Well, Hello there! If I calculate correctly I have not posted for over one and a half years!!!!!
So I just wanted to send out an update! Yes, Chad Choices is still being written but I do hope to publish that so at this point I will not be posting more of the story. Though its possible that more will be posted way down the line. At the moment I have also just become very busy with life, but I will be taking a writing course that will end with a published book! So if you check back I will try to post updates on how that is going! Thanks so much and have a blessed week! Elisheva B. Kauffman
0 Comments
I know these are sporadic and just wanted to warn you that they will keep being that way. Also wanted to warn you as I get closer to finishing behind the scenes work that you may just have to buy the book :) It is a dream that I hope to put in reality soon! Thanks for you patience and enjoy!
Chapter 5 Lydia smiled gratefully at the mail man and took the mail he handed her. Her heart was beating loudly with anticipation. They hadn’t got anything but junk mail for years. Maybe her sister finally found her. ‘Oh, Lord, it would be so good to hear from her,’ But Lydia’s smile quickly disappeared as she looked at the paper envelope in her hands. The letter was addressed to ‘Mrs. Lydia’ from the bindery where Galen worked. Fear entered her, Galen had not showed up for the last 3 nights like he usually did, had something happened? Was he hurt? Lydia could stand it no longer, tearing into the letter she shakily read the one paragraph letter. Mrs. Lydia, We are so sorry to bring you the news of your husband’s passing. His body was found in the late afternoon, yesterday. Enclosed is your husband’s last paycheck. Hope this all finds you well. And again, we are sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Harry Barton, Overseer. A sob caught in Lydia’s throat, she had thought maybe he was hurt, but dead! “No, no please Lord, let this not be true. What will I do? How can I get a job in my state? Lord, help me!” She cried, as the note and check fell from her fingers and she slid to the floor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ {2 hours later} Lydia looked up from her station on the floor in front of the door. She sighed, ‘It’s already getting late, I need to get a hold of myself.’ Little did Galen know that she had loved him through the end, she had cared for him even if he hadn’t. To some it wouldn’t seem a loss, but a relief. But Lydia had really been leaning on him. Lydia stood slowly, and bent over for the note, bearing bad news. It was then that she finally looked at the check. She gasped. “Five hundred and eighty-three dollars! Where did he get this kind of money?” She looked at the check address only to find Harry Barton’s name again and no address included. Galen had never given any hint to where he had worked, only said it was a bindery named Four Star. Maybe with that information she could figure out where he had worked. She laid the check on the table near her and studied the letter again. When she came across the part that said, ‘He was found,’ her brow furrowed. “He was found,” she whispered. “So he wasn’t killed in the bindery? Oh no, of course not, I doubt there is anything that powerful in there, that he wouldn’t be cautious about. I wonder how it happened?” She looked at the letter again, hoping to find some kind of side note, but finding none, she decided she would need to go out and find someone who knew about this. She grabbed her thin coat and weaved down the dirt road into town. She soon entered the town and came upon the one and only main street there was. Walking down the main street of the town she soon came upon the police station, consisting of a one room building and a jail cell. “Well, here it goes,” she muttered as she swung open the creaky door. As she entered, she saw a tall, but broad man stand. “Can I do something for you Miss? Something wrong ou-” He interrupted himself. “Oh, I am so sorry Mrs. Lydia I didn’t realize it was you. I assume you are here to get the body?” Lydia choked, but steadied herself. “So, you know?” ‘Of course, they know Lydia, think for yourself. They found him’. “Oh, I'm sorry of course you know, y-yes I would like the body if I may.” Lydia said expectantly. “Well, uh, you see Mrs. Lydia, the-the body is too far gone. It was found just yesterday, but it was too far gone then, you know.” “I see.” Was all she had to say. “Well then, I don’t suppose there is anything else for me to do then?” “Uh, do? Oh, no ma’am.” “Okay I will be going then, thank you for your time. It was greatly appreciated.” “Yes, ma’am and so sorry for your lost, have a good day!” The sheriff called after her cheerfully, but she ignored it and headed for the bank. She would deposit the check, take the money, and get on a train for California. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chad held the girl’s hands tightly as they descended the steep hill. They had been traveling for many miles on top of the ridge, when he finally decided they could go down into the valley. He hadn’t known the descension would be so hard. Many roots and rocks, protruded out of the ground, which were helpful for steps. And then there were also places where there was nothing more than a few scraggly twigs and roots to help them. Chad was proud of the perseverance the girls had, they had yet to complain today, or on the whole trip for that matter. Chad was sure they had gotten far enough away not to be recognized. Now he just hoped there would be a compassionate family willing to take them in for some work or something of the sort. “Chad?” “Yes, Sadie?” “Annie’s feet are bleeding in her shoes, we need to stop or carry her or something.” Chad looked down in shock, wondering how he had not seen it. “Oh, I'm so sorry Annie here climb on my back!” He offered and soon found out what it was like to carry something and descend a steep mountain. He could here Annie sniffling behind him but he tried his best to comfort her and stopped every ten minutes to try to clean her feet with the creek water they had collected. An hour later they finally reached somewhat even ground. Chad set Annie gently on the ground and washed her feet with the last of the water. Then putting her shoes in his sack, he asked if she could walk on the grass. “Yeah Chad, I do that.” “Thank ya Annie, come on Sadie let’s go we are finally here!” Sadie grinned and ran ahead through the field. Annie, feeling better, soon following. And even though Chad tried to use all his self-control. He couldn’t control a holler and running right along with them. Soon after they had reached the even ground they came upon a large building and a sign that read. Roadside Meals, Come on in! Chad grabbed his sister’s hands again and jogged excitedly to the front door. They paused, caught their breath, and entered the homey looking place. They were greeted with a few stares and friendly smiles. Chad led his sisters to the counter where they found a young girl watching them. “H-hello, how can I help you?” Chad grinned and nodded toward his sisters. “Me and my sisters would like the cheapest meal on the menu.” He responded confidently. “O-okay coming right up, please have a seat,” and the young girl hurried away. Chad smiled gratefully at her back and lead his sisters to a table. A older man delivered a delicious platter, three plates filled with steaming spaghetti and garlic toast. “Thank ya sir.” Chad said and set the plates in front of his sisters. He looked up in surprise to see the man take a seat at the table and extend his hand. “Micah Andersons the name, and what’s yours?” Enjoy and remember that God is always there no matter where you are!
Chapter 4 Chad woke with the sun shining in his face, and dew on the ground all around him. He shivered in the cold and pulled his coat tighter around his shoulders. ‘I should get a fire going, before the girls wake up.’ He thought, slowing moving towards last night campfire. “Ch-chad I’m c-cold,” Chad turned and smiled sympathetically in Antonia’s direction. “I know Annie, come here and get in my coat while I start the fire. Okay?” He said taking his coat off and trying to hide a shiver. “Okay,” Annie ran over near him and eagerly accepted the warmth. Chad smiled at her response, but inside he was hurting, and freezing. He shivered and quickly lit the pile of sticks and leaves he had sheltered in the gunny sack last night. He grinned when the flame flew up. “Woah!” cried Antonia. “It will calm down soon, let’s see if we can find a little something to eat.” Chad rummaged through the bag near his feet and cuddled Antonia near his side. “Chad?” “Yeah Annie?” Chad asked, absentmindedly. “I want Ma,” Chad hands stopped their movement, he wanted to say, ‘Me too Annie, me too!’ but he knew that wouldn’t help matters so instead he said, “I know you do Annie, but we will be fine, and Ma’s still here.” “Where?” she asked curiously. “Right here,” he said pointing to her chest. “And is she here too?” she asked pointing her small finger at Chad’s chest. “Yeah,” he choked, “Yeah Annie, here too.” He responded covering her hand in his and then he turned back to the food. After he had rationed out small portions and had saved Sadie some, he handed Annie a few pieces of hard biscuit and a bit of cheese. She accepted it greedily, but as she ate it Chad noticed she savored every bite. “Good mornin’” Chad smiled at Sadie’s voice and turned to watch as she shuffled towards the fire. “Mornin’” He said raising his half biscuit, “Yours is right here.” He pointed to her ration. She smiled gratefully but Chad thought he also detected some hunger and