jesse thought, "Now, why on earth would Luke give me a rock?" He noticed a piece of folded paper taped to the wrapping. He pulled it off and unfolded it. It was a note from Luke.
Dear Uncle Jesse,
Please don't open my gift if I'm not there. I need to explain.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Luke
Jesse wondered what the enigmatic message meant but he realized that it was useless to try to figure it outHe decided to wrap the rock in the tissue paper and put it back in the box. He carefully wrapped the box in the discarded plain paper. If Luke wanted him to wait, he would let his nephew think that he did. He didn't want to go against Luke's wishes. It wouldn't do any harm to wait for him to get home and open it again. He reasoned that maybe it was a good thing that he opened it. This way he wouldn't look disappointed or puzzled in front of Luke.
"A rock?" Jesse wondered again. "Where have I seen it before? I'll just have to wait for Luke to explain."
Jesse settled back in his chair. He opened the book he was reading hoping to distract himself and keep his mind from worrying.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg
Copyright 1955, 1975 by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Copyright renewed 1983 by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
