CHAPTER 2

Amie, despite her youth, understood just how much her father had loved his mother; and considering just how much she loved her own mother and how much just even the idea of her mommy never being there anymore hurt her, knowing this, Amie couldn't help but wipe at her eyes thinking of how sad it must have made him; losing his mother. Sitting up a little, and understanding the reason for it, Amie reached up to wipe the tears from her father's cheek before placing a kiss on it as she offered her heartfelt sympathy;

"I'm sorry about what happened to your Mommy and the baby, Daddy. I know that if somethin happened to Mommy, I don't think I could ever be happy again."

It took Aaron a minute to get over the shock of his daughter's statement, especially given that he didn't realize he had even told her about that part of his life. But, despite the sadness he felt at reliving the memory, he couldn't help but feel somewhat...lighter for having told it. He was about to suggest tucking her into bed when she turned the full force of her gaze on him to beg;

"I know that was sad, Daddy, but I know that you had to be happy at some time. Please, tell me more about when you were younger."

Already knowing that he couldn't deny her, and seeing that she'd never go to sleep otherwise, Aaron sighed in resignation as he gave in;

"Alright, Princess, but if your Mommy finds out I kept you up this late, it was your idea; deal?"

Snuggled against her father's chest and laying her head against his shoulder, Amie happily agreed;

"Deal, Daddy!"

Laughing, she suggested;

"I can tell Mommy I made ya if you want me to."

Lifting his eyes skyward, Aaron could only chuckle,

"And somehow, I think Mommy would believe it."

Satisfied that they were in agreement, at least as far as their alibi went. Amie, as if just realizing it, asked;

"Daddy, didn't you and Mommy name me 'Amelia' because that was your mommy's name?"

Proud of just how smart she was, Aaron nodded as he explained;

"Yes, Princess, we did. Actually, it was Mommy's idea to name you Amelia Carleecia; you're named after mine and Mommy's mother, Grammy Lottie and Mommy."

Now that she had her question answered, Amie prodded;

"Daddy, what happened after your mommy went to be with the angels?"

Knowing that given just how much she took after him and Jemma where her curiosity was concerned and that nothing would do until he told her, Aaron picked up the thread of his tale.

Fall, 1839

George Stempel sat in front of Mr. Chamber's desk, listening as the headmaster ran down the list of issues Aaron seemed to be having since school had formally resumed. The fact was that, if he had been judging it by his son, George would never have believed there had been a summer, especially considering the way his son studied non-stop. Aaron had always been serious when it came to his academic performance, but over the last few months he had done nothing but bury his nose in his school books; so much so that even Mr. Chambers was concerned over just how obsessed the boy had become. George, however, understood the reason for his son's preoccupation, something that found him questioning;

"Aaron's grades aren't suffering, are they?"

Shaking his head as he turned the ledger he kept for each student's progress towards George, Mr. Chambers admitted;

"Indeed not, Mr. Stempel! As you can see for yourself, Aaron's performance is top-notch, just as it's always been since his admittance into my school. And, despite the tragedy..."

Raising his hand, unable to bear being reminded of just what he and his son had lost, George halted the man's observation;

"Yes, Aaron's held up his schooling very well, despite the setbacks we faced earlier this year."

Although he had never been married...or had children, Mr. Chambers, having been fond of Amelia Stempel, especially after seeing her dedication to making certain her son had every academic opportunity possible, could understand what a heart-wrenching loss the woman's death must have been, and still was, to her husband and son. Setting his, normally, formal persona aside, the aging headmaster braced his arms on his desk before leaning forward;

"Mr. Stempel, might I say something of a rather personal nature?"

Despite being fairly certain he knew what the nature of the man's statement would be, George, out of respect...and concern, nodded as the headmaster spoke;

"Mr. Stempel, although I've never experienced the joy of having a wife or children, I know that Mrs. Stempel was an exceptional lady. I also know that she was very dedicated and, if I may say so, I could see that she loved you and your son very much. Sadly, Aaron isn't the first boy in my school to have lost a parent, and I've seen grief take many forms. Although, as far as I've been able to see, he's always been very serious when it comes to his learning, the fact is that your boy is burying himself in his education to avoid dealing with the loss of his mother."

