Call of the Canyon

by Nancy Pennick

  “No, you should stay here with friends.” Lindsey put her arm around her.

  Drew and Lindsey did the best they could to distract her for the rest of the evening but Kate longed to go home, go to bed and chalk up another day waiting for her dad to come home.

  * * * *

  A few days after the holiday, Kate and her mom started looking for her dad to reappear. Each day he didn’t, they became a little more anxious. Drew couldn’t go back and use his influence because everyone thought he was dead. Kate’s disappearance from the canyon was never explained and it was assumed she was back in Ohio. The only person who could safely go back was her mom. She agreed to go for one night so she would not miss time with them.

  Kate hardly slept the night her mother left. Drew was in the guest room and she finally went over after he was asleep and slipped in the bed. Every time she dozed off, she’d shiver and wake herself again. It was a horrible way to spend the holidays. Kate ended up staring at the ceiling for the rest of the night until there was a little light creeping through the blinds.

  “Drew, are you awake?”

  “Yes, I was just napping all night.”

  “Then why didn’t you say something?”

  “I was hoping you’d fall sleep once you crawled in here.” Drew pulled her close. He put his chin on top of her head and held her tightly.

  “Drew, I can’t breathe,” Kate choked out.

  “Oh, sorry.” He pushed back and looked at her closely. “We’ll figure this out. Let’s go see if your mom’s back.”

  They padded down the hall to her parents’ bedroom. Kate slowly opened the door. “She’s here!” Kate ran into the room and bounced on the bed knowing it had to be good news. “Mom, are you awake?”

  She rolled over and her face was not what Kate expected. It looked like she’d been crying for a very long time.

  “I didn’t find him. No one knew anything about him or heard from him. There was no telegram. The only thing I did find out was there was some flooding in Pennsylvania. A train derailed...the tracks are blocked. It’s a giant mess. That’s all I know.” Her mom moaned and rolled back over.

  “Drew, how long should we wait before we go looking for him?” Kate grabbed his hand. “I don’t care if everyone sees you’re alive, do you? We have to do this.”

  “I don’t care either, but I do have an idea. You need to call Anna and find out where Thomas went for his honeymoon and how long he’ll be gone. If we can get to the cabin without being seen, we may be able to keep my identity a secret and still find out about your dad.”

  “I’m on it.” Kate ran to her room to get her phone.

  After talking to Anna, Kate hurried back to her mother’s room. “I have the information we need.” Looking at Drew, she could tell something was wrong.

  “Kate, sit down. Your mom needs to tell you something. You won’t be going with us.”

  “Oh, no, I’m not staying behind. I’m definitely going on this trip.”

  “Katie.” Her mom took her hand. “I’m more worried about you than your father.”

  “Mom, I’ll be fine. Anna said Thomas and Rachel go back east to visit Thomas’ family and return two weeks later. No one will be at the cabin to see me or Drew. Don’t worry.”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about. Your father and I discussed certain scenarios over and over. This exact one is the one we didn’t want to come true. If your father doesn’t return on time, you may cease to exist.”

  “What? That’s crazy! Look at me, here I am. I’m not going anywhere.” Kate’s head began to hurt. The look in Drew’s eyes made her almost believe what her mother said.

  “We never planned on it coming down to this. We didn’t want to tell you. If your father doesn’t come back by the end of the year and has to live his life out in the past, there will be no you. I will be here in the present and your father will live his life in the past.”

  “Mom, you’re scaring me.” Kate moved closer to Drew.

  “That’s the last thing I want, sweetie. That’s why we want you to stay here in the present. It’s the best possible chance I can think of to keep you alive.”

  Alive? That was so drastic. Kate still did not understand. “Mom, you need to explain this better. It’s too confusing.”

