A Love Everlasting

 by Alivia Ulrich (ages 14-17)

Breaking her out of her thoughts, Elizabeth Anne Johnson caught sight of the horse and rider galloping down the road, just in time to take a startled step out of their way. “Watch where yer goin’,” the rider called over his shoulder, but didn’t stop to apologize.

Elizabeth coughed and waved the dust away. People sure aren’t as careful, as they were back in Pittsburgh.  These gold towns in California are wild—but I like the adventure! she thought with a smile.

After checking the dusty streets for anymore unexpected riders, the twenty-one-year-old preceded across.  Her thoughts continued to swirl through her mind.

What if Father does find gold?  Will we stay here…or go back home?  And do I even want to go back?  There wasn’t anything there for me; except long, uneventful days spent learning how to be a proper young lady, going to parties, and all that.  In this place, there is so much freedom, so much…adventure.

She stopped to look around, past the dusty gold town; to the mountains in the distance, the lush green fields, the endless blue sky.

I belong here…I know I do.

A wild whinny broke her thoughts.

“Runaway horse!” someone cried.  “Clear the streets!  Wild stallion on the loose!”

Shouts filled her ears.  Elizabeth whirled around, her skirt billowing out around her.  Her eyes grew wide.  A stallion was indeed racing at full speed down the road—straight for her.

Move! she told herself.  Run…do anything!

But she remained frozen, too afraid to move.  She squeezed her eyes shut, preparing for the worst.

Lord, help me—please!

All of a sudden, Elizabeth felt something run into her from the side, pushing her to the ground.  Dust swirled around her; her head throbbed with pain.  Feeling the ground under her shake, she knew the stallion was passing right by her.

Elizabeth’s heart continued to pound in her chest, until the dust finally settled.  When she slowly opened her eyes, the first thing that came into view was the hoofprints of the stallion…at the very spot she had been only seconds ago.

Thank You, Lord! she silently prayed, before sitting up and looking around her.  She drew in her breath, when she saw a young man laying a few feet away.  Elizabeth quickly gave his arm a gentle shake. “Sir?  Sir?  Oh, please wake up.  You have to.” Please let him be alive.

The man’s eyes fluttered open, and he looked up into the gentle eyes of Elizabeth.  Relief washed over her.

“You’re alright,” she whispered.

“Are you?”  The man struggled to sit up, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Yes, thank you.  You saved my life.  How can I ever repay you?”

“Just knowing that you’re fine, is all the reward I need.”  With a grin spreading across his handsome face, he knelt beside her and offered his hand.  Elizabeth took it and he pulled her up with him.  She shook the dust from her dress.

“I don’t know what I was thinking, standing out in the road like that.”  She looked up sheepishly.  “I guess my mind wandered, and I just paused in my crossing.”

“Thank God, that I came out of that store when I did.  He was truly watching over us.”

Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

“I don’t believe I know your name, miss.”

“Elizabeth Johnson.  My family and I are staying in a camp some ways from here.  And you—?”

“Beth!  I heard the commotion—what happened?”  Elizabeth turned as her father rushed up to her, placing a protective hand on her shoulder.

“I was in the way of a runaway horse—”

“Are you hurt?  Oh, Beth, what would your mother say if she heard you were wandering around and nearly got trampled by a—”

“Father, I’m alright.  Only shaken up.  But if this young man hadn’t—” She stopped when she turned to find him gone.  Her face fell.  “Oh, he’s left.  I…”

Her words faded away, as her father continued.  “Thank the Lord that you’re alright.  Well, come on, I have gotten the supplies I need.  Let’s get back to camp before anything else happens.”

As her father began to lead her to the awaiting wagon; Elizabeth looked back over her shoulder again, searching for the young man.

I never even found out his name…

{} {} {}

Elizabeth let the sun’s rays warm her face, as cool water rushed over her bare feet.  She wiggled her toes, moving her foot over the smooth stones she was standing on and smiled.  I never could have gone out like this—bare feet, my hair down, skirts above my ankles—like I do now.  Ah, the freedom!

Strands of her waist-long blonde hair blew across her face.  She pushed it away, tucked it behind her ear, and scanned the river.  It sparkled in the sunlight, as it rushed by.

It’s so beautiful here—and to think there is gold, too!  But I wish Father could uncover more…we’ve been here for almost a month already, and he’s barely found any.  But I must be patient.  There is still a whole week left, until the next month—a lot can happen in a week.

