Charles said, “Hey Sophie, remember Esmond?”
She turned and wrinkled her nose and began pretending to catch flies with her tongue. “Sure do, I remember that frog!” She began hopping around pretending to be a frog. Watching her hop around made him wonder what the world would be like from a frog’s perspective. They made their way back to the farmhouse. When the house was in sight Sophie ran ahead of them as if she were once again an airplane that was coming in for a landing. She flew into the house.
Carson brushed a mosquito from his arm. “It’s time for me to go inside. You coming?” he asked Charles. Charles nodded.
The two of them made their way into the library. Charles sat on the couch. Carson sat in his chair. He reached for the paper. Bev came in and asked Charles to help set the table. The children would eat in the kitchen once the table was cleared off. Cynthia was working on that. The phone rang. Bev was talking to Molly. She was checking in and seeing if it was okay for her to join Walter and Gretchen for dinner in town. Bev told her to stay and enjoy their company as long as she wanted. She told Molly the girls were a tremendous help and they were just getting ready to eat as well. After she hung up with Molly they sat down to eat dinner.
“Did you get everything made for tomorrow?” Charles asked Cynthia.
“Yes, we have enough for an army.”
“Right now the refrigerator is double stacked,” Sophie added smiling with her fork in the air.
“Quit playing at the table Sophie,” corrected Cynthia.
“Sorry.”
Cynthia said, “We made several casseroles and salads, rolls and breads, along with deviled eggs, and desserts.”
“Ummmmm,” said Sophie.
“Should be a delicious picnic,” Charles said before taking a bite of dinner.
“It certainly will be,” Cynthia said.
When they finished eating Cynthia cleared the table. She gave Sophie the washcloth to wipe the crumbs. While Sophie was cleaning the table, she said to Charles, “Guess what. While you were gone with Paw Paw, Cynthia twisted an apple stem and found out who was thinking about her.”
Charles asked, “Oh yeah?”
Sophia said, “Uh huh. Aren’t you going to ask who it was?”
“No,” Charles said making a face at Sophie.
“I’ll tell you anyway. It starts with a P.”
Charles looked at Cynthia, “A letter P as in Peter, Peter Abbott? My best friend, Peter?” He pointed to her. “Now that’s funny.” He grinned at her and wondered if he should give up his friend’s secret of liking Cynthia. He figured he would keep the secret and let Cynthia figure it out for herself after seeing the look on her face. She was blushing. He knew she liked Peter too.
“Uh huh. That’s the one,” Sophie said folding her arms around her chest.
Charles and Peter were best friends since he was five years old. Molly went to school with his dad. Soon after Charles was born, Molly went shopping in town. She saw Peter’s father and mother in town, and began visiting. They discussed setting up play times for the two boys. Through the years of scheduling play times Vicky, Peter’s mother and Molly also became close friends.
Peter’s family was very wealthy. His father inherited their family business of manufacturing guns and ammunition while he was in his late twenties. The last time Charles was invited to Peter’s he had taken Charles to their shooting range for target practice. While they were there his dad had arranged for the two of them to have private lessons. They also had professional trapshooting competitions on their property. Peter once told Charles that he wasn’t a hunter by nature, but he liked target practice.
Charles was shaking his head at the thought of the two of them. He pushed back from the table. “Girls would you like to play a game of cards?” he asked trying to change the subject. They agreed so he went to get the deck of cards.
They played several games before Molly came to pick up the girls. She came into the kitchen and hugged everyone. She grabbed the stepladder to sit on and talked about the day with them. Bev came and joined the conversation. They talked about the market; what she and Gretchen had worked on to get the store up and running. When they finished Molly said, “Time to go girls.”
Cynthia nudged Nana to help her remember her cue. “Molly, would the girls like to stay the night?”
Cynthia said, “Oh, I want to stay!”
Sophie would go with Mom, that was a given. Bev knew she still liked to be asked just in case she changed her mind. Tonight she didn’t change her mind; she decided she wanted to go home with her mom. When they finished Sophie and Molly said their goodbyes to everyone. Carson walked them out and stood by the car talking to Molly. When they drove away he came back inside.
Cynthia went to get her quilt block. Charles went over to the phone to make a call. By the time she came to the library and sat down, Charles was looking at the book titles. Occasionally he would pull a book and look through it. He was looking forward to seeing Caroline tomorrow.
Carson came into the library. He walked over to Cynthia and looked at the quilt block she was sewing. “That’s beautiful Cynthia,” he said. She looked up and smiled at him. Then, he walked over to Charles and looked at the book in his hand.
“There are a lot of books in the library. I wish I had read all of them.” Charles looked up at him. He smiled and ruffled Charles’ hair. “Good book by the way.”
“I just picked it up and started reading it,” Charles said.
“Good idea. What book are you loaning to Caroline tomorrow?”
Cynthia stopped sewing her mouth was wide open. Charles looked at her and then turned back to Carson. He put the book on the couch. Then he walked over to the book he wanted to loan to Caroline and pulled it from the shelf.
“Excellent choice.” Carson turned and left.
