Nelly laughs softly, “I hope so. This will be mighty embarrassin’ if he doesn’t.”
“Where is Abel Lee, anyway?” I look around and I don’t see him.
The manager smiles and says, “He’s finishing up in layaway.”
We wait and soon he comes up with a few employees at his side. His mother asks, “How are we goin’ to get this stuff home? I didn’t realize how much we were gettin.’”
“We’ll be delivering everything,” the store manager clarifies.
“Since when does K-Mart deliver?” Mia asks.
No one answers. We wait while everything gets rung up and Abel Lee pays for the entire purchase with one swipe of his credit card. It is a black credit card, and I didn’t even know they came in that color. I can’t begin to imagine how much everything costs. “For the benefit of the cause,” he called it. I imagine he’ll be sleepin’ mighty good tonight. Helpin’ others always helps me to sleep better. The most important thing is not to hurt anyone, even unintentionally, but since none of us is perfect, we need to help other people in this world.
“We’ll have everything delivered by 7:00 this evening. Someone will be at this address, correct?” The store manager has a huge grin on his face.
“We’ll be there, thank you.” Abel Lee reaches his hand out for the manager’s.
“Thank you, Abel. You just made some kids very happy.”
I stop by the store before goin’ home. Helpin’ Abel Lee and his family to help others feels incredible. I can’t imagine being able to do something so generous, something of that magnitude. I know the small things I do to help others feel good, but to do what Abel Lee did today, I can’t even begin to imagine how good he feels. He’s a good guy, no doubt about that.
After I check the mail, I open the gas bill and cringe. I hate the winter months. The heatin’ bills are higher than the mortgage on my small house. Even usin’ the wood-burnin’ fireplace, it’s outrageously high. Of course, I have to pay for the wood I burn. I also get a water bill and a personal letter. No return address, but I know it’s from my friend in Florida. Brea always sends me letters trying to bribe me to come down for a visit. If I had the money, I would visit her every chance I get.
I smile as I tear open the notecard size envelope. I’m excited to see what kind of a bribe she’s posted this time. A picture of her toes in the sandy white beaches. A picture of her on the beach with a margarita in hand. It could be details of her trip to the Florida Keys. I’m happy she got away, but I miss her terribly. I read:
Savannah,
Watch out!
I drop the card and watch it fall to the floor. I rub my arms with my hands to warm myself. The note isn’t what I expected, and it’s not from Brea. With the murder of Megan Rose, I have to wonder if this isn’t a warnin’ from the killer. Is it possible the small town of Rose Farm has a serial killer at large? I pick up the note and read it again. I flip it over, but there isn’t anything else written on it.
It’s ridiculous to think it’s from a serial killer. My mind thinks about the people I know, and the people who know where I live. I have no enemies so who could it be from? Well, I do have one enemy — Heather Sue. She stole my husband, but what else does she want from me?
As the weeks pass, so does the story and news about the murder of Megan Rose. I guess it’s best, especially in a small town like Rose Farm, to let that kind of story dissolve. I wonder about her killer and about her family. I’d like to think the family is healin’, and that the killer died a slow and painful death in some undisclosed location.
Abel Lee
Christmas Eve is on Wednesday this year. As always, it’s our night to work the community meal at the church. And just like Thanksgiving, Momma has prepared a Christmas feast for everyone. Pops slaughtered a couple hogs and a cow last week. We don’t cook the food at home this time; instead, we prepare the food at the church.
Savannah Mae and Sawyer Jackson are already there when we arrive. Sawyer Jackson is sitting on a blanket in the middle of the floor playing with toys and books. A few board games are scattered about the blanket. Christmas music is playing from the corner of the room. Although it’s not home, it has a homey feel.
I help where I can, but I mostly stay out of the way and play with Sawyer Jackson. A few people arrive early and come in to get warm. Mia and Momma have the coffee pot ready for them. Mia also places some decorated Christmas cookies beside the large coffee carafe.
“Savannah Mae had to leave, so would you mind keepin’ an eye on Sawyer Jackson?” Momma asks.
