Fireflies

by P. S. Bartlett

  “Please, whatever you do, if you feel things when you’re around or you touch someone, do not speak it aloud. People have secrets and feelings which they do not wish to be shared. This is very important, Ennis, do you understand me?” Teagan said, leaning down to look deeply into those crystal green eyes.

  “All right, Teagan. I promise. I won’t,” Ennis answered, as he turned and ran towards the house.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Fagan had returned from work and went straight into the barn to tend to the horses. However, this time he didn’t at least stop in the house to greet his mother or inquire on what she was cooking for the evening supper as he normally did. He was back to his brooding self almost overnight. Although he’d been a bit moody since Sunday, tonight was a full on Fagan tragedy and he was sitting alone in the barn with his head in his hands.

  “Fagan, are you alright?” came Liffey’s lilting voice, from the doorway of the barn.

  “Yes,” Fagan curtly replied.

  “I don’t believe you. Please, maybe if you talk about it,” she said, sitting down the bucket of water she was carrying and stepping inside.

  “What can I say? Is there anything that will make it any easier Lif?” Fagan replied, staring down at the hay covered floor.

  “Well, I know when I’m feeling badly, it helps me to talk about it,” she said taking a few steps closer to her brother.

  “Lif, I mean no harm but I truly think you will not understand,” Fagan said shaking his head.

  “Is it Mary?” Liffey asked, precariously stepping on hallowed ground.

  Fagan only looked up at her and glared.

  “Has she withdrawn her affections? You don’t have to answer me. I just thought it may be easier if I said it,” Liffey said creeping ever closer to him until she felt secure enough to sit down next to him.

  “What do you know of love?” Fagan said, again lowering his head.

  “It’s true, I cannot speak from any experience of love, Fagan. On that point you are correct. However, I’ve known Mary for a long time,” Liffey said, placing her hand on Fagan’s shoulder tenderly.

  “She wouldn’t even come to the door. I rode all of the way over there to her house on my way from the Wilburs.’ I only wanted to inquire as to whether or not she would like to join us for dinner. I knocked and her mother answered and said only that Mary wished not to see me anymore. She wouldn’t even open the door. I was so careful not to say the wrong things. I know I didn’t do anything to offend her,” Fagan said as he finally became engaged with Liffey and she could see he was distraught and on the brink of tears.

  “Fagan, Mary has always been a beautiful and sweet girl but as long as I’ve known her, I’ve never been able to befriend her. I do not think you’ve made any mistakes. We all saw how happy you were and that obviously things were going well...”

  “No. Things were not going well,” Fagan had opened up completely now and Liffey allowed him to speak freely and she welcomed his words because she knew he was not one to ever share them.

  “Go on,” she coaxed.

  “I saw something in her eyes on Sunday evening which has disturbed me since then. I saw something I had never seen and it was as if she was hiding a terrible and painful secret. She seemed distant and although not completely disinterested but more like a doll than a real girl. Do you understand?” Fagan said, now looking directly at Liffey’s warm and loving expression.

  “Yes, I completely understand,” She replied.

  “Ennis had offered to help me but Ma won’t allow it and now, it is of no consequence since she doesn’t want to see me anymore.”

  “Perhaps I could go to her and try to speak to her. I am no threat or foe. I may even be able to find out why she’s changed her heart,” Liffey said, wondering how on earth she would be able to accomplish this.

  “Would you, Lif? I know if I could at least understand why, this may pass quickly and I will be able to move on,” Fagan replied, reaching for his sister’s hand and taking it into his.

  “Of course I will. I’ll have one of the boys take me over after supper to call on her,” Liffey cheerfully replied.

  “Liffey, I know someone is out there looking for you. You are a wonderful girl and I hope whoever he is, he will forever endeavor to make you happy,” Fagan leaned over and gave his sister a sweet peck on the cheek.

  “I had better get this water up to the house to Ma. I’m surprised she hasn’t come looking for me already!” said Liffey, picking up the bucket and heading quickly up to the house.

