CHOICES AND DESTINY
CHAPTER 10 BITTERSWEET REUNION (ELIZABETH)
A/N I have to mention that I got the idea of Opal becoming an orphan by reading Hopeful Hearts by ELIZABETHB88. I reread it recently and got the idea to accomplish some upcoming things in the story.
Two days later, Charlotte had just woken up and put on water for tea when she was startled by the phone's ringing. Surprised that anyone would call at that time of the morning then, she thought of Jack. Oh please, no, please, Lord, don't let anything happen to my son." Charlotte said, sending up a quick prayer before answering.
"Hello, Thornton Ranch."
It was Abigail, "Charlotte, I'm sorry to call this early, however, there is something urgent I need to speak to Elizabeth about. But I want to tell you first. One of Elizabeth's students became an orphan, and she is listed as their guardian."
"Which student was this? It was Opal, wasn't it?" knowing how special the little girl was to both her and Jack.
"It was," Abigail answered.
"What happened, Abigail?"
"They went for a drive, but there was a horrible storm on the way back. Her parent's car slid off the road and went down an embankment. Both were killed instantly from the look of it. When they didn't come back yesterday afternoon, Bill notified the Mounties in Benson Hills, and they found them a short time ago. I think it would be best if Elizabeth is here when we tell her because she is so close to her. As her guardian, she will be responsible for handling everything." Abigail said.
"Oh, Abigail, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I can't imagine what you are going through."
"Abigail is on the phone?" Elizbeth said, a bit confused. But as she looked at the tears on Charlotte's face, she knew something was wrong.
"Abigail, Elizabeth is right here," Charlotte said before handing her the phone.
"Abigail?"
Abigail told her the same things that she had mentioned to Charlotte. Afterward, Elizabeth felt numb and had a hard time thinking at first but said, "I'll be on the next train home, Abigail."
She sat there for a moment in a daze, desperately trying to pull herself together. "Lizzie, how are you doing? Can I help you in any way?"
"Honestly, Charlotte, I don't know how I am doing. I need to return and let a seven-year-old girl know she lost her family. It's hard knowing it's one of my students, but it is worse with Opal."
"I can imagine. Let's get packed and figure out the best way to get you to the station."
"Oh, wait a minute, I need to tell Allie. I don't want her to think that I abandoned her." Elizabeth said. "Is there any way you could come with me, Charlotte?"
"Are you planning on coming back?" Charlotte said. "That's the plan for now, at least. I think with Jack being gone," Elizabeth said but stopped and said, "Oh, I have to write to Jack and let him know."
"One thing at a time, Lizzie, finish what you were saying," Charlotte said but added, "Although I agree that it would be better coming from you," Charlotte said.
"I think it would be better to get her away from Hope Valley for a time. I certainly can't imagine it would be good for her to stay in the house she lived in with her parents. However, I won't make any final decisions until I see her, but for now, I'm leaving everything here so that I will be returning soon. I said that since Jack grew up here and she loves you so much, too, maybe it would help her. Then there is also Allie, and maybe the two of them can be there for each other. I keep thinking about my reasons for leaving, and the looks on everyone's faces just kept reminding me. With the children, I think it would be the same. So, what do you think?"
"I think it would be a wonderful idea for all concerned. She is welcome here, and we could put her in Tom's old room. You get packed, and I'll call Alice and fill her in about our canceled picnic."
Charlotte had never been good in situations like these, but she knew someone else that was. It hadn't escaped her notice how drawn Elizabeth had been to her friend. But first, she wanted to talk to Abigail again before moving ahead with her plan. After talking to Abigail, who agreed with Elizabeth's thinking, she called her friend.
Alice Grant was sitting at her table just thinking about how sweet Elizabeth and Allie were together. It had been all that Allie wanted to talk about. They were looking forward to the picnic that had been planned for later today. However, Allie wasn't the only one who had fallen in love with Elizabeth because Alice also had. There was a deep connection and peace that both women felt when they talked yesterday. In the short time they had been together, Elizabeth had become like another daughter to her. Her heart went out to the girl as she spoke a bit about what had happened between her and Jack. She was startled out of her thoughts by the ringing of the phone. She quickly walked over and answered it before it woke up Allie.
"Grant Residence."
"Alice, it's Charlotte."
Hearing the sadness in her friend's voice, she said, "Charlotte, what's wrong."
As Charlotte explained everything, Alice felt for the girl and the young woman she had come to love. "I agree with Lizzie, and I think it might even be good for Allie to get away for a bit. She and Opal could be a great comfort to each other on the trip back too. I'll get us ready to go, and we can meet you at the station. How is Elizabeth handling all of it?"
"She loves all her students, but Opal is special to her and Jack. She is planning on writing to let him know."
"That's good that she is doing that. I think it will help her to heal and sort through her thoughts. Plus, I think it will help Jack as well." Alice said. "Well, let me go and get Allie up and moving. I think the fact that we would be going with Elizabeth will greatly comfort both her and sweet Opal."
"I really appreciate you doing this for me, Alice. I'm just not good in this kind of situation, so it will be good to have you along."
"Charlotte, you know that I would do anything for you and your family. I've come to think of Elizabeth in the same way. Allie adores her, so I hope that someday..." Alice paused and then added, "well, you know what I'm hoping for."
"It's what I'm hoping for too, Alice. But we can't put the cart before the horse." Charlotte said with a chuckle. "Lizzie and I will see you at the station."
After hanging up the phone, Charlotte went to let Elizabeth know what the plan was. "Elizabeth, I talked to Alice and asked her and Allie to come with us. Before you say anything, I think it would help Opal and Alice is a lot better in times like these. I also spoke to Abigail before I called to ensure it wouldn't cause any issues."
