By Way of the Rose

by Cynthia M. Ward

  “Ouch!” He yelled out. Next Shane let one fly hitting Nathan on his arm. “Damn it! Ouch! Who's out there?” Then Greta let another one go hitting him in the head. “Son of a bitch!” Nathan started to run up towards the bank where he'd left his clothes. When he noticed they were gone and heard the laughter he rushed back into the water to hide himself. The laughter echoed so that it sounded like it was coming from all different directions. “Very funny... now where in the hell are my clothes!”

  Shane and Greta answered him at exactly the same time by firing shots that bounced off his face and his back. Nathan threw his hand up to his head. When he looked at it there was blood in his palm. “I'm bleeding now! Are you happy? This isn't damn well funny! You're going to be in big trouble!”

  “Yes, it is funny!” Shane sang out and Greta squealed wildly in laughter. They fired several more blows that left Nathan with a black eye, a busted forehead, a chipped tooth, busted lip and several bruises on his back, arm and shoulder. When they ran out of ammunition, they both skipped off laughing triumphantly.

  After a while, when he was sure they were gone, Nathan slowly emerged from the water. He broke a tree limb to cover himself and hunted for his clothes. He found them tied in knots and placed in a stirred up ant bed near Shane's post. They were covered in red ants. With a stick he scooped them up then started home. Ever so often, the ants would make it all the way up the stick to his hand and start biting him. He'd drop everything to beat them off then start out again. I swear, if I ever find out who did this, I'm going to plant their naked ass smack down in the middle of a red ant bed! When he got home he threw his clothes down and called out to his mother where she sat on the veranda drinking iced tea.

  When she saw him she bounded from the porch, “What on earth? What's happened?” She ran toward him. The girls weren't far behind.

  “Will somebody get me some damn clothes before y'all come out to gawk?”

  “Sarah, go get your brother something to wear!” Marion called. She began checking him. “What on earth happened to you?” She noticed his busted face and bruised body. “Did you jump off that blasted vine swing and hit the bank? I told you about that, one day you're going to break your neck!”

  “No, it was somebody. They thought it'd be fun to hide my clothes while they pounded me with rocks.”

  “Who on earth would do such a mean and nasty thing?” Marion cried.

  “And they laid my clothes in an ant bed!” He held up his hand. “They bit me all the way home!”

  “Oh, you poor, poor child! Did you see who did it? Could you tell who they were?”

  “No... but I heard them laughing the whole time.”

  “That's it, you can't go back down there by yourself anymore!”

  “That's fine, I don't want to go by myself anymore! I thought I was going to die!” He sniffed. The tears washed over his swollen face as Marion wrapped him in her arms.

  “Oh, my poor, poor child!”

  At the supper table Sarah noticed Nathan was having trouble eating. He looked like what she'd imagined Quasimoto looking like. He had a large round knot over his eye that was turning black, his lip was swollen and his whole face looked distorted. She felt an ache for him. Could she really be feeling sorry for this overbearing tyrant? He looked up at her and she smiled. He huffed. “Makes you happy, does it?”

  “No, it doesn't... but it should!”

  “Do my ears deceive me, or did Sarah speak up for herself?” Cora gasped.

  “What does that mean?” Nathan snapped.

  “You know what I mean, Nathan DuVal. You've run over her all these years. It was different when we were little and just picking. But you're eighteen years old now! Grow up, for Christ sake! Be a man! The reason you can't figure out who beat you up is because you've made everyone hate you!”

  “Very well, everyone calm down now! Leave the boy alone, he's been hurt.” Daniel frowned. “Let's eat our supper in peace.”

  “Everyone is against me now, I suppose!” Nathan slammed his fork down as he glared at Cora.

  “You can feel sorry for yourself all you want, but what you got today is exactly what you deserve!” she retorted.

  “What?” Marion looked stunned. “How dare you say such, Cora May!”

