by Carolyn Bond
She sat down beside him, tucking one leg under her bottom. “I will admit, 1889 is a simpler time. It’s not as complicated. Hard work actually pays off. Sometimes in this time you can work yourself to death and end up with nothing.”
“So ye would leave all this? Hot and cold water magically pouring out in your kitchen, ice cubes jumping into your hands, and a whole meal ready in a minute?”
She looked into his eyes and yearned to live his life. “Yes. I have no idea how to be a housewife in your time, but I can learn. Bettie can teach me, if you can be patient. As long as you don’t mind me teaching, too.”
He ran his fingers through her short bob hairstyle that flipped out at the ends. “Yer hair looks as though it was caught in a mill accident.”
“Well, thank you, I guess?” She laughed.
“It’s just so wild. I like it. You would look very odd walking down Main Street, though.”
“I’m sure. Good thing my body in 1889 has more appropriate hair!”
“As good as it is here, I am more comfortable in my own time. It seems so scattered and ineffective here, from what you say. At least I know with my farm, I can grow food and feed my family. My destiny is mine to make from the sweat of my brow.”
She nodded. “So let’s go. Do you have the cedar twig?”
“But, darling, I don’t care what the date is. I just want to be with ye. I can learn to live in this time.”
“I appreciate that. I really do, but I want to live in your time. I never thought I would like living in the ‘good ol’ days,’ but I feel more normal then than I do now. So you have the cedar sprig?”
He thought for a moment. “Yes. It’s outside.” He got up and strode across the room to the door. She stood up and looked around. She had no idea if her body would return here or if she would never be heard from again. Her parents would get her letter explaining as best she could.
She considered taking a picture of them, but it seemed that objects didn’t travel well. She gave her apartment one last look and closed the locked door behind her.
She heard a cracking sound and spun around. Brian in his teenage body had just sucker punched Evan from the side. Evan’s gardener body was much more mature than the teenager, so he recovered quickly and stood up.
“Brian! How did you get here?” she yelled as she ran to them.
Evan looked stunned. He pointed at Brian and asked, “This is Brian? You have to be kidding.” He threw back his head and laughed loudly. Brian came at him again and Evan just held him back with his left hand on Brian’s forehead.
“What a delightful turn of events. This will be good. This is for trying to have me killed.” Evan balled up his right fist and cocked it back. He hit Brian square on the nose so hard Lily felt an immediate wave of nausea. Brian spun around and landed face down in the grass.
Lily ran to Evan. “Where is the cedar twig?”
Evan saw it by a bush and grabbed it.
“Please grandma, let the cedar sprig work one more time.” Lily thought of her grandmother, knowing she had to have been the one to orchestrate this twist of fate. Surely her grandmother was watching over her even now.
He put his arm around her waist and the two of them leapt forward.
Chapter 11 – Beginning a New Life
“That was very satisfying,” Evan mumbled as he rolled over in the grass.
Lily rolled the other way. The crystal blue sky was dotted with puffy clouds. She heard the chugging of the steam engine rolling into Stephensport Station. A plume of steam was wafting over town disappearing into thin air.
She looked at Evan, her strong, gorgeous Scotsman. He smiled the same smile no matter what body he was in. Her long blond hair was coming out of the bun. She sat up and tried to redo it.
He pulled her back down and rolled against her. “Yer hair looks a mess but at least ye didn’t catch it in a mill!” He bent down to her lips and kissed her.
She held her breath as the zing of emotion razed through her core. The warmth of his body next to her made her feel like she was home. Home in front of a cozy fire on the coldest night. She was home.
Evan propped up on his elbow and smiled. “So how do ye think he will fair in the future?”
“He’ll fit right in with all the other opportunists. He’ll find a way. He wanted to be there. That’s why he jumped me this morning at the school. He needed me to carry him there.”
“I’m surprised that he gave up everything he had here.”
“It doesn’t make sense. Honestly, I’m just glad he’s gone,” she said.
“That makes two of us.”
She sat up and repined her hair. “I really need to get to the school. I’m sure the kids went home but I have plans to make.”
He scooted next to her and took her hand in his. “My love, do whatever ye need to. I cannot wait until Saturday when I will call ye my wife.” He kissed her tenderly and smiled.
They walked back to town together and parted ways when they got to Black’s Farm. She opened the door to the school house and found all her students inside. They were huddled in pairs of a boy with each girl. Each pair had a section of the newspaper and the boy was trying to help the girl sound out words. Lily’s eyes stung and began to tear.
“Children, what are you doing?”
Joseph stood up, “Mrs. Wallingsford! You’re safe!”
“Yes, Joseph. Thank you for your concern. And, for alerting Mr. McEwen. He saved me. But, what are you all doing with the newspaper? How could you have known I would use it for the lesson today?”
“Well, ma’am, I saw the article about the alliance and read some of it out loud. The girls listened and wanted to know about it. They said if they could read and the boys couldn’t, that they would read it to us. We just figured we would show ‘em how to read so they could read it themselves.”