Elizabeth turned, as her eleven-year-old sister came splashing through the water.

“Mama needs you to help with the cooking.”

“Alright, I’m coming.”  With one last look around her, Elizabeth returned to their campground.  Her mother was busy stirring something over the fire.  She looked up, as her oldest crossed over to her.

“Beth, would you take this water to your father and brothers first?  Then hurry back.  This stew is nearly finished and I need some help.”

Elizabeth nodded and grabbed the bucket of clean water, then headed down the bank.  When she reached the mining spot, she found her father and younger brothers, Aaron and Mark, bent over at their task, water swirling around their boots.  Looking up at her arrival, they greeted her with gratitude.

“Thanks, Beth.”  Father took the dipper and gulped the water down, before handing it to the boys.

“Have you found anything?”

“Only a few flakes and a lot of fool’s gold.”  Her father caught her disappointed look.  “Now don’t you worry, Beth.  Even if we don’t find any gold, we’ve got each other.  But I’m sure it won’t be long, until we strike something big.”

She tried to smile, then took back the empty bucket.  As she turned to leave, her father’s hacking cough stopped her in her tracks.  Concern spread across Elizabeth’s face, as she turned to face him.

“Father, are you alright?  Do you need something?”

He was now bending over, hands on his knees; coughing until it seemed like his chest would burst.  He tried shaking his head ‘no’ to her question.

“I’m—I’m f—fine.”  But each shuttered breath, shook his whole body.

“Should I go get someone?  Mother?”

“No, no, I’m alright now.”  He took one last deep breath, before bending down to pan for more gold.

“Father, I think you should stop—”

“I’m fine, Beth.  Really.  Now hurry along.  I’m sure your mother is waiting for you.”

Elizabeth exchanged worried glances with her brothers, before turning to leave.

{} {} {}

The evening sounded with noises, now familiar to Elizabeth.  As she strolled to the river and found a nice rock to sit on to watch the sky change colors; she listened to the birds singing, the crickets chirping, and the river rushing by.  She dipped her bare feet in the cool water and watched the ripples push their way across the water.  She breathed deeply; enjoying the smells of pine, river, and moss, and closed her eyes to enjoy the moment.

“Howdy, miss.  It’s good to see you again.”

Elizabeth’s eyes flew open.  She stood and whirled around, the ends of her skirt dangling in the water.  She felt her heart quicken.

Standing before her was young man who had saved her.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, no, it’s—it’s alright.  I was just…enjoying the view.”

“It sure is pretty.”

She nodded, searching for words.  At last, something popped into her mind.  “I never got your name.”

The man turned back to her, from watching the sunset.  He smiled—a grin that made Elizabeth’s heart skip a beat.

“James, miss.  James Carter.”

“Oh, please just call me Elizabeth.”

“Then, you must call me James.  So, how long have you been here?”

“Almost a month now.  And you?”

“I’ve been here for quite a while.  I was on my father’s ship, near here, when I heard about the gold.  Father let me stay to look, and I was able to find some.”

“How wonderful for you!  My father hasn’t been as lucky.”

“Maybe I could stop by and help sometime.  I’m camped farther up the river, but I can come back again tomorrow.”

“How thoughtful of you.  I know Father and the boys would appreciate it.”  She paused, then asked, “Are you saving up your gold for anything?”

“A ranch, actually.  I’m thinking in the foothills of San Joaquin Valley.  The land is just lush with green and growth.”

“That sounds nice.”  Elizabeth looked back to the pink and orange sky.  The silhouetted mountains had a touch of light reflecting on their peeks, completing the beautiful scene.  She glanced back at James, only to find him staring intensely at her.

He quickly looked away, running a hand through his thick, dark hair.  “I guess I should be heading back to my camp.  It’s been a pleasure to see you again, Elizabeth.  Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

James smiled again, before disappearing into the shadows of the night.  Elizabeth slowly sank back to the rock, her heart beating.

He’s coming back tomorrow…  I can’t wait.

{} {} {}

As promised, James returned to their camp the next morning.  Elizabeth introduced him, and the whole family quickly took to him.  Carl was indeed grateful for another young man to help.

“You can start over there if you like,” he instructed, pointing a little way down the river.  “Aaron can accompany you, while Mark and I will continue here.”

James nodded, then took off with the fourteen-year-old.  When the sun had reached its highest point a few hours later, Elizabeth came to bring water.  After she reached James and Aaron, who gulped the water down gratefully; Aaron ran off with a, “I’ll be right back, James!”

