New Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 30
Birthday Surprise
Finished with school for the day, having permission to stay in town, Ben and George dash out of the schoolyard.
"Where should we go first? You do still have the money right?" Ben asks.
"Yes our three fifty cent pieces plus the dollar coin Mama gave us are still tied in the handkerchief. You saw Mama tie it up this morning. Then I tied it to my belt loop nearest my pocket. I did not lose it. It has been in my pocket all day."
"Good, now where should we go first?"
"How about we start with Mr. Axelrod's store? Maybe we'll find something."
"Hello boys. Is it Saturday already? You two often come to get the mail on Saturday. I have just refilled the broken cookie barrel if you want to buy a scoop. I have received new merchandise as well. I even have baby items. Tell your Ma that for me. I have a set of silver baby spoons and also a brush and comb set"
"It isn't Saturday yet but we came anyway. We'll tell Mama what you said." George answers as Ben is already exploring the tables.
"Are you shopping for something specific, boys?" Mr. Axelrod asks a little later after witnessing much heated arguing between the brothers. He decided to intervene when Ben looked ready to strike George at George's continued "No Ben, that isn't good." each time the boy admired something.
Once again George answered for the two of them. Ben now busy examining things in the glass case.
"We are shopping for Joseph's birthday. He is going to be fifteen on Saturday. I say he is too old for marbles and toys but Ben thinks he isn't. We can't agree on anything. I found a scarf that Joseph could use in the winter. Ben didn't like it."
"Look here, George! You say we have to think of grown up things. Look at these!" Ben calls to his brother.
Going over to look in the glass case at what Ben is pointing to, George shakes his head.
"Ben! We can't buy Joseph a pipe! You know he doesn't smoke! If he did, Pa would see to it his backside was smoking! He would disapprove of us buying a pipe! I am going to get the woven neck scarf. You pick something else. We can buy separate presents."
"A neck scarf is a good choice, George. Ben, I have two sets of thick deer hide gloves. They are even fleece lined. A pair of those would make a nice gift. Perhaps a new hat as well? I have some of those flat top hats the young men back east are wearing. I saw sketches of them in a catalog. According to that, these hats are the newest fashion."
"Giving his brother a silent message, George says, "Remember your manners. He can tell Pa if you are disrespectful and ignore him again. I have been answering, you haven't!"
"Thank you for the suggestions. I would like to see the gloves, sir." Ben answers aloud before replying silently to his annoying brother 'TA George! Is that respectful enough for you?'
Choosing to ignore Ben, George turns away to look around by himself.
Deciding to go to the General Store to look before making a purchase, the boys ask Mr. Axelrod to keep their choices separate.
"Could you please hold this scarf and gloves behind the counter? We will be back later." George asks.
"I will keep them for you until closing. After today, they will go back on display."
"George, we would have one dollar and fifty cents to spend if we bought the scarf and gloves. I want to get something he can have fun with. Gloves and scarves are nice but not fun."
"You had fun with your gloves last winter, if I remember right. Putting them on sticks stuck in the ground and having target practice with rocks from the slingshot." George reminds his brother as they cross the dirt street making sure to watch for horse droppings.
"That was fun until Papa saw how I had ripped holes in my brand new gloves. When he made me tell him I did it on purpose it was not fun then. His disapproval made my bottom sting a long time that night."
"You deliberately destroyed something and used a slingshot. You know we are forbidden to play with slingshots."
"Stupid rule, I say. Just because some boy he knew long ago got hurt he won't let us have fun with them. We can only have them to shoo rabbits from the garden. Even then it's only if someone is with us. We're old enough now to use them without having someone there. Don't you think so, George?"
"What I think is we need to hurry and find our purchases. Pa tells us we always have to be inside the house by dark. Looking at the sky, I say we have less than an hour to shop and get home." George answers as the two climb the front steps to the General Store.
"Hello, Mr. David. We are here to shop for Joseph's birthday gift. Do you have something a guy turning fifteen might like?" George greets the young man stocking the grocery shelves.
"We really need something he might have fun with." Ben chimes in.
"Joseph is turning fifteen? I would have thought he was already that age. Let me think a minute... fifteen... hmmmm... I believe I have just the gift you need. Follow me boys."
Passing by the side window, Ben asks "Is Uncle Matt putting in a garden? Someone has dug up all the dirt out there. I see wooden frames for plants."