Lily clasped her hands under her chin. “You children are brilliant. You don’t even need me to lead you! That’s exactly what I hoped would come about. It won’t be easy or quick, but yes, we can teach the girls to read and they will be an asset to their families.”
The children all jumped up and surrounded her.
“I’m so proud of you. Let’s get to work. Take your seats and we will start at the beginning with the girls, but you boys can be instrumental in making the process move faster. You’ve really shown great courage and strength by your actions today. You are truly men and women of the future!”
***
Evan stepped into the house and Bettie hollered, “William? Is that you?”
“No, ma’am, it’s Evan.” He hung his hat on the hat hook by the door.
Bettie bustled in and put her hands on his arms. “It didn’t work, then.”
“To the contrary! Ye would not believe the marvelous things I have seen, Bettie!”
“But what about Lily?”
“Lily is just fine. We came back together and she went on to the school for a bit.”
Bettie clutched her heart and gave a loud sigh. “Thank the good Lord above.”
Evan smiled and turned his face upward. “Aye, thank the good Lord.” He looked back at Bettie. “And thank ye for believing in me. She was telling the truth. I traveled to the future. It’s a magical place where hot bath water pours from the pump and food cooks itself in a box. Lily lives in luxury.”
“Good gracious! And yet you two came back here? Whatever for?”
“She tells me despite all the luxury, it’s a defeating time. It was her choice to return.”
“How unfortunate that the future is not better. However, I am ever so glad to have you both back. I would have missed you terribly.”
“And she missed ye. She grieved for ye, Bettie.”
“Aw. Sweet child.”
“Oh, and ladies wear their bloomers out in public there!”
“Well, I’ll be! That’s probably the root of all their problems, right there.”
“Bettie, I told you before I went to the future that we are hoping to
marry on Saturday. Can ye help her prepare. She has no one else.”
“You bet! I’ll get on it. Oh, I need to send a telegram. If I write it out, would you take it to the telegraph office?”
“Anything ye wish!”
She went to her desk and opened a small box with stationary inside. She wrote a quick note and handed it to Evan. “Hold on while I get you a few pennies from William’s office.”
***
The children placed the newspaper pages on her desk and filed to their seats. She set the boys to work on an arithmetic assignment and worked with the girls reading a primer in a sort of guided reading format that she would have used with her students in the future. An energy filled them all that could be seen in their determination. The girls tried as hard as they could, cheering each other on. The boys worked with new purpose to succeed, not just for their own good, but for the good of the whole school.
After they had put in a good day of study, the children packed up their lunch pails and headed home with cheerful chatter. Lily tried to put the newspaper back into some kind of order. The tiny print with very few pictures made for a very different cover page than she was used to. She scanned the headlines and her eyes landed on one that made her suck in a breath.
‘Granite State Sunk Because of Kentucky Businessman’
Lily quickly read the short article. The men in custody had named a Kentucky man but police weren’t releasing any information until he was apprehended.
“So that’s why he had to get away. He was on the run.” Lily let the paper fall on the desk. “Oh, Brian, your need to control everything finally got you in deeper than you could get out.”
She imagined the awkward teenager walking down a side walk in the future. He had no money, no home, and was clueless about the world there. At least he wasn’t in jail. Then she thought for a minute, “But, that’s what he deserved!”
***
Saturday morning came with a clear spring sunrise and birds singing in the trees. Lily wished her mother was here. On the other hand, she wasn’t sure if her mother would be happy for her or not marrying a farmer and facing a life of hard work and very little medical care. Surely she would be happy that Lily had found the desire of her heart.
The door opened wide and Bettie came in with a tray of breakfast. “Rise and shine, beautiful bride!”
“Oh! Bettie! How nice of you!”
“This may be the last day you get such treatment, so enjoy it! Today is your day!”
“Oh, Bettie, how will I manage? Will you coach me about what to do?”
“Well, William and I were talking. It’ll be a few months before Evan can get a decent house built. You and he can share this room until then and you and I can work on things together. That’ll give you a good start.”
“That would be awesome!”
“Awesome? Hm. I suppose so. Strange way to put it.”
Lily laughed.
“Now Evan told me about the pump in your kitchen that pours out hot bath water. That would be nice, but I’m going to have to go heat you some bath water. A nice hot bath will calm your wedding nerves.”
“Thank you, Bettie. You’re the best.”
“Oh, darlin, you’re family and I’m so happy for you and Evan. And by the way, Everleigh and Malcolm will be here today. And, her mother Emory, too.”
“Really?” she said as she smiled.
“Certainly! Now eat your breakfast. There’s so much to do.”
Bettie jumped up and headed out the bedroom door.
Later that morning, Bettie did her hair in a Gibson girl swoop and powdered her face. There was a knock at the door.
“Bettie? Lily? It’s me Everleigh. Can I come in?” They heard her voice through the door.
“Oh, yes! Do come in!” called Bettie.
The door opened and Everleigh sashayed in holding a large box.
“Everleigh! I’m so glad you are here!” said Lily.