The young man chuckled.  “Great brother you have, Elizabeth.”

“Yes, he is a good brother—full of energy and mischief, though.  Do you have any siblings?”

“I have a twin brother, Benjamin and a sister, Rebecca.”

“How nice.”  Elizabeth studied his swift, smooth motions; as he shook the pan back and forth.  “Have you had any luck in the searching?”

“Not much.”  He looked up and notice her gazing at the pan in his hands.  “Do you want to try?”

She looked back up quickly.  “Oh, I—I was just—” She stopped, looking for words, then smiled.  “Well…if you’re sure.”

Taking a step closer to James; she took the pan he held out, suddenly unsure of how to do it right.

“Here, let me show you.”  He moved across from her, to hold the pan with her, leading her.  “Alright, just hold it like this—yep—and use the pan to scoop up some of the rock bottom.  Now bring it up and shake it—carefully, now—and let the water and everything get sifted out.  There…now do you see anything?  It may take some looking.”

“Just rocks.”

“Keep trying.”

After a few more disappointing fails, Elizabeth was about ready to head back to her mother.  “Just rocks, dirt, and more—wait, what’s this?”  She froze, not wanting to lose the sight of the rock partially hidden in her pan.  “Is—is this gold?”  Gripping it, she held the tiny golden rock between her fingers.

“Let me see…  Yes, yes, I think it is.  You struck gold, Elizabeth!”

Her eyes twinkled, as he gave her the golden nugget back.  She was unable to hide her excitement.  “Oh James, I can’t wait to give it to—”

“Beth!”  A scream ripped through her words.  Elizabeth whirled around and took off in a run, James right behind her.

She reached her brothers, a moment later.  Her father was on his knees, coughing and trying desperately to catch his breath.

“Father!”  She splashed through the water and knelt beside him.  “Father, can you breathe?  Are you alright?  Mark, go get Mother—hurry.  James, can you help support him?  We need to get him back to camp.”

He nodded, then helped Carl stand.  Elizabeth followed, fear clenching her heart.

Lord, please help us…I don’t know what to do.

{} {} {}

Rain pounded on the tent, a few days later.  Elizabeth trudged through the mud, not caring that the rain soaked her or that muck splattered on her dress.  She ducked under the tent flap, as another low rumble of thunder erupted.  Her father lay on the cot, trying hard to catch his breath and not cough with every movement.

He was not getting better.  Mother had said it was influenza, but no matter how hard they cared for him, he was only getting worse—and already a whole week had passed.

I had said earlier that a lot could happen in a week—and I was right.  I just never thought—

Her thoughts broke away, as her father’s hacking cough returned.  She knelt beside him and placed a cool cloth over his burning forehead.  When his cough quieted, he turned weakly to his daughter and took her hand into his shaking one.

“Beth,” he whispered, only to cough again.

“Father.  Please don’t leave me.”

“Have courage, my daughter.  We may not be able to comprehend God’s plan, but—but it’s time for me to be with my Lord.”  His breaths were getting slower.  “Your mother…I want to say goodbye to her…”

Elizabeth nodded, then slowly stood.  As she turned to go, Carl added hoarsely, “I love you, Beth.”

“And I love you, Father.”

She ran out of the tent, tears filling her eyes.  Her mother looked up when she came rushing by.

“Father wants you…he doesn’t have much time—”

Her mother whirled around and ran to the tent, leaving Elizabeth alone.  She turned and ran to the river, tears blinding her steps.  Finally stopping at the edge, she watched as the raindrops produced hundreds of ripples, as they hit the water.  She fell to her knees, letting the tears come freely

“Beth?”

She looked up.  “James?”

Elizabeth stood and sank into his arms.  He stroked her hair, as he held her; while sobs shook her shoulders.  The rain continued to fall in a sheet of mist, then downpour; mourning with them all, it seemed, for the loss of their father.

{} {} {}

“We’re going back to Pennsylvania.”

Her mother’s sudden words, brought Elizabeth’s head up.  Two days had passed, since her father’s funeral… two days of sorrow, sleepless nights, and a storm inside them all that  even continued, even though the sun cast bright rays outside.

“Back?”  Her voice nearly broke.

“I don’t have a choice, Beth.”  Andrea’s voice sounded weary and heartbroken.  “We have nothing here.  Our family is back in Pittsburgh—everything familiar is back there.  We’re going home, Beth—we’re leaving before the end of this week.”

No, her thoughts cried.  I can’t go back—nothing is there is for me.  I have to stay here.

