Levi's Unexpected Summer

 by Ella E.

18 year old Levi squinted at the bright California sun. He stepped off the train depot and headed for Blakes Livery. Levi was here for his annual summer help at his family’s ranch. “This is gonna be a hot summer.” He mumbled under his breath.

He was excited to be here though. Levi enjoyed the silence from his sisters, but not for too long. Betsy was getting old enough for a beau now, and Hannah was becoming more of a help around their house in San Fransisco. Levi always wanted to live back in Fresno though, he liked the laid back style of the growing town, and not the hustle and bustle of the city. Troy and Kate had told Levi to start praying for a wife, although Levi just wrinkled his face. Deep down though, he knew they were right, and that he needed to trust God’s and his parents advice.

 Finally the livery came into view. He was relived from the blistering sun when he stepped into the shady livery. “Hello? Anyone here?” He asked. Cory, Andi’s friend who lived up in Washington now, walked up to him.

“Howdy Cory. I didn’t expect you to be here, are you visiting?”

Cory smiled through his beard and shook Levi’s hand. “Why, howdy to you too, Levi. My, you’ve grown, you're a man now! And yes, I am visiting for a while, it’s nice to be back here for a while. Jenny is pregnant, so we came here to surprise my parents, and to see friends.”

Levi smiled and congratulated him.

 “Thanks Levi. Alrighty, I’m guessing you need a horse to get to the Carter place, right?”

Levi chuckled, “Lucky guess, yeah, I’ll return it tomorrow or so.”

Cory nodded and headed down the aisle to get a horse.

Levi was anxious to get to his destination. He stood at the doorway balancing the tips of his toes. There was a sudden ripple of laughter that reached his ears, so he turned his head to see where it had come from. Three girls that looked to be about 17 or so, had just turned the corner of a building and were heading his way. Two of the girls parted into an alley together and left the other to go her own way.

The girl left by herself wore a light blue dress with small, white flowers dotting all over. Her hair was a blondish color and her eyes were deep gray, like a stormy day. But they were beautiful, and peaceful, something that Levi had never seen anything like before. Her turned her head away from her friends and turned straight ahead and faced Levi. They looked at each other for only a moment, but to the two of them it seemed to have happened in slow motion. Then she walked up beside him and headed down the aisle. Levi starred after her.

“Levi! Did you hear me?” Cory asked.

Levi instead asked, “Who was that?”

Cory looked in his direction then scratched the back of his neck and whistled, “That’s Lizzy Mason. She’s new here, she and her father own a small farm house just a couple miles from town.

Levi stopped starring and turned to face Cory. “Sorry,” he mumbled as he took the horse from Cory. “Thanks again Cory, glad you came for a visit, does Andi know?”

Cory chuckled and shook his head. “Not yet, we were gonna surprise her tomorrow, you can’t tell though, ya hear?”

 Levi nodded, “Sure thing, she will have quite a surprise!” After a final goodbye, Levi mounted and headed toward the road that lead to the ranch. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and plopped his large Stetson hat back on. The whole ride there, Levi didn’t think of anything but Lizzy. He wished he hadn’t gawked and said a polite “hello” or something. Levi wanted to meet her again somehow.

“Oh well, I’ve got the whole summer. Maybe I can get to know her more along the way.” The rest of the way pasted by in a blur. When he looked up, Levi saw the Prescott cottage just on the hill ahead. “You know what, I guess I’ll pay a visit to tell Andi I’m here.” Levi said happily. Although, the visit would have to be brief, especially if he didn’t want to miss supper at the Carter place.

After he tied his horse to the hitching post, he headed up the porch stairs. “Hello? Is there anyone home?” He called out. He heard a baby wailing in one of the back rooms. It must have been one of the twins. Poor Andi and Riley had their hands full here.

There was a rustling in the back and then Andi stepped out holding a restless Charlotte. “Levi! How good it is to see you! Wow! You’ve grown up so much, I bet you're as tall as Riley!” Andi exclaimed. She wore a plain Calico dress, her long braid was falling out, and she looked tired. But a bright smile shown, and she hugged him. “Do you want to hold her? She isn’t content with anything right now, and I haven’t been able to set her down without her fussing!” Andi asked holding the baby out.