  “Don't act so stunned, Momma! You know how he hits and beats on Sarah. It's about time somebody let him see how it feels! If he doesn't change, this is how his life is going to be... this is just the first beating he's going to get.”

  “And just where were you today, Cora?” Nathan glared at her.

  “I was right here and as much as I'd like to, I can't take credit for what happened to you.”

  “I mean it! Stop this right now or leave the table!” Daniel stood.

  Sarah was stunned by Cora's defense of her. This outright attack on Nathan made her wonder, had he done something to Cora as well? Surely this wasn't just about his abuse of her... was it?

  That night they sat together on Cora's bed and talked. “You really shouldn't have said those things, Cora. I am glad that you took up for me, but you will make him mad at you. I don't know if I could stand to see him hit anyone else the way he hits me.”

  “Like I said, it was different when we were little. Just picking and all. But the more I've seen him hitting and abusing you, the more it turned my stomach. It's not right what he does and the way Momma always overlooks it. I don't want you to think that I agree with it. I hate it... I really do!”

  “Cora, were you really here today? You're sounding more and more like the one who did it.”

  “Lord only knows who did it, Sarah. Nathan hates almost everyone and everything. Not a lot of people like him. It could have been anybody.”

  “Don't say anything else to him, Cora. Don't bring his wrath down on you too.”

  “I'm not worried... look, I've got something I want to tell you.” Cora went to her door and shut it.

  “Secrets?” Sarah perked up.

  “Yes, it's my secret for now. Don't tell anyone, but Tony Slone asked me to marry him yesterday and he ain't talked to Poppa about it yet.” Cora sighed deeply. “I suppose that's what gave me the backbone to speak up. I'm going to do it! I'm going to marry him!”

  “But, Cora! He's so much older than you!”

  “Love knows no age... that's what Tony told me.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “Well no. But he loves me and he's as handsome as anything! Not only that, but he's sweet and has a ton of money! Love will come later. There's lots of folks that never even knew each other before their wedding day... and they ended up loving each other to pieces! Like the story about that princess who was betrothed and they had to beat her and everything to get her to marry him and she did fall in love with him! You were telling me how romantic it was. But they had their heads cut off, which was tragic... Anyway, me and Tony could be like that, except we won't have our heads cut off!” She giggled.

  By the time Cora and Tony were married Sarah hated to see her go. But to her joy, Nathan soon married Vernon Smith's daughter, Elsie, and he left home too.

  Elsie's pa had just passed away leaving his land and house to her. That sort of tipped the scale for Nathan. She'd been head over heels for him since they were little, but he never paid her any attention. She was skinny and homely, with a temper to match her wiry red hair. He had his eye on her house and land more than on her qualities, or the lack thereof.

  This truly was Sarah's summer and she was basking in her new-found freedom! Home was a lovely place to be now.

  One day, after school, Sarah and the twins stopped by the post office and found a letter from John. They ran home as quickly as their feet would take them. They burst through the door.

  Sarah thrust the letter in her mother's face. “It's a letter from John!” she gasped,quick heavy breaths from the long run home.

  Marion took it from her and sat down to read it. She held it close to her face. Though she wouldn't admit it, Marion's eyesight was getting worse t
hese days. She read it aloud.

  Dear Family;

  Things are wonderful with me. I just got back from working in Virginia. It was a long and grueling schedule, but I think I have everything well in hand. All of our business in the South is coming along well

  I long to hear from you all. What all is going on there? I thought I'd have some letters from you all when I returned from my travels, but I guess you were all too busy to write to this tumbleweed. I hope all is well! Sometimes I just feel like I'm in a whirlwind that I can't get out of. At least my life is never boring! Just remember that I look forward to hearing from you all. So don't forget to write to me every chance you get!

  Always your loving son,

  John

  “We should have written him.” Marion dropped her head.

  “Well, we were busy marrying folks off.” Sarah smiled. “I'll write him tonight.”

  “I will too!” Jennie said.

  “And so will I.” Betty sang out.

