The Barn

by Morgan Dawson

  I stop, letting the children have time to take in what I've just told them. Pearl raises her hand, her eyes sparkling. I nod for her to speak and she tilts her head slightly. "Was...is your pa okay?"

  I smile, walking to where her desk is. "Yes, he's recovering and resting as we speak."

  One of Lydia's new friends, Martha, raises her hand. "So, Ms. Carter? You're saying we should never be mad at someone because they could be out of our lives quicker than we think?"

  I let out a breath. "Well, you could look at it that way, or you could look at it like this. There will always be times when someone does something terrible, and you don't wish to forgive them. Perhaps holding grudges is not the best thing, but to heal from past hurt, it's sometimes helpful to spend time simply not talking to them. With that said though, we should always be mindful of our words and how we use them."

  I smile as I watch the students each processing what I've said. I look toward the door and see August standing there smiling. How long had he been standing there? How did I not hear or see the door open?

  I look to the students again. "How about you children go outside for ten minutes or so? Take the time to think of what I've just told you."

  The younger children at the front laugh as they leave the building, the older ones trailing close behind.

  "Yes August?" I smile sitting down at my desk.

  He makes his way through the rows of desks, his hands in his pockets. "You didn't have to pause the children's education for me."

  I give a small laugh. "I was going to let them go outside anyway. It's just a coincidence you are here at this time."

  "Sure, we'll go with that." He laughs, giving a smug smile.

  I stand making, my way to the chalkboard. "Well, what did you come here for?"

  He laughs. "I wanted to hear one of your famous lessons the children talk so much about."

  I take the eraser and erase the chalkboard, smiling. "What do you mean?"

  "The men I've been working with have been commenting on how wonderful the new teacher is. Apparently, their children come home and have been well rounded and always share the daily advice from Ms. Carter."

  I feel my mouth drop, but I quickly close it. "The children are saying that about me?"

  "Yes, the whole town thinks you're the best thing to happen here."

  I look down, feeling my face heat up. "Surely they're exaggerating."

  "I'm sure they're not. After hearing your lesson, I feel so inspired."

  I walk past him, slapping him lightly on the arm.

  "As much as that was meant to be a joke, I do think you yourself have learned something too, from your lesson I mean."

  I laugh. "Perhaps I have.”

  It's quiet for a moment as his eyes meet mine. "Adeline?" He pauses. "Mae's father has told me he hasn't heard her crying before falling asleep at night, ever since you arrived."

  I raise both of my hands to my mouth gasping. "No."

  August nods grinning.

  "Are you serious?" When he doesn't answer I feel myself smiling, tears welling in my eyes. "It's nice to know I've helped to make a difference in a child's life, but at the end of the day, it's up to the child to take the wisdom passed to them and use it."

  "Are you always so... what's the word? Poetic?" August chuckles, taking a step closer.

  "Not always and I wasn't trying to be. Can't you be serious even for a slight moment?"

  August laughs before taking both of my hands in his. I look up into his green eyes and smile, letting out a breath.

  "You have made a remarkable difference in many people's lives. Even if you're unaware of the difference you make." August smiles before his lips meet mine, and I close my eyes, feeling like I could faint. He pulls back and once again I'm looking up into his eyes. "I'm going to be honest and confess that I'm in love with you Adeline Carter. Whether you like it or not."

  I laugh softly. "And I, August, believe I'm in love with you too." I smile before adding. "Whether you like it or not."

  He raises my hand up and plants a quick kiss on it. "I must be getting back to work, Ms. Carter, but I do thank you for the lessons you've taught me today."

  I laugh following him to the door. "And again—you can't remain serious."

  He chuckles. "That was a personal best."

  He waves before heading off in the direction of the church, and I find myself staring after him. I'd felt it a while ago, but with everything else going on, I'd been denying it up until now.

  "Ms. Carter?" Pearl's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. "Umm... excuse me. Ms. Carter? Is outdoor time over?"

