Second Chance

LHOP inspired fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Part 12

Mary was as confused as ever. The conversation with her parents hadn't helped her make up her mind. She sat alone in her room wondering about the future. The answers to her questions still eluded her. Mary knew she cared for Adam and she wanted to teach, but was that enough to leave her family and perhaps never see them again.

And as always, there were thoughts of John - his decision to move back to Walnut Grove to be with her, weighed heavy on her heart. When John came to visit after his return, she felt happy to see him. He seemed sincere. But could they recapture what they once felt for one another. She didn't love him now; she knew that. Would that change if she went back home and they began dating again? She just didn't know.

Mary had to make a decision by tomorrow. Her parents and she were leaving the next day. Adam would need to make plans for her arrival in Winoka if Mary decided to join him. Mary blew out the lamp and climbed into bed. She laid down and hoped that sleep would overtake her. But sleep proved to be as elusive as the answers she was searching for.

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Charles and Caroline shifted and turned in their bed. After fifteen minutes of trying to clear her mind, Caroline sprung up and lit the lamp.

"Charles, are you awake?"

"Yes," he replied and turned over.

"What do you think Mary is going to do?"

"I don't know Caroline. We'll just have to wait and see."

"But Charles…Dakota is so far away. Who knows if we'll ever see her again."

"Don't you think our parents felt the same way when we left the Big Woods?" Charles sat up so he could look at her. "They accepted our decision without trying to influence us. Our families knew we had to make the choice that was right for us." Charles cupped Caroline's face in his hand. "And we have to let Mary make the choice that's right for her."

"We weren't blind."

"No we weren't. But Mary was right; we can't bring her home and protect her from the unknown. She has to live the life she was destined to live."

"I know you're right Charles…" Caroline said with eyes full of tears. "But now that we've just gotten her back; it's hard to think she could be leaving again so soon…and maybe for good."

Charles reached over and pulled Caroline into him. "I know," he said. "I know."

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John sat outside staring up at the stars. In his hands he held the telegram that Charles had sent. They would be leaving Iowa the day after tomorrow. John hadn't received another letter from Mary, so he expected they would get together after she came home. He hoped she brought good news with her. John heard the front door open and turned to see Isaiah.

"Kin I sit with ya, Son?"

"Sure, go right ahead Pa."

Isaiah rubbed his beard and searched for the right words.

"So…she's comin home soon."

"Yeah."

"And she wants to see ya."

"That's what the letter said."

"What do ya think that's about?"

"Well, it probably means she made a decision on whether or not to accept my proposal."

"What if she says yes?"

"I guess we'll get married."

"And if she says no?"

John shrugged. "I could move back to Chicago."

"Ya could."

"Or I could stay here."

"Yep."

"But then I would probably be running into Mary all the time."

Isaiah nodded.

"I've stayed in touch with the Editor at the Tribune. He told me that if I ever wanted my job back, he would make room for me."

"That's mighty nice of um." Isaiah stared up at the sky. "So ya would probably head back there, huh?"

"Probably."

"Then I guess we better hope Mary says yes. Cus Grace and I would hate to see you go." Isaiah stood up. "But we understand, ya have to do what ya think is right."

John looked up at Isaiah with a smile. "Thanks Pa."

Isaiah smiled and slapped him on the back before heading into the house. John looked up at the starry sky one more time. He crumpled up the telegram and tossed it aside as he made his way indoors.

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Two days later Mary and her folks boarded a train headed for Walnut Grove. They said goodbye to Adam at the station and Mary told him she would write soon. The train ride was long and none of them spoke much. Mary was pondering how her conversation with John would go. Caroline was involved in her own thoughts of how Mary's decision would affect them all. And Charles was still looking for the answer to his prayers – a way to support his family while living in Walnut Grove.

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The train pulled into the station at Sleepy Eye. Charles helped Mary and Caroline down from the train and told them to wait so he could find a coachman. As he turned around, he saw Isaiah Edwards coming towards them.

"Hullo Charles!"

"Hello friend." The two men hugged.

"Hope ya don't mind a ride home"

"We would love one," Caroline responded.

Mary smiled. "It's so nice of you to meet us here Mr. Edwards. I can't wait to get home."

"Well then, let's git you all piled up into my wagon and we'll head towards my place."

"How are the girls?" asked Charles as they walked along the platform.

"Fit as fiddles. And that Grace, she's probably grown an inch since ya left."

"Oh, I can't wait to see them," Caroline said in her most motherly of voices.

"Do ya need help gettin into the wagon, Mary?"

"Yes please, Mr. Edwards."

Isaiah scooped her up in his arms and placed her gently down in the back. "Ya all set?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

Isaiah and Charles hopped up onto the wagon seat. With both women in the back, Isaiah headed off towards his farm.

"The roads are a bit dusty; no rain the whole time ya been gone."

