The Joining Tree

by Claire Fogel

  “Dad, I owe Francis so much. I really want to do something for him, just to say ‘thank you.’”

  “That’s really not necessary, dear. But I have one suggestion. As far as I know, no one has ever painted a picture of him.”

  So I did. It would take months to complete because it had to be perfect.

  I saw Amy every weekend. She and Gavin were still a steady couple, which I was glad to see. At school, I’d gotten used to living alone, but I still missed Gavin. He’d been a wonderful roommate, but he was happy now, and I felt he deserved to be.

  Kevin didn’t make it home for Thanksgiving, no surprise, but Sean did. He and his dad had pooled their funds and finally bought Sean a car of his own. He called me as soon as he arrived home to say, “Hey Beautiful, I’ve got something to show you!” Of course, he came right over.

  When I opened the front door, he grabbed my hand with a big smile. “Come on, you’ve got to see this.”

  “This” was a vintage Cadillac, much older than we were, so old it actually had fins. It had obviously been someone’s pride and joy because it was spotless.

  “Sean, it’s gorgeous. I’ll bet it’s been kept in someone’s garage for the past forty or more years.”

  He beamed. “Yeah, it belonged to a client of dad’s. The body was perfect, but it needed some engine work. While I was at school, my father turned it over to a mechanic who loves to work on vintage cars.”

  It was baby blue with a white interior and actually looked like a new car.

  “How’s the gas mileage?”

  He made an embarrassed face. “Uh, well, we don’t talk about gas mileage, Cara. It takes a full tank to get me to and from school, so I’ll have to continue doing construction work during the summers just to cover the gas. But it’s okay, I love this car!”

  Of course, he had to take me for a ride in it immediately. I ran inside to let my folks know where I was going, and my father came outside with me to see Sean’s “new” car.

  “This is a very impressive vehicle, Sean. I think I’d like to have one like it when I learn how to drive.”

  Sean’s eyebrows went straight up. “You’re going to learn to drive, Mr. Blackthorne?”

  My dad grinned. “Yes, and if I succeed, I think I’ll need a car this size.”

  “Have you told Mom yet?” I asked.

  “Uh, well, no. I was thinking I’d take lessons like you did, and then surprise her after I get my driver’s license.” He looked momentarily unsure. “What do you think, Cara?”

  I grinned. “She’ll definitely be surprised, Dad.”

  Riding in Sean’s Caddy was a real pleasure. It was even roomier than my car, and the genuine leather seats were soft the way only real leather became after years of use.

  “Very comfy, Sean. I love it.”

  He chuckled. “Nice wide bench seat too. All kinds of comfort here.” He grinned at me.

  I rolled my eyes. “Yep, whatever you say.” I hated to rain on his parade, but we wouldn’t be getting that comfortable.

  We had a fun Thanksgiving weekend. Before we left to go back to school on Sunday, Sean was already making plans for our Christmas vacation.

  He wanted to spend some of that time riding in the forest, visiting Elvenwood, and maybe attending a few parties. It all sounded good to me as long as I had enough time to prepare artwork for a January Art Show in New York City. This one would be in Greenwich Village.

  Miss Galen had called me to ask if I could prepare at least a dozen pieces to show at the gallery. “Cara, your name is becoming more well known, and we never know what will be popular from one year to the next, so I think we should strike while the iron is hot, as they say.”

  That was fine with me. The more of my artwork that sold, the closer I’d be to that Art Gallery I wanted to open in Thornewood.

  Before I left school for our Christmas break, Aidan Fox stopped by to take me out to dinner. He’d been either calling me or stopping by my apartment every week or two. He said he just wanted to see how I was doing. The way a friend would.

  But Christmas was only a week away, and he said he wanted to see me before I left for home. I suspected he had a gift for me, but that was okay because I had one for him too.

  We enjoyed a good dinner at Rudy’s, the stylish coffee shop he’d taken me to before. The restaurant was nicely decorated for Christmas with a live tree in one corner. Twinkle lights were strung up everywhere, reminding me of my parents’ wedding in our backyard. That brought back another memory, one I was trying to forget.