  I smile, resting both my hands on her shoulders. "Yes, Pearl. It's time for class. You may head back inside."

  She smiles and skips into the school, giggling with each step.

  "Children. Class is starting again. Please return to the school." I call in my loudest voice. Sure enough, children make their way out of the trees and eventually work their way into the school.

  And, as I shut the schoolhouse door behind me, making my way to the front of the room, I push away the thoughts of August so I can focus on the children. But, there is still a part of me thinking of him. Even if only a small part.

  Chapter 24

  Genevieve shuts the door behind Darlene, who is holding Alice in her arms. Her and Robert walk down the lane slowly, making their way home.

  I smile at Lydia and Hazel as I head toward pa's room. I take a large breath before knocking softly.

  "Yes? Genevieve is that you?" I hear pa ask.

  I push the door open, taking a step in. "No. It's me." I hesitate. "May I sit?"

  He nods, patting the spot next to him and I sit down, smiling at him. "So... how are you feeling today?"

  He sighs. "A little sore is all."

  I don't say anything for a while before clearing my throat. "Pa. I'm sorry. I... I don't know why I was so selfish and I just... just want to…" I stop, my voice seeming to not be able to come out. Tears well in my eyes. How long I've wanted to be able to say this to him and I can't even hold it together.

  "Oh, Adeline. Sweet child. Come here." Pa smiles, holding his arms open and I wrap my arms around his neck. It had been at least a year since pa and I had hugged.

  "I'm sorry I got mad about the cow thing. I just don't know what was going through my head."

  "I know it isn't easy getting rid of past memories. I'd know better than anyone. At least you didn't stay in your loft for months after losing the cow." Pa laughs deeply.

  I don't say anything, just allowing my head to rise and fall with each breath he takes.

  "I... I love you, Pa." I feel a tear run down my face.

  He chuckles. "If I'd only have known falling and getting hurt would make you forgive me, I would've done it a long time ago."

  I laugh, knowing he probably would have.

  "So." He starts. "How's your teaching going?"

  "Oh, Pa. I love it. The children are so wonderful, and August told me today that the men he's been working with have been saying they’ve noticed a positive change in their children since I started to teach. It just makes me feel so happy knowing I may be making a difference to someone."

  Pa lets out a breath. "Speaking of August. He's a good man. Hard worker for sure."

  "Pa, are you meddling in my love life?" I laugh, looking up at him.

  "So, you're saying you're perhaps, even if only a small bit, in love with August?"

  I sigh. "I believe so, Pa. Do you approve?"

  He chuckles. "I do. He seems like a well-rounded man." He pauses before saying. "Adeline? What do you think the school is missing?"

  I think for a minute before replying. "I'm not sure, Pa. Why?"

  "Well, I'd like to give you all the money from the cow I sold. You can use some of it for the school and the children some way, and you can use the rest for something else."

  I pull back, looking into his glistening, blue eyes. He has a warm smile spread across his face. I sigh. "Pa, I can't take
that money. It should be used for food and bills and other important things."

  "You're my daughter. You're important."

  I feel the tears running down my face as I fall back into his arms again. Those words were what I’d been wanting him to say, without even realizing it. "Thank you, Pa. Oh thank you so much. I'll put it to good use, I promise."

  I pull back again, taking a moment to look at my pa. I realize I haven't really looked at him in a while. His kind eyes, happy smile, and the truth I know about him that he would do anything for someone who needed him. "Pa, you should rest."

  I stand, but pa grabs my hand. "Thank you. And if August happens to come by, tell him I said thanks for him helping with the barn and most importantly, for being there for my daughter when I couldn't be."

  I smile down at him. "I will, Pa."

  And with that, I make my way out of the room and sit down in my chair by the fireplace.

  For the first time in long time, I feel like a part of my life is sorted. My family and I are all strong again. It's like someone important to me once said. To realize is to lose.

