Carson asked Jack if he would join him after lunch, driving into town to take a look at the location they chose for the market. Jack was excited to go. Carson then asked Charles if he would like to go with the guys and give his opinion as well.
“Sure I would!”
Molly and Gretchen had a mother-daughter sort of bond between them. Gretchen was much older than Molly, but since Gretchen had all boys she had taken an interest in Molly when she was a baby.
Carson offered, “It might be good for Molly if she wanted to go and spend time with Gretchen. Gretchen said she could use Molly’s help.”
Jack replied that he was sure it would be a welcome escape for Molly to go and spend time with Gretchen at the market.
Sophie sneaked up on Charles. She made him jump, as she poked him in his ribs. She laughed when she saw his response.
Charles admitted to Sophie, “You startled me! Now the tickle monster is going to have to get you!” Charles chased her until both of them fell to the ground laughing.
Sophie quietly said, “I miss you Charlie.”
“Let me give you a piggy back ride, climb on.” They walked around the yard together catching up on the events of the summer. Sophie was admiring the butterflies in the garden playfully chasing each other from flower to flower.
“Where is Cynthia?” Charles asked.
“Inside I guess. She was peeling potatoes with Nana.”
“Sounds fun,” Charles said grinning.
“Not really, but for Cynthia it is.”
“Shall we go and see what they are doing Sophie?”
“That’s fine; it is getting hot out here even in the shade.” They headed for the house. When they entered the house they could feel a cool breeze. That was the nice thing about the old farmhouse in the summer; it always had a nice breeze coming from the front door to the back door when both doors were propped open. Charles heard his parent’s voices coming from the kitchen. Molly was very excited about the news of the market. She was talking about how happy she would be to work with Gretchen. Molly made it clear she was ready to go into town to see the market building.
“We can all go after lunch,” Jack said. Bev nodded in agreement.
Cynthia finished with the potatoes when she saw Charles and Sophie in the hallway. “Hi Charlie.”
“Hi Cynthia.” They greeted each other with a hug. It was getting crowded with everyone in the kitchen, so Nana cheerfully began putting everyone to work. They were glad to help. In no time everyone made it to the dining room table to sit down. The table looked pretty. Nana always put her special touches on everything. Extra places were set for Margaret and Al who arrived just in time. Margaret apologized for being late.
“Nonsense, we are just glad you both could make it,” Molly said, as she and Margaret hugged.
Al was walking through the door carrying food in both hands. One hand had a full grocery sack and the other had a chocolate layer cake. Bev helped him. She emptied the sack and set the cake aside on the counter. Margaret brought her specialty vegetable and bacon salad and a pasta salad. Bev was very pleased and thanked them as she placed the salads beside the cake.
“You brought the perfect compliments to the honey ham we are having,” Bev said. She and Margaret were discussing the lunch. They followed each other to the dining room and found their seats. Jack returned thanks, and everyone had an enjoyable lunch.
After lunch wasn’t a pleasant experience, especially for Sophie. No one saw it coming, it just happened. Somehow a bee got in the house. Right as Sophie was getting ready to take a bite of dessert, which was her favorite, double fudge chocolate cake-- the darn thing stung her. Sophie jumped from the table. She was hopping around and hollering as if she was on fire, the poor thing. She couldn’t stand the pain from the sting. Molly and Bev rushed to her to try to discover what caused such an outburst. Finally they figured out through charades what had happened. Molly carefully drew the stinger out and Bev went to prepare the baking soda paste. Sophie was escorted from the room. Once things calmed down they began talking about how awful that had to be for Sophie. What a shock.
Charles stood up and went to see her. She was lying on the sofa in the library with a wet rag on her forehead. She was still sobbing. Charles went over to the books on the shelves and searched until he found one Sophie might like to hear. Charles knew exactly which one he was searching for. “Ah ha!” he said as he pulled the book from the shelf.
Sophie heard the book being drawn from the shelf. She sat up and smiled. “A story for me? I love your stories Charlie.”
“I know. Now lay back, Sophie,” Charles said as he stroked her curly blonde hair. She did as she was told. She adjusted herself and her dress until she was comfortable. Charles had already started to read. Sophie thought he was a master at storytelling. In her eyes, no one read with more enthusiasm. He was good at making up different character voices that were funny. As he was reading to her, the sound of his voice made the pain of her sting fade away. She found herself right in the middle of the story, strangely drawn into the plot. Once in a while she would sit up and comment. Charles would pause briefly before going on. Suddenly Charles noticed he didn’t hear anyone else in the house, only his voice. He looked up to find he had an audience. He paused and Nana urged him to continue. His audience was captivated along with Sophie who protested when he stopped. He continued until he finished the book. Everyone stood and applauded except Sophie who was begging for another book to be read. Charles was a little embarrassed by the audience and told Sophie that maybe later he’d read to her later.
“A gift,” Nana said.
“Yes.” Margaret agreed. Then, everyone disbanded through the house and left Charles and Sophie together.
“Thank you. That was nice Charlie. You do have a gift for storytelling,” Sophie said.
“You’re welcome. Just don’t tell anyone else. How are you now?”
