Telegrams. 5th Story in the Alexandra Series.
Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.
Warnings: None.
Recap…
Finally Katherine has been rescued and is safe, heading for Saint Mary's Hospital. Adam and Alexandra had quite the adventure trying to get her out. They met several people along the way..… Monsignor Twoomey (nice gentlemen on the boat who helped Samantha win the poker contest), Judge Virgil Carey (missing man who is Jeffery's grandfather; Alex had a run in with him at Emerald Bay), and Wang Lee (Chinese apothecary, Jai's nasty Uncle). Samantha and Maverick are now trying to find Jai.
Chapter 20: Musings of a Little Ones' Journey.
Overland Telegraph Company...
To: Molly De Foe
Elk Utah Territory
Katherine released into my custody stop In care of St Mary's Hospital stop must return to Nevada with Alexandra by the end of the week. stop Katherine's condition serious but stable stop she may need you stop come if you can stop expenses covered.
Adam Cartwright
Empire Hotel
San Francisco
Adam stood in front of the wash basin in his hotel room. Earlier this morning he washed, got half-dressed and was now shaving. He looked over and smiled when he saw Alexandra snoring away in the big bed of their suite. She had crawled into Adam's bed not more than five minutes after he tucked her into her own bed. He didn't argue. Adam and Alexandra had finally made it back to their hotel room sometime just before midnight, both exhausted and very relieved.
After the authorities had sorted through all of the confusion at the institution, Judge Carey, Drew Kennedy, Issy, Adam and Alexandra had followed Katherine's medical wagon back to San Francisco. Adam tried to get Alexandra to doze during the hour and half journey, but the child was exhilarated by their adventure, unaware of how much danger they had actually been in, and very excited about her mother's final release.
Last night Adam planned on leaving with the others once they were satisfied that Katherine was settled but Alexandra insisted on making one hundred percent sure her mother was in good hands. She had no doubt that Monsignor Twoomey was an expert, and convinced that if anyone could procure a miracle, he could. However Alex drilled the nursing staff and made demands regarding her mother's care. Adam chuckled to himself. While he didn't let her get away with being rude, he couldn't help but admire her gumption; her Cartwright fighting spirit. He could have sworn she was imitating his father at times.
Flashback…
Sister Eugene had insisted that Katherine take a bath before she was dressed into a clean gown and tucked into bed.
"She don't need a bath Sister, she needs ta rest," explained Alexandra.
"A bath will help her relax, it won't take long."
"But she ain't dirty, Sister."
"Her feet are filthy, little girl, and besides you can't see the germs."
"Can you?" asked Alex.
"No, but I know they are there. A professor in England, says so."
"Did he invent germs?"
"No, but he has a theory about how germs cause infection and keeping wounds clean is…"
"What's a theory?" interrupted Alexandra.
"An idea, thoughts and…well a philosophy" answered Sister Eugene not really all that confident in her answer.
Alex chewed on her bottom lip, leaned in closer to the nurse, and pointed her finger at her. "So it ain't a fact then. These germs jist might not even be real. Is this professor really smart?"
"Yes he is and germs are very real, we can see them under a microscope."
"What do they look like?" asked Alexandra curiously.
"Like dragons!" proclaimed Sister Eugene hoping to scare the child enough to quieten her.
Alexandra's eyes went wide and for a short moment the good sister thought she may had got the upper hand on the girl. But, it wasn't to be. Alexandra smiled just as wide as her eyes. "Ifin they's Chinese dragons, then they's good luck." She then frowned and challenged Sister Eugene. "Maybe you should let my momma's germs alone," she demanded.
"Ohh believe me, your momma is going to appreciate clean feet. Now less chatter, while I freshen your mother up. Perhaps you should go over and wait with your father." Sister Eugene nodded towards Adam standing by the door talking to the Monsignor.
The Monsignor had just returned from treating Doctor Murphy and was trying to convince Judge Carey to stay the night under observation. The Monsignor hoped Adam would help him convince the judge to take his advice. Sister Eugene looked over at the men pleadingly. Monsignor Twoomey had to chuckle, the little Cartwright girl appeared to be supervising the proceedings.
Adam and the Monsignor nodded back and smiled at the women, encouraging her to continue with her duties.
"You ain't gonna bath her in front of everyone are you?"
"No, it's just a bed bath, but I'm going to close this curtain, now shush." The nurse looked back to Katherine and spoke gently. "Katherine, my name is Sister Eugene. I am going to help you clean you up a little and then put on a fresh gown."
"She means she's gonna put a fresh gown on you momma, not her."
"Of course I mean your mother, why would I put on a fresh gown," scoffed Sister Eugene frowning back at the child under feet.
"Maybe you'll get some of them invisible germs on ya," said Alexandra. "Anyway it sounded like you was gonna put a fresh gown on yourself after ya cleaned momma. I knowed what ya meant, Sister, but momma mighta not have. Ya got ta be less ambig… big ar…uous, well less woolly and more clearer, when ya speaking ta sick people. Ya shoulda said; I'm going ta put a nice clean, warm and soft night gown on… you. Ya needed ta add the word 'you, so momma knowed who you was talking about." Alexandra turned to her mother, nodding her head. "Ya understand now don't ya momma?"
Katherine didn't answer, but nodded vaguely, imitating Alexandra's movements.
"It's alright momma, this here nuns a nurse too," smiled Alexandra at her mother.
"Sister Eugene, were you a nun first then a nurse or a nurse first then a nun?" asked Alexandra.
"I was a nun first then after I took my first vows, I studied nursing."
"I know my vowels, A,E,I,O,U! Why did you have ta take vowels, and where did ya have ta take them? I don't think ya can take them anywhere. I guess ya can make signs with big writing of jist the vowels on them, but surely ya got ta know more than jist ya vowels ta become a nurse and look after sick people." Alexandra scrunched up her face in confusion, then worry. Did this nun know what she was doing, she wondered.
"No I took my vows, not vowels. I made a promise to god and my order… my other sisters, then went and studied nursing with some other nuns."
"Ohh…Where did ya study, was it a good school, did ya get lots of experience working with people like my momma? Jist how long have ya been nursing anyhow? And can ya do other things side's bed bathin' people? Though I reckon that's a neat trick. Maybe I'll be able ta have a bed bath on Sunday mornings afore church instead of Saturday night. I hate having baths Saturday night, but I like sleeping in on Sundays, so a bed bath hits two birds with one stone. So can ya do other things sides give patients bed baths?"