"That is not for a garden, fellas. I am making an ice house. I plan to keep blocks of ice to chip up for my ice cream counter."
Not getting any reaction, he asks "Have you ever seen an ice cream counter?"
"No sir, only wooden counters. How are people to lay purchases on a counter made of ice cream? Won't it be messy and melt?" George asks.
Struggling to keep from laughing, David replies, "The ice cream will be served at the counter. The counter itself will not be made of ice cream. I agree it would be very messy. Come, let me show you the gift I think Joseph will like."
Stopping at a back shelf, David takes a flat square box from the shelf.
"Here we have a board game. This is called Parcheesi. I believe all of your family will enjoy this game."
"Do you have to use cheese to play it? My Pa doesn't let us play with food." Ben remarks.
"I can confirm there is no food used in the game." David replies, eyes twinkling with amusement.
"How much does it cost?" Ben asks next.
"This game sells for seventy five cents but I will give you a deal of fifty cents. I will even wrap it in white paper instead of brown. Do you wish to purchase this?"
Looking at George, Ben says "Let's get it. We can all play it. Want to?"
"Yes, let's get it. We need some other game besides checkers." George agrees.
"Is Mrs. Hannah in the back room today?" Ben asks hopefully.
"She is at that. Would you like to say hello?"
"Yes, sir." Both boys answer eagerly.
"Hannah, you have two young friends wishing to speak to you." David tells his wife, having entered the back storeroom.
"Well good! I can use a break."
Seeing the two boys, she exclaims "Two of my favorite young people! Hello Ben and hello George! What are the two of you shopping for today? May I help you look?"
"We came to shop for Joseph's birthday presents. We found a game to buy." George answers. Ben adds "Mr. David helped us choose the game Pacheeseey. He said you didn't need cheese to play." Ben informs her somewhat skeptically.
Laughing at this statement, she ruffles the boys' hair. "You two are too cute! Yes, David was telling the truth. He and I have played Parcheesi many times and never once needed cheese. Come have a cookie sample boys. I need to know if these cookies are good enough to reorder. These are orange flavor."
"Thank you for the samples. These taste good to me. I have only had an orange twice. Ben and I are to be home by dark. It looks as if it is getting late now so we need to leave." George tells Hannah.
"We had orange juice one time in Denver. The cookies don't taste like juice but I would buy them anyway."
"You are welcome for the treat and thank you for your opinion. I will order some. Hurry home boys. It will be dark very soon."
As the boys reach the road, Ben says "We have to get the things from the Mercantile."
"Let's hurry. We are going to be late if we don't. We took longer than I thought in the General Store"
Tucking the scarf and gloves into his shirt, George says "You carry the game awhile, then I will. Don't drop it in the dirt. Let's run!"
Stopping nearly halfway to the ranch, George gasps out "i just remembered! We lefi our schoolbooks just inside the door of the Mercantile! We need them for homework! Pa is going to ask why we don't have our books."
"We'll just have to go back."
"We can't, Ben! We are probably going to be late as it is. Mr. Axelrod will have closed shop by the time we got there anyway. Maybe we won't be in trouble for forgetting them. Mama might help us figure out what to tell Pa."
Having run the last part of their trip, the boys are out of breath as they scurry into the house.
Hanging their jackets on the pegs by the door, they are met by a scowling father with his hands on his waist.
"Where have you boys been? School dismissed hours ago! Joseph made it home why didn't you? Did you forget the rules today? You are to come straight home from school and always be in the house by dark! It has been dark at least ten minutes! Even if we ĺive in a settled area, there are still wild animals that could be out at night. You know this as I tell you often! Now, why are you just getting home?"
"We had to go shopping, Pa." Ben replies.
"We didn't forget, we tried to be home before dark. We ran most of the way." George answers quietly. His Pa's snapping eyes making him uneasy.
Noticing the bulge in George's shirt, Ethan asks "What do you have in your shirt, George?"
"I can't tell you." George replies having seen Joseph sitting in the front room nearby.
"Young man! That is not an acceptable answer! What are you hiding and why? Did you take something and not pay for it? We need to discuss this behavior further. Both of you wait for me in your room. I will be there in just a moment."
George obeys instantly before anyone can see the tears he feels welling in his eyes.
"Paapaa, noooo, we didn't dooo anything. We for sure did not steal! We don't need a discussion!" Ben tries, only to receive a strong smack on his backside at his effort.
