EC25life

Emily's Chronicles: Part 25 "The Joys of Living" (PG)
By Trish and Tammy
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based up on the characters and places in the Emily of New Moon book by L.M. Montgomery and the tv series. No infringement upon the rights of the estate of L.M. Montomery, her heirs, or anyone connected with the television series is intended.

-----Life------

The morning after the family had celebrated the dedication of Isabel and
Francis's new cottage was brisk and clear. The breeze held the woody scent
of the fading leaves, mixed with the ever present sweetness of sea salt as
the sun burned the first frost from the ground. Autumn was taking a strong
hold on P. E. Island, and soon the snow would be covering the ground.
This year however, the change of season did not seem to bring the
meloncholy sadness of times ending, but the hope and joy of times to come. With
Isabel's new twins, and Eve's soon to be born addition to the Murray clan there was
a hopefulness in the air that seemed to overtake eveything. That feeling was
no different in the Burnley household, although that morning Laura had
certainly not awaken in the mood for celebration.

The little family had arrived back home late the evening before and all
were a bit weary from the excitement. Ilse was the first to run upstairs to
record every moment in her diary, a habit she had picked up from Emily.
Allen and Laura had remained downstairs for a bit, while he tried to
persuade her to be examined. She had been under that weather at dinner, and he was
worried. Laura, however, never one to think anything extremely urgent
tried to calm his fears by assuring him that she was alright, and that all she
needed was a good night's rest. As she and Allen settled in for the night,
he watching her very protectively, she was asleep almost as soon as her
head hit the pillow.

This morning it was Ilse who made the discovery of her new mother's
illness. She had awakened eager to get to school and discuss with Emily all the
details of the wonderful surprise Malcolm have give to Isabel, Francis, and
the babies. The young was racing down the upstairs hallway to the steps
when she heard a horrible noise coming from her parents room. Stopping in her
tracks she timidly knocked on the door.

"Father, Mother?" Ilse called quietly, nudging the door open as her curiosity
got the better of her.

Ilse was immediately alarmed at the vision that met her eyes. Laura was
bent over in front of the wash stand, wretching into the wash basin. When her
heaves finally subsided Laura stood up shaky, brasing herself against the
bed frame.

"What's the matter?" Ilse questioned, worry in her eyes and her voice.

"Oh, Ilse, dear." Laura managed to speak. "I'm not feeling at all well."

"I'll get Father." Ilse volunteered and tore out of the room before Laura
could protest.

Downstairs in his office Allen was jolted to attention by a fierce wrapping
at the door and Ilse calling for him. He had awakened early and left Laura
to sleep feeling that the extra rest would be good for her especially if
she were ill. His mind had been wandering out of concern for her since then.
Quickly he strode over to the door, only to open it while Ilse was in
mid-knock. Her tight little fist caught him squarely in the chest. He let
out his breath, slightly amazed at his daughter's strength, and caught her
arm before she could pull it back.

"Ilse, what on Earth?" He stammered.

"Father, come quick. Mother's sick." Ilse shouted.

Together they ran up the
stairs, Ilse following her father who had taken the lead. He reached the
door to the bedroom he shared with Laura to find her doubled over lying on the
bed.

"Laura?" He said in disbelief, seeing the wash basin which she had tried to
cover with a towel. "What's the matter?" He questioned sitting down beside
her on the bed.

"Oh, Allen really I'll be fine. I'm just not feeling well this morning."
Laura said, not thinking. She tried to sit up and her husband helped her the rest of
the way.

"But Darling," Allen said. "Please let me see if there's anything seriously
wrong."

Laura looked at Allen lovingingly and touched his face trying to ease his
concern. "Really, I don't know what's wrong with me, probably nothing
serious." She began. "I've really only felt this way once before in my
whole life. When I was...." Laura trailed off, her mind finally realizing a
wonderful possibility. After a moment to catch her breath at last she
found the voice to finish her sentence."...pregnant." She looked at Allen whose
smile was growing to match hers, with wonderment and disbelief in her eyes.
Her mind frantically tried to count back the weeks. She hadn't noticed,
she's been so busy with all that had taken place lately. The truth was that she
had tried not to think about it, been too afraid to even hope for it. She
wasn't even sure she could after the miscarriage. Now, thinking back over the past
few days, and even weeks her heart jumped with anticipation. Yes, it was a
definate possibility.