Charles put the book back on the shelf. Then he sat down on the couch with the book he laid down while talking to Carson. Cynthia was still looking at him.
“What?”
“You are loaning her another book?”
“Yes, she finished the other one and is bringing it back tomorrow. This is probably the last one.”
“I wonder if he’d let me loan out his books?” She didn’t say anything more. She just started sewing again.
Charles was thankful she left the conversation at that. He sat on the couch and lost himself in the book he was reading until it was time for bed. The evening routine was the same as always.
CHAPTER 18
The next morning Dolores woke up to a brand new house. Ruthie was awake. She was going from room to room with Sterling placing the things they had bought the day before on their shopping spree. The paint brought the house back to life. It was beautiful and cheery. Dolores covered her mouth with her hands as the tears streaked her face. She went to get the hammer, and they began hanging pictures. The day went fast. After lunch the furniture delivery truck pulled up. The burly men brought in the furniture. Dolores had no idea they had completely furnished the entire house. Ruthie came over and hugged her after they placed everything. Dolores looked around. “It’s beautiful. I really mean it. I love it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It looks like a place you’d live in. It looks like home sweet home.”
Dolores took it all in then she said, “You out did yourself. Thank you for buying some of this.”
“I wanted to. If you’re happy, I’m happy. The house looks loved and lived in.”
Dolores had to agree. For the first time she heard the angels sing throughout the house.
One by one her neighbors came by to see how their handy work turned out. Everyone was shocked and amazed when they walked through the front door. Sterling was so proud of his room. He took everyone by the hand to show off his new decorations and bedroom furniture. In one week they had transformed the entire house and Dolores was proud of it. On the way home the two friends discussed what Dolores should do with the exterior and how to give it curb appeal. Dolores felt ble
ssed to have such a good friend like Ruthie. She just might grow to love that house after all.
CHAPTER 19
Charles woke up with a start to find Cynthia standing at the side of his bed. “Good morning, Lover Boy.” She leaned toward him and made a kissing sound.
“What are you talking about Cynthia?” Charles growled.
She started laughing. “Caroline is on her way with her mom. She’ll be here any minute.”
Charles rubbed his eyes. “What, she is coming here early?”
“You heard me; she will be here any minute. Better get up and get going.”
Charles jumped from bed and took off for the bathroom with his clothes for the day. He showered and got ready in record time, but not fast enough. He looked out to see who had already arrived. Caroline was already outside helping with the tables. He owed Cynthia for telling him she was coming. He ran down the steps and grabbed a doughnut that was on the table. He shoved it in his mouth right as Joyce walked in the kitchen.
“Good morning, Charles,” she said.
He smiled and pointed to his mouth. He finished almost swallowing the doughnut whole. “Good morning,” he choked.
She smiled. “Caroline is outside helping,” she said.
He shook his head. He poured a glass of milk and sipped it. His eyes were watering from swallowing the doughnut so fast. Great way to start the day: he thought to himself.
Caroline walked up to him as soon as she saw him come from the back door. “Good morning,” she said.
“Good morning.”
“I gave the book back to Mr. Jones when we arrived.”
He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “Before you leave I picked out another book for you to take and read.”
“Thank you, Charles. I’m certain it is a wonderful book. I enjoyed the last one. How about this time you read it to me, instead of me taking it from the house.”
Charles grinned because he understood. “Okay. I’d be happy to read it to you.”
Everyone worked and it wasn’t long before they finished. Charles and Caroline sat at a picnic table and talked. Slowly guests started to arrive. It was a beautiful day. Everyone was having fun. Bev and Margaret set out the food on the tables. Carson and Al were taking orders for the grill. Sophie was running around the yard with the younger kids playing tag. When it was time to stop and eat, everyone gathered around to hear Carson say grace. Then they began forming lines, and plates began to fill up with food. Cousin Mark was going around taking pictures of the guests.
Charles saw Peter and his family walking to the back yard. He and Caroline walked over to talk to them. As Charles was talking he glanced over at Cynthia. Sophie nudged Cynthia to get her attention. She pointed in their direction. Cynthia looked surprised, then whispered in her cousin’s ear. The two of them hurried into the house. Charles and Caroline walked with Peter and his family over to the buffet line.
When they finished the meal, Cynthia walked over. They decided to play a game of croquet. Peter and Charles set it up. It was fun but very competitive. It turned out that Charles and Caroline finished first and Peter and Cynthia came in second. Their cousin Jenny came over to talk to them.
Charles took Caroline’s hand and said, “Follow me.” Charles found Joyce. He whispered in her ear, she nodded. He grabbed Caroline’s hand and led her to the path leading to the pond.
“Where are we going Charles?” Caroline asked.
“For a walk, you’ll see.” When they came to the pond Charles pointed to the small boat. “Would you like to go out in the boat?”
“Sure.”
He ran over and started to uncover the boat. They both put on a life jacket. He took his shoes and socks off. Then he pushed the boat into the water and helped her climb in. As he gave the boat a push, he jumped in and started rowing. They talked about the picnic while he rowed. After a ride around the pond he ran the boat onto the shore and jumped out. He reached for her hand and helped her out onto the dry ground. She had her arms around his neck and as he put her down they kissed each other. Charles turned and reached for the boat, but it wasn’t there. Instead it had drifted out of reach.
