Finding Hope (8 page)

At that moment Gabe stumbled through the door of the tiny apartment. Start
led by the commotion and unable to recognize Gabe due to the swelling in his face, Hope and Faith screamed. Moments later, the both realized it was Gabe bleeding, wheezing, and covered with mud.

“My god, what happened to you?” Hope shouted as Faith rushed to her man’s side.

“A couple of the boys worked me over pretty good since I was away from the fields again today,” Gabe said trying to calm the women down. “It looks much worse than it is.”

“That’s it! Tomorrow you need to talk to the foreman and deman
d he does something with that Samael!” Faith said noticing the large gash in Gabe’s forehead. “Do you need to see a doctor?”

“No, I’ll be fine. I just need to get cleaned up. I’ll talk to him and we’ll get it taken care of in the morning,”
Gabe said knowing the situation ran much deeper than Faith would ever know.

The following day Gabe went into work at the usual time. When he arriv
ed in the foreman’s office, Samael was already there. Three other men accompanied Samael as witnesses saying that Gabe was first to throw a punch. They concocted a story where Samael’s actions were simply self-defense. Samael was even credited by the foreman for understanding the importance of saving the gardens by making Gabe return to the fields. Gabe was given a written warning for his behavior. Gabe’s spirit was crushed as he quickly realized Samael’s power among the men.

Over the next several weeks, Gabe struggled to find purpose as his work
lost meaning and direction. Samael’s constant torment was ever present. He ridiculed Gabe and provoked him at every turn, determined to destroy the good and honest man. Gabe fell into his new role, subservient to his new tyrannical master.

Chapter 6

Lost and Found

As the seasons faded in and out, two years crawled by unnoticed. New Providence continued to prosper in a country that was still struggling. Products were flowing in and out of the orderly town as the people became confident in their identity and way of life. The new solar array equipment had arrived
, and construction on the new radio station had begun. Soon the surrounding areas would at last hear the sounds of KLXB New Providence.

Hope was becoming an important person in town. Her services were in high regard as the quality of her repairs was second to none. As her demand continued to grow, so did her compensation. She was quickly becoming successful, hiring three additional apprentices to help with the work. Last spring Hope had started dating Mika the blacksmith and fell into the full throws of fresh love. The couple was well liked and played a center role in the social circles of New Providence. Then after a short six month courtship, the two became man and wife. Deeply in love,
the two spent every moment together living in his apartment by the plaza. Life for Hope in the small town of New Providence was changing, and she had never felt more at home in her entire life.

As some things change, others stay the same. Gabe was lost in his world of persecution.
The unrelenting actions of Samael never ceased. The only change in his desperate life was the passing of seasons. He was broken, tired, and unsure what to do. He continued his exemplary work, but was undermined by Samael and his men every step of the way. Barely scratching out an existence, he struggled every day to find peace. Faith struggled too as she became an outcast among the teachers. She had been vocal about her concerns with the curriculum and was quickly shut down. Rather than fighting the system she feared, she taught the values she didn’t agree with. It hollowed out everything she held dear in her soul.

“Hey guys, I’ve been meaning to ta
lk to you. Do you have a second?” Hope asked as she gathered up the items she had brought over to Faith and Gabe’s apartment to mend. “You guys mean so much to me, and I want to hear what you think.” Gabe and Faith continued to eat their cold dinner as Hope sat at the homemade table.

“Sure Hope, what’s up?” Faith said happy the three were sitting together again.

“Well, I hope I’m not putting you guys in a tough spot, but Mika and I have found a house. It’s right outside town on five acres. It’s beautiful. You guys would love it, but it’s also expensive. We need to pool our money to finance the loan from city hall. That also means I can’t help you guys out anymore,” Hope said with the terrible feeling she had left her dearest friends in a pinch.

“It’s just that Mika wants us to get the loan together. I hope you guys understand.”

     “Hope, don’t even worry about it. We completely know how it is. You guys are married. We get it. I’m just thankful you could help us as long as you could,” Gabe said trying to be as upbeat as possible. “We’ll manage as we always do.”

    
Noticing the fear welling up in Gabe’s eyes, Hope added, “You guys are my family. I’ll always be here for you two. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

    
The construction on the radio station was complete. High in the hills overlooking New Providence, the radio tower stood like a symbol man’s greatness. Responsible for funding a large portion of the expense, the mercantile was asked by city planners to organize an event for the grand opening of KLXB.

