Carson removed my stitches this morning, and I am feeling almost normal again. When I ended up in a television series, I never imagined I would be helping Lee and Rosemary clean out their storage shed. My hair is tied up in a bandana, and I am wearing a work dress Rosemary sewed for me. I am discovering how practical these clothes actually are for every day movement; they are comfortable too. While Lee is fiddling with the mechanics of an old bicycle, I organize tools on the wall, designate empty flowerpots for holding bags of seed, and puncture my finger with a fishing hook. A fond memory melts my heart as I stare at a reel of fishing line. It isn't modern-looking, but it is perfect all the same. Out of the three poles cuddling in the corner, one with a sleek finish catches my eye. This must be Lee's favorite. A sound of footsteps promts my body to twitch.
"You like fishing?" Lee's Fists are on his waist.
"Something like that...my dad used to take me out to a certain dock before sunrise on the weekend; he always joked that Saturdays were named after a man who finally came to his senses and sat down." Placing the pole back in the corner, my lips tremble, and my throat aches from effort to hold tears back.
"He used to?"
"Yes," I respond, "he used to." With that, I glance at my feet and resume organizing the shiny nails from the rusted nails.
"Well, you're welcome to come with me sometime. Rosmary doesn't like fishing, so I'm a little out of practice." We both laugh and are interrupted by Rosemary requesting my help with dinner. Good thing I can cook better than I sew.
The aroma of pan-fried steak is too much. I cannot stop the drool from my mouth while slicing the potatoes, coating them with oil, salt, and dill weed. This should be enough seasoning. The oven will do the rest as the edges crisp and brown. There is a knock at the door, and I stop Rosemary as she looks up from the stove.
"I'll get it."
"Thanks, Nyrah." I wave dismissively at Rosemary, then begin untying my apron. It's Lucas. He looks surprised to see me.
"I'm staying with the Coulter's until I can get properly settled somewhere," I answer before he can ask, "I would actually like to talk to you about something later, if that's ok." My statement comes out in a whisper.
"Perfectly," he leans forward as if divulging a secret, "I'm only here because Lee said that Rosary had some books for donation to the new-"
"-library," I interrupt. Somehow, it seems too painful to allow him to finish that sentence. "I wish I had some books to donate as well, but I didn't bring much to Hope Valley." Footsteps sound behind me and I turn to Lee.
"Hey, thanks so much for stopping by." His gaze shifts toward me for a second before making an offer to the saloon owner. "Please, would you stay for supper? I hear it is almost ready from the gals." My skin drains of color. Lee knows something. I can see it in his demeanor, or perhaps I am imagining it. It's not like I can forbid my host not to invite Lucas, my massive crush, into their home.
Lucas Bouchard decides to join us at the dinner table, and compliments both Rosemary and I on the delicious food. Somehow, after Lee and Lucas discuss politics, the two of us end up looking at the couple's wedding photos after supper. I asked to help with the dishes, but Rosemary and Lee declined my offer.
"Which one is your favorite?" Lucas flips through different pages. Several moments pass as I scan through the options, but only one catches my eye. The bride and groom in the middle, with Elizabeth and Jack on either side of them. Four best friends I wish I could see together again in more than still pictures. I point to that one.
"Did you used to know Jack?" I think about what words to respond with; I still need to be careful because I am from "the future."
"No, not personally," sadness can be heard in my tone, "but I know he was a good man; he loved Elizabeth with his entire being." Lucas probably thinks I am odd, talking about a man I have never met. Let's face it, I am being weird, talking about a man I have never met.
"Well, I have heard nothing less from other people," he says. I know he is using this as homework for Elizabeth, and the relaxation I had felt before, sours.
"Could I possibly talk to you about something?" I change the subject, and when he nods, I continue, "Are you in need of any more waitresses at the Queen Of Hearts?" He nods in contemplation.
"Yes, in fact, I am also in need of a part-time housekeeper as well," he rubs his beard, "would both positions be something you would be interested in?" This is the perfect opportunity! I want a good and legitimate reason to see Lucas every day. I wasn't entirely certain if he would need more employees. I know when the Christmas Festival comes in a few months, he is going to have his hands full. I reach out my hand for him to shake.
"Deal," I say, "when do I begin?"
"How does tonight sound?" That little word he said is terrifying. Tonight? With a chuckle, I gift him a salute.
Rosemary and Lee are very happy for me, and I walk into town with Lucas. I ask him questions about his interests, his desires in life. In turn, he asks me about my family. The same punch in the stomach appears again. I did not expect to have hesitations about telling Lucas of my past. When I don't answer, he changes the subject, which I am thankful for. The bar is already alive with a good crowd. Darts, cards, and chips fly everywhere, whether from hand to table or hand to board. Ugly melodies play in the background; I've always despised saloon music. Clara is jumping around taking orders in various directions, and the lights are dim compared to home. The walls reek of alcohol. Well, no one said this was going to be my dream job. Within minutes, I am scribbling orders down beside Clara; she seemed happy to see me again.