“Of course, but I can’t stay long, since I’ve gotta head towards the ranch.” He held his cousin and let Andi get ready and clean up a bit. “The other kids are sleeping right now, so this is a heavenly break, maybe I could take you away from Chad and have you as my babysitter,” she laughed.

Levi moaned inwardly, remembering the last time he babysat, “Umm, maybe Betsy, but not me. Ranch work is more of my thing. But I am excited to spend more Sundays with you guys and all the cousins.” He truly meant it.

After an hour of filling Andi in about family and Andi filling him in, Charlotte had fallen asleep on his chest, lulled by his too and fro gentle swinging. Andi thanked him and said goodbye.

The sun was close to sunset by the time Levi was on his horse, headed for the ranch. At last, he reached the Carter spread, and by then the sky was almost dark. As he trotted into the yard he saw Susie looking through the glass at him. Then she raced out of sight, probably telling the others he was there.

“Hola Levi! We have been waiting,” a ranch hand said, taking Levi’s horse.

“Thank you.” Levi cheerfully called after him. The warm glow from the house was inviting to any wandering traveler. When he knocked on the door, he was greeted by his whole family. Hugs, and friendly greetings hit him full force.

“Are you ready for this summer?” Chad asked, then continued, “We’re going to be pretty busy with all the cattle we’ve got. No doubt it’s going to be a hot summer, maybe one of the hottest yet by the looks of it.”

Levi smiled, “Sure thing boss.”

Elizabeth shuffled up to Levi and hugged him, “How is Kate and the family?”

Levi filled everyone in on their family’s health and safety.

“Alright, let’s eat!” Chad bellowed over everyones chatter.

Luisa and Nila made a wonderful meal, and the family ate and talked about the coming summer plans. Everyone finished dinner, and dessert was brought. When everyone was full of peach cobbler and coffee the kids went to bed and the adults started to retire too.

Levi looked around, confused. The ranch hands were supposed to sleep in the bunk houses, but he was also family, and Aunt Elizabeth made sure everyone had a room to sleep in. “Oh, sorry Levi, I forgot to tell you, you get your own room this summer. Andi’s room is empty until family arrives.” Chad quipped.

“Are you sure? I can sleep out in the bunkhouses.”

Chad shook his head. “No, family gets a room in the house. If your aunt found out that I put you in a bunkhouse, I would be in a heap of trouble.”

Levi nodded and headed up the stairs after a quick goodnight and thank you. It felt weird getting Andi’s room, but it was the only room open, since Chad’s family had grown, leaving only Andi’s room for lodging. His luggage had been brought up and the room was aired out already.

Levi stepped out into the balcony and saw the stars twinkling above him. “God, please show me the way. This is a big step in life. I feel like You want me to build up my courage and see that girl again. You know the way, I need guidance and wisdom.” Then he slunk into the bedroom for a nights rest.

The sun was barely a sliver in the distance when Levi jolted awake. Today was the day he started working on the ranch! He was about to enter into one of the biggest milestones of his life, little did he know though. After getting ready in record time, he headed for the stairs. Levi looked at the smooth banister, ran his hand along the smooth wood, and hopped on. He gracefully slid down the banister and landed skillfully at the bottom.

He heard a low chuckle. Elizabeth and Chad were sipping coffee on the settee watching the sunrise. They were now looking at him. “I remember when Andrea used to do that.” Aunt Elizabeth said with a smile on her face.

Chad gave him a cocky smile, “Though, she wasn’t as graceful, I must admit.”

Levi could easily imagine his aunt sliding down the banister.

The three of them read the Bible as the sun rose and they sipped their coffee. Elizabeth said a verse that made Levi look up from his coffee, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4. Then Chad put is hand on Levi’s shoulder with a knowing look. “What?” Levi asked.

“I have a good feeling you're going to have a good summer. You're growing into a man, and God has good plans for you.”

Levi smiled, “Thanks Uncle Chad.” After this, the sun was almost fully risen and Chad heaved himself up. He and Levi headed out the door with breakfast from Luisa and Nila. Sleepy and groggy ranch hands gathered near the horse corral in the yard to discuss the days schedule.

When everyone but Levi was left, Chad finally turned to Levi. “I need you to go town this morning after helping me mend a break in the fence, we need some new gloves, brushes, and so on. You’ll need to go to Andi’s and get a list from her too, since she and Riley have their hands full.”