Allen cupped Laura's face in his hands. "Do you think?" He asked her. Their
laughter intertwining.

"I think so." Laura beamed. She and Allen embraced each other with giddy
happiness, but their moment together was interrupted by Ilse who had been
standing by the door. "A baby brother or sister?" She shouted.

Her parents turned in her direction their faces painted with happy grins
that matched Ilse's. At once Allen stood up. "Well, let find out for sure. Go
get my bag." He said as Ilse snapped to attention and eagerly complied.

A few moments later Ilse returned carrying the heavy leather bag in both
arms, and handed it to her father who had resumed his place by Laura. "I
know, I'll wait outside." Ilse said before a word could be spoken. She
practically ran to the door, and turning to close it gave the fingers
crossed sign to Laura who blew her a kiss.

Ilse paced up and down the hallway as Allen looked after Laura in their
bedroom. The suspense and anticipation was driving her crazy. She wanted to
knock and see if they were ready yet, but decided against it.

As Laura lay on the bed, Allen carefully examining her, her mind filled
with hopes and dreams for the future. Surely it was true, and surely this time
with no one to terrorize her the baby would be healthy and safe. This time
she had a husband who loved her and only her, and would take care of her
and their baby, he was even a doctor and could notice all the little changes
that she might not even be aware of. As he examined her, his familiar hand
pressing here and there gently checking she watched his eyes for any sign.
She could tell he was just as nervous as she was. She could also tell that
even though it was his child, his clinic skills were not failing him, and
she thrilled at the realization that he would deliver their baby.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, he looked at her with tears in his
eyes. For an awful moment she thought she had been wrong, but then his
smile broke over his face once more. "Well?" She begged.

"It's true. Your actually just as far along as Eve." He announced taking
her in his arms and kissing her. "Oh, I love you." He said, awe in his eyes as
he looked at her.

"And I love you, so very very much." She whispered through happy tears. For
a long moment they held each other, secure in their joy. Then almost
together they looked at each other, reading each other's minds. Turning they called
for Ilse together.

The girl burst through the door. "Well?" She pleaded unable to stand it any
longer.

Her father beckoned her to the bed where she sat down without a word.
"We're having a baby." He said. For once Ilse could not find words, but threw her
arms around her father and Laura, who both held her close smiling and
crying at the same time.

Suddenly Ilse jumped up. "Oh, can I go tell Emily?" She begged.

Laura laughed with a relieved and joyous heart. "Yes, of course you can
tell her." She laughed laying her head against Allen's shoulder. "Tell
everyone."

------Laughter-------

As Laughing Water and her family silently steps (as Native Americans do)
into the doorway to the back of the classroom, just as Francis is in the
midst of a speech about numerators and denominators he eyes these beautiful
Native American strangers, only to temporarily lose both his train of
thought as well as his voice. His students all turn to each other as if to ask,

'What's the matter with Mr. Carpenter?"

As he regains his composure, when he also eyes Laughing Water's two
precious little girls; Star Dancer and Buffalo Child, peeking out from behind their
parents, and clears his throat, he asks--"Uh--uh, hmmm--is there something
I can do for you folks?"

All heads of his students turn around towards the back of the classroom,
straining to see whom he's talking to, only to get an eyefull of a Native
American family standing there....their mouths all drop completely wide
open in awe. Before them stood Laughing Water; a beautiful young 20 year old woman withl ong flowing jet-black hair decorated with acouple Bald Eagle feathers tied
with red tongs, wearing over her described lovely white blouse with a
reddish-yellowish sash tied on over a brown calico skirt, she wore a long
off-white blanket-hooded coat with different colored horizontal stripes,
and on her feet...a pair of calf-high moccasins. Standing next to her, her
husband, Silver Fox....a strikingly tall handsome young 20-ish year old
man, with long jet-black hair flowing down his back, tied on each side of his
face with leather tongs; around his neck a beautiful turquiose, red, and
white beaded choker-necklace; under his jacket he wore a brown shirt with
leather pants, and on his feet he wore moccasins. Their two little girls;
Star Dancer, age: 6, and Buffalo Child, age: 3, both wore miniture versions
of their mother's hooded-coat, hiding their hair, over their beautifully
beaded leather dresses, and on their feet....each of them wore leather
leggings and moccasins on their feet.

The scene gets serious, as Laughing Water begins to tell them her and her
family's names, "I'm Laughing Water, and..." as the children (except for
Emily, Ilse, Perry, Teddy, and Gussy Dan, whom know better--look on them
with extreme interest) begin snickering at the sounds of their names.

