The Secrets of Parkerville Series - Book 1 - Chased Hearts

by Nancy C. Wilson & Harriet Trevathan

  ***

  Cassie was walking alone, as she made the turn up Honeysuckle. A couple of boys from her English class caught up and walked with her to Maple Avenue. She was happy to have company and they talked about their homework assignment. As she said goodbye to the boys and headed toward home, she could see the Royals sitting on the front porch of the Parker House. This was one of the largest and oldest homes in Parkerville. Peter Parker was leaning against the banister with his arms around one of the girls.

  “Hey, Cassie, want to join us?” Peter yelled out.

  Cassie stopped dead in her tracks, not knowing what to do. She smiled and started to walk toward them, when Linda spoke up instead.

  “Go on home, newbie, you’re not welcome here.”

  Cassie walked on, as all the kids yelled and started laughing at her.

  Mac Returns

  At the Kane house, Todd dragged himself into the kitchen and sat down. He flipped open a book from one of his classes and then slammed it shut again. His mother came into the kitchen and kissed him on the top of his head.

  “What’s up, sweetie?”

  “Nothing,” Todd replied quietly.

  Teddy came rushing in the back door, handed his mother a bag of tomatoes, and stood staring at Todd.

  “What’s your problem, shrimp?”

  “I don’t have a problem, but you just might,” Teddy happily replied.

  “Okay, what’s that supposed to mean? What are you up to now, Teddy?” Todd was a very unhappy guy at this point, barely interested in anything Teddy might say.

  “Well,” Teddy drew out, “Mom asked me to go over to Carol Jean’s and ask her mom if there were any tomatoes left in her garden, and as I was coming back from her house, I happened to see Skye sitting on the porch with this huge guy. That’s all.”

  Teddy had barely gotten the last few words out, when Todd was up and angrily heading for the back door. His mother stopped him, before he could go bounding out, and does something he would later regret.

  “Honey, wait,” she said and walked over to him. “Don’t do this, Todd, she’s young and confused. She doesn’t know who or what she wants. She only just moved here and you have to give her time. I know it’s hard, but you’ve got to be patient . . . for her sake.”

  The last three words really sank in . . . for her sake. He would wait. Maybe she would pack her bags and go back with that big idiot of a farmer, but . . . maybe she wouldn’t.

  He walked out the back door, not even looking at his mother or Teddy. He walked around to the front of the house and sat on the top step of the porch. He looked down toward Skye’s house, but couldn’t see anything.

  All of a sudden, he heard the truck. “It has a loud enough muffler,” he said out loud. Todd jumped off the porch and went out to the sidewalk. Mac was slowly backing out of the driveway. Todd went over to the hedge at the end of his property. He could see down the street, but was sure no one could see him.

  He saw Skye slowly walk toward the truck, as it backed down the driveway. She was just watching him. Mac stopped for a moment, as he backed into the street. He sat there staring at her. She turned and walked back into the house, as Mac drove away.

  “What a relief!” Todd yelled, as he walked back into the kitchen. “Well, okay, she doesn’t want him. Oh, thank God!”

  ***

  Skye walked into the kitchen as her aunt was preparing dinner.

  “How many plates should I set?” Sara asked cautiously.

  “Oh just two, definitely two.”

  “Good!” Sara replied sharply.

  After dinner Skye offered to wash the dishes, but Sara had other plans for Skye. She sliced a piece of apple pie for them both and sat down opposite Skye. She knew her aunt was relieved Mac had left. When Sara came out on the porch and saw Mac, she glared at him and went back into the house.

  “Don’t you want to know what Mac wanted?” Skye asked as she cut into her pie.

  “I figured you’d tell me, if you wanted to. Mac knows better than to come here and see you.”

  “Yeah, well, he said he stayed away as long as he could, but I told him to leave and not come back. I do kind of miss him, and especially Julie and the kids. I know them. I mean . . . oh, I don’t know what I mean. I’m really tired of thinking.” Skye yawned. “It’s been a long first day and I’m tired. I don’t want to think anymore . . . about anything or anyone.”

  “Now, are we talking about Mac or Todd?”

  “Todd! I don’t know what to do about him, but I don’t want to stop seeing him. I want to see him and maybe date him a little. You know . . . movies, dances, go out to eat . . . just nothing serious right now. Mac still wants me to think of him. He’s got it in his head this is all just temporary, that I’ll come to my senses and go back to him. I don’t want him! I want . . .”

  “Both of them to lighten up!” Sara finished Skye’s sentence. “Go call the poor boy. No one’s perfect. So he got a little jealous . . . we all do. He’s a nice young man, Skye, and he deserves another chance. You just need to talk to Todd and lay out a few ground rules.”

  As she sat at the kitchen table she laid her head down on her crossed arms. She now raised her head up with a puzzled look on her face.

  “You want me to call him?” Skye asked.

  “Yeah, that’s exactly what you should do.”

  Skye smiled and agreed. She picked up the phone and asked for the Kane residence.

  Margie answered.

  “Oh, hello, Mrs. Kane, this is Skye. Could I speak to Todd, if he’s home?”

  “Why, yes, Skye, hold on for just a second and I’ll get him for you.”

  Margie yelled up the stairs that Todd had a phone call.

  He came down slowly and in a bored tone asked, “Who is it, Mom?”

  “It’s Skye.”

  The color drained from his face as he slowly picked up the phone and said hello.

  “Hi, Todd, it’s Skye.”

  ***

  After about an hour of talking, Skye finally hung up with a big smile on her face. She grabbed her schoolbooks and went up to her room.

  Sara watched Skye climb the stairs, listening for her to close her bedroom door, and of course, turn her record player on. She then slipped away into her secret room and picked up a phone. She waited a short while and then began to talk.

  “He showed up today. I want to know how he got in and who helped him, and I want to know as soon as possible.”

  The Edwards

  Cassie returned home from school a little late, still reeling from the scene at the Parker House and filled with apprehension over her date with Joshua that evening.

  “Cassie, do you realize it’s 4:45? I told Edith we would have you there by 5:30.” Marion met her at the door.

  “I know . . . I’m sorry. I guess I talked too much on the way home. I’ll go up and change. I promise I won’t take long.”