Elizabeth swallowed hard.  “Mother, I want to stay.”

This brought Andrea’s eyes up to her daughter’s.  “Beth—”

“Please, Mother.  I can’t go back there—I don’t belong there.  This new place has the freedom and adventure I want—”

“Life isn’t a fairytale, Elizabeth.  You can’t just go ‘have an adventure’ and expect everything to be okay.  I’ve prayed and prayed, and I know God is leading me to go back.”

“I’ve been praying too, Mother.  And I think God has given me a peace for my decision.  I know that staying may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ll miss you more than you will know.  But I’m twenty-one now and can take good care of myself with the gold I found.  You’ve raised me well, and so did father.  He taught me everything I need to know about shopkeeping—and I want to open one here in San Francisco.  The Lord will watch over me.  I know this is the right thing.”

Her mother was silent for a long time.  Finally, she placed a hand on Elizabeth’s arm.

“Alright.  If that is where the Lord is leading you…then I will be content.  You’ve grown to be such a beautiful, wise young lady.  How I will miss you.”

The mother and daughter embraced, their arms around each other for a long time.

{} {} {}

A few months later…

 

Elizabeth unlocked the door and opened it, smiling as she entered Johnson Merchandise.

My very own store.  I still can’t believe it.

As one of the most popular stores in town, customers were already walking in by the time Elizabeth got behind the counter.  The day was busy, yet that was how she liked it.

She was grateful, however, when things slowed down enough so that she could catch her breath.  As she was restocking a shelf, the bell chimed, and a young man entered.  A smug grin spread across his face, when he saw Elizabeth; he then walked over and leaned against the shelf, blocking her from going anywhere.  She turned and asked with a polite, but firm smile, “May I help you, sir?”

“Yeah.”  He pushed up his hat and the shadow in his dark eyes made Elizabeth take a step back.  “How ’bout you an’ I go for a stroll together.  I would love to take such a pretty girl out—”

“I can not go anywhere with you.  So unless there is something I can actually help you with, you best be on your way.  Now excuse me.”

Elizabeth tried to walk past him, but he grabbed her arm and despite her struggling, held her with an iron grip.

“You don’t want to do that?” 

“Let go of me!”  She tried to twist her arm free, but he slammed her against the wall, his eyes dark with anger.

“I don’t think you’re done helping me—”

“Yes, she is.”

The man whirled around and nearly ran into James.  Relief washed over Elizabeth.  James grabbed the man’s collar and yanked him back, throwing him to the ground.

Rushing to James, she stumbled into his arms.

“Elizabeth, are you alright?”

“I—I think so.  But that man—he wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Turning back to the man who was just rising to his feet, James thundered, “Get out of here.”

“I don’t think so.  No one tells me what to—”

Before the man could react or even finish is sentence, James threw a punch that sent the man staggering backwards. 

“Now!”

The man scrambled up and swearing, stalked out.  When the door slammed shut, James turned back to Elizabeth.

“You came just in time—again.”  She smiled.  “How can I ever thank you?”

James returned the smile.  “How about joining me at the river?  Near your old camp?”

“I’d love to.”

Shakenly, she closed the shop; then followed James through the bustling town to the quiet edge of the river.  She hadn’t been there in a while—yet everything was as she remembered.  Memories flooded back, as she stood watching the sunset.  Memories of sitting around the fire listening to her parents’ stories; of her father falling to the water, struggling to breath; of the evening when James appeared to her and they stood watching a similar sunset.

Thank You, Lord…for everything.

“Elizabeth?”

She turned to face James.  “Yes?”

He placed a hand on her cheek, his eyes searching hers.  Her heart began to pound in her chest.

“From the first day we meet, to everyday after; my love for you has grown stronger.  I may have only thought of you as a kind, beautiful young woman when we first meet, but now I know that it has grown into a love for you.  I hope you feel the same for me.”

“I do, James.  I really, truly do.”

He pulled her to him, and she laid her hands on his shoulders.  “Will you marry me, Elizabeth Anne Johnson?  We can make a home on the ranch I bought, raise our children there, and I promise my love for you will be everlasting.”

Tears of joy sprang into her eyes.  “Yes, James… yes, I’ll marry you.  That’s all I’ve wanted since we met—was to be with you.  God will lead us…and we’ll be together.”

James leaned down and met her kiss.  As Elizabeth closed her eyes, she knew she loved this man with all her heart—with a love that would be everlasting.