“No problem.”
“Just make sure he doesn’t eat too many cookies.” She smiles and I follow her eyes to the cookie platter where Sawyer Jackson is standing.
“This will be a job, won’t it?”
“Why do you think I asked you to watch him?” She looks over her shoulder and laughs. I get Sawyer Jackson away from the cookie tray and work on keeping him occupied with games and puzzles. A girl walks in and for a minute I think it’s Savannah Mae. It’s not. I’m introduced to her and learn it’s Savannah’s younger sister, Samantha Marie.
“Aunt Sammie,” Sawyer Jackson yells, running up to her.
People start coming in and I soon start recognizing they are from the local church. The preacher and his wife, Savannah Mae’s parents, and even the staff from Peaches Place show up. I fold Sawyer Jackson’s blanket and pick up his toys so people won’t have to walk around them. The rest of the Wednesday night regulars start coming in closer to suppertime.
I see Savannah Mae when she comes in, and I nod at her. It looks like she’s looking for someone. She comes over and hands me some money.
“What’s this?”
“Money for the layaway you paid for at Wal-Mart. I told you, I don’t need your handout.” She says sternly and she looks very upset.
“I didn’t pay for your layaway at Wal-Mart.” I carefully take her hand, with the money in it, and push it away from me.
“Don’t lie to me.”
“Savannah Mae, when I tell you I didn’t pay for your layaway at Wal-Mart, I would hope that you would believe me.”
“If you didn’t, then who did?”
“That would remain a mystery. I paid for the layaways at K-Mart the day we were in there. I have no idea who they were for. I was just trying to make sure that every child has a blessed Christmas. I didn’t pay for the Wal-Mart layaways. Someone else did that. Every Christmas, we read about anonymous Layaway Angels. Lots of Good Samaritans are named Anonymous.”
She watches me and her eyes become shiny; they glisten with unshed tears. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off like that. I just don’t want anyone feelin’ sorry for us.”
“No apology needed and I don’t feel sorry for you.”
She leans into me. “I already overlooked one good deed.”
She must be talking about me paying her debt at the grocery store. “What good deed is that?”
“Abel Lee, don’t be actin’ like you didn’t pay for my groceries awhile back.” I just look at her without saying anything. “Thank you. That was mighty nice of you.”
“You’re welcome, Savannah Mae.”
“Doesn’t answer the question of who paid for my layaway? The woman working at Wal-Mart said all of the Christmas layaways that included toys have been paid for.”
I look down at her and smile. “Maybe it’s time to start believing in miracles.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
The preacher stands up and gives a small sermon before we eat Christmas Eve dinner. I sit with Savannah Mae and Sawyer Jackson. The preacher also reads the Christmas Story out of the Bible during dinner. It’s the real meaning of Christmas.
We eat a hearty meal of ham, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, and homemade bread. This year, no one brought potato salad. Last year, Pops tells me, way too many families did. There is plenty of food and enough for seconds, and even thirds. After we eat, and after everything is cleaned up
, Pops and the preacher stand up to get everyone’s attention.
“We have a special treat for everyone this year,” Pops says humbly. “Santa came early and brought everyone blankets, socks, long johns, hats, mittens, scarves, coats, and a backpack full of personal items and food.”
There are smiles and excited chatter from everyone. Mia, Mom, Levi, Savannah Mae; her sister, Samantha Marie; and even Sawyer Jackson scatter the items that were in bags under the tree, around the tables, in front of everyone. They watch, but no one touches anything.
“Go ahead, these are for you,” Pops says. “Don’t be shy. There’s enough for everyone.”
I watch as Pearl cries into Larry’s shirt. “Are you sure?” Mark asks.
Momma walks over and says, “Yes, Santa wanted to make sure everyone was warm and well fed this winter. He also stocked the church with food.”
“Oh, Nelly,” Pearl cries. She is unable to say anything else. I look away. I can’t watch. It pulls at my heartstrings to see so many people so appreciative of so little.
