Chapter 2
Colorado Springs
Monday 1st September, 1873
Grace got down from the examination table. She started do her buttons and looked anxiously at Dr. Mike.
"So is everythin' ok Dr. Mike"
"Of course Grace. Don't worry. The baby is fine and so are you. There's nothing to worry about."
Grace finished dressing up and paid Michaela.
"Thanks Grace. Se you in a fortnight for another check-up."
"Yes... Dr. Mike" she paused and looked at her dear friend, "Is everything all right Michaela"
"Yes Grace. I'm just a bit confused with my emotions."
"An' why would that be"
"Oh I don't actually know myself" she replied confused"I am happy that Sully has found his job, and that both Matthew and Colleen are going to University. I want them to go for their own sake, but I will miss them. I don't know how I'll live without them being round all time."
"It has to happen Dr. Mike. Next year Brian will leave too ta go to College, an' you will have only Kathie, but remember, that this time has ta come for all of us! You should consider yourself very lucky"
"Oh but I feel lucky Grace! It's just that I am afraid of the change"
Grace looked at her in surprise.
"It's not usual of ya to be afraid"
"I know, and that's what worries me most" replied Michaela as she sat on the chair and sighed.
"Look Michaela, it aint that bad after all. They will still love ya, no matter how big the distance between you is."
"You're right Grace" she said, as she looked up, feeling relieved.
Grace noticed this change in her friend and knew that she had done well.
"I must really go now Michaela. I think I have left the Café alone for a long time! Are ya coming for lunch"
"Yes Grace we are coming for lunch. See you there then! And thanks a lot."
"Don't worry Dr. Mike. That's what friends are for" she finished, as she exited the clinic.
Michaela remained seated in her chair and began to read her mother's letter. Everything was OK in Boston. She would have to write to her mother and tell her that Matthew would have to live with her for an amount of time. They had decided that since the University was not far off, he could live at his grandma's place. She had to prepare everything for him, clothes, suitcase, books he had to buy... everything. She still couldn't believe it.
Neither could she believe the news about Sully's new job. He had sent an immediate response to the company saying he accepted. They were going to send some men to build him a workshop in town. He would make the furniture they want, following their drawings. They would send him all the material, and the payment was a very good one as well. Who could have imagined? His works were to be famous in all the states. He was to put his signature carved in all pieces of work, and they were sold all over the country. He had been lucky to be engaged by the most popular company in all America.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened it and found Colleen beaming at her. She hugged her tightly to her and then let her inside. They both sat down.
"I have wonderful news to tell you" exclaimed Michaela.
"So do I" replied Colleen.
"So who's gonna start"
"Go ahead" replied Colleen
"So, the first one is that Sully has found a job with the 'Furniture Professionals' of Boston. They will build him a workshop and he will work with their material to make their furniture on their drawings."
"Wow! It's great ma! I bet pa was really pleased"
"I can assure you he was! Imagine, his work will be sold all over America. He will be famous."
"Do they pay well"
"I think they do. I think they will send a representant in the next days and workmen for the shop. Then there's another news"
"Another one? And what is it"
"Matthew is going to the Boston University to become a lawyer"
"Really" Colleen is really pleased for both news. "When is he going? How did it happen? He never mentioned anythin'."
"He sent an application and they sent a letter this morning accepting him. He leaves in three weeks' time."
"Where will he stay? At grandma's"
"Yes Colleen that's right."
"Well it seems both your children will go to University at the same time"
"You're accepting their offer" shouted Michaela standing up.
Colleen turned round the table to embrace her.
"Yes ma. I am leaving in three weeks' time as well. Besides, Andrew and I decided not to go away from here. Andrew is happy working at the Chateau and will continue working here. When I become a doctor, I can join him, or you if you want me"
"Of course I want you! It would be fantastic to have you working with me! Oh god! Today I can handle no more changes and news"
"Neither can I ma"
Sully crept in bed near Michaela. It had been a hard day for them all. She positioned herself in front him, resting her back and head against his chest. She was very tired, but extremely happy. She sighed with contentment.
"Happy" asked Sully teasingly, knowing what her answer would be.
"Yes, very happy. I can't believe today's happenings. Colleen and Matthew going to University, you finding a prestigious work, and Andrew remaining here at the Chateau."
"Yeah. God just could give us nothing else. I will miss them terribly."
"Me too. Tomorrow I will go to Loren's and look for some new clothes for Matthew. He will surly need them there."
"Oh I am sure your mother will provide him with an infinity of clothes."
They both burst out laughing.
"I know that Sully, but I want to give him something just the same. How will you manage to do his house and your new work"
"I will manage don't ya worry. I can't believe it. They sent me a telegram. I will earn double what you earn in the same period of time."
"Isn't it better"
"Of course it is. I always wanted it. We can pay Matthew his studies."
"He already told me that he would pay them.'
