by Bonnie Leon
“I've never been,” Robert explained. “Hope I don't make too big a fool of myself.”
“You won't be the only one learning,” Luke said. “I've never been either.” He glanced at Mattie.
She smiled, and her dark eyes shimmered. “I can teach you. I'm not as good as Alex, but I know enough.” She looked at her brother. “Of course, Alex is really good.”
A flush touched Luke's cheeks. “Maybe you both can help.”
Alex grinned knowingly. “I'll show you the basics, then Mattie can take over.”
“All right. Sounds good to me.” Luke grinned. “You're so good at everything. I figured hanging out with you would make me a better swimmer, hunter, and fisherman, but I'll never be as good as you.”
“It's the native blood,” Alex said, a sparkle in his eye.
“Celeste,” Mattie began hesitantly, “your friend doesn't mind that Alex and I are coming along?”
“No. Why? Because you're native?”
“Well, some people don't like being around natives.”
“Mike could care less. I've known him since I was a baby, and he's never paid any mind to whether someone's native or not.” Celeste patted the palms of mitted hands together. “Besides, he's only driving us to the slopes and then back to the train. It's not like we're moving in with him.”
“You worry too much,” Alex said. “People don't care as much as you think.”
Mattie cast her brother a disdainful look but said nothing. Draping a protective arm around Laurel, Adam said, “I tried to get Laurel to stay home, but she insisted on coming.” He smiled at her.
“You worry too much. The baby's not due for another two months—well, almost two months.” She rested a hand on her rounded abdomen. “I feel good, and the doctor said it would be just fine for me to take a day for fun. I won't be doing as much as I do at home—just sitting on a train, then sitting and watching all of you have a good time.” She pressed her lips into a mock pout. “I've never skied before.”
“After the baby, I'll take you,” Adam promised. “After I've written the story of what it's like to have a baby in the Alaskan wilderness.”
“So, how is your writing going?” Luke asked.
“Good. The Trib likes the stories I'm sending in. Seems people are hungry for Alaskan adventures. With Laurel and Jessie's help, I've come up with some good tales.” He hugged Laurel with one arm. “We make a great team.”
“It's a good thing your writing took off, 'cause you're no farmer.” Luke chuckled.
“Luke!” Laurel said.
“I'm only kidding around.”
Adam smiled. “No, it's true. I'm not a good farmer. All I manage to do is get us by. Laurel's the one who saves our bacon.” He gave her a little squeeze.
Mattie stomped the frozen ground with booted feet. “It's getting cold. I wish the train would get here.”
“I wish we didn't have to travel so far to ski,” Alex complained.
“It's not so far, and the ski bowl's always fun,” Celeste said brightly. “Besides, I know you ski right here in the valley every chance you get.”
“It's not the same. Not as much fun.”
“I kind of like making a day of it. I've got a picnic lunch for Robert and me, and I have plenty of food for anyone else who gets hungry.” Celeste hefted the basket.
“Here it comes,” Mattie said, leaning forward slightly and watching the approaching train.
They all picked up their bags and sack lunches.
When the train stopped, people crowded on board. Adam and Laurel sat facing Celeste and Robert, while Mattie, Alex, and Luke took seats across the aisle.
The air felt chilled even inside the train. Adam laid a lap blanket across Laurel's legs. She wasn't cold but enjoyed his kindness.
The trip south passed quickly. The car was filled with conversations and laughter. Alex retold a hunting story, and Luke listened enraptured while Mattie stared out the window. Celeste was happily gabbing about the latest movie she and Robert had seen.
Laurel felt unusually tired. Resting her face against the cool window, she stared at the white world moving past the train. She didn't feel as if she belonged. Everyone was younger or seemed younger, including Adam, who was involved in the conversation about movies. Laurel had more important matters to think about. She would soon be a mother with responsibilities. She'd tried to imagine what it would be like. Although she'd grown up in a home filled with children, she couldn't grasp what it meant to be responsible for another person's life—a baby who relied on her for survival.