  Liffey wondered how she would be able to accomplish this visit to Mary but she had promised she would and therefore she’d find a way. She poured the water into the large basin in the kitchen and hurried through the house to find Teagan. Certainly she could devise a brilliant plan to carry out this plot. Liffey didn’t have to look far, as Teagan was out on the front porch, reading another of Brogan’s stories to Ennis and Patrick.

  “Teagan, may I have a minute?” asked Liffey.

  “Of course, Lif,” Teagan said, climbing out of her da’s chair and handing the papers to Patrick.

  “Here is where I left off, Patrick. Can you read a bit?” Teagan asked.

  “Oh, all right,” said Patrick reluctantly.

  “I’ll just be a minute,” Teagan said, pulling Liffey by the sleeve to the opposite end of the porch.

  “Well?” Teagan asked impatiently.

  “Teagan I’ll keep this as brief as I can, but Fagan has told me Mary suddenly spurned him. She won’t even see him face to face and sent her ma to the door to turn him away,” Liffey’s words were quick and filled with angst.

  “No!” shouted Teagan, throwing both hands over her mouth in surprise. “This can’t be! That Mary Olsen! I should go over there and give her a licking she’ll never forget!”

  “No Teagan! My goodness, Fagan would be so cross with you if you did! I told him I’ve known Mary a long time and I would go and speak to her and perhaps she might impart to me why she changed her heart so quickly. Although, I’ve often debated within myself if Mary Olsen even had a heart. She’s always been such a cold one, don’t you agree?” asked Liffey, cupping a hand aside her mouth to shield her words from prying ears.

  Teagan had never seen such spunk and vigor in Liffey and she was excited and intrigued and was certain there was no way Liffey would be able to do this on her own.

  “Liffey, I’ll come with you. Mrs. Olsen couldn’t turn away two of Mary’s lifelong friends now could she?” Teagan’s words were smooth and full of cunning.

  “Will you promise no licking Teagan?” Liffey asked. “To answer your question though, Mrs. Olsen is an odd old bird herself you know. I’ve seen her come to church on several occasions and not even stay for lunch! I’ve even overheard the ladies speaking of it.”

  “Well then it’s settled. After supper, we’ll have Fagan hitch up Joe and we’ll take ourselves a little ride to the Olsens’ and get to the bottom of this. However, Lif, she had better have a good reason for this. Our Fagan is a fine man and he deserves an apology at the very least! Any decent girl would never treat our brother so poorly,” Teagan said as she shook her sister’s hand hard and went back to reading to the boys.

  Liffey headed swiftly back into the kitchen and put on her apron to get to work on supper. All through the preparations she felt tense and concerned about their scheme but now, even she was filled with questions about Mary’s odd behavior. Fagan was a very good catch and she felt Mary must have some motivation in order to just toss him aside so meanly. She began to peel the potatoes with a vengeance and several times Sarah had commented to her on how forceful she was being this evening with the vegetables. Liffey only chuckled lightly and made the excuse she was just full of energy for some reason, which led her to request permission to take a ride after supper with Teagan to get some fresh air.

  “Take a ride? Two young ladies all alone? I hardly think that a prudent idea,” Sarah said.

  “Ma, Teagan and
I are almost grown and I highly doubt a brief carriage ride to pay a visit to a friend will place either of us in any jeopardy. However, if you are worried, perhaps one of the boys could ride along as well?” Liffey suggested, as she’d already thought about taking Brogan along.

  “What about Ennis? What will he do while you go for this ride?” asked Sarah.

  “Well he’s more than welcome to come,” said Liffey, who was now in the throes of anxiety as she knew if Ennis came along, he may know everything they had conspired and ruin their plans. “I thought maybe you’d allow Teagan a brief distraction as she’s been so obedient, Ma, and has been taking such good care of him,” Liffey added, shifting her eyes to Teagan.

  “I’ll think on it is all I’m gonna say,” said Sarah going back to her work.

  Liffey smiled to herself, satisfied she’d done well. She felt somewhat naughty and wondered why she’d never been so bold before. Once supper was over, she would quickly gather her little army together and head straight over to the Olsens’ home. She was feeling as brave as she’d ever been and very excited at both the prospect of helping Fagan and possibly giving Mary a lecture on the proper way to break things off with a beau. Actually, all she was really worried about was finding out what was wrong and why she had chosen to spurn Fagan, so she could put her brother’s mind at ease.

