He walked down to the kitchen and sat with Carson at the table. They waited for Bev. Then, they walked out to the truck. Carson opened the truck door for Bev. Charles got in the back of the crew cab. Then, Bev climbed in. Carson closed the door and walked around. He started the truck and drove to the diner.
Bev talked about how excited Molly was to be doing this project together with Gretchen. She thought they made a good team. She was right they did. They always had fun working together. Carson agreed.
He talked to Bev about some farm business he was going to discuss with Walter and asked if she had any items to add to the list. They talked about the crops on the farm, and a few odds and ends.
They reached the diner and were the first to arrive. When they walked in the hostess greeted them and asked if the table they had ready would be fine. It was. They found the seats they wanted and sat down. The waitress came over, set out menus and took their orders for drinks. Just as the waitress was leaving, Molly and the girls walked in. They saw the rest of the family and walked over. The waitress came back and talked to Molly. They knew each other from high school. After a brief chat, she took their drink orders.
It wasn’t long before Gretchen and Walter walked through the door. They looked around the room and waved at them. They started toward the table, talking to friends on the way. When they reached the table, they greeted everyone and sat down. The waitress came over and asked for their drink orders. She went to get their drinks.
The girls and Charles moved to one end of the table and the grown-ups sat at the other. They all looked over the menu. Sophie wanted to know what Cynthia was going to order. The waitress brought the drinks and took everyone’s order.
When she left Gretchen and Molly started talking about the market. Gretchen was telling Molly that she stayed an extra hour and worked on the shelving. She said that she and Walter had walked over to the market before they came to breakfast. She thought that the one coat of paint was going to be fine. She added that she touched up a couple of places where the old paint showed through, but the rest of it looked good.
Walter told Carson that most of the farmers in the area, except two, were going to participate in the market. He said, “Gretchen has talked to Marsha Croston at the local paper. She is writing an article about the market’s grand opening.”
Gretchen was talking to Molly about the extra shelving she had ordered. Bev asked about the equipment that was left from the previous owners and if they were going to be able to use any of it. Molly said they had a few shelves in very good condition and a couple that needed repairs before they could be used.
Walter was talking to Carson about farm business. He went over the final order that was placed at the Farm Supply Store. They talked about the new tractor and the other tractors in the barn. Walter wanted to know about the local food pantry. Should they change their donation, based on the opening of the market? They talked about having the fence inspected in case it needed to be repaired. Bev started to discuss the bee shack, and the repairs it needed.
Charles and the girls played the Rock, Paper, Scissors game.
It wasn’t long before the food arrived and they all ate breakfast. When they finished, Carson paid the bill. Walter left the tip on the table. Molly went over and talked to the waitress before leaving.
They walked over to the farmers’ market. It looked really good. They all took a tour, discussing the progress and checking the list of supplies Gretchen and Molly put together. Everyone was very excited about the possibilities. Charles, Cynthia and Sophie walked around and explored. Walter volunteered to come in and refinish the floors. It was all coming together. Molly and Gretchen were planning to meet, and work in the afternoon. Bev volunteered to watch the girls.
Once they got back to the farmhouse, the girls helped Nana quilt. They were expecting Margaret. Charles went to retrieve Paw Paw’s journal and belongings from his room. He walked back to the kitchen and dialed Caroline’s number.
Mr. Saunders answered. “Mr. Saunders, may I speak with Caroline?”
“Is this Charles?” he asked.
“Yes, it is Sir.”
“She is with her mom. I’ll tell her you called when they get back from the store.”
“Thank you Sir,” Charles said. After he hung up, he picked up his things and searched for Carson.
Charles found him in the library. Carson set his morning newspaper on the table as Charles stood in the doorway. They both walked to the kitchen. They talked to Bev and told her where they were going as they walked out the back door. Earlier, crickets had been collected for Esmond, and they were in a bag. Charles picked it up. When they entered the office Charles set his things on the table and the bag beside the aquarium. He took Esmond out of the aquarium and cleaned it. Carson let Airabelle out to fly around. Once the tank was clean Charles put Esmond back in the aquarium to eat. He turned and sat down with Carson’s journal. He opened the journal, and set it in his lap. Then, he looked over at Carson.
Carson could sense Charles looking at him and asked, “Charles, did you need something?” He turned and looked at Charles.
“Yes. I wanted to ask a favor.”
“Go on…”
“Caroline is bringing the book back tomorrow when she comes to the picnic. I wanted to ask if she might be able to borrow another book.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
“Of course it’s okay with me. Use your best judgment. Someday they will all be yours anyway,” he said smiling at Charles. “Caroline is special, isn’t she Charles?”
“Yes, I think so,” Charles said. Then, Charles picked up the journal and his glasses. He began reading where he left off.
Carson smiled to himself. He didn’t need Charles to answer that question. He already knew the answer. He stood up from the desk, walked over and placed the black key in the keyhole. The books turned from their vault. Airabelle landed on Carson’s shoulder and whispered in his ear. Once Esmond had finished his meal, Carson let him out of the aquarium. He and Airabelle explored the office together.