“Better.”
Jack came into the library to check on her. He told Charles they would be leaving soon to go into town to see the market. Nana was going to stay there with Margaret and Al to look after Sophie.
“It won’t be long until we are back, Sophie,” Charles said.
“Oh, I’m fine Charlie. You go on.”
Charles left the library. As he was leaving to join the others he noticed Sophie and Nana were walking together to the kitchen. Nana was saying, “Now how about that cake and ice cream. Should we try it again?”
Charles walked out the door to the car. Carson was in his old red pickup truck. Jack was helping Molly and Cynthia into the car. Charles tried to help but stopped when Molly became upset because the door got dirt on her skirt. She was in the way of the door closing, rubbing the skirt together trying to get the stain to come out. Cynthia was in the back already asking for them to hurry up so they could get going. Charles went around Carson’s truck and climbed in. He put his seatbelt on and glanced at Carson. Finally Molly was ready; Jack closed the door and started the car. They were on our way…
“How was Sophia?” Carson asked.
“When I left she was going to the kitchen with Nana.”
“Well, she must be okay then. It scared the daylights out of me when she jumped up from the table like that. I didn’t see the bee anywhere.”
“Me either. It must have really hurt, or it just took her by surprise.”
“Or both.”
“Or both,” Charles repeated, looking out the window at the houses going by. Charles saw his face in the reflection of the window. It was hot outside so he rolled down the window. The breeze felt good on his face. He closed his eyes the rest of the way to town.
When they arrived at the market address, everyone gathered in front of the store. They each had a chance to voice their opinion. They were all in agreement that this location was perfect. Gretchen had made another good choice. Carson took the keys out of his pocket. He opened the lock on the door and everyone entered the store to look around. It was large but not completel
y empty. It had bins that would work for the fruits and vegetables. Over in the corner were shelves that could be used to display food. A large counter was up against the wall. It would need to be cleaned up but was in good condition.
They sat at a large table and discussed the plan for the market. Molly was very excited and said she couldn’t wait to help Gretchen turn this rough rock into a diamond.
That was something to be admired about her; Molly had a way of making something from nothing. She was good at having a vision for a project. She could visualize something happening, and then complete it.
Suddenly Walter and Gretchen showed up. Molly ran out to meet her. They hugged, and Molly began telling her how much she loved the place. Gretchen was excited about Molly’s vision. She said that her improvements would make the market even better than she had imagined. Carson was very proud of his daughter and was excited she wanted to work with Gretchen. They were good for each other. Walter was happy as well. He was smiling as he shook hands with Jack. The two of them were talking. Gretchen was asking Molly’s advice about getting the market ready for opening day. Molly added her opinions. Carson was, in good humor, calculating the cost of the renovation.
Charles and Cynthia sat at the table playing with cards that Molly had brought in her purse. She pulled them out to keep the two children busy while the adults talked shop. They played a game of Rummy.
Jack and Carson were talking. Walter turned and started talking with Molly and Gretchen about which son could do what to help out around their farm schedule. Soon it was time to leave. Carson handed Walter the keys to the shop and asked him to bring them by the house the next morning when he came to work. Walter said he’d do it. With that everyone said goodbye and left to go back to the farm.
It was uncomfortable in the truck at first. The cab and seat were stifling hot. As they traveled down the road the wind coming through the windows made the ride bearable.
After they arrived at the farmhouse Charles walked around to the back of the house. He found Sophie with Nana and Margaret in the flower garden picking a bouquet of flowers. Charles waved and headed inside. He sat at the kitchen table. His dad came in and fixed a drink for both of them. Then, Jack made a drink for Carson and Cynthia. Charles took the drinks to them. They were playing checkers on the front porch. Charles returned to the kitchen and helped himself to the cookies that were on the counter. Jack came back into the kitchen carrying a book. He sat down and began reading. Bev and Sophie came in through the door.
“So, what did you think? It’s perfect isn’t it?” Bev said.
“It is better than perfect. Molly and Gretchen already have the whole thing worked out,” Jack said putting his book down.
Bev laughed. “So I heard. Well, I’m glad.”
“Me too.”
Sophie was helping Charles eat his cookie. Nana gave him another cookie and set one on a plate for Sophie. Margaret came in to join them. She sat at the table across from Jack. They all talked about the market and discussed what happened when Walter and Gretchen showed up. Jack excused himself to go find Molly. He took his book along so Charles thought he might be going to find a quiet place to read after he found Mom.
This seemed like a good idea to Charles. He was starting to get antsy to get back to reading the journal. Charles hoped Carson would find him soon so they could go back to the office and continue to work. Finally his chance came to escape.
Cynthia’s friend came up the drive looking for her. Molly thought it would be nice to have Cynthia’s friend stay the night. She had the friend call her mother to get permission. Molly began talking on the phone saying they would come by to pick up her things.
Cynthia hugged Nana. “Sorry I’m not staying the night tonight like we planned.”
Bev smiled. “We will plan another night. I’m just glad you are going to have fun.”