"Yes of course, I can," huffed Sister Eugene, as she carried some warm water and a flannel over to the bed Katherine was now lying in. She drew the curtain around the bed, eyeing Adam and the Monsignor as they chatted in the corner. "Mr Cartwright, your wife may like some privacy. Perhaps you could take your daughter out into the hall."
"It's all right Sister Eugene, Alexandra's presence is good for Katherine. Until she is asleep, I don't want her anxious about her little girl. Mr Cartwright and I will be right here should you need us," said the Monsignor.
Alexandra smiled at her mother. Katherine smiled back before Alexandra turned to face Sister Eugene; she stuck out her chin and smirked at the nurse.
Sister Eugene gently helped Katherine sit on the side of the bed. She pulled off Katherine's dirty socks and then lifted her feet into the warm soapy water. Katherine audibly sighed, lavishing in the warm water.
Alexandra leaned on the side of the bed her arms stretched out beside Katherine and looked up at her. "Ya always liked soaking ya feet didn't ya mamma." Alexandra went on to explain to Sister Eugene. "After a night on the treads, everybody soaked their feet. Momma and Ivan and grandmamma and some of the chorus girls would all sit round in a circle soaking there feet, laughing and giggling, some would be drinking tea and Ivan used ta smoke a long cigar."
"The longest cigar… in the world," laughed Katherine.
"You remember, Momma?" asked Alexandra excitedly.
"Yes. I was very tired then too, but happy."
"Jist like now," said Alexandra an as she moved in for a hug.
Katherine sighed and closed her eyes. "Because, I know where my baby is."
"I was always there momma, even though I wasn't supposed ta be at times. But, I would jist sneak and watch a while. It made me happy too momma."
"Hmmm, Alex… always somewhere where she shouldn't be. Adam Cartwright won't like that. I need to… "
Alexandra looked a little sad and somewhat confused by her mother's words; she pondered why her memories suddenly starting wandering and seemed disconnected to the present.
"Your momma's tired, let her rest," said Sister Eugene kindly, seeing the child's gloomy expression. She removed the heavy coat Katherine had arrived in and then her night dress. Katherine sat quietly in her chemise and bloomers while Sister Eugene checked for any more dirt. Satisfied they was none, she grabbed a soft warm gown that she had laying over the water heater that was mounted on the wall next to Katherine's hospital bed. Sister Eugene slowly put it over Katherine's head.
While she continued to dress Katherine, Alexandra continued her enquiry into Sister Eugene's experience and qualifications as a nurse.
"So what else can ya do? Can ya give medicine? How do you know how much to give?"
"The doctor tells me," said Sister Eugene, now rather annoyed at having this child still here.
"Oh, so you don't really know?"
"I do know!" Sister Eugene took a huge breath and sighed. "We take extra care and double check with the doctor all the time," she explained.
"Hmm, do ya know if my mommas gonna have ta take some medicine?"
"Yes, as soon as I'm finished dressing your momma I have an injection that Monsignor Twoomey has prepared."
An injection, Alexandra was appalled. "I don' think my momma's going to like that."
"It won't hurt."
"How do you know? Are you good at giving injections? How many injections have you given ta people? Did any of them cry? I betcha they did. I cried when I have ta have one, even though Doctor Martin was real gentle an all. My daddy held my hand. Can I hold mommas' hand?"
"Yes, yes."
"Do ya want my daddy ta hold your hand? He makes you real calm. I'll make momma calm and my daddy will make you calm, just in case you shake an all…"
Sister Eugene scowled at the child and then blushed at the thought of having the handsome young Mr Cartwright, holding her hand.
"Shakin', like ya are now," accused Alexandra.
"I am not shaking," snapped Sister Eugene, then pursed her lips when she heard soft chuckles filter in from behind the curtain. She suspected Monsignor Twoomey was enjoying this interrogation immensely. "Now pass me the towel and I will dry your mother's feet."
Once that was done, Katherine gladly lay down while Sister Eugene tucked her in. Alexandra climbed up beside her as soon as the sister disappeared behind the curtain.
"I have lots ta tell ya momma. All about daddy and the Ponderosa; about the day I first came there, and about school, and about Grandpa and Uncle Hoss and Uncle Little Joe and Hop Sing. You'd like Hop Sing…" said Alexandra.
"Alex come now, they need to give your mother some medicine and we need to go back to the hotel. It's getting late," said Adam, as he brushed the curtain aside and stood at the end of Katherine's hospital bed.
"But, I want ta tell momma lots of stuff."
"She can't hear you child; she's exhausted," said Sister Eugene as she entered with a small covered tray. She then turned the Monsignor as he entered and came to stand next to her. "Doctor the patient has hardly said a thing, I don't think she is really quite with us. Perhaps the laudanum, won't be necessary."
A groggy Katherine turned her head, opened her eyes and smirked. "I've heard everything… I can hear Alexandra," she giggled.
Monsignor Twoomey lifted her resting hand gently and held it, feeling her fluttering pulse, and skin temperature. "How do you feel, Katherine?" he asked. "If you are feeling anxious, I can give you some medicine."
"I'm just very tired. I remember coming here. I remember needing to get away from that place. I remember feeling scared, but I'm not anymore. But I'm so very tired," she explained.
"Yes well then, I'd say that the cure is for everybody to get to where they belong and get plenty of rest. Sister, I think you are right; we won't need the laudanum. Perhaps just a warm drink." Monsignor Twoomey turned back to Adam. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go and check on the judge. I've insisted he be looked over. He wasn't too happy. I am going to suggest we admit him for the night. God night Adam, Alexandra. I will see you tomorrow. We can discuss Katherine's treatment then, after I have done a full assessment."
Alexandra pulled on his sleeve before he could leave the cubicle. "Monsignor can't I stay with momma; She will be scared without me… She might forget where she is."
"No Alexandra. We have had a very long day. Your momma is safe and so are you. She needs her rest," insisted Adam.
"But Dad, she needs me. I wanna stay!"
"Alexandra Willameena, do as your father says," groaned Katherine, her eyes closed again and she was close to sleep.
"Thank you Katherine. She will talk your ear off if I let her stay." Adam moved to her side and kissed her gently on the forehead.
Katherine smiled, then murmured, "And she'll get all grumpy; a grumpy Alex is not a good Alex," she sighed.
"I promise we'll be back first thing in the morning," whispered Adam, then moved away and took Alexandra's hand.