  “Cassie, what you’re wearing is fine. You’re just going over for dinner. Just run a comb through your hair and come on. I don’t like being late.”

  Cassie ran up the stairs and into her room. She could feel the butterflies stirring in her stomach. She had to take a deep breath to try and release the tension that was overpowering her.

  “What is wrong with me?” she said out loud. “I need to get a handle on this. It’s just dinner, like Mrs. Keaton said. I don’t need to worry.”

  She grabbed her comb and started pulling it through her hair. The comb caught a snag and went flying into the sink. “Okay, girl, stop it!” she said, looking into the mirror. “This guy’s no different from any of the other guys you’ve dated.”

  But she knew he was different, she just hadn’t figured him out yet.

  Why does he always seem to ap
pear, just when Chris and I are getting together? And why was he in the tree outside my window? She thought to herself.

  She shook her head and finished combing her hair. “I have a few questions to ask Mr. Edwards when I see him.”

  ***

  It was a quiet ride over the country roads to the Edwards’ farm. Everyone was deep in their own thoughts, but no one was sharing. As the car pulled into the Edwards’ driveway, Cassie watched as a colt and three adult horses frolicked in the pasture, which ran along the side.

  “Oh, look . . . how sweet,” Cassie sighed from the backseat.

  Justin and Marion glanced at each other.

  “Yes, they are fun to look at,” Marion started, “but you can’t even imagine the work that goes into caring for them.”

  Cassie smiled and continued to watch the horses until they drove up to the front of the house.

  Joshua was sitting on the top step of the porch next to his father, who was leaning against the post.

  Jim was a tall, strong man, but not very social. You would seldom see him in anything but jeans, as he worked long hours on the farm he loved. He didn’t trust many people and he certainly wasn’t fond of the Keaton’s.

  Both men started down the steps, as the car came to a stop.

  “She’s here, Edie,” Jim yelled back to his wife.”

  Edith Edwards walked out of the door, drying her hands on her apron. She was a beautiful woman, impeccably dressed, even in the middle of making dinner. Her long, dark blond hair hung down over her right shoulder as she descended the porch steps. From a distance, she resembled a younger woman in her late 20’s. She had a huge smile on her face, as she waved her hand and ran up to Marion, giving her a hug.

  “Oh my, Marion, it’s been such a long time. I’m so glad to see you.”

  “It’s nice to see you too, Edith. I hope we’re not too late. I know I told you 5:30.”

  “Oh, good heavens, Marion, I’ve been waiting years to see you; what’s a few more minutes.”

  Marion began to look a little uncomfortable, so Justin joined in.

  “Wow, this is really nice,” he said as he looked around. “You have a really nice farm here.”

  Jim gave a low chuckle and walked over. “We like it,” he said, as he held out his hand, “It’s been a long time, Justin.”

  “Yeah,” Justin began, turning a little red. He stared back at Jim, as if he wanted to continue a conversation from another place and time, but knew he couldn’t. He then looked over at Marion. “This is my wife . . .” he stopped, wanting to bite his lip.

  “Yeah, I know . . . Marion.” He gave Justin a cold look. “Well, we’ve got dinner on the table and it’s gettin’ cold.” With that he turned around and started back toward the house.

  “Oh, Jim, we have a few minutes.” Edith said as Jim continued to walk up the porch steps. “Well, he’s had a hard day out in the fields. I hope you’ll forgive him.”

  “Its fine Edith, we understand.” Marion turned toward Cassie. “Well, we really need to be going. Have a nice time and we’ll see you later at home.” Marion glanced at Joshua, who was staring right back at her.

  The Keaton’s turned and started toward their car. Justin walked around to the driver’s side and Marion turned back toward Edith. “Sorry we can’t stay . . . maybe next time.”

  “Sure, maybe next time, but it was great to see you.”

  Cassie felt so embarrassed standing there. She looked over at Mrs. Edwards. “I’m really sorry. I wish they could have stayed a little longer.”

  “Oh, that’s okay, sweetie, at least you’re here. That’s all that matters.” But Cassie could see the sadness in her eyes as she watched the Keaton’s car drive away.

  Joshua walked over to his mother, “Hey, why don’t I escort my two favorite girls to dinner.”

  Edith smiled and hugged his arm. She looked over at Cassie, “Well, I hope you like baked chicken and fresh vegetables. We also have homemade peach cobbler cooling off for dessert.”

  Cassie smiled and put her arm through Joshua’s free one, and the three of them climbed the steps to the front door.

  As they walked through the door, Joshua removed his hat and hung in on a homemade hat rack next to the door. This was the first time Cassie had seen him without his hat and she smiled at him. Joshua rubbed his fingers through his hair, feeling a little uncomfortable without it.

  Cassie commented on how beautiful the living room was, as they walked into the dining room. There was a handmade oak table, which sat six people comfortably.

  “Well, Joshua,” Edith began, “why don’t you go ahead and introduce your family to your guest, while I get dinner out of the oven.

  “Sure, Mom, glad to.”

  Jim Edwards was seated at the front end of the table, and the setting to his right had an empty chair in front of it. After Joshua introduced Cassie to his dad, he walked past the empty chair to his little brother. He put his hand on his head and ruffled his hair.

  “This is Zachariah. He’s thirteen years old and nothin’ but trouble.”

  His brother pushed Joshua’s hand away.

  “It’s Zach, and you’re pretty cool lookin’ .”

  “Why, thank you, Zach,” Cassie smiled back, with a little giggle.

  “You need to watch him,” Joshua laughed. “He’s going to ruin our good standing in this town, especially around the girls.”

  “Cut it out, Josh,” Zach pleaded. “She might think you’re serious.”

  Cassie smiled at Zach again and gave him a wink.

  Joshua walked past his mother’s empty chair at the far end and offered the next seating for Cassie to sit down.

  “Well, hello there, you know you’re not too hard on the eyes. Josh should have brought you around a lot sooner.”

  Cassie and Joshua both turned around to see Matthew, Joshua’s older brother, standing in the doorway.

  “Watch yourself Matt, remember you’re engaged. Edie, everyone’s here, let’s eat.”

  Cassie looked back at Joshua. “Can I help your mother in the kitchen?”