She felt a cramp grab at her abdomen. She'd been having pains for a couple of weeks. The doctor said she had nothing to worry about. She laid a hand on her stomach and watched it rise and fall as her child changed position. She smiled. The joy of motherhood superseded her fears. She imagined holding her baby and longed for the weeks to pass quickly.
Another spasm hit her, worse than the first. It's nothing. I've most probably pulled a muscle, she told herself. After all, she'd been working hard all week preparing the baby's room—painting, sewing, hanging draperies, and moving furniture. When Adam discovered she'd been rearranging furniture, he'd nearly lost his temper and made it clear she wasn't to do any more heavy work.
When the train arrived in Anchorage, Laurel folded the blanket over her arm. “I'll need this. Watching people ski won't keep me warm.” She smiled, then felt another pain. It didn't really hurt, but she'd had more than usual and couldn't help but wonder why.
“Let's go,” Adam said as he picked up a small bag of extra clothes and ushered her off the train.
Mike, a tall thin man in his fifties, greeted the group. “Welcome to civilization,” he quipped, “such as it is.” He helped gather up the skis and poles, strapped them to the roof of the car, and then gave instructions on how they should all fit inside the bulky Chrysler.
The ski bowl wasn't far from the depot, so the trip didn't take long. When Laurel climbed out of the car, she immediately felt the enthusiasm of the skiers. She saw the large, open hillside crisscrossed by skiers, but what most interested Laurel was a banked toboggan run that curved around the hill. Sledders crowded the broad, white hill, waiting their turn to fly down the run. Laurel was fascinated as she watched people navigate a large curve. Laughter and squeals resonated through the air, and she wished she could join the fun.
Alex and Celeste were anxious to get on the hill. They quickly strapped on their skis. “I'll just take one run,” Celeste said, “then I'll come back and help you,” she told Robert and headed for the towrope with Alex chasing her down. Mattie followed.
Wearing an amused smile, Robert watched her go. “It's clear what really matters to Celeste.” Watching Adam strap on his skis, he did his best to duplicate the moves. It took several tries to get his skis secured. Looking clumsy and awkward, he stood and tried to move forward. He managed to travel only a few feet, then fell. Getting up wasn't easy, and he finally let Adam help him.
“Are you sure you're going to be all right?” Adam asked Laurel.
“Yes. It'll be fun to watch.”
Adam seemed hesitant to leave her. “You sure?”
“I'm fine. Go on and have a good time.” Laurel gave him a kiss and rested her arms on her stomach.
Adam pushed off and headed for the towrope. Luke and Robert seemed uncertain what to do.
Wearing a smile and laughing, Mattie swooshed past them and stopped. “You boys need some help?”
“We do,” Robert said matter-of-factly.
Mattie patiently showed the two how to stand, move forward, and turn. She also demonstrated the right way to use the poles and the easiest way to stop. Finally, with a word of encouragement, she headed off. Celeste stopped off once or twice to check on the beginners, but the slopes called to her and she was soon off again.
After a while, Laurel's face felt frozen, and her back and legs ached. It was time to get up and find a warm place. She headed for a building that she hoped promised a plac
e to sit and drink something hot.
Feeling clumsy, she carefully made her way through the snow. This was not a place for a very pregnant woman. Still, she couldn't deny that the cold air and the atmosphere of fun and daring had invigorated her.
Once inside, she bought a cup of hot chocolate and settled into a large cushioned chair to watch the slopes through a plateglass window. She relaxed in the warmth and comfort and soon dozed off.
It was Celeste who woke her. She was more animated than usual. Plopping down on the sofa beside Laurel's chair, she asked, “You hungry? It's well past lunch. We've all eaten. I was beginning to worry about you.”
Laurel yawned and stretched. “I'm fine. How long have I been asleep?”
“Don't know, but by the looks of it, a good long while. The bus will be leaving for the train station soon. Adam told me not to wake you, but I figured you'd want something to eat before we left.”
