Just Between Friends (21 page)

     “Who do you suppose it could be?”  Miranda spoke.

     Pondering this, Sam replied, “I don’t have the slightest clue, other than maybe a runaway slave that’s still in hiding, not realizing the war is over.”

     “You know,” Alec jumped in, “that could be.  I never even thought about that.  That area has been pretty hard hit.  They could be hiding in any one of those deserted buildings.  Most have been burned to the ground, but some of the others are still intact, and some just barely.  I think possibly you’ve hit the nail on the head, Sam.”

     “Well,” she exclaimed, “I don’t care who it was.  They saved my baby, and for that I’ll be eternally grateful.  She’s got a pretty bad bruise on her head though.  I’d like to know how it got there.”

     It was Arthurs turn to speak.  “Just be patient, honey, I think Sarah will eventually tell us everything we need to know, and by the way, why don’t you go and lie down also.  We’ll wake you as soon as Sarah gets up, alright?”

     Knowing her father was right, for she had gotten very little rest since Sarah had been missing, she agreed, “Alright, Papa.  I do admit I feel as if I could drop over any minute.”  She rose from her chair.  “Alec, Miranda, you don’t mind, do you?”

     Miranda was the first to speak.  “Of course we don’t mind.  Your father’s right, you’ll feel much better after having rested.  I think I’ll go home myself and rest up a bit.”

     Alec agreed, “Yes, me too.  It’s been a long four days, but if it’s alright, I’ll be back tomorrow to see Sarah.”

     Looking very annoyed, she reminded him, “Alec, you know you don’t have to ask that.  You come over anytime.”  Then turning her attentions to Miranda, added, “Both of you.”  As they departed, Sam thanked them again for all their help, Alec for finding Sarah, and Miranda for staying by her side.  She felt so blessed at having two such wonderful friends.

***

     Sarah woke up later that afternoon, and just as he promised, Arthur went to wake his daughter, but after two attempts, he decided to let her sleep.  She looked so peaceful he didn’t mind the thought of her being angry with him for not insisting she get up.  He and Amelia would take care of their granddaughter, and by tomorrow morning, she would feel her old self again.

                                               ***

     Night had fallen, and at the Porter home, it had been quite noisy.  Little Tommy had been fussy all day.  Mary had suspected he was teething.  Normally he was a happy baby, and of all times for him to be irritable, it had to be today, when they had all been doing their best for Sam, and were feeling exhausted.  But, he had finally quieted and fell asleep.

     Aunt Alice had already left and had returned to her own home.  They had begged her to stay, but she had said no, for she had overstayed her welcome already.  They had told her that wasn’t true, and that they all hated to see her go. And it was true.  Aunt Alice had been such a joy to have around.  They couldn’t imagine what they would have done without her.

     During Cassie’s wedding and Mary’s convalescence, she had taken over completely, and for that they would be eternally grateful.  The house seemed empty without her.  She had brought such life into it with her jolly personality.  She could always make them laugh whenever they were down about something.  She would be truly missed.

     As Miranda, Mary and Frank were seated in the parlor, Mary inquired, “Miranda, I know you talked with Alec, but with everything that has been happening, you never told us the outcome.  Cassie told us he had planned on leaving.  Is he still, or have you two worked out your differences?”

     Miranda studied this before she spoke.  “Mama, I’ll be honest.  I really don’t know what Alec’s decided to do.  Although he did promise Sarah he would visit her a lot.  So, I guess he’s decided to stay, at least for now anyway.”

     “But what about the two of you, does this mean the wedding is definitely off?”  She asked, with a bit of disappointment to her tone.

     Miranda knew how her mother felt.  She had so wanted to see her experience the same kind of happiness Cassie did.  It hurt her to see one of her children so unhappy, but she answered her mother the best she could.  “Mama, it wouldn’t be right to marry someone you’re not in love with, now would it?  I love Alec very much, but I’m not in love with him.  And Mama, to be honest, I don’t think Alec is in love with me any longer either.  I guess I deserve it though.  I hurt him deeply.  I didn’t mean to, but I did.”

     Her father, having been silent through all this, finally spoke, “It always pays to be honest no matter how badly it hurts.  You’re not being fair to someone to keep them hoping.  The boy needs to get on with his life.  Now maybe he can do that.  Who knows, maybe it’ll happen sooner than we think.”

     Feeling somewhat sad, Miranda knew what her father meant.  He had sensed it too, probably everyone had, the chemistry the two obviously had for each other. 
Samantha was four years older than Alec,
she thought. 
She was too old for him.  What would people think?

     But it wasn’t any of her business anymore.  She was sad, but also glad thinking that maybe Alec could finally find happiness with someone, true happiness.  He deserved a woman who loved him every bit as much as he loved them.  But she wouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet.  Maybe nothing would ever develop between them, but time would tell.

     Right now all she could think of was going to bed.  So after telling her mother to wake her if Tommy started giving her any trouble, she bade them both goodnight, and went upstairs to her room.

     The next day dawned bright and clear, but quite cold.  Tommy was in a much better mood today, and with good reason.  For the tip of a tiny white tooth had broken through his bottom gum.  He was growing up so fast.  Miranda helped with breakfast, then told her mother she was going to Sam’s for a little while and see how Sarah was doing.  Mary sent her best to everyone as she left.

