Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 10, Part 2, Page 59
Life in the summer of Brook Springs was never boring. Allie and Karen met with several other older children at the pond to plan the games for the festival. It would be a very busy but fun day. They needed apples for bobbing apples with a big metal bucket, rope rings and wooden stakes for the ring toss, lasso rope and a wooden "cow", jump ropes, horseshoes, boiled eggs and spoons which Allie offered, and ropes to tie legs together for the 3 – legged race...
Karen wrote the list and the child's name who offered to run the game and bring the needed items. The faster they got done the faster they could swim. After accounting for all the games, they took off their shoes and ran into the pond. It felt great to be in the cool water splashing and laughing. Afterwards, they sat in the sun to dry off and eat their lunches they brought. Karen and Allie rode their bicycles back to Karen's house so she could change clothes before they rode to Allie's for their music lessons. As usual, Emily was cooking. "Back already?" she asked.
"Yes ma'am, we got our list completed and I offered to bring the eggs and spoons for the egg race. Okay Oma?" Allie asked.
"Sure, sure. There's a letter for you angel. It's on the table." Oma said.
"Oh, another letter from Mrs. Thornton!" Allie tore it open and in the letter Elizabeth had good news, Mr. Landis wanted to meet with Dee to interview her for a teaching position in Hope Valley and the neighboring town of Brookfield. "Wow!" Allie read the letter out loud to Karen and Emily.
"That means my lessons with Dee will be over!" Karen said disappointed.
"Karen, I'm so sorry. When I first asked Mrs. Thornton, you weren't taking lessons with Dee." Allie looked at Emily for help.
"Now, don't you fret," Emily jumped in, "this isn't for certain. She has to have an interview first."
Dee walked in, "Ready for your lessons ladies?" she asked.
"Here's the letter I just received from Mrs. Thornton about you possibly being hired to work in Hope Valley and Brookfield." Allie handed the letter to Dee.
"Wonderful news!" Dee exclaimed. "How very nice of Mrs. Thornton to ask for me."
"Dee, Karen is not to happy, she enjoys you teaching her voice lessons." Allie looked at Karen who sat in her chair with her head in her hands.
"I don't want you to leave me Allie or you Dee. I'll be all alone," Karen sighed.
"Well, let's not jump the gun on this yet, today we will have our lessons!" Dee assured them both.
Archie had made himself comfortable being careful of Allie's stuff. He looked around her room and saw that she had a big picture of her old home with her mom and dad. When Henry looked at Colleen, his eyes began to tear up. How could his beautiful daughter be gone? He should be the one, not her. It just wasn't fair, but Allie has Nathan now and Archie was determined to be the best grandfather he could.
"Dad?" Nathan called as he walked in.
"Up here Nathan, I'm coming down now." Archie said. "It's so sweet to see Allie's picture of her mom. I sure miss Colleen."
"We all do Dad," Nathan agreed sadly. "but she is adjusting and seems happy. She's really enjoying her time with Ma."
"Good, good. I'm sure Emily is enjoying her more. I miss them both." Archie admitted.
"You'll see Allie soon, I miss her too. Hey, are you hungry?" Nathan asked.
"Yes, what do you have in mind?" Archie asked.
"Let's walk into town and grab something over at Billees." as Nathan stepped outside with Archie. "I'm hoping Bill is there. He's been hosting 2 retired Mounties who have been volunteering helping with the wounded soldiers that are staying at Henry's cabin. I haven't seen him much lately he's been so busy."
"It's been a great pulling together of all the townsfolk coming together to remodel and convert it to Billees." Nathan nodded. "There he is, hey Bill," Nathan called out.
"Nathan, how are you doing? Is that your dad with you?" Bill inquired.
"Hello Bill," Archie greeted. "Good to see you again."
"Come on in, have some dinner with me." Bill invited. "What brings you here Archie?"
"Looking for work," Archie answered. My age and my prison record makes it next to impossible. I thought I'd check with Lee Coulter since he had an advertisement looking for help in The Valley Voice. I was dreaming. He needs strong young men, not me."
Sam brought over 3 bowls of chicken and rice soup with big slices of buttered bread. "There you go."
"Sam, this is my dad, Archie." Nathan introduced the two men. Sam and Archie shook hands. "Looks like you're job here is working out."
"Yes, I'm very grateful to Lee and Bill." Sam smiled.
"Archie will be working with Henry," Nathan informed Bill and Sam. "He'll be staying with me for now until Allie comes back."
"When you get a free room, we were hoping Archie could stay here." Nathan asked.
"Well, you should be in luck, one of the soldiers is just about ready to go home. Matthew should be leaving in a few weeks." Bill grinned.
"Thanks Bill," Nathan grinned. "You'll also be eating better when you get here dad!"
"Anyone want to play a game of darts?" Sam suggested.