Feeling uncomfortable with the tone of the conversation, George was about to speak when Mr. Chambers rushed ahead;

"Mr. Stempel, please hear me out! I've seen more than just academics in my tenure as a teacher and headmaster, I've also seen suffering. I know that you and Aaron miss your wife very much, but, if I may, I believe that neither of you has truly dealt with the loss you've suffered. Please don't misunderstand, you're far from neglecting the boy, but I think that both of you need to acknowledge what's happened; I don't believe Mrs. Stempel would have wanted you and Aaron to bury yourselves the way you have. To be blunt, sir, she was a lady who struck me as someone who wouldn't have wanted the ones she loved to stop living...I think she would have wanted you and your son to continue your lives. The best way to honor her memory would be not to let the dreams that you shared and that she had for your boy fall by the wayside in the shadow of your grief and pain."

Lowering his head, unable to hold his emotions at bay any longer, George sighed miserably;

"I swear I didn't think I was neglecting him. But the fact that he's getting into fights with other students...maybe if I just paid more attention to him."

Reaching into his bottom desk drawer, Mr. Chambers pulled out two small glasses and a bottle of brandy. Noticing the shocked look on George's face, the headmaster couldn't help but emit a slight chortle;

"Come now, Mr. Stempel, you certainly didn't think that I didn't resort to a nip of liquor now and then, did you? Given all of the antics I've seen in my tenure, the miracle would be if I didn't."

Pouring them both a liberal portion, Mr. Chambers sought to explain Aaron's behavior in a way that he thought might help the boy's father;

"To be bluntly honest, and in your son's defense, Aaron's never the one provoking the altercations. I believe that, given just how quiet he is, some of his classmates are taunting him and he loses his temper. As sad as it is that children can be cruel, I feel that what's taking place is that once some of the other students realized just how sensitive your son is when it comes to the subject of his mother, they're using that to goad him into anger."

Lifting the glass to his lips, the headmaster grudgingly admitted;

"In a way, despite the reason, these altercations have helped prove Aaron's worth to his classmates, especially since he's rather...determined when it comes to refusing to back down."

Studying the amber liquid in his glass before raising it to his mouth and letting it slide comfortingly down his throat, George pleaded;

"What do I do to help my boy, Mr. Chambers? I certainly want him to succeed in his learning, Amelia dreamed that Aaron would get a good education, even possibly as far as attending a university; that was a large part of the reason why we moved east, so he'd have that chance. But I know that what he's doing now; burying himself in his studies to avoid facing the loss of his mother, I know that's not a good thing for him to do."

Tapping his fingers on his desk before remembering something he'd heard before, Mr. Chambers ventured;

"I think I might have an idea, one that may well prove helpful to both you and Aaron. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but I've implemented an added feature to my school. I have, not only local students, but I also have students whose families live too far for the boys to commute back and forth, so they live here at school and return home on weekends, holidays, and so forth. I know, from what little I've been able to get Aaron to talk, that you have a business trip coming up; one that might take quite some time."

Nodding, George confirmed;

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I leave in two weeks. I was trying to decide whether or not I should take Aaron with me, or let him stay here with Millie and Annie so he didn't miss any school."

Waving his hand, Mr. Chambers proposed;

"Why not let him stay here and board with some of the other boys? You know he'll be well cared for, and it will give him a chance to spend more time with boys his age; something that might well help him. In the meantime, it also gives you a chance to tend to your business matters as well as allowing you to come to terms with things yourself. There are no doubts that you love your son, and he loves you, but by that same token, I think that it might well be a good idea so that you two aren't constantly reminded of what's happened...so you both have a chance to heal."

Taking a moment as he stroked his chin with his hand, George nodded;

"I'd like to talk to him about it first...give him a choice. But, I can see where you have a valid point...and a good idea. I'll talk to him about it tonight; given how well he's been doing in his studies, despite the altercations, I thought I would take him to Fraunces Tavern for supper."

Impressed by his choice, Mr. Chambers nodded;

"I think that would be a wonderful idea, Mr. Stempel. And, given his love for history, I think Aaron will enjoy it."

Aaron sat at the table in the restaurant, observing everyone and everything around him and his father. Although he found the place impressive, he just couldn't seem to muster the proper appreciation he thought the occasion deserved. Although he found the food delicious, especially the dessert, Aaron just couldn't seem to enjoy himself; each time he tried all he could seem to think of was how much his mother would have enjoyed the experience. Noticing his son's downcast expression, George, trying to lighten the mood, asked;

"I don't know about you, son, but that was one of the best meals I think I've ever had; and that dessert was delicious, I can't remember the last time I had such a delicious piece of apple pie, can you?"

