Chapter 6
Boston
Friday 10th October, 1873
Matthew was going down the University steps when he heard someone call him from behind.
"Matthew" she shouted, hurrying towards him.
Matthew turned round to see Alex running towards him.
"Hi" he greeted her. "How are ya doin'"
"Oh, fine thanks, and you" she asked, as she regained her breath.
"Oh, I'm coping quite well" replied Matthew.
As always, whenever he spoke to her, he didn't quite find the right words. Even after two weeks, it was just the same.
"Listen are you in a hurry" she asked hopefully.
"No, I aint. Why do ya ask me?'
"Em, would you like to have a cup of coffee with me, so that we can talk a little" she replied, hoping he would accept.
Her offer took Matthew quite by surprise.
"Well, I would like that. So, shall we go" he asked as he directed himself to the Cafeteria.
As they sat down, they both ordered a cup of coffee and remained silent, looking at each other. It was finally Alex who broke the ice.
"Why don't you tell me about your family" she asked, inviting him to talk.
"Ok. So, my father's name is Byron Sully, an' he's a carpenter, as ya already know. My ma is doctor, well exactly, an excellent doctor. She's the doctor of my town. Then I have my younger sister, Colleen, she's in Philadelphia studyin' ta become a doctor as well; Brian is my youngest brother, he's in his last year at school before college. Then there's my dear little sister Katie. She's an adorable girl, an' there's a little brother or sister on the way" finished Matthew, not realizing he had made a long speech.
Alex hadn't even moved in her seat, since she was absorbed, listening to him.
"Interesting" she said, then remaining quiet.
Matthew sensed something was wrong.
"Hey, is somethin' wrong" asked Matthew concerned.
"Well, not exactly wrong Mat, but there's something I wanted to ask you" she replied looking into his eyes.
"Go on ahead."
After a pause, Alex finally spoke.
"It's just this. When I first met you, you said you are 'Matthew Sully', but when they call your name each morning to see if you are present, well, they say your surname is 'Cooper' and not 'Sully'. How can that be" she finished, relieved she had come to ask him this question at last.
Matthew was a little taken aback. He didn't want to remember of his biological father, but he didn't want to sound mysterious to her.
"Now I understand what's troublin' ya, an' it's quite simple. Ya see, Brian, Colleen an' I are adopted. My real mother died some years ago, an' my father abandoned us. My real mother asked Dr Mike, she's my ma now, to take care of us, obviously before she died, an' so we went ta live with Dr Mike. Then she fell in love with pa, that is, Sully, an' they married, givin' birth ta Katie, an' now another one. I use my adoptive father's surname, cause I'm ashamed of my real father and' want nothin' ta do with him" said Matthew painfully, and this was soon noticed by Alex.
"I'm sorry Mat" she said, resting her hand over his on the table, making him as red as a plum"I didn't men to bring out painful memories."
"It aint your fault."
"You know there's a remedy to that" she said.
'A remedy ta what" asked Matthew confused, sipping in his coffee.
"You can change your surname! All you need is a lawyer's signature, and my father can be the lawyer"
"Really? Ya mean, I can become a Sully" Matthew asked feeling very pleased.
'Yes, I mean that, and if you want, we can do it straight away"
"Oh really! Thanks a lot Alex. I really appreciate it" he replied as he put his hand over hers, this time forcing her to redden.
"So, shall we go" she asked shakily, as she rose from the table, soon followed by Matthew.
They go to her home and knock on her father's office door.
"Come in" a gentle voice is heard saying from behind the door.
Alex enters followed shyly by Matthew. Seeing his daughter, the man stands to greet her.
"Hello Alex! How are you? All well in University" asked Mr. Parker.
"Hello pa. I'm fine, and at University all is going on well. I need your help" she said, turning to look at Matthew.
Her father eyed him from top to toe, and smiled.
"Oh, who have we here" he said cheerfully, as he shook hands with Matthew.
"I'm Matthew Su... Cooper, sir. I go ta University with your daughter" replied Matthew.
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Cooper. I'm James Parker. So, you need my help" he asked.
"Yes father" interjected Alex, knowing Matthew was too shy to speak"He wants to change his surname, he can do that can't he" she asked.
"Sure he can do that. Why is it you want to change our surname" James asked, as he sat down at his desk again.
"Well, I was adopted, an' want to change my surname from my biological one, to that of my adoptive father's."
"Ok kid. So, just tell me your present surname and the one to which you are changing it,' replied James, as he took a pen and started writing on a piece of paper.
"Well my present one is Cooper, and I want ta change it ta Sully."
As soon as the words had left his mouth, James looked at Matthew curiously.
"So you are the son of Byron Sully are you? Alex told me about you. Pleased to meet you. I am expecting your father to make me a new table, sent my drawings and all yesterday. He's a great carpenter. So, I just need your signature here" said James as he handed Matthew the piece of paper and a pen.
Matthew signed the paper with trembling hands, and I was done. He was now Matthew Sully! He thanked Alex and her father, and left for home. He knocked on the door and Mark opened for him.
