“Wasn’t my idea. Give the credit to Frank. He said you’re sitting on a gold mine. Get it while you can. Whether you know it or not, Charlie’s done got famous.”
Cilla finally got a rise out of Charlie. He laughed at the notion that he was famous. “Gonna put me in a picture show.”
Footsteps could be heard on the stairs to the back porch and then Hannah appeared carrying a large wicker basket of laundry. “Could have used some help in the washhouse.”
“Was on my way down there, but Daddy needed my help.”
“Speaking of people needing help, there are two fellas outside asking for Charlie. Now Cilla, if you’re done helping your daddy get off your backside and hang these sheets on the clothesline.”
On that day, Charlie and Russell became business partners and it didn’t take long for Russell to find somebody else to help around the farm. By the end of March, business was booming and the Miller farm turned its biggest monthly profit ever and Charlie was doing so well he began to think about buying a Ford Model T.
Something else happened that day. Charlie saw Cilla differently. She had always been reckless, childish, and out of control but now she seemed mature, caring, and surprisingly wise. He attributed the change to the influence of Frank Wissler. In his mind, Frank and Cilla were right for each other. What he didn’t know was that Cilla was head over heels in love with him.
Double Date – March 1919
Six months into their relationship, Mable and Charlie had still not been on a real date. The closest they came was the picnic at Orkney and the Mary and Moses Shown imposed Sunday church routine was still in force. They feared that Charlie would turn out like his daddy and they insisted that Mable take plenty of time to get to know him.
One day, on one of her many visits to the field to see Charlie, Cilla was going on and on about how much fun she had going to picture shows with Frank. That’s when she discovered that Charlie had never seen a movie and to the best of his knowledge, neither had Mable.
“Then we’re going to have to do something about that,” she declared and when she saw Frank that evening, she recommended a double date. It wasn’t that she was interested in helping to move Charlie and Mable’s relationship to the next level. Rather, Cilla seized an opportunity to do something fun with Charlie and just maybe, he would finally realize that she was the one for him.
The following Sunday, Charlie presented the idea to the Showns. “Frank will pick us up just like before. We’ll stop for ice cream and then go to the picture show. And we’ll bring her home just as soon as it’s over, no later than 10 o’clock.”
Mable loved the idea, Moses was agreeable, but Mary needed time to think about it. “That’s pretty late to be out. Never been to a picture show myself. Is it the kind of thing a respectable lady should be doing?” Then she said something that just about sent Mable through the roof. “I’ll give my permission if Pearl can go along as a chaperone.”
“Forgive me for saying this, Mama, but Pearl is a 32-year-old spinster. Can’t think of anything more embarrassing than having her with us. Where would you have her sit?”
“I was kind of hoping that she would sit between you and Charlie.”
Moses laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. “Let them have fun, Mary. For Pete’s sake.”
Mary finally gave her blessing but not without a litany of rules. “Girls sit together, no touching, no smooching, and no funny business.”
Charlie acquiesced to her demands although he didn’t have a clue what she meant by ‘funny business,’ and he wasn’t about to ask. He was just glad that he would be able to spend time with Mable far away from the watchful eye of Mary Shown.
When they big day arrived Frank Wissler made his rounds, first stopping at the Miller farm and then at the Shown home where Mary once again laid down the law. “No later than 10. One minute later and never again.”
Moses couldn’t resist reminding Mary that Pearl was up in her room with nothing to do. “Want me to get her?”
Once out of Mary Shown’s site Frank stopped the car and Cilla moved to the front seat and Charlie to the back.
“Look at that big old moon,” said Cilla as she scooted closer to Frank and laid her head on his shoulder.
Charlie looked at Mable hoping that she would follow Cilla’s lead, but that didn’t happen. Mable figured that she was already breaking one of her mama’s rules by sitting next to Charlie. Her conscience couldn’t handle any more disobedience.
When they arrived in Woodstock, Frank pointed to the County Courthouse. “Never forget that day at the draft board.”