"DO NOT tell me "no" or try to say you did nothing wrong. As I said we will discuss this in your room! Now follow your brother!"
Entering the boys' room. Ethan is surprised to find George crying into his pillow.
Sitting beside him on the edge of the single bed, he pats the child's back. "It isn't necessary for you to carry on like this George. You're acting as if I whipped you."
"You plan to whip us!" Ethan hears, the boy's voice muffled by the pillow.
"So, you not only can communicate silently but you can now read other people's thoughts, son? Come over here to the bed, Ben. Sit up now, George. Let's talk."
Waiting for the two to obey, he begins. "You have some explaining to do. You seemed unable to tell me why you stayed in town today. Why you ignored the rules of coming straight home and always being inside the house by dark. You were hiding something in your shirt as well that you refused to tell me about. Did you steal something? Ben assures me you didn't. I need an answer."
"NO SIR! HONEST! WE DIDN'T STEAL!" George answers loudly, shocked into speaking.
"Lower your voice and continue. Why did you not come straight home? Ben, I want to hear from you also."
"Mama said we could go shopping for Joseph's birthday, Pa. She even gave us a dollar to add to our saved money. I had presents in my shirt that aren't wrapped. Joseph could have seen! We lost the time because we visited with Mrs. Hannah after shopping. We had to go back to Mr. Axelrod's to pick up the other presents we bought. Then we ran most of the way home. We did not mean to be out too late." George explains trying not to cry anymore. His Pa's stern expression still has him worried.
"Your Mama gave you both permission to shop today?"
"Yes sir."
"I apologize for scolding you for staying in town. I did not know you had her permission. Why didn't you say so out in the front?" Ethan asks with a glance at Ben who has let George do the explaining.
"We didn't know you didn't know." Ben answers shrugging his shoulders.
"We all seem to not know things today. Come, let's get supper started. Your mama is taking a nap but asked to be waked for supper. She overworked today. Mopping the floor all over the house is too much work for her."
"We aren't going to be punished?" Ben asks incredulously.
"I won't punish you for something you had permission to do Ben. As for 'losing the time' as George put it, I understand you were rushed to shop. Next time, do not stay to visit when you have little time, alright? Wait to visit on days where you have no time limits."
"Yes, Papa."
"Pa?" George asks, voice quivering.
"Yes, George?"
"There's something you need to know. We put our schoolbooks by the door inside the Mercantile. We were busy shopping and then hurrying to get home. We forgot our books. They are inside the store. We didn't do it on purpose. I promise."
Before Ethan can reply, Joseph knocks on the door before opening it.
"Excuse me Pa but Mr. Axelrod is outside. I asked him in but he says he wishes to speak to you outside. Should I ask him to wait longer? He has been here since right after you came in the boy's room."
"I will go talk to him. Is there anything else you need to tell me about your time in town? You haven't caused another soda fountain disaster or some such have you?" Ethan asks his two youngest.
"No sir we didn't cause trouble." Ben answers for both since his Pa is looking directly at him.
"Hello Cyrus. What brings you out this way?"
"Ethan. Ben and George left their schoolbooks in my store. I brought them out as I have a need for assistance. I found my back entrance forced open. Someone broke in between the time I locked up, discovered the books and retired for the night. I was ready for my evening meal so I locked both doors and went to the hotel. I was upstairs when I smelled something foul. I found a bag of burning manure behind the counter. The cash register was forced open. I only had about two dollars change left for the morning. It is gone. Several jars of the ladies canning are missing and the cookie barrel is now half empty."
"Thank you for bringing the books. Are you thinking Ben or George did this? I do not."
"No, not at all. I haven't had any trouble with them since the time you busted their backsides and had them work to pay for the soda fountain escapade. Neither boy even goes near the soda fountain without me now. They were in a huge rush to get home on time. They picked up the gloves and scarf they purchased and actually ran from the store. This is someone else."
"Very well, come by the office tomorrow. One of us will write out a report. We will increase our patrols around your store. I suspect some child decided to be mischievous. They will discover taking things is not a prank but stealing."
"I will be there early."
Friday evening:
"I just don't see why he has to spend the entire day with Theo. It is his birthday so he should be home."
"Delphie, it is part of my birthday gift to him. I have the three wood carving tools but this is my gift as well. For Joseph to have an entire weekend of no chores plus a full day with friends is rare. We will have the birthday cake and family gifts after supper tomorrow night. Then you have the big surprise arranged for Sunday afternoon. One day with his best friend is not going to cause him to miss the family celebration. He is growing up and does want time alone."
