by A. Valentine
“I see you agree.” She turned to see him smiling in her direction.
“I have to say you are right. It is sad but it is also good to remember as well.”
“Yeah it is.”
“Look daddy I got one. Look. Look.” Lexi came bounding up the stairs to show off her treasure. “Look Clara.”
Chapter 3 – A Family Glow
Coming over to peek in between her little hands she smiled when she saw the little light coming from inside. “Wow. Look at that.” She laughed as she looked at the tiny bug in wonder. She had never in her life seen such a thing. Her reddish blond hair fell in front of her face and she impatiently swept it behind her ear. “I have never seen such a bug.”
“You ain’t never seen a fire fly before?”
She laughed at the shocked look on the little girls face. “No, I can’t really say that I have. We don’t have them in Ireland.”
“Where’s Ireland?” The little girl tried the name out on her tongue.
“It is a beautiful land across the big ocean. That is where I came from originally. It is beautiful. With dark green grass and sheep everywhere.”
“Wow. I would like to visit this place one day. But no lightning bugs. Guess there are some things that you
“Yes Lexi there are.”
“Ok. Let him go, Lexi, then it’s off to bed with you.”
“Oh Pa. Do I have to go to bed?”
“Yes. Off with you young lady. I’ll be up in a minute.”
Clara laid in the bed inside the bedroom some time later and smiled before she drifted off. That night she slept better than she had in over a year.
It had been weeks since she had come to the ranch and Clara began to feel herself fitting in. She was sitting on the porch one day when she saw Lexi come up behind her. She felt the small of her hand caress her braid slowly. It now reached to her waist and she found it easier to just braid it out here.
“I like your hair.”
“Thank you, Lexi.”
“My momma used to braid my hair, but I never learned how she did it. I liked it, though. She would let me sit in her chair in the bedroom when she did it.”
“If you want Lexi, I can braid your hair.”
“Really?”
“But you have to do something for me.”
The little girl stepped back so that she could look at her. There was a frown on her face as she looked at the older woman sceptically. “What’s that?”
“You have to take a bath.”
“Oh man. I knew it. You’re like momma. You want me to be clean first. She used to help me with my bath, though. Would you help me?”
“I would love to. Come on. We’ll heat up some water and get out that old tub I saw in the corner of the living room.”
“Really? A hot bath?”
“Yes. And if you would like I have some lavender oil I can put into it.”
“Wow. Ok. You got a deal.” The little girl stuck out her hand and smiling Clara took it and shook it.
It was some time later that Lexi wondered if she had made the right decision. It had taken them a long time to fill the tub and then even longer for Clara to scrub her clean and scrub her she did. It seemed like she had layers of dust and dirt. Finally Lexi sat in the small chair in front of the mirror. She looked through the mirror at the woman he tried to get a comb through the knots in her hair. It took a couple hours but she finally had her hair clean and combed through. Taking up the ends she looked through the mirror and smiled at the young girl before she began to braid her hair. The long braid laid against Lexi’s back.
“Wow. It is great. It looks like how momma did it.”
“You are a beautiful young girl Lexi. You should show it off more. You will be a young lady soon and then you will want to marry a nice young man. How about a nice dress?”
“No way. I’m not wearing no frilly and foo foo dress. No way, no how.”
“Ok. We will take one step at a time.”
Later on Lexi was standing beside her kneading dough when Craig came through the door. “Clara, have you seen Lexi? I haven’t seen her all day. Oh.” His eyes widened when he looked over at the table where Lexi was kneading the dough. “Wow. Lexi, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you Pa. And you know what? Clara said she will do my hair every day. It’s just like how momma used to do it.” As she heard Clara clear her voice she made a face and went on. “That is she said if I keep it clean. Every day Pa. She said I have to take a bath every day. Don’t know how I’m gonna do it but we made a deal and she made me shake on it.” Flour puffed out as the little girl folded her arms in despair.
“That’s good. You need to.” His laughter died when Clara went on.
“Good. You will show a good example by doing the same thing.” Clara’s word cut through.
“You mean Pa is going to take a bath everyday too. Like when momma was here. She made him take one before he ate.”
“That is perfect Lexi.” Clara smiled as Craig scowled down at his daughter. He had come in happy and it seemed that the tables had turned on him. “I can warm you a bath or you can go to the river whichever you prefer. We can start tonight.”
“Fine.” It was the only word he said before stomping from the house.
It became a routine every day. That day, however, Craig came in earlier with a visitor. The man was about their age and smiled over at her.
“You must be Clara. I have heard so much about you from the folks in town.” The man had long light brown hair and wore a cowboy hat upon his head. “You are however prettier than they said. Words cannot express your beauty.” He took her hand and grazed it with his lips.
“Thank you. Mr….”
“Oh yeah sorry. Jack. I’m Jack from the ranch next door. I was just coming over to invite y'all to the party.”
“The party?”
“Yes. We’re having a barn party tomorrow night and we are all going out to invite everyone. Everyone brings a dish. There will be music and dancing and lots and lots of good food too.” His smile was wide as he looked at her.
