By Way of the Rose (18 page)

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 these 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.

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

But now, I see that it's time for me to quash these dreams and become an ordinary, subservient woman in some loveless marriage. No excitement awaits me. I'll throw away my dreams, throw away my hopes, throw away my life to quilt, cook and wipe snotty noses for the rest of my days! Oh, the drudgery of it all! Why did I have to learn that the world was full of excitement and adventures when I would never get to experience any of it? This is my life??? Please say it isn't! John, give me hope... give me a chance to experience what you have. A life. Please come for me before it's too late!

Your loving Sister

Sarah

John didn't exactly know how to respond to this letter. She sounded so desperate. Was she old enough to be married already? Did she say that she was eighteen now? All these thoughts held his attention. He could think of nothing else.

“John, you don't seem to be yourself these days,” Mr. Tyson said. “Is there something bothering you, son?”

“I guess I'm just missing home. I've been on the road so much. Running and fighting and hiding and dying. The time just passed before I knew it. You know my little sister, Sarah, is eighteen now? She was just a little girl when I left. I try to think of how she might look now, how any of them might look. How could this much time have passed me by? Where was I? Where was my brain? Why didn't I go home years ago?”

“You know you had to stay away to protect them from your work. But you've done your fair share. The fact of the matter is you've done more than your fair share. Why don't you go home for a while? We do need you, but you need some time off. I've been stingy because you're one of my best men, you know? I'm sorry for keeping you here and keeping you so busy. Get up, pack your bags and go home for a nice long visit. Stay as long as you like. We'll be fine, but don't forget us, all right? Don't just stay away.”

“You really mean it?” John perked up. “I'd give anything to see the folks again!”

“Sure, John. The cause will most likely be here when you get back. And if it isn't, we'll thank God we won that battle.” He laughed his deep throaty laugh. “But don't worry, I'll find you something else to do.”

It was spring of 1858 when John took off to Tennessee without even writing or sending a telegram to his folks. He was like a wild colt breaking loose. He would help Sarah find the life she wanted to live... no, his dear, sweet Sarah wasn't going to be miserable forever.

John stepped from the stagecoach and back in time. He deeply inhaled the fresh mountain air. He looked around; nothing had changed in Eagleton and in this moment he returned to his boyhood. The years melted away as he walked down Main Street past Eastland Lumber Yard and onward toward Hamilton's Mercantile. The big red school was still perched at the end of the street. He remembered the ache in his heart to one day step beyond those giant white doors and sit in those cherry-wood desks with the other children. Surely, it would have been a magical and enchanted world, one reserved for only those lucky enough to be born to wealth and privilege. All the old feelings returned and overwhelmed him. Why should he feel this way? He'd gone out into the world and made it! He was a man of power and dignity. John took a deep breath and scolded himself. How dare that small clump of red bricks make him feel insignificant! He took his hat from his head and swiped his fingers through his dark curls. Suddenly he saw a vision of beauty and elegance stepping from the library. Her long dark hair floated over the soft breeze. A few silky strands glided across her lovely bronze face. She gently stroked them back in place as she noticed John staring at her. She stopped and stood still as she returned his gaze. A quiet stillness settled over them. She looked into his eyes and it was as if she was looking into his very soul. There was a haunting air about her. Something deep and brooding yet gracious and desirable. She quickly glanced down as her perfectly shaped lips gave way to a shy smile.