Alexandra tugged and pulled her hand away before storming off into the corridor outside the ward. Adam marched behind her. He caught her by the shoulder before she got less than halfway down the hall and spun her around.
"Hey, enough of that attitude, Alexandra. Now go back in there and kiss your mother goodnight."
Alexandra hugged her shoulders and swung her body sideways, left then right. She wasn't going anywhere.
Alex's demeanour confused Adam; her total insubordination was unusual. Adam was tired and the stress of the last four hours had zapped his patience and his empathetic instincts to Alexandra's emotional needs. He was ready to just pick her up and march her out of the hospital adding a swat for good measure and then take her back to the hotel; let her live with her choices.
"You want to try that again, Alexandra?" he growled "Use words please."
Alexandra unfolded her arms and clasped her fingers in both hands, she dropped her head and picked and pulled at each of her fingers. "If I can't stay I'm…" she whispered then paused to look up at her father. Huge tears pooled in her eye yes then tipped over the edge. "What if she… What if she's not here when we come back, daddy?"
"She will be here, Alexandra no-one's going to take your momma away again."
"God is. What if he takes her while I'm gone? What if she's alone; what if Sister Eugene forgets to check on her? What if…"
Adam knelt down in front of her and pulled Alex to him. "First of all your momma is in the best possible human hands. Secondly, I can't promise that God won't come for your momma tonight, but my gut tells me he won't. My heart tells me that you and I will be back tomorrow morning to find momma well rested and waiting for us. Now go back in there, smile at your momma, kiss her good night and thank Sister Eugene." Adam didn't give Alex time for anything else but to obey, as he turned her round facing the door to the ward and gave a gentle push toward it, along with a firm pat to her backside.
Adam would like to have said more about what he was feeling; his fears and hopes. From his experience a lot people, especially those who were ill, did die in the quiet of the night, once their loved ones had left them, and they felt free to let go of their heavy earth bound bodies. If a loved one was called to heaven, the most a family could hope for was that it was a peaceful journey.
Frankly, Adam didn't want Alexandra there when Katherine passed. He knew that her death was eminent. How close? Nobody could tell, though, now with the Monsignor s input, Adam liked to think that it would not be too soon; that he and his daughter could spend some special moments together, especially now that Katherine had so many of her memories back. He was pleased that Katherine would be comfortable, pain free and finally at peace.
He didn't want Katherine alone during her days of consciousness, but he couldn't see them getting her back to the Ponderosa or anywhere else. She wasn't well enough and they would have to leave by the end of the week. Perhaps he should wire Molly. Yes he thought to himself, that's what he'd do. He came out of his thoughts when he heard Alexandra saying thank you to Sister Eugene as she stopped at the door. He stepped forward and caught the last of his young daughter's instructions.
"Thank you Sister, once again. You're a fine specimen of a nun and a good nurse ta boot."
Adam tried not to laugh; where had she heard something like that? That was something his father would say to a prospective horse buyer… he's a fine specimen of horseflesh and good work horse to boot. Adam thought he best interrupt the conversation before Alex starting commenting on Sister's Eugene's breeding capabilities.
"Good girl Alexandra, now let's give everybody a break. See you in the morning, Sister and thank you for your patience," added Adam as he picked up Alexandra and carried her out to their carriage.
End Flashback…
Adam finished shaving and tip toed to the chifferobe to get a clean shirt. He had sent both his and Alexandra's clothes from the night before out to be laundered. The Monsignor had insisted; an advocate for both Lister's and Pasteur's theories on sanitation and disinfecting to prevent the transfer of disease, especially in hospitals. Adam buttoned up his shirt watching Alexandra kick off the blankets and giggle in her sleep. She stretched out for a moment and Adam thought she must be waking. Alexandra dressed only in her cotton bloomers and chemise stretched out all limbs and curled up her toes, like a purring cat on the porch trying to catch the mid-day sun. She mumbled again before curling back up into a ball. She must be dreaming, thought Adam and decided to let her continue to sleep. Their breakfast tray had arrived and would stay warm yet for a while.
Alexandra was indeed dreaming. She had crawled into her father's bed, late in the night when she couldn't sleep. Laying cuddled up next to him sent a wave of contentment through her body and she was sound asleep within minutes. As morning came, she could feel the sun tickling her feet as it rose and filtered its beams through the large windows of the Empire House Hotel, but she didn't want to wake yet. She was just as warm sitting on a big boulder by the lake and watching the scenery. They were on a picnic; the lake in front of them and the green meadows of the Ponderosa behind them. Alex had been showing her mother this beautiful place. When Katherine saw the lake she ran up to it and then sat down and shucked her stockings and shoes before wading in the water that licked the banks.
Katherine kicked and splashed at Alexandra and the two erupted in a fit of giggles and screams. Alexandra looked over to her father. He leant against a tree; his arms crossed and his palms firmly tucked one under each arm pit. It was his relaxing stance, thought Alexandra and she could tell he was happy. He smiled at their antics and appeared to be watching with joy. For a moment Alexandra wondered why he didn't join them, but was then splashed again and ran along the bank trying to avoid getting saturated by her mother; all the while belly laughing. She suddenly found herself back on that same rock watching her mother as she knelt beside the swirling water allowing it to run through her fingers. The sun was warmer now and Alexandra stretched out like she'd seen her Uncle Hoss do on several occasions; 'like a large seal after getting its belly full', her father would say. I wonder if I'll ever get to see a real seal she thought.
The dream dispersed and white light encompassed her vision. She was waking. Alexandra rolled over and slowly opened her eyes. She closed them again, the sun was too strong and she dared to open only one eye. She could see her father leaning on the tall boy next to the wash basin staring at her. He stood just like he had done in her dream and then smiled when he could see her trying to wake. Alex stretched out again, uncurling her tightened muscles while inhaling fresh air into her lungs and the rest of her body; accelerating the waking.
"Whatcha smiling at dad?" She asked.
"You… You were dreaming and pulling faces and giggling," said Adam as he moved to sit on the side of the bed next to her.
"I was dreaming about momma. We were at the lake…You know the one just near Alexandra's Meadow. Momma was wadin' in the water. She was happy and free. She likes the water dad. She likes this rock pool at home, she said it was her special place, but now… that's the place that's infected with the iron. It can't be her favourite place no more. I reckon Alexandra's Meadow is just the next bestest favourite place she could have. You was there too dad, but ya was just watching. Ya wasn't haven't any fun like us. Guess ya didn't want ta get splashed."