  My ma had been right, even when she couldn't possibly see five years in to the future from when she'd said it.

  Or could she?

  Chapter 25

  It's been a week since pa's accident and he is now walking around fully recovered. I’m standing looking out the window as I notice August's wagon coming over the hill. I didn't realize he'd be coming today. School isn't on, and as a family, we've decided construction of the barn is on hold for the time being.

  Pa crosses to look out the window too. "What's August coming here for?"

  "I'm not too sure."

  Soon there's a knock on the door and I reach to open it. "Hello, August. What are you doing here?"

  He smiles. "I was hoping to talk to you." He looks to pa and my sister's. "Alone."

  Genevieve grins from her spot at the table. And Pa nods for me to leave.

  I shut the door, making my way outside to stand next to him. "August? What is it?"

  He smiles taking my hand in his. "You'll see."

  I laugh, looking up at him. ”Oh dear. This should be good."

  He squeezes my hand gently. "Come with me."

  We make our way past the chicken coop and through the bush line to the meadow.

  He steps behind me, covering my eyes with his hands. "No peeking."

  I laugh as he guides me through the meadow. His hands are taken away from my eyes and I let out a breath in wonder. In front of me, in my packed down, little escape place, I see a table and two chairs.

  "Oh August. This is... wonderful." I wrap my arms around his neck.

  August laughs. "If you're excited over a table and chairs I'm worried about you."

  I pull away, laughing. "It's not like that. It's just the way you knew I love this meadow and..."

  He smiles, pulling back one of the wooden chairs, motioning for me to sit. I smile as I sit down and he sits in the chair opposite me.

  "Did you make these chairs and the table?" I run my hand along the smooth, wooden table.

  He smiles. "I did. These were one of my first projects I made. I was fifteen at the time."

  I smile at the centrepiece sitting on the table. A simple vase with beautiful, white daisies. "How did you know daisies were my favorite?"

  "Darlene told me. She said your whole family loves them." He laughs.

  I give a small smile, looking down at my hands. "Yes, they were my ma's favorite. I guess them being in our house all of the time just made us each love them."

  He nods, taking one of the daisies out of the vase reaching forward to place it behind my ear. He laughs. "It looks perfect."

  "I know. I really know how to pull off the whole flower behind the ear look." I giggle.

  He laughs. "You actually do."

  His eyes fix on something behind me and I turn to see what he's looking at. Coming through the trees is Darlene. She's got a basket in her hands as she makes her way toward us.

  "Here’s your meal. I've prepared potato soup with an assortment of sandwiches. I hope you enjoy." Darlene pulls a plate of sandwiches out of the basket and sets it on the table.

  I find myself laughing. "August? You didn't have to do this much."

  Before he has time to answer Darlene cuts in. "Excuse me, but I made this meal."

  I smile at her. "Yes, I know you did, but August arranged it."

  She giggles before closing her basket. "I know. I was only teasing."

  Before I know it, she's out of sight and it's only August and I.

  "Thank you for this, August." I smile as he moves to take a sandwich. I do the same, setting it next to the steaming bowl of soup Darlene has set in front of me.

  I take a spoonful of soup and smile. "Oh. Darlene makes it just like my ma used to. I couldn't imagine being able to make it like this."

  "I'm sure you could figure it out."

  I laugh. "I hope I do, because someday, I'm pretty sure Darlene won't come to my house and give me potato soup. It'd be nice if she did though."

  He smiles. "I'm sure Darlene would walk to the end of the world for you. You're lucky to have such loving sisters."

  I notice a bit of sadness in his voice and I reach to touch his hand. "August. I'm sorry about your sister and ma. Were you and your sister close?"

  "Yes, but not as close as you are with your sisters. I guess she was all I really had."

  I sigh, taking his hand. "You don't talk much about your family and life before now. Why?"