Francis taking command of the situation, shouts--"Quiet children!!!" Then
to Laughing Water, he says, as he makes his way to the back of the
classroom, "Let's step outside so we can talk." Stopping by Perry's desk,
he says--"Perry, I want you to take charge of the class while I'm outside."

"Yessir, Mr. Carpenter!" replies Perry, as he rises from his desk to make
his way up to his teacher's desk, at the front of the classroom.

To the rest of the class, Francis orders them to turn to such 'n' such a
chapter in their McGuffey Readers, to spend their time reading, while he's
out....knowing full well that they're too excited to obey his instruction.
As he and Laughing Water, and her family exit out the door, he hears the
murmurs of his charges' all whispering to each other.....

Francis led the family around to the far corner of the school house, and
was immediately sorry he had done so for he was certain they perceived the
gesture as one of caution. That area of the schoolyard was so secluded
that he was afraid they thought he had ushered them so as not to be seen with
them. The truth was he was trying to shield them from the prying eyes and
whispers of the students. The two Native Americans stood facing the teacher
while their daughters inched closer to the side of the school aching for
another view inside.

"What can I do for you?" He asked, still a bit unsure.

Laughing Water smiled in thanks at his willingness to be so kind. They had
met many others along their travels who had not shown them the same
courtesy, or any at all for that matter.

"I'm searching for my friend," Laughing Water began, her eyes dancing with
hope, "Eve Kinch."

"Oh, you mean Eve Murray." Francis smiled, then steadied his expression
noticing the way Silver Fox stood arms folded, staring at him with
distrust. Perhaps it was considered poor taste in their culture to be so friendly
while talking to someone's wife. Francis began to worry that he had said too
much. It was possible that Eve would not want to see these visitors, or that
friendship was not the real reason behind their sudden appearance. Laughing
Water soon calmed his fears.

"You must not let my husband's face threaten you, he means you no harm, nor
anyone else. He also speaks very little English so it is hard for him to
communicate." She smiled, while at the same time throwing the sturdy brave
a threatening look of her own. Silver Fox squared his chin and stared into
the distance, pretending not to notice his wife's reproach. "Eve is a very dear
friend of mine. You say she is married now? Oh, I do hope that it is to
the person, Jimmy, she was always talking about."

"Yes, Jimmy Murray." Francis reported. "He is my wife's cousin."

"Oh, then you are family to Eve?" Laughing Water seemed overjoyed.

"Yes." He agreed.

"Please tell me where I might find her. I'm so anxious to see her again."
Laughing Water urged.

"I will better than that." Francis smiled, and bid them to wait there.

He walked off toward the door, smiling at the little girls as he went. A
few seconds went by. Laughing Water and Silver Fox stood in silence both
looking at each other wondering what Eve's cousin-in-law could be doing. Finally
Francis appeared around the corner, leading Gussy Dan in his footsteps. He
smiled as he reached the small family.

"This is Eve's brother." He said. "I've excused him for the rest of the
afternoon, so that he can take you to Eve and Jimmy's house."

"Oh, how wonderful." Laughing Water declared. "I could tell you were
related to her from far away." She said to Gussy Dan. "You have the same happy
bounce in your step, and the set of your jaw brings her face clearly to mind."

"Uh, thanks, I guess." Gussy Dan said half-heartedly, not over thrilled at
having his looks compared to those of his sister. He recovered his pride,
though, and remembered his manners. "Can I help with those?" He asked
reaching for the two small satchels that Laughing Water carried. Silver Fox
instictively blocked his hand, and pulled Laughing Water to him.

She said something to her husband that neither Francis nor Gussy Dan
understood. They could tell by her tone that she was not happy at Silver
Foxes unneeded defense. The tall Nex Perce let her go, but remained weary.

"Thank you very much." She said, handing Gussy Dan the smallest bag. "I
would be grateful if you would take the little bag. My husband can carry the big
one." She shoved the other bag at Silver Fox who begrudingly took it. Then
Laughing Water turned and called to her daughters in their native language.
They immediately came to their mother's side. She introduced Gussy Dan to
them. He knew that is what she must have been doing because he recognized
his name and Eve's, and then the little girls smiled at him.

"I'm certain we will have a chance to talk again. Thank you." Laughing
Water said to Francis.

