New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 24
Heartfelt Discussions
Walking up to the yard from town, Ethan sees Caleb, Ben and George playing on the ship Rob designed under the treehouse. Seeing the barn doors opened flat against the front of the barn, Ethan decides to look there for his two older boys.
Inside he finds Rob and Joseph just finishing milking the cows. Both boys are in the process of stripping the teats to get the last bit of milk out.
"Good morning boys. I see you have not neglected the chores. How was last night, Rob? Did anyone give you problems?"
"Hi, Pa. None of my brothers caused problems. I had some trouble with the houseguest but I handled it. Could we wait to discuss that later? I'm sure we would rather listen to you talk about what went on in town."
"Alright son, we'll talk together later. Let's get the younger boys and go inside. I have news to share."
Surrounded by young faces all but one looking eager to hear what he has to say. "Caleb, come sit here in front of Joseph. I have something special to tell you. No need to look so worried. Your family is just fine." Ethan says guiding the boy to a spot on the bench.
"Aunt Linnea didn't die after all? I still have a mama?"
"Your mama is going to be fine, Caleb. Who told you she might die?"
"Nobody, but the last time I was sent away quickly to stay with someone was when Uncle Henry was killed. People made me and the girls stay with strangers. Are Elisha and Sarah staying with Mama?"
"The girls are spending time with the Blackstocks. Now, I have important news for you, Caleb. You are now a big brother. Your Mama and Papa have two new brothers for you to meet."
"Twins! Wow! That's a special surprise." Joseph exclaims.
"What are their names?" Ben asks as George follows with "Can we go see them?"
"Caleb's brothers are named Lucas Matthew and Gabriel Michael. George, you will need to wait a few more days to meet them. Right now it is time for the babies to sleep and eat. They are adjusting to being in this world."
"Caleb? You are very quiet. Is there anything else you want to ask about your family?"
"No sir. May I go play outside?" Caleb asks blinking away threatening tears.
"Anyone who wants to go play may do so." Ethan replies smiling at the child.
After the younger three leave, Joseph remarks "That is not how I would expect a boy to act when he becomes a big brother. He looked about to cry instead of being excited."
"Were you excited when Ben was born?" Rob asks curiously.
"I really don't remember as I was not quite four. I remember when George was born. He was such a quiet baby. Ben was just turning one by then and already loud and troublesome."
"Joseph, you shouldn't call a baby troublesome. Caleb just needs time to think this over. It may be hard for him having babies around as he was the youngest. Now, tell me what went on while I was away. What happened with Caleb?" Ethan asks.
Having heard the story including Rob promising not to tell Matt, Ethan tells him "You handled his punishment fairly. His Pa or I would have been more strict with this incident. Having George tell Caleb of his experience was a good idea, Joseph. It may help him remember not to try that again. I believe Matt should be told, however."
"I promised none of us would tell his Pa. He was worried about Uncle Matthew's response. What should I do? I can't break my promise to him. I never promised we wouldn't tell you, though. Maybe you could tell his folks."
"Rob, it is not my responsibility. You were the one in charge. You should find a way to have Caleb tell his parents with you there as well. I need some sleep. We were all up all night. Your Mama and Claire will be staying again tonight. We'll take Caleb to see the babies tomorrow. His Mama is exhausted today. Wake me in three hours. I need to go back to check in at the office."
"Yes sir. I'll take everyone fishing while you rest."
Just as Rob rounds the corner of the house to look for his brothers, something slams into his midsection. "Oof! Ow! Watch where you kick that ball George!"
"Sorry, I didn't know you were there."
"Pa said to kick it away from the house for just that reason. Where are the other boys?"
"Joseph just went to see what Caleb and Ben were doing in the barn."
"Let's go see as well. Pa is resting so I thought we could all go fishing."
Coming into the barn the boys see Joseph and Ben staring up at the top loft.
"What are you two looking at?" George asks, also staring up at the loft.
"Ben said Caleb climbed up there. I tried calling and talking to him, I don't get an answer." Joseph tells Rob quietly.
With a huff of exasperation, Rob walks to the bottom of the ladder before calling "Caleb? Listen to me. I need to know you are not hurt. Please answer me."
