Hope for Tomorrow
Chapter 19
Page 55
Nathan walked outside to join his parents while the rest inside were trying not to watch the emotional experience happening outside. Dee shared about Archie's senility and how caring and forgiving Emily has been with him as he would often still think they were married. She also told them about the time when Archie went over to a little boy fishing to help him catch a fish thinking he was little Nathan.
When Nathan reached his parents, Archie was still alert and in the present moment. He was so ashamed of how he treated Emily and was holding her and apologizing over and over. Emily being the sweet, forgiving person she was, was allowing Archie to talk and grieve. Her heart was aching for the man she knew from years gone by, the one who swept her off her feet on the ship coming to Canada. The loving, decent man who worked so hard to provide for his family!
He couldn't face the devastating loss with the crop failures and blamed himself. The husband who tried to do it all himself without placing his burdens at the foot of the cross and lost his way. Now, she was hearing his sorrow, feeling his regret, and seeing how broken he was. Archie was apologizing and distraught with the realization of what he had done to his family when leaving them. He stopped his rambling and asked Emily how she coped all these years. It was like he needed to bear witness to all the pain and loneliness she and the children were left with.
Emily pulled out of their embrace and looked at Archie with her tear-stained stricken face and tried to put into words what she had to withstand all those years alone raising the children by herself. How she would lay in bed listening and hoping for the door to open with Archie coming home at last. She poured all her anger and sadness to him and it was like a river rushing over a waterfall. It was needed. Both of them had to face the years gone by so they could move on.
Nathan watched in silence and wanted to say something yet he knew now was not the time. His parents were alone together in the moment and they didn't need anyone interfering. Nathan was actually excited that Archie was temporarily in the present moment and was confronting the turmoil inside of him that had taken residence for so long but was stuffed down. His dad was taking responsibility for once in a long, long time. Even if the real Archie would fade away soon, this moment was healing for his Ma. His Ma, yes she was the light on the hill. Always loving, always forgiving, always his heroine.
After a few more minutes they finally realized that Nathan was close by. They both acknowledged him and apologized for him having to witness what just transpired. As he walked over with a genuine smile he gave both of them each a long hug and asked if they were ready to go inside and join the others. Archie put his arm around Emily and followed Nathan inside.
Walter and Jack had taken the drawers out of the hutch. Jack, Nathan, Walter, and Ted each took a corner and carried the hutch out to the truck where they had spread out one of the old quilts across the bed of the truck and then covered it with another old quilt.
While doing that, Emily walked to the chicken coop and said hello to the chicks they were still laying eggs and pecking around. It wasn't long before she walked over to the barn to say hello to old Berta. There she was chewing on her hay. When she saw Emily, it was as if she wanted to talk when she let out her moo. Emily laughed and practically ran to see her closer. Giving her a pat and a hug, she talked to Berta, "There you are my old girl! I've missed you so much. It is so good to see you!" Berta was content swishing her tail and just watching Emily. Out of the corner of her eye, Emily spotted the cat, Twinkles up in the loft. "Hey Twinkles, will you look at you! Busy out here are ya? Keeping the mice away, ya?" Twinkles meowed and slowly meandered her way down purring while she wrapped her body around Emily's legs, as in and out she went.
Dee and Carol followed Archie into the barn and were delighted to see how happy Emily now was. They walked back to the house and that's when Emily admired her edelweiss that was growing strong and pretty beckoning her to reach down and smell them.
Going back inside, they sat around in the living room catching up on how Brook Springs was doing and the happenings. They had just celebrated their harvest fest like last year and recounted the games, the biggest vegetable prizes, which farm won the best of show in the animal contests, and all the fabulous food!
Dee talked about the Family Fun Fest in Hope Valley and just how much fun the baseball game, the dunk tank and games, and the moving picture was. Nathan described the smell and taste of the pig roast that Bill had for the main food, the pie-eating contest, and more.
Nathan's hand was being pulled as he was being asked to play with little Nicholas, and he couldn't resist. Getting down on the floor he stacked wood blocks with Nicholas, but Nicholas would giggle and knock them down. Then he would stack them up, only to knock them down again which had him laughing until he fell down. He did get a little cranky though, and Carol mentioned it was time for Nicholas to take his nap.
It was wonderful to see the old farmhouse again and hard to say goodbye. Emily watched out the truck window for as long as she could before they went around the bend in the road and headed back to the Gleixner home.
When they went inside, Bertie had the chicken, noodles, gravy, and biscuits hot and ready to eat. It was delicious as they all were good and hungry. Archie was still alert and had a really nice conversation with Ted, Walter, and Nathan. Sitting around the table it was just like old times neighbors altogether.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 56
It was Saturday night and Allie and Karen could hardly sit still to eat their dinner. Benjamin scoffed at their excitement and teased them about liking boys. He didn't want anything to do with the dance, as it was too 'girlie' for him. Marie Landoch had them take a bath before dinner and tied their hair with rag curls, so all they had to do was get dressed and do their hair. Bob and Benjamin helped clear the table and do the dishes while Marie went upstairs with the girls to get them ready.
