Hi, My Name is Tessee

#153c

"Bonita, this is Mark Lindstrom my son and his new daughter Tessee. Mark, this is Bonita my wife." There was the barest of audible sniffs from the immaculately groomed Mrs Henderson, as she looked at the shell shocked and 6 day's rumpled appearing Mark.

Quick thinking, Bonita Henderson pulled off one of the greatest fête's of her life. Smiling bravely, she said, "Hello, I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before."

"No, and I imagine I come as a surprise," Mark allowed as he turned his attention back to his daughter. Tessee performed the cutest, most adorable yawn any baby had ever yawned and both grown men were as putty in her hands. Tessee could have asked for the moon right about then, and it would have been a mad scramble to see if Daddy or Grandpa could get it first.

"I assume with the pink blanket that this is a girl, what is her name?" Bonita held a tight rein on herself. This was not how she expected this day to turn out, she had a full schedule of charity meetings in the afternoon and had wanted to secure a dollar amount from Wade as their contribution. It was annoying to have to work around this, but there was no way she was leaving and let this scene come to a conclusion without her.

"Her name is Tessee and she is six days old," Wade finally answered his exasperated wife. "Baby is well, Mama not so much. Clora has a weak heart and nearly gave her life for this little girl." Wade cooed at Tessee and got one eye open for his pains. "Oh look, she's watching be," he babbled like a crazy person.

Bonita was busy thinking 'oh brother, he's gone loony over a baby' but stopped herself in time from saying the words out loud. "Lindstrom, isn't that Borg's last name?" she inquired.

"Borg was Mark's foster father," Wade looked at his wife with calm but serious eyes, and she knew that look well. It meant that he was in charge of the situation and he wasn't yielding to any of her objections. In fact, it was clear he had no intention of not proceeding no matter if she protested or not.

Bonita Henderson knew very well which side of her bread the butter was on, she capitulated gracefully and nary a shot was fired. Wade favored her with a genuine warm smile and asked if she would care to hold the baby, "...if that's alright," he quickly amended, looking at Mark.

Mark nodded, having correctly interpreted the look between the two. "It's alright," he spoke gently, hoping to ease the look of pain around Bonita's eyes. "I am going up to see Clora in a few minutes, would you like to go along," he invited casually.

Wade quickly said "sure we would, she's certainly a brave woman. How long has she had heart trouble?"

"I didn't know the extent of it, but Clora says the whole family is plagued and she has had trouble since she was a child."

"So do Ben and the other brother, Wayne isn't it? Are they affected also? I thought Ben was a Sheriff, so isn't there a physical requirement he has to meet?" Wade was curious.

"I believe both men have had previous problems, and I assume Ben met the requirements for deputy." Mark finished his thought. "Are you ready to go, I have to let them know Princess Tessee is leaving for a walkabout."

Bonita smiled weakly at the mention of Princess Tessee, and then because the name was so old fashioned, she inquired as to why they had named their baby that particular one.

Mark laughed, "that's pure Clora, she had the name picked out before Tessee was hardly Tessee. We've had nine months to get used to calling her that." They walked to the elevator and Mark punched the up button.

Clora looked like she had been run over by a Mack truck, and then the truck reversed and ran over her again. She was so weak that all she could do was reach a hand for Tessee. Mark snuggled the pink blanketed baby in the crook of her Mother's arm and bent down to wipe a tear from Clora's cheek.

"Easy love," he whispered. The ventilator prevented Clora from speaking, but Mark understood her rush of emotion. "Honey this is Bonita Henderson, Wade's wife." Clora wagged her fingers at Bonita, closing her eyes against the effort the movement cost her.

Wade masked his shock at Clora's condition, and made up his mind to get ahold of her surgeon. There had to be something more that could be done.

Your so good at bringing tears to my eyes girl, thank you pac.

oh please let this be a genuine win over for Wade! And Bonita! wouldn't that be a hoot! the woman who never wanted a kiddo, to completely fall in love with a grand!!!

I sure hope Clora is gonna be OK!!! Thank you for the great chapter....! (that sounds so inadequate for me to say since they all are so great .... I need more adjectives! )

This is an absolutely

story

Thank You Mrs. Pac.

Excellent chapter Pac, thank you so much.

