by Lydia Rose
“Friends of mine will be here tomorrow. They come every year to fish, collect wood and go to town to barter for supplies.”
“Who are these friends?” Ann asked looking at Kayla. Her eyebrows furrowed. “Barter supplies?”
Kayla grinned. “Karen and Josh Harris and their two kids. Stella and Simon.” Kayla moved closer. “They live off the grid about ten miles north of here. They don’t have any money so they take their homemade things and trade for food supplies and whatever they might need.” She looked at Ann. “I usually give Karen and Josh the spare room and the kids sleep on the sofas. If you’re uncomfortable sleeping in my bed with me, I’ll sleep on the floor.”
“I don’t have a problem sharing your bed, Kayla.” Ann answered confidently. If Ann admitted the truth to herself, she enjoyed spending time with Kayla. Maybe more than she thought she would ever feel with another human being. Kayla’s voice brought Ann back to the present.
“Josh and I will fish for salmon, chop down some trees for firewood. He’ll also help me so I have enough firewood for the winter. He has a small piece of property and they don’t have enough trees for the winter. They’re a nice family. You’ll love Karen. She’ll be canning her vegetables.”
“Will she let me help her?” Ann asked now happy to have a distraction from writing.
“I don’t see why not.”
“They really live without electricity and running water?”
Kayla nodded. “They do.”
“They sound like they’re lucky to have you as a friend.” Ann smiled proudly.
“I’m the one that’s lucky to know them. I take my snowmobile to visit them when it get too lonely here at my place. Usually at Christmas.”
Ann walked over to Kayla and put her arm around her waist. “I’m glad that you have friends out here.” She squeezed Kayla to her and then dropped her arm.
Kayla smiled and touched Ann’s hand as it dropped away. “It will be fun. You’ll see.”
“I’m sure it will be.”
“You can still get your writing done while they’re here.”
“I might just take a break from writing and take it all in while they’re here,” Ann said wearing a wide smile. She went into the spare room to move her things upstairs. As Ann came down the stairs, she asked. “How do you know they’re coming?”
Kayla shrugged. “It’s the same time each year.” She answered not wanting to give her the real reason why she knew.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Harris family arrived just before noon the next day. Kayla went outside to greet the family while Ann finished the lunch preparations. Kayla walked in the door with the family following.
“Ann, come meet our guests,” Kayla said taking off her boots.
“Karen, Josh, Stella and Simon, this is Ann Reynolds. “Ann, this is the Harris family.”
Ann stepped forward with her hand out. “I’m so happy to meet you all. Kayla, thinks very highly of you all.” She shook Karen and Josh’s hand and smiled at the two kids. Ann estimated them Stella was around seven and Simon five. “Take your coats off. Lunch is ready.”
The family followed Ann toward the large dining table.
“Ann, you didn’t have to go to all this trouble for us,” Karen said taking a seat.
Ann chuckled. “I didn’t do it all myself.” She looked at Kayla smiling. “We did it together.”
Karen looked at the two women and returned Ann’s smile. “Well, we thank you for this meal we are about to have. Kayla, I brought you some homemade strawberry and blue berry jam.”
“Thank you, Karen. I love your jam,” Kayla said reaching for carving knife.
Kayla sliced the ham and the family helped themselves to the side dishes. When they finished eating lunch, the kids went off to the living room to play a game. Josh and Kayla were already putting on their coats to go outside to work.
Ann and Karen began to put the leftover food away and wash the dishes. “I’m surprised to find Kayla with company this year,” Karen said as she covered one of the bowls.
“Me too,” Ann said with a giggle. “I mean that I’m here. I’m writing a book about Kayla’s life.”
“Really?” Karen questioned.
Ann nodded. “Now that your family arrived, I may just include your family. I can change your names if you would feel more comfortable.”
“We have nothing to hide and we are honored to be part of Kayla’s life.” Karen smiled and touched Ann’s arm. “You go ahead and use our names.”
“Do you have any stories I can use about Kayla?” Ann asked picking up a dish towel.