Hearing a quiet rustling but no answer, Rob calls "Caleb you know you are not allowed to go up there. Pa has told you every time you visit. He will be upset if we have to go get him to come in here because you don't answer. Do you want to be punished?"
"No, I don't want Uncle Ethan to punish me. I'm scared though."
"Of climbing down?" Rob asks having now climbed into the first loft and started up the ladder to the middle loft.
"Yeah."
"I'm coming up and we'll come back down together. We're going fishing as soon as you get down."
Down below, the younger boys watch as Rob climbs the third ladder. Reaching the top loft they see him stop.
"Why isn't he talking to Caleb?" George whispers to Joseph.
"I think he is, we just can't hear because he is so high up. Oh good! He has Caleb on the ladder now." Joseph answers quietly.
"Caleb is going to get a whipping if Pa finds out. He said we were to never ever go past the first loft because it was dangerous." Ben remarks still watching Rob ease his cousin down the ladder. Rob steps down a rung and then Caleb does the same right above him.
"We'll not say anything to Pa right now. I think Caleb is a little mixed up after hearing of his new baby brothers. He seemed upset inside, remember? I also think he is going to hear quite an earful from Rob. Let's go dig some worms by the compost pile and let Rob deal with Caleb." Joseph tells his younger brothers.
Having successfully reached firm ground, Rob shakily takes a seat on the nearest hay bale. Looking at the boy he just found in the upper loft he asks
"Do you have a reason for doing something so dangerous or are you normally that stupid?"
"You aren't to call names! That is rude. Uncle Ethan and my Pa says so and you would be in trouble."
"You're right, I apologize but really Caleb, what were you thinking? You know that loft is off limits! Even I am not allowed there and I am seventeen not ten."
"I don't know. I just wanted to go away. I was climbing and then I couldn't go anymore."
"Why did you want to go away?"
"Mama and Pa don't need me now. They have two babies of their own. I don't belong anywhere and I cause trouble. Look at what I just did and with the fire last night too."
"If causing trouble got you kicked out of a family, Ben, Joseph and I would have been kicked out years ago, Caleb. That other part you said about them having babies and not needing you? Why wouldn't they need you? I haven't had a baby brother or sister born to my family yet but the boys and Claire are all younger than me. Pa didn't decide he had enough kids already when I came even though I was the oldest. I was fifteen then. He just took me in as one of the kids. You are now the older brother just like me. You get to be the big brother to those babies who need teaching about boy things. Are you ready for that important job?"
"Maybe."
"Maybe is good enough, right now."
"Rob?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Are you going to punish me for going to the top loft?"
"No, Caleb."
"Does that mean you're going to tell Uncle Ethan or my Pa what I did? They would set my backside burning, I just know!"
"I don't think I need too. You won't be climbing up there again. You didn't think when you were climbing this time did you? It is much higher when you are up there isn't it? I did not like being that high did you?"
"Don't tell Ben but I really don't like high places. My legs get quivery and my stomach too. I won't ever climb anything that high again. I don't really like going up in the treehouse but I do. I like being on the ground a whole lot better."
"I could tell by your face when I got to you. You looked sick and scared. Let's go find the boys and do some fishiing. If we catch enough, maybe Pa will let us have a fish fry outside."
"Rob?" Caleb asks stopping the older boy before he gets to the barn doors.
"You are a good big brother and cousin. Ben used to say you were bossy and punished him too much. You aren't."
"Thank you, Caleb. You keep out of trouble and I won't need to be bossy or punish you. Two times in less than two days is enough for you, okay?"
"Yes."
Later that evening after the boys and Ethan have eaten their meal of fish, Ethan decides to have a private talk with Caleb. The little boistorous boy he knows has become withdrawn. During the meal he only spoke when asked a direct question.
Taking the child into his bedroom he sits with the boy on his bed.
"Caleb, is there anything you need to tell me? Something is definitely worrying you and talking about it will help"
Sucking his bottom lip between his teeth, Caleb hesitates before blurting out "I have been bad for Rob. He didn't tell you about what I did. I caused him trouble."
Not expecting this to be the answer, Ethan asks "How did you cause Rob trouble?"