I've met women like Bonita. She may put a good face on. She make retain good manners and be a good hostess when called up. But the depth of emotion she is capable of for the most part will be the depth of a tear in a gnat's eye. I've seen miraculous conversions but even those have their limits. Kind of like decoration more than connection.

#153d

As the adults stood looking at each other, unsure of what to do or say; there was a slight knock at the door. Ben pushed the door open and stuck his head in. "Dear God, what's wrong with Clora" he demanded, astonished that they would just be standing there when she looked so near death.

"Linderman, did you do any thing to cause this," Ben challenged as he pushed his way in. "If you did, so help me God I will hunt you down and make you wish you were never born." The angry brother shoved aside Wade and then stopped when he saw Tessee laying in Clora's arms.

"Oh," he drawled as he dropped to his knees, "she's beautiful, so beautiful." Tears in his eyes, Ben reached up a crooked and stained finger to touch Tessee's small hand and she stirred in her sleep and turned her face to Clora.

"We have a son, David Abraham. Born this morning and Lainey and baby are fine. Clora," Ben urged Clora to listen to him, "you are an auntie again and Lainey wants to see you."

Clora raised her hand again and then let it limply fall. Another tear tracked across her cheek and rolled into her hair. Her arm tightened around her baby and she turned to look at Mark.

"Ben, I need to talk to you," Mark ordered, practically dragging the brother out by the scruff of his neck. Once out side the room, Mark threw a hammer lock on his brother in law and hissed in his ear. " I have a notion to break your neck. If you are going to continually hammer away at me, especially in front of Clora, I am going to forbid you to see her. Your attitude stinks. You don't have to like me, but I don't need disrespect at such a critical time."

Ben realized he had finally crossed the line with Mark. Slumping in the huge man's grip, he waited for whatever Mark cared to dish out.

"Clora has been so near death so many times, I'm crazy with worry and I'm not putting up with your snottiness. Knock it off NOW!" Mark growled as he applied more pressure on Ben's windpipe, causing the man to choke slightly.

There was the sound of the elevator door opening and a woman in scrubs stared in horror at what was happening. In a panic she punched the door close button and disappeared.

Mark whipped his head around when Wade opened the door and said calmly to his son, "Clora wants you." It was the only thing that would have changed the course of what was going to happen.

Mark hauled his wife's brother back in the room and not so gently pushed the man against the wall to prop up his sorry ass.

In two strides, Mark was bending over Clora, asking gently what could he do. "Look baby," she managed to garble out. Softly his huge hands picked up Tessee and held her close to Clora .

Excellent Pac, excellent.

I'm just about tired of Ben showing his behind all the time!!

OMG, if Clora dies the Clan will disintegrate. I hope she pulls through.

Please please keep Clora with us.

I can clearly visualize the tear running down Clora's cheek. Now I've got a lump in my throat as I wait and hope to see Clora pull through this! Please don't keep us on the ledge for too long Pac! (Sorry for being a greedy reader! It's just THAT good!)

Greedy Reader in Phoenix... ;^)

#153e

"I suggest everyone cool down and tend to the business at hand, namely the care and health of Clora. Now I need to know when Bethany will make her rounds again."

Bonita snapped her head up when he mentioned her good friend, narrowing her eyes when she realized what she hoped was a secret, wasn't.

Once again Wade silently warned her not to make a scene or cause a fuss, and this time Bonita turned up her nose and stared angrily back. This was a humiliation she didn't know how to handle, didn't want to deal with and was simply appalled at the uncouthness of these ruffians. Wade's so called son looked like some kind of mountain man, and smelled worse.

Bonita inventoried the other man and discovered he was no less wild and unkempt, and the woman looked like a Granny Klampett reject.
It wasn't hard to distance herself from these....., Bonita didn't have that kind of word in her vocabulary.

Wade was watching his wife as she didn't try and hide her thoughts. It was precisely as he had feared, Bonita was so far removed from down to earth realities that she couldn't realize honesty and pride of character. It didn't bode well for his situation.

Tessee started fussing, and Mark reluctantly put her to his shoulder, trying to sooth her uncomfortable. Taking her away from Clora seemed like such a cruel thing to do, and he watched the pain in her eyes as he was forced to say, "I think our princess is wet and needs another meal. Wade," he addressed his father, "This is about the time Dr. Wallace makes her rounds, would you find out how the prognosis is going. I need reassurance."