  Drew took over. “Kate, your mom and dad met and married the first year Jack time traveled. You weren’t born until three years later. So if Jack doesn’t make it back, his life will continue on in the past and this one may be totally erased. Once he steps into 1928, we have no idea what will happen. We just don’t know. Your mother may have no memories of meeting Jack and you won’t be conceived. It would be like you never existed.” He paused. Kate felt he wanted to let the news sink in and also gain his composure. “Joanna and I hope if you stay here, somehow you’ll survive.”

  “But you’re not one hundred per cent sure, are you? If I’m not going to be alive in a few days, why should I stay behind? I want to spend every last minute with you!” Kate threw herself in Drew’s arms.

  “Please, do this for me.” Drew whispered in her ear. “I’ll come back to you. I’ll find a way, I promise.”

  “No! That’s my final answer. I’m going with you. We have to believe we’ll find Dad or the reason why he’s not back yet. We’ll rescue him, whatever it takes. We still have a few days. Let’s get going.”

  Her mom sat up. “Look at my brave daughter. Call Anna and Lindsey. You can tell them whatever you wish plus you may want to say your final...” She didn’t finish. “Never mind. I can be strong for you...and your dad. Jackson put all his faith in me to do what’s right. I can’t lose you both in a matter of days. So let’s get going. We’ll solve this together. I don’t want regrets. I don’t want to forget anything...especially you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Kate woke up with an awful headache. She’d had such a terrible dream! Sitting up in bed, she was startled to see the boardinghouse’s pine walls. Nausea swept over her. It wasn’t a dream after all. She was back at the canyon and they had three days to find her father or Kate would be gone. She could disappear into nothingness, but decided she wouldn’t give up without a fight. Telling herself she wouldn’t cry, she knew she had to be strong for Drew and her mother.

  Back home, the conversation with Lindsey had gone well but Kate didn’t tell her the whole truth. She said they were coming to the canyon to look for her father and to wish them luck. Kate did tell Anna the truth and they cried and talked for a very long time. Anna assured her she would always remember her. Kate was not quite as sure.

  It was very early in the morning. The sun was just beginning to rise. Drew poked his head in her room and motioned for her to come to him. Kate slid out of bed and ran to the door. “Meet us out front in five minutes.” He whispered and then disappeared.

  She was ready in less than five and out the front door to find her mother sitting in the Buick. “We’re stealing the Buick?” Kate found it almost funny.

  “Get in.” Her mother coaxed her. “We have no time to waste. I’ll find someone and pay them to drive the car back. Hopefully, no one will know it’s gone.”

  Drew came around the side of the house, started the car and headed for the cabin. They drove silently along. Kate had much to say, deciding to wait until they reached the cabin. It was still very early and there was plenty of time to have a discussion.

  Drew parked the car behind El Tovar. Her mom went inside while Kate and Drew started for the cabin. Kate was glad to have some alone time with Drew. “I’m not letting you out of my sight the whole time we’re here so don’t get any ideas.” She told him.

  “Yes, ma’am!” Drew saluted. It did sound like a command and they both had to laugh.

  “Drew, do you think you’ll remember me? Anna and I had a long discussion about it. She’s so sure, but I’m not. Anna said she will leave herself notes because she’s determined not to forget.”

  Drew didn’t answer as they approached the cabin. He felt for
the key on the top of the doorframe and unlocked the door. “It’s chilly and I want to get the fires started and turn on the heat.”

  “You’re avoiding my question.”

  “How can I tell my beautiful wife I don’t know if I’ll remember her or not? With all my heart and soul, I will try to remember you. Let’s not go there yet. I will try to make these the best days of your life. We’ll do anything you want. Just name it.” Drew lit the fire and turned to see Kate snuggled under a blanket.

  “Find my father,” was all she could say.

  Her mom came through the cabin door after what seemed like hours. “I think I have news!” This was the happiest she’d looked in days. “A train is scheduled to arrive today. The flooding and accident caused a lot of problems for trains traveling from the east but one’s finally coming. I’ll be there to greet it.”

  “Great news! Right, Kate?”

  “Yes, then what I have to say to both of you, won’t sound so depressing. I want to talk about something...in theory only.”