"How can he have time alone if he is with friends? This is my first birthday with him. I wasn't part of the family until now. I want him here. I want them all here. Rob and Claire should come home. No one should be allowed to leave us."
"Your mothering nature is really coming on strong with the baby moving around more. The next child will be with us until he or she is grown. I promise. We still have several years with Ben and George, dear. Joseph may think fifteen is grown but he will have to accept our decisions for a few more years as well. You will have many children to mother for quite some time."
"Good, I want many to mother. I think after this active one comes, we should work on getting another one soon. He or she needs a close brother or sister the way Ben and George have each other."
"Let's just get this one baby here safely." Ethan answers.
At her pleading look he expands on that statement.
"We have plenty of time to talk of more children after we meet the little one. Let's take these one at a time. This little one has been tiring you out from the beginning. I may have to speak to him or her about this behavior when we finally meet. I can't allow you to be treated badly." Ethan replies. His mock stern look at her growing stomach causes Delphie to giggle.
Sunday:
As the family gathers ready to leave for church, Ethan tells them "As a special treat for Joseph's birthday we will have lunch at the hotel today."
"Joseph, you look very handsome in your new dark slacks and new shirt. Did I get the sleeves long enough? I added at least two inches from your old dress shirt. That one had the cuffs nearly at your elbows! Do me a favor, don't grow out of your clothes so fast."
"It fits very well, Mama. Thank you for finding light blue fabric. Instead of two new white shirts, I have one in light blue as well as white. I do like having a dress shirt be something besides white."
"You are welcome. I had help with the shirts. Mrs. Blackstock taught me to use her sewing machine. She helped with the collar and cuffs."
Arriving at the hotel, the family is led to the large back room. Encouraged to enter first, Joseph is greeted by many of his friends and classmates. Theo, Elisha. Sarah, Jason, Jeffrey, the new girls, Beatrice and Susan, the new boys, Gordon Swanson and Frank Palmer plus more. He sees David and Hannah Abbott each behind a table of either main dishes or slices of pie.
"Happy Fifteenth Birthday, Joseph! I had a few people who joined together for your party." Delphie explains to the bewildered young man. The guests calling "Surprise! Happy Birthday!"
"Everyone, thank you for joining us this afternoon. Please come fix yourselves a plate and enjoy. Lunch first and then the entertainment." She calls to the group of young people.
As Joseph passes David Abbott, the man quietly tells him "Hannah and I helped your Ma with her party plans to thank you for your bravery that day. Without your quick action, I would not be alive. Enjoy your party."
"Thank you both." Joseph answers moving away to find Theo.
"Theo, we were together most of yesterday but you never mentioned a party, why?"
"My Ma told me she would cut off all my hair if I even hinted at the party! You know I like my hair!" Theo explains, grinning. Mr. Davis told the class about the party Friday afternoon. Remember when he sent you downstairs to ask Miss. Donaldson for something? He told us all we were invited by your Ma to come for a surprise birthday party."
After eating, the young people gather to listen as Hannah explains the game named Musical Chairs.
"If you have not played this before, the idea is to be the last person sitting in a chair. I have eleven chairs set back to back. Notice there is one less chair than people playing. While David plays guitar you all walk around the chairs. When he stops playing everyone quickly sits down. Whoever is left standing is out. We remove a chair each round.
Watching Joseph and the rest of the group, Delphie tells Ethan "So you see I was correct. He is enjoying himself. You thought he might not want a large party."
"Actually, I said as far as I knew he had never had a party as you were planning. The four years he has had birthday celebrations with me, he never did. I didn't know if he wanted so many schoolmates or would rather just have a few friends come to the ranch. We did have a few boys come to a cookout once for his birthday."
"I'd say he is enjoying the girl/boy party. Look at them."
Looking over at the game, Ethan sees Sarah has fallen into Joseph's lap as they tried to get the same chair. Both are laughing about it.
"So I see. He is enjoying that quite a bit. Matt may not be aware those two have a liking for each other. Come to think of it, I wasn't aware they were as emotionally attached as they seem. I'll need to watch them more."
"We will need to have Matt, Linnea and the family out to have a meal with us. The twins should be old enough to take out by now. The adults and young people can visit while the boys play with Caleb. Maybe next Sunday would work. I'll talk to Linnea about it."