Lifting his eyes to meet his father's, Aaron nodded before stating solemnly;

"It was good, Papa, but Mama's was better."

Sighing heavily, understanding how his son felt, George nodded;

"I know it was, son; but, Aaron, as much as we don't like it, we have to try and move forward, your mother wouldn't have wanted us to be sad because of her, you know that."

After he'd paid the check, as they were headed home in the carriage, George cleared his throat before bringing up what he had on his mind;

"Aaron, I spoke with Mr. Chambers today."

His face scrunching in a slight frown, Aaron asked;

"Am I in trouble for belting that kid in the mouth?"

Eager to put his son's mind at ease, George shook his head as he assured him;

"No, son! Mr. Chambers explained what happened and, although I don't want you fighting if it can be avoided, I can understand why you did it. No, we discussed something else today and I'd like to see how you feel about it. You know that I have to leave town in a couple of weeks; originally, I was going to see if you would have liked to go with me, or if you'd rather I leave you with Millie and Annie so you didn't miss any school. But, Mr. Chambers has suggested that it might be a good idea...for the both of us, if I let you live at the school with the other students, who board there because their homes are too far away, while I'm gone What do you think about that?"

Lifting his head to, despite the darkened interior of the carriage, lock eyes with his father, Aaron, his voice ripe with a bit of sadness, asked;

"Is it because I'm a burden, Papa?"

Staring at his son in disbelief, George wrapped his arms around the boy to pull him into an embrace before denying fiercely;

"No, Aaron, you are the farthest thing from a burden there is; you have no idea just how much of a blessing you are, never, EVER think that...or say it again. Son, the reason I'm asking is that I know how important your schooling is to you and, with the business I'll be doing while I'm away, I thought you might like the chance to make a few new friends. Plus, where I'm going is going to be rough and not nearly as comfortable as it is here, that's why I'd rather you stay."

Shaking his head, George admitted;

"I couldn't bear it if you got hurt or something happened to you; I'd feel much better knowing your safe."

Lowering his eyes to study the pattern stitched into the leather seat of the carriage, Aaron pondered his father's explanation before timidly asking;

"But you're coming back; right, Papa? You won't stay gone forever, will you."

Pushing his son away a bit as he placed his hands on the boy's shoulders, George, although tinged with sadness, gave his son a smile filled with love as he assured him;

"Yes, Aaron, I promise you, I'm coming back! Now, keep in mind, I'm going to be gone for several weeks, but I promise I'll write you as often as possible, it may take a bit for the letters to reach you, but I will write and I will be coming back home to be with you. And, when I get back, if you like staying at the school we'll discuss that if it's what you want to do; or, you can go to school like you always have and stay living at home with me; alright?"

Satisfied that his father would keep his word and return, Aaron agreed;

"Yes, Papa. I think I'd like to stay at the school while you're gone. But, if it's okay, I'd like to go home on the weekends sometimes to keep Annie and Millie company."

George, relieved that Aaron was amiable to the idea, happily agreed;

"That's just fine, son. And don't worry, I'll see to making arrangements that you'll have everything you need while I'm gone. I'm going to appoint Mr. Chambers your temporary guardian, just while I'm gone and just in case anything should happen that requires my permission. I trust his judgment and you seem to like him, so I don't see any problems arising; I'm also going to speak with my lawyer and make certain that you'll have everything you need while I'm away."

Ruffling his son's hair, George vowed;

"Everything's going to be alright, Aaron; I promise. I know that it will take some time, but I also know that, as long as we have each other, we're going to make out just fine. Besides, that's how your mama would have wanted it to be for us and we can't disappoint her, now can we?"

Even though he still felt the grief and sadness at not having his mother with them anymore, Aaron couldn't help but remember the promise that he'd made to her before she died, something he knew he had to keep, and something that found him agreeing with his father's observation;

"No, Papa, I wouldn't want to disappoint Mama."

Leaning against his father's side, feeling safe and content in his embrace, Aaron was determined that he would make his mother...and father, proud with everything he was going to accomplish in his father's absence. Although, he couldn't shake the feeling that, things were going to change even more drastically than what they had the night his mother died.