  Owen and Connell entered as always just as the grace was about to be said. Ennis bounced and wiggled and raised his hand high but Owen chose Teagan this evening, as she had actually raised her hand.

  “Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for this wonderful meal and the many others we have been so blessed with in our lives. Thank you for our wonderful Ma and Da and for the home they provide us, our education and our daily guidance. Amen.” Teagan was quite eloquent this evening and everyone of course agreed whole heartedly in the prayer she’d offered and joined her resoundingly with their amens.

  “Owen, Liffey and Teagan would like to take a ride by themselves after supper. How do ya’ feel about that?” inquired Sarah from across the table.

  “Well, I’d feel much better if one of the boys went along,” Owen replied.

  “They say they want ta' go and visit a friend,” Sarah added, suspiciously. She was wise but for unknown reasons, allowed their scheme to play out.

  “What friend? Where?” Owen replied as he slathered butter across a hunk of warm bread.

  Teagan and Liffey looked at each other and Teagan spoke, crossing her fingers under the table, “Well Da, we’d like to visit Mary Olsen, since she’s practically part of the family now.”

  “Mary Olsen? I’m sure she’ll be lookin’ for Fagan this evenin’ and not you girls,” Owen laughed.

  “Well no, Da. Mary isn’t allowed to see Fagan except for on certain days but we girls can call anytime. Isn’t that right Fagan?” Teagan said, giving Fagan a nod. “And besides, if she isn’t home or if she can’t receive callers then we’ll at least have taken a ride and gotten out of the house a bit.”

  Fagan gave Teagan a look as if to say ‘My goodness you are a good storyteller!’ but then he spoke up finally and said, “Well I’d take them Da but that would look like I was trying to break her rules.”

  “True, Fagan.” Owen agreed.

  “I’ll take them,” Connell said. “I’ve nothing else to do and I’ve sort of had my eye on Beatrice for a bit now.”

  “Beatrice!?” Teagan laughed.

  “Yes, Beatrice! What’s so funny?” Connell asked with a frown.

  “She’s a pill Connell! She’s always complaining about this or that and she’s very immature for her age,” Teagan replied.

  “Well at least she isn’t still running around in her brothers’ clothes at sixteen!” Connell sneered. “Now I am certainly going,” he added.

  Teagan stuck her tongue out at Connell and he laughed.

  “Oh that’s quite enough. It’s settled then. Connell will take you girls to the Olsens’ and Ennis, you can stay here with me and yer da,” Sarah said. “Now everyone finish yer supper!”

  “Why can’t I go, Ma? I promise I’ll be good,” Ennis begged.

  “Ennis, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Sarah replied.

  “Sarah, what harm can the boy do? It will be good fer him to get out and take a ride. He doesn’t even have ta’ get out of the carriage,” Owen said. “You can keep me company out on the porch later,” he winked.

  “Well, all right. Ennis, you are to stay in the carriage and wait for your sisters and yer brother do ya’ understand?” Sarah ordered.

  “Yes Ma! Yes! Thank you Da!” Ennis replied joyfully.

  Liffey looked over at Fagan and he was finally smiling. He had played along well and they all had realized if they hadn’t known before how much they could count on each other under any circumstance, they certainly all knew it now. Although they were slightly deceiving their parents, they felt this was something they needed to do for Fagan’s sake and since Connell had agreed to join in the game, Teagan’s mind was already fixed on picking his brain all of the way over.

  Once their supper was just a memory, Connell, Liffey, Teagan, and Ennis piled into the carriage and headed off down the road toward the Olsen homestead. Now Liffey felt a slight twinge of nervousness as she knew Ennis was already receiving some sort of feelings about their true mission, although he was abiding by what Teagan and his mother had both voiced to him earlier in the day and was not speaking. As a matter of fact he hadn’t spoken at all since they’d left home.

  “Ennis, are you feeling alright?” Liffey asked, placing her hand on his forehead.

