Chapter 4
The winter storm still hadn’t reached its full strength as Ric Taylor pulled into the Riverton Common Train station. However, it had become too strong for him to have second thoughts about driving to Morgan’s Hallow. He had driven as far has he dared. He collected his thoughts then got his luggage and gifts from the trunk of his car.
The old train station was practically deserted. Its Christmas decorations made Ric’s heart feel warm inside. He walked up to the ticket booth, “How much for a ticket to Morgan’s Hallow?” He asked.
“Ric it is Ten Dollars round trip.” The Station Master said.
“Let me have a one way ticket.” Ric said.
The master stamped the ticket and handed it to Ric, “The next train is in two hours. You’re lucky to get here when you did. There won’t be another on until tomorrow when the weather clears.”
“Thanks, Mister Applegate. This northeaster is going to be a bad one. Here’s my luggage Mr. Applegate. I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas. I’ll take the gifts with me.” Ric replied.
Ric plopped down on one of the benches and stretched out his legs. Christmas carols played over the speakers bringing a little joy to the station. Ric thought about the last year wondering what he could have done differently. He wondered if he had just been more attentive of Julie and girls he could have saved his marriage. Although Julie shared some of the blame, Ric felt he should have tried harder.
“Excuse me but would this seat be taken?” a sweet musical voice said.
Ric looked up and saw young woman standing next to him. She was dressed in red and green and had raven hair. Ric thought she looked very young to be traveling by her self. He smiled at her, “No. I’m traveling by myself.”
The woman looked at him and he saw compassion in her eyes. She sat down and Ric felt a warmth flow out her and embraced his spirit. Ric started to say something but the woman spoke first, “Now what would a man be doing traveling by himself on a night like this?”
“I’m trying to get to my wife and daughters. That is if they will have me. By the way I’m Ric Taylor.” Ric said.
The woman smiled at him, “My name is Shea. I’ll not let anything be keeping me away from my home.”
A look of resignation came on Ric’s face as his thoughts returned to the past year. He looked at Shea and thought that maybe talking about his feelings would help, “A little more than a year ago I did a stupid thing. I let my marriage die instead of fighting to keep it alive. I was a fool but at the time, I was tired of us hurting each other and our girls. I thought a clean break would be the best thing for everyone. So Julie and I separated. For a while, I was able to throw myself into my work. After a few months, I started taking a hard look at myself and realized that some of our problems came from my own selfish needs taking priority over my wife and daughters. I don’t know if they will take me back but I know I have to go home.”
Shea looked at Ric with compassion, “True love will never die, it just may seem like it at times, but it blooms again like a rose in spring.”
They talked some more and Ric began to feel better. He went to the restroom and when he returned to his seat, Shea had gone. Where she had been setting was a small piece of mistletoe. Ric picked it up and noticed that a leaf was missing. He remembered an old New England saying about mistletoe. “I’ll take this for luck and give it to Julie.” He thought.
The Station Master announced Ric’s train. He hurried to climb on board the train. Ric looked out the window and watched the falling snow outside. Occasionally the darkness was broken by a lonely farmhouse or a car waiting at a crossing. Ric began to wonder how he would get the rest of the way to the farm. “Maybe I could rent a sleigh.” He thought.
Meanwhile, at the lodge, Laura came out of her room in dry clothes and headed down to the parlor. Mary West was setting on the sofa netting. She smiled at Laura, “You’ve done wonders with this place. Everything is perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it, Mom. I just pitched in here and there. It was Hank that did all the hard work. Peter, I wasn’t expecting you and Meg to be here this early. How was the trip from the left coast?”
Peter looked up from his book and chuckled, “Well there was no need to stay there once we decided to move back here.”
“You’re coming back to Logan Harbor?” Tiffany said excitedly.
Meg came in from the kitchen, “Well Morgan’s Hollow actually. Peter and I are going to join Doc Greer’s practice and when he retires next fall we will take it over.”
Their daughter and son stopped stringing popcorn and looked at their parents in surprise. Abby was about the same age as Debbie. She looked at her mom, “We’re moving back here!”
Tom was just a couple of years younger than Abby. He gave his parents a sharp look, “Why didn’t you tell us before now?”
Peter looked at them and smiled, “We wanted to surprise you both with the news. Beside I know how much you both like LA.”
