Chapter 11
A few hours later, Adeline listened to Jarrod's even breathing and knew he was asleep. She gently untangled herself from her husband's arms and made her way down the hall to where her daughter slept. The rest of the house was quiet, the others having turned in already. Adeline opened the door quietly and peeked in. The moonlight shone through the window just enough to allow Adeline a clear view of the child that slept in the bed. She had kicked her covers off and Adeline pulled them up. Meredith did not even move. Adeline smiled, not quite believing that her dream had come true. She was married to the most wonderful man she had ever met, and their daughter was now safe and sound in their home. And to top it all off, she was now going to have another baby. She placed her hands on her stomach, knowing the baby was still too small to be felt, but Adeline knew that he or she was there. She and Jarrod agreed not to say anything to anyone yet. At least not until she could get into town to see the doctor.
Adeline smiled slightly and lifted a prayer heavenward in thankfulness for how blessed she was. She felt arms come around her and knew that Jarrod had awakened and come looking for her. He didn't say anything, but the two of them stood in Meredith's room, watching her sleep. They finally went back to bed and slept soundly the rest of the night.
The next week passed in a blur to Adeline. She, Jarrod and Meredith spent several hours together each day as a family, getting to know one another. Adeline loved how Meredith called Jarrod "Papa" and every time she said it, Jarrod's eyes would light up. They visited Stockton and Jarrod showed Meredith his office. She was quite impressed. They also picnicked at Jarrod's and Adeline's favorite spot. Meredith was off sketching some of the scenery and Adeline whispered to Jarrod that she thought that this was the spot that their baby had been conceived. He smiled at her and pulled her into his embrace. They were careful not to get carried away, knowing Meredith would be back any moment, but Jarrod whispered in Adeline's ear a promise to be with her that night. She smiled and found that she couldn't wait for the day to be over so that she could be in her husband's arms.
One day, as Meredith and Jarrod were in his office, Adeline decided to visit Dr. Merar. He confirmed that she was indeed expecting and offered his congratulations. He promised not to say anything to anyone, as Adeline explained they were waiting on telling the family. He asked her to take things easy since she had been so ill, but promised that the sickness would pass soon.
On the way home, the three stopped by the school house to introduce Meredith and Adeline to Miss Peters. Jarrod informed the rather pretty school teacher that Meredith would be starting school there the next week. She nodded her head in agreement and seemed enthusiastic, but Adeline couldn't help but get the feeling she wasn't really happy about it.
What she didn't know and had no way of knowing, was that Miss Peters had her eye on Jarrod Barkley since her arrival in town the year before. They had been to dinner a few times, but Jarrod had never let things go beyond a simple friendship. That Eliza Peters was disappointed to find out that Jarrod had married was an understatement. But to know that she would have to teach his child, conceived out of wedlock, and to have both he and his wife come to the school was almost unbearable.
Once Jarrod, Adeline and Meredith left, the students knew to stay out of Miss Peter's way. She was in a foul mood and didn't have any reservations in taking it out on the children.
Later that evening, as most of the house slept, Jarrod and Adeline held one another close and talked about their future. Meredith seemed to be fitting in well with the family and would be starting school on Monday. She seemed to be adjusting to her new surroundings, though Adeline was well aware of the fact that Meredith still called her "Ma'am" and not any maternal terms of endearments. She tearily mentioned it to Jarrod, who held her close and told her to give it more time. He was sure that in time, Meredith would feel comfortable with her. They had sat her down one afternoon and explained the circumstances of her birth and why she had been given up for adoption. She listened attentively and Adeline had hoped that Meredith would warm up to her afterwards, but she would be disappointed. If anything, Meredith seemed more distant with her. With the rest of the family she was opening up and although it hurt Adeline to have her daughter hold her at arm's length, she was willing to let Meredith take the lead in their relationship.
Jarrod had been working with some contacts in the California State Prison system confirming the fact that Cass Hyatt, a convicted murderer, was living in the lap of luxury, all at the tax payers expense. They had decided not to mention the situation with Cass Hyatt to the family just yet. Jarrod wanted to have everything taken care of when he told them what had happened.