  Aidan noticed the change in my mood. “What’s wrong, Cara? You were smiling a minute ago. Is it the Christmas decorations?”

  I shook my head. “No, it’s all the twinkle lights. So pretty, but so deceiving.” I hadn’t meant to say that. I looked up at him. “Can we talk about something else?”

  “Sure.” He hesitated. “Cara, I don’t know how close you are with your friends at school, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.” He smiled. “I may not be able to solve your problems, but I can always listen.”

  “Thanks, Aidan. But some problems can’t be solved, you know?”

  He looked at me, his light eyes sympathetic. “I know. Now cheer up. I have a little something for you.” He pulled a small box out of his jacket pocket and handed it to me.

  “Aidan, you didn’t have to do this.”

  “No, but I saw it in a window and couldn’t resist. You’ll see why.” His light eyes sparkled, crinkling at the corners.

  I took the pretty silk bow off the box and opened it. I couldn’t help smiling. He was right. It was perfect, a small artist’s palette, studded with tiny colored stones to represent the different paint colors daubed on a palette. It was only about an inch and a half wide and had a pin on the back.

  “Aidan, this is beautiful, perfect for me.” I looked up at him. “This was so thoughtful. Thank you.” I immediately pinned it to my sweater.

  He was smiling, clearly pleased that I liked it. “It was my pleasure, Cara.”

  “When you take me home, you’ll have to come in. I have something for you too!”

  He looked surprised. “That wasn’t necessary.”

  I grinned at him. “I know.” His thoughtful gift had put me in a much better mood.

  When we got back to the yellow house on Birch Street, he followed me in.

  “Have a seat, Aidan. I’ll be right back.” I went into the bedroom and pulled a paper-wrapped canvas out of my closet.”

  I returned to the living room and handed it to him. “Merry Christmas, Aidan.”

  He took the paper off carefully to find a pen and ink drawing of himself. Both eyebrows shot up in surprise. I’d drawn him just the way he’d looked when I got back from summer vacation. He’d been leaning against his car casually with his arms crossed against his chest, looking serious.

  To say he looked shocked would be putting it mildly.

  “Is this the way you see me?” he asked.

  I looked at my drawing again and grinned. “Aidan, I think this is the way everyone sees you.”

  He looked at me and laughed. “Then why aren’t gorgeous women lined up at my door?”

  “You mean they aren’t?” I pretended to look shocked.

  He chuckled, looking back at my drawing, shaking his head.

  “I now have an original Cara Blackthorne. This is an incredible gift, Cara. Many thanks.” He still looked surprised, as though he couldn’t believe what he was looking at.

  “You’re very welcome. I enjoyed working on it.”

  He stood up and I walked him to the door where he put the drawing down and gave me a gentle hug, dropping a kiss on top of my head.

  “You’re really one of a kind, Cara,” he whispered. “Have a wonderful Christmas. I’ll see you when you get back.”

  He ran down the steps, out to his car, waving as he got into it.

  As I watched him drive away, I looked up to see the first snow of the season begin to fall.
/>   Mother Nature wanted to make sure we knew it was really winter. The snow came down for a day and a half.

  Yes, it created a pretty landscape, but it was only acceptable to me if the roads cleared before Christmas. Mother Nature must have heard me complaining. I finally made it home on Christmas Eve.

  This was my third Christmas with my father, an event that never failed to thrill me. He was the best gift I had ever received. Being greeted with one of his enveloping hugs made my life almost perfect.

  But even my father couldn’t make me forget what was missing.

  I was able to spend some quality time with both Kevin and Amy, but not at the same time, of course. Sean and I double-dated with Amy and Gavin at the Pizza Palace one night. Gavin had never been there before. He loved both the pizza and the oldies music. He and Amy were on the dance floor most of the evening.

  Sean was unfailingly polite to Gavin, but not actually friendly. When I asked why, he said, “Because of Gavin, you were physically hurt at least twice, Cara. I understand about his mother, but this last time, there really was no excuse.”