Adam was worried about how Alexandra would interpret her dream. He had tasks ahead of him, and if he didn't handle them well, Alexandra's expectations hopes and dreams could be easily dashed. He didn't want her growing up too fast, not just because he'd missed out on those early years and wanted to savour as much of his daughters childhood as possible, but mostly he didn't want to stifle her spirit, her wonder and intrinsic belief that things could always work out for the best. Adam wanted her to always believe in miracles and to believe in the magic of the human spirit that is fed on love and loyalty. He wanted her to grow up with these things and a sense of pride and moral principle. However, for the first time in his life Adam had no idea what was the best way for him to handle Katherine's situation and the likely outcome.
Interrupting his musings Alexandra's last comment had him frowning. Was he always so serious, he didn't think so. He stopped frowning immediately when he looked back down at Alex and saw the sparkle fade from her own eyes.
"Did I say something wrong dad?" she asked with sadness.
"Hmm yes I think so. So I'm no fun, hey, a stick in the mud?" he smiled.
Relieved Alexandra nodded.
"A wet blanket …" added Adam.
Again Alexandra nodded and this time giggled along with the head bobbing.
"A fuddy duddy?" questioned Adam in mock seriousness.
Alexandra laughed loud and said, "Uncle Little Joe reckons you're as much fun as a fart in a bathtub."
"Little girls shouldn't talk of such things," said Adam shaking his head at Joe's bad influence.
"Okay dad, none of them things matter no how anyway. Even though sometimes yer are a sad sack, stick in the mud, yankee granite head, but yer also someone ta ride the river with. Ivan reckons that more important than anything. Still yer could laugh some more," she giggled.
"Oh… I'll show you'" laughed Adam before he grabbed her and started tickling. He continued as Alex squealed in delight, and then gave up exhausted. He picked her up and swung her to sit atop the tall boy next to the washbasin. He tapped her on the nose. "Ready to see momma?" he asked.
Alexandra jumped up. "Yes I sure am. I've got lots to tell her and show her. I brung drawings of the Ponderosa and the lake. And pictures of everybody in the family, including little George. I been collecting stuff for her, things ta tell her, where I am and who I'm with and everybody that loves me and her; even the ones that don't know her like we do. And I even got a couple of feathers from Jasper that I made into a nice head band for momma. It's kinda like the plumes the chorus girls wear in their hair. It will remind her of the Star and Garter."
"Hmm…" Adam murmured smiling and tracing her smile with his finger. Maybe the trials ahead weren't going to be too bad. Just take one thing at a time, he thought to himself. Adam's large hands then gripped Alex's knees and knocked them gently together with each set of instructions. "Well you best get some breakfast first, then washed and dressed," he suggested.
Alexandra lifted up her father's hands from her knees, and intertwined her small fingers in his, before drawing them to her chest. She looked up into her father's eyes. "It will be okay, daddy. Momma might have to stay here for a while, maybe forever, so ifin' she never gets ta really stick her feet in that lake with me, she can dream about it… jist like me," she announced and flung her and Adam's hands out to the sides as a fanfare. She let go of Adams hands.
Adam was slightly floored at his small child's wisdom. He stepped back, ready to help her down, but Alexandra didn't need the help. She pushed off the near five foot bench of the drawers and jumped down. As her feet hit the floor she ran over to the breakfast tray and started almost inhaling the buttered toast.
"Hey slow down," said Adam. "Manners," he scolded. "Sit…" he pointed to the chair as he walked over.
"Ya being a stick in the mud, dad," mumbled Alexandra.
"Yes, because I don't want you choking." He sat down opposite her and poured himself the last of the warm coffee.
~oOo~
By ten o'clock Adam and Alexandra were ready and started their walk to Saint Mary's. It was a sunny morning and Adam thought it would be nice to walk the short distance from the hotel to St Mary's. Alex was anxious, but Adam explained that the doctors and nurses would have let Katherine sleep as long as she could before examining her. By the time they arrived at the hospital Monsignor Twoomey would have finished most of his examinations, and Adam could speak with him while Alexandra visited.
They walked hand in hand, along the busy streets towards the hospital. They had gotten within a block of the hospital when they heard their names being called. Adam stopped and turned around, and searched the lines and lines of people going about their business. He could see the bobbing of a head, a young woman, and his name called again as arms waved above the heads of the crowd.
Samantha Crawford suddenly burst through the throng of people, and was standing in front of them puffing. She blew a stray strand of hair out of her eyes and took a breath. "Thank goodness I caught up with you," she said, a worried tone to her voice.
"Samantha what's wrong?" asked Adam, as he pulled her closer to him and out of the way of inconsiderate business men.
"It's Maverick; he didn't…" Samantha didn't get to finish her sentence. She was knocked by a passer-by, her arms slipping from Adams hold.
Adam grabbed her again, took Alexa's hand, and cut across the boardwalk and settled them under a canopy of a small dressmakers shop. "Okay… what's happened?" asked Adam again.
"Maverick didn't come in last night Adam. I'm awfully worried. He went with Hop Ming early yesterday evening. It was something about Jai, but they wouldn't say anything. I don't think they wanted to worry me… or get my hopes up… either way, I'm sick with worry."
"Maverick came to the institution last night, Miss Samantha, he saved the day," explained Alexandra.
"The institution," asked Samantha, "was Jai there?"
"No," said Adam. "But her uncle was, he was arrested there last night and Maverick went out to find Jai. He didn't explain further."
"How come Jai's uncle, who's a bad man, is allowed to take her?" asked Alexandra.
"Bad man… I knew it! I had a feeling about him when he came to the hotel," scowled Samantha, now angry at the situation.
"Well, yer shouldn't have let her go with them," admonished Alexandra.
Samantha went pale, her anger subsiding and a heap of guilt seeping in. Adam noticed her change, and could see her emotional distress; Alexandra wasn't helping. "Hush, Alex. Keep your opinions to yourself, please. Let us grown-ups sort this out."
"Well ya done not a very good job of things," she mumbled to herself.
Adam heard it and gave Alex a scathing look; she recognized it as a warning, she was in no uncertain terms to stay quiet and not interrupt again.
Samantha wrung her hands and subconsciously scanned the crowds walking past them. "I didn't want her to go. I wanted her to stay. Maverick paid Wang for her sponsorship. Wang said he had legal rights to Jai until she was of age or married. Those were the terms of Wang's sponsorship of the family. Wang said he would take good care of her that she would go to school and be educated in her family customs and culture; a culture that would always accept her. I still didn't like it, but Jai wanted to, said; she would honour her family's debt and that her ancestors would not want her to be a burden to Maverick and I."
