by Lydia Rose
Kayla spent most of the summer fishing, hiking and painting. The painting she began when she returned was already completed and a new one started. She looked at the completed painting, wrote a note and wrapped it up. Grabbing her keys, she drove to the village.
The weather began to turn in August. It wasn’t as warm as Kayla would have liked, but there was no stopping winter in this part of the world. She made another trip to collect supplies. She also visited her friends, the Harris’. Kayla had been gone most of the day and now all she wanted to do was sit and relax. Her laptop sat on her legs as she perused her emails. She corresponded with the people at the art galleries and then opened an email address she didn’t recognize.
Kayla,
Thank you so much for the painting. I can’t believe that you sent that to me and you used me in the background. I will always treasure it.
My editor finally responded to my outline and gave the okay for the book. I don’t know if you are still interested in helping me, but I have to tell you that I have missed our conversations. I understand if you have changed your mind. Please let me know at your convenience if you are still interested in allowing me to write your story.
Ann
Kayla sat there reading and rereading Ann’s email. She knew that by the time Ann would get here, she might be stuck for months before she could get her back to the airport. Maybe that’s not so bad. Ann being here during the long lonely months would mean that she wouldn’t spend another winter alone. The cabin was big enough for the both of them and Ann could work on her book and Kayla could work on her art. Kayla began to typing.
Ann,
I’m glad you like the painting. Yes, I am still interested in allowing you to write my story. If you still want to come to the cabin, let me know your schedule so I can pick you up at the airport. Please don’t wait too long because the weather here can turn on a dime. If you get enough information to write your book, you might be able to get out of here before Thanksgiving. Please keep that in mind if you decide to come up.
Kayla
“Well, at least I warned her,” Kayla said to the empty house.
Kayla heard from Ann a week later.
Kayla,
I’ve got my plane ticket. I’ll be flying in on August 20th and I’m prepared to spend as long as it takes to get the information I need to write the book. You should be getting a delivery within the next week. I’ve sent up food so I don’t eat all your supplies. You’ll have to pick them up in town. See you soon.
Ann
Kayla replied immediately.
Ann,
The food was unnecessary since we will stop for supplies when I pick you up at the airport. If you can cancel the delivery, please do so. I’m sure that was very expensive. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you again.
Kayla
Ann didn’t respond to Kayla about the delivery because the following week a truck showed up with boxes of food. There were can goods of fruits, vegetables and soups galore. In addition, there were bags of rice, potatoes and several chickens. What struck Kayla as funny was the snacks that were part of the shipment. She could tell that Ann didn’t want to be without her chips and cookies. Kayla knew that Ann had spent a small fortune getting these supplies to Alaska. She sent her an email after everything was put away.
Ann,
No worries! Your supplies arrived today including your snacks. Ha. Ha. I guess you can’t live without your sweet and salty items. What kind of wilderness woman are you?
Kayla
Kayla,
First of all those items are very important if I’m going to be stuck in the snow. You would throw me out of the cabin if I didn’t have those things in my life. For your information, I am not a wilderness woman, but hope to be by the time I leave there. See you soon.
Ann
Kayla was looking forward to Ann’s visit. She also missed the conversations they had when she was in Seattle.
CHAPTER FIVE
Kayla spent the morning getting the cabin ready for Ann’s visit. The guest room had clean sheets and extra towels were laid out in the bathroom. Plenty of wood stood near the door to be used if the weather continued to get colder. Her latest painting stood on an easel along with her supplies were in the sunroom. She looked at her watch and knew it was time to leave for the airport.
Two hours later Kayla pulled into the parking area and waited for Ann’s plane to land. As the small plane touched down, Kayla got out of the truck and stood by the fence. She watched as Ann came down the stairs. Kayla had almost forgotten how beautiful Ann was. Her dark hair blew in the wind and her smile radiated as she walked toward her. As she got closer, Ann waved to Kayla.
“Kayla, it’s good to see you again,” Ann said taking Kayla into her arms.
“Welcome to Alaska, Ann.” Kayla returned the unexpected hug. “Let’s get your luggage and get to the store before we go to the cabin.”
Kayla picked up more meat and fresh vegetables alone with other essentials. Their cart was loaded as they made their way to the checkout.
“I want to pay for half of this food,” Ann said reaching for her wallet.
Kayla’s hand came down onto Ann’s. “These are supplies I would need to buy for myself. If we start to run low on food, you can pay the next time.” Kayla insisted.
The ride back to the cabin was longer than Ann expected and before she knew it, she fell asleep. Pulling up to the cabin, Ann finally opened her eyes.
“Oh my God. I thought I had your house pictured in my mind, but it is so much more. How much property do you have here?” Ann asked opening the truck door.
“Ten acres. It goes all the way to the lake in that direction.” Kayla pointed and reached for Ann’s suitcases. “Let’s get you inside and I’ll come back for the food.”
“I’ll help you bring everything inside.” Ann insisted.
Kayla shrugged and let Ann bring in one of the suitcases. She opened the cabin door and heard Ann suck in a breath.
“Oh, Kayla. This is beautiful.”