  “No, you’ll just get in her way, she’s like a tornado in there.” Joshua started to pull out the chair for Cassie to be seated.

  “Why not seat her next to dad? That would be more polite,” Matthew said as he pulled out his chair. “What’s the matter, little brother, are you afraid she’ll want a real man instead of you, if she sits in front of me?”

  “Oh my, it’s certainly hot in there,” Edith broke in, with a large bowl of mashed potatoes. “Matt, why don’t you go in and get that big platter of chicken for me, it’s a little heavy for me to carry.”

  Matt hesitated for a moment, but decided he would look a whole lot better in Cassie’s eyes, if he helped his mom.

  “Sure, I’d be glad to help.” He stepped back and gave Cassie a smile.

  Joshua pulled the chair out next to his mom and Cassie sat down. She looked up at him and he gave her an apologetic smile.

  Joshua was asked to give the blessing, and when he finished, the sound of dinner plates, silverware, and voices invaded the room. The food was wonderful, and Joshua and his mother dominated the conversation. Matt and Zach both stared at Cassie throughout the whole dinner, and Mr. Edwards never said a word.

  After dinner, Mrs. Edwards asked Zach to help her clear the table.

  “Aw, Mom, that’s Ruth Ann’s job.”

  “Well, Zach, do you see Ruth Ann sitting here?”

  “No, I guess I forgot she’s over at Sue Ann’s house tonight.” He turned toward his dad, you know, I got better things to do, do I have to?”

  “Do as your mother says and don’t give her a hard time about it.” Jim got up and went into the living room to have a smoke.

  Joshua led Cassie out to the porch.

  “Why don’t we go for a walk, it’s a little crowded around here.” Joshua took Cassie’s hand and they start
ed up the driveway. It was a beautiful, crisp evening and the sun was starting to set. They walked up to the wooden fence to watch the horses.

  “Are those your horses?” Cassie said, feeling a little foolish for asking. “I mean, does one of them belong to you?”

  “No, those horses belong to the farm. We’ve got two stallions out in the back pasture and those two, standing near the colt, are mares. That little colt belongs to Lady, the big gray. She’s a barrel racer. She’s won her fair share of ribbons at the county fairs outside Parkerville. The older mare is Mabel and the black one, over by the water trough, is Jimbo.”

  “Oh,” Cassie said, a little confused. “Is he a barrel racer?”

  “No, he’s a little too old for that now. He looked down at Cassie. “Do you ride?”

  “No, I’ve never learned.” Cassie said. “I’ve never even been close to a horse. Not a real one, that is, it must be fun to ride, though.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be glad to teach you. You get a wonderful feeling of freedom when you ride. You’ll have to come over and ride with me sometime. But don’t worry; you won’t have to stay for dinner. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we won’t have to do it again.”

  “Oh, Joshua, dinner wasn’t all that bad. But it was a little embarrassing trying to eat chicken in front of your two brothers. They watched everything I did.”

  “Well, Zach was in awe of you; he’s at that age when girls are startin’ to look pretty good to him. And believe me, you helped that kid move up a couple of pegs into manhood.”

  “Awe…. that’s sweet of you to say. “He’s really a nice kid, Joshua. Does he have a girlfriend at school?”

  “No, he’s a little too shy to speak to the girl he likes, but I think he has his eye on Geri Keaton.”

  “Oh, Joshua, how sweet, I think they would be so cute together.”

  “Yep, I’m sure Marion would be happy as a lark if Zach asked Geri to one of those junior high dances. What do you think?”

  “Oh . . . right, I don’t think she’d see it the same as we do. I just don’t understand why she’s so angry with the farmers.”

  “If you ask me, there’s just one farmer she’s angry with . . . my dad. He caught her best friend two months out of high school and she’s never forgiven him . . . or her.”

  “Gosh, that must be why your mom seemed so excited to see Mrs. Keaton. I’m ashamed of the way she treated her.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. Life goes on, with or without, Marion Keaton.”

  “So, what’s Matt’s story. He seems a little rough to me.”

  “Matt’s story is a little complicated. He got engaged to a girl he doesn’t really want to marry and he can’t figure out a way to fix it. He’s been a little moody lately, so I’d just stay as far away from him as possible.”

  “So, when you say engaged, you mean he caught her and took her bracelet?”

  “No, she’s from another town. He had to actually ask her, which makes this so funny.” Joshua started laughing. “But darlin’, I don’t really want to talk about my brothers tonight.”

  Joshua turned around and leaned his back against the fence. He gently took Cassie’s arm and pulled her close, putting his free arm around her waist. Cassie lost her footing momentarily and put both arms around his neck. He leaned forward and kissed her, but the kiss lasted longer than Cassie had intended. She finally came up for air and pulled back.

  “Joshua Edwards! That’s the last kiss you’re going to get from me. Now let me go.”

  “If you don’t want to be kissed, don’t look so darn pretty all the time.” Joshua grinned.

  Cassie smiled and shook her head. “Joshua, we have to talk. Is there some place we can sit down?”

  Joshua grinned as a couple curls fell over his forehead. He took her hand and led her across the driveway, through the pine trees that lined it. They walked up to a bench, facing a little pond, and sat down.

  “Okay, princess, I hope this talking’s as good as making out, but somehow I don’t think it will be.”

  “First of all,” Cassie started, “I want to know why you were in that tree the night I arrived in Parkerville. You scared me half to death.”

  “Cassie, you don’t need to be afraid, I just had to see you one last time, before I went home. And I was hopin’ you were in that big room next to the tree. Maybe once we get to know one another a little better, you might open that window a tad.”

  Cassie was a little stunned by his remark, she started to smile and bit the edge of her mouth.

  “You must not know the Keaton’s house very well. I can just imagine you trying to climb up the front of the house to get into my window.” Cassie couldn’t help but laugh. “Mrs. Keaton has already told me all about you farm boys. You guys can’t be trusted, but then again, I commend your bravery. And while we’re at it, why do you always have to show up when I’m with Chris? I’m not ready to go steady with just one boy right now. So you need to give me some space.”

  Joshua started to laugh, “Go steady? Is that what you want, to go steady with some guy? Well, if you’re not too careful, you might be goin steady for a very long time.”