Abby looked at her Dad, “Oh I just love all that excitement and glitz-Not!”
“Dad, all the kids out there are stupid. All the things they like to do. I mean like playing with their computer and video games but it gets too boring.” Tom said.
“Well I thought you guys loved those things?” Meg teased.
“We do Mom, but not all the time!” Abby said.
“Well you both may have to give up a few things like your cell phones.” Peter said.
“Oh I really use mine all the time.” Tom chuckled.
Abby looked at her dad sternly, “You mean give up being interrupted by Kelly or Aimee? Like the IM on my computer isn’t bad enough. They always wait until I’m right in the middle of a school project to messaged me with some great crisis. What is worst they talk about how their new boyfriends are treating them like queens. They could tell me all that stuff when they’re with me.”
Laura looked at her young cousin, “Well now you know one of the many reasons I hate computers.”
“I don’t hate mine. Just some parts of it like the Instant Messenger. The only reason I have it is that it’s supposed to be Kewl.” Abby said.
Laura looked at her second cousin, “Then don’t be Kewl just be your self.”
Debbie and Barbara started laughing. Abby doubled over in laughter. She had found some kindred spirits at last. Laura looked at them and smiled, “Have the horses been put back in the barn?” She asked.
“I took care of it Laurie. They’re safe and snug and the sleigh is in its shed. I remember the last time I saw that sleigh it looked to me that it was on its last legs.” Pete said, “You know I started crying when I came into this place. You and Hank did a great job. I know why he wanted all those old photos now.”
“To Hank, the sleigh just needed a little cleaning and repair. Just like that old corn popper, Tiffany is shaking, to him needed a little cleaning. Pete thinks for reminding me. You and Greg have a very important job to do.” Laura said.
Peter blinked, “And what would that be?”
Tiffany chuckled, “Well since the two of you are the men of the family now. You get to go out and find a nice 12-foot Christmas tree for this room.”
Peter beamed with pride, “You mean you trust us with that awesome responsibility?”
Julie looked at him, “I know it’s a burden, but you both learned from the best Christmas tree hunters in the world.”
Meg started laughing, “Julie, you never could do drama.”
Julie chuckled, “I know, I’m just too much of a comedian.”
“Well it’s time to start supper, Meg, Julie, Tiffany, Abby, Debbie, and Barbara the kitchen waits us.” Laura said.
“Laurie, just what are me and Peg supposed to be doing? Do you think that We’re just going to set here while there is supper to cook?” Mary asked.
“No you two rest tonight and let the kids do the work.” Tiffany said.
Peg put down her nettling, “Now see here Laura Dinah West, the day I can’t work in the kitchen is the day they put me in the ground. Mary, are you going to take this from our uppity kids?”
Mary stood up, “I’m not, why I taught them everything they know but not everything I know.”
Laura stood her ground, “Look, tomorrow you can take control of the kitchen but tonight it still belongs to me and I say who can use it. Now you two just sit back down and let us be.”
“Well I’ll be. I wonder where she got that stubborn streak.” Mary chuckled.
Peg sat down, “I would say a little bit from Tom and a little bit from you. Fine, all of you can go to the kitchen and do the cooking but starting tomorrow morning we call the shots in the kitchen.”
Mary glanced out the window, “Greg and his brood are out in that somewhere. They called right before we left.”
“Mom, I’m sure that their ok.” Laura said.
“Well at least Faith and Terri weren’t leaving until tomorrow.” Peggy said.
Laura hummed a carol as she helped to make supper. The loneliness of the farmhouse had been replaced with the joy and laugher of family. She was worried about her brother and his family, but she was also worried about Ric and Hank. She knew that the storm wouldn’t stop the swede from his errand. The horses needed fresh hay and oats. Still she wished he had waited.
“I’m sure that Swede is doing just fine, Laurie.” Julie said.
Meg looked up from a pan of biscuits, “What this about a Swede?” She asked.
“Aunt Laura’s boyfriend,” Barbara teased.
“Hank is a friend and my handyman.” Laura said.
“Well being up here alone I can see where he would be handy.” Julie quipped.
Laura looked at Julie, “Are you saying I’m not a virgin?” She teased.
Tiffany chuckled, “What Miss Victorian, sleep with a man outside of marriage?”