Charles watched every so often wondering what they were talking about. After all, what could a bird have to say to a frog? Charles went back to reading the journal.
Airabelle landed Carson’s desk. She was whispering to him. Carson stopped, turned around and looked at Esmond. Then, he looked at Charles. “Charles.” Charles stopped reading and looked at Carson.
“Yes, Paw Paw?”
“Airabelle and Esmond would like to know if Esmond could be released. He told Airabelle he was not unhappy here, but he misses the pond.”
Charles looked at Airabelle. Airabelle was looking at Esmond who was croaking.
“I don’t see why not. I just thought he would be company for Airabelle.”
“He has been good company for her,” Carson said. Airabelle nodded.
“Well, let’s set him free.”
Carson picked Esmond up and opened the door to the office. He walked into the yard and set him down in the grass. Esmond just sat there and stared, unbelieving that he was free. Finally, he hopped away into the tree line in back of the garage. The weather outside was changing and getting a little cooler. The sky was starting to get heavy with thick gray clouds. It smelled like rain.
Carson came back inside and closed the door. Charles looked at Airabelle. She sat still with her head under her left wing. Charles didn’t quite know what to say. He looked at Carson. He was stroking her feathers whispering to her.
Charles whispered, “I am sorry Airabelle.” He picked up the journal and went back to reading. He was sad for Airabelle. She seemed to really enjoy Esmond’s company. Charles tried to picture in his mind what Esmond might be doing, but the thought of the frog catching flies or crickets was not really appealing. So, he went back to reading. It was a perfect day for reading.
It was gently raining now. The raindrops could be heard on the windowpane. Airabelle sat on Carson’s desk. The two of them were looking over books
and maps. Charles continued to read until he finished the journal. He hoped the weather for the picnic tomorrow would be better than it was right now.
**********
Caroline was sitting in her room staring out the window watching the rain. She thought: it’s better that it rains today than tomorrow. She was looking forward to the picnic. If it rains tomorrow then the picnic will have to be inside and that won’t be much fun. She looked at the book on the dresser. She was glad Charles shared it with her; now they would have something to talk about tomorrow. He said she might be able to borrow another book. She wondered what he would choose for her this time if she were allowed to take another book from the library.
She heard her mom calling to her. Caroline walked to the kitchen and reached for her apron that hung on a hook under the message chalkboard. It was one her grandma Margaret made for her. It was a pretty apron made from colorful quilting scraps. It had ruffles and pockets that came in handy. It reminded Caroline to ask her grandma to teach her to sew.
Joyce started to put ingredients on the counter along with her recipe box. The recipe box was special because it once belonged to Joyce’s aunt. When the box was passed down to Margaret, she let Joyce have it along with certain family recipes as a wedding gift. Whenever Joyce wanted to impress her friends she would use a recipe from the box. Many of the recipes in the box were award winners of their time. Aunt Catherine would not only write the recipe, but also a little funny story to go along with the masterpiece she had created. Joyce always embellished the story, just a bit when she retold it.
Caroline always liked to bake with her mom. She made cooking fun. Joyce was looking through the recipe box and said, “Let’s see, what dishes would be perfect for the picnic tomorrow?” She looked at the cards and pulled one out. It was stained and the corner was bent. “Do you know what is on this little recipe card Caroline?”
“No,” Caroline said shaking her head.
“This my dear, is Aunt Catherine’s Blue Ribbon White Layer Cake with Butter cream filling topped with her own special Infallible Frosting.” Joyce raised her eyebrows up and down. “Sure to please.” She started into the anecdotal short story neatly printed on a folded paper, which also included the blue ribbon winning dates.
CHAPTER 13
It was time to pick up Ruthie at her house. Sterling was excited to be going to the lake. He talked nonstop about all of his friends at the lake, and what they were going to do once he got there. Dolores tried not to burst his balloon because she was still considering selling the place. She resented the fact that Joseph kept sending her away at his whim to maintain it. Plus he’d been volunteering her time to his “friends” to work on their campaigns. He had booked up her time so that it didn’t feel like she was a stay-at-home mom any more.
Dolores enjoyed having a conversation with Ruthie over lunch. They managed to have girl talk in code, while Sterling was in his own world playing with his action figures. They were off to a good start, and even arrived at the airport on time.
Dolores joked with Ruthie, “Maybe I should bring you with me every time I go to the lake.”
Ruthie smiled. “I’m happy to travel with you whenever you ask me.”
Her words were priceless to Dolores. Sterling slept the whole time on the plane while they talked. He was so peaceful-looking to Dolores. She figured he was dreaming about playing with his friends. He was the only reason she hadn’t sold the place thus far. She knew he’d be heartbroken.
They made it to the rental car kiosk and upgraded their car for the week. Dolores drove and surprisingly she felt confident for the first time that she knew the way to the lake house. As they drove through town Ruthie was quiet as she looked around. Dolores was certain she hated it too. It looked like a movie set all pristine and perfect. The houses were all cute with curb appeal. Their lawns were cut and trimmed with their perfect little flowerbeds. The downtown and surrounding areas had the cutest curiosity shops and restaurants. It was all so perfect, unlike home.
