In the Valley of Hope

by Richard Weirich

  “I'll bet you do,” said Charlie as he climbed into the driver's seat and proceeded to examine the panel beneath the steering wheel.”

  “What’s the matter now?” said Cilla.

  “Never driven one of these things before. How do you start this dadblamed thing?”

  “Are you kidding me? It's that switch to the right of your hand.”

  “This one?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do I turn it?”

  “Yes. Just turn it.”

  “OK. Here goes,” said Charlie while turning the switch and then the engine roared.

  Cilla shook her head in amazement while Charlie grinned from ear to ear.

  “Hop on,” said Charlie. “Give you a ride back.”

  He showed her where to stand and gave strict instructions to hold on tight and to not let go of his arm.

  “That will be no problem,” she muttered. No problem at all.”

  Around the barn they went and up the long path leading to the Miller house and as they neared their destination they spotted a wagon coming in their direction from the main road.

  Meanwhile, Russell Miller hurried out of the house waving as he walked, obviously delighted that his tractor was running again. “That was quick. Heard her coming up the hill purring like a kitten. Good job, Charlie. Cilla, you owe me an apple pie.”

  “Apple pie?” said Charlie.

  “She bet me that you couldn't fix it.”

  “He got lucky,” said Cilla while staring at the three women in the approaching wagon.

  “It's Mama and my sisters,” said Charlie who took off running to greet them.

  They hugged Charlie and then he introduced them to the Millers while Cilla stood closely by his side.

  “Cilla, how about we let Charlie visit with his family?” said Russell motioning for her to follow.

  “What brings you here?” said Charlie as he held up his greasy hands. “Pardon the mess. Just got done fixing the tractor. Is everybody alright?”

  “Been missing you,” said his mother. “Wanted to see how you were doing.”

  “How did you get away without Daddy knowing?”

  “He got him a little side work over at the Bowmans. By the way, that policeman that came by told me what you did for your daddy. Appreciate that. I hid the money where he'll never find it. Girls, get them baskets for me.”

  Lizzy and Myrtle dutifully retrieved the baskets from the wagon then Myrtle reached into her coat and pulled out a stack of letters tied together with string.

  “Do you still want these letters from Mable?” said Myrtle with a concerned expression on her face.

  “Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?”

  “Looks to me like you and that other girl are pretty chummy.”

  “You mean, Cilla? Goodness no. She just lives here. Haven't got the slightest interest in that one.”

  “Looked to me like she's got a big old crush on you,” said Lizzy.

  “No way,” said Charlie.

  “You look good. You been eating alright?” said his mother as she rubbed his back. “Your brother Bill and his wife came by the other day and he told me to say 'hi' if I was to see you.”

  “How are they getting along?

  “Got a baby on the way.”

  “Well, how about that. You all come on with me to the barn.”

  Charlie's guests followed as they continued to talk. As they walked he talked about his responsibilities on the farm, pointed out the field where the cattle grazed, then showed them the smokehouse, pump house, and Russell Miller's prize-winning hogs.

  “This here's my home,” he said as they arrived at the barn.

  “You live here?” said his mother. “They make you sleep in a barn?”

  “I'm just staying here until I can afford to get my own place. You all sit yourself down on those hay bales and I'll be right back.”

  Although it was a cold day the barn was blocking what little breeze was blowing and the bright sunshine made them feel surprisingly warm. While they sat, they admired the beauty and size of the Miller farm. “Just like our place, just bigger,” said Lizzy. “And a whole lot nicer,” said Myrtle.”

  Moments later Charlie emerged from the barn and handed his mother a small paper bag.

  “What's this?”

  “Put it with the other that you're hiding from Daddy.”

  When Mary saw that he had given her money, she tried to hand it back to him. “I can't take this.”

  “I want you to have it. It's the least I can do. Feel mighty sorry that I ain't around to help out anymore.”

  “Why don't you come back?” said Lizzy. “You can have your old room back.”

  “Please,” said Myrtle.

  “Wish I could come back but you know Daddy wouldn't have it. He would probably shoot me the minute he laid eyes on me. I love all of you and I'm glad that you're happy living there but that place was a living hell for me. All I saw every day was hate and meanness and there's none of that here. I'm appreciated and treated like a human being ought to be. Don't be blaming yourselves. Has nothing to do with you.”

  “I'm glad you're happy, son.”

  “I've been learning a few things about why Daddy hates me and someday I hope to know the truth.”

  Mary seemed alarmed at Charlie's revelation. “What kind of things?”

  “Well, can't say just yet. Looks to be three people who know the truth. Of course, Daddy's one of them.”

  “And the other two?”

  “Not long ago I had a talk with Buster Funkhouser and he told me enough to know that there is a reason that Daddy hates me and not the others.”

  “He said that? What else did he say?”

  “Just that there's somebody else who knows the truth, but he wouldn't tell me who it was.”

  Mary Polk abruptly stood up. “It's getting late. We don't want Bill to get back before we do.”

  Charlie was surprised at her reaction to his revelation but didn't question her about it.

  As they walked back to the wagon, Myrtle wanted to know if he wanted her to keep working on her project.

