Second Chance

LHOP inspired fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Part 9

It had been a long three months since Charles had waved goodbye to his family and left to go find work. But now he was on his way home. His legs ached and the sole of one boot was worn through, but he wouldn't stop. He wanted to spend suppertime with Caroline and the girls.

As Isaiah and Charles came to a fork in the road, Isaiah bid farewell to his traveling companion and turned off towards his farm. Charles continued along until he saw the little house come into view. He stood on the hill a moment and thanked God he had once again returned home safely.

Charles quickened his step. He couldn't wait to hug his wife and children. Carrie opened the door and stepped outside, headed towards the outhouse. She looked up and caught sight of a man with a familiar stride and hat.

"Ma! Ma! Pa's back! Pa's back!" Carrie yelled as she ran towards him.

Caroline came running outside with baby Grace in her arms. Laura followed right behind. Carrie was in Charles' arms by the time Caroline reached them. Charles shifted Carrie to one side and reached to embrace his wife.

"Welcome home!" Caroline said with a wide smile.

"I missed you," Charles said and gave her a quick kiss.

"I'm so glad you're home Pa!" Laura reached over to give him a hug. "We got a letter from Mary today, but we saved it so we could read it together."

"I can't wait Half-pint," he replied as he ran his hand over the top of her head.

"Well let's get inside; supper's almost ready," Caroline explained.

"I'll meet you there. I want to take a dip in the creek before I eat."

"Alright Charles."

Caroline turned to go, but Charles grabbed her by the arm. He cupped her face in his hand. "It's so good to be home." He smiled and kissed her again before walking down to the creek.

After supper, Ma took Mary's letter off the mantle. She opened the envelope and pulled out the pieces of paper inside. Caroline stopped to look over at Charles who was sitting at the table smoking his pipe. She smiled.

"What?" Charles asked.

"I missed the smell of your pipe," Caroline answered.

"I thought you hated the way it smells."

"I do," she smiled. "But at least that smell means you're home."

Everyone laughed.

"Well are you going to read us that letter or do we have to guess what's inside?" teased Charles.

"Patience is a virtue Charles."

"Well I have none; so read it," he laughed.

"Dear Family," Caroline began. "I have so much to tell you. First of all Laura, you will be happy to know that your stitches are probably straighter and more even than mine will ever be. I have spent the past few weeks struggling to learn to sew. If it weren't for Adam, I would have given it up by now. But I'm told my beadwork is some of the finest the school has ever seen.

And Ma, Adam has asked me to sit in on some of his classes with the newer students. We work on reading and writing Braille. It's like I'm a teacher, just the way we planned."

Caroline put the letter down in her lap for a moment to wipe away a stray tear. Then she continued.

"I hope Pa is home now. I'm sure you miss him terribly. I miss all of you a great deal. Having Adam here has made it easier though. He is such a wonderful teacher!

You might not believe this, but I'm learning to play the piano. I didn't want to at first. I haven't tried to learn an instrument since Mrs. Whipple's son died. Adam even offered to speak to Mr. Nash so I wouldn't have to, but I don't want any special treatment. So I finally began learning last week and I don't sound too bad. I'm sure with Adam teaching me, I'll do well. He makes me so eager to learn; especially since I found out he's blind.

Did you know that Pa? I always assumed he was sighted, but he's been blind since he was a boy. He was in an accident and hit his head. It's nice to know that Adam can really understand me.

Well I guess I should go study. Tell Carrie that I hope Laura isn't bossing her around too much. Give everyone a kiss for me. Maybe by the next time I write, I'll know when I'm coming home.

I love you all.

Mary"

"She sounds excited," said Charles.

"And happy," Caroline replied.

"I can't wait until she can come home…" said Laura. "Even though I like having the bed all to myself."

Charles and Caroline laughed.

"I want Mary home now," whimpered Carrie.

"We all do Carrie. It shouldn't be much longer," Caroline answered.

"Let's say I play us a tune or two before bedtime," Charles said as he got up from the table.

He hadn't played his fiddle in months. It felt good in his hands. He played happy songs and his eyes sparkled with joy as his family surrounded him – smiling, laughing and dancing. It was good to be home.

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Dressed in his nightshirt, Charles came back from the kitchen with a glass of milk. He crawled into bed and was just about to pick up the newspaper when Caroline put down her Bible and asked, "What did you really think about Mary's letter?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"She talked a lot about Adam – what a wonderful teacher he is, how he encourages her to do things, how much he understands her…"

"So?"

"Don't you think that's strange?"

"Caroline, the girl is miles away from home, in a strange place without her family. She probably spends most of her time with Adam - he is her teacher - and that's probably why she talks about him all the time."

"No, it's more than that."

"Well, I'm sure they're friends too."

"I'm talking about something more than friendship. I think she loves him."

"Now Caroline, she didn't say that."

"She doesn't have to. I'm a woman and her ma, and I'm telling you she's in love with Adam."

"Not that I'm saying I agree with you, but so what if she is?"

"What about John?"

"She's made no commitment to him."

"No…but that young man gave up his job and life in Chicago to ask for a second chance. While you were gone Charles, he came by at least twice a week to help run the farm. He even repaired that broken fence you didn't get to before you left. John's trying very hard to prove how much he loves her."

"But that doesn't mean she loves him," Charles replied matter of factly.

"I know, but Grace is worried about him. She even asked me if Mary mentioned John in her letters."

"And did she?"

"No," Caroline answered in a despondent tone.

"Well maybe she hasn't decided how she feels about him yet."

"Or maybe it means she loves Adam."

"Caroline, it could mean one of a hundred things; only Mary knows for sure. Now…"Charles said as he moved closer to her. "I thought you missed me."

"Oh really Charles," Caroline replied, pretending to be angry.

She reached over and put out the lamp and then snuggled into his arms.