January 1840

Climbing the stairs to the second floor of the school's dormitory, Mr. Chambers happily greeted several of the students who hurried past him on their way to enjoy the various pursuits of their free time. However, as he knew would be the case, he found the object of his search, Aaron Stempel, in his room; intently studying his lessons. Although it was a Saturday, the headmaster knew that, with exams soon coming up, one of his most academically gifted students would be hard at work. Tapping on the open door, he requested;

"Aaron, if I might impose for a moment of your time, may I come in?"

Carefully, Aaron marked his place in his history book before rising from his chair to nod;

"Please, Mr. Chambers, come in."

Offering the elder the chair he had just vacated, Aaron remained standing as the man came to the point of his visit. Reaching in his pocket, Mr. Chambers produced a thick envelope and, holding it out to the boy, informed him;

"I just received that and thought you'd be happy to see it."

Watching as he took the missive and scanned the name written on it, the headmaster felt glad for the boy as he excitedly stated;

"It's from my father!"

Eagerly, Aaron tore into the envelope and searched the letter's contents before furrowing his young brow slightly as he looked up to his temporary guardian;

"Papa says he'll be home in another month or so, and that he's bringing a surprise and that he hopes I'll like it."

Studying the young boy's face and seeing signs of worry written on his features, Mr. Chambers tried to encourage;

"But that's a good thing, isn't it, Aaron? I know you've missed your father quite a bit, and he's bringing you a surprise."

Hesitantly, Aaron nodded;

"Yes, sir, but it's just that...well, Papa would usually just tell me whatever the surprise was. But he's not doing that this time, it just makes me wonder if it's a good surprise...or a bad one."

Rising from the chair, Mr. Chambers placed his hand on his shoulder before speculating;

"I'm sure it's a good surprise, Aaron. I don't see your father writing you about something such as that and it not being something pleasant. Now, I think I'll leave you to your studies; but don't forget, you promised you'd have supper in the dining hall with everyone else tonight."

Giving a quick bob of his head, Aaron affirmed;

"I know, sir; I won't forget."

Folding the letter and placing it in his desk drawer, Aaron reclaimed his seat and opened his book once more, doing his best to focus on his lessons; despite the myriad of thoughts running rampant through his mind as he wondered what his father had in store for him.

March 1840

Although to anyone observing him, Aaron passed through the day much as he normally would...studious as usual, the truth was that, inwardly, he was anxious and excited at the prospect of seeing his father again. It had been months since he had last seen the man and, despite the steady stream of correspondence between them, the thought of being able to see and talk to his father again...and share his accomplishments was one that found him in a happy mood of anticipation. Given that Aaron participated in the program that allowed him to progress with his studies at his own rate, as well as having recently been promoted, once again, to the next grade, Mr. Chambers was only too happy to grant him a holiday before beginning the next leg of his studies. Despite the lingering winter weather, the prospect of spending time with his father after being separated for so long lifted the boy's spirits considerably. Finally, after his last class of the day, Aaron returned to his room to finish packing in anticipation of his father's arrival. He'd no sooner fastened the latch on his case than one of the upperclassmen poked his head in the open door to inform him;

"Stempel, Mr. Chambers asked me to let you know you have a visitor."

Nodding, Aaron took his case in hand and, for the first time in a long time, left his school books on his desk before closing his door as he hurried to the headmaster's office. Stopping just before reaching the doorway, Aaron sat his bag down to straighten his jacket and take a deep, calming breath before raising his fist to knock on the portal. Pushing the door open as he heard Mr. Chambers order;

"Enter!"

Aaron stood in a semi-stunned state as his eyes fell on his father...and a very pretty, very blonde, young woman seated next to him in front of the headmaster's desk. Keeping his eyes on his father, and despite his trepidation at the presence of the strange lady, Aaron approached him to extend his hand before greeting;

"It's very nice to see you, sir."

Although he was pleased by his son's greeting, considering he'd not seen the boy for the last few months, George, after shaking his son's hand couldn't help the wide smile of delight that lightened his features as he lowered himself to sit on his heels before stretching his arms wide in invitation as he shook his head,

"I'm afraid I need a little more than that, son."