The night has been lovely, until my pencil stills at the sight of Nathan. He is sitting at a poker table with Henry Gowen and Jesse Flynn. And he has the nerve to flag me down. I don't want to talk about my family. My entire family is dead, and he can't know about it! But then I ask myself why. Why can't he know? Why are my lips numb whenever I have the opportunity let loose and finally grieve? I won't do this to myself.
"Clara, would it be possible for you to help Nathan with whatever he needs.?We are not exactly on speaking terms right now." Her brows wrinkle with questions.
"Sure, but may I ask why? You just got into town." The warmth in her voice could melt gold.
"He just asked too many questions I wasn't ready to answer yet," I shake my head, "It's nothing." Nathan's face falls when Clara leaves to greet him. I am not ready for this. Lucas makes eye-contact with me, and I move on to clear dishes from vacant tables.
Elizabeth's Journal Entry:
I am so happy! Little Jack is finally going to be baptized. A traveling pastor has agreed to perform the ceremony. As soon as I heard, I made a call. I asked my sister Julie to be little Jack's godmother. To say that she was surprised would be an understatement. But little Jack's christening isn't the only exciting thing happening. We are getting the library ready for its grand opening during the Founder's Day Festival. This year, we'll have new faces at the event. Faces that have brought joy, hope, and a little curiosity to our community.
I need a moment to clear my head. A few weeks in an unfamiliar, but familiar place takes its toll on you sooner or later. So, mid-evening meal, I excuse myself from the dinner table. Fiona and Grace are here, trying to cheer up an orphan boy named Spencer. I believe he loves the pancakes. I head upstairs, and change into my now clean clothes that I arrived into Hope Valley in. I have learned to ignore the constant stares of other people, and just live my life. I will worry about explaining the jeans and hoodie later. Rosemary has a look of disbelief as I open the front door to leave.
"I'm just going to take a walk; I'll be back in an hour," I announce as I crouch down to tie my tennis shoes. It is in this moment I realize that tonight feels different. The air is "off" somehow, but I shake it from my mind immediately. Hope Valley is safe the majority of the time. Why would tonight be different? My day off has been pretty peaceful. Lights in windows flicker and dance tonight, and horses from the yard winnie. A handful of people walk together, hold hands, and sit in the night air. From a distance, I see Elizabeth. She halts, wondering, staring at the closed saloon doors. The Queen Of Hearts is never closed this time of night, and I suddenly remember what episode into the show this is. There is light coming from the windows of the saloon. People are in there, but it isn't Lucas. Think this through Nyrah...If you stop Elizabeth, it will only be Lucas who goes in there. If Elizabeth goes home safe to her son, will Nathan even think to knock on the door? Yes.. because he sees movement. Lucas could die, and the men could get away; they could be less forgiving or patient if they have no leverage to use. They may beat the information out of him. What if I were to go in there instead? I could probably convince Elizabeth to leave, and I could take her place, just in case something goes wrong. Little Jack needs his mother.
"Elizabeth!" I shout. Just as she is about to go inside, she turns to meet me, and I am running. "Elizabeth!" I shout again, just as I slow down.
"Nyrah, is everything alright? Is it little Jack?" Her eyes widen in worry.
"What? No...I mean, yes...you should go back home," I don't mean for my words to be as rude as they sound, " Don't worry, Jack is fine." My lips tighten.
"Laura isn't expecting me for another half-hour, does she need me there sooner?"
"Yes," I lie, "she does." I begin to notice a shifting shadow just inside the barely opened door, and my heart battles against my own blood. It echoes like a war drum in my swimming head. The men are listening to our conversation. Elizabeth needs to leave right now.
"Oh, well, I was hoping to talk to Mr. Bouchard about something. Are you willing at all to relieve her until I get back?" How am I supposed to get out of this one? I cannot believe I am about to become mean.
"No," guilt washes over my heart, "Little Jack needs his mother." I try to collect my anxiety and emotions, but it comes out rather icy and cold. I hope she will realize one day, that I am doing this to protect her. Elizabeth frowns in confusion, suspicion writen all over her expression.
"I'm sorry to inconvenience you by asking," her tone is short with me, "goodnight, Miss Sutton." Tears brimming in my eyes, I watch her leave, my back to the door. Something hard and cold presses against my spine, and a man's voice tells me to back slowly through the narrow opening in the door. I attempt to swallow the egg in my throat, but it remains lodged in place. Fear is a treacherous thing, and it causes me to obey his command.
Hey! thank you so much for all the comments! I am so glad that you all are enjoying the story. I am too. ;)
As a warning, I will not have any internet to upload any chapters next month at all, because my family and I are moving, and we are trying to save money by not paying for internet for a small while.
But the good news is, once we get settled, and while we travel, I will be working on more chapters. I have already written a special later chapter...one that makes my heart sing! I love it when people are in love. ;) Who will Nyrah end up with?