The giggling was non-stop as Marie gently pulled the rags out of their hair and put in bows. As they slid on their dresses, Marie had a fun time with them letting them choose a simple necklace to wear. Earlier in the day they had polished their shoes so they were quite happy as they looked at themselves in the mirror all dressed up!
Bob was taking them to the dance at Billees and staying to chaperone the teenagers with Joseph who was bringing Angela. The girls glanced around quickly to see who of their friends showed up and found them sitting at a table in the corner with 'Aunt' Jane. Jane, Flo, and Molly had been giving the older girls and boys dancing lessons throughout the month. It was more for the boys to learn how to ask and actually have confidence in going out on the floor with the girls.
Now that the Hopefuls had invited all ages to enjoy this dance, it was the first time that they had a chance to see how well their practicing had paid off. The teens would have time from 7 to 10 pm and then the Hopefuls and any adults could stay longer to 12:00. Allie and Karen joined the girls and listened in to the reminders that Auntie Jane was going over with them; keeping at arm's length so they were not too close to the boy, letting him lead, and stepping lightly going with the flow of the melody.
Flo was at the other table refreshing the boys and coaching them one last time about being polite when asking, holding their hand out for the girl, keeping at arm's length from her, and taking the lead in time with the music trying not to step on her toes.
Maggie and Sam had lemonade, punch, with cookies and tea cakes on the buffet table. The Hopefuls made decorations with paper streamers, a few carved out pumpkins with candles inside, a few stacks of hay, and some Indian corn tied together. It was very festive indeed.
There were plenty of records to play on the Victrola so the boys had no excuse not to dance. Sam kept changing it up from waltzing to fox trot to the new style dancing that was the latest rage in jazz. Bob and Joseph were surprised how well the boys danced and laughed that they might benefit by taking lessons!
Robert was nervous but couldn't resist asking Allie to dance. He slowly left the boy's table and walked over to the refreshments where Allie was checking out the snacks. "Hi Allie!"
"Hi Robert!"
"You look very pretty. I like your dress," Robert complimented.
"Thank you. You look nice too," Allie said awkwardly.
"The Hopefuls sure did a good job with the decorations." He knew the small talk was going nowhere. "Would you like to dance?" Robert barely asked.
"Yes!" Allie's eyes sparkled as she grinned lighting up her face.
Robert offered his hand to guide Allie onto the floor and Flo was nodding approvingly. It was a slow start, but a good one. Next, Harper asked Karen to dance and once they started dancing on the floor, one by one another boy would ask a girl to dance. 'Aunt' Jane and Flo were smiling as they watched the dance floor fill up. Even the Hopefuls joined in after waiting for the teens to go first.
"Allie," Robert started, "I told you I'm going to Mountie school after Christmas, but since that's only a few months away, I want you to know that I really like you." Just then he stepped on her foot. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that!"
"It's all right Robert," Allie just smiled, "Go on."
Robert got his confidence back and tried again, "Look Allie, we've been friends for years, right? And, I, well I, noticed how pretty you look tonight and I just want you to know how much I like you now."
"Robert, do you like-like me?" Allie asked.
Robert grinned, "Yea, that's it Allie, I like-like you," he chuckled.
"Me too," Allie smiled up looking coyly at Robert. "I will miss you when you leave."
"That's what I was thinking, so would you write to me when I go?"
"Yes, I will, of course!" Allie grinned heartily.
When the dance ended, the two of them walked back to the buffet table to get a drink. Right next to them were Karen and Harper. Harper was telling Karen that he was going to take over the job of delivering the Valley Voice and helping out at the Mercantile when Robert left. The girls were still giggling, having a great time.
Joseph was concerned that Angela wasn't asked to dance. He told Bob if someone didn't ask soon, he would go over and ask her. "I hate to see her alone, waiting."
"I understand Joseph, but that might embarrass her, so wait a bit and see what happens," Bob suggested.
"I guess you're right," Joseph sighed.
Flo was just about to leave the boy's table when she looked at Timmy who still wasn't dancing. "What's wrong Timmy? Why aren't you out there having fun?"
"I can't dance. I have two left feet!" Timmy looked out the window.
"Nonsense, I've seen you dance and you can indeed dance! Just feel the music and let your body lead. Once you have the girl out there and you begin talking, you'll relax and will be dancing before you know it!" Flo encouraged Timmy.