sadness in her eyes. But he just grinned and turned back to his ration. Sadie took a seat by Annie and gave her a half hug. “Mornin’ Sadie.” And then she pointed at Sadie’s chest “Ma in here too Sadie?” she asked. Tears burned Chad’s cheeks has he realized what Antonia meant. Sadie looked at him in confusion and he realized he should probably explain. “I, well I told her that Ma was still here with us, just in, well here,” he finished lamely as he pointed at his chest. “Oh,” Was all Sadie said and Chad wondered what she was thinking. It was Antonia that interrupted their thoughts. “So is she Sadie?” She asked, looking up at her expectantly. Sadie looked down and smiled sadly, tears also in her eyes. “Yes,” She took Annie’s hand and put it on her chest, “Yes Annie, she’s right here.” ********************************* Monica smiled at the sound of laughter coming from the sitting room. ‘Those boys sure do have themselves a great Pa,’ She thought. She turned to the cupboard and got out some clean dishes for their lunch. Travis had come home early from the neighbors and the kids had been so excited. As Monica set the table her oldest child Marion came into the kitchen, and helped put the food on the table. Monica could tell that she had something on her mind, but did not pry it from her. Minutes later Marion spilled. “Ma? What do you think about me getting baptized?” Monica looked up in surprise. “You want to get baptized?” She asked curiously and cautiously, wondering if her daughter had a hidden motive. Marion only nodded. “Well, I guess it depends on why you feel you should. Have you talked to Pa?” “No, I wanted to ask you first. I want to get baptized because I love the Lord, why else would I?” Marion asked sarcastically. “Well, would it have anything to do with a certain friend or maybe uh, let’s see, maybe Mitch is getting baptized?” Monica smiled as her daughter blushed. “Oh, Ma,” Marion said dipping her head. “All I can say Marion is that I want you to be doing it fully because you feel God has told you to. Okay?” Monica asked bending over to look into her daughter’s eyes. “Okay Ma,” Marion said raising her eyes to her mother’s and smiling. “Thank ya sweetheart,” Monica smiled and squeezed Marion’s hand. “Now, let’s get those men out here, because I am hungry!” “Travis! Supper’s ready!” Monica laughed as her three sons plowed into the dining room, plopped into some chairs and started dipping up roast beef. Her husband soon followed, carrying their youngest, Christiana in his arms. “Looks delicious, sweetheart,” Travis said as he passed his daughter to Monica and gave his wife a kiss on the cheek. After everyone was seated Travis held out his hand and everyone followed his example. “Let’s pray. Thank you Lord for this beautiful day, and for keeping us safe. I thank you that we could get the new roof on the Martin’s barn today too Lord. And I thank you for this food before us , give us strength through it and bless the hands that prepared it. Amen.” “Amen!” Was chorused around the table as the mashed potatoes also started their circle. “So um, Pa?” Marion’s voice wavered. “Yes Marion?” Travis asked, scooping corn onto his plate. “Well, uh, you see I was wondering, well I have an important question to ask you.” “Okay? Go ahead I’m right here. Or did you want to talk in private after supper?” Travis asked his perspiring daughter. Monica nudged her husband. He glanced at her, “What?” “Honey, she wants your attention, can you stop eating for just a little?” Monica asked seriously. “Oh, I am sorry sweetheart,” He grinned sheepishly and then set his fork on his plate and clasped his hands over his plate. “OK sweetheart, what do you need to ask me?” Marion looked at her Mother gratefully and then looked to her Father. “Well, the girls are having a slumber party tomorrow night through Saturday, and I was wondering if I could go.” Travis smiled at her hopeful face. “I assume Leanne is hosting this?” He asked turning back to his food. “Well, no.” Marion finished lamely. Travis didn’t act surprised. “Maryanne then?” “No.” “Susan?” By this time Travis was getting curious and looked up at his daughter. “No Pa.” “Well then who is it?” “Ruth’s.” Was all Marion had to say and that was all she needed to say. “Ruth’s!” Travis exploded. “Travis, lower your voice, you’re scaring the younger ones.” Monica chided gently. Travis looked down at his plate. “I’m sorry, but Marion I don’t see how you think I would let you go to one of those things. You see what they do is wrong don’t you?” Travis asked anxiously. “Yes, Pa, I know they sometimes get a little wild but Susan and Maryanne are going and they are wondering if I could too, please pa!” Marion pleaded. “Do you mean to say that Maryanne and Susan’s parents, both, are allowing their girls to go to Ruth’s party?” Travis asked in