    
“We’ve got everything ready to go,” Joy said as she reviewed her plan for the event. “Tables and chairs will arrive at 5pm sharp. Food, wine, gift bags, all ready to go.”

    
Hope smiled as she completed another set of new raincoats the mercantile was producing for sale in its store. Hope had come to really respect Joy and her skills. She was single-handedly planning the event, and from what she saw, it was going to be wonderful.

    
“Now, you’re still going to play the first song when we go live, right?” Joy asked Hope trying to act as professionally as possible with her best friend. “Any special requests Hope, the recording legend, for your green room? Fresh squeezed orange juice, no pulp of course, or 64 green M&Ms?”

    
Hope laughed at the silliness of the question. “Shut up Joy. I’ll be there, ready to go. Don’t worry about me,” she assured her young friend.

The day arrived and everyone in town was there eager to see what they had accomplished. The tiny radio station sat comfortably below the red and white tower. The only functional station in the Midwest, it stood in isolation. It was a small gray building with a single studio equipped with a large picture window allowing a view of the crowd outside. Children ran around the tables full of food
, and their parents laughed and told stories about their great town. Speakers were set up in key areas around the tables waiting for precious electricity to bring them to life.

“Hey you two, I’m so glad you made it,” Hope
greeted her oldest friends.

“You know we wouldn’t miss your big day,” Faith said to Hope.

“I saved you a spot. Come with me,” Hope said full of energy and happiness. “You’ve got to see this.” Hope led Gabe and Faith through the sea of people into the small new building. “Here, you guys can sit with me,” Hope exclaimed as she whirled Gabe and Faith down on the small table full of amazing food. “We get the best in here.”

“Hope
, two minutes and we’re on,” Joy announced barely able to contain her excitement.

Everyone in the small radio station studio was alive with infectious anticipation. Hope sat
on a small stool holding her father’s guitar as the crackle of energy pulsed within the circuits. The sound thundered out among the brand new equipment, surprising every soul in attendance.

“Hello Missouri, this is KLXB New Providence. My name is Hope Brennan
, and the song I’m about to perform is called “Surrounded” by The Mountain Goats,” Hope said, amazed at the opportunity she’d been given. Hope began to play, and the music poured out of the speakers surrounding the tables and the crowd outside. Her triumphant sound flowed in currents, out into the ether, one hundred miles in all directions. The guitar chords bounced free from the mahogany instrument as the surrounding faces shone with delight. Hope began to sing.

    
Hope’s voice, firm and strong, harmonized perfectly with the pounding progression. Like an anthem, the song lyrics bellowed in victory. Hoped pulled every bit of strength from her small body to emphasize the words she truly believed. Her callused fingers beat the strings while belting out the last line one final time.

Everyone in the small studio felt the power of her words, while bolts of satisfaction pulsed within their veins.

“Amazing! Simply amazing, Hope,” Mr. Begich pronounced forgetting they were still on the air. “I’m blown away!”

Turning several
knobs on the production board, Joy sent the airwaves to a prepared statement and station identification followed by a news broadcast.

“That was so fantastic Hope! I’ve heard you practice that song for weeks now, but never like that,” Joy said looking up from the sea of controls.

Faith and Gabe smiled at Hope, fully aware of her abilities and gift. “You truly are special Hope. I don’t know where all that comes from, but it’s so special,” Faith said wiping the tears from her eyes.

Standing up to cross the small room, Mika walked over
to Hope and gave her a huge hug as the crowd outside rejoiced in victory. “That was something else,” he said surprised at what he’d just witnessed.

Hope grabbed the hands of her new husband and walked to the door leading outside. “This is such an amazing place. Look at what we’ve done,” she announced as she smiled and nodded at her new family.

The festivities continued into the night. Hope’s talent was the talk of the town for the next several days.

“I am so impressed Hope. Your father would be so proud,” Mika said when they returned to their new home.

“That makes me feel good, thank you, hon. I was nervous it would be too over the top. I wanted people to feel the importance of this huge thing we’ve done. A radio station! Can you believe it!” Hope exclaimed pretending to dance across her living room floor.