He smiled, remembering not to be too enthusiastic. "I hope so." He said.
With that Gussy Dan led the Native American family out of the school yard
and onto the road headed for the Collie Farm. Francis stood there for a
moment, still not quite believing what had just occured. "Wait until I tell
Isabel." Francis mumbled to himself. "She's not going to believe it." He smiled and
shook his head at the never ending surprises that always seemed to find
their way to Blair Water.

--------Love-------

Elizabeth stood on the beach watching the tide splash the shore, each time
covering it's last markings. The cold breeze whipped at her hair and
skirts and the shawl she had wrapped around her shoulders was proving barely
enough. New Moon was overwhelmingly silent this evening. Emily was off at Ilse's
to spend the night, Perry was busying himself with chores and studying, and
Malcolm had finished moving his things to the cottage in the late afternoon
and was spending the first of his nights in his daughter's new home. Unable
to stand the quiet she had tried to escape to the crashing sounds of the
tide over the sand, hoping her thoughts would be somehow distracted. She wanted
to be alone with her thoughts.

How strange it was to remember the time before Emily had come to live with
them. New Moon was had always been stone silent back then, she being a lady
of few words, and neither Jimmy nor Laura being exceptional
conversationalists at that time. However, she had grown accustomed to the
sounds of family. Elizabeth had even liked the overcrowded comfort of the
house just a few months ago with everyone practically bumping into each
other at every turn. It seemed they were always smiling and laughing about
something. It was satisfying to have all the family around. Everything
had changed so fast, almost too fast. She had barely returned and suddenly she
had found herself in the middle of weddings, housewarmings, births, and new
feelings. She just wanted everything to slow down for a while.

She had spent most of the day at the cottage. Knowing that Isabel would be
alone with the babies for the first time she had gone over to see if she
could be of any help. She did not mention to her cousin that the simple
fact was she missed her, and the close friendship they had forged. She also
missed the twins, and helping their mother take care of them. She was surprised,
and a little disappointed to find that Isabel already had everything under
control. Not only was the washing well underway, but dinner was on to cook,
Malcolm was being settled in, some everyday sewing and mending was already
finished, and somehow Isabel had found a few quiet moments to spend with
her children. When Elizabeth arrived Isabel had been lying on her bed, her head
resting on her hand with the babies infront of her. She was singing to them
and making up a rhyme about their noses and toes. Elizabeth could not help
but laugh at the sight, and the poem that would not have made any sense to
anyone but a mother.

Now came the wonderful news that Laura was expecting. Elizabeth was so
happy for her sister that words failed her. After all she had been through, Laura
had finally found happiness with the man she truly loved, and was going to
have the baby she so desperately wanted. It amazed her how wonderful
everyone's lives were turning out. She would never begrudge any of them,
any of their happiness. Still in the back of her mind, there was a strange sad
feeling. Something nawing at her, telling her she wasn't really needed
anymore. Even Emily and Perry were growing up and would soon be off to high
school, leaving yet another void at New Moon, and in her life.

Lost in thought, Elizabeth leaned against an old driftwood log, and sighed
deeply. Before the air even completely left her lungs she was interrupted
by a soft, concerned voice.

"Penny fer yer thoughts." She turned around to find Joe smiling at her.
For a moment, she felt anger at being intruded upon, especially when her
thoughts were of such private things.

"How long have you been standing there?" Elizabeth questioned almost
suspiciously. She and Joe had much to say between. Things that had gone
unsaid for many months, but she was in no mood to tackle them tonight.

"Long enough to tell that something's eatin' at you." Joe had grown quite
adept at reading Elizabeth, a fact which always amazed, but at the same
time shocked her. She was not used to being so transparent to anyone.

"I'm just thinking. That's all." Elizabeth tried to cover.

"Oh." Joe pretended not be aware of what Elizabeth was thinking. Instead he
tried to bring up the subject in a round about way. "Sure is quiet
tonight." He said looking up at the stars just beginning to appear.

Now she was certain he could read her mind, but she felt her anger cool
toward him. She knew he cared. She knew just how deeply he cared. "Um, yes
it certainly is."

"Lots a changes going on around here." Joe ventured. "I mean what with
Jimmy and Eve moving, and now havin' a baby; and Isabel and Francis and the twins
goin' off to the cottage, and Malcolm goin' with 'em. Now yer sister's
expectin'. Things must seem like they're moving real fast to you." He
smiled trying to be comforting.