  August smiles faintly. "I'm not sure. It just seems to make me sad, so I avoid the topic."

  "Oh. I'd never thought of it like that before." I smile, looking up at him.

  We continue eating while discussing Riverbend and some of the projects he hopes to start there with the other men.

  "I guess I should return you home now." He stands holding out his hand, which I take. We walk through the long grass of the meadow.

  Before reaching the trees, I stop and he turns to face me with a puzzled look on his face.

  I smile at him. "Thank you, August."

  "You say thank you a lot, but half the time I feel like I'm not doing much worth being thanked for."

  "August, you do a lot of wonderful things. Things that make peoples days and lives better." With that, I stand on my tiptoes and lean forward, giving him a kiss.

  After I pull away, he stands still, seeming to be frozen. "Come on." I laugh pulling on his arm. "I'll race you."

  With that, I let go of his arm and run through the bushes, leaping over fallen trees and breaking through branches. He catches up to me quickly and slows beside me.

  I laugh, looking to him. "Are you planning on letting me win?"

  He chuckles. "Nope."

  With one laugh, he speeds forward and I'm soon quite far behind him. Still laughing, I run out of the bushes and past the chicken coop where he's waiting.

  I smile, running into his arms, hugging him. "Someday I'll beat you and then you won't be so smug."

  He laughs as we walk up to the house then stops at the door, smiling down at me. "It was a lovely afternoon. I hope you enjoyed yourself."

  "I did. I appreciate it, August. I really do." I smile, reaching for the door handle.

  "I'll be here tomorrow to take you and your sisters to town."

  I open the door, turning back to reply. "I know."

  Chapter 26

  It's been two weeks since August and I had our lunch in the meadow. Each day he comes to get my sisters and I for town, and we talk and laugh the whole way to Riverbend.

  August somehow has this sense about him, one that makes me feel like I can trust him with what I say, and have no fear of him laughing at me for saying it.

  The children have all been dismissed for the day, and Genevieve has taken Lydia and Hazel to look at the pretty fabric designs in the mercantile, leaving me sat alone at my desk in the schoolhouse.

  I look up as the door opens, revealing Mae
standing in the opening, her brown hair bouncing with each step as she makes her way to me. Her hands are behind her back and she grins.

  "Hello, Mae. What are you doing here?" I smile, motioning for her to come closer.

  She stands in front of me and brings her hands into view. In her hands she has a grey rock. It's not very large, but it fits in the palm of her tiny, delicate hands.

  "What have you brought a rock to me for?" I ask, looking into her brown eyes.

  She tilts her head, looking down at the rock. "It's a special rock, Ms. Carter."

  "And why's that, Mae?"

  "It's got a scratch on it. See?" Mae points to a scratch in the rock that I wouldn't have noticed, other than the simple reason that she pointed it out to me.

  I smile. "It does."

  Mae giggles. "Do you know why it's special now Ms. Carter?"

  "To be honest, Mae, I don't. Why don't you tell me?"

  She smiles looking down at the rock. "I found this rock on the ground by our house. It was by the doorstep. I found it the day we had the town meeting and we met you. See this scratch?" She points to the scratch on the rock and I nod. "It looks like an h, like you were teaching the kids younger than me. H makes the sound huh. And h also spells the word hope. H-O-P-E." Mae smiles as she spells the word.

  "This rock is the ‘hope’ rock. It came the day I met you, and you made me happy again. You gave me hope. And now I want to give you hope." Mae places the rock in my hands, smiling. "This rock is very special. It will give you hope. Thank you for making me feel what it's like to be happy again, Ms. Carter. You're my hope."

  By now, tears are welling in my eyes and I set the rock on my desk, moving to wipe my eyes.

  Mae reaches for my hand. "Why are you sad, Ms. Carter?"

  I laugh lightly, sniffing. "Oh, I'm not sad. It's just, how old are you again, Mae?"

  "Eight and a half."

  I smile, reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.