  Cassie stood up, bewildered. “Good grief, why is everything about getting married? It’s driving me crazy. I just want to have fun.”

  Now I understand why Marion doesn’t trust all these boys. I’d better watch myself.

  Come on, Joshua, it’s getting late and I need to be home before 9:00, since it’s a school night. I didn’t get to talk to your mom yet and I’d really like to get to know her.”

  Joshua didn’t argue. He knew the evening was over.

  “Well, I think you’ll like my mom, she’s just about the nicest person in this whole town. I could tell she was hoping to talk to you, too, before we headed out.”

  Cookie

  Edith was sitting on the porch swing, mending a pair of jeans for Zach, when Cassie and Joshua walked up to the house.

  “Oh, my, what a beautiful evening. Come over here and sit down, Cassie. Joshua, would you mind bringing out some ice tea?”

  Joshua gave his mother a little kiss on the cheek. “Great meal, Mom.”

  Edith waited until the screen door slammed shut behind Joshua. She looked over at Cassie and took her hand.

  “Well, sweetie, did you have a nice visit? I know Joshua has feelings for you. You’re all he talks about around here, and now that I’ve met you, I can certainly see why.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Edwards; I’ve had a really nice time. You have a beautiful home and farm, and I can’t believe you have three boys. You definitely don’t look old enough to have a twenty-year-old son. And your figure . . . how do you stay in such great shape?

  Edith looked down and smiled. “I have a few secrets up my sleeve, but mostly, I just love my life here.”

  “I do wish I could have helped you a little. That was a big meal you had to prepare.”

  “Oh, sweetie, that was nothing. We eat like that every day on the farm, especially with three growing boys. I enjoy taking care of my family. I wouldn’t want it any other way, but it wasn’t what I dreamed of doing, when I was your age. I had my fun with all the cute, rowdy boys, but there was something special about Jim. He’s a good man and he’s made me very happy.”

  Cassie smiled and squeezed her hand. “I’m glad you’re happy, but I wish Mrs. Keaton could be happy for you.”

  “Oh, I’m afraid that will never happen. It really tore her apart when I married Jim. I was a little crazy back then and I really liked Jim, but I didn’t think about what I was doing. I wasn’t really ready to get married and I gave up a lot for him.” Edith looked down at her hands. “I was angry with Mother one day, when a bunch of us were out dodging and I let Jim catch me. Gosh, my mother will never forgive me, but I’m not sorry for what I did. I shouldn’t have allowed my anger towards my Mother influence my decision.”

  “I know what you
mean, I wish I could take back some of the fights I had with my mother, but it’s too late now.” Cassie took a breath and changed the subject. “What did you mean about dodging?”

  “Oh, we considered ourselves rebels back when we were your age. We hated all the rules and tried really hard to change things, but since girls are still wearing bracelets, you can see we didn’t really change anything. But, we had a lot of fun dodging the boys.

  “Do you mean like playing dodge ball?” Cassie asked.

  “No, more like dodging a bullet . . . like an unexpected wedding.”

  “Oh, now I get it. I like it, but didn’t you hate wearing this horrible bracelet when you were young?”

  “Well, the truth is, I hardly ever wore the bracelet. The Keepers were so angry with me, since I was able to take it off. They thought they could control me with it, but little did they know . . . I didn’t need a bracelet.” Edith smiled, remembering a private memory she held deep in her mind. “Mother and I fought about the whole chase thing just about every day. I was a free spirit and I didn’t want to be like everyone else. I fought it like a wildcat. But when I look back, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It was magical.”

  “Magical? I don’t think so. I think it’s demeaning.”

  Edith laughed softly and took Cassie’s hand. “There’s magic all around Parkerville, my dear. Very few people know how to contain it, but it’s there. My advice to you is to stop being so angry and keep an eye on that bracelet. You’re going to have a wonderful time here.”

  Cassie looked down at her bracelet and let out a sigh. “Everything's so weird.”

  “Oh, sweetie, you’ll get used to it, and when you do, you’ll have a lot of fun. I didn’t plan on getting caught. I slipped up big time and I ruined my friendship with Marion. We would always talk about who we wanted to end up with, but I could never tell her about Jim. It was a secret I kept from her. She would call me up and say, ‘Hey, Cookie, let’s go tease the guy’s over at the malt shop,’ but all I could think about was Jim.”

  “Malt shop? There’s a malt shop? Where? I haven’t seen it.”

  “Umm, we don’t have one anymore, things change in town as we change. You’ll eventually find that out for yourself.”

  “Oh,” Cassie paused, not knowing what else to say. “So, why did Mrs. Keaton call you Cookie? That’s a cute name.”

  “Yes, I really liked it. I felt very special having a nickname. There’s also a cute story to go along with it. Would you like to hear it?”

  “Sure, I’d love to.”

  “Well, Marion and I were following the boys around town, without them knowing it, of course. They went over to the youth center next to the church and we snuck in the back door. The guys were playing pool and we were watching them, kidding each other about who we would like to catch us. It was close to 9 o’clock and we knew we had to get out of there before the alarm went off. As we were leaving through the kitchen, I saw a cookie jar on the counter. I don’t know why, but I grabbed it, just as the alarm started to go off. We should have just stayed in the youth center and called home for a ride, but that would’ve been too easy. I started running down the street with that cookie jar, with Marion running beside me. As we got close to my house, Pete Williams came around the corner. I took that jar and threw it at him as hard as I could and we just made it to my porch in the nick of time. We fell down and laughed for a good ten minutes. That’s when Marion started to call me Cookie.” A look of sadness appeared in her eyes. “You know, everyone called me Cookie back then. Now, no one does . . . no one even calls.”

  “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Edwards, but they’re the ones missing out. It sounds like you were a lot of fun when you were young. Did you and Mrs. Keaton grow up together in Parkerville?”

  “No, Marion came to Parkerville when she was 8 years old. We were in the same grade. She was a lot like you, dear. She lost her parents and came here to live.”

  “Hm,” Cassie started, deep in thought. “It seems like there’s a lot of orphans who end up in Parkerville.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t say a lot, but I guess we have our fair share.

  The sound of a horn and the glare of headlights coming down the driveway interrupted any further explanation from Cookie.

