Just Between Friends (9 page)

                                             ***

     Time passed and no word from either Steven or Michael.  Everyone was worried.  Then Sam received word that, Michael Joseph Wilkes had been killed in action at the battle of Westport, on October 23, 1864, and Steven’s parent’s also received word that Steven Arthur Reynolds was presumed dead, as a result of the same battle.

     The gloominess that settled over both families was overwhelming.  Samantha cried all the time.  Mrs. Reynolds woke with nightmares over her son every night, and Miranda never spoke, or showed any emotion at all.  The doctor visited her on a daily basis, but there was little he could do.  She had to find a way to pull herself out of the shock she was in herself.

     Months passed.  Then on April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia, to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appotmatox courthouse in Virginia.  Also, Joseph E. Johnston surrendered in North Carolina on April 26, and General Richard Taylor in Alabama, on May 4, and finally, General E. Kirby Smith on May 26.  The Union had won.

     On July 30, 1865, Alec returned home, looking very thin and pale.  The things he had experienced and witnessed would be with him for the rest of his life, but he was very thankful he had survived, for he knew he had to help Miranda.  She had begun to talk, but she still showed no emotion whatsoever.

     It had been two weeks now, since he had returned home, and he hadn’t gone to see her yet, because he hadn’t wanted her to see him until he had gained a little weight, and some color to his face.  He had been so run down, but the day came when he could wait no longer.  He dressed, then deciding a walk would do him good, and also give him time to think as to what to say, he informed his mother to where he was going, and nervously left.

     His thoughts had kept him so occupied, that he was there before he even realized it.  Cautiously making his way to the door, he paused a moment, then knocked.  As he heard someone approaching, his heart began to pound.

     Mary Porter opened it, and gasped, as she saw him.  She quickly took him in her arms and proclaimed, “Oh, Alec, I’m so glad to see you!  I’m so glad you came back safe. Have you heard from Ben?”

     “No, we haven’t, but we heard that everyone hasn’t returned home yet.  I know he’ll be back soon.”

     Mary just smiled, as Alec asked, “Is Miranda home?  I’d really like to see how she’s doing.  I’m so sorry about Steven.”

     Nodding her head in response, she remarked, “Thank you.  I can only hope that eventually everything will get better.”

     “It will, one day.”  He encouraged.  “Time will heal.”

     Looking hopeful, Mary declared, “I sure hope so.  Well, Miranda’s upstairs.  You’re welcome to go up and talk to her.  Maybe seeing you will do her some good.”

     As he ascended the stairs, he tried to think of what he would say.  Suddenly, he was at her door.  Hand shaking, he reached out and tapped lightly.  When no-one answered, he spoke, “Miranda,” and opened the door slightly, “it’s me, Alec.  May I come in?”

     As he opened it more, there she sat, in a chair by her window.  She turned, as he entered, and just stared as if she didn’t even recognize him.  He walked over to her and knelt before her and took her small hand in his.  “Miranda, don’t you know who I am?”

     Looking blankly at him, she answered, “Sure I do, Alec.  I haven’t seen you for a while.  Where have you been?”

     “Why, don’t you remember, Miranda?”  He asked worriedly.  “I’ve been at war, and just returned home a few days ago.”

     She just sat there for a while staring at him, as if in thought.  Finally, she replied, “Oh, I’m so glad.  I’ve been sitting here watching for Steven.  He should be returning any day now.”

     Alec didn’t know what to say or do.  He didn’t expect to find her in this condition.  He had to be careful of what he said.  Cautiously, he continued, “Miranda, I’ve missed you.  It’s been such a long time.”  He paused for a moment before adding, “I’m awfully sorry about Steven. Although we had our disagreements, it’s hard losing a good friend.  I’ll miss him.”

     Miranda cut in, “No, you have it all wrong, Alec.  Steven’s not dead.  People just think that.  I know, because I’ve heard his voice.  He told me not to give up on him.  He’ll be returning one day, you’ll see.”

     Stunned, Alec replied with sadness in his voice, “Oh, Miranda.”  She was worse than he had thought.  He had to find a way to get her to see the truth.  He knew she would hurt for a while, but in time she would learn to accept it.

     “Listen, Miranda,” he tried to make her see reason.  “I don’t mean to hurt you, but you’re not facing reality.  You have to realize, that Steven is dead and he’s not coming back.  You have to face it before you can learn to accept it.”

     She responded rather calmly.  “No, I don’t have to accept the fact that Steven is dead, because he isn’t.  I don’t expect you to believe me.  You all probably think I’m crazy, but you will see.  He’ll be back.  I know he will.  Now please, let’s quit talking about this.  I want to hear about you.  How have you been?  Has Ben come home yet?”

     Alec didn’t really want to change the subject, but maybe this wasn’t the best time to continue with it, so he answered, “I’ve been doing pretty well since I’ve been home.  I’ve put on a little weight.  I was rather thin when I got back.  We haven’t heard from Ben for a while, but I know he’ll be returning any day now.” 

     “I’m so glad.”  Miranda declared, smiling.  “Cassie sure has missed him.  She’s turned into quite the young lady.  He won’t recognize her.  She’s eighteen years old now.  It’s so hard to believe, and she’s been faithful in her promise to Ben, that she would wait for him.  As many young men have tried to get Cassie’s attention, but she would have none of it.  I think Ben will be a very lucky man.”

     “I have no doubt of it.”  He agreed.  “If she’s even half as lovely as her sister, I envy him myself.”

