MACEY'S DREAM Chapter 2

MACEY'S DREAM

Chapter 2

Kurt perched himself on the wooden rail fence; taking in the brisk morning air just as the rising sun was peeking over the distant horizon.

'It sure is pretty out here', he thought, taking in his surroundings. On the other side of the fence, hay and corn swayed silently in the morning breeze.  Beyond the hayfields, dense forest dipped downward toward the valley where beautiful, majestic snowtipped mountains rose and spread out as far as the eye could see.  It was awe inspiring for Kurt as he sat there, breathing it all in.  It was such a vast contrast from the hustle and bustle of the dirty, rough and daunting old city of Boston.  Everything was so peaceful and relaxed here on the homestead.  To sit and listen to all the sounds and sights of God's creations made one feel at such peace. The smell of the fresh morning dew and wildflowers, the sounds of the chirping birds as they flitted from tree to tree with their morning songs and the whisper of the hay as it swished to and fro in the gentle breeze.

Kurt turned around to greet his host and new boss upon hearing the creak of the front door as it opened and snapped shut.

"Good mornin' Kurt," Frank said as he ambled up beside Kurt.

"Good morning sir...I mean Frank," Kurt replied.  "I'm sorry. It's just going to take me some getting used to."

Frank smiled and nodded as he leaned on the fence rail saying, "That's ok.  I don't mind.  So, are you going to join us for some breakfast and a hot cup of coffee before we start our day?"

"That sounds mighty fine Frank.  Sounds too tempting to pass up," Kurt replied with a nod, jumping down from his perch on the fence as he slapped his hat on his thigh.  They strode toward the house in comfortable silence.

As the men entered the kitchen, Kurt couldn't help noticing the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling bacon, sausages, eggs and freshly baked bread being served up for breakfast; along with the strong, hot coffee he was promised.  He took off his hat and reached out to place it on the wall hook, when he noticed  another woman in the kitchen helping Katie.  He didn't think she was the daughter from upstairs. She appeared to be about the same age as Frank and Katie, with her dark hair tightly pulled back into a plain bun and dark, piercing eyes which seemed to be sizing him up.

Kurt felt Katie's eyes on him while he watched Sarah with a questioning look.

He stood there awkwardly as Katie cleared her throat and spoke up saying, "Kurt, this is Frank's sister Sarah.  Her husband died a year ago.  She lives here on the farm with us now.  And Sarah, this is Kurt, our new farmhand.  He arrived last evening from... I'm sorry Kurt.  Where did you say you were from?"

Feeling all eyes upon him, Kurt replied, "I didn't ma'am.  But I came from Boston."

"Well, what're you doing all the way over here in this territory, son?" Sarah enquired, her curiosity piqued.

Kurt explained, "Well, I got tired of the ramblings and goings' on in the big city and wanted to get back to the peaceful country living.  'Sides I have family back over in Kentucky that I haven't seen in quite some time.  My sister and her husband and younguns' are back there.  I figured it was high time I headed back. Maybe even settle down."

"Oh, I see.  Yes, it can be quite a difference between the big city and the country.  Quite a difference," Frank replied with a knowing nod.

Kurt and the other adults looked up as they heard light footsteps overhead.  He listened and waited; wondering if he was finally going to meet the daughter, when Katie put down her dish towel and moved toward the stairs. 

Kurt watched with breath held as Katie headed up the wooden stairs to see what was keeping Macey. As she did so, she instructed, "Now Frank, you and Kurt sit yourselves down to a good breakfast while I go up and see about Macey.  I'll be just a few minutes."

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Macey heard her mother's light footsteps approaching up the wooden stairs, dove from her window seat to the bed and pulled the quilt up to her chin.

There was a light tap at her door and her mother's voice called, "Macey, dear.  Are you awake?"  She tip-toed quietly into the room.

Macey peeked over the thick quilt at her mother with big, chocolate brown eyes and mumbled, "Yes, mother.  I'm awake."

"Well, dear, why don't you come downstairs and join us?" her mother replied as she gingerly sat on the edge of the bed.  "You know, Mace, we do have a guest downstairs that we would really like you to meet.  His name is Kurt and he's going to be staying with us for a spell.  He's going to be working for your father, helping him bring in the crops.  He's going to replace Joe for awhile and he seems real nice."

Macey's eyes got bigger and rounder with each word as she mentally digested the information her mother had just given her.  "He's staying with us, mother? How long will he be here," Macey croaked with near panic in her heart.