Laura gave Tiffany a dirty look, “For what it’s worth, I am still a virgin. As for Hank, well he does have many good qualities. I may be a little sweet on him.”
Debbie spoke up, “A little sweet? Your eyes light up like spotlights when he’s in the same room. Besides he gave you a kiss on the cheek before he left and it wasn’t a brotherly one either.”
Laura saw her opening to turn the tables on her tormentors, “Debbie, what would you know about kissing?” She teased.
“I’m a sixteen-year-old girl so I guess I’ve done a little kissing but that’s all.” Debbie protested
“Hey leave my cousin alone. I’ve kissed a couple of guys too. I don’t see anything wrong with a little kissing and touching.” Abby said.
Meg looked at her daughter, “We need to have a talk.”
“Mom, don’t worry I still have my virginity. I have plans beyond high school and I’m not ready for that until I reach most of my goals.” Abby said.
Meg looked at her daughter and smiled, “Well, I see you have some good sense.”
Abby laughed, “Of course I do. I come from some good old New England Catholic stock.”
Laura opened the oven and placed a pan of pork chops on the rack. She chuckled as listened to the banter among all of them. For the first time in along months she felt comfortable and at home. The farm would never seem empty to her again.
“Were those Pork chops store bought?” Meg asked.
“Nope they came from a hog that Hank and slaughtered last fall. Don’t worry they’re still good.” Laura said.
“Oh I’m not worried; I saw the smokehouse and had to ask.” Meg said.
Laura sat on a stool and took a sip of coco. She couldn’t help beaming. She was so happy that things were working out better than she expected. The only thing needed was for everyone to get there safe. She looked around her kitchen at everyone working and smiled. She looked out at the snow and saw that it has slowed. “Thank ye, your highness for this break in the storm.” She silently prayed.
She looked up at the kitchen clock.
It was about eight pm. when Ric heard the conductor shout, “Next Stop, Morgan’s Hallow.”
Ric stood up and collected the gifts. He removed the mistletoe from his pocket. “God, please let my true love receive me back.” He prayed.
Outside the station, Ric gathered his luggage. He saw a tall blond haired man loading a work sleigh. Ric smiled has approached the man, “Hank, I‘m I ever glad to see you.”
“Ric, Laurie, will be very happy to see you.” Hank laughed.
“How is the old farm looking?” Ric said.
Hank smiled, “It is back to what it once was. Help me with the hay and oats then I will take you there.”
““Laura may welcome me with open arms. Julie, well that may be a completely different story. We’re not on good terms. I love her with all my soul but after deserting my family I don’t think she will be glad to see me.” Ric said.
“Do not be sure, Julie is a brave woman, but in her eyes you can see she is missing someone important.” Hank said.
“Hank, more than anything, I do hope that you’re right.” Ric said.
When they were done, Hank helped Ric to load his luggage onto the sleigh. They placed the gifts behind the seat. Hank gently popped Dasher’s back with the reigns.
“Laura, will worry about me for coming down so late but the hay and feed is needed. You will like the way the farm looks.” Hank said.
“I know that you two have done a lot of hard work. I can’t wait to see the old place.” Ric said.
“Laura is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met.” Hank said.
Dasher snorted and Hank cocked his head, “Mind your own business Dasher.” He laughed.
“This storm as slowed up a bit, but it’s just taking a breather.” Ric told him.
Laura heard the sleigh bells from Hank’s work sleigh. She walked to the back door. Ric stood in the doorway with his arms full of gifts. Laura smiled, “Welcome home Ric.”
“Where are Julie and the girls?” Ric asked.
“They’re in the main parlor. I’ll help Hank with your suitcases; you go and see your family.” Laura said giving her brother in law a hug.
Ric walked into the parlor and looked around the room, “Is a jackass allowed in?” he asked.
Julie started crying, “Well they‘ve let this jackass stay. Oh god Ric I‘ve missed you since the day we split up.”
Ric took Julie his arms and held tightly to her. Barbara and Debbie ran to their parents. The rest look at them and smiled. Peter and Meg knew how much time they could have lost had they not put things right.
“Landsakes, look at us just gawking at them.” Mary said.