"Why would she think that?" asked Adam, more in wonder than accusation.
"Ohh… Maverick and I had a row… it was more about my irresponsible behaviour when the girls got into trouble on the croquet lawn. He said that I would have to change my ways if I wanted to keep Jai. Jai must have over heard us arguing. We had a long talk, and Brett, as usual was trying to be logical about everything, playing out all the what ifs and such; the devils' advocate, but by the end of it we had both decided that if there was a way we could keep Jai, we would."
Sam took a breath and continued, "Brett said we should wait for Wang to contact us and if there were no relatives, he would suggest that we keep Jai with us. We said other things, but Jai obviously only heard parts of the conversation. So when Wang turned up the next morning, he made it clear that Jai would return with him and that he had the law on his side. I think he was just playing us for more money. Money I would have gladly handed over, but Jai said she would go with him. Nobody looked happy about the situation, not Wang and not Jai. I burst into tears. The next thing I knew Jai was gone. Brett tried to tell me that perhaps it was for the best. That at least she was with people of her own culture and that honour was very important to them."
"Did Hop Ming bring Wang to the hotel?" asked Adam, the man seemed intuitive, much like their beloved Hop Sing. Adam could not imagine he would put the little girl in any danger.
"No, one of the waiters at the Occidental is related to Wang. He told him where he could find her. He is not even her real Uncle. But, we can't prove that; he has all her papers. The law is on his side, Adam. But neither of us believe she is safe. Hop Ming came by an hour after Wang and Jai had left. Ming was scared, I could tell. He told Maverick something and then Brett left. He said he was going to see Wang and try to get Jai back. He took the rest of my cash winnings with him in case he needed it… That…That was the last I saw of him."
Samantha stood brave, but Alexandra could tell she felt like crying. Alexandra felt like crying. Jai would be better off with Samantha and Maverick. "What ifin Jai's hurt dad?" she asked.
"Ohhh, please no…" moaned Samantha, "this is my fault. I promised that little girl… I promised…" Samantha burst into tears, and Alexandra followed.
Adam wasn't perturbed by the two crying females he had on his hands but they needed to move. Too many people were on the streets, and though San Francisco was a relatively safe place during the day, they were starting to be noticed. Those Chinese men involved in criminal activities were an unknown; rumours of those involved in a variety of such activities, were that they were ruthless.
Adam wasn't going to take any chances with their safety. "Okay, listen to me. There's nothing we can do out here crying on the street, let's get to the hospital." He spoke gently. "Maybe the judge is still there and he can lead us to the right people to ask questions. Don't worry; Maverick can look after himself. He's smart and will do what he has to do."
Alexandra scrubbed at her tears, then tugged on Samantha's sleeve. "He's right Miss Samantha. My daddy's real astute like that almost like them fortune tellers, ceptin' it's not magic; its extra perspirations or something like that. The scientists say so." With that Alexandra grabbed her hand and started running towards the hospital. Not caring if she bumped into any rude people on the streets or the fact that her father, was yelling at her to slow down and did she know where she was going. Of course she knew where she was going... Well maybe; she stopped at a busy intersection, narrowly missing being run over by a rickshaw.
~oOo~
After arriving at the hospital Adam headed off with Samantha to speak to the Monsignor while Alexandra visited with her mother. Judge Carey was due in soon. He promised the Monsignor he would appear for a full physical in the morning by eleven, so Samantha waited to speak to the Judge in the hospitals small lounge. She tried very hard to wait patiently sipping on some warm tea. Meanwhile, Adam had been right, Katherine had enjoyed a peaceful night and the Monsignor had examined her fully right after breakfast. Katherine was again awake and comfortable. But the news was not good for Katherine's health. Adam accompanied the Monsignor to his private office to discuss the matter.
"You look very worried Monsignor."
"Some, but really I'm tired. I had a tough time with the judge last night. He was not a good patient and decided he had to go back to the law office and make sure they had everybody. He insisted he lay the charges."
"Did he?"
"Yes, but he's promised to come back. I don't want him overexerting himself."
"Like Katherine," said Adam softly.
The Monsignor sighed and chewed on his bottom lip. "Here sit down. I know I need too," said the Monsignor as he melted into the tall plush armchair behind his desk. "That's one thing you can say about the Catholic Church, Adam, they know quality when it comes to furniture. This chair was a gift from the pontiff. A private joke between us, making hard ass decisions needs a soft seat for ones ars... ahh, derriere," he laughed.
"You were saying, Katherine exerted herself too much last night," continued Adam, trying not to be impolite.
"Yes some, but don't blame yourself, boy. Katherine would not have survived another day or two in that place. It took a bit out of her with all those stairs and such. She also has a slight fever. I suspect a cold. In her weak and malnourished state, she is at great risk. I suspect her heart muscle is permanently damaged, and unless we can build her up a bit, an infection of any kind could kill her. Any over exertion could also have dire consequences."
Adam nodded and asked. "Her future?"
The Monsignor hated this part of his job, and while he could be scientific about it, clinical and honest, he was also a man of God. "As a doctor my belief is that her chances of survival are very slim. Her heart will just give out one day. When I can't be sure. I'm surprised she survived the rigors of last night. But, she has a strong spirit and I think her reason for living has kept her going; determined to see that all her fears for her child are dismissed. If we build up her strength, encourage her to eat healthy meals and put on some weight, she may live for several more months. If that happens, I'd like to try some other therapies, to help her immune system along, but I'm afraid I cannot repair her heart muscle and I don't know of anyone who can. We don't know enough about the effect of the disease yet."
"Will Katherine be able to travel? I can come back for her when she is strong enough."
"I don't think that will ever be a possibility, but if by some miracle she does get strong enough, I will contact you immediately. I'd like to keep her here, at Saint Mary's. As soon as I can, with your permission, I'd like to try a few therapies. I'm a great advocate for Pasteur's and Lister's work, there may be something in their studies that can help prevent her from getting any nastier infections. But, its best done here. I would not suggest taking her anywhere, she cannot get medical help immediately.
"She'll die here, won't she, Monsignor?"
"Most likely son, I won't lie to you. You could take her home if you really want, but I doubt she'll last the journey. I don't know if you want Katherine going through that or Alexandra."
"No, No I don't."