  “We'll all write him.” Marion folded the letter and shoved it back in the envelope. She took the wad of cash and put it away to be added to their savings.

  That night, Sarah sat at her writing table with pen in hand and began:

  My Dearest John;

  How wonderful it was to hear from you! I am dreadfully sorry that I neglected to send you a letter. You are, without a doubt, the most giving person I know! You'll never know what the money you send home means to everyone... but personally, I'd rather see you than a thousand dollars, as I'm sure we all would. I miss you terribly, John. Do you ever intend on coming home again? Do you miss us as much as we miss you?

  This news might make you want to come home again. Nathan is married and has moved out! It's really wonderful to have him gone. Maybe I shouldn't feel this way, but I think this must be what liberation feels like!

  Cora also married a rich fellow and has moved, to, of all places, Virginia! They bought a big house on the coast. I can't believe you were there too. Shame you two couldn't have seen each other

  If your travels ever bring you to Tennessee, you know where to find us, right? Or have you lost your way? I surly hope not

  I will close for now. Write again soon

  Love always,

  Sarah

  Sarah folded the letter and slid it into the envelope and quickly sealed it so that no one could see what she'd written. She would post it the next morning on her way to school.

  Sarah stepped from the platform of the post office and began to walk towards school. “What are you up to?” She turned suddenly to see Nathan.

  “Just mailing a letter.”

  “To who? Your lover boy?”

  “What?”

  “Your lover boy.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You know what I'm talking about. You're not that stupid.” He laughed coarsely.

  “If you mean John just say it.”

  “John, John then... did you write to sweet little John?”

  “You know I did. You're just jealous because no one chooses to write to you, not even Cora May.” She smirked.

  “You better watch that tongue of yours... you might lose it.” He leered at her. “I'll see you tonight at supper.”

  I can't wait! Sarah thought to herself. She'd forgotten he was coming over. Maybe she just willfully chose not to remember. “See ya.” She walked on trying to sound upbeat. When would she ever be rid of him for good?

  Greta walked towards her. “What did he want?” She looked at Nathan, who was still standing in front of the post office glaring at them.

  “He wants to aggravate me, I suppose. As always.” Sarah shrugged.

  “Well, he better behave himself. He might get another whipping down at the swimming hole.”

  “What? Greta Thompson! Did you have anything to do with that?”

  “Maybe, maybe not. I'll never tell.”

  “You'd tell me, wouldn't you? You know I wouldn't be mad. Although I did feel a little bit sorry for the puke.”

  “Well, yes. I was there. And Sarah, I enjoyed it!” Greta proudly admitted.

  “You scoundrel! I love you! No one has ever had such a sweet friend. Who else was there? It had to be more than just you.”

  “I can't tell that, Sarah... I'll just say it wasn't only me. You have lots of people who love you and lots of people who despise Nathan.”

  “It'll be fine. By the way, where's Shane?”

  “He's at school. He's shooting marbles with Sonny.”

  “Are we still going fishing this afternoon after school?”

  “Sure! I've already got my pole ready and Shane dug a whole mess of worms.”

  They walked on. Soon all the children filed into the school and sat down at their desks. Mrs. Lykes stood up in front of them.

  “Children, I have some bad news. Today will be the last day of school.”

  “What?” The children all mumbled at once. “What are we going to do? Why is this the last day!? School just started!”

  “Well, I've just been offered a job teaching in Memphis. I can't turn it down. They're giving me a house and a salary. I really need it. I've been trying to find someone to take over this school but there's no one else willing to teach for free. So, without a teacher, we'll have to close this school.”

  “That's not fair!” Many voices cried out.

  “Children, I know you're disappointed, but this is how it has to be. Now, let us get something done on our last day together!”

  Sarah couldn't believe her ears. No more school? It was unthinkable! Later that evening she went down to the spring to wait for Greta and Shane. She took her boots off and waded in the cool whispering waters. The sound of it rippling and washing over the rocks sang to her spirit. She loved being alone here. This had been her special place from the time John had first brought her here to play in these cool mountain waters. She thought of him. She felt that when he got her letter telling him that Nathan had moved out, that maybe he would come home. The thought made her happy and excited.