The cabin was made of logs, but it was open and modern inside. There was a large living room with a large fireplace. Next was a dining area and a full service kitchen. Ann spun on her heels taking in the large room.
“Kayla, this is wonderful.”
Kayla chuckled. “Let me show you your room.” She brought the suitcase into the room next to the living room. “I think you’ll be comfortable in here. This room used to be my grandmother’s room.”
“I love it.” Ann took notice to the large bed and a chair was in the corner along with a large dresser. She followed Kayla out of the room.
“Here’s the bathroom,” Kayla said turning on the light.
The bathroom had a large shower, a soaking tub and a vanity. The toilet was in the corner.
“My room is upstairs,” Kayla said pointing to the loft above the kitchen. She went to the door so she could start bringing in the supplies.
As they both unloaded the groceries. Ann was surprised to see the large pantry that held a washer and dryer along with a standalone freezer that Kayla added the meat she had bought that day. Ann now wandered out to the sunroom. She saw Kayla’s work area which also included a wood stove. As she looked out the large windows, Ann could see the expanse of the property.
“I am really blown away by your home, Kayla. This doesn’t scream rustic at all.”
“Wait until it’s forty below and the snow is piling up.” Kayla laughed. “You’ll know exactly where you are living.”
“But in here, this looks like a five star resort,” Ann said with a wave of her arms.
“I wish you could have seen this place twenty years ago. You would have run for the hills.”
Kayla went into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. “Are you hungry, Ann?”
“Not right now.”
“I made soup and homemade bread. I thought we could have for dinner.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Ann went into the bedroom to unpack. “
Would you mind if I spent some time writing?”
“No. That’s why you’re here.”
“I just want to write down my thoughts on what I’ve seen so far. Can we take a walk tomorrow so I can see the land and take some pictures?”
“Of course.”
While Ann did her thing, Kayla went into the sunroom and began to work on her latest painting. She no longer felt the dread coming off Ann’s body. Instead she felt her happiness in being here. She only hoped that a few months from now, Ann would still be happy spending time with her.
CHAPTER SIX
In the morning, Kayla went to collect the eggs from her hens. She came back into a quiet house. Ann apparently had been up late writing and she was still asleep. Kayla made coffee and breakfast. The smell of the coffee and food must have roused Ann from her sleep. Kayla turned as the bedroom door opened.
“Good morning. What time is it?” Ann asked yawning.
“Morning. It’s seven thirty.”
Ann yawned again as she walked toward the kitchen. “I couldn’t resist the smell of the coffee.” She turned toward the bathroom dressed in a pair of sweats and a dark hoodie. “I’ll be right back.”
Kayla put the coffee and plates on the counter just as Ann came back into the room.
“I don’t expect you to wait on me while I’m here, Kayla.”
Kayla smiled. “Tell you what. You can be in charge of dinner tonight.”
“That’s fair.” Ann picked up her coffee and closed her eyes as the hot liquid hit her tongue.
“Did you get a lot of writing done last night?”
Ann nodded as a fork of food went into her mouth. “I did. I can’t believe how quiet it is at night.”
Kayla chuckled. “By the time you leave here, it’s going to be hard to sleep with the noise of the city again.”
Their breakfast was completed and Ann picked up the dishes. “I’ll take care of these. You sit and relax.”
Kayla went into the living room and put the TV on. She immediately went to the weather channel to check the weather forecast. “No snow in the forecast,” Kayla said over her shoulder.
“That’s good.” Ann responded. The dishes were washed and she walked toward Kayla. “Is it okay if I take a shower?”
“Sure,” Kayla said with a wave of her hand. “You don’t have to ask, Ann.”
Ann went into the bedroom to collect her clothes before going into the bathroom to get dressed for the day.
By the time Ann was ready to leave the house, Kayla had done a load of laundry and answered her emails.
“I’m sorry,” Ann said finally coming out of the bedroom. “I kept you waiting a long time.”
Kayla laughed. “You’re still on city time. Before too long you’ll be up and ready to go early before the weather turns too cold.”
Ann returned Kayla’s laugh. “We will see,” she said putting on her jacket. “I’m ready to go.”
They came out of the cabin and began to walk toward the back of the property. “Here is my garage and workshop. Over there,” Kayla pointed. “That’s my hens who gladly give us their fresh eggs every day.”
Ann leaned against the chicken wire. “Thank you, ladies. Your eggs were wonderful this morning,” she said giggling. “Is it necessary for you to carry that rifle?”
Kayla grabbed Ann by the sleeve. “Yes. Come on. We’ll take a walk toward the lake.” They walked along the well warn path.
As they reached the banks, Ann asked. “Is this the scene you painted with me in the painting?”
“Just over there.” Kayla pointed to the right. This woman had her captivated. Just being with her felt as if someone was squeezing her heart. When did this happen? When did I fall in love with her?
Ann sat on a rock. “That was an expensive painting you gave me,” she said looking out onto the water.
“It’s only expensive if you buy my paintings through an art gallery.” You fell in love with her the moment you saw her walk into the café. Did I?
“Still, I feel like I’ve taken money out of your pocket.”