Levi nodded, “Sounds good.”

The two of them headed off to mend the fence, and after an hour or two the fence was as good as new. “Off you go, you can take Sky and another horse to hold the grocery bags. Good luck!”

Levi saluted his uncle. He whistled cheerfully as he saddled the horses. The sun was above the Sierra Mountains when he set out. It was going to be a hot day, so Levi made sure to wear his large hat. Andi’s house was only an hour or so away, so he turned on the road going to her house. Levi hoped he could see the girl he saw yesterday again. He had so many questions to ask her. Why did she move here? Where did she move from? Did she like it here? Did she like horses?

A plume of smoke rose from the small Prescott house as Levi pulled up to it an hour later. He could hear banging of pots and could smell the aroma of bacon from inside. As he clomped up the porch he could hear murmuring. “Andi?”

He opened the screen door to find Andi cooking breakfast and Riley sitting at the counter sipping coffee. “Hey Levi, you’ve grow since the last time I saw you, what brings you to Memory Creek?” Riley asked, still a bit groggy eyed. With dark circles under his eyes.

Levi explained why he had come and both Andi and Riley looked grateful to have a runner boy. “Thank you so much Levi! I really need some supplies, but neither of us have had any time to get them lately.” Andi remarked, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Levi shrugged, “No biggy, it was Chad’s idea anyway, I already had to go to town, so he had me make a quick stop here.”

Andi wrote out a list and then handed it to Levi, “I’ll pay you when you get back.” Riley and Andi gratefully thanked Levi as he headed out the door.

Levi nodded and tipped his hat, “No problem. I’ll see you soon.” The day was going to be hot by the looks of it went he stepped off the porch and tucked the list into his pocket. “Hope it won’t be too hot.” He mumbled under his breath.

The rest of the way to town, Levi thought about his plans for the summer. He knew he’d be working most of the time, but there were still Sunday’s to have off. He couldn’t stop thinking about Lizzy, her eyes were like a calm, dark storm. He had never in his life seen eyes like hers. Levi wished with all his heart to see her again.

When he thought about her, the time went by in a blur and when he looked up from his day dreaming, there was the growing town of Fresno. Levi pulled up to the corner around the grocery store.

“Man, I’ve got a lot to get, now with Andi’s list!” The sun was now blistering, and it wasn’t even noon yet, so it was a nice and refreshing to step into the cool grocery store building.

“Good day sir.”

A man with a handle bar mustache said from behind the desk. Levi returned the greeting then started checking things off the list as he got them. Finally, after everything was payed for Levi made his way from the store.

All of a sudden Levi gasped, the heat was so hot, he had never been in hotter weather in his whole life! No one was outside, because the weather was almost dangerous to be in. He rounded the corner and smashed into someone. “Ah!”

The person he slammed into was the girl named Lizzy. Levi dropped one of the brown bags he was holding, thankfully it had no food in it, and just starred at her. Lizzy blushed, or it might have been the dreadful heat, Levi couldn’t tell, but he did know he was blushing too. “I-I am so sorry!” Levi blurted out.

Lizzy was stunned, but shook it off and faced him, “It’s alright, it’s a hard corner to see around.”

Levi wanted to ask so many questions but Lizzy had to go into a store to buy stuff, and get out of the heat. First she helped him pick up the things that were dropped. “Thank you.” Was all Levi said, watching her go around the corner and go into the store.

Levi put the groceries on his horse and started for the road. The heat was absurd, he hadn’t hydrated at all, which he now regretted, so his vision was blurry and he did feel well. How could it be so hot? He had only gone a couple of miles before he knew he might faint. He hadn’t been good at hydrating the last couple of days, and he was now getting the results. He was so faint and dried out that he needed to stop. Up ahead there was a house with a white picket fence around it. “Maybe I could stop there for some water and rest.” He thought. A rider must have just ridden up and gone inside just before him, because a black and white paint was at the hitching post.

Levi slowly made his way onto the lawn, hitched his horses up in the shade, making sure that they had water, and he also made sure to put the groceries in the shade. Once done, he stumbled up the porch. His hands gripped the hand railing so that he wouldn’t faint with dizziness. His whole body quivered. Finally he pulled himself up and knocked on the door. An older man answered the door and looked Levi up and down.