     It was a beautiful day for a drive.  It was still chilly, but the sun was bright.  It wouldn’t take too long before it took the chill from the air.  Spring was still a little over a month away, and she knew this warm spell wouldn’t last, but she would enjoy it while she could.

     She had reached the Reynolds and saw that Alec was already there.  Pulling her buggy up behind his, she slowly dismounted.  She felt bad because she didn’t even know how to act around him anymore.  All during the ride over she had been wishing he wouldn’t be here.  That way she could visit then hopefully leave before he arrived.

     She climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.  Amelia opened it.  “Miranda dear, come in,” she invited.  “We were just talking about you.”

     Miranda laughed.  “Only good things I hope.”

     “Oh course dear, what else?” She laughed.  “No, Sam was just telling us what a help you was that first night to her when we were away, and how she didn’t know what she would have done without you.  She said you never left her side.  We’re all very grateful to you.”

     Feeling very pleased, she opened her mouth to speak when Sarah rushed
through the hallway.  “Miranda,” she yelled excitedly!  Running to her she hugged her around the waist.  When she pulled back Miranda stooped until she was eye to eye with the child, and took her in her arms, as Sarah wrapped hers around her neck.

     “Sarah,” she began, “I’m so glad you’re home safe.  How are you feeling, darling?  I didn’t get a chance to talk with you yesterday when you came home.”

     Sarah drew back and looking at Miranda, declared, “I feel fine.  Did you know Alec was here?  He’s in the parlor with mama and grandfather.”  She then took Miranda’s hand in hers, and urged, “Come on.”  Sarah led her from the hallway into the room where everyone sat.  She couldn’t understand why she felt so awkward.

     Seeing her, Samantha jumped from her chair.  “Oh, Miranda, I’m so glad you came over.  I want to thank you again for all your help.”

     Miranda noticed how refreshed Sam looked.  You could never tell by looking at her the ordeal she had been through.  Both she and Sarah looked their old normal selves.

     “Please, come in and sit down,” Sam invited.

     Miranda crossed the room, greeting both Mr. Reynolds and Alec, as she passed by them.  Reaching the chair, she sat down and positioned herself until she felt comfortable. 
What was wrong with her?
She thought. 
Why was she so nervous?

     “You look much more rested today,” Arthur spoke up.  “It looks as if you’ve had a good night’s sleep.”

     “Yes, I did.  Thank you.”  Miranda responded.

     “That’s good.  I think everyone feels much better today.  I sure am thankful that ordeal is over.”  She watched then, as Arthur Reynolds picked up his pipe and slowly tapped the top of it, before placing it in his mouth.

     Nodding her head, she agreed, “So am I.”

     Everyone became silent when Sarah began to speak.  “Mama, do you think I look like you?”

     Looking at her daughter, she smiled.  “Well, I guess you do a little bit, honey.  Why?”

     “Oh, I was just wondering.”  Becoming silent for a moment, she then continued.  “Did you used to have the same color hair as me and wear it in braids sometimes?”

     Sam glanced over at her father who had an odd expression on his face, but she answered, “Yes, Sarah, why?”

     They could tell she had something on her mind, but was trying to decide whether to tell what it was or not.  Finally, she blurted it out.  “Because he said you used to look like me when you were younger.”

     Sam, not understanding who she was talking about asked, “Who, Sarah?  Who said this?”

     “He did!”  She was pointing to someone.  As they followed her finger, they each grew silent and couldn’t believe what she was pointing to.  Miranda couldn’t move.  She felt cold chills run up and down her spine.  She heard Amelia gasp.

     Arthur jumped up and went to the wall containing the portrait of Steven and removed it, and brought it back to Sarah.  “Sarah, honey,” he questioned, “are you saying you saw this man?”

     She acted as if she didn’t know whether to answer or not.  Finally, she nodded her head.  There was such excitement in the room now, and such tension.  Miranda still couldn’t speak.  Looking at Alec, she saw him watching her with a surprised look on his face.

     Arthur had to know more, so he continued to question his granddaughter.  “Sarah, where did you see this man?”

     She grew silent.

     “Honey, please, tell us where you saw this man.”

     Still she didn’t say anything.

     Samantha walked over to her daughter and softly asked, “Sweetie, do you know who this is?  I remember telling you when you were younger, but you probably don’t remember.  This is your uncle Steven, my brother, but you see Sarah, he’s dead, just like your father.”

     “No, he’s not,” she said, shaking her head.  “He helped me.  He took care of me when I was lost.”

     Miranda’s head was spinning.  She felt faint.  Alec saw her and asked, “Miranda, are you alright?”  Everyone looked in her direction then.

     Noticing how pale she looked, Arthur rose and quietly left
the room.  When he returned, he had in his hands a glass of water and a cool wet rag.  Going to her, he advised, “Miranda, drink this.  It’ll make you feel better.”  He then took the rag and placed it against her forehead and told her to lie back.  She did as she was ordered, and a few minutes later felt better.

     “Thank you,” she said. “I’m sorry. I was just feeling so dizzy.” 

     He nodded, then also noticing how quiet his wife was, he turned to her and asked, “Are you alright, Amelia?”

     “Yes, I think so.”  Although she too felt a little faint, but she would be fine.  She was just anxious to find out more of what Sarah had to say.