  “What project is that?” said Lizzy. “I haven't seen you working on nothing.”

  “Yes, indeed,” said Charlie. “From what I hear you're doing a mighty fine job.”

  All the way back to the Polk house Mary and Lizzy interrogated Myrtle about the secret project, but she refused to give them even a hint. Then Lizzy asked her mother if she knew why her daddy was so mean to Charlie and if maybe she knew the identity of the mystery third person but again Mary quickly changed the subject. “Didn't you think he looked better than he's looked in a long time?”

  They all agreed that Charlie looked happier in his new environment and although they missed him greatly that he was doing the right thing. They also thought that there's more going on between him and Cilla than Charlie was willing to admit.

  A Home for the Holidays – 1918

  The day was November 11, 1918, and Charlie was about to hear some very good news. Late that afternoon he was just coming out of the pasture where he had used a pick to break a hole in the ice that had formed on the pond so the cattle would have access to water. He thought he heard the sound of a car horn in the direction of the Miller house prompting him to quickly leave the field to investigate. He walked to the highest point in the pasture to investigate the disturbance. Frank Wissler’s green Buick was parked by the back porch and Frank and Priscilla were hurriedly walking toward him.

  “Wonder what's going on?” he thought as he waved his arms wildly to get their attention then met them at the gate, opened it, and joined them on the other side.

  “Look who I found trying to break into the house,” said Priscilla.

  “Thought I told you stop that, Frank,” said Charlie reaching out to shake his friend's hand.

  “Had to bring you the good news.”

  “Well, I'm always in the market for some good news. What's going on?”

  “The war's over
.”

  “Really. That is good news. Very good news.”

  “I'm so happy for the both of you,” said Cilla. “My best friends will be staying home where they belong, with me.”

  “Heard the news on the radio and I figured you would want to know.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  “This calls for a celebration,” said Frank. “Why don't you and Cilla ride with me into town and I'll buy your supper?”

  “That's a very good idea,” said Priscilla. “I'll just go put on a decent dress.”

  “Oh, I don't know. Been working all day,” said Charlie, who was concerned not only about his appearance but the fact that he hadn't had a bath for several days.

  “Just go get ready,” said Cilla unwilling to take no for an answer. “This will be fun,” and she immediately headed for the house.

  “Frank, I didn't want to say it in front of Cilla, but it's been awhile since I've had a decent bath. Living in a barn in winter is rough.”

  “I hear you. Follow me.”

  When they arrived at Frank's automobile, he opened the door and retrieved a small bottle. “Ever heard of a French bath?”

  “Can't say that I have.”

  “Go change your clothes and sprinkle on a little of this French cologne.”

  “You're crazy. Perfume's for women.”

  “This kind is for men. I use it all the time. Just a few drops is all it takes and women love it.”

  Off Charlie went, followed Frank's instructions to the letter, and by the time he returned Cilla was already sitting in the car. When Charlie started to open the rear car door, Cilla had a different plan. “Come on, Charlie. Sit up here. There's plenty of room for the three of us.”

  When they arrived at the Hometown Restaurant in Mt. Jackson, Cilla was quick to suggest a seating arrangement. “Frank you sit on that side and I'll sit by Charlie on this side. And by the way, Charlie, you sure do smell good tonight.”

  Frank grinned at Charlie then quickly hid behind the menu and said, “Viva La France.”

  “What's that mean?” said Cilla as Charlie laughed.

  “Just happy the war is over,” said Frank.

  As always happened when they were together there was plenty of joking and frivolity. Cilla's laughing apparently bothered some of the other patrons and they asked the restaurant owner to tell her and her loud friends to please be quiet.

  “Some people have no sense of humor,” Cilla whispered and then she looked around the room to find the complainer.

  Charlie noticed a young woman staring at him and judging from the expression on her face she was not happy. Was she the one who had complained about the noise at their table? When he glanced back for a second look, he realized that she looked familiar but he couldn't identify her. Eventually, the girl got up to leave with an older man and woman and when they walked by she gave him the evil eye again and Cilla took notice.

  “You know that girl?”

  “Looks familiar.”

  “She's mad about something.”

  Whoever she was her piercing glare bothered Charlie all night. Who was she and what was her problem with him?

  Ultimately, their conversation turned serious when Frank wanted to know why the Millers had Charlie sleeping in a barn.

  Priscilla took offense at his question. “It's the Miller farm not Strathmore Castle.”

  “Just looking out for my friend.”

  “He's my friend, too.”

  Charlie intervened. “Who lit your fuse? I asked to live in the barn until I can afford to get a place.”

  “Just makes good business sense for your foreman to live on the property. That's why we do it that way at Strathmore Castle,” said Frank as the waitress stood by the table totaling the bill.

  “Who's buying?” she said.

  “The rich guy,” said Cilla then the waitress gave the check to Charlie, which restored the lighthearted mood of their meeting.

  “Put it on my tab,” quipped Charlie.

  Frank grabbed the check, laid a dollar tip on the table, and while he paid the bill Charlie and Cilla walked outside.

  “Ever figure out who that girl was?”

  “Nope.”

  “An old girlfriend?”