“Yeah,” said Charlie. “Some fool in line behind me wouldn’t shut up. Still won’t. And when he ain’t talking his girlfriend is yapping.”
“I heard that,” said Cilla and then she reached back and slapped Charlie on the knee. “Behave yourself.”
“That was a special day,” said Mable. “Got us all back together.”
“Do you realize it has been ten years since we played at Stover School,” said Cilla.
“Twelve,” said Frank. 1907. I remember it because that was the year Mama and Daddy took me out of school and hired Marie to teach me and Harold.”
“Sad about her dying,” said Mable.
“She was a great lady.”
“On a cheerier note, who wants ice cream?” asked Cilla.
Upon entering the drugstore, Cilla and Mable spent a few minutes looking at earrings and pendants on display. Frank took the time to confide in Charlie. “Need your opinion on something.”
“Sure.”
“I’m thinking about asking Cilla to marry me.”
“That’s great.”
“Do you think it’s the right thing? Has she given any sign that she loves me? I’m wild about her.”
“Was just thinking the other day that she has matured a lot. Seems to have settled down. I figured it had to do with you. You’re good for each other.”
“You really think so?”
The girls were finished with their window shopping and interested in trying something new. Just a plain scoop of chocolate or vanilla on this special occasion just wouldn’t do. Frank suggested that they try ice cream on a stick which resulted in laughter from his cohorts.
“Why would anybody want to eat ice cream with a stick?” asked Cilla. “You would think that you rich people over at Strathmore would use spoons.”
Charlie was more concerned about the size and source of the stick. “Is it about this long?” he asked with his hands spread apart. “Or it this big?” he continued while moving his hands further apart. “Don’t touch it if it’s made of pine. Pine splinters something awful.”
When Mable expressed concern that such a concoction would melt all over her dress Frank hopped from his seat and quickly stepped to the ice cream counter. Moments later he returned with four frozen treats that so delighted his friends they ordered another round.
Soon after they walked across Main Street to the Woodstock Community Theater and stood in line to purchase tickets to see the silent film, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm starring Mary Pickford.
For Mable and Charlie, this was another first-time experience and when the lights in the auditorium were turned off, they were none too pleased. Frank put them at ease by explaining that darkness was necessary for the moving picture to be seen which seemed to pacify them until a fat bottomed lady plopped down on Charlie’s lap. Cilla was so amused she giggled through most of the movie.
Sensing that Charlie was having trouble following the story Mable narrated the script for him and became so caught up in the drama that she added her own commentary. At one point in the film when a woman of questionable reputation made advances on the lead male character, Mable said loudly, “Leave him alone you hussy.” Later, in the final scene when the heroine hesitated to say ‘yes’ to a marriage proposal, Mable blurted out, “Tell him, yes. Tell him, yes,” resulting in chuckles from those seated around her.
As they filed out of the t
heater, Charlie asked Mable if she enjoyed the movie which brought out the mischief in Cilla. “Tell him, yes. Tell him, yes.”
“Be quiet you hussy,” quipped Frank causing Charlie to come to her defense.
“Stop that, Frank. You’ll hurt her feelings.”
“It’s alright. Had it coming,” said Mable who was not offended in the least by the good-natured ribbing. “Thank you so much for bringing us here tonight. Don’t know when I’ve ever enjoyed anything so much.”
The couples held hands as they walked back to Frank’s automobile and for a change Charlie and Mable took the lead. Cilla had hoped that somehow on this outing Charlie would finally take notice of her. Surely she was more fun to be with than Mable but not on this occasion. Mable was the life of the party and it was quite apparent that Charlie was crazy about his date. Cilla had never seen him so happy.
“What’s the matter, Cilla?” asked Frank. “You got quiet on me.”
Cilla squeezed his hand. “Just a little tired I guess.”