She looked over at Craig in question. “It’s up to you.”
“That sounds like fun. How about it Lexi? You wanna go to the party?”
“Yes, ma’am. Can we take one of those apple pies that you bake with the cinnamon?”
“Sure. Can you help me make it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter 4 – A New Dress
The day went by fast as Clara set out to make the pie and to do something special for Lexi. It was the next morning and she and Lexi had taken baths in the house while Craig went down to the river. She had just combed Lexi’s hair when she showed her what she had for her. It had taken her almost all night but she was able to taken in one of her smaller dresses and cut off the ends and hemming it for Lexi. It was dark blue and made Lexi’s eyes shine. It was made of satin and Lexi looked at it in awe.
“I have to say Ms. Clara that I don’t like dresses but that sure is a pretty one. Are you going to wear that tonight?” Her wide eyes looked up at Clara’s laugh.
“It won’t fit me silly.”
“Oh. That’s a shame. It sure is pretty.”
“I adjusted the size a little. It’s for you Lexi. If you will wear it for me.” The little girl’s eyes shot up to hers.
“For me. That’s for me? Why Ms. Clara I would love to wear it but I don’t have any of those frilly things to wear under it.” Her look of longing looked at the dress and she looked sad for a moment after she said it.
“That’s ok honey. It has them built in. See?” She held up the bottom of the dress to show her. “And you can wear your long underwear underneath it.”
“Oh wow. Pa’s going to be so surprised.” She giggled as Clara began helping her into the dress. She knew they had to leave soon.
“You girls ready?” Craig’s voice came through the door.
“Just a minute or two.”
“Ok. I’ll be outside. I’m gonna bring t
he buggy around.”
“Ok.”
Lexi looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair had a braid on each side that connected in the back and then the rest of her hair laid in blonde curls. She was beautiful and the blue of the dress made her eyes bright in color as well.
Craig looked up when he heard the door open and then he almost choked. His smile grew as he looked at her. His little girl looked like a young lady and she was beautiful. “You are so beautiful Lexi. You look like your momma.”
“Thanks, Pa but wait till you see Ms. Clara.” Just as she said it Clara stepped through the doorway. She had on a long green dress that had a low neckline. Her Hair was pinned on the side and the back left down. It was the first time he had seen her without her hair being up. It was dark in color but not quite as much as he thought. It also had a lot more red in color than he thought. The sunlight shone off her hair and showed the redness in it. His eyes met hers as he began to talk.
Clara met his eyes and read the intensity in them. “You are right Lexi. She is beautiful.” At his words her face grew warm with her blush. She averted her gaze only to bring it right back and meet his again. She sucked in a breath at the desire she read in his eyes. He held his hand out to her and without thought she took it with her own. As she let him help her up into the seat beside Lexi she smiled down at him. Smiling back He looked up at her with such a warm gaze it made another blush creep into her cheeks. The ride was short and they listened to Lexi’s chatter the whole way. They had made two pies to take with them and Lexi was excited to tell everyone that she helped make them.
As Craig helped her from the wagon she looked around at all the people. There were a lot more there than she would have thought.
“Craig. It’s about time you got here.” They turned to see an older man making his way across the ground. He had to be in his early seventies but he still never missed a step.
“Ah, Papa Jones. It’s good to see you.” She smiled at the man as he got closer. “This is Clara.”
“Papa, can I go play? I see Louise and Joan.”
“Yes go ahead.” His chuckle was deep as he smiled at his daughter. Turning back to the man in front of him he smiled.
“Ms. Clara welcome. May I ask was that lilt girl Lexi?”
Craig chuckled again. “I have to say yes.”
“Why I never thought I would ever see her in a dress again. Not since her momma died. ” The man looked at the little girl running away with wide eyes.
“That credit will have to go to Clara. It is all her doing.”
“Well, Linnie will be, please.” He smiled at Clara. “Linnie is my wife and she has been trying for the last year to get that girl into a dress and cleaned up. She will be glad you finally succeeded in that.”
“I have to say it wasn’t too hard. Just a little persuading and bartering.” She laughed.
He laughed again. “You just stay away from the game tables then. If you could persuade that hellion into a skirt I would hate to see the pile of money in front of you at the end of the night.” They all laughed. “Come on in. I’ll introduce you to the women folk.”
They made their way inside the barn and she looked around. The hay had been cleared out completely and the walls of the stalls pushed against the sides. There was one huge room and although there were sporadic pieces of hay on the ground one would never know it was a barn. All around were lanterns hanging from the ceiling showing off a light glow. There were musicians in one corner who were playing and there was one long table that was filled with food. There had to be a hundred dishes on the table.
“My Linnie likes to go all out for these things.” He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “It makes her happy plus I get to dance with all the pretty ladies.” He grinned over at her. “Which means you have to save me a dance young lady.”
She laughed over at him. “Of course.”
“That is after she dances with me of course.” Shocked Clara looked up at Craig as his dark blue eyes looked down at her. Their eyes locked for a moment and embarrassed she looked away.