Savannah Mae comes over and leans into me. “You did this,” she whispers. “You made this happen. It’s almost magical to witness this.”
I watch as people start to gather their items and put them on. “I don’t think I have ever seen something so touching in my whole life. People are so humble and grateful to receive so little. No one should have to want to be warm, or to have food in their bellies. No one should have to want a bed to sleep in, or a roof over their head.”
“People in these parts are very grateful and thankful. Sure would be nice if they all could find work.” Savannah Mae’s eyes are misty and she sniffles. “The secret to happiness for a lot of people is a steady paycheck.”
I remember the old Rose Farm School sitting empty and I get an idea.
I look around the room at the fifteen people who gathered into the kitchen of the church on Christmas Eve for a hot meal.
“Abel Lee, we want to thank you for everything,” Pearl, the oldest woman present, says as she leans in to hug me.
I return her hug. “You’re welcome, but how did you know it was me?”
“I asked your Momma. I had to thank you personally.”
I only nod. I wish Momma hadn’t said anything. Not much of a secret if everyone knows. “You’re very welcome, Miss Pearl. Did you get some things that you can use?”
“Oh, Lord, did we! Everything we got, we can use.” I watch as she wipes her tears away. “Thank you. That was mighty kind of you to go out and do all this for us.”
“Miss Pearl, it was my pleasure.” I smile and pat her on her hands. “We’ll help everyone get home tonight since you have a few extra items to carry.”
She searches my eyes with a sad smile, before patting my cheeks with both of her hands. “Your Momma and Daddy sure did raise a nice boy. You and Levi both are mighty fine boys.”
“Thank you, Miss Pearl. Pops and Momma wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone your secret,” she says and walks away slowly.
Savannah Mae smiles and leans into me. “You know, what she said is right.”
I laugh. “So, you think I’m a nice boy, too?”
“I think you’re nice, and I think your Momma and Daddy raised both their sons to be good people.”
I’m so happy she didn’t call me a boy. “Thank you.”
“Just statin’ the facts.” She looks up at me and says, “I was meanin’ to ask ya, whatcha doin’ tomorrow night?”
I look down at her. “It’s Christmas. I don’t guess I’ll be doing much of anything. Farm work and dinner with the family.” Should I invite her to dinner?
She looks around the room. “Would you like to come over tomorrow night? Sawyer Jackson will be at his daddy’s, and I was thinkin’ maybe we can watch a movie, or something.” She looks away. “I mean, if you…”
“I would love to,” I quickly say, before she changes her mind.
She looks up and smiles. “Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Good. I won’t be home from dinner from my folks until after 6:00 p.m. But anytime after that is good.”
I quickly remember my manners. “I would bring pizza, but I don’t think anyplace will be open on Christmas day.”
She looks up at me and I notice her beautiful blue eyes. “We can have leftovers if you get hungry. I need to get my boy home. I still have gifts to wrap before Santa comes.”
Before we all leave, we make sure everyone has a ride home with all of their things. It makes me happy and sad to see some people are wearing their hats, coats, and mittens. I’m deeply happy they can use them, but it saddens me that they need to wear them now. As the Farmer’s Almanac had predicted, it is a mighty cold winter.
Momma sent the leftover food home with whoever wanted it. Thankfully there was plenty for everyone to have something. Pops locks up and we head home. Mia and Levi will be over tomorrow for dinner and the family gift exchange. I know they’ll be there early to help with the preparation of the food.
Before bed, Pops puts a few logs in the fireplace. “You’re not tired, Abel?” Pops asks as he takes a seat across from me in his recliner.
I lean up from the couch and interlock my fingers. “I thought I would stay up a bit longer. I’m not far from bed myself.”
“Got something on your mind, Son?”
I nod, “I always have something on my mind.”
“Well, spill it.”
Taking a deep breath I say, “Savannah Mae asked me to come over tomorrow night.”
“She’s a mighty fine girl. What’s the problem?”