  Cassie stood up, trying to see if she recognized the car, which was racing toward them. Oh, no, I hope that’s not the Keaton’s coming to get me. I’ll die of embarrassment.

  As the headlights came closer, it was obvious that it was a pickup truck bouncing down the dirt driveway. It came to a sliding stop right in front of the porch. Out jumped Ruth Ann from the bed of the truck. She walked up to the cab and said goodbye to Sue and started toward the steps. The truck spun its wheels backing up and again when it took off down the driveway.

  “Why, Ruth Ann, I thought you were spending the night with Sue,” Edith asked, as Ruth Ann finally made it to the top of the steps.

  “Nope, couldn’t stay. Sue’s mom has to midwife a baby over at the Bailey farm. She and Sue might be there all night, so they decided to drop me off on their way.”

  Then Ruth Ann faced Cassie. “You still here?” Ruth Ann spit out, glaring at Cassie. “I would have thought the farm smells would have gotten to you by now.”

  “Ruth Ann!” Edith said, a little startled, “Please be nice to our guest. Joshua invited her over and you need to be courteous.”

  “Yeah, right,” Ruth Ann grumbled as she slammed through the door.

  Edith let out a loud sigh. “My family isn’t usually like this, Cassie. I don’t know what’s gotten into them.”

  “Its okay, Mrs. Edwards, I’m afraid Ruth Ann and I didn’t get off on the right foot.”

  “Oh, yeah,” Joshua said as he came back through the door, with the tea. “I almost forgot Ruthie owes you an apology.”

  “No, don’t, Joshua, please don’t. I don’t want to cause any more trouble.” Cassie jumped off the swing to stop him.

  “Now what’s this all about,” Cookie asked, a little curious.

  “It’s nothin’, Mom. I would like to just sit out here and talk to Cassie, until Dad gets ready to drive her home.”

  Cookie gave Cassie a curious look, but let the matter go. Ruth Ann called for her aunt, so she took her drink and walked back into the house. She knew Cassie and Joshua wanted to have a little more time together.

  “You were right. Your mom is great. I can’t help but feel a little sorry for her, though. I might have a little talk with Marion.”

  “Do what you want, but I don’t think it’ll help much. Old hurts die hard around here.”

  “Well, I can still try, can’t I?” She gave Joshua a little smile. “And by the way, why does Ruth Ann live with you. She’s your cousin, right?”

  “Yeah, Ruthie was adopted by my Aunt Mae and Uncle Eugene about seven years ago. Her parents died in a house fire when she was about five years old; she got some pretty bad burns herself. Then she went to live with her granny. My aunt and uncle’s farm was adjacent to her parent’s farm, so they bought the land. As luck would have it, Ruthie’s granny died when she was about nine, and that’s when my aunt and uncle adopted her. We asked Ruthie to come stay with us during the school year, then, she’ll go back to stay with Aunt Mae in the summer. Poor Ruthie, she’s had a hard time of it.

  “That’s terrible, that means she’s an orphan, too, like me.” Cassie paused for a moment. “I wish I had treated her better when I first met her in the train station, but I was so sick from that trip. I had to run to the ladies’ room. Maybe she’ll give me another chance.”

  “Well, the first thing you can do is stop seeing the guy she’s got her heart set on. That would probably work wonders right there.”

  Cassie laughed and punched Joshua in the arm.

  Mr. Edwards walked out of the house, heading for the steps. “Time to go home, young lady. Joshua, do you want to ride along?”

  “Sure, I think the three of us can fit into the truck cab, it should be real nice and
cozy.”

  ***

  Marion was looking out of the front window as the Edwards’ truck pulled up. She saw Joshua get out of the passenger side and Cassie jumped down. He walked her to the side door, which was out of Marion’s sight.

  “Well, Joshua, I had a really nice time,” Cassie smiled with her back against the door.

  Joshua leaned forward putting his right hand on the door above her head, kissing her one last time.

  “You’d better go, Joshua, I’m sure there’s lots of eyes watching us tonight.”

  “Let ‘em watch, I don’t care.” But Joshua stepped back and allowed Cassie to open the door. As he walked back to the truck he yelled back, “I’ll call ya, princess,” and tipped his hat toward the front window.

  Marion was furious, but she didn’t want to start another argument. She sat in the living room, waiting for Cassie to walk through.

  “Oh, hi, Mrs. Keaton, you’re probably surprised I’m home so early.”

  Marion stood up, ready to question Cassie, just as the phone rang.

  “That’s probably for you. Skye’s already called a couple of times this evening.”

  Cassie answered the phone as Marion left the room.

  Back to the Farm

  Jim Edwards was a little put out as he and Joshua drove home.

  “You young people don’t seem to realize the importance of secrets or rules in this town. All you care about is having fun and making trouble for everyone.”

  “What did I do? I haven’t broken any of your precious rules.”

  “Then explain to me why I got a call from Mr. Johnson, saying you were trespassing on Keaton’s property the other night. They didn’t give their name, but it got back to the Keepers. I don’t need that kind of trouble. You hear me?”

  Joshua let out a heavy sigh, “Yes, Sir, I hear you. I was just . . .”

  “Havin’ fun, yeah, I know. Son, it’s not that I don’t want you to have any fun; it’s just that time is running out and things are getting serious. Do you think I could have caught your mother, if I’d been breaking rules?”

  Joshua stared straight ahead at the road in front of them. He was well aware of what his dad had done. No one in Parkerville will ever forget, let alone forgive him. But, if he hadn’t made Cookie his bride, at that exact moment in time, Joshua knew he would have never met Cassie. Everything would have turned out differently.

  Jim could tell what Joshua was thinking and softened his voice.

  “I believe in my heart you were meant to be with that little girl, but you’ve got to be a lot smarter going about it.”

  Jim and Joshua finally arrived back home. He backed up to his parking space next to the barn, and both men got out of the truck and headed toward the house.

  “Son, you need to finish up those chores before you’re done for the night.”

  “Oh, yeah, I nearly forgot,” Joshua said, as he turned toward the barn. “I’m sorry I caused you any trouble, Dad. I’ll try and make it up to you.”

  Jim stopped in his tracks and turned toward Joshua.