Once again Molly, Jack and the girls said their goodbyes and were ready to leave. The girls were excited and Charles was relieved he didn’t have to be home while “Girly” things were going on. He felt sorry for Dad.
Charles found Carson in the library. When he saw Charles he stood up and said, “Follow me.” Charles picked up his things. Carson told Bev where they were going, and away they went. They were almost running across the backyard. They entered the office and Charles let Airabelle out to fly around the office. Charles ran to his chair. He put on his glasses, opened the book to the blue place marker and began to read. He became lost in the journal. He stopped occasionally to write a question. Airabelle was talking to Carson. The two of them looked as if they were brainstorming over a map and history book.
Charles didn’t mind at all, he was wrapped in his own adventure. He was reading Phil’s journal that contained short stories about James. This entry had many twists and turns. It certainly didn’t end up the way Charles thought it might. It turned out when James returned from Sojourning he went outside, climbed a tree and fell. The fall broke his arm. He wasn’t able to Sojourn until it healed. He was very upset and hated sitting on the sidelines. Looking on the bright side, it helped him solve the riddles by reading about history. It also gave him a chance to concentrate on his map skills. So, in a way it worked out by improving his skills. He was more productive than he thought he would be able to be. By the time his arm mended he was ready to get back to Sojourning. James became proficient at solving riddles by researching the clues. What riddles? Collecting clues? Charles made a note of that in his tablet. Charles wanted to know what items they brought back from Sojourning but Phil didn’t add that information in his journal. Charles didn’t dwell on it for long. He was almost finished with this entry and was already looking forward to the next.
Phil mentioned other Sojourners in the journal. All of whom Charles knew would be gone by now. Phil talked about how to recognize them. While traveling together, Phil and James came across a fellow who denied being a Sojourner when Phil tried to ask him some questions. Later it turned out he was. When Phil saw the man later in another time period, the man apologized saying he was concerned that Phil and his son might share what he had to say with the Sojourners’ Council. If the Council learned about it they might revoke his travel paperwork. Phil gave him his word as a journalist that his interview would be kept private. He just wanted to ask him a few questions. Once he realized that Phil wouldn’t turn him in to the Authorities he gave him the interview. The man confirmed to Phil that the Passageway Authorities were not patrolling the border like they should be. They were heavily relying on drones to spy on the “Unknowns”.
Charles was fascinated with learning about the cool things Sojourners could actually do. He learned more about how the Advanced Sojourner ID’s helped access restricted perimeters and how to request them from the Council. He made note of that. Phil had listed several of the latest technology gadgets that had been developed through their weaponry unit and compared them to what they had confiscated from across the border.
Carson came over and sat down. He picked up the tablet and looked at Charles.
“Do you mind if I have a look at your questions? I need a break from the project Airabelle and I were working on.”
“Go right ahead.”
Carson read over the notes and questions Charles had written in the tablet. “Good observations.” They continued to discuss the answers to Charles’ questions and to clarify his notes. He asked if Charles had any more questions for him. Charles said he didn’t.
“Then this might be a good time for me to take a catnap,” Carson continued. Airabelle perched on the arm of Charles’ chair. Carson rested the tablet on his chest and dozed off. Airabelle must have thought it was a good idea because she flew back to her cage and became very still. Charles continued reading. The details in Phil’s journal were so clear and precise. The entries had holograms, maps, letters, photographs of people and fast cars. It also included odds and ends about the events that were happening in real time that James had not thought to include in his journal. He even made inquir
ies from people on their thoughts of events as they took place. Their responses were priceless. Charles hoped his journals would be equally good.
He discovered Phil had not attended college but instead made his way with his self-taught knowledge of the world and his wit. His work was sought after for his in-depth coverage of the facts. Phil knew how to keep the reader intrigued with every project.
Charles became tired and wanted to rest, but he couldn’t put the journal down. So much information was in this journal he knew that it would take longer to get through it. Charles didn’t want to miss a thing. It was interesting. He had questions about a few things he’d read. Charles was reading when suddenly he was no longer reading but instead dreaming. The hands on the cuckoo clock spun around and around.
Two hours later Charles was awaken by Carson telling him it was time for dinner. If they didn’t go soon Nana would come looking for them. So, Charles put the blue bookmark in place and then carefully closed the journal. He set it on the table along with his glasses. Carson was impressed with how much reading he had done in one day. The two of them said goodbye to Airabelle and walked toward the house. As Carson and Charles stood on the lawn they heard the piano playing in the living room. It was a lively tune but one that Charles didn’t recognize.
Carson smiled and said, “I wish he would play for us more often. Let’s go see what he is up to. The song he is playing is a golden oldie, one of Nana’s favorites from her childhood.” They made their way to the house, then into the living room. Al was a very talented pianist. He sat at the baby grand piano looking like he belonged there. He stopped when he saw Carson. He started to stand but Carson waved him on to continue playing.
“Marvelous old friend, don’t stop on our account. You’re the only one who plays that now. Please continue,” Carson said. Al began the piece again. Carson and Al began singing. They enjoyed themselves as much as everyone who came into the room to listen. When Al finished they both laughed and shared their old, “Remember when…” stories.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 9