"Well think about what I have said. Katherine is a strong woman, Adam. And, while you are both here you should maximize the time you have together. She is well rested and has improved. We here at Saint Mary's aim to keep it that way. "
Adam nodded, but sat in silence for a while. He kept his head down studying the intricate patterns on the Monsignor's carpet.
"Lovely isn't," said the Monsignor as he handed Adam a small glass of bourbon.
Adam sipped and looked up, "Yes it's lovely. I like bourbon this is a good drop."
"You look like a bourbon man, but actually I was talking about the carpet. I got it in Africa about twenty years or so ago. I worked in a little village there. The village women weaved for me. They were happy because I was a man of the cloth and believed in miracles. I also liked some of their customs and brought a brand new magic to the village. I saved their daughters and babies from the rigours and dangers of childbirth, not to mention the other conditions and diseases these people had to put up with. The women were more accepting than the men. It's the hunter in them; the protector, but the women saw me differently. The patterns that you see there are their stories of life and death and the wonder of birth and rebirth… of life. Journeys. Every journey and adventure is a little similar, and yet different, but they are all after the one thing. Happiness. And, pride…sometimes that pride is not so honourable a goal, and happiness is not found through greed, guilt or selfishness, but its happiness we all want just the same. That happiness; that pursuit is keeping Katherine alive."
Meanwhile Alexandra walked into her mother's hospital ward. It was empty except for Katherine who was being nursed by a lightly built but very tall coloured nun. "Hey Momma." She spoke quietly as she approached her mother's bed. Katherine was sitting up and Alexandra thought she looked rosier than she had the night before. Her father was right she needed the rest more than anything. Just the same, Alex was relieved and very happy to see her mother sitting up and sipping a drink from the tray in front of her.
Katherine smiled as her daughter approached. She put the cup down and tried to move the tray away from her bed so Alexandra could get in close. She'd barely moved it when the nun spoke.
"Let me help you with that," she said. The sister took the cup from Katherine, and moved the tray out of the way, then handed back the cup. "You really need to drink all of this Miss De Foe," she said gently.
"Please call me, Katherine. It seems strange you calling me Miss DeFoe, like you are some kind of maid or servant."
"Well I am to look after you, miss."
"Still, please call me, Katherine, it will make me much more comfortable if you do."
"Very well," smiled the young nurse before turning her attention to the cup in Katherine's hand. "It doesn't matter how long it takes you just as long as you drink it all," added the nurse.
"Are you as gooda nurse as Sister Eugene?" asked Alexandra. This nun was younger than Sister Eugene, or so it appeared but as far as Alexandra was concerned you could never really tell with nuns. She seemed very gentle and nice too, just the same Alexandra was going to make sure her mother got the best possible care.
"Alexandra," Katherine scolded. "That was rude."
"Sorry sister I didn't mean ta be. But Sister Eugene seemed ta really be an expert at this nursing thing and well you look like … maybe your very young, younger than my Uncle Joe," she explained.
"Oh and how old is your Uncle Joe," asked the young sister.
"He's risin' eighteen, Sister… what is your name, Sister?"
"Sister Bernadette. And, I am a little bit older than your Uncle, but nowhere near as experienced as Sister Eugene. However, I can assure you, Alexandra that Sister Eugene keeps a close eye on me, and I only do what she or Doctor Twoomey suggest. I've known Father… I mean Monsignor Twoomey since I was a little girl; no older than you. He came to my village in Africa."
"Ohh so you ain't from here. You are really from Africa; you're African?" surmised Alexandra with awe.
"African American now thanks to Doctor Twoomey."
"Hey well that's good ta know then. Wait a minute; how did you know my name?"
"Sister Eugene is very thorough when it comes to her patient's history."
Alexandra looked confused.
Sister Bernadette laughed. "She told me all about you Alexandra. Your Mommas been telling me things about you all morning too. She had to have some tests. Some were a little uncomfortable, so to take her mind off it, your Momma told me all about you." The young nurse offered her hand to Alexandra. "Now let's wash your hands while your momma finishes her drink and then you can have a long visit with her."
Alexandra let the young nurse take her over to the wash basin. Alexandra washed her face for the second time that morning. The young nurse, then poured some liquid on her hands and asked Alexandra to shake them dry.
"So this kills all the germs?" asked Alex, as she sniffed at her hands.
The young nurse pulled her arm down before Alexandra could make contact with her nose. "Yes said the young women, "it's important that you momma doesn't catch any germs until she is strong enough to fight them."
"Smells like Josh's grandfather's steam boiler," commented Alexandra. "We ain't supposed ta go near that, but me and Josh had a look one afternoon."
"Ohh, well you probably shouldn't have done that," smiled the nurse suspecting what Josh's grandfather was actually boiling.
"Maybe he was killin' a whole passle of them germs. I should tell Doctor Martin maybe he could use some in his clinic too."
Once Alexandra's hands were dry she wandered over to her mother's hospital bed. The young nurse took her drink away and let Alex sit up on the bed. "Can I hug her sister," asked Alexandra.
"Yes, and you may kiss her too, but just on the cheek."
Alexandra smiled with joy and jumped into her mother's outstretched arms. She gave her a fierce hug and planted several kisses on her mother's still pale face. "You look better, Momma," said Alexandra, there was some truth to it, but Alexandra was still concerned.
"I feel much better. Seeing you and knowing that you are safe and happy makes me feel very strong too. Now you have much to fill me in on Alexandra. I've been away for a long time."
"Do you remember things from before you went away, momma?"
"Yes, lots of things, but I want to hear about you and your daddy. Molly was right to get you to him."
"I guess so, but I coulda helped you too, and Molly and Ivan. I wanted to stay with them at first. Even when I found out Adam Cartwright was my daddy, I wanted to stay."
"I'm sorry I never told he was your daddy… I guess… I was scared he would take you away from me."
"He woulda never had done that, but he reckons I'm better being with him on the Ponderosa than in Elk. He don't like Elk that much."
"It's a rough town, Alexandra. He's right especially as I'm not there and…" Katherine stared away for a moment, trying to recall what Alexandra perceived might be a forgotten name.
"Grandmama Willameena," prompted Alexandra.
"Yes momma, I miss her terribly. I don't like to remember that day," whispered Katherine sadly.
"It was scary, so was the day they done took you away, momma. I chased you, but the stage coach was jist too fast."
"I don't remember that," said Katherine, dropping her head for a moment. Then she lifted it and smiled. "But, things turned out for the best, didn't they."
"I guess so… Still I miss you."
"And I you, but tell me all about your new home," said Katherine determined not to linger too much on the sad times of their lives.
