by Joy Redmond
ANNA’S VISIONS
Joy Redmond
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Editor in Chief: Nik Morton
Publisher’s Note:
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are the work of the author’s imagination.
Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is coincidental.
Solstice Publishing - www.solsticepublishing.com
Copyright 2012 Joy Redmond
Dedicated in loving memory of Jill Humphries and little Anna.
Chapter One
Anna
Anna West lived with her parents and three brothers in a one-room log cabin in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. Burlap sacks hung across ropes as dividers for sleeping spaces. Her bed was a feather tick, spread on the bare floor.
Every day Anna carried gallon buckets of water to and fro for cooking and also for bathing. She was responsible for storing perishable food in the root cellar, milking the cows, and then taking the pails to a cold spring to keep the milk from spoiling. She brought in wood for the stove and helped her mother with the cooking and cleanup afterward. Though exhaustion claimed her by the end of each day, Anna never grumbled. This was her family, and she loved them. They all worked hard to look after one another.
Once a month, Anna rode down the mountain in a wagon with her pa, where they bought supplies from the general store. She didn’t like how people in the valley stared at her and her family when they rode down the street. A woman in a fancy blue dress stepped out of one of the shops. She glanced their way, and her face pulled into a scowl, like someone held a pile of manure to her nose. Her reaction was nothing new.
“Pa, look at them snobs. They’ve got their noses in the air like they think we stink or something!”
Pa chuckled and replied, “Don’t you pay them no mind. We’re poor, but we’re as good as those high-falutin’ knuckleheads.”
Anna nodded and held her head high. “That’s right, Pa. We’re mountaineers, which makes us special. I’ll never let them get under my skin.” She covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled. “I’ll admit though, I’d like to spit on a few.”
Pa patted Anna’s knee. “Well, spitting on them would only bring you down to their level. But you’re right about one thing, daughter. We’re a special breed and contrary to what valley people think, we’re not inbreeding half-wits. We may not be school-educated, but we’ve got natural smarts.”
“I’ve proved that, Pa. I got better marks than the other kids in school, and most of them were valley kids.”
“Yes, you did, daughter,” Pa said. “You’re the first one in our family to graduate from high school, and I’m proud of you for making all those trips up and down the mountain on foot when I was cutting timber and couldn’t take you in the wagon.”
“It was good for me. Those trips made my leg muscles strong enough to kick a slat out of a barn door,” Anna said with a smile. “And to kick the boys when they picked on me.”
Pa’s mind seemed to be miles away as they rode in silence for a few minutes until Anna added, “I’m proud of that diploma, too. If we have enough money, could I buy a frame for it so I can put it in my hope chest?”
“I think we can manage that,” replied Pa. “What all do you have in your hope chest?”
“I’ve got two quilts that me and Ma hand stitched and some crocheted doilies, and I’ve got lots of notes about all the other things I hope to have someday.”
Pa’s eyes filled with tears. “I hope you get everything your heart desires, daughter. You deserve the best because you’re a special person. You’re a seer, and that’s a gift from God, which means he chose you for greatness.”
Anna wiped her own tears. Her brothers were embarrassed by her gift. Sometimes she wondered if they thought she was crazy, or worse, cursed. But Anna knew it was special and it warmed her heart to know her pa did, too
* * * *
One bright sunshiny day in May, Anna and Pa made their usual trip down the mountain, and when they reached the town, Anna sat up straight, held her head high, and made eye contact with each person who looked her way. Then she took off her sunbonnet, shook her long black hair, letting it cascade down her back. Her dark-brown eyes were sparkling with pride as she nodded and smiled at passersby.
Pa looked over at Anna with a gleam in his eyes. “I have a surprise for you today. Ma wants us to buy some material so she can make you a new skirt and blouse for the big shindig at the Nelson place this Saturday. Old man Nelson has five sons, and maybe one of them will take a liking to you. You’re eighteen now, and that’s considered an old maid in these parts.”
Anna sneered. “I don’t like any of those Nelsons. They drink too much moonshine. And I don’t care if I am an old maid. I ain’t going to marry until I find a man that makes my heart pound at the sight of him. He won’t be a drinker of evil spirits either; I can tell you that much!”
“I hear you, girl, and I agree,” Pa said. “True love is hard to find, but don’t settle for less. Marrying the wrong man would be worse than being an old maid. You listen to what your heart tells you. Love will find you.”
Pa parked the wagon and tied the horses, and then helped Anna down from the wagon. As soon as they entered the general store, Anna headed for the fabric table. She closely examined each blot, wondering which color would look best on her. Finally, she picked out red-and-white checkered material for the skirt and solid white for the blouse. She also selected frilly lace for the edges of the blouse collar and sleeve hems.
The following Saturday, she rolled strands of her long dark hair around rag strips. That evening, she wore her new blouse and her full skirt over layers of petticoats that had huge ruffles around the hems. The petticoats made the skirt stand out in a full circle. She pulled the rags from her hair and let the ringlets fall to below her shoulders. The only mirror in the cabin was wavy and cracked, distorting her image, but she hoped she’d be the prettiest girl at the dance.