  “Don’t worry about me, son. I know what this town’s about. I worry about you . . . and Zach. Matt’s almost out of the picture, but you have a chance to change the future. I couldn’t be any prouder of you than I already am. You just have to act a little smarter, son, and you can start by not calling Miss Evans, princess. You got that?”

  “Yeah, Dad, I got it.”

  ***

  After Joshua finished his chores, he walked around the side of the house, singing I’ll never find Another You.

  “Now let me guess,” Cookie broke in, “I’m not really up on the new songs coming out these days, but is that Jerry Lewis and his Playboys?”

  “No, Mom, its The Seekers,” Joshua laughed, “but you were close. Oh, and it’s not Jerry Lewis, it’s his son Gary.”

  “Gosh, I feel so old. I need to catch up on all these new bands coming out. There weren’t so many of them when I was young.

  “Young or old, Mom, you’ll always be the most beautiful woman in Parkerville.”

  Cookie blushed and smiled at her son.

  “I couldn’t help but hear you singing about a new world and having someone beside you, no matter what happens. Now come up here and sit down next to me for a few minutes. I don’t get to talk to you that much, with all the farm work and your job at the feed store.”

  Joshua climbed up the steps and sat down, knowing full well what his mom wanted to talk about.

  “Now, Mom, I just heard that song on the radio in the barn. There’s nothing to it.”

  “Oh, really, but those lyrics about a new world out there . . . sounds a little close to home.”

  “Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he,” Joshua said with a little laugh. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather take with me, when we finally go.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, we don’t know when that will happen, but I can tell the girl likes you. I can see it in her eyes.”

  Joshua let out a heavy sigh. “Thanks, Mom, but I don’t have a lot to offer a girl like that. She’d be bored to death with farm life and . . .”

  “Now you’re insulting your own mother. It’s the man a woman falls in love with, not where he lives. If you and Cassie are meant to be together, you will be. It won’t matter where you live or what you do for a living. You’re a better man than any that I’ve seen in a long time.”

  Joshua let out another soft laugh, “Yeah, but the better man doesn’t always win.” He stood up and leaned over, giving his mom a kiss on her cheek.

  “The good thing is I’m pretty sure she likes my mom.”

  Cassie’s Big Mouth

  It was Thursday morning and Cassie was anxious to get to school to talk to Skye about her dinner with Joshua. She went to her closet and picked out a blue and pink plaid skirt and a pale blue, cashmere sweater, which she wore with white knee-highs and black flats. She pulled her hair back from her face with two pink barrettes and went downstairs.

  Marion was making breakfast and let out a sigh when Cassie entered the room.

  “I won’t be surprised if I get a call to come get you at school today.”

  “Why would you get a call from the school?”

  “Well, Cassie, maybe your skirt is a little too short?”

  “Short? This skirt isn’t short. It’s really pretty modest. It hits the middle of my knee and I’m wearing knee-highs. All you can see is lower part of my knee. Good grief, my old school wasn’t living back in the dark ages and allowed an inch above the knee.” Cassie stood waiting for Marion’s response.

  “This isn’t the city, Cassie, and most of the girls around here don’t wear their skirts that short.” Marion let out another sigh as she reached for her platter full of eggs and bacon, “This new generation is getting a little too wild for my liking. Please sit down, Cassie; everyone seems to be late this morning.”

  Cassie smiled and sat down next to Geri, across from Chris.

  “What’s with the bag?” Chris asked pointing to the blue and gold bag Cassie had put down next to her chair.

  “I have gym today. I’m relieved we get to wear shorts and tee shirts; instead of those horrible step-in, one-piece suits, we wore in the city. I hated them.”

  Chris smiled dreamily, “Yeah, I liked those shorts and tees, too. As I remember, P.E. was one of my favorite classes.”

  Cassie tried to kick Chris under the table.

  “Well, Cassie,” Geri asked, full of curiosity, “how was your dinner with Joshua?” She turned and gave Chris an impish grin.

  “It was very nice. Joshua has a really nice family, especially his mom.” Cassie looked over at Marion, “She told me her nickname used to be Cookie, isn’t that cute?”

  Chris gave Cassie a fro
wn and shook his head, trying to stop her from going on.

  Ignoring him, Cassie continued, “Yeah, she really misses all her old friends. No one seems to care about her anymore. It’s a real shame, since she’s such a nice lady.” The silence was uncomfortable, but Cassie didn’t care.

  “Cookie was a lot of fun,” Justin broke in. “She was always making everybody laugh. It’s too bad friends drift apart.” He looked down at his watch, “Wow, look at the time. Come on; Chris, finish eating. We’re going to get stuck in the morning rush, if we’re not careful.”

  Everyone ate in silence, hoping that Cassie would do the same.

  “Well,” Cassie paused teasingly, “I really think I’m going to like P’ville High. I’ve already made lots of friends. You know, they’re talking about a Harvest Dance at the end of October. That sounds like fun. I think it’s going to be okay here.”

  Chris smiled at Cassie as he gathered his dishes from the table. She could see the hint of worry in his eyes and it gave her a little chill. He glanced back at her and quietly walked out the door. She began to regret opening her mouth at all.

  Marion stood at the kitchen sink staring out the window, as Cassie walked up behind her with the rest of the dishes.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Keaton, that was so rude of me. I have no business saying things that might hurt you. I promise never to bring it up again.”

  Marion turned and Cassie could see the tears welling up in her eyes.

  “Cookie was my best friend. We did everything together.” Marion paused to wipe away a tear. “She threw it all away . . . for everyone. She knew she was special, but she just didn’t care. She never gave us a chance.” She turned on the faucet and started to wash the dishes. “You and Geri need to get going. You don’t want to be late for school.”

  Cassie gathered up her books and hurried out the door.

  The Gym Class

  Skye and Carol Jean were laughing and talking by the fountain as Cassie approached.

  “Hey, guys, sorry I’m late.”

  “That’s okay,” Skye laughed. “We were just talking about gym class. Did you know its coed?”

  “Well, only for certain sports,” Carol Jean interrupted. “We all have to meet in the gym together for roll call, but then the boys go off with their own teacher. And of course, we do have separate locker rooms.”

  “You have got to be kidding,” Cassie laughed, remembering Chris’ remark at breakfast. “I’m glad our uniforms are cute.”

