By Abigail age 11
Circle C Ranch – Early Summer 1881
It
was a beautiful Saturday morning on the Circle C Ranch and twelve-year old Andi
Carter awoke with the same beautiful mood. “No school till Monday!” she sang
hopping out of bed and wriggling out of her nightgown. Throwing on a pair of
overalls and a white shirt, Andi flew out of her room and down the stairs,
skidding to a stop at the breakfast table and sitting down.
“Buenos
dias!” she greeted her family cheerfully. “Buenos dias cheery little sister”
Chad replied. He grinned and ruffled her hair. “Good morning Andrea” her mother
greeted. Just then Nila and Luisa came in with breakfast. And everyone ate
hardily talking and laughing. Afterwards Melinda said “I’d better get ready for
town Mother”. Mother nodded and Melinda excused herself. Andi looked at her
Mother. Her look must have resembled panic because Mother laughed “You don’t
have to go Andrea. It will just be you sister and me”.
Soon
Mother and Melinda were in the buggy and had left for town. Chad was out
working with Prince Loco and Mitch had ridden off to check on a new herd of
cattle. So Andi was left to do as she pleased. She skipped out to the barn to
saddle Taffy and greeted her mare with a cheerful “buenos dias”. She had just
finished saddling Taffy when she heard the sound of hoof beats. She turned to
look and saw a horse galloping into the yard. Andi gasped. She recognized the
rider – and that was what frightened her the most.
“Troy Swanson” she growled as she watched the
rider dismount and approach the house. Apparently he had not seen her. She
realized she was no longer scared of him. She was scared of what he might do
and why he was here. A hundred questions swirled in her mind. Clutching Taffy’s
bridle, Andi led her horse quietly out of the barn so she could watch him.
When
Nila opened the door he asked “Is there a Katherine Swanson at this estate?”
Keeping his face from view. “There was” she said, her eyes narrowing. “Where is
she now?’ he asked. The Spanish housekeeper stood tall “I’m not authorized to
give that information” she answered. “Come on lady, I’m not going to hurt her”
Troy said. “You must speak to the owners of the estate” Nila said calmly.
“Where are they?” he asked, his own eyes narrowing. Nila simply closed the
door. Troy angrily muttered something. Then he descended the steps and noticed
Andi.
“I
don’t suppose you qualify as an owner of the estate, Andi” Troy smirked. “What
do you want Troy?” Andi asked angrily. “Not much” he answered. Just then Chad
loped into the yard. “What in the world?” He bellowed “why are you here, Troy?”
“I need to ask Katie something,
would you tell me where she is?”
“Why in the world?” Chad muttered
“Just some unfinished business
between the two of us” Troy replied with a smirked. Chad looked made enough to
spit nails. “You can stay tonight and I’ll consult with my family” Chad
replied.
Later
that night when Mother, Mitch and Melinda had arrived home there was some
shock, anger and explaining to go around. When Justin arrived home for supper
there was more explaining. “Are you running from the law, Troy?” Justin asked.
“I am currently off on good behavior” Troy said proudly. “Mmm” Justin replied,
“Alright, I will take you to where Katie is in San Francisco, we will leave on
Monday”. “Can I go too?” asked Andi “May I” Mother corrected as she nodded
yes.
On
Monday morning Andi dressed quickly, ate quickly and was soon in the buggy
seated between Justin and Troy. Justin and Troy talked all the way to the train
station. Most of Justin’s words were spoken through angrily clenched teeth.
Andi gritted her teeth through Troy’s impertinent words. Both her and Justin
had to endure his words the entire train ride. By the time they arrived in
Pacific Heights, they both were trying hard to keep their cool.
When
Aunt Rebecca opened the door of the huge rambling house she and Kate lived in,
she smiled and said: “Why Justin, Andrea, hello. Who is this man?” “He is here
to see Katie” replied Justin. “It’s good to see you Aunt Rebecca.” “Katherine”
called Aunt Rebecca, “Someone to see you”.
Katherine
appeared in the doorway. “Troy!” she exclaimed, “What are you doing here?” “I
need to know if you and the kids are ever coming back to the cabin or if I can
use if for my own purposes.” Troy replied. Katherine’s eyes widened. “No” she
said through clenched teeth. “We are never coming back and if you don’t get off
my doorstep in three seconds I give Justin permission to deal with you as he
sees fit”.
Troy
laughed “Yes ma’am!” he said as he turned and walked down the steps and stepped
into the carriage, laughing all the way. “Well” said Justin, smiling at his
sisters, “As Mother would say, all’s well that ends well”. And they all
laughed.
The
End
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