"God evening Master. We were worried for you" said Mark, closing the door behind Matthew.
"Yeah, I know, I'm late" he replied hanging his coat and hat and placing his attaché case on the floor.
Elisabeth came out of the living room looking worried.
"Hello Mat. Where have you been? I was getting worried" she said.
"Oh I'm sorry grandma, but there's somethin' I wanted ta do" Matthew replied, proudly showing her the document just signed.
She read what was written and looked at him pleased.
"You did it! Oh Mat, congratulations. But, did you ask your father's permission? I mean, Ethan's permission"
"I don't need his permission. I'm just glad it's finally done" replied Matthew.
Just then Beverley entered.
"Dinner is served Mistress" Beverley said.
"Oh thanks Beverley. We're starving" replied Matthew.
"Exactly it's you who's starving since you had nothing to eat" teased him Elisabeth, as they went to the dining room. "Oh, and before I forget, did you write to your parents? It's already been two weeks since you're here"
"No I didn't write to them, but I'll do it tonight"
Colorado Springs
Thursday 16th October, 1873
Michaela directs herself towards the telegraph office. She is immediately greeted by Horace.
"Oh good mornin' Dr. Mike. How are ya" asks Horace.
"Good morning Horace. I'm fine thank you. Are there any letters for me or Sully"
"Nope, not even one I'm sorry. Are ya expecting an important letter Dr. Mike? You've been askin' me that question for a whole 3 weeks I think" inquired Horace, noticing the sad look that had appeared on Michaela's face.
"It's just that Matthew and Colleen were supposed to write about a week ago, and still no sign of letters. Well thank you Horace. I'll come back later" replies Michaela, as she turns to leave.
"If ya want, I can come an' give ya the letters personally if they arrive" offers Horace, as usual, feeling sorry for Michaela.
"Well thanks a lot Horace. I appreciate it" replied Michaela. As she descended the steps in front of the post office, she saw Andrew approach.
"Hello Michaela" greets her Andrew. "Did you receive any letters"
"No I didn't. And you" asks Michaela.
"I still have to check today, but till yesterday nothing" replied Andrew as he went to talk to Horace, leaving Michaela waiting for him.
He soon returned with a sad expression on his face.
"Nothing again" he said sadly"I'm starting to think something happened to her. it's already been two weeks she's away! If she doesn't write in two more days, I'll go there to make sure she's all-right."
"I know she's fine, and so is Matthew, so don't worry" assured him Michaela.
"How do you know, if you haven't received a letter either" replied Andrew.
"Because I can feel it" replied Michaela.
Andrew looked at her confused, and then left without a word shaking his head. Michaela went back to her office, where her patients were waiting for her.
Colorado Springs
Saturday 18th October, 1873
Michaela and Dorothy seat themselves down at a table at the Café as they always did.
"Is Sully joinin' us today" asked Dorothy.
"No he he can't join us today. Grace is taking him something to eat at noon, as she goes to give Robert E his lunch" replied Michaela.
As she finishes speaking, she saw Horace approach them.
"Good afternoon Dr. Mike, Miss Dorothy. You received a telegram from Colleen Dr. Mike" said Horace, handing Michaela the piece of paper.
Michaela's face brightened up as she started reading the telegram. Horace left them.
"So, what does it say" asked Dorothy curiously.
"Listen" said Michaela as she read this telegram-
Dear ma and pa,
I'm sorry I didn't write in a whole 2 weeks but I had a lot to do. I didn't forget about ya. I sent Andrew my diary as promised, I hope it arrived. You'll receive my letter in about three days hopefully. Give all my love to Brian and Katie.
Love,
Colleen
"Oh ya see ya had nothin' ta worry about" smiled Dorothy.
"You were right Dorothy. But Matthew still hasn't showed up" replied Michaela.
"Oh he'll show up don't worry" replied Dorothy as she took a piece of pie.
"I heard Cloud Dancing is in town" said Michaela, eyeing Dorothy's expression. However, Dorothy said nothing.
"Did I say something wrong" asked Michaela concerned.
"Nah, ya said nothin' wrong" said Dorothy pausing, as if she were thinking what to say"I want ta start writing that book again, I mean, 'bout Cloud Dancing."
"Now that's a nice idea" cried Michaela very pleased. "Did you tell him about it? What did he say"
"Well he accepted. I'm afraid of what the people will say, seeing me go to his teepee."
"Don't worry what the people say. It's your life, and you do what you want" replied Michaela.
"You're right, as usual. I'll start writin' right away" answered Dorothy happily, finishing eating her pie.
Philadelphia
Tuesday 21st October, 1873
Colleen sighs in relief as she looks at the letter she had in her hands. Angela looked up from her writing.
"What's the matter" Angela asked curiously.
"I finally finished the letters for my family. I've been writing to them for two days now. Matthew's letter was finished yesterday at night, an' the one for my parents I finished it now" replied Colleen, as she stood up from the kitchen table to stick the stamps.
"You couldn't sleep well last night could you" asked Angela.