an incredulous voice. Monica looked around the table and saw the scared faces on her younger children. “Travis, do you think we could talk about this another time?” Travis looked at his wife and then at his daughter apologetically and sighed. “Okay, it’s alright kids I just got a little upset that’s all. Now let’s eat!” The kids, happy to see their Father had changed his attitude, dove into their food. And Monica and Marion gave each other a small smile, before joining into the conversation. “I see kang-roo!” Burst out little Christiana. Travis chuckled and turned to his daughter. “You saw a kan-ga-roo. And where did you see it?” He asked seriously hiding a smile and winking at Marion. Monica smiled, seeing how everything had went back to normal and turned her attention to hearing about the kang-roo. “Yea dere was a kang,” Christiana paused, “How you say it Pa?” “Kangaroo?” “Yea dat thing, it was eatin wit de cows!” Christiana finished excitedly and then laughed with the rest of her family, grinning a two-tooth smile. ************************************ Galen smiled at Harry, who grinned back and then walked to the door and passed the letter to the messenger, waiting outside. Everything was working just like it was supposed to. The letter was written, the evidence made, and Galen was hidden well. By tomorrow afternoon Lydia would believe that Galen was gone for good. ~Elisheva Kauffman I don't think I should even apologize, but again I am sorry. And you can keep reading chapters here but don't plan on it being to fluent. :(
Chapter 3 {A week later} Galen ambled, half drunk, through the poor streets of his town. He had been able to settle a deal with the new prospect. He smiled as he thought about the look on that man. He had looked so scared when Harry threatened him. “Chicken,” he mumbled. Galen wasn’t looking forward to coming home. He knew there would be no food. And he also knew that Lydia would ask many questions. But he knew that he needed to come home or Lydia would come looking for him. He was happy about one thing though. He had figured out how to solve the family problem. It would just take a little cooperation from some coworkers and boss’ and it would be well under way. “Lydia will never even guess what is really going on.” He said as he entered his home and kicked into a pile of cans stacked inside the door. “CHAD! You get here this minute!!” He yelled, his voice echoing on the walls around him. People could probably hear him down the street, but he didn’t care. “Chad are you listening to me, get over here you....” the words that followed were not worth repeating. Let’s just say if Chad would have heard them, he would have been hurt. By this time Galen realized something was wrong. If Chad was around, he would have come running. ‘What had happened?’ He wondered angrily. He kicked the cans out of his way and went to search the house for his ‘missing’ son. When he entered the living room, he saw Lydia sitting on the beat-up and patched seat they called the sofa. “Where’s that boy?” he asked angrily. “He’s gone,” she said quietly. He swung around sharply. “What did you say?” “I said he was gone,” she responded patiently. Galen glared at her to see if she was really telling the truth. “He’s gone? Really? I don’t believe you.” He snarled stubbornly. “Well, I can’t tell you any different he left sometime last night, at least I am assuming and....” she paused, “He took the girls too.” Lydia shrugged her small shoulders as she muttered the fact that they had left. “Well, I guess we will just wait, and I am sure they will come back soon. Now get me some supper I’m starvin’” He ordered plopping into the recliner near the window. Lydia slowly shuffled to the kitchen and soon returned with a bowl and a spoon. “Oh, not that again! You stupid idiot! Get me somethings else.” Galen yelled as he grabbed the bowl from her hands and slammed it onto the table standing near him. Lydia watched sadly as the old dish shattered and thin soup spilled everywhere. “Now get with it Woman!!” ************************** Lydia slowly shuffled across the room to the kitchen, sniffing and wiping her eyes. That had been their last fully intact bowl. And now there it lay a mess for her to clean up later. She knew Galen wanted something more than she had offered. And she would gladly give it to him if she just had it. She walked over to the cabinets checking them one last time. And then knew she would just have to give in. She again shuffled across the floor to the other room and saw Galen sitting there starring. “I’m sorry Galen, but I have nothing else,” she muttered, lifting her hands in despair. “Lydia, I told you to have something else than that, that soup this time! Didn’t I?” Galen yelled his voice echoing. “Yes sir,” was her only reply. “SO! Don’t just sit there and go get me