"It's named the Ponderosa and it is my home isn't momma? Not Elk anymore, but it's your home too, momma. Here I brought a picture." Alexandra pulled out several pictures from the school knapsack she had brought all the way from Nevada.
"This here's a copy of the map Grandpa has above his desk. It's all the land that belongs to the Ponderosa. See here momma, these are the pastures the cows like the most. And here are some mines; they got silver in them. I'm not allowed ta go there. Daddy says ifin he finds me anywhere near there I won't sit down for a week. He's true to his word, momma."
"I always knew that, Alexandra."
"Yep, plus he's got big hands that sting like the dickens." Alexandra turned back to the map. "And here's the lake momma, there a lots of little cricks and ponds too that feed from the lake or the mountains when the snow melts. It's mighty pretty. This one here…" Alexandra pointed to a small meadow not far from the icon of a house. "This one here is Alexandra's meadow. Daddy named it after me, when we was on our way home to the Ponderosa."
"Did it take you a very long time to get home?" Katherine's mind wandered again. "I remember thinking when I first meet your daddy that it was a long, long way."
"It sure was," said Alexandra and started a summation of Adam and her journey home. It seemed like a long time ago now, but Alexandra remembered most of it well. She guessed she remembered the feelings and confusion the most, and her father trying so hard to let her know he loved her and that he would always be there for her. Alexandra had made the transition difficult for Adam, but in fairness; from her point of view, everything in her world had changed so fast. How was she supposed to know then that it was going to be a good change?
"After three days of ridin' home, dad, Uncle Hoss and me stopped at the meadow. Uncle Hoss said it was the last leg of the journey, but we oughta eat lunch first. I wanted ta jist keep movin' an all, but my stomach done this big rumble; it near done vibrated me right offa Dad's horse. So we all stopped and made some lunch…"
"We better stop here Hoss," said Dad.
"Good choice Adam. I've always loved this part of the lake. What do you think Alexandra? Isn't it pretty?"
"Sure is. Gosh that the biggest lake I've ever seen. It's the only lake I've ever seen."
"Well, then Miss Alexandra Willameena Cartwright, we might just name this part of lake after you."
"Really can you do that?"
"Yep. See we're on the Ponderosa now so this belongs to all the Cartwrights." explained Hoss
"Me!"
"Eventually," laughed dad.
"Well I'll be a monkey's butt. We could call it Alex's Lake."
"No, actually the lake already has a name Lake Tahoe, but we can name this meadow after you. What do you think about Alexandra's Meadow?"
"No! Alex's Meadow."
"But Alexandra's your full name. Don't you like it?"
"No, it's a stupid girl's name. Alex is better because it sounds like a boy's name. And Molly says that it would be better ifin people thought I was a boy. Girls weren't safe in Elk. But I suppose just as many boys get bitten by snakes as girls. So I really don't know what she was meanin'. Suppose she meant like when ya gotta pee in the woods cause girls havta' drop their draws and boys don't. They can stand up and pee and their pa's give em guns. I wish I could stand up and pee, or at least have a gun."
"Stop talking about a gun, Alexandra. I've already told you what will happen if you touch one," warned Daddy.
Daddy.. I still called him Adam Cartwright then, He had thick and grouchy looking eyebrows. So I stopped talkin' about the gun…
"Have you got a meadow named after you?" I asked.
"No I have a bluff. Adam's Bluff."
"Bluff? That means pretend don't it? Like in poker? Is the bluff really a pretend meadow?"
"No, it's a cliff, a small cliff. It can be dangerous though."
"Hmm… I liked the sound of the pretend bit better. Any way it's called Adam's bluff not Adam Cartwright bluff."
"But, Adam is my full first name. And Alexandra is a beautiful name."
"Ewwww."
"Come on no more talk about names. Some other little Cartwright child might, one day, be very happy to have this meadow named after them."
"…Well he stumped me on that one. I kinda liked the idea of the meadow named after me. Daddy said we was gonna camp the night and sent me of ta get some wood from the meadow; my meadow, but it still weren't my meadow yet. Anyway I went looking for wood and I heard them talking about me and how I was gonna be a surprise. Daddy was sending Uncle Hoss home ta warn them… well not really warn them; kinda tell them all the details without me knowing how bad off you really was. Dad wanted ta talk ta me some. But, when I heard them talking, I thought I was jist a big thorny in their sides, and I got angry. I heard something about a school back east, and I got even more real mad…
"A nice surprise, Adam. You're right though, that little possum doesn't need to be knowin' too much about her ma yet."
"She knows she's gone. But where and why is too complicated for her to understand. Molly filled her in a little about me. I don't think she would have come with me if it wasn't for Molly. Funny I thought Molly was going to fight me on it. I thought she wasn't going to let me take her."
"Guess when you love someone that much ya willin' to let them go, knowing it's gonna be better for them. She's a good old gal."
"Yes, and I think she was just testing me. She knew Katherine trusted me, but Molly needed to be sure. She needed to be sure I wanted Alexandra. To be truthful, even after the shock of it all, I wasn't sure what I wanted. I wasn't sure whether a household full of men was necessarily the best option. I don't think Alexandra realises the extent of the changes in her life. Maybe, when she's old enough I can look at a school out east."
"Oh I can just see that! That little sprite ain't gonna take to a fancy girl's school. Hec, ita' be a sight to behold though."
…I came back dragging a huge ole log. Figured one big piece of wood was better than a lot of littlin's'. But I was wrong about that too. I was jist too mad ta think proper. I figured they didn't really want me there so, I didn't want ta be there ifin they's all felt like that…"
"Hold up there possum." Uncle Hoss went to help carry the log to the campsite.
"No thank you. I got it. I'm strong. Ya don't hafta do nothing for me!" I give that ole log one almighty kick…
"Alexandra come back here."
…I was being rude and sullen and daddy said I needed a reminder of how to respond to adults. So I stomped back and stood before Uncle Hoss and Dad with ma arms crossed and a scowl like a angry lion, jist ta show them I wasn't so impressed with them as grown-ups at all…
"Apologise to your Uncle Hoss. He offered you some help. That's not how you speak to anyone offering you kindness."
"Sorry Mr. Cartwright."
"Uncle Hoss is going to head home now. He's going to help grandpa to get ready for us, so say goodbye."
Warn them ya mean. "Fine Mr Cartwright. Safe Trip!"
"Alexandra, one more curt response from you, will earn you a very sharp and curt response from my hand to your backside. Now try that again."