Laurel stretched again. “I can't believe I fell asleep right here with all these people around.” She glanced at the families and couples using the facility.
“It's your condition,” Celeste said with a smile. “You feeling all right?”
“Yes. Just sleepy.” Laurel took the sandwich Celeste offered her. “I made a lunch. I don't have to eat yours.”
“It seems you're a better cook than me,” she said wryly. “There's nothing left of yours and there's lots of mine. So, I guess you'll have to settle for mine.”
Laurel studied the roast beef sandwich. “It looks good to me,” she said and took a bite.
The ride down the mountain was loud. Skiers told stories of their triumphs and their spills. Luke and Robert talked about what they'd learned. As usual, Mattie and Luke sat side by side. They talked quietly. Celeste and Robert huddled together in deep conversation, seemingly unaware of the tumult around them.
Laurel wondered if Luke and Mattie, and Robert and Celeste would end up together permanently. I'll be surprised if they don't, she thought as a twinge of pain reached across her back. She changed position, hoping to get more comfortable. It can't be the baby, she reasoned. I'm not due for nearly eight weeks.
“You feeling all right?” Adam asked. “You're kind of pale.”
“I'm fine,” Laurel lied, not wanting to worry him unnecessarily.
By the time they boarded the train, Laurel's pains were more frequent and more painful. She now knew the pains were not coming from strained muscles but hoped that once she'd settled in a more comfortable seat, she would feel better.
Laurel felt relief when the train pulled out of the station and they headed for Palmer. At least if the baby did come early, she'd be home, and the doctor would be there. She pulled the blanket up over her and settled back into her seat.
The car quieted. A day in the snow had exhausted the adventurers. Even Celeste had fallen asleep, leaning against Robert. Laurel smiled, happy for her best friend. She remembered the day she thought she might be ruining Robert's life by calling off the wedding. I must have been awfully arrogant, she thought. Another pain cut across the small of her back, then wrapped itself around her belly. “Ohh,” she moaned.
Adam may have looked as if he was sleeping, but he wasn't. He sat up and looked at Laurel. “What's wrong? You all right?” He rested a hand on her arm.
“I've been having some pains. I didn't think much of them, but they're getting worse.”
“What kind of pains? Where?”
“In my back and stomach. I've never had anything like them. They feel like a cramp.”
“Do you think you need a doctor?” Adam stood and searched the car.
“What is it?” Celeste asked, suddenly wide awake.
“Adam,” Laurel said, taking her husband's hand. “It's all right. Please, just sit. I don't need a doctor. We're not that far from Palmer. If I'm still having pains when we get there, we can stop and see Dr. Donovan.”
Adam looked at her, uncertain whether to believe her or not. Finally he sat. “How long have you been having pains?”
“They started this morning.”
“This morning?” he exploded. “Why didn't you say something? You should never have come on this trip.”
“I didn't think they were anything to worry about.” Laurel closed her eyes, then looked at her husband. “I still don't think they are. The baby isn't due for several weeks.”
“Sometimes babies come early,” Celeste said. “You can't count on them being right on time.”
“Are you having the baby?” Luke asked, leaning over the seat.
“No. I'm not. I'm just having a few pains.”
“At least it's not a long trip to Palmer,” Celeste said, looking out the window. “The snow is really coming down. Looks like we finished just in time.”
A moment later the train jolted, bumped, and slid sideways. The air was filled with the sounds of grinding, clattering, and the screams of passengers. People were thrown out of their seats. Clothing, purses, bags, and books tumbled off racks and seats. Laurel hung onto her armrests. “What's happening?”
Adam threw an arm in front of her.
Then it was over. The coach was quiet, except for soft whimpers. Laurel looked at Adam, then herself, wondering if they'd been injured. “Are you all right?”
“I'm fine. What about you?”
“I'm all right, I think.” Another painful contraction spread across Laurel's back and around her stomach. “I don't know about the baby though,” she said through clenched teeth.