"Last night I pulled a burning log from the fireplace to look at it. I wanted to see if it was burned white on both sides. Today I was upset about the babies and climbed without thinking."
"Where were you climbing?"
"The lofts. I kept climbing until I ran out of ladder. Rob had to come get me down. He spanked me last night over the log but not today. I caused more trouble today aannnd I disobeyed you. You told me to never go in the lofts. I'm so bad. I deserve for you to punish me too."
"Caleb, you have been punished for your reckless action with burning wood. I won't add to it unless you play with fire again. If you do, I will be setting your bottom burning. Your Pa will do the same! You keep away from fire! You hear me?"
"Yes sir!"
"Now, about your going to the forbidden lofts. Were you planning to go to the high lofts when you started climbing?"
"No sir. I just started climbing and kept going up until there was no more ladder then I got scared for being so far up. Uncle Ethan, my Pa does not need me anymore. Can I live here? I don't have any place to live. I won't be bad anymore. I will do as you tell me. I promise. Can I? Pleeeassse?"
Seeing the tears well up and quickly be brushed away, Ethan moves beside him.
"Would you mind if I held you? I seem to need a hug right now." He asks the trembling boy.
With a nod from Caleb, he pulls the boy into his arms. Feeling the boy shaking, he says "Everything is all right, son. No one is going to punish you for being upset. I understand how you climbed without thinking. It was very dangerous so do not do that ever again. Let it out Caleb, don't fight it." Ethan says as the boy chokes back sobs.
Letting the child cry until he is calmer, Ethan gets up to find a handkerchief for him.
"Do you think your parents don't want you now, son? Is this what you mean by they don't need you? Is this why you are asking to live here?"
"They got two new boys now. I was their boy. Now I am not. I wanted a girl baby so they would still need me to be their boy. Now they don't need me."
"If you truly needed a place to live, of course you could live here. There is something you need to know. Parents don't get rid of their older child or children when another child joins the family, son. Look at my brood. Claire was not sent away by her first parents when Joseph was born, neither were Joseph or Ben when another baby came along. When Rob came to live with me, I did not send Joseph, Ben or George away just because he was older. You need to talk to your Pa and Mama. They can tell you the same thing. Would you like to go see them now?"
"Yes, can Rob come too?"
"If you like, yes he can."
Having briefly told Matthew how Caleb is feeling while the boy waited with Rob, Ethan goes to get him.
"We can go in now, boys. I checked to see if your Pa was awake." Ethan tells the two in the wagon.
"Come on Caleb, let's go warm up inside." Rob urges the reluctant child as he swings him off of the wagon seat.
Waiting just inside the door, Matthew crouches down to Caleb's level and holds his arms out.
"I missed you, son. I didn't have anyone to make Saturday pancakes for this morning! Are you ready to come home?"
Holding back, Caleb studies Matt's expression to see if he is sincere before walking into his arms.
"Did you really miss me? Do you really want me here even though you have two new boys?"
"I could have six new boys but none are my special ten year old pancake fiend named Caleb Henry. You became my child as soon as your aunt and I agreed to marry. Why would I not want you here? You live here silly boy!"
Returning the hug from Caleb, Matt asks "Would you like to see your Mama and the babies?"
"Pa? I have to tell you something first. I caused Rob trouble, twice. Last night I used fire tongs to pull out a white hot log then today he had to rescue me from the high loft. I climbed without stopping because I thought you wouldn't want me. Should I go wait in my room for you?"
"Uncle Matt? I spanked him last night for the log incident. Today, he was very upset and just acted without thinking. He promised he won't go up in the high lofts again." Rob decides to speak up.
Nodding his thanks to Rob, Matt addresses the anxious child. "Thank you for being honest, Caleb. I have had times when my feelings caused me to behave badly. Since you have been punished and made peace with Rob, we don't need to have any other punishment. Now, are you ready see your Mama and to meet your brothers? The girls have not met them so you are first."
"I suppose so." Caleb replies.
Walking into the bedroom, Caleb sees his Mama propped up on quilts with Claire nearby.
"Caleb! I am so happy you came to see me. Climb up and sit beside me. Did your Pa tell you we have twins?"
"Uncle Ethan told me. Where are they?"