Unable to resist the invitation, Aaron's mouth curled in a happy smile as he eagerly ran into his father's embrace, hugging him tightly before admitting;

"I missed you, Papa!"

Holding his son close to him, George sighed happily as he returned;

"I bet not as much as I missed you, son."

Holding his son a few moments more, grateful to be back with his child once more, George cleared his throat before standing to place his hand on the boy's shoulder as the lady rose from her seat. Despite his youth and his father's eager greeting, Aaron was astute enough to know that there was something on his father's mind, and unless he was mistaken, it was something serious. Seeing his son's curiosity piqued, George knew that the time had come to answer his son's unspoken question, something that found him nervously starting;

"Aaron...son, there's someone very special that I'd like you to meet."

Motioning towards the woman who stood waiting patiently, George cleared his throat nervously as he made the introductions,

"Aaron, I'd like you to say hello to Elsa."

Looking from his father to the woman, suspiciously, Aaron held out his hand to offer;

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Elsa."

Aaron found himself stunned beyond words as the woman, a wide smile brightening her features, bent to hug him to her in a fierce embrace as she gushed in an unfamiliar accent;

"Ah, Aaron, I've heard so much about you. Veer going to be great friends, yah?"

Looking to his father, his face a mask of confusion, Aaron stammered;

"Uh...Papa?"

Noticing the pleading expression his father wore, Aaron felt his heart sinking in dread, already certain he knew what his father was about to say. However, the dread he felt at the suspicion was nothing compared to the shock he felt as his father clarified the woman's identity;

"Aaron...son, the reason Elsa is so special is that she's my wife. You see, son, she and I met while I was in San Francisco taking a look at some investment possibilities there. We...well, we found we liked each other a great deal and we decided that we wanted to get married."

Seeing the cold hardness in the boy's dark glare, George lowered himself to sit on his heels to look into his child's eyes as he pleaded;

"Please try to understand something, Aaron; I'll always love your mother, there will always be a place in my heart for her. But, son, she's been gone more than a year and I..."

Giving a slight shake of his head, Aaron interrupted his father's explanation;

"It's alright, Papa. You're a grown-up and I have no right to say anything about what you do and I'm sure you have good reasons."

Turning back to face the woman, Aaron reluctantly offered;

"Congratulations...Mrs. Stempel."

Looking at each other worriedly, George was about to correct the boy when, noticing Mr. Chambers shaking his head, he suggested;

"Aaron, why don't you take your bag outside and have Edgar put it in the boot for you."

Glad for the temporary escape, he eagerly agreed;

"Yes, Papa."

Waiting until he closed the door behind him, George turned to the headmaster to ask anxiously;

"Mr. Chambers, what should we do? I can tell he's not happy about this, but..."

Holding his hand up, Mr. Chambers interrupted;

"Mr. Stempel, if this sounds out of line, I apologize in advance. However, you are asking my advice so I would be remiss if I weren't to point out that you wrote your boy that you were bringing him a surprise."

Turning to Elsa, he bowed his head a bit as he offered;

"I beg your pardon, madam, please believe I mean no offense when I say this."

Accepting the slight nod of her head as his cue, Mr. Chambers continued;

"Sir, considering just how hard your son has worked, at not only his studies but at also moving forward since the loss of his mother, telling him to expect a surprise and announcing that, during your absence, you remarried, at the very least he's in shock. My suggestion is that you give him some time to come to grips with this sudden change in his life...don't push him. Just let him come to terms with this in his own time and in his own way."

Trusting the headmaster's judgment, George slowly nodded;

"Thank you, Mr. Chambers."

Extending his hand, Mr. Chambers, his sincerity obvious, offered;

"Despite Aaron's reaction, Mr. Stempel, I do congratulate you and your bride. And, I hope that you'll both be happy and that everything will be alright for your family. Now, please enjoy this holiday with your son; believe me, he's earned it."

The ride home was, to say the least, a bit awkward as George and Elsa sat across from Aaron, who remained silent. Doing his best to try and ease the tension, George announced;

"Oh, by the way, son, I know that Mr. Vandermeer sent the gifts that I asked him to get for me to you for Christmas, but I did bring you quite a few things back from my travels; I hope you'll like them."

Grudgingly, Aaron nodded before stating politely;

"I'm sure I will, sir."