"Absolutely," Wade's strong voice made Bonita wince, evidently he intended to stay on until the last dog was sold. Resigned, she shifted her weight and looked out the window. Well, she had the ability to carry this thing off, especially if it didn't drag on all night.

Mark carried Tessee back to the nursery and unwrapped his daughter and changed her diaper. He had memorized the routine the nurses had taught him, and then slowly reversed the buttoning, pinning, wrapping and tucking. Tessee was hungry and protested the lack of instant gratification. A nurse appeared with a bottle, and Mark settled in the rocker to feed his daughter.

It wasn't long before Ben was in the nursery looking for him. "Will you bring the baby into Lainey's room so she can meet her new niece?" he asked. "She's beside herself with worry about Tessee and Clora and she's giving Davie colic."

Mark gave Ben a long, considering look before he nodded and stood up. Following Ben down the hall to Lainey's room, he stepped inside and was greeted by Lainey's soft voice.

"Hello Miss Tessee," she crooned and held her hands out for the baby. David was sound asleep beside his mother, and Tessee wanted to finish her meal. Mark transferred the solid little lump and her bottle to Lainey and used a finger to pull the blanket away from David's face. It wasn't hard to tell that Anne had a brother, they were almost identical in looks.

"You won't be able to give this one away," he joked. "He looks exactly like Anne."

"He does, doesn't he," Lainey was thrilled with her new son. "But tell me, how is Clora?"

"Very weak, very ill, but holding on. She had to have three valves repaired, and Tessee was delivered Cesarean. Clora nearly died several times before they stopped her labor, and stopped the stress on her." Mark's voice cracked as he recounted the anguish and dread that he had experienced.

"The Doc said Clora couldn't have any more children, and that is upsetting her so." Mark looked bleak as he looked at the floor. "I mean I'm OK with the amount of kids we have, but it's really tearing Clora up. She also wants to name Tessee...Teresa Sandra... and I hope that doesn't cause problems with the rest of the family," he confided.

"I had no idea," Ben mumbled as he paced up and down the floor. "I was pretty much out of line, wasn't I."

"One hundred percent," Mark returned strongly, but didn't say anything else.

Lainey looked between her husband and her brother in law and smelled the tension. Giving them both a sharp glare, she demanded to know what was going on.

"I said some inappropriate things, and I am sorry." Ben apologized, finally looking Mark in the eye. "I had no call for what I did."

"Accepted," Mark said simply.

"I'm getting up later this afternoon, and I'll be up to see Clora. It sounds like we will be going home tomorrow, and your boy's expect to have a cousin to play with. They know Clora is ill, and it will be a while before she can come home, so we have the bases covered there." Lainey outlined her agenda, organizing the day into manageable segments.

"The teens are in love with the horses, and the cow is a dream to work with, her milk is so rich and creamy. We have made pudding, custards, farmer cheese and everyone has drunk their fill of milk. And I'll tell you, those boys can put away gallons."

Mark had to chuckle, "I remember drinking milk like a starving calf." he offered a glimpse into his childhood.

"That woman up there, is that Wade's wife?" Ben asked. "We weren't introduced, but I sure got the impression she didn't think much of us."

"Well, in her defense, she didn't know about me until she crashed in and started to accuse Wade of seeing another woman. I'm usually a shock to people," he said depreciatively.

"Well she'd better behave herself," Lainey said stoutly, "We are in no mood to pussyfoot around a prima dona with all that's going on. I hope she is still there when I go up to visit. I want to get a look at her."

Mark had to smile to himself, he didn't envy Bonita being caught in the crossfire of the Hanson's and the Linderman's. Tessee finished her bottle, and Mark picked her up for a burping session. Very unladylike, the tiny baby belched a bull frog sound that made all the adults laugh.

"Princess T. needs to go down for a nap, and so do I," he admitted wearily, "I have a cot in Clora's room, and I want to check and see if Dr. Wallace has made rounds. I have some questions," he yawned as he left the room.

"OK Mr. Hanson, what went on up there?" Lainey was unsmiling and looked ready to pitch a major, if Ben didn't fess up,...and soon.