Kayla chuckled. “It was a gift, Ann.”
“Thank you,” Ann said softly. She stood up and they continued their walk. “So is there any fish in that lake?”
“Lots,” Kayla said. “Do you fish?”
“I haven’t for a long time, but I do like to fish. I brought my rod with me.”
“Maybe we can do that in the next couple of days.”
“Sounds like fun.” Ann answered smiling.
As they walked back toward the cabin, Ann spotted the old outhouse.
“Is that your old outhouse?” Ann asked excited as she walked toward the small building.
“It is. Although it’s in a different spot. When I had the septic and well dug, I had a new hole dug for the outhouse. You never know when you’ll need to use that.”
“I hope I never have to find out,” Ann said opening the door slowly. “I cannot imagine coming out in the night to use this.”
“I told you I was afraid a bear would get me,” Kayla said with a chuckle. “I didn’t realize that the bears were all hibernating at that point.”
“It still must have been frightening to come out in the dark to use it.”
“It was and that’s why as soon as I could afford it, I put in indoor plumbing.” Kayla stuck out her hand for Ann to take. “Let’s go have some lunch.”
“Where did you live when the renovations were going on in the cabin?”
“I stayed inside during construction, but when I couldn’t,” Kayla shrugged. “I pitched a tent.”
“You slept outside with bears in the area?” Ann asked shocked.
“Had no choice.”
Ann reached for Kayla’s arm and held on to it until they stepped into the house. They both took off their boots and put on a pair of slippers.
“Soup and sandwich okay?” Kayla asked.
“Perfect.” Ann went to the refrigerator and removed the lunch meat and a container of soup. “I guess your grandmother taught you how to cook?”
Kayla nodded reaching for the plates and bowls. “She was a fantastic cook. She could make anything I brought home taste great.” Kayla turned to Ann. “I’d like to teach you how to shoot a gun.”
“Why?”
“Just for your protection. In case of a bear.”
“I thought you said they hibernate?” Ann asked worried.
“It’s too early for that.”
“Is that why you carry the gun when you’re outside?” Ann asked swallowing hard. She feared that she might not step outside of the cabin again.
“Sometimes the bears get to close to people, but most of the time they mind their business and we mind ours. It’s just precaution and I’d like you to be prepared just in case.”
“You can teach me how to use the gun, but I’m not going to kill any animals.” Ann insisted.
Kayla grinned. “Deal.” She knew if the time ever came where a bear threatened Ann’s life, she wouldn’t hesitate to shoot. Or she hoped that would be the case.
*
After dinner, Ann brought her laptop over to the couch and began writing. Kayla also had her laptop out, but she was playing games instead. At ten o’clock, Kayla left Ann still writing in the living room.
“I’m going to turn in, Ann.”
Ann waved her hand and kept typing.
Kayla went up the stairs to the loft and climbed into bed. When she woke up several hours later, the light was still on in the living room. She got out of bed and looked down over the railing.
“Are you still up?” Kayla called out over the railing.
Ann jumped. “Sorry. Am I keeping you awake?” She asked turning toward Kayla.
“No, but why don’t you go to bed and pick that up again in the morning?” Kayla asked rubbing her eyes.
“Okay. Good night, Kayla.”
“Good night, Ann.”
The light went off in the living room and Kayla climbed back into bed w
ondering if Ann would continue writing in the bedroom. She was too tired to care at this point.
CHAPTER SEVEN
It was now the end of September and both women seemed to be getting along. They each had their own work to do and many days were spent walking outside. Kayla had yet to show Ann how to use the rifle, but there was still plenty of time for that.
Kayla walked into the house carrying wood in her arms. This morning the temperature had dropped and it looked like it could snow at any moment. She dropped the logs by the fireplace and started a fire. Kayla also started a smaller fire in the wood stove that sat in the sunroom. It was eight o’clock and Ann still hadn’t come out of the bedroom. Kayla figured she must have been up very late last night writing again. The fires began to warm the rooms and Kayla poured herself another cup of coffee. She was sitting at the snack bar when Ann came out of the bedroom.
“Its cold this morning,” Ann said wrapping her arms around herself.
“Looks like snow too.”
“I’m going to take a shower,” Ann walked into the bathroom barely opening her eyes. She shivered as she took off her clothes. The hot shower felt wonderful on her skin. Ann came out of the bathroom with her robe wrapped around her.
Kayla watched from the kitchen as Ann scurried toward the bedroom in bare feet carrying her things. All she could do was fantasize about seeing Ann’s skin under the robe. Her head shook those thoughts from her head before Ann came out of the bedroom.
Kayla poured Ann a cup of coffee as she walked toward the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”
“I’ll make some oatmeal when I finish my coffee.”
“I’ve got fresh coffee cake if you’d like?” Kayla asked with a grin.
“Twist my arm, won’t you?” Ann asked with a laugh.
“If you’d rather have oatmeal, that’s okay.” Kayla taunted.
“Coffee cake, please.”
“Can I ask you to move enough of your things for the next four days upstairs to my room?” Kayla asked picking up her coffee cup.
“Why?” Ann asked furrowing her eyebrows.