Looking to each other for some type of clue, Elsa tried breaking the ice with her new step-son;

"Aaron, yer fodder tells me dat vun of yer favrit tings is apple pie. I'd very much like to make vun for you...if you'd like."

Aaron, lowering his head to study the floor of the coach, cleared his throat before answering;

"Yes, ma'am, I like apple pie very much...Mama made the best pies in the whole wide world."

Further conversation wasn't possible as the coach came to stop in front of their house and Edgar hurried to open the door. After he'd helped his new bride disembark from the coach, George found himself caught up in the excitement of the moment of bringing his bride to their home for the first time, something that found him laughing as he swept her up in his arms to carry her across the threshold. Caught up in the giddiness of the moment, Elsa laughed as she chided;

"George, vhat vill Aaron tink?"

Aaron, his expression remaining impassive, bluntly asked;

"Papa, did you carry Mama into the house like that after you married her?"

Setting Elsa back on her feet after entering the foyer, George cleared his throat as he answered honestly;

"Yes, Aaron, as a matter of fact, I did carry your mother like that; it's a tradition, son. And someday, when you have a new bride, you'll do the same thing."

Trying to change the subject, Elsa, glancing around the house expressed her appreciation;

"George, you never told me dat da house vas dis nice. I don't know dat I'd vant to change any ting about it."

Lifting his head in indignation, Aaron hotly defended;

"Why would you want to change anything? Mama did a very nice job decorating our home, everything's just the way she wanted it, and Papa and I like it this way."

Although he wanted Aaron to come to terms with the changes that had taken place in their family, George also couldn't allow his son to make an already awkward situation intolerable for his new bride; especially considering that she was adjusting to things herself. Making his mind up that he needed to set the tone for what he expected from the boy, George motioned towards his private study;

"Aaron, go in my study. You and I need to have a discussion, young man...a SERIOUS discussion."

Watching as he lowered his head and walked out of the room as if he were walking towards the gallows. Elsa's heart went out to the boy; so much so that, once the door closed as he entered the room, she turned to her husband to plead the child's case;

"George, do not scold him. Dis cannot be easy for him, you told me yourself yust vhat a vonderful voman Amelia vas, and yust how close she and Aaron vere. You cannot expect him to velcome me vith open arms da second he meets me. It vill take time."

Shaking his head, George argued;

"Elsa dear, I know this is a shock for him; that I accept. However, what I won't accept is rudeness...and if Amelia were here neither would she."

Turning, he made his way to his study, leaving his wife to wonder if this would make things better...or worse, between the three of them. When George entered the room, it was to find his son standing in front of a bookcase, holding his mother's picture...staring at it. Sighing heavily, George walked over to take the frame from his hands before studying the image for himself as he shook his head;

"I know you miss her, Aaron, but..."

George found himself taken off-guard as Aaron spun on him to demand angrily;

"Why, Papa...why would you marry her? You were supposed to be on a business trip and you come back with a new wife."

Shaking his head, Aaron vowed vehemently;

"She may be YOUR wife, but she'll never be MY mother. Nobody can take the place of Mama...I won't let them!"

Whatever else George might have said was never spoken as Aaron turned and ran from the room, snatching the picture of his mother from his father's hands as he did so. Stunned, George stood frozen as he heard the sound of his son running up the staircase, each step reverberating with his anger. Leaning his head back on his shoulders, closing his eyes in frustration, he muttered;

"YE GODS!"

Having seen the way Aaron stormed angrily from the room and up the stairs, Elsa entered the study to approach her husband and plead;

"George, yust give him time to calm down, and I vill try to talk to him myself."

At his wit's end as to just how to get through to his son, George simply nodded;

"Maybe you're right, Elsa."

Sighing heavily, he couldn't help lamenting;

"I don't think he'd listen to anything I have to say right now anyway."

Laying across his bed, Aaron buried his head in his pillow as he let his tears of anger and grief fall unchecked before turning to look at his mother's picture..pleading, despite knowing that he wouldn't receive an answer;

"How could he do that, Mama...HOW? It's not fair! I want YOU back; I don't want someone else!"

Hearing the sound of the hinges creaking as his bedroom door opened slowly, Aaron quickly sat up before, brushing the tears from his eyes, he demanded hotly;

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM? YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COME IN HERE!"

Standing at the doorway, her hands clasped in front of her, Elsa nodded her understanding before trying to reason with him;

"I know dat, but I vas yust hoping dat maybe I could talk vith you fer a few minutes."

Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, Aaron sighed heavily as he relented;

"Alright, but if I don't wanna talk anymore then you have to leave."

Giving a slight nod of her head, Elsa motioned to the chair near his bed before asking;

"May I?"

At his nod of consent, she settled herself in the chair before beginning;

"Aaron, I know dat it must be a shock for your papa to come home vith a new vife. And I know dat you must be vorried dat I might try to take your mama's place, but I promise dat I'd never try to do dat. I know dat you loved your mama...very much, I also know dat your papa loved your mama too."

His dark eyes widening in surprise as he stared at her in disbelief, Aaron demanded sharply;

"But if Papa loved Mama so much then why'd he marry you?"

Lowering her eyes to her lap, Elsa stared at her clasped hands for a moment as she considered the boy's question before offering the answer she thought might make the most sense;

"Vell, I tink dat your papa vas very sad because he vas alone. Vhen he and I met, ve got along very vell and ve enjoyed each udders company, so ve taught dat it only made sense for us to get married."

Rising from her chair, Elsa moved closer to the bed before motioning to the place next to him in a silent request...one that he understood and slowly nodded as he moved to make room for her. Sitting next to him, she turned to face him wanting him to see the sincerity in her eyes as she spoke;

"Aaron, I know dat your mama vas a very special lady, and I don't vant to take her place. I vould never try to be your mama, but I vould like to be your friend. You see, I know how dat feels cause I lost my mama vhen I was a little girl and I know dat no one could ever take her place, so I know dat I couldn't ever take your mama's place...but, yust maybe, me and you...ve can be friends."

Looking at his mother's picture, deep in his heart, Aaron knew that she wouldn't have wanted his father to be alone...or unhappy. Turning to look up at her, his voice holding a sort of...small tone to it, he asked worriedly;

"I don't have to call you Mama?"

Shaking her head, she assured him;

"No, Aaron, you do not. But, if maybe someday, you should decide dat you vant to, I vould be honored, but I do not vant you to do so if you do not vant to. You can just call me 'Elsa', alright?"

Sighing heavily, he slowly nodded before admitting reluctantly;

"I wouldn't mind that. And...I guess, if you wanna make an apple pie I wouldn't mind tryin a piece of it."

Seeing his statement as a positive step, Elsa smiled warmly before nodding;

"Alright, perhaps tomorrow I'll see about making one. I tink your fodder said some ting about going to eat someplace tonight."

Placing her hand on his shoulder, she reminded;

"I know dat it may be hard for you, but...yust maybe, you could talk to your papa. He missed you very much, he did nuh ting but tell me all about you and vhat your mama was like."

Somehow, for Aaron, knowing that his father had been so open about him and his mother to this woman, seemed to make things...better somehow. Realizing something that had been piquing his interest since her arrival, he couldn't help but ask;

"Mrs...Elsa, can I ask you something?"

At her nod, he pursued;

"Where are you from?"

Laughing at his question, thinking he was going to ask much worse, she answered;

"I'm from Sveden. I know I talk funny, but I understand English perfectly."

Staring at her for a moment, Aaron felt as though, if she were here and under other circumstances, his mother could have easily grown to like this woman. And, given her willingness to respect his mother and just what she had meant to him, he felt that he and she could be friends, something that found him suggesting;

"I think I should go talk to Papa."

Motioning towards the photo of his mother, Aaron asked hesitantly;

"Elsa...do you think that Papa would let me keep Mama's picture?"

Her heart going out to the boy and giving in to her instinct, she placed her arm around his shoulders before nodding;

"I'm sure he vill, I'll talk to him myself. Besides, I tink it looks very nice next to your bed. Now, should ve go tell him dat every ting is fine?"

Feeling the weight of pain and worry lift from his shoulders...and heart, Aaron hopped down from his bed before suggesting;

"I guess I better go talk to Papa, huh?"

Nodding, she encouraged;

"Vell, I tink dat might yust be a good idea."

Watching as he walked out the door and downstairs, Elsa turned to the tintype of Amelia Stempel to assure her image;

"I know dis is hard for your boy, but I promise, I vill do my best to make sure he is taken care of and I know dat he vill never forget you."

Rising from the bed, she turned to straighten the covers before making her way downstairs to wait for her husband and step-son to conclude their discussion.