  Teagan had sat in front with Connell and had been asking him question upon question about what it’s like to work in their father’s medical office and what types of illness and injuries he sees in the course of the day. She was asking him as well about medical school and if he was excited, to which of course he exclaimed his gratitude for such an opportunity. Connell seemed almost bearable this evening. It may have been because he was the center of attention but also just a little excited to possibly have a word with Beatrice.

  “So about Beatrice,” Teagan said as she took her brother’s arm. “How long have you been ill brother?” she added, breaking into laughter.

  “Oh Teagan you are such a tease!” Connell laughed. “You know I really do not have time for girls but if I did, I wouldn’t mind the company of Beatrice.”

  “Well please dear brother, tell me what it is that has you vexed?” Teagan asked playfully.

  “If you promise not to make fun of me,” Connell said quietly.

  “I’ll be completely silent, brother dear,” Teagan replied, equally as hush.

  “She’s plump.”

  Teagan took a very deep breath and leaned to the right of the carriage. She felt her stomach about to burst. The pressure to contain her laughter was straining at her whole body and she could hold it back no longer when she heard Liffey speak.

  “Teagan! There’s something wrong with Ennis!”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Connell stop,” Teagan said as she leaned over into the back seat of the carriage and called out to Ennis.

  “Ennis? Ennis answer me,” Teagan said.

  Ennis sat completely still. His breathing was perfect and regular and his heart was beating soundly. It just seemed as if he were in some sort of trance.

  “Ennis, it’s me, Teagan. Can you look at me?”

  Ennis’ eyes rotated in her direction and he met her gaze but his light green eyes seemed empty and cold. Just when Teagan was about to have Connell turn the wagon around and head back home, he finally spoke.

  “I’m all right, Teagan. Well, I feel kind of funny. I feel a little dizzy and off balance but I’ll lean over on Liffey,” he answered.

  “No Ennis, if you’re ill, we’ll go home right away. Maybe it’s the ride. Maybe your supper isn’t settled well,” Liffey said.

  “I’m fine. Please. Let’s continue; I need to see the Olsens,” Ennis insisted.

 
Teagan was still half hanging over into the back seat of the carriage but she waved to Connell to continue to the Olsens.’

  “It isn’t much further now Ennis. It’s just around the bend up here,” Teagan said, reaching back and patting him on the thigh.

  “NO stop!!!” Ennis screamed.

  “Oh my goodness, Ennis! What?!” Teagan shouted as Connell pulled on the reins hard, bringing Joe to a stop.

  “What’s going on?!” Connell shouted.

  “Don’t. Don’t go there to the house,” Ennis said quietly, leaning forward out of his seat with Liffey holding on to him.

  “Ennis, what is it? What do you see?” Teagan asked while Liffey and Connell looked on in distress.

  “Shouldn’t we just take him home? Here, let me take a look at him quickly,” Connell said, looking into Ennis’ face and touching his cheeks and forehead. “I don’t understand; he looks completely fine. Ennis? Ennis?”

  “We have to help them,” Ennis said as he started to climb out of his seat.

  “Ennis, no! Wait!” Connell shouted, grabbing onto his brother’s shirt to pull him back into the carriage.

  “Help who, Ennis?” Teagan asked urgently. “Connell, get us to the Olsens.’ We’re nearer to them than we are to home.”

  Connell released Ennis’ shirt as Liffey grabbed him around his waist and with a quick flip of the reins, they were headed straight around the bend and up the hill to their original destination.

  “I understand going to the closest place, Teagan, but what will we say to the Olsens? ‘Our brother is experiencing some spiritual trance’ or maybe ‘please excuse our brother, he’s seeing an angel right now?’” asked Liffey with her arms still wrapped firmly around Ennis’ waist.

  “I understand, Lif, believe me I do but something is telling me we need to get up that hill. Maybe the Olsens are in trouble? Maybe that is what Ennis is feeling,” Teagan implored.

  Ennis was still staring forward. His bright green eyes seemed as if they were glowing in the low, late afternoon sunlight. They had no way of knowing what it was he was envisioning but they surely knew it couldn’t be good. They were still about twenty yards from the house and the closer they came, the more a look of sadness and fear overcame the sweet freckled face of their brother.