“Oh it was over the top alright, but in such a good way. The people needed something like that
, and you sure delivered,” Mika replied joining Hope in her make believe dance. “I want to hear you play like that for me someday.” Hope noticed a subtle tone to Mika’s comment and turned to look into his dark eyes. “Your music is simply magical,” Mika said quickly turning his eyes to the sky as they danced to the imaginary music.

“Hey Hope, how’s the musical genius today?” Faith said laughing as she walked into the mercantile. “Found some of your stuff and thought you may need it.”

Hope jumped to her feet thrilled to see her old friend. “Faith my dear, how are you?” Hope asked casting her work to the side. “I was hoping you’d come by.” Hope walked over to her dearest friend and embraced her filling with nostalgia.

“Can you believe we’ve gotten orders for over two thousand new radios since the station went live? People are really into it,” Hope said beaming with content
ment. “Such a small thing is making such a huge difference.”

“It’s fantastic Hope, and so are you,” Faith replied
with an uncomfortable tone. “Hey, Gabe and I were meaning to talk to you the other day, but the timing didn’t seem right.”

Hope stepped back sensing something was coming she didn’t want to hear. “What is it Faith? Are you and Gabe alright? If you need something you know I’m here f
or you,” Hope said as she reached for her dear friend’s hand.

“No, it’s nothing like that. Gabe and I have just been talking
, and well… we’re not happy. There’s some work Gabe’s been hearing about, and he thinks it be a good move for him, well, for us actually,” Faith explained holding Hope’s hand tightly. “We’re moving to Portland. We just don’t fit in around here, at least not like you do. Gabe’s job is a mess, and I’ve been written up twice. Everyone loves you. A new husband, friends, you’re doing so great.”

Hope turned pale from the words she was hearing. “Faith, not now, we’re just starting to get thi
ngs going. You guys can’t leave. We’re family,” Hope said as the blood left her skin.

“I know Hope. This is hard for us too, but it seems to be the right move.
It’s not like we’re dying. We’ve just got to move on,” Faith said as she began to cry.

The two women stood and wept
, aware that the world had different plans for them both. They embraced again, holding on to each other, knowing that this chapter in their lives had come to an end.

The following few months were difficult for Hope as she thought about Gabe and Faith constantly. The feelings of loss also rekindled the memories of Julian and Thomas. Remembering her burden, she felt the weight of the metaphorical stones in her pocket she carried with her every
day. Although the memories had faded, the despair remained. Now that Gabe and Faith had left her, she felt all alone. Despite the pain welling in her soul, she found solace in Mika and Joy, determined to push on.

The mercantile continued to grow, now selling Hope’s goods all across the Midwest. Raincoats, sweaters, and winter jackets were all neatly packaged up and shipped by rail to destinations around the region. Joy too was doing very well. She had really grown into her role as manager of the mercantile freeing up Mr.
Begich to focus on advertising for the store and growing the town’s new radio station. Life in New Providence was getting better and better as each week passed.

“Hey
hon, I’m home,” Hope said as she walked into her beautiful home. “Mika? Hello, anyone home?”

From the basement down stairs, Mika replied. “Hey babe, I’ll be up in a second.”

Moments later, the strong tall man walked into the kitchen where Hope was putting away the food she had picked up on her way home. “Hi honey, how was your day?” Mika asked as he put his heavy arms around Hope’s fine shoulders.

“Today was wonderful! Orders are really filling up. We’re
gonna to be busy for the next several months. Plus Mr. Begich is planning a summer picnic in a couple weeks to thank the town for their support. That should be fun,” Hope said giggling like a child.

“That will be fun. Will it be catered or can people bring things?” M
ika asked hoping he could bring his famous dish. He was well known for his Bademjan Borani, an eggplant and yogurt dip, with roasted lamb.

“I’m pretty sure Mr.
Begich will have it catered, but you can bring your dip if you like,” Hope replied knowing how much her husband loves to cook. “He’s asked me to play again. I just have to figure out what song.”

Mika shuffled over to the icebox to grab another hard cider. As he often did, he purchased two crates of the sweet, heady beverage earlier that day. “Well I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Mika said feeling the effects of the cider in his belly. “You may want to choose something mellower for the picnic. You know something like background music.”

Hope felt a strange air settle into the conversation with her husband. “Yeah, but I think they want me to sing and perform. I can try to find something slower paced. Is that what you’re talking about?” Hope asked trying to understand Mika’s comment.