“Why? What's happening?”
“The pain is worse.” Laurel pressed a hand on her stomach, willing away the cramp.
“We're off the track!” someone shouted.
“What?” Adam asked. People leaped to the windows to look out, but they couldn't see much in the darkness and swirling snow.
A man stepped out of the car and down the stairway. He returned a few minutes later. “We're stuck.”
“How are we going to get out of here?” Celeste asked, her face white.
“Someone will come for us,” Adam assured her.
Alex helped a woman who'd fallen in the aisle. A bruise and a bump had already appeared on her forehead, but she simply straightened her hat, said thank you, and sat in the nearest empty seat.
“Is anyone hurt?” Adam asked.
“I am,” a woman said. Others were hurt as well, so Celeste, Robert, Mattie, and Luke moved throughout the car, checking the passengers. They found bumps and bruises, lacerations, and one suspected broken arm, but no one had any serious injuries.
Celeste dropped into the seat beside Laurel. “You all right?”
“I don't know. The pains are still coming, and they're getting stronger. I wasn't too worried, but now…” She gazed out the window. Snow pelted the glass. “Celeste, I can't have the baby here, not without a doctor. It's too soon.” She gripped her friend's hand.
Chapter 25
A CAR DROVE UP THE HASPER DRIVEWAY, STOPPING AT THE BACK OF THE house. Susie, who was cuddled on her mother's lap looking at a picture book, said, “Someone's here.”
“Let's take a look and see who it is.” Jean eased the little girl off her lap.
Brian, who'd been sprawled on the floor working a puzzle, jumped up and started for the kitchen.
“Wait, Brian,” Jean said. “I'll open it.” She crossed to the door and looked out. “It's Mr. Townsend.” The three stood on the back porch and watched him climb out of his car. He wore a troubled expression and walked with long, quick strides. “Howdy.”
His voice sounded strained. Jean shivered. “Is something wrong?”
When Ray walked up to the steps, Brian catapulted himself off the porch. Ray caught him and swung him up, then set him on his feet.
“Hello, Mr. Townsend,” Susie said softly.
He smiled at the little girl. “Hello there.” He looked at Jean. “I need to talk to you.”
“Certainly,” Jean said, her stomach dropping at his serious tone. “Children, you go back inside. We'll finish rea
ding your book in a minute.” Both Brian and Susie hesitated. “Go along now.” The children reluctantly ambled into the kitchen. Jean closed the door and turned to face Ray. “What is it? Something's wrong.”
“There's been an accident. The train returning from Anchorage derailed.”
“Oh, Lord! No!” Jean felt the strength go out of her legs. “Is anyone hurt?”
“No one seems to know how bad it is.” For just a moment he touched her shoulder. “I'm going down to the station. I thought you might want to wait there.”
“Yes. Of course.” She glanced at the house. “I'll need someone to stay with the children. I'm sure Adele will watch them for me. Just give me a few minutes to get them bundled up and ready to go.”
The children were safely settled at the Jenkins's in less than ten minutes, and Ray and Jean were on their way to the train station. “How bad was the derailment?” Jean asked, doubting Ray knew but needing to ask just in case.
“Like I said, what came over the wireless was pretty vague. It just said the train had derailed and injuries were expected. I wish I knew more.” Driving fast for the conditions, he gripped the wheel while the car bounced through frozen potholes and slid over packed snow. He glanced at Jean. “I'm sure our kids are fine.”
Jean didn't respond, her mind imagining the worst. She prayed for God's mercy and his miracles. I can't lose anyone else, Father. I just can't do it.
Cars crowded the small depot. Families had come to wait. Looking fragile, Alex and Mattie's mother stood leaning against the building. She was small with graying hair pulled back from her face. Jean approached her, not knowing how to help. “Hello, Mrs. Lawson.” The woman's eyes filled with tears. Jean took her hand. “They'll be all right. God's looking out for them. I know it.”
The tiny woman only nodded and tried to quiet her quivering chin.