     Miranda blushed.  “Oh Alec, you shouldn’t say such things.  By the way, have you met any ladies who have struck your fancy?”

     “No, I can’t say that I have.”  He shook his head, looking hurt.  “Once you’ve found the best, all the rest just doesn’t seem to measure up.”

     Miranda knew he was talking about her, but she tried not to show it, so she continued.  “What about Emily?  Have you seen her since you’ve been back?”

     “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.  She asked me to write to her while I was away, and we’ve been writing back and forth ever since.  We’ve seen each other off and on ever since I returned.”

     Miranda’s face lit up as she exclaimed excitedly, “Oh Alec, that’s wonderful!  Does this mean what I think it means?”

     “Now wait a minute, Miranda!”  He exclaimed.  “I only think of Emily as a friend, nothing else.”

     She realized she had hurt him, but she had so been hoping that he would have fallen for Emily and forgotten about her, but she could now see that he hadn’t.  She didn’t know what to say.  “I’m sorry, Alec,” she apologized.  “I didn’t mean to hurt you.  I was just hoping for your happiness, that’s all.”

     He nodded and looked lovingly into her eyes.  “I know that Miranda, but just as you know who you love, I know who I love.  It’s just not that easy to stop loving someone.”

     “I know,” she agreed.

     Neither spoke for a while.  Finally Alec said, “Well, I’d better be leaving.  Pa’s expecting me to help with the chores.”

     She arose from her chair and walked him to the door.

    As they reached it, he turned and looked into her dark eyes. Sadness radiated from them, as he pulled her to him, hugging her close. He ran one hand over her upswept hair, and softly spoke as he pulled away and looked at her once more, “If there’s anything you need, just let me know, alright?”

     She smiled, and answered, “I will,” then watched him as he turned and walked away.

     One week later, Ben returned home, quite bedraggled, and very much excited to see Cassandra.  It had been over four years since he had last seen her, and Cassie was a woman now.  He wondered what she looked like.  Would she still want and love him, like she used to?  It had been so long.  It had been two days since he had returned, and he still hadn’t visited her, for he had been far too nervous, but the time had come and he couldn’t wait any longer.  So, nervously, he changed into a clean shirt and went downstairs.

     His mother was just coming out of the kitchen, and when she saw him, she questioned, “Why Ben, why are you all dressed up?”  Then she smiled.  “You don’t have to answer that.  I can already guess.  You’re finally going over to see Cassandra, right?”

     Ben looked at his mother, and returning her smile, said, “Mothers do know everything, don’t they?  I tell you, Ma, if I had to wait any longer, I think I would have a nervous breakdown.”

     Louise laughed at her son and replied, “I was beginning to think we were going to have to drag you over there ourselves.”  She then comforted him by adding, “It’ll be alright, dear. Cassie’s probably just as nervous as you, and no doubt wondering if you’ve given up on the idea of the two of you getting together.”

     At her words, Ben looked worried.  “Oh Ma, do you really think she feels that way?  You know she’s the only girl I want.  The only girl I love.”

     Louise didn’t want to laugh at her son, but the way he was acting, she couldn’t seem to help it.  “Well, Son, don’t tell me, tell her.”  Then before he had a chance to respond, she left him to think on her words.

     Staring after her, he realized he had to do just that.  He ran his fingers up and through his hair, took a long, deep breath, then headed out.

                                             ***

     It had been a busy day at the Porters.  Frank had been working all morning in the fields, and Mary, Miranda and Cassandra had been baking.  When the doorbell rang, Miranda went to answer it.

     As she opened the door and saw that it was Ben, she gave a squeal of delight, and exclaimed, “Oh Ben, it’s so good to see you!”  And going to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, as he enfolded her in his.  As she pulled free, she invited, “Come in.  Cassie’s going to be so happy to see you.  Just let me go tell her it’s you.  She’ll be right out.”

     As she hurried to the kitchen, she realized she didn’t have to tell her sister anything, for Cassie was positively ashen.  “Cassie, are you alright?”  Miranda asked worriedly.

    
No, she wasn’t alright,
she thought.  She felt as if she were going to faint.  Slowly, she shook her head and stated, “I think I need to sit for a minute.”

     Miranda helped her to a chair, while she lowered herself into it.  It was an extremely hot day, but Cassie’s hands felt like ice, and were shaking uncontrollably.  When she looked up, Miranda could see the uncertainty in them.  Her dark hair was hanging loose over her shoulders, and the dust from the flour had somehow weaved itself through it.  She still wore an apron, and had also spilled some down the front. 

     Mary and Miranda were really getting worried when Cassie finally spoke.  “It’s Ben, isn’t it?  Oh Mama, what am I going to say to him?  What am I going to do?  What if he doesn’t like me anymore once he sees me?”

     Trying her best to calm her daughter, Mary replied, “Honey, Ben’s going to like you just fine.  Just wait until he sees what a beautiful young woman you are.  He’ll be so proud.”

     “Oh Mama, you’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

     “No, Cassie,” Miranda added, agreeing with her mother.  “You are a very lovely girl.  Ben will be so pleased.  Now, quit fooling around and get out there and see him.  He looks as nervous as you.  You’ll know what to say when you see him, don’t worry.”

     With that, Cassandra stood, took off her apron, ran her fingers through her hair, and left the room.  As she entered the parlor where Ben was waiting, she felt as if her heart was going to beat right out of her chest.