The Price of Popularity – April 1, 1919
In those days, a reliable veterinarian was a rarity. Virginia had no regulations or licensing requirements to govern the profession so when folks heard about a man who had a special gift for doctoring animals they quickly took advantage of his services. Unlike other vets, Charlie didn’t make house calls which presented a real problem for those with large sick animals that couldn’t be moved. But they still came, even if it was just to seek advice.
Late that afternoon, Charlie was wrapping up his last case of the day. A father and his little boy sought help for a sick pony. Frank Wissler, who had become a daily visitor to the farm, and Cilla watched as Charlie attended to the animal.
“Do you really do magic?” asked the boy.
“No. It’s not magic.”
“Can you really talk to animals?”
“Everybody can talk to animals. It’s getting them to talk back that’s tricky.”
“Do they talk to you?”
“Yes, sir. This here pony is saying, ‘you ask too many questions?’ Where do you keep your pony?”
“In the backyard hitched to a post.”
“What’s his name?”
“Lightning.”
Charlie walked around the horse several times while talking to him. “Lightning, you’re not looking so good. What’s your problem?” Then he hugged the horse, whispered in its ear, and looked at the boy. “How long do you keep him hitched to that post?”
“Most all day.”
Again Charlie whispered to the pony then again addressed the boy. “Do you like to run and play?”
“Sure do.”
“How would you feel if your father locked you in your room and made you stay in there all day?”
“Wouldn’t like it a bit.”
“And neither does Lightning. He needs a place where he can run and play and he really wants to play with you,” said Charlie turning his attention back to the pony. “Ain’t that right, Lightning?”
Charlie’s small audience cheered and laughed when Lightning got up. They were so caught up in the excitement of the moment that they were unaware of the arrival of another wagon.
“What’s all that yapping about?” called a man as he walked toward them.
“Oh, my God,” said Charlie when he heard the voice. “What is he doing here?”
As Bill Polk drew near, he stumbled and fell. “I’m OK. I’m OK. Keep your seats. Russell needs to fix that hole.”
“Expect you folks better be leaving now,” said Charlie as he braced himself for an unwelcome confrontation with his father.
Back on his feet, Bill staggered toward the gathering.
“How’s everybody doing today?” slurred Bill as he tipped his hat and bowed to Cilla. “How are you on this fine day, lovely lady?”
“What do you want, Daddy?”
“Came to see my boy. That’s alright ain’t it? Father has a right to see the fruit of his loins, don’t he?”
“Thought you didn’t ever want to see me again.”
“Feller has a right to change his mind, don’t he? Boy, she sure is pretty. Who does she belong to? In my day, I would have been all over a pretty little thing like you.”
Bill staggered forward and stood toe to toe with Charlie. “Believe you got taller.”
“What do you want?”
“Everywhere I go people been talking about you. They say you’re the best animal doctor in the Valley. Charlie Polk, this. Charlie Polk, that. Then they ask, ‘ain’t you his daddy?’ Why, yes indeed I am. Taught him everything he knows.”
Cilla rolled her eyes at Charlie and asked Frank if they should call the Sheriff.
“So I’ve been thinking that you need to come on back home.”
“Why would I want to do that?”
“You ain’t doing nothing here that you couldn’t do working for your daddy. Instead of lining Russell Miller’s pockets you could be giving that money to your poor old family. We’re needing help real bad about now.”
“Time for you to head on back home. Mama’s going to be worried about you.”
“I’m not leaving till I get what I came for.”
“Yes, you will leave and you need to do it now.”
“Then at least give me enough cash to make the farm payment for the last two months.”
“I’ll do nothing of the sort. Get out of here, now.”
“I’m getting Daddy,” said Cilla, who took off running toward the house.
Frank Wissler felt obligated to support his friend. “Charlie said you need to leave, Mr. Polk.”
“I know you. You’re one of them high and mighty Wissler boys. Now, Charlie, just give me that money and I’ll be on my way.”
“No. Get out of here,” growled Charlie. “Had enough of your foolishness.”