“Howdy, my name is Levi, I need some rescue from the sun, can I come in and-“ he felt himself swoon, then everything went black.

 “Is he alright?”

“Do you know where he came from?”

“Oh! I saw him in town today!”

Levi felt horrible, but his hearing wasn’t affected thankfully. He was on a settee, in someones living room. “Where am I?” He croaked out.

The older man from earlier was by his side. “I’m afraid you had a small heat stroke young man, you fainted at my door. You're in the Mason household, and we are taking care of you until you're healed.”

Levi opened his eyes and looked at the man, giving him a grateful smile, “Thank you.” Levi’s body was sweating and shaking at the same time.

“Here, drink some fluids.” The man guided the cup to Levi’s lips. “I’m a doctor, so you were lucky to stumble onto my doorstep, a couple more minutes and you would have a severe heat stroke, thank God you're alright.”

That was the last thing Levi heard before falling into another dreamless sleep

“Here, wake up, please.”

Levi opened his eyes, the sun was almost at sunset now, but when he looked away from the window and looked at the person who had just spoken to him, he gasped. “Are you all right?” The sweet voice asked, edged with panic.

Levi blinked, then blinked again, “Are you, are you Lizzy Mason?!”

She smiled, “Yes, I am, I believe we have met a couple of times, though, unofficially.” Levi gave her a crooked grin, he was feeling much better now. “Yeah, I’m sorry for running into you today.” Lizzy smiled, “It’s okay, can’t say it was the first time, though, that it’s happened to me.” The two of then chatted for hours, and then a maid came out to give them dinner. Lizzy stayed by Levi’s side all night. They laughed and chatted.

It felt like only minutes until the sun was finally coming up above the mountains. Lizzy hadn’t slept a wink and had tended Levi’s needs all night long. “How are you feeling?”

Levi took a deep breath than smiled, “Thanks to you and your father, I feel almost normal.” Levi got ready to go, and thankfully, none of the groceries perished. “Oh man, I’ve got to get back to my family!” He started to panic.

“Goodbye Levi, I hope you feel completely fine in no time!” Lizzy said, standing at the doorpost.

Levi smiled down at her. “Me too, thank you so much.”

She nodded.

Levi didn’t want to leave her, but he had to go. He took her hand in his and gave it a tight hold. “Maybe I could see you at this time on Saturday?” Levi said plucking up his courage.

Lizzy looked ready to jump up and down, “Yes, of course!”

Levi let go of her hand and whistled joyfully as he headed back down the porch stairs. Lizzy’s father made sure that he had had a lot of fluids before Levi went into the sun again. Thankfully it was a cooler day, and not blazing hot. Levi suddenly turned around. “Would you like a buggy ride?”

Lizzy thought for less than a second, “Yes please, and you’ll be under the shade!”

Levi grabbed her family’s buggy and hitched it all up. “Ready to go m’lady?” Levi asked giving her his hand.

Lizzy had a pastel yellow dress on with a matching sun hat. She giggled, “Why thank you, kind sir.”

 Levi plopped in beside her and headed towards Memory Creek. Levi had found out that Lizzy was an only child who lived with her father, because her mother had died before she was born and all her siblings either had moved away, or died of the same disease as their mother, and that Lizzy wanted to become the new school teacher, she played the guitar, piano, and she sang. Lizzy and her father moved here from Oregon.

Lizzy sighed, “The people here have been very nice. I’m grateful to have met you as well.”

Levi grinned, he felt satisfied when he was with Lizzy, like it was meant to be. Levi cleared his throat, “Lizzy?”

Lizzy looked him with concern in her eyes, “Yes?”

Levi couldn’t meet her beautiful grey eyes, though “I don’t know, but I am only here for the summer, but now that I have met you, I think I might stay here year ‘round.”

Lizzy gave him a quizzical look, “You don’t have too, besides, we just met, and it would be nice to look forward to each other every summer.”

Levi thought, “No, I mean, I don’t know, I’ll have to pray about it.”

Lizzy smiled at him, “Me too.”

The only heat Levi felt on this afternoon was the one that went up his neck and cheeks. They talked and chatted some more until Levi pulled up into Andi’s lawn. Levi gave Lizzy his hand, and got out the groceries.