something!” “But we don’t have anything Galen, I already told you that.” By this time her voice was also raising. “Then go out and get something!” Galen thrust his feet onto the wobbly table and turned his back to her. “I can’t.” “And why not?!” Her response made him turn to her. “I have no money.” “Well, I guess you will have to find some, because I ain’t givin’ you any,” with this he again turned away. Lydia knew they would get nowhere with this discussion so she decided to sit and relax awhile until he made up his mind to hand over some money. She walked over and plopped onto the old couch. He turned at the noise and she smiled kindly. Galen’s face was one of horror and surprise. The first because of her sitting down, and the latter because of her smile. “What are you doing there sittin’?” He asked in a somewhat restrained voice. Lydia smiled gratefully at the quieter voice and then replied. “Well, I have no money, and I know I won’t find any anywhere so I decided there was nothing I can do. There is soup on the stove but that’s all I can give you. I'm sorry.” Lydia was sorry, she wanted to give her husband the best, but at this point this was the best. Galen looked like he was about ready to respond, but something held him back. “Yes?” she asked curiously. “Oh, nothing,” He said shaking his head. Then for the first time in many years he hung his head and accepted defeat. “You’re right. I know you are. And I also know you have no money.” And then he said the most surprising thing. “I guess I can handle soup for another night.” And he ambled in the direction of the kitchen. Lydia was so surprised she couldn’t move and then she realized something must have happened for him to think this way. She stood and followed him into the kitchen and sure enough there he sat slurping soup out of one of the many cracked bowls. She smiled. “What made you change your mind? Did something happen in work today?” Lydia asked dishing up a bowl for herself. “No nothing, I guess my senses just came to me.” Galen shrugged. “Are you sure nothing happened?” Galen turned sharply. “Why would you care? What do you get from it? Huh?” His voice started rising. “I care because I am your wife, Galen, and even though you might not-,” Lydia’s voice cracked. “I-I love you.” Galen turned even sharper and starred her straight in the face and then he laughed, a deep, loud, and long laugh, that made her insides churn. “You-you love me?” He said breathlessly. “Oh, that’s funny!” He said in a jeering tone. “But I do Galen!” She urged. “God has asked me to love you and, well, I do!” She proclaimed, loud enough to be heard. Galen then realized she was being very serious. He slammed down his bowl and grinned at her wince. “God huh?” With that he shoved her against the table and stood. “Well, you just keep talking to that God and maybe things will turn out for you. Hah!” And with that he chuckled and left the house. ************************************* Chad led his sister along the dry creek bed. He was glad for the dry weather otherwise he would be fighting the cold and a rushing river whenever they were blocked on one side and needed to cross to the other. He looked back at his sister’s and smiled at their perseverance. He had promised them good food and a warm bed if they would just listen and follow him for a couple days. His heart had broken as he watched them split an apple and slice of bread for their only meal that day. ‘At least Ma’s soup filled us up,’ he had thought. But when he had apologized for not having more and Sadie had said, “We’ll be alright won’t we Antonia?” And when he had laid down by the fire, tears had entered his eyes. So now as he looked back and watched them as they caught up, he surprisingly found himself praying. “Help me to not break my promise, I love them so much,” Then he realized he was talking out loud and instead hollered out to them. “We’ll just go a little farther and then we will stop for the night, okay?” “Okay!” They chorused excitedly. He smiled and waited for them to catch up, then with one of their hands in each of his, they started out again. *************************************** Micah stopped he was sure he had heard a voice. “Micah what’s wrong?” Asked his sister Hannah. “Oh, nothing, just thought I had heard something. Gid up boy!” And they again started their slow journey down the wooded path. “Well, whatever you say big brother,” she grinned but he could see some worry in her eyes. “You can’t take care of everything and everyone Hannah. Even if I heard someone, they could be just like us, out taking a ride or walk.” “Okay, I’m relaxed, but before I fully relax.....well......Race you to the barn!” Micah laughed as she shot of and he went after her, seeing the barn just over the hill. “Just like my sister.” And bolted off towards the place he called home. |