She did not answer him. She knew she didn't have have to. He could read
every emotion behind her eyes. She tried to look out over the ocean so he could
not see that she wanted to cry.

"I guess what I mean to say is that you don't have to be alone right now,
even if you feel like you are." He began. All he could think to do was to
reach out and lay his hand on her arm. He hoped she would not pull away,
but she did.

"I beg your pardon?" Elizabeth's eyes grew wide.

Joe's face turned red with regret. "I don't mean nothin' like that. I just
mean that... I mean..." He searched his brain in vane for something to say
to ease her mind. But he could think of nothing, all he could think of was how
much he loved her. There had been little time over the past few months for
the two of them to talk, and he was not going to let this opportunity pass
by, even if it meant making a fool out of himself.

"Just what did you mean?" Elizabeth stammered, more out of shock than
anger. Shock at herself, why was her mind making her fight against what her heart
longed for, him?

Joe suddenly grew stern. "Dang it woman. You and I both know what's between
us." He yelled. "We been fightin' it for months. We ain't had that time to
say two words to each other and it's drivin' me crazy. We both of us, been
havin' to take care of someone else's business and leave our own out in the
cold." Elizabeth was overcome by his candor. "I think you forget yourself." She
warned.

"Yer dern right I do. You make me fergit everything." Joe gushed. "I cain't
think when I'm near you, so I end up sayin' nothin' er soundin' like a
blame fool. Well not this time, yer gonna hear me out, if it's the last thing I
ever say to ya."

Elizabeth saw no point in arguing. Beside she wanted to hear what he had to
say, hoping that he would open a door she could not. "Well, then. Let's
hear it."

Joe took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself. He did not want to
declare his feelings for her by screaming them in her face. "I love you." He
finally blurted out.

"What?" Elizabeth questioned trying to cover the fact that her heart was
leaping for joy.

"That's right. I'm so dad blame crazy fer you I cain't see straight. I knew
it the first second I layed eyes on ya." He couldn't stop now whatever the
consequences. "I love you Elizabeth Murray." Joe delcared. "And I know you
feel the same."

"What makes you so sure of that?" Elizabeth said, trying to be coy but as
soon as she spoke it she realized it had come out with an air of
superiority she had not intended and did not feel. She was unused to teasing, and was finding little talent for it.

Joe felt as if someone had hit him in the gut. "After the barn and the
kitchen, you gonna stand there and pretend you don't feel exactly the same
way?" He said hurt. "If you can't tell me that you love me too, I'll walk
down that lane and never come back. Cause I can't stay here with you
feelin' like I do, and knowin' you don't." He waited.

He was standing so close to her that Elizabeth could feel his breath on the
back of her neck. It was coming so fast that is scared her. She had
dreamed of the time she and Joe would finally be able to declare their feelings for
one another. This was not at all the way she pictured it. Her pride was so
strong that it even fought her. She was so set in her ways, that it almost
seemed that he body was not even on her side. She couldn't even turn to
face him.

Suddenly she felt him let out a great sigh, as if his soul were leaving
him. She could feel him back away from her, and knew he was a man of his word.
She couldn't let him leave.

Elizabeth turned and caught his big arm. Holding him in his tracks for a
moment, her face softened. "Don't go." She whispered.

Before she knew it she was wrapped in his warm strong arms. She was not
fighting. "Do you mean...?" Joe could not finish. He did not dare even
hope, but his smile said what could not voice.

"I knew the first moment I saw you." Elizabeth began. "I love you. I love
you Joe Samuels." She smiled.

She felt her body go limp in his arms. Finally after so many months she was
near him. She bent he head up to his and closed her eyes lost in the
moment. He felt rough and clumsy, as if we would break her. At last he brought his
lips to hers and they shared a deep and passionate kiss. It seemed to last
forever, and only a few moments all at the same time. Elizabeth suddenly realized what it must been like for Isabel when Francis had declared his love for her in the lighthouse. At his moment she would have done anything Joe wanted. When they openned
their eyes, they were smiling as giddy and teenagers.

"Marry Me!" Joe begged.

"Yes!" Elizabeth answered.

Again their lips found each other. Lost in their world, everything outside
them melted away. The beach, the wind, the stars, New Moon itself became a
whirling and distant blur at the outside of their reality. All that mattered
was each other, and the future they would have together. As they stood
there on the sand, along together, Elizabeth did realize one thing. She wasn't
cold anymore.