  Her mom sat down. “Okay, go ahead.”

  “I’ve been thinking. If Dad doesn’t make it back, you two should just stay here. Drew, you can go on with your life. You can go home and surprise your family. They will be thrilled you’re alive. Mom, you can go with him and find Dad in New York City. If he remembers you, that will be wonderful. If not, I’m sure he’ll fall in love with you all over again. Isn’t that a great plan?”

  “Well thought out as usual.” Drew smiled at her. “But what about you?”

  “I’ll be born eventually. I think it would be around 1930, wouldn’t you say, Mom?” Kate was so matter-of-fact she noticed her mom just nodded in agreement. “Then, Drew, you would have to wait sixteen years or so for me to grow up so we could be together.”

  “I would be about thirty-seven years old by then, Kate. I don’t think your parents would approve.”

  “That’s why you both have to promise me you will try and remember all of this. Anna is going to write herself a note. I want you two to do the same thing.”

  Her mom shook her head. “I don’t know, Katie...”

  “What, Mom? If this would work out?” She noticed her mom had reverted back to calling her Katie.

  “No, I don’t know if I would stay here. My family’s back in the present. What if Jackson doesn’t remember me or want to marry me? I’d be all alone here.”

  “Mom, are you planning on going back New Year’s Eve day, no matter what?” Kate was shocked.

  “I haven’t thought it through. I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Her mother began to cry. “I’m so confused. I’m losing everything!” She jumped up and went into the back hallway.

  “Drew!” Kate panicked. “Don’t you think it’s a good idea?”

  “In theory, yes, in reality, I don’t know. We don’t know what the future holds, Kate. That’s why it’s called the future.” Drew got up and went down the hallway to talk to her mom.

  Moments later, Kate’s mom walked back out to the great room. “I’m going to meet the train now. Please forgive me. Give me time to process everything.” She went out the door and Kate ran to the window to watch her mother walk down the trail until she disappeared.

  The morning went by slowly. Drew made breakfast and they took a walk in the woods. They even went to the barn to visit Canyon. The horse was happy to see them.

  “Canyon misses you Drew. I swear his eyes lit up when he saw you.” Kate loved that horse. He was so much a part of their history. “Sweet Canyon.” She kissed the horse on the side of its head.

  “Let’s get back. Your mom may have some news by now.” Drew took her hand and they headed back to the cabin.

  Kate’s mom was inside when they got there. She was staring straight ahead, almost in a trance. That didn’t look like good news to Kate. Her mom just shook her head no and continued staring. The couple left her alone because they knew she needed time to herself. They went outside and sat on the front porch.

  “Will we be sitting here when we’re old and gray?” Kate looked out at the blue sky she loved and the white puffy clouds. She wanted to drink it into her soul so she’d never forget.

  “Yes.” Drew slowly breathed the word out although Kate wondered if he believed it.

  The door opened and her mom stood leaning against the frame. “Tomorrow there’s two trains scheduled to arrive, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I’ll be there to meet them both. Then we have one more day. I’ve decided to take Katie back to the present with me. We’ll take our chances back in Ohio. Drew, you can decide what you want to do. I recommend you stay here, where you belong. That’s what we all should have done right from the beginning, stayed where we belonged.” She closed the door and went back in the house.

  Drew and Kate looked closely at each other. “She’s wrong, Drew. She’ll come to her senses.”

  Drew nodded in agreement although Kate realized he wasn’t committing to anything.

  * * * *

  It was hard to think about a schedule, but making dinner seemed normal. When the cooking was done, they ate in silence. Kate didn’t like the silence. There’d been too much of it.

  “Mom, Drew has bottles of wine and sparkling cider stocked here. We’re going to open one of each and sit and talk by the fire until we’re tired. We need to talk and it doesn’t have to be about the present situation. It can be about anything because I can’t stand the silence anymore.”