“Kayla has been a good friend to me and my family. The wood, the fish and when she comes to visit us in the winter,” Karen paused. “She brings us meat from a deer she’s taken down or a roast from the store.” She smiled brightly showing how much she cared for Kayla. “Kayla’s just a wonderful woman and I hope someday she has someone that she can share her life with.”
Ann nodded in agreement. “Kayla told me that you don’t have running water or electricity at your place.”
Karen nodded back and forth. “No, but we manage,” Karen said with a smile. “What do you think of Kayla’s paintings?”
“I love them. Kayla gave me one of her paintings.”
Karen smiled. “She gave me one too. Kayla said if we ever needed money to sell the painting.” Karen looked off into space. “I hope we never get that desperate that I have to sell it.”
“Me too.” Ann added. “Kayla tells me you will be doing some canning.” Karen nodded. “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’d like to help you.”
Karen smiled. “I would be happy for the help.”
Ann turned hearing chain saws running. “I guess the trees will be coming down.”
“In the early summer, we will bring samplings that I’ve started to replace the trees we’ve taken down.”
“That’s very nice of you.” Ann stood there in awe of this wonderful family.
“We have to give back to the forest what we take and Kayla is so kind to let us take the wood to keep warm in the winter.”
“Kayla said Josh helps her gather enough wood for the winter too.”
“They help each other.” Karen nodded and turned to the living room as the kids put on the television. “You didn’t ask Kayla if you could turn on the TV.” Karen scolded.
“I’m sure Kayla wouldn’t mind.” Ann walked toward the TV. “Let me find the cartoon channel for you.”
The kids looked up at her. “Thank you,” Stella said to Ann.
“You are welcome, honey,” Ann sat patting Stella’s head.
“You’re good with kids. Do you have any?” Karen asked.
“I’m not married.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t have children.”
“No kids,” Ann said with a grin.
“How long have you known Kayla?”
“We met in June in Seattle when she came down. I came to the cabin in August.”
“She’s wonderful, isn’t she?” Karen asked.
Ann’s mouth opened and closed before she answered. “She is.” Ann didn’t know if Karen knew Kayla was a lesbian.
Karen looked at Ann sideways. “Forgive my bluntness, but are you and Kayla a couple?”
Ann looked at Karen realizing that she must know Kayla’s sexual orientation. “No, Karen. I’m straight.”
“That’s a shame. You two seem like you’d make a nice couple.”
Ann blushed at Karen’s comment. The chain saws continued in the background. “I hope those two don’t get hurt out there.”
Karen touched Ann’s hand. “Don’t worry. Kayla will take good care of them.”
“Kayla,” Ann said shocked. “I was kind of hoping that Josh would make sure Kayla didn’t get hurt.”
Karen smiled and patted Ann’s hand. “They take care of each other.” She saw the worried look on Ann’s face. Ann had said she was straight, but her eyes were saying something else. “We co
me here every year hoping to find Kayla having found a mate. I would hate to see her spend the rest of her life alone.”
“I guess it’s kind of hard for her to find someone living out here in the wilderness.”
“Love happens when it is supposed to and whoever is lucky enough for Kayla to love them couldn’t do better,” Karen said looking at Ann with a smile.
Ann just nodded her head. She had to admit that Kayla would make a wonderful partner for someone. As long as they could live here away from the world.
“Did you ever meet Kayla’s grandmother?”
Karen nodded. “We only knew Bea after she became ill. She was very sweet and she loved Kayla very much. It’s a shame that she wanted to leave this world.”
“I don’t think she had much of a choice. Kayla said she had cancer.”
Karen just nodded silently.
The rest of the afternoon, Ann and Karen spent canning. Ann was surprised as to how many vegetables Karen had brought with her.
“I have my own greenhouse.” Karen offered with a laugh. “It is a lot of work, but worth the time.” She looked around the room. “I think we should start dinner before Josh and Kayla get back to the house.”
“We can have leftovers.” Ann suggested.
“No. I’m going to make a stew.”