Thank you Pac great chapter

"It wasn't long before Ben was in the nursery looking for him. "Will you bring the baby into Clora's room so she can meet her new niece?" he asked. "She's beside herself with worry about Tessee and Clora and she's giving Davie colic.""

I think you mean Lainey's room???

WOW Pac you have an amazing gift thanks for the new chapters.
Wayne

Thank you for this Pac. I hope Clora has a speedy recovery.

My hope is that Bonita gets hit hard by the Holy Spirit and is a healing balm for the family. I have seen women become whole and healed by the Lord God and became totally new beings and have such life saving changes in their characters. And Ben looks to becoming the man the Lord has set him apart for being as well.

Just stopping in to check on Clora and see if she's making any progress.

Thank you Pac! I have been gone since Tuesday and when I got back today I had to check my favorite story, and what a treat it was to see so many new chapters! I love this story...even more than I love choc. ice cream... well almost, lol.

Sully

#154

Ben gathered up his courage and faced his wife. "It wasn't my finest moment, I'm ashamed to say. I walked into Clora's room expecting to see her and the baby, and there she was with a vent tube in her mouth, all hooked up to every conceivable monitor that was beeping and flashing. I lost it." he confessed to his sympathetic wife.

"I ended up accusing Mark of causing physical damage to her, and didn't realize Clora had such extensive heart surgery. When I figured out that he was beside himself with worry, it was too late. Mark grabbed me in a head lock and drug me out of the room. I think he would have snapped my neck easier than breaking a twig." Ben got up to pace the floor remembering his recent brush with death, shuddering uncontrollably.

"If Wade hadn't called to Mark that Clora wanted him, I think he might have had such a rage that he would have shut my lights out." Ben talked to the window, ashamed to face Lainey.

"Ben, I think you need to talk to a councilor; someone like the pastor here at the hospital. Please do this, this afternoon before there is a rift we can't mend. I want you to think on this. God calls on each of us to do what we are able; can you accept the fact that using his money to pay for what the clan needs is the way God has asked him to contribute?" Lainey spoke gently, bringing Ben to her way of thinking.

From the thunderstruck look on his face, it was obvious that notion hadn't crossed Ben's mind.


Mark walked into Clora's room right behind Dr. Wallace. Pleasantries were exchanged, with Bonita acting a little uptight with her friend Bethany. The good Dr. Wallace called on all of her professional training and gave the group the latest report on Clora's status.

Mark sat in the chair next to Clora's bed, holding her hand as they absorbed the news...be it good or bad.

It was such a relief to hear the good news. The valve repairs seemed to be holding and functioning well. Stents had been placed in the abnormal vein patterns to allow better blood flow, and the murmur was examined and left alone for now. Clora's Cesarean operation was healing nicely, and the other operation was also healing.

Bethany Wallace was unsure just how much information about her tubal ligation Clora wanted expressed to the general public, so she lightly glossed over that part.

"Bethany, I want this medical intervention billed to my office," Wade spoke up as Dr. Wallace prepared to leave. "have the hospital bill sent there also." If Bonita was surprised and intended to object to Wade's over generosity, Wade stepped in front of her cutting off her beginning exclamation.

"If Clora improves as much as she already has, the vent tube will be removed tomorrow. She will have to have oxygen for a while longer, and tomorrow, if she feels capable she can sit in a chair." With a wave of her hand, Dr. Wallace left the room.

Hunched over in the chair, Mark pressed Clora's hand to his forehead and fought against the tears of relief that threatened to spill. It was hard to swallow against the lump of emotion. Dear beautiful, full of life and love Clora, was going to be alright.

What a relief whewwwwwwwwwwwwww. Thanks you pac.

Oh, I'm sooo glad you let Clora live..I was beginning to wonder if Mark would be raising Tessie alone.
Thank you Pac!

Sully

Oh, my, Pac! I am so very glad that Clora will be still with the story! I echo what someone said previously - the story and the family would just about die without Clora!

This is very fine keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat writing. Can't wait for MOAR!

Oh, thank you so much Pac. That was wonderful.

154b

Ben entered the Chaplin's office, slump shouldered, downcast eyes and pure and simple misery oozing from every pore. The Chaplin on duty happened to be a Father, and Ben looked confused as he backed up to look at the name on the door.