"Right over here. We have them wrapped and snuggling together in a basket." Linnea answers moving the lightweight afghan off the basket to show the babies.
"Little ones, this is your big brother, Caleb. Caleb, the dark haired fellow is Lucas Matthew and this blonde little one is Gabriel Michael. Would you like to hold Gabriel?"
"No thank you Mama. I might break him. May Rob come meet the babies? He came with me tonight."
"Let's have Claire take the babies out to meet him, Caleb. Your Mama needs a rest." Delphie replies having come in the room.
"Come with me,Caleb. You can introduce your brothers to mine." Claire urges having lifted the basket.
Out in the main room, Caleb watches Rob as he holds each of the babies.
"They are heavier than they look. I thought Gabriel was the lighter of the two." Rob says having held Lucas first.
"He is. They are both light but will fill out quickly. Both of these boys enjoy eating." Matthew answers having lifted Lucas from the basket to pass to Ethan.
Seeing his Pa holding the baby, Rob says "You seem to know babies. Have you held many?"
"If you count, Lucas and Gabriel here, that would make it an even two. I believe someone is in need of dry pants, Matt." Ethan replies passing the baby back to Matt.
"Delphie, you and Claire feel free to go home with your family. You have been terrific help but we need to learn to manage. I will get the girls home tonight as well. We will be learning baby care together. Caleb will be my partner. Matt tells the two women as he takes the babies back to their mama.
"If you need help, go for Amy." Delphie can't help but remind Matt as she and Claire are helped into the wagon.
"We will be sure to do so. Safe travels home. Thank you for looking after Caleb so well, Rob." Matthew answers.
One week later:
Having been told to try on their school pants by Delphie, the three younger boys are being examined by their Mama and Claire.
"Joseph, your pants are too short. Ben has holes in both knees. George, yours seem fine in length. How does it feel around your waist?" Delphie asks.
"They are a little tight, Mama."
"Claire, add pants to the list. Alright boys, let's try on your school shirts now."
"Which ones, Mama? Last year we had to wear white shirts but before that any shirt was fine." Joseph explains.
"Bring every shirt except your church shirts. We need to see what shape these are in also."
After having the boys try on all three of their shirts, Delphie purses her lips thinking.
"Well, Joseph only has two shirts that fit. George has a white shirt and the red plaid while Ben has just the white shirt." She declares.
"This blue checked one of Joseph's could be reworked to fit Ben and is in good condition." Claire remarks.
"That is true and I believe Rob has passed down some clothes to Joseph. Joseph? Didn't Rob give you some shirts?"
"Yes Mama but they don't fit yet, even the shoulders and sleeves are too big."
"Go get one and try it on for me, please. We might be able to remake it to fit" Claire instructs her brother.
Having modeled the shirt for his sister and mother, Joseph waits for their decision.
"Hmmmph. This would take almost as much sewing to alter it as it would to sew a new one. No, we will just keep it as it is until you can wear it, Joseph. I believe a shopping trip is needed before school begins. I will talk to your Pa about getting you boys at least one new shirt and pair of pants each. You three can put your work clothes back on. You have a chicken house and coop to clean, remember?"
"Yes Mama." George answers turning toward the hall to their bedrooms.
"Mama, we weren't that late yesterday. Are you really going to make us do that smelly job?" Ben asks.
"Yes, I am. When I said be home by two o'clock and you boys troop in at four, you get consequences. If you don't like cleaning the coop Ben, then you are more than welcome to take it up with your Pa."
"No thank you, Mama. I'll go change now." Ben replies, quickly heading for his room.
"Mama, I am sorry for being late. I don't take my watch because I might lose it in the water."
"Thank you for the second apology, Joseph. Go change now. You do want to finish your chore by supper."
After the boys leave to do their punishment, Claire remarks "You are not falling for Ben or Joseph's ways of getting around you any more. Three months ago you would have let them get away with misbehaving. Giving Ben the choice to talk to Pa was excellent. There is no chance he would go to Pa. He would most likely spank him for not minding you."
"Thank you, dear. I have learned some in the past few months. Ethan knows of my assigning the punishment chore. I told him last night. Now, how are you on your clothes for traveling? We have dresses for your school but what of a traveling suit?"