  “Oh. Well, if I could forgive him, I don’t see why you can’t.”

  His expression was totally serious. He put one arm around me and looked me in the eye. “You obviously don’t put as high a value on your own life and well being as I do,” he said softly.

  I had no answer for that, so I kissed him.

  It didn’t snow again, so a few days after Christmas Sean and I rode to Elvenwood. Storm showed me how happy he was to see me by stamping his hooves on the frozen ground and blowing into my hair until I asked him to let me climb on. Sean was laughing as he sat on Cloud’s back, watching Storm’s antics.

  Riding during the winter months wasn’t nearly as much fun as it was during the rest of the year. It was too darn cold. Sean and I both wore layers upon layers of warm clothing, but by the time we reached Elvenwood, we were both shivering. That ended when we passed through Elvenwood’s gateway. The air temperature was noticeably warmer, and, as always, there was magic in the air.

  We rode the greys directly to the stable and left them with Will, who greeted me by lifting me off the ground as he looked me over, saying, “You still haven’t grown, lass. I guess there’s no hope, is there?”

  I had to laugh. Will’s sense of humor was so transparent. “Oh, I don’t know, Will. I fully expect to wake up one morning and find I’m as big as my father! It’s only a matter of time, you know. Now please put me back on the ground.”

  Will laughed, finally putting me down.

  He greeted Sean by telling him it was getting harder and harder to tell him and Conor apart.

  Sean just grinned.

  After lunch in the dining hall, we walked to Francis Sullivan’s studio. I’d finally finished my pen and ink drawing of him and planned to give it to him that day. Admittedly, I was a little nervous.

  Sean asked, “What are you worried about? I saw your drawing, and it’s a perfect likeness of Francis. I think he’ll love it.”

  I knocked on Francis’ studio door and heard, “Come in, Cara.” I had to laugh. He’d recognized my knock, which I had to explain to Sean.

  Francis was wiping paint off his hands as he came to the door to greet us.

  “It’s so good to see you both,” he said with a smile. “What have you brought with you today? You know, you don’t have to bring your work to me for approval any longer, but I do enjoy seeing it.”

  I put my leather portfolio on his table and pulled out everything I’d been working on, with my pen and ink drawing of him placed on the bottom.

  He looked at each one carefully, nodding and smiling, until he came to the last one.

  Looking up at me in shock, he said, “Cara! You drew a picture of me. Why?”

  Oh, crap. He’s offended. Why did I listen to my father?

  Nervously, I answered, “I wanted to do something to thank you for that beautiful easel you had made for me. My dad told me that no one had ever painted a picture of you. I thought you might like to have one.” I’d drawn him in profile, at his easel, brush in hand, sunlight shining through the skylight.

  I was relieved when he began smiling. “Cara, dear, it’s a wonderful gift, one I’m not sure I deserve. For you to use your gift to draw me—it was so unexpected and a complete surprise. Thank you, dear.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek.

  I took my drawing from him, saying, “I’m taking this to the wood shop to have it framed, Francis. They’ll bring it back to you when it’s done.”

  He shook his head, actually looking embarrassed. “This is really too much, Cara, but I do thank you, most sincerely.”

  We said goodbye to Francis and walked over to the wood shop to see Garrett.

  Grinning, Sean whispered in my ear, “I think he liked it!”

  I nodded happily. “Yeah, I think he did.”

  When we walked into the wood shop, the smell of wood shavings filled the air, pine and maple predominantly. I loved the smell.

  Garrett looked up from a cabinet he was building, and greeted me with a warm smile. “We haven’t seen you in months, Cara. How do you like your new easel?”

  “It’s wonderful. I use it every weekend I’m home. And the smaller one you made for me gets a lot of use too. You do great work.”

  “Thank you. And what can I do for you today?”

  I opened my portfolio and pulled out my drawing of Francis. Handing it to Garrett, I said, “I made this as a gift for Francis. Would you please make a suitable frame for it? I’ll pay for it myself.”