Charles almost hated to ask. "How are things in town?"

"Quiet. Nels had to sell off most of his stuff to a wholesaler. The school, the bank and the feed and seed are closed. The blacksmith is stayin for a while until most of the folks pack up and leave. Don't know what I'm gonna do yet."

"Me neither. I haven't had much time to think about it."

Caroline shook her head. "I can't believe this is happening"

"But it is. The farmers just can't stand up to the railroad," Charles replied.

"Nope…not enough money on our side and too much money on theirs," quipped Isaiah.

"Will we have to move Pa?"

"I hope not darlin. There won't be any work with everything in town closed. I'll have to leave home to find something. But if Oleson's Mercantile shuts its doors, we'll have no choice. I can't leave all of you alone without a way to buy supplies."

"Let's not think of that right now Charles. Mary's home; we should be celebrating," said Caroline.

"You're right. You get to pick the songs tonight Mary."

"I can't wait to hear your fiddle Pa."

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After a joyous reunion at the Edwards place the Ingalls family made their way home. Charles thanked Isaiah, Grace and John for taking care of the girls and the farm. John had brought Charles' team and wagon back to his parents' house with him so the Ingalls family could ride home that night. Mary and John made plans to get together the next morning at the Ingalls place. John still didn't know what Mary was going to say. Everyone was so concerned with catching up that he hadn't had a chance to speak with Mary alone.

Charles played the fiddle that night. Mary asked him to play only happy songs. Even though she left the dancing to her sisters, Mary tapped her foot and clapped along to the music. She knew that sparkle was in Pa's eyes. Caroline was in her rocking chair with baby Grace in her lap. Tonight everything seemed perfect in the little house on the prairie – Mary was home; the fiddle made a joyful noise; and their love for one another could withstand any of the problems life threw their way.

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The day started off gray and bleak. Thick, dark clouds hung overhead. John borrowed Isaiah's rig to drive out to see Mary. He figured they could go for a short drive if it didn't rain. John approached the Ingalls farm and stopped the wagon. He got down from the seat and walked towards the door. John took a deep breath before knocking.

Charles opened the door and greeted a very nervous John. "Good morning John. Come on in, Mary will be ready in a minute."

"Thanks Mr. Ingalls." John removed his hat as he walked in and said hello to the rest of the family. It looked like they had just finished breakfast. John played with his hat while he waited. He was too anxious to carry on a conversation.

Mary came out into the front room. "Hello John," she smiled. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

"That's all right. I brought Pa's wagon. I thought we could take a drive."

"Sounds good."

"Mary, perhaps you should take your shawl. It's a little cool today." Caroline held the shawl out in front of her.

Mary grabbed it and thanked her mother. John reached for Mary's hand and then turned towards the door.

"John," Charles called. "I wouldn't go too far. It looks like a storm is brewing."

"I won't Mr. Ingalls…and if starts to rain I'll bring Mary back right away."

They made their way to the wagon and John helped Mary up onto the seat. He walked around the rig and hopped up alongside her. They drove out to the lake and Mary shared some stories from her time in Iowa.

John stopped the horses along a grove of trees and tied them up. Mary held his hand as she got out of the wagon. She slipped and fell into his arms. They stood together for a few moments. Mary could feel the warmth of his breath on her face. He leaned in closer to kiss her; but as if shaken from a dream, he stepped back. He looped his arm around hers and they walked to the shore.

"I've always loved it out here by the lake," Mary said. "It's one of my favorite places to come and think about things."

"Mine too."

"I didn't know that." Mary thought a moment. "How often have you come here since you've been home?"

"A few times," John admitted with a smile.

A cool wind rustled through the trees. Mary put her face into it and took a deep breath. "There's nothing like a prairie wind."

"Sounds like a line of poetry," John replied. "Would you mind if I used it?"

"Of course not. I always enjoyed your poetry. I'm sure that sentence will sound as sweet as a song when you're done with it. Have you written anything since you've been back?"

"Some, but not much the past few weeks. I've been too anxious waiting for you to come home."

Mary blushed. "Well I'm here."

"So you are. And I was hoping you made a decision."

"Before we get to that I…I want to apologize for what I said before I left for Iowa."

"Don't…" John started to say.

"Please, let me finish. I was scared and angry. The darkness seemed to be all around me. I thought if I didn't talk about it, somehow it would go away…I would see again. But there you were, trying to make me face my fear. I probably never would have if I didn't go to Iowa. I'm sorry if I hurt you. I hope you can forgive me."

"Mary, there's nothing to forgive. I understand, really I do. But now I need you to understand me. I've been waiting for months for some word that you've made a decision…and when your letter finally came, you didn't even mention it. I know that I told you to take all the time in the world, but with things the way they are in Walnut Grove…Pa's talking about moving on, at least until things get better. Mary I need to know….did you make your decision?"

"Yes, I have."