Julie reached into her pocket and removed the mistletoe leaf. Ric saw the leaf and removed the branch from his pocket. Julie looked at Ric then she placed the leaf where there was a leaf missing, “Ric where did you find this?” Julie asked
“A young woman named Shea was setting next to me at the Riverton Common Train Depot. We talked a little bit then I had to go to the restroom. When I returned, this branch was where she was setting. I assumed she dropped it.” Rick explained.
“Shea? That was the name we gave the fairy queen at the Fairy’s Meadow!” Julie said.
Ric, slapped his forehead, “Damn, Her name is Shea. I remember now.”
“Landsakes now that is a mighty queer thing.” Peggy said.
“Well it looks like someone was looking after you two, The one mistletoe branch is supposed to mean that your true love will welcome you back.” Tiffany said.
“A lone mistletoe leaf means that a lost love will return.” Mary added.
“This place is full of miracles. I told you that this place is magical and full of enchantments.” Debbie said.
“Well Magic or not. I’m mighty glad Dad is home with us.” Barbara cried.
Barbara hugged both her parents. Something at the window caught her eye. She thought she saw a young girl dressed in red and green smiling at them.
With a mischievous smile, Shea nodded at Barbara and touch her lips as she faded into the falling snow. “Now I’ll be a leaving but I’ll be a watching over ye.” Barbara heard in her mind.
Barbara pulled Laura to the side, “I saw her! And she spoke to me!” she laughed.
“Whom did you see and hear?” Laura asked.
“Her royal highness, Queen Shea of the Fairy’s Meadow.” Barbara said.
Laura looked at Barbara, “See life is full of magic if you just open up your mind.”
“The suitcases are upstairs and Hank needs some help with the hay. Oh and Hank will be staying the night. The storm looks to be picking up again.” Laura said.
The phone rang and Laura answered it, “Hello, Laura West speaking?”
“Laurie, this is Greg. Sue, Adam, Tony and Tammy are here at Morgan’s Tavern. We decided to try to drive from Appleton but we only got this far. We’ve got a couple of rooms and will try to drive up tomorrow.” Greg said.
“I’ll take the sleigh and pick all of you up the first thing in the morning.” Laura said.
“That sounds good to me. It will take a week to plow that road. Oh we’ve got a minor reunion going on here, Faith and Terri decided to try to drive up sooner than expected.” Greg said.
“Well, I can get Hank to help get everyone here.” Laura said.
“Ok I will see you in the morning.” Greg said.
Greg hung up the phone and looked at Sue, “Laura and Hank will pick us in the morning.” He said,
“Who is Hank?” Sue said.
“Laurie‘s neighbor, He helped her refurbish the farm. Remember he emailed us wanting me to seen copies of pictures of the farm when we were growing up.” Greg said.
“How are we supposed to get to this dumb farm?” Adam West asked.
“Adam, you knew back in September that we planned to move up here. You need to get that chip off your shoulder.” Sue responded.
“Laurie will be picking us up in the family sleigh.” Greg said.
“Great, first we’re moving to Logan Harbor now I have to ride in a sleigh like a little kid.” Adam said.
Sue slapped her son, “Listen to me, your dad didn’t marry my family. I married his. I grew up on Beacon Hill with all its facades. I want all of you to know what’s important. Adam, the material things in life aren’t what really matters, but it what’s inside. Now get to bed.”
Greg watched as Adam went into the joining room. He turned to Sue, “I’ll talk to him. That Irish temper of yours is a sight to be hold.” He said.
“We’ve been planning this move for six months and we included the kids. I don’t want Adam to spoil things with his attitude.” Sue said.
“He’s sixteen and wants to spread his wings, but I’m getting tired of his sharp tongue. We’ve taught him better.” Greg said.
“His wings have been clipped by Andra McDonald. I wish Adam would see her for who she really is.”
“Give him time. How did you escape becoming a Beacon Hill mall rat?”
“My hard Irish stubbornness I guess. All I know is that I wanted a life and a mate that didn’t require a lot of complex protocol. I found a good man and the life I was looking for.”
“Well I think I’m the lucky one. You fell in love with Logan Harbor, the minute you saw it.”
“It is a real place with real people unlike those on Beacon Hill.”
“I’ll talk to Adam again in the morning. He may be in a better mood.”
“You’ve told me that the family farm had a magic touch. Well when it comes to our eldest son, I hope you’re right.” Sue said.
No comments:
Post a Comment