  “Cassie,” Skye broke in, “the shorts are tiny and you can almost see right through the T-shirt.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Cassie laughed as they arrived at school.

  The girls parted once inside and went to their homerooms. Cassie went to take her seat and noticed that Carston had a bag next to his chair. She put her own bag down and asked what period he had gym class.

  “I have gym seventh period. What about you?”

  “Oh, I have it seventh period, too,” Cassie blushed. “I’ve never been in a coed gym class before.”

  “Really?” Carston beamed, “I find it very motivating.”

  Carston enjoyed his mornings with Cassie. She was fun and he was able to act silly around her, something that he couldn’t do at home. His parents put so much pressure on him to succeed and get top grades, but he had nearly forgotten what it was like to just be a teenager. He would sit with his chin on his hand and smile, as Cassie rattled on and on about herself and her little escapades.

  After homeroom, Carston made it a point to walk Cassie to her first period class. It didn’t matter to him if was in the opposite direction from his own class. This was his time with her and he enjoyed every moment. After she entered her classroom he would smile at her, turn, and race through the hallways to get to his own class, before the bell rang. It was a dangerous game and the other kids were shocked to see this side of him. Most of the teachers seemed to understand, as he never caused any trouble, but there was one he had to be wary of . . . Miss Hatfield, the Senior English teacher. She was cold as ice and had no sympathy for the lovelorn.

  ***

  Skye and Cassie had the same classes on Thursday afternoons. Carol Jean would catch up to them in gym class.

  After fifth period, they found Michael waiting for them outside their classroom door.

  “I thought you ladies might like an escort to deliver you safely to your next class, and I’m here to volunteer.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Cassie said, putting her arm through his.

  “Sounds good to me, too.” Skye took Michael’s other arm and the three continued down the hallway. Michael was in a comical mood and the girls giggled their way to their next class, as he went on to his own. Skye looked after him, walking down the hallway.

  “He’s really a neat guy. It’s always cool to have a guy like that as a friend, don’t you think?”

  “Sure,” Cassie said, a little baffled, “but I think he wants more than that. The way he looks at you . . . he’s definitely a goner.”

  Skye just shrugged her shoulders and walked on, as Cassie decided to change the subject. “I really like that pink top your wearing today. Are you wearing that pretty pink bra you bought underneath? You know, those white gym tees are pretty thin.”

  Skye’s face turned white as a sheet. “Oh no, I don’t remember.” She slowly pulled the neckline of her top out and peeked inside. “Oh, thank goodness, no, I didn’t wear it today. I wore it yesterday.” She reached over and shook Cassie by the shoulder. “Don’t ever do that to me again. I nearly had a heart attack.”

  Both girls were now laughing as they headed for the gymnasium. Inside they found about twenty kids, either sitting on the bleachers or milling around talking. They walked over to Carol Jean, to blend in with the girls who were standing with her.

  The sound of a whistle startled the group and they fell silent.

  “Okay, kids, I want the boys on the left and the girls on the right,” yelled a slightly built woman, with short brown hair and a hard looking face. “If you haven’t had the pleasure of being in my gym class before, my name is Miss Helper and that tall, handsome man over there is Mr. D’. His real name is DiSerafino.”

  Mr. D’ smiled and waved to everyone.

  “Oh wow,” Cassie, sighed. “I want to be in the boy’s class.” She laughed and looked over at Skye. A few of the other girls were also giggling.

  The whistle sounded again.

  “Quiet, girls, now let’s go into the locker room and find your lockers. We’ve got a lot to do today, and only 45 minutes to do it in.”

  Cassie and Skye found lockers close to Carol Jean’s near the back of the room. They put their bags on the floor and started to change their clothes.

  “This has to be the worse part of school,” Carol Jean complained, unbuttoning her blouse. “I think I hate P.E. more than anything else I have to do.”

  “I’m with you, Carol Jean, I can think of a hundred things I’d rather be doing,” Skye said, hiding behind her locker door as she quickly slipped out of her clothes.

  “What’s wrong with you two?” Cassie questioned, “I love gym class. It can be a lot of fun. So tell me, what are your favorite sports?”

  Skye and Carol Jean just looked at one another and burst out laughing.

  “What planet did you come from?” Carol Jean asked, as she sat down on a bench to tie her tennis shoes.

  “No, really, gym can be fun. You two need to change your attitude. Come on, there’s got to be something you like,” Cassie asked.

  “Well,” started Skye, “I liked it when we learned modern dance at my old school, but I hated all the sports. Especially basketball! I always volunteered to be the goalie.”

  This time Carol Jean and Cassie laughed.

  “Goalie?” questioned Cassie, “Good grief, Skye, you really don’t know much about sports, do you?”

&
nbsp; “I never said I did.”

  “Can you just see it, Carol Jean, Skye raising her hand and asking to be the goalie? Oh, gosh, I would have died laughing.”

  The three girls finished dressing and walked back into the gymnasium. Marabelle walked out from behind the lockers with a wicked smile on her face.

  ***

  Most of the boys were already lined up, watching as the girls filtered through the door, and lining up on the opposite side of the gym. Cassie waved at Carston, who smiled and nervously waved back.

  The boy on his right turned to face him. “Wow, man, that’s righteous. She’s choice!”

  “Yes . . . choice,” Carston said hesitantly, “very choice.”

  All the boys began to laugh, but Mr. D’ broke it up. He was shaking his head as he blew his whistle to stop the laughing.

  “Okay, guys, stay in line. We’re going outside today and leave the gym for the ladies.” With that, he blew his whistle again and the boys ran out the back door.

  The girls were lined up as Marabelle made her entrance. She towered above the other girls and looked hideous in her gym clothes. Her shorts were too tight and the legs of the shorts had rolled above her thighs, disappearing from sight. Her tee shirt was too short to cover her stomach completely, and she had a couple of holes in the sides under her arms, from stretching the material so much, trying to pull it down.

  “Marabelle Fludge,” Miss Helper yelled out. I told you last semester not to show up in my class again in those same clothes.”

  “Well, then,” she smiled, “I guess I’ll just have to sit this one out . . . won’t I.” She trudged over to the bleachers and sat down.

  Miss Helper knew there wasn’t much she could do, other than send her to the office, so she began the class without her.