"I will talk ta him tomorrow. Don't worry about that. Come on, let's sleep. I can't keep my eyes open."
They both lay down to sleep, both happy with the changes happening in their lives. However, another change was soon to happen in their lives, a one, that would change their lives forever!
Colorado Springs
Tuesday 2nd September, 1873
Michaela poured more milk in her mug while Sully took another piece of bread. Heavy footsteps could be heard on the stairs. They knew Matthew was coming.
"Good mornin' everyone" he said, greeting them and seating himself at the table with them.
"Good morning Matthew" said Michaela with a mile"Slept well, and better than usual"
"Oh yes" replied Matthew"Colleen's bed is much more comfortable than the hay in the barn" he chuckled.
Matthew then gave a packet to Brian saying"Mr. Bray gave ya this yesterday. Sorry I forgot all about it but I was excited about my goin' away."
Brian took the package from his hands and teared open the wrapper. He gasped with delight at the sight of the contents of the box.
"Wow! A brand new pen! Why did he give this to me" Brian asked.
"How do I know? He just told me ta give ya that as a good luck gift from him in your last year here at school an' for your exams for college."
"Oh I see. I have ta go an' thank him tomorrow before school."
"Great" commented Michaela"you can come with me as I go to buy Matthew's clothes."
Matthew, who was sipping some water, nearly chocked in what he was drinking.
"My what" exclaimed Matthew in surprise and a bit frightened.
"Your clothes my dear. You don't pretend to go to Boston dressed like that I hope" said Michaela.
Sully and Brian were silently laughing, not letting Matthew see them, who was turning white by the seconds.
"An' how are they goin' ta be like" he asked, afraid of what the answer was going to be.
"Well" said Michaela"just like the ones you wore when we went to Boston the last time"
"Oh my god" sighed Matthew, to which both Sully and Brian couldn't hold their laughter any more, and they burst out laughing their hearts out. Matthew wanted to cut their heads of.
"What the hell are you laughin' at? It ain't funny"
"I know I shouldn't laugh, but it seems so funny! You'll be very strange dressed up like that" said Sully, trying to compose himself once more.
"Yeah, 'course. With those tight neck-collared shirts. I don't even want ta think about it! It's the part that's scaring me most of my 4 years of study in Boston- the clothes and the way I have to change in my manners."
"Oh don't worry my dear! You'll be fine. And after all, my mother will be there to tell you exactly what you have to do. She'll make a Boston gentleman out of you in less then a month" tried to calm him down Michaela, which scared Matthew even more.
"Oh sure! Your mother is a perfectionist! She'll destroy me" replied Matthew.
At this point, neither Sully neither Brian could control themselves and burst out laughing once more, and even Michaela couldn't restrain a giggle.
"Now come on Mat" replied Michaela"you know my mother. She'll do the best she can to make you a very respectable man in Boston. You know she desired a boy, and now she has you, you'll be her dream come true."
"Yeah I know that, it's just that there it's a lot more different, an' to say the truth, I fear grandma will be disappointed with me an' that I don't fit out there."
"Oh don't worry! I fit in here, why shouldn't you fit out there. Well, tomorrow I will go to Loren's to buy some clothes" ended the conversation Michaela.
Matthew rose from his chair and went to the door.
"I'll see you at the old homestead then pa" said Matthew.
All three faces turned to look at him. Each one of them was doubting his ears. Matthew noticed what effect he had left on his family, but was pleased to have finally done it. He picked up his hat and jacket and went outside. Michaela began clearing the plates and Brian helped her while Sully prepared Katie for the trip to town. All were aware of what had been sad, but all kept their comments to themselves.
Colorado Springs
Wednesday 3rd September, 1873
"Thanks again Mr. Bray. You shouldn't have really" repeated Brian.
"Oh come on kid. You know how much I care for your schooling. Want you to use it and do well in this last year here at school. Have you decided to which College you'll go? And what career will you take" asked Loren.
"Well, the applications haven't arrived yet, so I don't know what availabilities I have. If possible, I would like to go to that of Boston, near Grandma. An' about the career, well I don't really know. I have an idea, but I'll think more about it when I'm in college. Now I have ta go Mr. Bray 'cause school starts in a minute! Thanks again" finished Brian.
"It's ok kid. Run off along" saluted him Loren.
"I'll see you at Grace's for lunch ma" said Brian over his back as he ran out of Loren's Emporium.
Mike remained silent, ad Loren noticed that something must be wrong, if the person he knew well, remained silent.
"Somethin' wrong Dr. Mike" he asked concerned.
She didn't answer immediately since she was still lost deep in thought. Then she looked up at him and smiled a reassuring smile.
"Oh nothing is wrong Loren. I'm just a little worried that's all."
"About what, if I may ask"
"About the children, Loren. Matthew and Colleen are leaving in a few week's time, and so will Brian next year."