Colleen looked at her in amazement.
"How d'ya know"
"Well, you went downstairs and you woke me up, but I said nothing" replied Angela innocently.
"Ya make quite a good detective ya know" replied Colleen astonished.
"Thanks" replied Angela.
"I'm gonna post these letters immediately. Two days ago I sent a telegram to my mother an' I said she should receive the letter in two day's time, an' that is today" said Colleen as she directed herself to the door.
"Listen, could you please post me this letter? And bring back my mail if I have any" asks Angela, handing Colleen a rather thick envelope.
"Hmm" comments Colleen looking at the address on Angela's letter"ya seem to have a lot ta say to your dear Manuel"
"Now don't be nosy Mrs. Cook" said Angela laughing.
Colleen laughed along and left their apartment. With Colleen gone, Angela went back into the kitchen to wash cups and plates they had used for breakfast. In the meantime, Colleen walked towards the post-office, looking into the window-shops. She posted her letters and collected hers and Angela's mail. Angela had a letter from Boston, probably from her parents, and also another one from Boston. From the calligraphy she knew it was from Matthew. She tore it open and started reading on her way back 'home'.
Dear sister,
So, how are you? I'm fine here with grandma and Aunt Rebecca. Once you get to know grandma, she's a very nice lady, and she's changed since I'm here! I have even become accustomed to the clothes! All the maids call me 'Master Matthew' and I'm treated like a king. I eat loads of food every night, like a buffet each evening! My room is very large as well, the same one I had when we first went to Boston, long time ago, and I even have a large desk. Grandma thought of everything.
Here the lectures are very tough and I have a lot to do, but I like it. I often wish to go riding, but that isn't possible unfortunately. Instead I tend to walk around the streets of Boston, looking at shops. I am keeping in touch with home thanks to Dorothy, who's sending me a copy of each "Gazette". It's the first time I'm writing to ma and pa, as it's also the first time I write to you. And you? Did ya have time to write. I didn't receive anything.
Have you made any friends? Well obviously you have at least the one with whom you're sharing the house, but I mean, apart from her? I have made friends with a certain young lad called Tom Wilson, and his friend Mary Hunter. They both study law with me. But, I have also met the most beautiful lady in the world. Her name is Alex, short for Alexandra. She's also a friend of Tom an' Mary. She's studying law with me, since from this year, women are allowed to study law as well! She has blonde hair an' blue eyes. When I'm with her I become speechless! We sometimes go out for a cup of tea together. I hope you meet her someday, and tell me what you think! I think I have already fallen in love with her, and I feel she's as well! Wish me luck dear sister!
Before I finish, I want to tell ya the most important news! I changed my surname! Yeah it's true. You know how I was ashamed of Ethan, and Alex told me that all I needed is a lawyer's signature. Since her father is a lawyer, she took me to him, he wrote this document, I signed it, and so did he, and it's done! When we're home for Christmas I'll show you the legal document! So now, I'm a Sully! Pa will be happy about it, what do you think? You're not angry are ya? Well I hope not!
Now I'm very sleepy, since it's 11 o'clock in the evening!
Bye! Hope ta hear from ya!
Love,
Your brother,
Matthew Sully
As Soon as Colleen finished reading his letter she wanted to fly with joy. Her brother seemed to have found love again, and he had even changed his surname! Now that's a surprise! He had finally destroyed the last thing that bound him to his biological father, that bastard, Ethan Cooper. She hurried home, anxious to tell everything to Angela. They had become good friends! Even if at first, she used to annoy her with all her questions!
Colorado Springs
Tuesday 21st October, 1873
Michaela sat alone in her clinic, caressing her growing abdomen. She was really a lucky woman, as Grace had said. She had four magnificent children, and now was going to have another one. She thanked God for all the gifts He had given her.
Her mind drifted off to Matthew and Colleen. She missed them terribly. Colleen had at least sent a telegram, but Matthew nothing, even if she hadn't yet checked the post today. She was more worried about him than about Colleen, since she had sent them at least a couple of words. Her thoughts were abruptly brought to an end when there was a knock on the door. She rose to open the door, revealing Teresa.
"Good Morning Dr. Quinn. May I come in" Teresa greeted her coldly.
"Yes, sure" replied Michaela, taken aback by her coldness.
She moved aside, letting Teresa enter. They both sat down opposite each other.
"What did you recommend Jake to do to his hand, Dr. Quinn" asks Teresa, taking Michaela by surprise.
"I told him to rest it for at least four weeks" she replied.
"Four weeks" said Teresa"But he's already at work"
"At work" replies Michaela astonished"After only 18 days? But is he mad"
"No he's not mad" snapped Teresa rising up"Well, I'll go and stop him" she said as she went to the door.
"Good luck" said Michaela sincerely"and please call me Michaela."
Teresa looked at her for a few seconds, then she opened the door, and before exiting she said"Good day Dr. Quinn" and closed the door behind her without looking back.
Michaela stared after her. After so much time, she still wouldn't talk to her, and she could think of nothing to solve this problem.
End of Chapter 6