The two women peeled potatoes, carrots and onions. Karen was flowering the meat and browning it in a large Dutch oven. After the stew was put together, Ann put on the coffee to brew. “How about a cup of coffee and a piece of Kayla’s coffee cake?” Ann asked as she looked at the kids she added. “The kids can have hot chocolate.”
While they were enjoying their snack, Kayla and Josh came in the back door. “Look, Josh, they didn’t even invite us for a snack.”
Ann stood up. “We didn’t want to interrupt the fun you two were having,” she said with a smile. “Come on. Let me get you both a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.”
Josh kissed his wife and said hello to his kids and then washed his hands in the kitchen sink. Kayla went into the bathroom to wash hers. They both took a seat as Ann waited on both of them.
Ann paused behind Kayla and dropped her hands to her shoulder. “So did you both get enough wood?”
Kayla turned to Ann which caused the soft hands to slip away. Kayla immediately felt the loss. “We cut enough trees, but we still have to cut the wood up.” Ann took the seat next to her. “What smells so good?”
“Beef stew,” Ann said.
Karen grinned. “Actually, its venison stew,” she said looking at Ann. “Don’t worry Ann, you will love it. I promise,” Karen said holding her hand over her heart.
“Well, I’ve never had it before.” Ann shrugged. “I’ve never spent time in the woods either, so this too will be something new.”
“My wife can make anything taste good,” Josh said defending his wife.
Kayla and the kids nodded. “Then I guess I’m in for a real treat,” Ann said causing everyone to laugh.
Josh and Kayla were on their way outside again after the snacks. Kayla was putting on her coat when Ann walked over. Ann looked at Josh before she turned back to Kayla. He took the hint and left them alone. “Don’t you think you’ve worked enough today?” Ann asked touching Kayla’s arm.
Kayla grinned. “It won’t be dark for another two hours and we need to get this wood cut.” She watched as Ann shoulders slumped. “I’ll be fine.” I want to kiss her.
“Don’t cut off any fingers or toes.”
Kayla zipped up her coat. “I’ll be careful,” she said with a smile. It was nice to have someone worry about her, but she wondered why Ann seemed so concerned. It wasn’t like they were a couple or was she worried that she’d be left alone here all winter if something happened to her. “I promise. Okay?” Kayla gave Ann a quick hug.
“I’ll hold you to that, Kayla,” Ann said pointing her finger. Ann could still hear Kayla laughing as she walked toward the woods. She turned to see Karen watching her and she walked back toward the kitchen. “I think I’m going to do some writing before dinner.” Ann was already walking toward the loft stairs.
Karen nodded with a knowing smile.
Ann went up to the loft and stretched out on the bed with her laptop on her lap. She opened her book and wrote about the Harris’. As her hands rested on the keys, she thought about Kayla and what she was doing to help these people. Kayla had said she was lucky to have them as friends and maybe she felt that way because they accepted her for what she was. Ann didn’t know many lesbians and none that she could call a friend. Kayla seemed just like her except she wanted her mate to be a woman. Ann herself never had luck with men and her last relationship ended like all the others unsatisfactorily. If only she could find a man who was as kind and warm as Kayla. Kayla would make some woman very happy someday. Ann heard the back door open as Josh and Kayla came back into the house. Kayla came up the stairs.
“Hi,” she said as she walked into the room. “I’m just going to get some clothes so I can take a shower after Josh finishes.” Kayla nodded toward the laptop. “How’s it going?”
“Very well,” Ann said. “You were right. I love Karen and I think she has a wonderful family.”
Kayla smiled. “They’re great people.”
“They are and I’m glad that you have them in your life,” Ann said as Kayla went toward the stairs.
“Karen, said dinner will be ready in a half hour.” Then she disappeared downstairs.
Ann saved her work and went downstairs to help Karen set the table.
As Ann took her first taste of the meat, she saw everyone’s eyes on her. Ann leaned forward. “You’re right, Josh. Karen has made a wonderful meal.” Her eyes traveled to a smiling Karen.