  “Whatever Kate wants, right, Joanna?” Drew got up and went to his wine cellar. He brought up a good Italian wine, a sparkling cider for Kate and grabbed three glasses.

  Her mom curled up next to Kate. “This was a good idea.” She took a sip of wine. After she finished, she filled the glass again. “I’m going to bed and get rested for tomorrow. Taking this with me.” She held up the glass. “I promise to be more positive tomorrow. Good night.”

  “Good night, Mom, I’ll see you in the morning.” Kate blew her a kiss. Then she turned and kissed Drew. He picked her up and carried her to their bedroom, gently placing her on the bed. Sliding in next to her, Kate felt his warm body next to her. He pulled her closer, clinging to her. She hoped it wouldn’t be one of their last nights together.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  It was a new day and Kate felt hopeful. She could smell coffee brewing in the kitchen. Realizing she was alone, Kate quickly got up, dressed and went out to the great room. Her mother sat at the dining room table talking quietly with Drew.

  “Good morning.” Kate said and they both looked up, startled, appearing to be in a very serious conversation.

  “Kate, did you sleep well?” Drew got up to pour her some coffee.

  “Yes, thanks.” She took the mug of steaming coffee in both hands. “Mom, I was thinking about this. Have you checked the telegraph office to see if there are any messages?” She sat down at the pine table.

  “It didn’t cross my mind with all that’s been going on. I’ll do it today.” Her mom got up and went back to the guest room.

  “I’m so glad you added onto the cabin, Drew. The changes you made are wonderful. We’ll enjoy them so much as the years go by.” Kate smiled at him.

  “Of course we will.” Drew came around the table. He kissed Kate on top of her head and sat next to her. “What would you like to do today?”

  “Visit the canyon.” She hoped Drew would agree to it.

  “Could be risky, but that’s what we shall do. I’ll go get ready.”

  Her mom briskly walked through the room, heading for the door. “Katie, Drew’s an upstanding, wonderful man. I love him. He’s the son I never had. I trust him to do the right thing and you should, too.” She opened the door and waved. “Wish me luck.”

  That was a little strange. Not the part about Drew being wonderful, but the trusting part. Of course Kate trusted Drew. What were her mother and Drew talking about?

  “Drew!” She called out. “No secrets, right? What was that all about? My mom’s telling me to trust
you and I found you two huddled together when I got up.”

  He appeared in the hallway. “Nothing gets by you, although, this time you are making too much out of nothing. Ready?”

  “Yes, but you will tell me before the day’s over.” Kate decided not to ruin the day by pushing him to reveal what the conversation was about.

  Drew tossed her a hat and scarf. “Do you like our disguises?” His laugh was muffled by the scarf he wore.

  “Yes, I’m sure we could be standing right next to Anna and Daniel. They wouldn’t recognize us.”

  The pair bundled up and headed out the door, up the trail and through the woods. Soon El Tovar came into sight. They rounded the corner of the building and there was the canyon, the Grand Canyon, in all its splendor. Even though it was wintertime and very cold, it could not take away the magic Kate always felt. They stood gazing out into the canyon for a while and then Drew said they really should get back.

  Suddenly, all the events leading up to this one skipped through Kate’s mind, some good, others not so good. It was like her life flashed before her eyes. She remembered standing at the canyon rim last year, praying for Drew to come back to her. It couldn’t end like this, not like this.

  Please, Kate prayed to the canyon, please don’t take Drew away from me again. A single tear rolled down her cheek and she was glad he couldn’t see her cry. Pulling the scarf up over her nose, she took his hand, taking one more glance out at the canyon, hoping it wouldn’t be the very last time.

  The couple slowly walked back to the cabin, Drew kicked the door open with his foot, scooped Kate up and carried her in like he did for their honeymoon. She laughed and playfully kicked her legs to be let down. Drew placed her on the sofa.

  “Drew, you know what happens after you carried me into the cabin for our honeymoon. You didn’t put me on the couch, if I remember correctly.” She put her arms up for him to pick her up again.