Timmy looked at the girls' table and saw that Angela was sitting by herself with 'Aunt' Jane. "Do you think Angela can dance?" he asked Flo.
"Of course, as long as you lead her, she'll do fine. Besides, she is a natural dancer since she plays piano. You know she enjoys music. Go on and have fun!"
Timmy walked over, gently grabbed Angela's hand and asked her, "I would be honored if you will you have this dance with me Angela?"
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 57
Sunday morning in Brook Springs was a bit overcast, but no rain in sight. The Grants joined the Gleixners attending the local community church and seeing so many good friends from the past was helping Archie stay in the present. At first he felt uncomfortable because they all knew he had left his family, but when most had seen him supported by his family and especially Emily, they knew that there had been some reconciliation they weren't privy to, and that's ultimately what God would want, so he was welcomed.
Big grins were everywhere as they couldn't help but see Dee's figure. "Ahh, a sweet little one!" she heard whispered. At the conclusion of the service, the pastor called her up and asked if she would sing. Being the Chickadee her dad was so proud of, she agreed. Her voice was ever so clear and true as she sang "How Great Thou Art." The congregation burst into applause which shocked Dee, but the congregation couldn't help themselves!
The Grant family was immediately surrounded by the folks there. The farm community was a tight-knit group and were especially supportive of those that left and came back to visit.
"Oh, my goodness Dee!"
"Your voice is better than ever!"
"We miss you leading our choir"
"When's your baby due?"
"You lucky dog, Nathan, catching Dee for your wife!"
"Emily, how do you like Hope Valley?"
"Good to see you Archie!"
"What brings you back?"
"How long are you staying?"
"You just missed our Harvest fest. Darn!"
"We miss you Emily."
On and on the questions and greetings poured.
Ted and Bertie gradually rescued them as they said their goodbyes, "We hate to leave you all but they need to head back soon."
When they returned to the Gleixners home, they had a cup of coffee and some sweetbread, then the Grants all gathered together their overnight satchels and hugged Bertie, Ted, and Walter thanking them for their hospitality. A few tears were shed between Dee and her family.
"We'll see you soon! Little bun will be ready to meet the family, and we'll be down to welcome bun," Bertie reassured Dee as she kissed and hugged her one last time.
"I'm praying bun comes before Christmas!" Dee said as she struggled to get in the truck. "Love you very much!"
"Love you too, all of you!" the Gleixners called out to the Grants. "Safe travels!" they called as they waved watching the truck head down the road.
Allie and Karen had stayed up whispering under the covers for a long time after going to bed. Their first dance had been amazing, and there was so much to talk and giggle about. The excitement of being held by a boy and dancing was the bees knees! This time in their lives was so fun and they had crushes on certain boys.
"Did you know that Robert asked if I would write to him when he leaves for Mountie training?" Allie nearly burst out giggling, but had to keep it quiet.
"That's so dreamy!" Karen gushed. "What did you say?"
"Of course, silly, I want to keep in touch with him."
"Wow, love letters will be coming to you!" Karen teased.
Allie laughed, "I'll dab a little of Mom's perfume on the letter when I write back!"
"Mr. Yost will smell it though, so you better not," Karen warned.
"Oh darn, you're right," Allie sighed. "What did Harper say?"
"That he liked my dress!" Karen was smiling.
"Robert too."
"And he wasn't sure if he was dancing the right way," Karen added.
"Boys! They are so immature sometimes," Allie grunted.
Back and forth the two talked until who knows what time they finally gave in.
As the sun was crawling out of bed, Sunday morning in Hope Valley was going slow. Allie and Karen were still asleep at 8:00 and the others were already getting bathed and dressed for church.
After several requests and finally a stern word, the two girls shuffled down the stairs with their eyes barely opened and ate their breakfast practically in silence while Bob and Marie just smiled and nodded. Once they were out of church, they woke up a bit more and flirted with the boys outside, but this time the boys were back with their buddies running around. Somewhat dejected the girls went back home to Karen's house waiting for the Grants to return. A nap sounded just right.
On the way back home as Nathan was driving close to Brookfield, he noticed a campsite near the far woods barely seen from the road and missed going past it on the way up. He slowed down to get a better look.
"Why are you slowing down?" Dee asked curiously.
"Something just caught my eye," Nathan answered. "Wait right here, I want to check on something," he directed as he stopped the truck while reaching for his binoculars.
As he walked a short distance, trying not to bring attention to himself, he looked through the binoculars and could see that there was a tent pitched and a few horses tied up to the trees. He thought he could make out a man walking in deeper towards the woods and another figure followed, but it was hard to know for sure. Nathan was wondering just who could be out there and then he remembered what he warned Bill about. He better stop in Brookfield and talk to Constable Gabe so without saying much just got back in the truck and kept heading to Brookfield a few miles away.