Elizabeth just smiled and went over and hugged her. "Charlotte, I think it is a great idea, and I'm thankful you thought of it. I think that Allie is just the person that Opal might need. It might help both girls to meet someone in a similar situation."
"Allie can help her adjust to school here as well. Then maybe you can get to the bottom of why she is still struggling with schoolwork. But like I told Alice earlier today, we can't put the cart before the horse."
"Oh?" Elizabeth said, confused. "What made you say that to her?"
"It's nothing to worry about. Now I have to get packed. Then I have to leave instructions for while we are gone. We are meeting Alice and Allie at the station."
"Okay, I'm going to call the station and arrange for a private car again. We can get breakfast on the train as well."
MEANWHILE, AT THE GRANT RANCH….
Alice went to get things ready for the trip. "Allie, I need you to wake, sweetheart." But Allie loved to sleep, so she snuggled deeper into her blanket like her mother used to. Thankfully Nathan had always been an early riser like her. She suddenly had an idea and began to go over and open the drawers and began packing.
As expected, Allie, hearing her grandma moving around, opened her eyes and said, "Grandma, what are you doing?"
"We are going on a trip today, but we need to hurry," Alice answered.
"We are? But we are supposed to go on the picnic with Miss Beth today." Upset with the prospect of missing it.
"Well, actually, we are going on the trip with them. I need you to get dressed because we are taking the train!" Alice told her, knowing it would get her moving. Allie was willing to do anything for Miss Beth, and from what Charlotte said, Elizabeth would do whatever she needed for Allie. She and Charlotte were amazed at how quickly Allie and Elizabeth grew deeply attached to one another. Even that horse of Elizabeth's known for being cantankerous around others loved Allie. Charlotte had also mentioned that Elizabeth had a similar reaction to Allie's about a canceled picnic. Her friend had been right when she told her that Elizabeth Thatcher was an extraordinary woman. Alice prayed silently to God, thanking him, and asked him to help create that bond with Nathan and Elizabeth. She added a quick prayer for patience and wisdom for herself so she didn't get in his way.
Before long, it was time to go to the station. She had decided to let Elizabeth explain to Allie why they were going. As they arrived, they saw that Elizabeth and Charlotte had just arrived. One look at Elizabeth showed Allice how hard she struggled to keep her composure. Charlotte saw them and walked over to greet them. "Lizzie arranged for a private compartment, so if James can take your cases right over there to the porter, we will be ready to board. They walked over to where Elizabeth was waiting to show them their compartment. Alice looked around and was amazed at how comfortable it was. It looked just like her sitting room at home. She also noticed a small table in a corner, with room for them to move around and for Allie to play. It would be perfect for when they return as well.
Allie looked up at a knock on the door, and Elizabeth went to answer it. He had a tray with a pot of tea, a pot of coffee, one with juice, and some pastries and muffins.
"Thank you, Peter." Elizabeth said, "I really appreciate this."
"Don't mention it, Miss Thatcher. It wasn't any trouble at all. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to let me know."
"We will, Peter, but please call me Elizabeth." She said, smiling at him. He returned her smile and nodded before leaving.
"Is that for us, Miss Beth?" Allie asked, eyes wide.
"It sure is, Allie!" Elizabeth said, chuckling at her reaction. "Maybe when we are finished, we can play or read a book to pass the time." Then she turned to Alice she said, "I want to thank you for coming with us, Alice."
Alice walked over and embraced the younger woman in a comforting embrace. Allie wasn't the only one who formed a quick attachment to her. "You are very welcome, my dear, and thank you for this." She said, indicating the food and the compartment. Elizabeth hugged her once more and whispered, "It was my pleasure."
After they ate, the two older women settled to talk while Elizabeth and Allie got down on the floor to play cat's cradle.
"Where are we going, Miss Beth? Do you know?" Allie asked. Elizabeth looked at Alice for guidance on what to say. Alice nodded and mouthed that it would be okay. So Elizabeth turned to Allie and said, "I do know where we are going. We are going to Hope Valley!"
"Hope Valley!" Allie said excitedly. "That's where you are from, right?"
"Yes, it is, sweetheart. I can show you some of the places I told you about, including where I taught."
"Can I meet some of your students like Opal?" Allie asked.
Elizabeth couldn't keep the tears at bay any longer, and they spilled over and down her cheeks. Alice went to step in, but Allie wrapped her arms around Elizabeth and pulled her into a hug. "Miss Beth, what is wrong? Why are you so sad?"
Pulling back, she looked at the young girl and said, "Well, I'm going to Hope Valley, sweetheart, because Opal's parents were killed, and I am her guardian."
"Oh, you mean like Uncle Nathan is mine?"
"That's right. I'm Opal's guardian like your Uncle Nathan is for you." Elizabeth said, hugging Allie again. She became aware that Allie had begun crying and was holding on a bit tighter. "Allie, what is wrong, honey?"
"Does that mean you are staying and not coming back with us?" Allie asked.
"Well, at least for now, Opal and I will be coming back with all of you. But I don't know that it would be permanent, but no matter where I am, I will always stay in touch." Elizabeth said, unwilling to promise more than she could give her. She wiped the tears from Allie's face before hugging her again.
"It will be okay, Miss Beth," Allie said, "Don't worry because I will be there for you so that you won't be alone."
"Oh, Allie, you are such a wonderful girl with a beautiful heart. I love you so much." Elizabeth said, "How did I get so lucky to meet you!"
"I feel the same way about you too." Allie replied, "God must have been looking out for both of us."
The older women smiled at each other happy at those words, then resumed their earlier conversation. Allie and Elizabeth happily spent time reading and talking about Hope Valley while the train headed towards Hope Valley.
.
Page 5 of 5
9/26/2022 17:16 a9/p9
2370 WORDS