When they pulled into the driveway Sterling jumped out of the car and ran toward his friend’s house next door. Dolores exited the car and started carrying their luggage inside. She had a feeling just by looking at the expression on Ruthie’s face, she would talk some sense into her; tell her she was right! Sell it! Dolores went looking for Ruthie.
Ruthie brought her bags in the house, and then walked outside to look around.
Dolores watched her for a moment from the window surveying the property. She opened the patio French door and met her out on the patio. “Terrible huh? I told you, but you didn’t believe me. Go on. Tell me to sell it. I hate it.”
Ruthie looked over at Sterling running around the yard with his friend. She turned away from Dolores and smiled into the sun. She listened as Dolores kept going on and on about the house, and how much she hated it there.
Dolores plopped down into one of the two chairs on the patio and looked out over the lake. Tears flooded her eyes.
Ruthie turned around and looked at her. “Are you kidding? I love this place! Don’t you dare sell it! Don’t you see the beauty all around you?”
Dolores looked around. She scowled as she tried to see what her best friend was looking at. “Huh? What did you say Ruthie? Have you lost your mind?”
Ruthie laughed. “It’s wonderful here… I love the little town! It feels like the perfect home Dolly. Just look at Sterling!” He was running and laughing. “I’ve never seen him so happy. On the way to the house every neighbor we saw along the way waved at us. It’s so friendly. Just look at your lake view. One of the best I have ever seen. The lake is breathtaking and alive. It’s fun here!”
Dolores raised an eyebrow. “Is this one of your moments of insanity? I’m certain you are going to snap out of it any minute.”
Ruthie laughed. “This, my dear, is the best thing that ever happened to you.”
Dolores laughed at the thought of that comment. Ruthie really had a great sense of humor. “I have to admit, you had me going for a moment.”
Ruthie came over and sat down. “I see an incredible opportunity here for you. I can’t believe you don’t see it too.” Dolores just stared at her in disbelief.
Ruthie laughed. “Tomorrow, first thing, we are going shopping for furniture. I saw several cute antique shops in town and a hardware store. Wait until you see what we are going to do to this place with a little paint. You won’t even recognize it.” Dolores was skeptical.
That night the neighbors invited them over for a barbecue. Ruthie had a great time getting to know them. Sterling played with his friends. Dolores just sat back and observed.
CHAPTER 14
Bev was cutting fabric at the table. Sophie was running around the room with a makeshift cape made from quilting blocks that didn’t quite fit into the scheme of any quilt. Sophie loved her cape. She could play for hours darting around the house, or jumping off the couch. Cynthia was helping Margaret sew. Margaret’s quilt was coming together nicely. Cynthia had the knack for piecing a quilt. She was very precise.
Bev left the room to prepare lunch. Sophie joined her and helped pack lunch in the picnic basket for Carson and Charles. Bev poured the peach tea into a thermos. She double-checked to make sure everything was in the basket before she and Sophie took it to the office. The rain had stopped earlier that morning. Sophie’s cape flew behind her as she ran the length of the yard trying to catch butterflies that were effortlessly making their way around the flower garden. “Sophie, don’t you want to take this to Paw Paw and Charles?” Bev called to her.
Sophie turned and ran back. She was running so fast she tripped and fell. Bev stood and watched to see what her reaction would be. Sophie just stood back up, brushed off her hands, and then resumed running toward Bev, laughing. When she made it to Bev they walked the rest of the way to the office.
“Are you okay? You took quite a fall.”
“Yes. It will heal,” Sophie said smiling up at her.
Bev knocked on the off
ice door. Carson greeted them with a kiss on the cheek. Charles set his glasses aside. He came over to greet them, and put Sophie on his shoulders. As they were playing in the yard something caught Sophie’s eye by the birdbath. She moved closer stealthily, and squealed with excitement when she saw the frog jump.
“Look Nana, a frog!” Sophie said pointing. She tried to catch it, but it kept jumping around. After a wild chase it hopped to the office and in through the door.
“That’s odd,” Nana said laughing. She brought in the picnic basket and set in on Carson’s desk.
Charles picked Esmond up and brought him to Sophie. Esmond was protesting by wiggling around making him hard to handle. Sophie stroked him on his back. “We were wondering what happened to you,” Charles said to the frog. They talked about what frogs eat.
“He eats crickets, yuck!” Sophie said sticking out her tongue. “Well, I can catch them. Want me to bring you some?”
“Do you think you can?”
“If Nana lets me.” She turned to Bev. “Can I Nana, please?”
“I don’t care,” Bev replied.
Charles walked over and picked up the bag. He handed Esmond over to Carson. “All right then, let’s go Sophie. I’ll help.”
Bev told Sophie, “Come inside when you finish, and wash your hands!”
Carson and Bev talked for a moment more as they watched Charles and Sophie try to find crickets. Bev returned to the house. Carson went into the office. He put Esmond in the aquarium and went back outside to watch the great hunt.
Charles and Sophie caught a few crickets under the leaves of a big hosta plant, and more around the flowers. Charles thanked Sophie for Esmond’s lunch.
“Esmond is a funny name,” she said.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 17