  “Maybe that's it. I've had so many,” said Charlie as Frank joined them outside the restaurant.

  Cilla had a change of heart about Charlie sleeping in the barn because as soon as she got back home she confronted her father. Russell wasn't opposed to the idea and said that he would give it some thought.

  Next morning, the Miller family walked with Charlie to an old storage building near the creek that ran through the property.

  “What do you think?” said Russell.

  “About what?” said Charlie.

  “This here is going to be your new home. Hannah says she thinks we can get it cleaned up real good and bring down some of our old furniture and get it fixed up for you. There's even an old wood stove in the smokehouse you can use. What do you think?”

  “It's wonderful but how much will it cost me?”

  “Not a thing. Part of your pay as long as you work here.”

  “Take it, Charlie,” said Cilla.

  “It was her idea,” said Russell.

  Charlie was deeply moved by their generosity and with all of them working on the project it only took two days to get it ready. Lisa even drew a picture of her and Charlie milking cows to hang on his wall, but the most welcome addition of all was a giant metal tub where he could finally take a proper bath.

  Then Hannah announced an imperative rule. “I know you girls like to pester Charlie while he works, but his house is off limits. This is his place to live in and enjoy in peace and quiet.”

  With WWI now ended President Woodrow Wilson called for a special day of thanksgiving and prayer on November 28, 1918. Charlie had two invitations to the traditional holiday feast from the Showns and the Millers for which he was very grateful, but he was also saddened that this would be the first Thanksgiving away from his family.

  His first stop on that Thursday morning was a prayer service at St. Mary's Pine Church. When he arrived, he was surprised that Mable was not standing outside to greet him and when he went inside she curiously never once made eye contact. Typically he was treated to a beautiful smile but on this day he sensed a distant coldness that he could not explain. Since it was, after all, a prayer service then he hoped she was just acting more reverent than usual.

  With the service concluded Moses seemed friendly enough as did the other church goers but Mable headed quickly for the door and left without him. He hurried to catch up with her, but his progress was hindered by those who felt obligated to shake the pastor's hand. When he finally walked out of the church, Mable was nowhere to be seen. Her behavior was very upsetting and he wondered if he should even bother joining them for the meal.

  “Come on, Charlie. Let's go have us some turkey,” said Moses as stood next to Charlie. “Is everything alright?”

  “Was looking for Mable.”

  “Don't know what's got into that girl. She's been acting funny the last few days. Ill as a hornet which ain't like her.”

  “Maybe I should leave.”

  “She's a woman. They all get that way. Kind of like the weather. One day sunshine. Next day, thunder and lightning.”

  Charlie sat in the parlor with Moses while the women finished preparation for the meal, but Mable made no attempt to acknowledge Charlie's presence. Then Mary Shown called them to dinner and when he took his seat beside of Mable she still wouldn't look at him and said absolutely nothing throughout the course of the meal. Her behavior was so upsetting that Charlie could barely eat.

  “You alright, Mable?” asked her mother.

  “Fine,” said Mable in a way that let everyone know that everything was not fine.

  “Thunder and lightning,” said Moses. “But the sun always comes back up,” and then he laughed.

  With the feast concluded Charlie didn't know what to
do, but he concluded that if he left then it would likely only make matters worse. So he waited for an opportunity to talk to her.

  Charlie overheard Mary handing out orders to Mable. “You have a guest. He came all the way over to be with you. Now get in there and talk to him.”

  Reluctantly, Mable came into the parlor but, this time, she didn't sit next to him on the sofa. She parked herself in a rocking chair across the room.

  “Moses, I need your help in the kitchen,” said Mary and then Moses followed her out of the room.

  Mable stared at the floor. “What's the matter?” said Charlie. “You've been avoiding me. Are you mad about something?”

  When she finally talked, it was definitely not delivered in the sweet manner to which he was accustomed. “Hear you and Cilla had a fine time in Mt. Jackson. A real happy time. Don't want nothing to do with a man that can't be trusted.”

  “Wasn't nothing to it.”

  “You weren't laughing and having a good time with her?”

  “Well, yes. Suppose I was but it wasn't a date or nothing like that.”

  “You were sitting right next to her.”

  Suddenly Charlie remembered the girl who gave him the mean look in the restaurant and realized that it was Mable's best friend, Cassie Barb, who he met briefly in the drugstore. Then he began to explain how he, Frank, and Cilla came to be in the restaurant together.

  “You know how Cilla acts. Cilla was just being Cilla. There ain't nothing going on between the two of us. Truth be known, you're the only girl for me. You're the only one I care about.”

  Finally, Mable joined Charlie on the sofa and moments later Moses came back in the room. “Love the sunshine. How about you, Charlie?”

  The following day it was business as usual for Charlie, but he did receive a pleasant surprise, a visit from his mother and sisters who had come to bring him leftovers from the Polk family Thanksgiving meal. This gave him an opportunity to show off his new home.

  “So proud for you,” said Mary Polk when entering the cabin. “Could use a woman's touch, though,” and then she handed out instructions to her daughters for getting Charlie's house in order.

  “Guess you heard the war is over.”

  “Was so relieved. Worried something awful that they might call you up.”