“You must be Clara. I could smack you Craig for not bringing her over sooner.” The gruff voice came from an older woman who was as round as she was tall. Her cheeks were pink with color and she had a wide smile on her face.
“This is my wife Linnie.”
“It is nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Oh please, child call me Linnie. Now come away from those men and come meet the ladies. You two go find some mischief while you can. We will be eating soon and Jonesie you’re saying grace.”
“Yes, dear.” Although his voice sounded aggravated he smiled at his wife as he kissed her cheek. “Anything for you, my love.”
“Oh, hogwash; go on with you now. You won’t get no extra food trying to butter me up.” They laughed as they walked away. Clara looked back at them as he was carted away and Craig was moved in the opposite direction. Their eyes met and they smiled at one another as the turned around.
As Linnie brought her over to the women she began sprouting off names as the women nodded towards them. At the end she guessed there were over 30 women.
“There is a lot, of us, but you will get it eventually. Come on ladies let’s get the food ready. I’m sure everyone is ready to eat.”
Chapter 5 – Meeting the Neighbours
Clara stood next to the other women and began to help uncover the food. Just then a handful of children came in and stood by the table. “Uh huh, Christopher and Susan back outside and wash up.” One of the women said. As each woman sprouted off their children’s names they kids began to leave until Lexi stood there alone.
Clara looked down at her with a stern look. “Go on with you. The rules from home apply here as well.”
The young girl sighed before she turned around. “Yes. Ma’am.” She hurried off to clean up as well. Just then her eyes came up and met Craig’s he grinned her way and she smiled in return.
“Why I never. Was that little thing Lexi?” One of the women asked.
“Yes.” Clara looked at the woman who had asked the question. Just then a handful of men came over and the people around the table began to make plates and leave to eat.
“What was that all about?” She knew it was Craig’s voice but she didn’t know who he was asking.
Linnie’s voice answered his question. “All of us women were just wondering how long it was going to take you to marry this woman. Don’t let her get away. She’s a keeper.” Clara’s head snapped up to look at the other women. Linnie winked before moving down the line on the table. Choosing to ignore the comment she watched as the children came to their mothers for help with their plates. Suddenly Lexi was at her side.
“Uh. Can you help me Clara? I can’t reach the middle of the table and those green beans look mighty tasty. I normally just go for the stuff around the outside that I can reach.” She looked up at her sheepishly.
“Well that won’t do at all will it?” Clara smiled down at her and was rewarded with a returning smile. “Let’s see what we have here that looks good Lexi.”
They made their way down the line and Clara filled both their plates. When they were done she looked around. The place had been sectioned off by families. It was as if each family was in a small huddle. She stood there for a minute not knowing where to go. “Come on. We’re over here.” She looked down at Lexi and smiled as she followed her over to a corner where Craig sat with Linnie and Papa Jones. Lexi took the seat next to Linnie putting Clara next to Craig. She felt his leg brush hers multiple times and she felt herself thinking things she shouldn’t. She was still a married woman and until she married another those type of thoughts were unacceptable. The others at the small gathering began talking and soon her thoughts were changed as she laughed with the others. Soon they cleared all the trash away and the music began to play again. Lexi ran off outside to catch lightning bugs with her friends. Clara stood there as she watched the dancers twirl around the room.
“Well come on Linni
e. I may be old but I can still shake it with the best of 'em.”
“You know just the words to say to melt my heart.” The older woman laughed as she let him whisk her onto the dance floor.
“Would you dance with me Clara?” She looked up from the hand that was outstretched in front of her to Craig.
“I would love to.” She let him lead her onto the floor and then sucked in a breath when she felt his hand curl around her waist. His other hand still had hers inside his. The music started around him and she was only slightly aware of what went on around them. For that one moment it was just the two of them dancing. She looked up into his eyes as he looked down at her.
“Are you ok?” His voice was soft and gentle.
“Yes. It’s just. It’s been a long time since I’ve danced with a man. My husband was sick for so long that it’s been years since I’ve been in the arms of a man. It just took me by surprise is all.”
“It has been a long time for me as well. Well not dancing with a man but a woman. I would always spend my time outside. I would watch but never seemed right to join in you know.”
“Why did you now?”
“Because of you.”
“Oh.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?” She looked up at him in surprise.
“For everything with Lexi and helping out. She seems to like you a lot. She hasn’t had a woman in her life in such a long time.”
“She is a beautiful and splendid young girl.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey you two know that the song is over right? And if you don’t mind I’d like a dance with the lady myself.” Jack was there wiggling his eyebrows at her. Before she knew what was happening he was whisking her off to the beat of a fast past song. He whirled her around over and over and by the end of the song she was panting and laughing all at the same time. The night was filled with laughter and she danced to so many songs she had lost count. Her last song was another slow one with Craig and it seemed that it made the ending of the day that much sweeter. Craig made a pallet in the back of the wagon for Lexi and before they were halfway home she was fast asleep.