  He looked at my drawing, his eyes widening. “Cara, this is wonderful! And I know just how I’ll frame it. A simple lacquered black frame, I think.” He looked up at me, beaming.

  “You know, Francis has made so much money for our village. We all owe him a great deal. But he asks for nothing other than art supplies.” He smiled. “It’s about time someone did something special for him. I’ll make sure everyone in the village gets a chance to see this.”

  “You will let me pay for the frame, won’t you?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, Cara. I’ll send the bill to your father.” I wasn’t sure he was serious, but before I could ask, the door to the wood shop opened suddenly and I was being hugged so hard, I could barely breathe.

  I heard, “Hello, cousin!” He finally let go and I turned to see my cousin Jason’s smiling face. “Jason, it’s good to see you too. I’ve missed you. You have to come over to Mom’s house while I’m home from school.”

  He grinned, nodding. “I have the day off tomorrow, and I’d love to spend it with you.”

  “It’s a date. Unfortunately, Sean and I should leave now. I don’t want to ride through the forest in the dark, so I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After I received another bone-crushing hug, and Sean got a “guy-hug,” we left for the stable.

  As we walked from the wood shop, I said, “I’ll have to come back another day. I still haven’t seen Kathleen, or Gabe, or Ryan, or Arlynn. I hate these short winter days. It gets dark too early,” I grumbled.

  “You have time. You’re home for another week, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. But if it snows again, I may not be able to get here.” I was still grumbling.

  He laughed. “Yeah, I forgot. You hate winter.”

  I spent most of the rest of my Christmas vacation in my studio, working on some watercolors for the January show in Soho. When Jason stopped by, that’s where he found me.

  “Cara, can you take a break for a little while so we can catch up?” His smile seemed a bit sad. “I hardly ever see you anymore. We never get a chance to talk.”

  He was right. “I’m sorry, Jason. Between school and getting artwork prepared for shows, I really don’t have much free time. Besides working in the wood shop, what else have you been up to?”

  He grinned. “Well, now that Amy’s bakery is open again, I’m there a few times a week to buy donuts. Everyone there is so kind.”

  Of course they were
. My cousin Jason was such a sweet young man, as beautiful as he was nice. Everyone who met him was at least a little in love with him.

  “I still run errands for your father frequently, and that gives me a chance to come into town. The people I met during your last year in high school always remember me and stop to chat.”

  I smiled. Of course they’d remember Jason.

  He confided, “You know how much I enjoy the human world, cousin. I think if I had a job here, rather than in Elvenwood, I would be perfectly happy!”

  Jason had once admitted that life in Elvenwood was simply too much of the same old, same old, year after year. He longed for more challenge and more excitement. And that gave me an idea.

  “Jason, I have something in mind that might appeal to you. I want to open my own Art Gallery here in town. My father and Mr. Callahan want to be my partners in the Gallery. I think it will probably be a year or more before we’re able to open, but when we do, we’ll need someone to both work in the Gallery when I’m not there, and to make frames for the work we display. You could handle both.”

  His eyes were huge. “That would be wonderful! I would love to work in your Gallery, and I’ve become a fair woodworker too. Making frames would be easy.”

  He threw his arms around me and squeezed. I gasped. “Jason, can’t breathe . . .”

  He was grinning. “Sorry, cousin. But what you just described would be a dream come true for me. I can’t thank you enough!”

  “Well, I’ll have to discuss it with my father and Mr. Callahan, but I think they’ll agree that you’d be perfect for the job.” I was grinning too. I’d never seen Jason so happy.

  He grabbed my hand. “Cousin, this calls for a celebration. Do you think you could call for pizza?”

  It still amused me how much the Elves loved pizza.

  “It’s lunchtime. Great idea. Let’s go back to the house and I’ll order the pizza.”

  I’m convinced that my father is occasionally psychic. He came in the back door with a big smile. “I had a feeling you’d be getting pizza, Cara. Will there be enough for three?”