Soon she and her family were on their way. They could hear the lively sound of fiddles, banjos, and harmonicas a quarter mile before they reached the Nelson place. As the wagon bounced along the road, Anna tapped her feet and her body swayed to the music.
Pa pulled the wagon beside several others and tied the horses to a hitching post. Anna didn’t wait for one of her brothers to help her down. She lifted her skirt and jumped to the ground. Pa held out his arm and ushered her into the barn.
As they entered the barn, a square dance was in full swing. Anna grabbed Pa’s hand, her feet itching to dance. “Come on, Pa, let’s loosen up,” Anna said, tugging on his big calloused hand.
As the dancers began changing partners, doing a do-si-do, Anna suddenly found herself in the arms of a handsome stranger – and looking into the same face she’d seen in a vision the previous week. He was tall and slim with red hair and a few freckles across his nose and cheeks. He smelled like bay rum, and the touch of his hand sent shivers up her spine. By the time the dance had ended, she was lightheaded. She walked across the floor and stood beside Ma. Then her heart quickened as she saw the handsome stranger walking toward them.
“May I get you a glass of lemonade?” he asked, his voice sounding like music to her ears.
She managed to stammer, “Y-yes, thank you. A body gets mighty thirsty after a good dance.” Her face heated, and she was sure it turned beet red. She had seen him in a vision, which meant their paths were meant to cross, but was it for lov
e – or heartbreak?
As the young man walked away, Anna whispered, “Ma, isn’t he the most handsome man you ever laid eyes on? My heart’s pounding like thunder. I’ve never seen him around these parts. I wonder who he is and where he’s from.”
“I think you’ll get a chance to find out, since he seems to be smitten with you,” Ma replied. “Don’t let him out of your sight. I’ve got a good feeling about him.” She paused a moment, and then added, “But he is a stranger. We’ll need to find out more about him. You know Pa don’t trust strangers.”
“Shush,” Anna whispered, “He’s coming back with the lemonade.”
When the tall young man reached their side, he said, “Here you go, ladies.” He looked at Ma, smiled, and added, “I hope you don’t mind, ma’am, but I got one for you, too.” Then he asked, “Would you mind if your daughter and I step outside so we can talk? It’s pretty loud in here.”
Ma smiled and replied, “I think that would be all right.” She looked at Anna and said, “Your Pa and your brothers will be close by.”
Anna’s face turned red. Why did her brothers have to keep an eye on her? If they poked their heads out the barn door every few minutes and gave her sly looks she’d faint from embarrassment, she was sure, and should their stares or snickers cause this handsome man to be so uncomfortable that he’d come back inside before they got to know each other, she’d simply lay herself down on the ground and will herself to die.
Once outside, the young man said, “Do you think we could go up on that hill over there so we could sit and talk a spell?”
“I think that would be acceptable. We’ll still be in eyesight of Pa.”
They made their way up the hill and stood beside a large weeping willow, where the young man took a white handkerchief from his back pocket and spread it on the ground. Then he held Anna’s hand as she eased herself down and sat.
He sat beside her, drew in a deep breath, and said, “I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Thomas Morgan, but you can call me Tom.”
Anna’s heart fluttered as she smiled. “I’m Anna West. Nice to meet you, Tom.” She studied him closely, and then asked, “You’re not from around here, are you?”
“No, I’m not. I’m visiting relatives over on Flat Ridge. I’ll be leaving in a couple days. I sure wish I had met you sooner,” he said, with the most beautiful smile Anna had ever seen.
Her heart sank. “You’re leaving soon? I thought maybe you were a newcomer to these parts. Where do you live?”
Tom reached for her hand and held it tenderly. “I live in Western Kentucky, about a four-day drive from here. Actually, I could have probably made the trip in three days, but I took my time so I could admire the sights. There was some beautiful scenery on the way here, and I love the mountains. Western Kentucky is flat,” he said. Then, chuckling, he added, “Well, we do have some hills that are steep enough to wind you after you’ve climbed them on foot.”
Anna let Tom continue to hold her hand, never wanting him to let go. “How often do you come here to see your kin?” she asked, her heart aching, fearing it might a few years before he would return.
Tom smiled and squeezed her hand. “This is my first trip, but I can tell you that it won’t be the last – that is, if I can call on you.”
Anna’s breath caught in her throat. She fanned her face with her hand and said, “I think my parents will let you come calling. When will you be back?”
Tom dropped his head and scratched his ear a couple times. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to plan it according to my crops and livestock.” He paused, and then added, “I’ll tell you what. If your parents will let me come courting, I’ll extend my stay for another week – maybe two.”
Anna smiled. “That would be nice. I hope you can stay. I’ll get permission from Ma and Pa for you to come courting, but you’ll have to call on me at my house. We can sit out in the yard, sit under a tree, and talk. Could you tell me more about yourself?”
“Well, I’m twenty-two years old, my parents died in the 1919 influenza epidemic, my only brother moved out to the West Coast, I live in a big house, and I get mighty lonesome. My grandparents hailed from these parts, and all my life I heard my grandma tell stories about the Smokey Mountains. I always longed to see them, and I must say that being on top of a mountain is like being in Heaven.”