George sat at his desk, nursing a glass of brandy, wondering how he could find a peaceful solution to the problem facing him where his wife and son were concerned. However, before he could even begin to think of some way that might help the issue, a timid knock sounded on his door. Before he could invite the party to enter, just as had proven his want since he'd drawn his first breath, Aaron surprised him as he eased the door open to poke his head around the portal before timidly asking;

"Papa, can I talk to you?"

Remaining silent, George nodded as he motioned for his son to come closer, noticing as he did so just how the boy drew in a deep breath before lifting his head and squaring his shoulders before walking purposefully towards his desk and coming to stand in front of him. Noticing how the boy looked him in the eyes, George realized that his son was growing up quicker than he'd thought possible, even before he spoke;

"Papa, I'm sorry for being...well, for being so mad before. But when you came in with Elsa and told me that you'd married her, I was scared you were trying to forget Mama."

Although he knew Aaron might think he was too old, George reached out and pulled him into a fierce embrace before shaking his head as he tried to explain;

"Aaron...son, I promise you, I didn't marry Elsa because I was trying to forget your mother."

His features taking on a faraway expression as he shook his head, George vowed;

"I could NEVER forget your mother...she was the first woman that I ever loved, and I'll always love her."

Seeing the shocked expression on the boy's face at his candor, George wasn't surprised when his son asked,

"But, Papa, if you'll always love Mama, why did you marry Elsa?"

Deciding that he was mature enough to understand, George began explaining;

"Aaron, let me see if I can help you understand. You see, I love Elsa too, but not quite the same as I did your mother; there are different types of love. Now, if your mother were still with us, I would never have given Elsa a second thought; but, when I met Elsa, she made me laugh, she's smart, sweet, and she's real...just as your mother was. And, most importantly, although it's different, we do love each other. Now, Elsa knows all about your mother and she also knows just how much you and I loved her."

Shaking his head, he promised;

"She doesn't want to replace your Mama, Aaron. She just wants to love us and be here for us...something your Mama would have wanted for us. I know it's hard, but do you think you can give her a chance to, at least, be your friend?"

Having already made his mind up after his talk with her upstairs, Aaron nodded as he confessed;

"I want to do that, Papa. I talked to Elsa upstairs and she told me that I don't have to call her 'Mama', I can just call her 'Elsa', I think, maybe, after I get t know her better that I might like her."

Lowering his head for a moment, Aaron admitted;

"And, I want you to be happy, Papa...Mama would want you to be happy, and she'd be disappointed in me if I didn't let you have a chance to be. So, as long as she doesn't try to replace, Mama, I'll give her a chance."

Exhaling a huge sigh of relief at his son's reasonableness, George let a smile of hope curl the corners of his mouth before expressing his gratitude;

"Thank you, Aaron. Now, you...my boy, are on holiday from school! I promised Elsa that we'd go somewhere nice for dinner, does that sound good to you?"

At the boy's eager nod, he suggested;

"Alright then, go upstairs and get ready while I tell Elsa to go freshen up and we'll see to doing just that."

Waiting until he'd left the room, Elsa ventured in to ask;

"Is every ting, fine between da two of you?''

Rising from his desk to approach his bride before holding her in his embrace and brushing a kiss on her cheek, George happily nodded;

"I believe so, dear, yes. We had a talk and he's willing to give things a chance; he was just afraid that we were trying to push his mother's memory away. But, now that he understands that I'll always love and have a place in my heart for Amelia, I think he understands that what I feel for you is somewhat different. Plus, he also now knows that you're not trying to take her place; I think that was his biggest concern."

Thankful that they had seemed to find a peaceful solution to the situation and that his son was willing to give Elsa a chance, George turned his bride towards the door as he suggested;

"Now, Mrs. Stempel, why don't you go freshen up and we'll go have a nice supper...as I promised."

Waiting until he heard her hurrying up the stairs, George returned to his desk and opened the bottom drawer before pulling out a tintype of his wife taken just before their marriage. Raising his glass he toasted;

"Amelia, my love, please believe, I'll never stop loving you. But, in some strange way, I believe that you had a hand in my finding Elsa, and I think that you would approve."

Raising the glass to his lips, George drained the last of its contents before toasting;

"To you, my love, and our wonderful son."