"Why, dear, as long as it takes to bring the crops in.  You know it's an awful big job for your father to do alone. Kurt is a Godsend.  And your father needs his help. Now, he's going to be staying in the barn where Joe slept, and taking his meals with us.  So, you may as well get used to the idea, 'cause he's going to be here a spell."  Katie explained.  "Now here.  I want you to put on one of your prettiest dresses and make your way downstairs to properly meet this young man.  He has good manners and seems real smart too.  He's from the city you know.  Boston."

Macey digested this information as well.  Something more for her to ponder when she was alone.

"Can I think about it mother?  I'm really feeling rather poorly right now.  I'll rest a few more minutes before I try to come downstairs", Macey replied.

"Very well," mother sighed, slowly rising from the bed to return to the kitchen.  Reaching the bedroom door with her hand on the doorknob, Katie turned as if to say something.  Instead, she shook her head and left the room.

Macey was left alone to think about the information her mother had just divulged.  'He's staying here?  For how long? Lord, how will I get through this?'

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While Macey was upstairs pondering the new situation, Kurt was downstairs wondering why this 'Macey' appeared to be hiding. Is she hiding from me?  Is she always like this with new people?  Is she just naturally shy? Is she really that ill?  This just might give me a new challenge, Kurt thought.  I want to meet this girl, and dang it!  I'm going to find a way!!

Afterwards, with a full belly, Kurt sat back against the back of his chair and stretched out his long legs. Reaching for his coffee cup to drain it, he placed his napkin on his empty breakfast plate as he stood and announced, "Miss Katie, that was a mighty fine breakfast ma'am. I thank you. I'm plum stuffed. I think it's about time I went outside, got some air and checked things out.  Would you care to join me Frank?" 

"It would be my pleasure, son.  Just let me get my hat and we'll be on our way," Frank replied rising up from his chair at the table.

As the men headed out the kitchen door, Katie turned to Aunt Sarah, saying,  "Sarah, I don't know what's going on with Macey.  I went up to her room to ask her to come downstairs for breakfast and meet this nice young man.  She looked like she was about to jump out of her skin at the thought!  I know she's been feeling poorly, but, surely she can come downstairs."

"I'll fix her a tray, dear.  Maybe there's something I can do," Aunt Sarah replied.  She rose from the table to prepare a tray with the leftover bacon, sausage, eggs, toast and fruit.  "She needs to keep up what strength she has.  The poor thing! Or, she'll never make it down here again.  The amount that poor girl eats wouldn't keep a squirrel alive, for Lands sakes!"  And with that, Aunt Sarah picked up the tray and strode determinedly up the stairs.

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Macey was up and out of her bed with the door open a crack.  She could hear bits of the conversation taking place downstairs in the kitchen.  She knew her mother, father and Aunt Sarah cared about her health, but, she just wasn't ready to meet this new 'Kurt' person!  She panicked inside at the mere thought of it!

All of a sudden, upon hearing the clink of dishes coming up the stairs, she once again dove for her bed and swiftly yanked up the quilt when her door opened abruptly.  Aunt Sarah brought her breakfast in the room on her favorite tray and placed it on her bed.

"Now.  What is this, that you're feeling too poorly to come downstairs? Hmmm?
Talk to your Aunt Sarah, Macey.  Usually, it's one of us that notices when you're looking quite peaked and tell you that you need to spend the day resting.  Then, all of a sudden, you're the one fit to be tied to at least go downstairs.  You know your physical limits as well as your mother, father and I.  If you want, I can have your father carry you down and place you in the rocker if you'd like".

"Oh no, Aunt Sarah.  Don't do that.  Father's busy with his new farmhand.  I wouldn't want to disturb him.  I'm quite fine where I am.  It's ok.  Really!!  Don't you go bothering him, now.  You hear me?"  Macey rambled on.

"Well!  That was quite to the point.  Ok, fine dear.  I won't go bothering him if that's what you wish.  However, I do hope you could see to it to try and make it down to the supper table this evening." Sarah said.

"Yes, well umm...we'll...ah...see," Macey stuttered with a slight nod of her head.

"Fine then," Aunt Sarah muttered as she slowly left the room.

Once again, Macey was finally left alone to eat what was still edible of the cold breakfast that now sat before her.  It looked quite unappealing.  Especially now that her appetite had fled.

"Ohhhhh, ' she moaned softly to herself, sliding the food tray aside and thrusting the covers off her legs.  She gingerly made her way back to her usual window seat overlooking the front yard, oak tree and scenery beyond.

She rested her forehead on the worn and paint-chipped window frame as she thought and wondered about the strange happenings on the farm.  She wanted to dream her usual daydream, but for some reason, it eluded her.  She was too distracted by the recent turn of events.


(Word Count:1836)