Anna smiled. “I love the mountains, too. It’s like you can reach up, climb onto a cloud, and see right into Heaven’s door. But you know what? I’ve always wanted to see other parts of the country. Western Kentucky sounds nice.”
“I think you’d love Kentucky. When I was a teenager, my grandpa told me, ‘Tom, boy, if you want to find you a good woman, you need to get you one from the mountains of Tennessee. She’ll know how to keep a man happy and keep the home fires burning. Just look at me and your grandma.’”
Anna felt light-headed. Was he looking for a wife? Although they’d just met, she was smitten. Could he be the one? Was Tom Morgan her true love?
“Would you like to go back inside?” Tom finally said, breaking the silence. “I want to ask your parents for permission to court you, and then I’d like to dance some more. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to dance with a beautiful girl, and if I’m not being too forward, I think you’re the most beautiful girl I ever laid my eyes on.”
Anna blushed. “Why thank you. We probably should get back before Pa comes looking for us – but I think he’ll let you come courting. You’ll be the first boy who’s asked Ma and Pa.”
“What? A beautiful girl like you should have beaus fighting for your attention!” Tom said with a look of surprise. “You are joking, right?”
“No, I’m not kidding,” Anna replied. “I’ll admit there have been a couple who talked to me about it, but I wasn’t interested, so I told them there was no use in asking Ma and Pa. Around these parts most of the boys drink moonshine, and I don’t take to drinkers.” She narrowed her eyes. “Are you a drinker?”
“I wouldn’t consider myself much of a drinker,” Tom said, “though I do have a little laced eggnog at Christmastime. That’s about it. I hope that’s all right.”
Anna laughed. “I don’t guess a little laced eggnog once a year would be a problem. Pa isn’t a drinker, but my two older brothers hang out with them Nelson boys, drink moonshine, and act mean and stupid. I can’t stand any of them when they’re drunk, and I want nothing to do with them.”
Tom joined her in laughter. “Well, I might act stupid every now and then, but it’s not because of liquor. It’s just my natural personality.”
“Oh, Tom, you’re funny,” she said, giving him a playful shove.
“And you’re beautiful,” he replied, standing and reaching down to help her up. Anna placed her hand in his and he lifted her from the ground. Then he picked up his handkerchief, shook it a couple times, and stuffed it back into his pocket. Hand-in-hand they walked back to the barn and joined the dancers. When Tom twirled Anna around and caught her in his arms, she laughed like a little girl.
After the dance, Tom asked Anna’s parents if he could call on their daughter the next night.
Ma and Pa looked at each other, smiled, and Pa said, “That you may. Just take the road straight up the mountain two miles. We live in the first cabin on your left, but tomorrow is the Sabbath, so don’t call until sunset – and you’ll need to take your leave by ten o’clock.”
“Sunset it is, Mr. West,” said Tom with a broad smile. “Anna, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Then he shook her father’s hand and said, “Thank you, sir.”
* * * *
The next night, Tom Morgan made his way up the mountain just as the sun dipped behind the horizon. He wiped sweat from his brow as he pulled his wagon up to the log cabin. Just as he stepped to the ground, he heard a soft giggle. He looked up and saw Anna’s little brother running inside, singing, “Anna and Tom sitting under a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g!”
Tom walked onto the porch and just as he raised his hand to knock
on the screen door he heard Anna say, “If you open your mouth again, I’ll kick the salt out of you, you little pest!” She abruptly stopped scolding when she turned her body and saw Tom. She cleared her throat; then she said with a smile, “Don’t mind my little brother. Sometimes I think he’s touched in the head.”
Anna opened the screen door and stepped out onto the porch. Tom laughed and said, “I know all about little brothers. I only had one and he was a booger, but I sure miss him now that he’s all grown and lives so far away. I’d sure like it if he could come back and aggravate me again someday.”
“Yeah, someday I’ll probably miss my little brother, too, but right now I’d like to wring his neck,” Anna said with a smile. “You can come inside if you like, or we can go sit under the elm tree.”
“Let’s sit under the tree,” Tom replied. “It’s a beautiful night. Maybe we’ll see a falling star, and we can make a wish.”
“I’ll get a blanket. Be right back.”
* * * *
Anna was happy that he wanted to spend time outside. For the first time in her life, she was a bit embarrassed by where she lived. After all, Tom said he lived in a large house.
She spread the blanket and conversation came easy. By ten o’clock, she felt as if she’d known Tom Morgan all her life. When it was time to say goodnight, Tom asked if he could come back the next night.
“I guess I’m supposed to ask Ma and Pa, but what the heck,” Anna replied. “Come back tomorrow night, but make it after six o’clock. I have to help Ma get the housework done – and then I have to get myself pretty.”
“You don’t have to do anything to make yourself pretty,” said Tom with a chuckle, “but I know how women are. You have to primp.”
“Get out of here.” Anna felt her face flush with embarrassment.
“See you tomorrow. I enjoyed tonight. Thank you,” said Tom with a sweet smile. As Tom Morgan drove away, Anna wasn’t sure how she’d be able to breathe until he returned the next night.