"Safe trip, sir!"
…I turned on ma heels and marched off. I was sure miffed at them. Dad was real patient, though. I could still hear him and Uncle Hoss talking…
"Sorry, Hoss. There something going on with her. I'll sort it out. I think she's testing me. She's only nine years old; I should be more than capable of outsmarting her."
…Daddy walked back over ta me once Uncle Hoss was gone…
"All right, little Miss Cantankerous. We'll catch some fish and then I think its bed for you. A good night sleep might make you feel a little less sassy and a lot friendlier. Then in the morning I think we will be having a little chat. Now how about you go and get the fishing tackle out of my saddle bags, while I build a fire. Then we will catch some fish and quell that hunger of yours."
…I went over dad's saddle bags, cuz as far as I was concerned I was gonna get me some supplies and a gun and then head back ta Molly and then maybe come back to San Francisco and be with you. Dad had his pistol hanging offa his saddle horn. I didn't know he was watchin' me…
"Like ta use big words don't ya. I ain't sticking around here. They don't want me. I'm going back to Molly. Adam Cartwright this, Adam Cartwright that, well Adam Cartwright can stick the Ponderosa up his Adam's bluff for all I care." I was mumbling under my breath, and grabbed the gun hanging off the sddle.
"Hey, hands off!"
"Hands off! Hands off! Mr. Bossy Boots, Grouchy eyebrow face. I ain't going to no girls' school either. I'm going back even ifin' I have to walk."
…Ceptin' I didn't walk. While dad was busy catchin' fish, I got up on Sport, that's dad's horse, and tried to kick Sport into a canter. I was hardly able to hold the horse, but Sport has a smooth gait and with the help of the large saddle horn in front, I stayed on. Unfortunately, I was too small to give Sport a good kick. Dad reckons my bolting escape looked more like a dwarf trying to ride an elephant from a museum display. I was thinking along those lines too...
"Come on Sport go. Mr Perfect can walk faster than this. Damn I shoulda' got a stick or something. Maybe, if I yell at him, real close to his small ears… GO FASTER ya four legged hay burner."
…But Sport took offence at what I said. He's a real smart horse, but very sensitive about his abilities. He don't like no scathing reviews, momma."
"Not many do," laughed Katherine. So what did Sport do?" She asked, enthralled in Alexandra's story.
"I heard Dad whistle and all of a sudden the horse stopped. I sat there on him in the middle of the field, flapping ma arms and legs, hoping he would take flight. I was sure frustratulated and flabbergasted when I looked at dad and saw a very angry man. So, I pulled out Dad's gun…
Katherine drew in a loud breath. "Oh. No, you didn't, Alexandra. Don't tell me you tried to shoot Adam?"
"No Momma, I would not a shoot him, I jist wanted ta scare him, so I shot it inta the air. Dad done cussed, real bad. Ya never said Adam Cartwright was a cussing man and I knowed he don't like me cussin' and all, but he was sure mad; mad as anyone I ever done seen."
"Madder than when you tried to cut one of the silly chorus girls in half using Ivan's magic box?"
"Oh yep, madder than Ivan, Momma. And, no one was laughing this time. Hey you remembered that!" exclaimed Alexandra. This talking was bringing back memories for everyone.
"Yes I remembered that last night, not all of it. I remember Ivan taking you across his knee telling you never to play with his magic props again. You could have caused Dahlia an injury by resetting his trick."
"Well I didn't know that at the time, momma. That new girl had the likes for Ivan. She wanted ta be his assistant. I said she'd hafta do better than Delilah and how Delilah gets cut in half and she said she could do that trick, so I said I can too and ifin she could prove that she was as good as Delilah, and ifin and when Delilah didn't want ta be Ivan's assistant no more, I'd put in a good word for her. But, she didn't make the grade momma. When I started cutting and she let out a holler like a cat caught in the barn door. I knowed then she could never be a good assistant as the lovely Delilah. I knowed Ivan was real mad, but Delilah, well she seemed not so mad, I saw her giggling. Then later, when it was hurting ta sit and eat my supper, she done bought be her very special soft cushion from her dressing room."
Katherine laughed. "I remember that now. I fired that chorus girl soon after, she was trying to cause trouble for everyone."
"Hah! Then ya shoulda let me cut her in Half. I could said it was an accident."
"I'm glad you didn't, one of us ending up in jail was enough, thank you."
"I did end up in jail one time momma," Alexander said guilty, "but it ended up all right."
"Ohh dear, whatever did you do?"
"Well, me and some of my friends played some pranks on people at the harvest dance. It was an initiation ya see. And well, Uncle Hoss, you'd like him; he's big and jist about the friendliest man alive. He calls me his pumpkin, sound silly don't it but Uncle Hoss likes critters and food, even vegetables just about more than anything in the whole world, besides his family. He's dad's little brother, but he's bigger than everyone."
"See here I don a drawing of him." Alexandra showed her mother the drawing of a huge face in a ten gallon cowboy hat with eyes that seemed ta sparkle. "Dad helped with the eyes. I think we got it jist right," said Alexandra as proud as punch. "He gave me a pet rabbit. I done named him Little George. Anyway, Uncle Hoss heard what we was planning and told us it weren't such a good idea to play pranks on people, especially ones where their feelings or their bodies could be hurt. He told us to just ask Little Joe; he run into a heap of trouble playing pranks when he was a boy. This is a picture of Uncle Joe." Alexandra showed another picture this time of a cowboy on a horse, who seemed to be laughing as he waved his arms and legs into the air.
"They are very good pictures, Alexandra," said Katherine as she ran her hand over the images.
"Yep, dad says I'm a good drawer, jist like him, and then you is too. You were always a good drawer momma, remember."
Katherine nodded. "I remember painting sets and backdrops; of villages of boats and forests…"
"Did ya ever paint the ocean momma or maybe a meadow with a lake?"
"Hmm, maybe yes I think I did once. I remember the sky took up half the backdrop. The lake was as blue as cobalt and the grass was covered in tiny little flowers. I remember each and every petal, now when I come to think of it; yellow, then orange then white. They shimmered in the sun."
"Sounds jist like our lake momma."
"Alexandra's meadow?"
"Yep," smiled Alexandra.
TBC Chapter 21 Down Memory Lane.
A.N. Thanks everyone for your patience, I'm so strapped for time. But, thanks to Lajocci and a nasty bout of asthma, where they put me on some great drugs, I rolled this out. The next chapter will soon follow.