 “Hello, Andi?” They heard footsteps and Andi stepped into the foyer,

“Levi! Why didn’t you come yesterday? Everyone is worried!”

Levi looked at Lizzy then told Andi the whole story. Andi’s hand flew to her mouth, “Are you sure you're alright Levi? You could have landed in some serious trouble if you were in the sun much longer.”

 “I know, but God was watching over me, so He brought me to Lizzy and her father.”

 Once the story telling was over Levi handed over the groceries and gave Andi a hug.

Andi’s gaze turned to Lizzy, “Thank you Lizzy, I hope to see you again. Thank you for helping my nephew.”

Lizzy nodded, “Of course, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”

The Levi and Lizzy said their goodbyes and Andi called, “Thank you for groceries!”

Levi was getting nervous about facing Chad. He didn’t want to be shouted and scolded at in front of Lizzy. That would turn him a shade of red the sun could never accomplish on him.

As he neared the ranch Lizzy gasped, “It is so beautiful!”

Levi wished he could look at it the same way she did, but he was too worried about what Chad would say. Speaking of Chad, once Chad saw them, he planted himself in the ground with his hands on his hips. “Where in the blazes have you been?!” He bellowed for the whole ranch to hear.

Levi jumped out of the buggy and gave Chad the whole account.

Chad looked at Lizzy who was quietly sitting in the buggy. Chad had finally nodded and put his hand on Levi’s shoulder, “Glad to have you back, we were worried sick about you, but we couldn’t send anyone to meet you because it was too hot.”

Chad walked past Levi and gave Lizzy his hand out of the buggy, he looked her in the eyes and said, “Thank you for rescuing my nephew.”

Lizzy smiled up at him, “Of course, I’m glad he recovered quickly.”

Chad looked at the situation, the buggy, groceries, and Lizzy. “Would you care to join us for dinner, then Levi can drive you back home?”

Lizzy thought for a moment, “Oh, only if you can have me, I don’t want to cause any trouble, my father is on a trip starting today, so no one is at the house but me.”

Chad looked thoughtful, “Of course, we would love to have you join us.” With that said Levi gave Lizzy his arm and took the horses and buggy to the barn.

Lizzy’s ooh's and ahh’s over the impressive barn made Levi puff up with pride, even though it was his uncles barn. “I’m starved, what do you say we go and have dinner.”

Lizzy blushed, “You can call me Izzy, that’s what all my friends and family call me if you want.”

The two of them made their way to the house, in a cheerful silence. Levi and Izzy could see faces poking through the lace curtains at them. Izzy smiled at Levi, “I can’t wait to meet your family! It’s been a while since I went to someones house for dinner, it’s been hard moving from another state, with no one but father, who is out tending to others. My mother would love to be here, but she isn’t. It’s very lonely, I have to admit. My father does his best, and I’m lucky to have him take such great care of me.”

Levi looked down at her somber face and stopped.

Izzy had a tear rolling down her cheek. “Oh Izzy, I’m sorry. I…” Levi couldn’t find the words to say.

Izzy laughed gently at his blankness, and wiped the tear from her eye, “Oh! It’s okay, it’s no ones fault. I’m lucky to be were I am right now.”

Levi put his arm on her shoulder and guided her towards the house. A warm light shone through the windows. The two of them could hear excited voices coming from inside. This was a beginning chapter for the two of them that was full of promising adventures.

As the summer rolled into fall, Levi and Lizzy began to grow in their friendship. Levi wired his family in San Fransisco, telling them about Izzy, and him wanting to stay. Troy and Kate jumped for joy when they heard about his happiness about being where he was. Levi stayed at the Carter place, and started earning wages there.

Lizzy started working at the school, being Mr. Fosters apprentice, and learning how to take over the school when he retired. She began to make friends with all the children at the school, and Izzy’s favorite past time was going to Andi’s house and being a nanny to the kids.

Andi was so grateful for Izzy, thinking it was too much of a job, but to Izzy it was pure fun. Levi and Izzy went riding often together, and were being teased by Chad even more. The family embraced Izzy very quickly, and when Betsy and Hannah met Izzy, they loved her. Izzy loved them too, and all of the family.

Levi prayed every night about what God wanted and so did Lizzy. There are plenty of more adventures for the two of them….