Out of the blue, Bill shoved Charlie causing him to fall to the ground and as Charlie started to get up, Bill pulled out a knife. “Might want to stay on the ground if you don’t want me to cut you open.”
Frank grabbed Bill from behind and tried to wrestle the knife from his hand.
“Get off me, pretty boy,” yelled Bill as he pushed Frank aside causing him to trip over a bucket. “I’ll stick the both of you if I have to. Get me that money, now.”
“No,” yelled Charlie jumping to his feet. “Go ahead, Daddy. Kill me. That’s what you’ve wanted since I came into this world. Go ahead a kill me.”
Suddenly Bill lunged the knife at Charlie and nicked his arm. “Didn’t think I’d do it did you? Give me that money or I’ll cut you again,” said Bill as he waved the knife in Charlie’s face then looked back to Frank to make sure he was still on the ground.
“Leave him alone,” yelled Cilla running toward them with Russell close behind carrying a shotgun.
“Don’t want to have to kill you, boy. Just give me the money and we’ll call it even Steven.”
Charlie stood his ground, gritted his teeth, and stared angrily at his father. “Is that the best you got, old man?”
Then Russell fired a round into the air and Bill responded by thrusting the knife at Charlie’s chest. But before the knife connected with the intended target Cilla jumped on Bill’s back and knocked him to the ground.
“Get off him, Cilla,” said Russell as he shoved the barrel of his shotgun in Bill’s face. When Cilla got up, she delivered a swift kick to Bill’s midsection.
“How’s it feel, huh? Time you get a taste of how it feels,” said Priscilla delivering yet another swift kick into Bill’s ribs.
Despite the tenseness of the moment, Charlie grinned at Cilla’s boldness. “Daddy, looks to me like you just got beat up by a girl.” Then he examined the wound on his arm.
“You’re hurt,” said Cilla, raring back to deliver another kick but this time Frank intervened.
“Might want to leave the punishment up to the Sheriff,” he said holding her back.
“I’ll go get him,” said Russell.
“L
et’s not do that,” said Charlie.
Russell and Frank helped Bill to his feet and Charlie tied his hands behind his back, and all the while, Bill cussed like a sailor. Then Charlie asked Russell and Frank to load his daddy in the back of the wagon and stand watch until he returned.
Charlie ran to his cabin and from beneath his bed emptied his savings box. Meanwhile, Charlie’s friends bound Bill’s feet and tied him to the back of the wagon seat. When Bill wouldn’t stop fussing Cilla stuffed a dirty rag in his mouth to shut him up.
Upon his return, Charlie requested that Frank follow in his automobile and then give him a ride back from the Polk farm. As he drove the wagon, his nerves were calmed by a beautiful sunset and the methodical tapping of the horses’ hooves upon the gravel pavement. He had survived another attack from the man who mysteriously hated him, but the reason for his father’s rage continued to allude him. How could any father be so cruel to his son? Suddenly an awful thought came to his mind. What if Bill Polk wasn’t his real father? It would definitely explain the biased mistreatment, but it was, after all, just a thought and probably an illusion of an overactive imagination.
Charlie was so caught up in his thoughts that he had forgotten that Frank’s Buick was behind him. When Frank turned on his headlights Charlie remembered that he was not alone and waved his hand in approval. Navigating those old country roads after dark was never easy.
Frank and Cilla had little to say to each other as they slowly kept pace with the horse drawn wagon. Frank was embarrassed by his reaction to the ordeal thinking that he acted like a coward. All Cilla could think about was her love for Charlie. Any questions about her feelings for him were answered when she risked her life to protect him. She may have won that altercation, but she also knew that she was losing the battle for his heart. What could she possibly do or say to turn his love around?
Mary Polk and Charlie’s sisters were startled by the rare sound of an automobile engine and came outside to investigate. “It’s Charlie,” said Lizzy. “What on earth?”
Charlie stepped down from the wagon and hugged his mother who had not yet seen the sleeping cargo in the back.
In the Valley of Hope Page 20