“Thank you, Ann.” Karen smiled proudly.
Everyone continued eating. After the meal, Ann offered to clean up so Karen could get the kids ready for bed. As Ann was finishing washing, Kayla walked over and started drying.
“Put that down,” Ann said. “You’ve been working hard all day. I can finish this.”
“Ann, it’s just drying dishes. I’m fine,” Kayla said with a chuckle.
Ann just shook her head and finished cleaning the sink. Once the kids were settled onto the sofas, Karen went to take a shower.
“I’m going to turn in,” Josh said standing in the living room. “Good night, everyone.”
“Good night, Josh. I’ll see you in the morning. I’m going to turn in myself.” Kayla was already headed to the stairs.
Ann followed Kayla upstairs to get her clothes so she could take a shower when Karen was finished. Kayla was just coming out of the closet when Ann came into the room. She was wearing a pair of cotton shorts and a t-shirt.
“Aren’t you going to be cold?” Ann asked giggling at Kayla’s attire.
“I’m hot blooded.” Kayla raised an eyebrow. “Besides, you’ll be in my bed adding to the heat.”
Ann heard the bathroom door open. “I’m going to take a shower.” By the time Ann came out of the bathroom, the only light on was the small light in the loft. She quietly climbed the stairs hanging up her jeans in the walk-in closet. As she got into bed, she could tell by Kayla’s even breathing that she was already asleep.
CHAPTER NINE
Ann awoke in the morning to find she was alone in bed. She could hear low conversation coming from downstairs. Ann stretched her body remembering sleeping next to Kayla the night before. At some point she awoke to feel Kayla against her back. Another time Kayla’s arm was across her waist and Ann’s hand rested on Kayla’s. She wondered if Kayla was even aware how close they had slept to one another.
“Good morning,” Ann said as she entered the kitchen. Stella and Simon were at the snack bar eating oatmeal.
“Good morning, Ann. I hope we didn’t wake you?”
“Not at all.” Ann answered. “How are you two this morning?”
“Good,” the kids said.
“You guys are so well behaved.” Ann looked fro
m them to their mother.
“Thank you,” Stella said shyly. “Mom, can we watch TV now?”
“Yes, but keep the voice low.” Karen insisted.
“Where is Josh and Kayla?” Ann asked pouring herself a cup of coffee.
“Outside working on the wood again.”
“Did they eat breakfast already?”
“No. They’ll be in at eight for breakfast. They both didn’t want to wait to eat.” Karen shook her head. “Josh is hoping to get some fishing in this afternoon.”
“How will you preserve the fish?” Ann asked taking in as much information as she could.
“We’ll smoke most of the fish.”
“Are you going to do more canning today?” Ann asked sipping her coffee.
Karen nodded. “Yes.”
“Do you think Josh and Kayla will let me go fishing with them?”
Karen smiled. “I’m sure they will if they think you’ll catch some fish. Have you been fishing before?”
“Many times. I love to fish,” Ann said wearing a wide smile. “I even brought my own rod with me. I used to make artificial flies all the time with my dad.”
“Josh and Kayla usually fish from a boat, but I don’t see why you can’t stand on the shore and fish.”
“Great. I can’t wait.” Ann’s nose perked up. “What do you have cooking in the oven?”
“A breakfast pie.”
“I’m going to get changed and get my stuff for later.” By the time Ann came downstairs, Josh and Kayla were back to eat breakfast.
“Good morning, Ann,” Josh said as he came inside.
“Good morning, Josh. How’s the wood going?”
“Almost done.”
“Morning, Ann.” Kayla offered.
“Good morning. I understand you and Josh are going to go fishing later.” Kayla nodded. “Would it be okay if I fished from the shore?”
Kayla smiled. “As long as you keep a rifle close and you let me show you how to use it.”
The smile left Ann’s face. “Is that really necessary?”
Karen spoke up. “Yes it is, Ann. You don’t want a bear coming up on you.”
Ann thought for a moment that she should just stay in the house, but she didn’t want to wimp out. “Okay.”