“Oh my gosh!” Caroline said.
“Oh no! Well, I guess I’ll have to tell Paw Paw what I did,” Charles said as he started to put on his socks and shoes.
“I’m so sorry Charles.”
“Oh well, it was worth it.” Caroline watched as the boat just drifted farther and farther out to the middle of the pond. Charles stood there trying to figure out what to do. “Might as well head back.” He took her hand and they made their way to the path.
As soon as they got back, he went to find Carson who was standing around talking to a group of men Charles didn’t know. Charles walked up to him and put his hand on Carson’s back. He whispered in his ear, “May I talk to you, please?”
“Sure. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, but I need to tell you something that’s important.” Charles admitted to the earlier events.
Carson laughed. “It’s hot out, guess this is a good time for a swim after all. Go get your trunks on.”
Charles looked at Caroline. “See you in a minute.”. He headed into the house and up the stairs. He dug his swim trunks out of the dresser drawer. He walked to the bathroom and put them on. He grabbed a towel and put on a t-shirt. Then he headed out the back door. Carson followed him on the path.
Cynthia had seen him come from the house and she was curious. She grabbed Peter’s hand and they followed. Sophie watched Cynthia and Peter going down the path so she pulled Molly’s hand to follow. Jack followed his family. When they got there Charles was standing beside the pond talking to Carson pointing to the boat out in the middle of the pond.
Peter walked over to join them and asked if Charles was going in after the boat. Charles said he was. Peter said smiling, “I’ll race you!”
“You’re on!” They both hurriedly took their socks and shoes off.
Carson said, “On your mark, get set, go!”
They ran out into the water as far as they could go and then raced to the boat. Charles got to the boat first. When he came up for air he turned to find that a crowd had gathered on the shore. He wiped the water from his eyes. They were treading water. It looked to Charles like a few of the spectators had placed bets on who would win and were clapping for him.
He said to Peter, “I’ll never live this down.”
Peter agreed. “So what happened with the boat? Why is it in the middle of the pond?”
“I took Caroline for a boat ride.”
Peter threw his head back and winked. “I got it.”
Charles grinned and splashed him in the face. “Look who’s talking buddy? My sister, really?”
Peter said grinning at Charles, “Uh well, what can I say? I guess she likes me after all.”
Charles said as he hoisted himself out of the water and into the boat, “She likes you all right.”
Peter followed. Charles rowed the boat back to the shore. Most of the crowd started to make their way back to the picnic. Carson, Cynthia, Jack, Sophie and Molly were the only people left, as the two boys climbed out of the boat. They tied the cover on it. Cynthia was standing with her hands on her hips staring at him. Charles dried off with the towel that was on the ground. Cynthia walked over to where he was standing. He flipped the towel at her causing her to move back.
She demanded, “Charles Brookfield, what on earth were you doing out there!” She was clearly mad because Peter had raced him and was dripping wet. Peter was laughing as they took turns drying off with the towel.
“You were standing right here when I went to get the boat, Cynthia. Didn’t you see the boat in the middle of the pond?” he asked.
“Very funny Charles! Why was it out in the middle of the pond in the first place?”
Charles and Peter looked at each other and laughed.
Caroline had walked back to the picnic area. She walked around the tables and picked up the baking dis
hes. She looked for the cake on the dessert table, but it was gone. She found her mom and told her she was ready to go.
Joyce seemed surprised. “Already?” she asked. She saw the look on Caroline’s face and helped her put the empty dishes in the grocery bag. She thanked and hugged Beverly.
“What’s the hurry Caroline?” Margaret asked.
“I’m tired and ready to go home.”
“Okay, then I guess we are ready to go home,” Joyce said. They said goodbye, headed to the car and left.
Charles and Peter came walking into the kitchen water still dripping from their hair.
“Oh my,” Bev said. The boys started laughing and playing around. “What were you two up to?”
“The boat got away from Charles at the pond and we jumped in to get it.” Peter said.
Peter’s mom came in through the back door. “Peter Abbott! Now is not the time to be going swimming,”
Bev said, “From what I gather Vicky, Peter was helping Charles out with a runaway boat on the pond. You boys better go upstairs and clean up. Charles please give Peter a change of clothes, and show him to the shower before you come back downstairs.”
“Where is Caroline?” Charles asked.
“They just left.” Margaret said.
“What?” Charles asked. He stood there with his hands on his hips. “Why?” “She said she wanted to go home,” Margaret told him.
Peter’s teeth were chattering. “Let’s get ready, and then you can figure it out man.”
“Follow me then.”
Peter went first getting ready. Once he was finished, Charles got ready. “Good as new. Good thing we can wear the same size,” Peter said looking at the clothes he was wearing.
“Uh huh.”
“Well, I am going to find Cynthia. She sure was mad,” Peter said punching him on the arm.
“Well, I guess that makes two of them.” Charles followed him down the steps.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 19