"I am Father Sean," the pleasantly plump, twinkle eyed man announced in his Irish brogue. "Come in my son, you seem to be carrying a heavy burden."

A sympathetic ear, a kind face and Ben unburdened his soul in anguish and sorrow. So many years of bottled up pain, the unresolved problem of his father, the relentless pressure from the assassins and raiders, and the inadequacy of not providing for his family to fit his notion of being the 'right' sort of a husband and father.

Mark wasn't the problem, he was simply a symbol of everything Ben felt was wrong with himself.

Slowly, Ben came to the conclusions he needed to field in his mind. Father Sean merely nodded and muttered a few noncommittal 'hummm's' as the words came pouring out of the quiet, reticent Ben.

"I think your wife is a wise lassie" the man suggested to Ben. "I find her reasoning to be astute and worthwhile. She sounds like a good partner to keep, and now you have a new wee bairn to go with your other lassie, you are a rich man Ben Hanson."

Ben had to think on that a bit, he didn't feel rich and in fact still felt insignificant compared to Mark. Father Sean could almost read the mind of the man in the chair across from the desk from him. Apparently the young man still needed convincing.

"Ye are a good man, you feel hurt when others hurt, you have conquered almost impossible odds to keep those you love safe, you feel the responsibility to help and protect others,.... give yourself the rewards you would give others in a flash. Be satisfied with your efforts."

Ben nodded, not trusting his voice.

"I am not of your faith, Ben Hanson; but we pray to the same God and I will pray for you tonight." Father Sean made the sign of the cross to Ben, his serious and unsmiling face suddenly breaking into a hearty smile. "Go with God my son, let him ease your burdens rather than carry them by yourself."

Ben shook the man's hand and left the office free from most of the crippling problems he had been shouldering. He was wondering how perfect his Lord was, to have led him to such an understanding human. Ben had taken a good look at himself through Father Sean's eyes and he wasn't impressed with his actions and the man he had become.

Ben walked downstairs and out into the small park ensconced in the lee of the front wing of the hospital. There was a small bubbling fountain and a wealth of song birds that gave their voice to the praise of the day. It was as good as angels singing, for soothing wounded souls.

Ben bowed his head and prayed the prayers of a man lost and torn from his Rock. The Rock is always there, but man is weak and needs direction occasionally. Opening his heart, Ben let peace flow in and replace the hurt and aggravation that had residence there for so long.



Clora felt the peace Ben welcomed into his heart. It was hard to smile with the vent tube in her mouth, but she tried. Mark was holding her hand and he felt a rush of warmth flow through her fingers. He turned her hand, looking for the source of the heat and found her looking at him with tear bright eyes.

"Are you alright?" he stammered, wondering what was happening. Clora nodded, "Yesss," she garbled, "yes."

Wade turned from the window where he had been watching the clouds race across the bright blue sky. Eyes narrowed, he walked to the foot of Clora's bed. "I was watching your brother down in the little garden, he was praying, could you feel that?"

Clora nodded, not only could she feel Ben's prayers but she could feel his relief at the answers God had sent him.

Bonita gave a small disbelieving snort, showing that she was the worst kind of a Christian. With great care she made sure that she and Wade attended the 'most correct' church in town, they tithed, did charity work and supported orphans, missionaries and youth programs, and did not have a personal relationship with God.

Watching Clora's glowing face, Wade suddenly understood what kind of a sham his life had been up to this point. He coughed hard to cover up the constriction in his throat and lack of oxygen he was feeling. Suddenly it was hard to keep up with the changes that were happening in his life, and he hadn't moved a muscle.

A deep, orderly and factual thinker, Wade was shaken to his core by an abstract idea that had no proof, no concrete object to cross examine, and one that no jury could ever bring to a consensus.

Bonita had no reservations about her status in life. She knew exactly where and how she belonged, and what it took to maintain that level, and she was very certain that it didn't include any of these unmannerly ruffians. Wade, she could see was mulling over something in his mind, and she hoped it wasn't gifting any more money to 'these people'. Really, she needed to have a serious talk with him about the astonishing amount of money he had pledged for the hospital bill of 'that woman'.