"Oh, but they will still remain in your heart and ya in theirs. Their heart will always remain here."
"I know but I'll miss them terribly" she said, more depressed by the moments as she poured out her thoughts.
"Ah come on Dr. Mike. They have ta go to study someday! Ya should consider yourself very lucky ta have such a family"
"I am lucky Loren" she said as a smile crossed her face. "I'm just a bit worried that's all. Well now. I came here to buy some clothes for Matthew."
'Now that's better" smiled Loren as he came out from behind the bench and headed towards the other side of the room to show Michaela the clothes available.
Michaela and Colleen are seated at the Café having lunch.
"I went to Loren and bought Matthew some clothes,' said Michaela"well in fact, I only bought him 3 suits, which will turn out quite useless."
"Oh how nice! I don't think he'll be glad about them" replied Colleen amused.
"Oh no in fact he wasn't glad this morning when I told him I was going to buy him clothes, and Sully and Brian couldn't stop laughing"
Both Michaela and Colleen laughed out loudly, then they saw that people were looking at them and they stopped.
"Erm, sorry" said Colleen"why did you say they will turn out useless"
"Well I received a telegram from my mother just half an hour ago."
"And what did she say"
"Well, read it for yourself" Michaela said, as she handed her daughter the long telegram which said so-
Dear Michaela,
I am very happy to have Matthew for as long as he likes. You won't have to worry about him, he'll be in good hands. All he'll have to do is study, have fun, eat and sleep, and nothing else!
Don't worry about clothes and books, and the other stuff. I already bought him a new leather suitcase, a new pen, and all the books he requires. I also sent Rebecca to buy the finest four suits she could find in Boston. So you won't have to worry!
See you soon hopefully! I look forward to Matthew's arrival. He will treated as a Master of the house. Bye my darling,
Your mother
Elisabeth Quinn
"Oh my God" exclaimed Colleen as she finished reading"It must have cost her a lot ta send this long telegram! Ya surely seem to have nothin' ta worry about"
"Of course. I knew mother would take care of him, but not that she would threat him as her own son. She's really changed a lot in the last years."
"Everyone can change ma, an' you know it. Those suits will be useful as well. You'll see he'll wear them as well. Ya know my brother."
"Oh sure I do" replied Michaela.
At that moment, Andrew joined them at the table.
"Hello Colleen. Michaela. Where are Sully and Matthew" he asked as he sat down.
"They decided ta remain at the old homestead site ta build the house" replied Colleen giving him a light kiss on the cheek.
"I wanted to talk to you about that Michaela" said Andrew"I would like to help them build the house."
He astonished both women who were listening to him.
"But Andrew" replied Colleen"ya aint good at building"
"I know but I want to learn, so that I'll be able to build ourselves a house" he replied, quite determined.
"Well, I think you can help them Andrew" replied Michaela"Just talk to Sully, he'll tell you what to do. Oh and reminding me. Sully and I would like to ask you to come and eat with us at dinner everyday, while Colleen is away. In this way, you won't have to dine out at the Chateau alone."
"Oh I would like that, thanks Michaela. I really appreciate it" replied pleased Andrew.
Michaela saw Dorothy approach with Katie running in front of her. She stood up o go and catch Katie. As she stood up, she felt a little bit dizzy and as she was abut to vomit, but it all passed in split seconds, so she didn't take too much notice and continued with her tasks. However, both Andrew and Colleen noticed the sudden change in her expression as she rose and both were a little concerned, even if not one of them uttered a word to each other.
Colorado Springs
Thursday 4th September, 1873
Matthew and Sully are at the old homestead site, having lunch.
"Thanks for offering ta continue buildin' the house, while I'm away. Even if I doubt you'll have much time with your new work" said Matthew.
"Oh don't worry about that Mat" replied Sully, munching at his bread"I'll finish that house for ya, don't worry about the work. It's my problem. You'll have your house when ya come home for Christmas."
"Oh thanks pa" Matthew said, calling Sully 'pa' for the second time that day.
"And remindin' me" said Sully looking at Mathew straight in the eyes"I want ya to send every bill the University gives ya here, ta me. I am paying your studies."
"No I can't accept it. I have enough money ta pay my studies" replied Matthew convinced with what he was saying.
"No. There's nothing ta discuss about it. Your ma an' I discussed it, and now that I finally have a fixed job, and a good salary, I can pay both yours an' Colleen's studies this year, an' Brian's next year."
Matthew considered the idea and seeing how determined was his father, he knew he couldn't break his heart, being stubborn as ever.
"Did Colleen accept your offer" asked Matthew.
"Not yet. I haven't talked to her. I'll do it tonight. But she'll accept, as you have done, don't worry."
"But I haven't accepted" replied Matthew shocked.
"Oh yes you have. I can read it in your eyes, that you have surrendered to my will"
After some silent moments, both men burst out laughing, and hugging each other.
End of Chapter 2