"That sounds like much work. If we do it, the boys and I will help prepare the food."
"I will accept the help. Oh, look! Joseph just grabbed the last seat as the boy umm Frank isn't it, missed the chair. Oooh he is not happy at the others laughing."
Walking swiftly to the two boys, as Frank looks ready to fight, David declares "Joseph is the winner. Take a break and get a drink if you'd like. We will have a partner dance next."
"Joseph is well practiced at the game. When the children were younger, Claire had them play it often. She usually sang as all four played. That was before Rob joined us. It was something to do in the cold winters when they could not go outside to play. She had many games to keep the boys entertained." Ethan tells his wife as they act as chaperones.
"Everyone gather around. I need Sheriff Cord, Mrs. Cord, Joseph and Sarah to join me. Going through the song and motions with the two pairs, Hannah gives final directions.
Now, gentlemen on one side, ladies on the other. This is similar to the square dance but we don't form the squares. You spin your lady and then change partners by choosing one down the line. Then with the chorus, hold hands across each other's waist and skip in a circle. Just follow the people in front when you promenade."
"Everyone ready?" David asks preparing to play his guitar. At the group affirmation, he plays the lively tune as Hannah sings:
"Lou, Lou, skip to my Lou.
Lou, Lou, skip to my Lou.
Lou, Lou, skip to my Lou.
Skip to my Lou, my darling."
The dancers form couples as they skip in a line, guys swinging the girls in a twirl, then separate to choose different partners as she sings:
"Lost my partner, what'll I do?
Lost my partner, what'll I do?
Lost my partner, what'll I do?
Skip to my Lou, my darling!"
"I'll find another one prettier than you.
I'll find another one prettier than you.
I'll find another one prettier than you.
Skip to my Lou, my darling!"
"Fly in the buttermilk, shoo fly shoo!
Fly in the buttermilk, shoo fly shoo!
Fly in the buttermilk, shoo fly shoo!
Skip to my Lou, my darling!"
"Pigs in the parlor, what'll I do?
Pigs in the parlor, what'll I do?
Pigs in the parlor, what'll I do?
Skip to my Lou, my darling!"
As the guests leave, Joseph thanks each for coming before helping the adults straighten the room.
"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, Mama and Pa, for a grand party. I have never had a party like this. I will never forget it."
"You are quite welcome. I think David and I enjoyed this almost as much as you young people did. We should have more get togethers for the youth in town. Mrs. Cord, I brought covered dishes for you to put the leftover food in. Your younger boys would enjoy some of this, I'm sure. You can just send them to me by Sheriff Cord whenever you are finished using them." Hannah replies.
"Thank you. I know Ben and George will enjoy having the desserts. Thank you both for helping with this party. We'll see you soon." Delphie answers as the two leave.
"Well, let's collect the boys. I imagine they have worn out their welcome over at Chris' place by now. When our boys team up with Aaron and Alyssa, it is quite the event. We have just enough time to get home, change clothes and do the barn chores before dark."
Driving home, the boys listen as Joseph describes the dancing.
"That might be fun but I like Musical Chairs or Red Rover Red Rover better. Did you save us any cake?" Ben asks.
"No, I didn't." Joseph states watching his little brother's face droop at the news.
"We did bring home the extra food and the leftover pie pieces though. There was no cake today."
"Good! I'm hungry!" Ben declares.
"Didn't Chris feed you boys at the hotel? We left you with him at their table." Delphie asks worriedly.
"Yes Mama, we had a good lunch and dessert too. Ben is just always thinking about eating lately. Especially when dessert is talked about." George says giving Ben a wink to show he's teasing.
As the wagon pulls into the ranch yard, Delphie remarks "Ethan, there is someone on the front steps. Do you see? Who is that?"
Looking, the three boys see a person with long gray hair, wearing a worn black hat, flowing pants covered by a loose tunic.
Gasping in shock, Ben then screams "IT'S JOHN TAYLOR!" George yells "HE CAME BACK!" at the same time.
Before either adult can comment, all three boys have jumped from the wagon to race for the front porch.
"Well my love, you are about to meet the man who raised me from a hurt wolf cub to the head wolf I became. This is the man I told you about. He adopted the name John Taylor, all one name not first and last. Come, he needs rescuing from our wild children."
***Skip To My Lou lyrics from the Early American Songs website. Lou is a word adapted from the Scottish "loo" meaning love.