Tessee was bringing down the quiet orderliness of the nursery. She was hungry and she wanted her Daddy to feed her. Nurse called nurse and Mark was dispatched back to the nursery in a hurry. Wade had to go with him and since Wade was going, Bonita wasn't going to stay behind and let things get any further out of hand than they already were.

Clora sighed a huge sigh of relief, lay back and closed her eyes. She was craving solitude and quiet, needing to have a prayer session.

Beautiful, Pac! I hadn't been able to read for three days, so it was really nice to come catch up on quite a few chapters. You have an amazing ability with words! We are so thankful you share your gift with us!

Yes beautiful pac thank you.

You truly are an artist with words. I feel like I'm sitting right there with them as I read each chapter.

Russell

Pac you have a profound understanding of man's weakness in trying to carry life's burdens, Ben is an example of man adrift in the problems of this world trying to handle them by himself when all he has to do ask God to take them from him. I believe most men go through this at least once if not many times in there life as the pride of man rises up in him. I hope Ben and Wade both accept Gods offer of peace, salvation and a life in a family that loves and cares for each other and all that He brings into there family.
Thanks for the fantastic story and your sharing of it with us.
Wayne

Pac that was just awesome. For a minute, I thought I could hear angels. You have a wonderful way with words, and make me feel like I'm right there with the people in the story. That's good writing.


Bad

Thank you for your story and your conviction, it is helping with my journey back to God.

Goat

#155

Never would she have admitted it, but Cheryl was worn to a frazzle by the sheer amount of work there was to do. With Mark and Clora, Ben and Lainey gone, that left herself, Ev and Christy, Wayne, the 3 teens and the 3 toddlers.

It was the toddlers that created the most commotion. With their parents gone, the little monsters tried every trick in the book to disrupt the daily routine, mostly succeeding.

Cheryl pulled Teddy down off the counter for the umpteenth time and this time administered a firm swat on the behind. Sitting in the corner screaming his head off, Teddy was one noisy little machine.

Anne was retrieved from the bathroom, after deliberately defying Cheryl and playing in the handy spring. Another swat, another screaming child was positioned in the corner.

Milo had gone out side and into the shed where the horses were stabled, against orders. He was brought in with a stinging behind and set in the third corner.

The adults went out side to hear themselves think.

BigRuss said:

You truly are an artist with words. I feel like I'm sitting right there with them as I read each chapter.

Russell

Click to expand...

I'll second that!
Thanks Pac.

Sully

#155b

Cheryl held a council of war in the kitchen. "I hate to do this," she started in forcefully, "but I am assigning a younger child to each of you young adults for the afternoon. I don't have the breakfast dishes done, and it's past lunchtime, I am that far behind in my work. Ev is on guard duty, Wayne I need you to do the cow tonight and the chickens. Tomorrow, how ever awful it sounds like, we need to construct some kind of enclosure to keep these kids safe. We are going to have one of them drown in the creek, get kicked by the horses, cow, chickens, or wander off if we're not careful. And I have NO INTENTION of that happening on my watch. Can you imagine explaining to Mark or Ben how their little darlings got hurt ?"

It was real quiet and then everybody spoke at once. "Yeah sure", "we can do that," "right away," and Lets get them now, so we can have lunch."

yay! MOAR!!! thank you!!

I can see those older kiddo's really stepping up and it does make it much easier if each one is responsible for a little kiddo!

Thanks Pac I see the children are testing the bounders as children have done since the beginning of time. Cheryl has her hands full.
Wayne

Yeah I can just picture that.

#155c

"I want my Mommy," Teddy cried with great huge gulping sobs. "She needs me to be with her," the tears flowed and he looked so pitiful that Willie just had to pick him up.

"Hey little dude," the older boy comforted, "your Mom has a hurt and has to be in the hospital. We don't know when she will be home, but we could make her a get well card and give it to one of the men to take to town. I think Wayne said he was going in tomorrow to check on them."

That idea was what was needed to divert the crying and complaining. Pieces of notebook paper were decorated with color crayon scribbles, circles to represent flowers, and smaller circles to represent kisses. It was so much fun, all three smalls made four or five more cards, really getting into the swing of things.

Anne had to make all of her flowers pink, and was upset when the crayon broke. Christy was amazed at the strength Anne had to mash the wax stick into the paper, and had to work hard to convince the child to use red, as that was a grown up pink.

