PART 7
It was another beautiful day at Plumbfield; the colors of the trees and the sky were enough to make one stop and catch their breath. Yet in the midst of all that, there was a general cloud over the inhabitants of Plumbfield; a marriage in question, a questionable friendship, and a mother facing one of life's greatest struggles. Nick was determined that morning to help ease at least one of those problems.
"Mornin' Asia," he said, coming into the kitchen.
"You're late," Asia said with a small grin, "Breakfast was a while ago."
"I know, I was workin' on somethin'….say, is Jo around?"
"She's upstairs, didn't even come down for breakfast. Rob's worried, poor boy thinks it's his fault for some reason," Asia said shaking her head.
"Where's he now?"
"Upstairs with her. She called for him 'bout 20 minutes ago," Asia replied. Nick gave a glance up the stairs, and reluctantly sat down at the table. For the next five minutes he was up and down, up and down. Finally, Asia said, "Sit!" And she placed some food in front of him, hoping to distract him. It worked for a little while.
"Asia," Nick began thoughtfully, "If Rob leaves, then Plumbfield won't be a school no more right?"
"I s'pose so. Don't think Mrs. Jo has the heart to enroll a bunch of new kids."
"And so if everyone's gone, then it'll just be you, Jo, and me, right?"
"Well, I'm goin' to go visit my family for a while….so it'll probably just be you and Jo."
"That's what I thought," groaned Nick, "Asia, it's one thing when people talk. But I been thinkin' and I can't live here alone with Jo. It'd be more than just people speculatin'….two unmarried adults livin' together?" Asia simply nodded her head…knowing what was coming. Yet she remained silent; she wanted Nick to do this all on his own.
"Now let's say there were…different circumstances," Nick said thoughtfully, getting up from the table.
"Nick--what do you mean?"
"What? I mean different circumstances…..what I'm tryin' to say is….well….I mean, say I wanted to…..well if I was interested in…." Nick floundered and Asia, with a grin finally decided to help him.
"Sure would be nice if Jo could get outta the house for a while," Asia said thoughtfully…to no one in particular.
"Know what Asia? You're absolutely right. I guess I could take her somewhere…uh….maybe…"
"What about a picnic?" Asia asked slyly.
"Yeah! Yeah, a picnic!" Nick exclaimed as if the idea were his own, "But what would I…."
"Nick!" Asia said, "You just sit down at that table and listen good!" Nick looked shocked but did as she asked. "Gotta act like yougin's," Asia muttered, "Always gotta lead them by the hand….Nick, I know exactly what you should do!" And as Nick listened silently as Asia relayed to him her "spur of the moment" idea…..Asia finally set her plan in motion….
Laurie awoke in bed to find Amy sitting up straight next to him. "Sweetheart?" he mumbled in concern.
"Oh, I'm sorry I woke you," Amy sighed with a frown. Laurie's concerned look stayed in place as he sat up next to her. He knew she was thinking about Bess and Dan, and he also knew that what she needed was silence until she was ready to talk about things.
After a while, her voice broke the silence by saying, "They remind me of us."
Laurie knew of course, the "they" she was talking about and asked, "How so my dear?"
"They've known each other so long, and now that they've discovered these feelings….they want to act so fast," Amy replied. After more silence she said softly, "Sometimes I wonder if we acted in haste. I wouldn't ever go back and change anything Laurie, but sometimes I do wonder; my painting, your music. What might have been?"
Laurie thought about that for a while and finally said, "Then I think we should persuade Bess to use her scholarship….a few years apart will allow them to try out those other dreams….and I believe their love is strong enough." Amy nodded, and after a few moments, Laurie began to get up.
As he neared the door, Amy called out, "Or perhaps we should have them wait only one year." At Laurie's surprised look she went on, "The scholarship is good for a year…and I think that after that time, they'll both know what they want. Laurie, dreams are important yes… but……life is short."
Laurie, looking at his wife in silent admiration, walked over to her and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Who knew my wife was not only charming and lovely, but a secret romantic at heart?" he smiled and chuckled softly. Amy looked down modestly, and Laurie actually laughed as her cheeks turned slightly pink. "Shall we ride out and tell her after breakfast?" Laurie asked.
Amy nodded and squeezed his hand. "Our little girl is finally…..grown up," she said softly with a bittersweet smile.
"…and as long as you'd be happy," Jo said with a smile, softly touching Rob.
"Are you sure?" Rob couldn't keep the excitement out of his voice.
"Of course I am!" Jo smiled. Hesitation suddenly filled his face and Jo asked, "Is there something else?"
"Well…..what will you do?" he asked simply. At her confused look he went on, "After I've gone and Bess, Dan, Nan, Nat….after they all leave, who'll be here to take care of you?"
Jo gave her son a curious glance and smiled at his kind thinking. "Why I won't be alone! Don't worry, Asia will be here," she said.
"And Nick," Rob said grinning. Jo gave him an uncomfortable glance and fidgeted nervously. "Thanks mother," Rob said planting a kiss on her cheek. Jo hugged him as if he were leaving that very second…not wanting to waste any precious time. And then, just as suddenly as he'd appeared in her room, he left.
Jo sigh and walked downstairs into the….empty kitchen? 'What's going on?' she thought nervously. "Asia? Children?……Nick?" she called out. She made her way to the front of the house, and walked outside. She caught a glimpse of someone on horseback, riding very quickly.
"Jo!" a voice seemed to call out. Jo pulled her shawl tighter around her and looked in curiosity at the approaching stranger. Once he came nearer, she realized it was no stranger, but Nick!! "Something wrong?" she called out in alarm.
"Jo! Your sister!! Gotta come quick!!" he panted.
"Just let me get a horse-"
"No time!" Nick said quickly, lowering his hand, "Gonna have to ride with me." After a second's hesitation, Jo placed her hand in his and quickly swung up in front of him. Her being that close to him almost made her forget everything else for a moment, but then they were speeding off down the lane. The funny thing was that Jo, being that close to him, forgot to ask questions as she usually did… Of course, maybe that was all part of the plan…
"Nat! Where did you say we were going again?" Nan asked in a tired voice.
"I didn't," Nat grinned and tugged on her hand, "Come on…it's only a little farther, I promise!"
"Oh, all right," Nan muttered several other things under her breath which Nat couldn't quite make out.
"What was that?" Nat inquired.
"Oh nothing, I was just reminding myself of why I agreed to come all the way out here this early in the morning for…..why are we out here again?" Nan asked.
"Nice try Nan, but it's a surprise," Nat said again.
"Still, can't I even have a little hin-"
"SHHHH!!" Nat hissed, pulling Nan up next to him and pointing up ahead.
"Nat, I don't see what the-"
"Over there," Nat said softly, pointing to a small figure, which appeared to be lying on the ground. Nan said no more and slowly walked toward the creature. When she finally got near enough, she caught her breath. It was a baby deer….clearly hurt and sick.
"Nat! How did you-"
"Nan, can't you help it?" Nat prompted her. She gave him an uncertain look, and then turned to the deer.
"I don't have my-"
"Right here," Nat said, pulling her small kit out of his pocket. She gave him an incredulous look and then turned toward the animal. It was too young and weak to protest as she softly and gently began to clean it's wounds. Nat simply stood and watched her, and he thought about how beautiful she was, how skilled, and how happy he would be if this moment could go on forever.
PART 8