“It’s Christmas…”
Pops interrupts. “And you don’t know if you should take her something for Christmas or not?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Unless you have her something already bought, it’s too late to get her something now. Unless you go to a gas station and buy her beer nuts.”
“I don’t think it’s right to just show up empty handed, or with beer nuts.” I crack my knuckles and suddenly feel strange talking to my Pops about this.
“Is it a date?”
“I don’t know.” I hope so. If it is, I hope to get more than one date with her. I don’t think beer nuts will do it.
“Well, I guess if you’re lookin’ to impress her, you need to get to makin’ her somethin’.” He looks in the direction of his bedroom. “Your Momma might be the one you need to be talkin’ too. She’s mighty good when it comes to courtin’ a woman.” He chuckles. “She taught me everything I needed to know.”
Momma comes out of the bedroom wearing a flannel robe and fuzzy slippers, carrying Christmas gifts. “Looks like you fellows are in deep conversation.” I watch as she makes her way to the tree.
“Abel has a question for ya, Belle.”
I look at Pops, and I’m suddenly embarrassed. He smiles and I want to rescind my question. Momma places the gifts under the tree. It’s Christmas and she is just now putting the gifts out like Santa brought them. Momma sits down and tells Pops to get the rest of the gifts. As soon as he disappears into the bedroom, she says, “What’s on your mind?”
She is sitting beside me on the couch and is staring me in the eyes. I blink and look away. There’s something about the way she was looking at me, almost like she can read my thoughts. “Savannah Mae invited me over tomorrow night to watch a movie. I’m not sure if I should…”
“Of course you should. You better not show up there empty handed. And if Sawyer Jackson’s gonna to be there, you’ll need to take him something, too.”
“He’ll be at his daddy’s.” I look at her. “I have no idea what to bring her. It’s Christmas Eve.”
Pops places the gifts under the tree, sits down, and watches the fire.
“Well, you have until tomorrow to figure something out. You still play that guitar, serenade her.” She leans in and kisses me. “Good night, Abel.”
“Good night,
Momma.” I kiss her back and watch as she and Pops stand to go to bed. “Good night, Pops.”
“Good night, Son.”
I continue to sit by the fire and watch the blue flames dance around the wood. It sizzles, cracks, and pops. Serenade Savannah Mae? There must be something else I can do. When the fire dies down, I place another log in the fireplace. I look at the gifts under the tree and shake my head. My parents still play Santa Claus. Walking quietly into my bedroom, I get the envelopes I have for everyone and tie them to the tree. They won’t be happy with my gifts to them.
The thoughts of Savannah Mae keep me awake. I throw on my Carhartt coat and grab a bottle of Budweiser from the fridge before heading outside. The night is cold and the clear sky is filled with stars. It’s a lot brighter out here since the barn light is fixed.
I carry some firewood from the barn to the wrap-around porch. Serenade Savannah Mae? Really? There must be something else I can do for her. I hear the horse and walk over to feed her an apple. “Can’t sleep either, ole girl?” I pat her and she likes it. “You wanna go for a ride?” I search the barn for a saddle and bridle and saddle her up. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a horse, but I’m pretty sure I can do this.
We gallop in the direction of where we cut the pine trees on Thanksgiving. I stop to give the horse a rest and admire the quiet night. I remember when I was younger, I couldn’t wait to leave here. Now, I can’t remember why.
When we get back to the barn, I brush the horse and put her away. “You got a name, girl?” I feed her an apple and head into the house.
The next morning, I collect the eggs and feed the animals. Momma always has the coffee maker on automatic start for 5:00 a.m. Between the smell of coffee and the roosters crowing, there’s no chance of me, or anyone else, sleeping in.
When I return from the morning chores, Momma and Pops are up and sitting at the kitchen table. The lights are all on in the house and it smells of food, even though it’s just getting to be dawn. Momma sees me and stands up from the table. “Merry Christmas, Abel.”
Bending down to kiss her, I say, “Merry Christmas, Momma.”
“It’s so good havin’ you home for the holidays.”
Rose Farm Trilogy Boxset Page 7