“Well, sure, sweetie! We are a kind of sister that is a very limited sorority. So, what kind of wedding dress have you got?”
Lily looked at Bettie. Bettie said, “There wasn’t much time, deary. She is going to wear my best dress that has been altered a little.”
“That’s kind of what I thought. So I brought this. Now, you can wear whatever you want, but I wanted to show you this. Mother had this gown made for me for my wedding. It’s amazing. Would you like to see it?”
“Would I? I’d love to!” said Lily.
Lily could hardly speak looking at all the lace and ruffles of the handmade gown. “This is exquisite! Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“I would be honored, girlfriend!”
Lily hugged her. “Thank you so much!” She couldn’t help shedding a tear from the wash of love she felt.
“Lily, I do have a request, though.”
“Anything!”
“Maybe this summer when school is out, could you come to my place for a couple of weeks and help me with a curriculum for my students? We are doing okay, but I really think that you could help us offer the best program possible for my students.”
“I would love that! Yes, yes, yes!”
“Great! Okay, let’s getting this wedding going! I know there is a groom around here that’s got to be pawing at the ground like a stallion.”
***
Lily and Evan were married at Black’s Farm next to Sinking Creek with friends and family on a perfect spring day. Everleigh cried tears of joy seeing her gown from a spectator’s point of view. All she could think about was her own wonderful wedding and what a fairy tale it had been being with Malcolm
Bettie’s gold watch hung around Lily’s neck as something new to bring her good luck. Lily chuckled to herself because in her time, this watch was her grandmother’s and now passed down to her mother. She smiled thinking that maybe the watch could bring her dear grandmother to this place in time so she could share it with her.
The day was long and joyous. Later that evening after a feast where they all sat in the glorious light of the sunset and talked about the blessing of finding a mate who couldn’t live without you, the guest went on their way. The gathering grew smaller and those staying the night decided it was time to settle in.
Finally Lily and Evan were alone in her room, now their room. The moonlight covered the far wall with a peaceful silver glow. Lily wore a pressed cotton nightgown and waited nervously at the vanity, brushing her hair. Awkwardness crept over her as though she had never been alone with him.
Evan slipped out of his trousers and shirtwaist until he was only in his sark. The long linen undershirt covered him as he asked her to join him at the window.
She took a deep breath and stood up. Her steps to the window seemed robotic. When she got within arm’s reach, he took her hands in his and pulled her close. The heat of his body radiated through the fabric and the boundary between them blurred. All fear and awkwardness left her as she melted against him. His warm breath caressed her cheek.
“My love, surely I am the happiest man alive. I canna believe how God has blessed me that I might have yer love.”
She rested her head on his chest and smiled. The scent of cedar tickled her nose and she breathed deeply.
“Thank you, grandma,” she whispered.
“Grandma?”
“Oh, yes. This all has to be my grandma’s doing. She loved with her whole heart and only love and faith could have made this miracle.”
“Then I shall be forever in yer grandmother’s debt.”
“Well, oddly, if we live long enough, we could possibly meet her as an infant in about twenty years.”
“I will surely call that day blessed.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly. As she looked up into his soulful eyes, she felt the room spin. He kissed her, slowly at first, and then with a fierceness. She had never felt so loved by a man. A love expressed merely by his tender, yet hungry touch. She knew it as well as she knew anything: This man would love her all
the days of her life and she would love him back.
Lily heard a distant sound like a horn or the vibration of a wet finger encircling the rim of a glass. It was so faint that she knew Evan didn’t hear it. It stopped and then the quiet sound of her grandmother’s laughter echoed in the wind as it buffeted the glass window.
The End
Epilogue
August 24, 1889
Just before dawn on the day Young’s High Bridge in Lawrenceburg celebrated its grand opening, a flash of light was seen on the tracks on the Versailles side.
It wasn’t a reflection. It was a burst of energy created when a person manages to cross the timeline in a way that is forced. Brian, in his teenage body from the future, jumped out of an ellipse of light and fell onto the tracks. His clothes were rags and anyone would have taken him for being homeless. His dirty tight blue jeans and ripped tee shirt made him look like a runaway from the future.
He stumbled over a railroad tie and lost his balance. Falling between the open beams, his leg twisted and broke with a crack. His breathing quickened as the searing pain radiating from his femur. He was wedged in a crevice between the metal and wood in such a way that he could not see anything but straight down to the Kentucky River or straight up to the metal rails about a foot beyond his reach.
His time in the future, brief as it was, showed him the mistake of running from your problems. He was a nothing in 2018. He’d been run out of stores, cornered by druggies, and chased police. Decent people wouldn’t talk to him and the only job prospect he could find was working at Taco Bell. He managed to endure one hour of making tacos before he told them all he was not meant for this kind of life and ran for the door.
Now he was trapped. Sharp agony in his thigh was so overwhelming that he just wanted to let it take him into the oblivion that threatened. Pinpoints of light pricked his vision. He reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out the chain and pocket watch that had helped him time travel. He’d stolen it.