Adeline asked Jarrod to share with her about the circumstances of his marriage with Beth and her tragic death. He left out no details, sharing with her some things he had never told anyone. He told her how they met and his shock at holding her still form in his arms after she had been shot. His most painful memory, was how he almost killed his brothers to get to Cass Hyatt. He had never told anyone, but for a brief second, as Nick stood between him and his wife's murderer, Jarrod almost pulled the trigger. He told Adeline how he feared the violent man who had no reason or conscience that he knew still lived within him. Adeline held on to him tightly as he spoke, while he rubbed her belly and the child that grew within her. They would share the news of the baby with everyone when he returned from San Quentin. He would leave at the end of the next week and be gone for four or five days, depending on how long it took to take care of everything. Adeline was not looking forward to him being gone, but knew he needed to take care of this. They eventually fell asleep and both awoke refreshed and ready to face the day.
Meredith was excited about school. She had always been a good student and got along well with the other children. She was by no means the smartest in her class, but made good grades and always tried to do her best. She was nervous about starting at a new school, but her father was going to take her in for her first day. Meredith loved the time she spent with him and was eager to have him all to herself again, even if just for a half hour. She had enjoyed their time on the train as they made their way back to Stockton.
Meredith still wasn't sure what to think about her mother. She couldn't bring herself to actually call her "Mother" or "Mama" yet. What was holding her back? She had noticed the look of ... what … longing? Yes, a look of longing in her mother's eyes for her to call her anything but "ma'am." Meredith would often have to turn away. Although Meredith had dearly loved her Grandpa and Granna, they weren't her parents and she had always longed to know her mother and father. The other kids at school had a mother and father, why couldn't she? And now that she did, she found that she was angry with Adeline. They had explained to her why her mother had made the choices she did. But, in Meredith's young mind, she didn't understand why her mother didn't tell her father about her. Then maybe he would have been able to keep her.
Adeline watched her daughter as she sat at the breakfast table. She had been quite chipper when she sat down, but now looked pensive. She looked up to see if Jarrod had noticed, but he was busy talking with Nick about some vineyard contracts.
At last, it was time to go and Meredith's eyes lit up when her father told her to get her things. He kissed his wife goodbye and then Adeline watched as father and daughter rode away in one of the Barkley buggies. Adeline sighed, and went up to her room to lie down for a while. She had felt much better of late, but hadn't slept well the night before and was tired. As she fell asleep, her last thoughts turned into a prayer for her daughter. That she would have a good first day of school and that soon, they would be close.
Meredith's morning had not gone well. It was now recess and Meredith sat on an old tree stump outside the school house, trying to swallow the ache in her throat away. When she and Jarrod had stopped at school, he walked her inside and spoke with Miss Peters again. The woman seemed so sweet and charming. She had light blond hair, not as pretty as Aunt Audra's, but almost the same color. And she had big green eyes. Miss Peters' eyes fairly danced as they watched Jarrod. He didn't notice, and that was something that angered Eliza. Her eyes had always been one of her best physical attributes. Many a man had commented on her beautiful green eyes. Even Jarrod had made mention of them on one occasion, but now he was all business. He handed over Meredith's school records and then bid them goodbye. Meredith accepted his light peck on her cheek and smiled as he left the room. When she turned back to Miss Peters, she saw a look that made her afraid. Meredith looked away quickly, hating the way the woman was staring at her.
"Take your seat over there," the teacher said briskly. Meredith wasn't sure where "there" was, so she just walked over to the nearest row of desks and sat down.
"Not there!" Miss Peters said. Then Meredith heard her say under her breath, "Idiot bastard of a child." Meredith's eyes widened, knowing that the word her teacher used was not one she herself was allowed to say. Meredith had over heard someone who had been one of her Grandfather's patients using that word once, and her Granna had told her it was not polite to use it and she would wash her mouth out with soap if she ever heard it come from Meredith's lips.