"I can wear one of my older dresses. I have yet to decide which to wear. I wish you were coming with me. You know much more about your school than I do."
"I wish I were as well. Perhaps I can visit you in Boston next year. Amy feels it would be best for the baby if I were to stay home. Your Pa is working on the travel details. It is a long trip but pursuing your dream is worth it. Would you join me in a cup of tea and some cookies?"
"I would. I am excited to go to nursing school and to see Alex. I feel sad at leaving everyone here in Paradise though. I don't believe Ben and George quite understand what is about to happen. George asked me yesterday if the school let out for Thanksgiving. He thinks it will be as my boarding school was and I will come home often. I couldn't tell him it isn't like that."
"Don't fret over your baby brothers. Your Pa and I will be here to explain and to finish raising them. Your years of doing that have ended. It is more than time for you to take time for Claire. Oh, and Alex too, of course."
"I am excited to be able to see Alex again. He told me on our last telephone conversation, his Da is much better. The doctor told Alex, his Da can begin to practice walking again. His left side is weak and he needs help to stand."
"That is good news as for a time, they were not knowing if Mr. Hale would survive. What do you know of the uncle they live with?"
"Mr. Fitzpatrick is Alex's mother's uncle. He is near fifty, never married and mostly keeps to himself. Alex has said he provides his family a home in return for meals and housekeeping. They don't see much of him. I am praying he accepts me being in his home."
"You will charm him, I have no doubt. Are you apprehensivee to be in the city itself or just to meet Alex's family once again?"
"Some of both, I has been nearly six years since I last lived in a large city. Boston sounds so much different than St. Louis too. I am grateful Alex will be there to help me find my way. His family providing me with a place to board is very nice. I hope his Ma allows me to help with the work to care for their home. I will need to do something besides attend classes and study."
Later that evening, Ethan has all three younger boys sitting at the table for a talk
"You three did a good job with your punishment chores. I heard how you couldn't make it home from the pond by the time you were set. Cleaning the coop must have given you time to think. I have a question I want answered. The three of you have known how to use the sun to tell time for at least two years. My question is, have you forgotten this skill?"
The sternness in his Pa's voice has George sniffing back tears as he is the first to answer.
"I didn't forget, Papa. I am sorry.""
"Thank you for the truth, George. Ben? Joseph? Do you have anything to say?" Ethan asks as the other two stay silent.
The look in his Pa's eyes has Joseph speaking up quickly. "I apologized to Mama for not coming home on time. I haven't forgotten the skill, Pa but the sun was often behind the clouds. I did try to keep up with the time but it was so cloudy. I tried to get us to leave on time but it didn't work."
"Thank you, Joseph."
"Ben? What do you have to say?"
"I wanted to fish longer because school starts soon. We didn't get to look at the sun much."
"So this is what you are really saying, the sun was out enough that you could determine the time had you wanted to. Instead you used the clouds to deliberately disobey your Mama's directive thinking she would let you get away with it. You all wanted to have more fishing time. Correct?"
At the three quiet answers of "yes sir", Ethan says "Each of you knows what you did was wrong. You have been punished for disobeying. Your punishment for deception is going to be early bedtime for three nights. As soon as the evening meal and cleanup is complete, it will be bedtime. Do I need to tell any of you what will happen if you deliberately deceive your mama again, boys?"
Three quick responses of "No sir." has him nodding. "Time for bed, then."
After the boys have left, Ethan joins Claire, Rob and Delphie by the fire.
"Claire, I have your tickets for Denver. Your train leaves a week from this Saturday. That gives us eleven days to work out the rest of your travel. I have other news. Rob, I am sending you to accompany your sister to Boston. You will stay two weeks with Alex and help Claire get settled. Claire, your Ma is not to travel in her condition and unfortunately I need to remain here. I am down a deputy now that Mitch has taken over running the General Store for Matt. Is this acceptable to you both?"
"You are sending us alone?" Rob asks completely flabbergasted by this announcement.
"I am sorry neither of you can come along but I will treasure the time with Rob, Pa." Claire answers.
"Yes I am, Rob. I trust you will be able to help each other navigate your way. We'll talk more of this during the next few days."