Wayne stopped by to admire the masterpieces, and promised to deliver them to the absent parents in the morning. He intended to leave bright and early, before the toddlers got up and decided they should go with.

"Let's go for a walk," Toby suggested, "down to the mailbox." Another excellent suggestion that went over well with Anne, Milo and Teddy.

It went over well with Cheryl, as she took two cups of tea out to the porch to sit with Ev and have a moment's relaxation. Sitting companionably, not even needing to talk, they listened to Wayne hammering inside the chicken coop.

"I sure appreciate the fresh eggs and milk, they make such a difference in our meals," Cheryl finally remarked.

"Yesss," Ev managed to say. "Very good, very good."

There was the sound of a rifle report, the sound large in the relative silence of the calm afternoon. "Did the teens have their guns with them?" Cheryl asked nervously as she jerked the front door open and Ev wheeled inside.

"Yesss," Ev positioned himself to the side of the log encased window. Running footsteps were heard and Wayne slammed and locked the back door.

"Are the kids out there?" he panted as he checked his rifle.

Cheryl nodded, "all six of them were walking to the mailbox."

"I'm going to go out the back and circle around and come in from the road. I sure hope those kids don't fire on me."

Silently, Wayne was gone while Ev guarded the front and Cheryl stood by the back door. It was the most nerve wracking wait Cheryl had experienced in a long time. Finally there was a whistle, and then another one seconds later. They were incoming, and OK.

The teens each had a child in their arms, running for the house in a zig zag pattern. The babies were like little monkeys, hanging on for dear life. Cheryl manned the door, opening it to allow the frightened looking kids to dive in.

"A squatter fired on us, we surprised him gutting a small deer, and he went berserk." Toby explained as he patted Milo on the back. "Aunt Cheryl, the little kids were awesome, they did just what we asked of them without complaining. Do we have something they could have for a treat for being so brave.?"

Milo of course puffed right up with pride, "Anne and Teddy were scared, but not me." he confided. "I did good, huh Toby?"

"You did very well, you can go with me anytime," Toby put Milo in a chair at the table.

"An me, an Anne," Teddy wanted in on the action, not intending to be left behind.

"Yes, especially if you mind as well as you did this afternoon," Toby, Willie and Christy chimed in together.


It was dark when Wayne finally whistled that he was near. He grabbed the milk pail and disappeared. The dark house sat silent, the occupants making do with sandwiches and glasses of milk for supper. Wayne rattled the door knob slightly and whistled, asking for entrance.

Sally's milk was foamy and warm as Cheryl poured it through the strainer. The eggs in Wayne's hat were carefully transferred to a bowl, as he gulped his sandwiches in huge bites. "I don't think we will have any more trouble, but we need to be alert tonight. It sounds like a hobo convention had expected to convene here and use the lodge. They aren't happy it's occupied."

Willie said nervously, "we need to take special precautions with Christy, they were drooling over her."

"Oh ugh, that's a gross thing to say," Christy snapped as she turned to glare at Willie.

"It's true," Toby added, "I think she should be restricted to the house so we don't have to worry about her." he was serious with his announcement, and it earned him a second angry look from Christy.

"I'll have you know I can take care of myself," Christy started to say, when Ev cut her off.

"Yess, necessary until they leave. When, where?" he asked of Wayne.

"They're milling around out there, unsure of where to go. I think Toby's idea of a lock down is a good idea. I suggested they head for the National Forest where they could take over the defunct park and do their 'burning man' hippie gathering, but some didn't want to go that far. I can't tell you if or when they are going to go, but we need to be very careful until they do." Wayne replied as he walked the floor.

"Two people on guard duty, front and back door. Three hours at a time. Ev and I will take the last rotation," Wayne announced. "Cheryl and Christy on duty now, boy's hit the sack for your turn after their's. Any questions?"

The babies were bedded down behind the half wall in the living room, the most secure place for them to be, and the boy's felt their way around the darkened house and brought their sleeping bags down to bed beside them.

Ev pulled a blanket around himself and slumped in his chair already asleep. Wayne moved around restlessly until Cheryl ordered him to the couch, "Your making too much noise," she complained, "go to sleep for a while."