Meredith stood quickly and moved to another desk and sat down. Miss Peters just sighed in disgust and went to ring the bell that would call all of the other children inside. They came in quietly, none daring to talk. It was clear she wasn't in a good mood and no one wanted to incur the teacher's wrath. Meredith remembered at her old school, that whenever a new student began to attend, the teacher would ask the student to stand and introduce themselves. But Miss Peters just began her lessons and gave the children instructions.
Meredith squirmed in her seat. The teacher had not given her any books and she didn't know what to do. She watched as the others read from their readers and wondered if she was supposed to share with the girl beside her or was she supposed to raise her hand and ask for one? She looked around, hoping someone would be kind enough to instruct her, but each child kept their eyes firmly on their books, refusing to look in her direction. Meredith sat, refusing to give in to the urge to run from the schoolhouse to her father's office. She took a few deep calming breaths and started to raise her hand when Miss Peters said sharply,
"Time is up. I will call upon you and you will be required to answer the questions on the board. Please do not waste time. You know how I detest dawdlers."
Miss Peters raised the chart that had been covering the blackboard and there, written in script, were five questions. Meredith did not know the answer to any of the questions, so she raised her hand to ask Miss Peters if she might get a book. Miss Peters saw her raised hand and said, "It seems we have a volunteer already. Stand up and give your name. Then answer question number one."
Meredith swallowed involuntarily. She stood, her legs feeling weak, and spoke softly, "My name is Meredith Mor-...Meredith Barkley. I'm sorry Miss Peters, I don't know the answer to the questions. I don't have a book."
Miss Peters face turned red. Someone snickered and she looked around sharply, her expression daring whoever it was to laugh again so that she could see them.
"Why didn't you ask for a book, Miss...Barkley?" Meredith's last name was said in disgust.
"I wasn't sure what to do, Ma'am. I'm new-"
"I know you're new!" the teacher shouted. Meredith jumped. All of the other children kept their eyes down, not wanting the wrath of their teacher to fall on them.
"I'll give you a book later. For now, go to the chalkboard next to you and write one hundred times, 'Next time, I'll ask for a book.'"
Meredith's eyes widened. One hundred times! She'd be there all day! Meredith slowly made her way to the chalkboard and began to write. By the time lunch and recess rolled around, her arm was sore and she had missed two more classes. She had been informed that the work from those classes were to be made up by the time school started the next day or she would have to write two hundred times, "I will complete my homework".
So, as Meredith sat on the old tree stump, she wished with all of her heart that she was still with her Granna. She missed her terribly. The teachers in Syracuse were never this mean. Meredith's thoughts turned to her mother. It was all her fault for bringing her here and for not caring enough about her as a baby to want to keep her. Meredith bit her lip, trying to stop its trembling. Never had she felt so alone.
Jarrod had an appointment with a client and was not able to pick Meredith up from school. Adeline was glad for the time she would have alone with her daughter, even if it was just for the half hour it would take to get back to the Ranch. She watched as the children ran from the school house, smiling at their enthusiasm at finally being released. She remembered how she hated being inside for hours at a time as a child. She enjoyed learning, but enjoyed being in the sunshine.
Adeline spotted Meredith as she walked slowly from the schoolhouse. She had an armload of books and Adeline watched as her face fell when she realized who was picking her up from school.
"Where's Papa?" she asked.
"He had to meet with a client. He'll be home for supper. How was school?" Adeline asked, trying to push away the hurt at Meredith's disappointed look.
"Fine."
"I thought we'd go to Pearlman's Tea House and get some refreshments before we started back. They have wonderful tea cakes-"
"I've got a lot of homework. I just want to go- " Meredith's voice quivered slightly. She took a deep breath and then said, "I just want to go home, please."
Adeline smiled. "Of course. I'm sure your Grandmother will have a snack for you when we get home."
Meredith nodded but kept her face turned away so that Adeline wouldn't see her tears.