  But soon, her mind wandered back to the school issue. What was going to happen to the other children without a teacher? Was the school that had given so much just going to die out? She knew Jennie and Bettie would be fine, they could go to regular school. But what about their friends who had nothing? What were they going to do? She'd taught Jennie and Bettie, perhaps she could teach the other children too. She knew she could do it if her folks would allow her and the town elders would give her a chance.

  “The fish biting today?” Greta stepped from behind the brush laughing.

  “Haven't really tried them out, I've just been wading and waiting for you and Shane.”

  “That looks like fun.” Greta sat down, took off her boots and waded into the water with Sarah. “Isn't that something about Mrs. Lykes! I can't believe she's leaving us on such short notice and without another teacher.”

  “I was just thinking about that... what would you think if I said I'd like to do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Teach at the school.”

  “I'd say you'd make a very fine teacher!”

  “Really? You wouldn't say I was too young?”

  “Why would I say that? You knew more than the teacher did anyway!” Greta pointed out. “You just came to school to socialize.”

  “You think the children would take me seriously?”

  “I don't see why not. Anyway, if you try it and it doesn't work out, you can quit. So what's the harm in trying it? No one is there to teach anyway.”

  “If the town elders and my folks will let me I'll sure try.”

  “If not you, there's no one. They'll let you, and I'll come help you too. Two teachers are better than one.”

  “You know, I think this just might work out.” Sarah grinned.

  “You two ready to fish?” Shane and Sonny came up.

  “Yeah. We're ready.”

  “Hey, boys... what do you two think of our new teacher?”

 
“What new teacher?” Shane looked puzzled. “Mrs. Lykes said there wasn't anyone else to teach.”

  “Here she stands before you!” Greta gestured towards Sarah.

  “Sarah, a teacher?” Sonny exclaimed in disbelief.

  “Yes, and I am going to help her,” Greta boasted.

  “I think she'd make a great teacher,” Shane commended Sarah.

  “I don't know,” said Sonny. “I don't think I'd come to school if Sarah was the one teaching me.”

  “Why not?” Shane asked.

  “She's just like us, she's our age and she might try to boss us around. I don't think I'd like that.”

  “You're just making up reasons to stay home, Sonny. You don't even like school. It's your parents who made you come,” Greta pointed out.

  “Well, I'm not in school now and I don't want to think about it!”

  “Yeah, let's get to fishing.” Shane reached into the can of worms, caught a long red wiggler and laced it onto his hook before dropping it into the water.

  A few days later Sarah was heading back to school. The twins were skipping along ahead of her... but this time, Sarah was going as the teacher, not the student.

  Chapter Eleven

  * * * *

  Before John knew it thirteen years had passed since he'd seen his family. As the days and years passed, he had longed more and more to see everyone. To be home again. To fill up on that blasted deer steak that he thought he hated so much. Tad being here with him had taken away most of the loneliness. He was content until he received this troubling letter from Sarah.

  My Dearest John

  I'm so frustrated right now. I just don't know what to do! Momma and her constant pushing for me to wed. I just don't know what to do. I don't want to marry, but it seems as if I have no choice. I suppose I've put it off as long as Momma will let me. I'm eighteen years old... I guess it is time to settle down. It's not as if I have any other options. I don't make enough money teaching... in fact I don't make anything. You've made it clear I can't come where you are and I can't stay here any longer. If you care for my happiness any at all, please give me a reason to say no to marriage. Let me come there and get a job so I can stand on my own. I just don't believe that I am cut out for marriage and such, not right now anyway. I hate tending to other people's needs... I've done it all my life. There's so much I want to see and do. I've always had this hunger in me to experience something more than the drudgery of housekeeping... though no one, but you, understands this. You taught me to strive and hope for more. I'll never be content just being a dutiful wife if I don't have some adventure