  “Okay, girls, we’re going to start with some exercises to limber up, so please spread out so you have enough room.”

  Cassie and Skye moved down the line, to get further away from Marabelle, and began the exercise routine. Marabelle, not to be ignored, started to slowly slide down the bleacher bench to get behind them.

  Miss Helper could see that Marabelle was up to no good, so she walked over and handed her a clipboard.

  “You’re not going to get away with just sitting here doing nothing. I want you to keep track of the schedule and write down any notes I give during the class. And I will be calling your mother this evening about getting you a proper uniform for class.”

  Marabelle made a face as the teacher walked away. She knew her mother was getting tired of all the trouble she caused at school, so she decided to cooperate, as she inched closer and closer to where Skye was exercising.

  “Oh, man, if I have to do one more deep knee bend, I’m going to puke,” Carol Jean said as she staggered to get her balance.” She saw Marabelle out of the corner of her eye.

  The whistle sounded again. “Okay, girls, I want you all to get a basketball out of the bin and start dribbling up and down the court.”

  Cassie and Skye walked over to the bin, leaving Carol Jean to face Marabelle.

  “What do you think you’re doing and why are you always harassing Skye?”

  “You just go on and play your little girl games, C.J., and leave me alone. My business has nothing to do with you.” Marabelle shooed her away, delighting in watching Skye fumble her ball.

  “Cassie, how come you’re so good. Did you play basketball at your last school?” Skye asked, as her basketball skidded away for the umpteenth time.

  “Well, my boyfriend was on the varsity team and our whole gang used to go to the gym and play. He taught me lots of slick moves.” Cassie grinned as she made a basket.

  “So, did you play on the girls’ team?” Carol Jean asked.

  “Me? Play on a team? You’ve got to be kidding. I didn’t have time to practice, let alone give up my weekends for a stupid game. I did go to most of the home games, though. There were a lot of cute boys on those visiting teams.”

  “Figures,” Carol Jean quipped as she ran after her own wayward ball.

  “Okay, girls,” Miss Helper yelled, before blowing her whistle. “We’re going to play a short game, so you can learn the rules. Line up and I’ll give you either a blue or a red vest, to designate which team you will be on.”

  The girls received their vests and waited for Miss Helper’s instructions.

  “Does anyone have a preference as to what position they want to play?”

  Cassie and Carol Jean started to giggle at Skye, when Marabelle stood up and announced, “I heard Skye say in the locker room she wanted to be the goalie.”

  Skye’s face went red as all the other girls started to laugh.

  “She said she wanted to be a guard,” yelled Cassie, staring intently at Marabelle. “I think Marabelle needs to get her ears checked.”

  Marabelle stood up boiling mad. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with, blondie!”

  Cassie took a step forward and a hush fell over the gymnasium.

  Another whistle sounded.

  “Alright, girls, that’s enough. Marabelle, we don’t need your comments and I’m not going to warn you again.”

  Cassie stood her ground, staring straight at Marabelle, as Carol Jean pulled her away.

  “Honey, you really don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you? She’ll squash you like a ripe tomato.”

  “I’m not afraid of her. She’s the one who needs to watch her step.”

  The girls played their game, but the tension in the gym was overwhelming. As the class was ending and the boys started to enter the gym, Marabelle stood up and walked across the gym to turn in her clipboard, following closely behind Cassie, Skye, and Carol Jean.

  “Shake it, but don’t break it, you skinny little ditz,” Marabelle yelled out.

  All three girls stopped in their tracks, as everyone in the gym held their breath. Cassie turned slowly around, “Was that comment for me?”

  “Yeah, hot stuff, that comment was for you.”

  Cassie pushed Skye and Carol Jean away, hopped back on her right foot and presented Marabelle with a front snap kick with her left foot, sending Marabelle’s clipboard over her head.

  Marabelle was stunned and gave Cassie a look of total disbelief. The clipboard, finally hitting the floor, broke the silence in the gym. Everyone cheered and ran up to Cassie, leaving Marabelle to stare ahead . . . bewildered.

  “Wow, Cassie, where did you learn that,” Skye asked as they gathered their things, after showering and preparing for their last class.

  “Oh, that little trick. My boyfriend taught me.”

  “The basketball player?” asked Carol Jean.

  “Heavens no, Charlie couldn’t fight his way out of a paper sack. No, the black belt was Alan. He was kind of cute, as I remember.”

  “Oh, Cassie, you are too much,” Skye laughed as they walked out into the hallway.

  Mr. Figg

  It was now Sunday, and Skye and her aunt were dressed bright and early, ready for church.

  “I’m just going to let the dishes soak in the sink. We’d better be off or we’ll be late.”

  “A penny for your thoughts,” Sara quipped as they walked to church.

  “Oh . . . I don’t know. I just feel good this morning. Kind of like everything is turning out just as it should be.”

  Sara stopped to talk to some of her friends, while Skye continued up the walk toward the steps of the church.

  Todd was waiting at the church door.

  “Hey, you look sharp.”

  “Thanks, you look pretty good yourself.”

  They turned to wait for Sara, when Gerald Figg came up behind her, calling out her name.

  “Why, Gerald, what brings you out this morning? I haven’t seen you in quite a while. I’ve been meaning to come out to your stand for some late tomatoes and cucumbers, if you have any
left.”

  “Sorry, I delivered the last of the vegetables to Pennypacker’s yesterday, but I might have a squash or two hiding under a bush. I’ll be glad to look?”

  “Uh, no, that’s fine. I’ll just make a trip to Pennypacker’s on Monday.”

  “Mind if I sit by you and your niece today?”

  “Not at all, there’s plenty of room.”

  Once everyone was inside the church, Cassie caught Skye’s eye and waved, mouthing the words, see you at the potluck.

  Skye understood and settled in between Todd, Sara, and Gerald.

  Cassie entered their pew first, followed by Chris, who had to step in front of Geri.

  “Hey,” Geri shouted, as Marion’s hand clamped over her mouth.

  “Hush, Geri, we’re in church.” She took her hand away and motioned for her to enter the pew.

  “But, Mom, I wanted to sit next to Cassie,” she whispered.

  “Please just sit down, Geri. It’s been a long week.