The Power of Forgiveness

by Kaitlyn B.

“Hey Andi! Slow down!”

I caught up with her just as she turned into the long ranch lane.

“Whew!” My 16-yr-old friend slowed Shasta to a walk and pushed a strand of hair off her forehead. “Nothing like a good horse race to cool you down!”

I agreed. “Oh, Andi! I can’t believe that your Mother finally convinced Auntie to let me stay with you while she tended Great Aunt Margret. She always has some newfangled idea for how young ladies act.”

Andi made a face. “I know what that’s like. Aunt Rebecca always wants an opinion on my proper upbringing.”

   We turned the twins into the yard. “Who’s that?” I jerked my head towards the men who stood under the big oak tree.

“Dunno.” Andi shrugged. “Probably ranch business. Let’s stable the twins, and then we can go see.”

Ten minutes later, I emerged from the barn. “C’mon!” Andi was off like a shot, and I was right on her heels. When I arrived at the tree, hot and breathless, a thick silence fell. The Carter brothers cleared their throats in obvious discomfort.

Their guest just stood, staring at me. A tender grin played on his lips. “Howdy, Macy.”

I searched his face. “Do I know you?” Something tugged at my memory, but I couldn’t place this tall, handsome stranger.

“It’s me. Ty.’’

“No.” I whispered, dazed. Bile rose in my throat. But I knew he was. I hadn’t recognized him without his beard. Turning, I fled around the house, and emptied my stomach behind a large bush. I swiped a hand over my mouth and gasped a shaky breath, leaning against the house for support.

“Macy.” Andi plopped onto the ground beside me.

“Andi, I’m so scared!” My voice shook. “What’s Ty doing here? I haven’t seen him since they led him away in handcuffs. He’s probably here for revenge. I’m hiding in the barn until he leaves town.”

Andi gave me a one-armed hug. “I know, Macy. I’d be scared, too. Are you coming to eat?’’

I nodded. “I’m not very hungry, though. More like not hungry at all, I silently added. But I don’t want to be rude.

I followed Andi through the kitchen into the dining room. Chad prayed, and Andi passed me the big platter of roast beef. I took the tiniest slice. The Carters did their best to keep suppertime cheerful, but my head and my heart were too full to enjoy it.

I excused myself before dessert and ran to my room to ponder. It was so unlike my brother to actually care about me unless there was something in it for him, so I finally concluded that it was just a trick to get revenge somehow. I decided to write to Aunt Hester and let her know that Ty was here. I sat down at my desk and dipped my quill.

     

 Dear Auntie,

 I love being at the Carters. Andi and Idso something most every day. Just yesterday, we went to visit Melinda’s twins, Lydia and Mitchell.

I bit my lip.  

Auntie, Ty is here. He came to the ranch yesterday. I can’t pretend I’m not scared. I’m safe with the Carters, but I miss you. I don’t know what to do.

Your loving niece,

Macy

I tossed and turned for a long time before I finally fell into a troubled sleep.

The sun rose bright and clear over the Sierras the next morning. As the bright light flooded my room through the balcony window, I forgot anything was wrong.

Then I remembered. There was a problem. And my problem had a name. Tyler Walker.

I pulled a dress over my head and trudged down the stairs. The delicious aroma of steak and eggs wafted from the dining room. I slipped into a chair.

Mrs. Carter smiled sympathetically. “Good morning, Dear.”

Andi popped a piece of steak into her mouth as soon as Chad finished praying. “Say, Macy, Wanna go to town with me? I need to pick up some things at Goodwin’s. Thought I could show you around town a bit.” 

I grinned back, half-heartedly. “Sounds fun.” Anything to get my mind off Ty.

Andi finished her breakfast hurriedly and stood up to leave. I took the last sip of my milk and followed her out the kitchen door and into the bright, California sunlight. The twins were tied in the yard, saddled and ready.

“Thought we’d take a ride.” Andi swung into her saddle, and we were off. The ride to town was like water to my parched soul. Andi was my best friend, I guess just because she listened while I spilled my sorrows and made me laugh.

  In no time at all, we pulled to a stop in front of Goodwin’s Mercantile, and ground tied the twins.

 “C’mon, Mace.” We picked up the things for Mrs. Carter. Jack motioned us from the corner of the store.

“What’s up?” Andi asked suspiciously.

“I’ve got this new shipment of lemon drops. Want some?” He sure knows Andi’s weakness.

I nodded my thanks at the striped peppermint candy he offered me. My favorite. Andi swears he’s sweet on me. Just then, she caught my eye, and gave me the most ridiculous smile. “I’m going to check out the brooches. Thanks for the candy, Jack.”

I ducked into the next aisle. I could hear Andi snickering. But what does she know? I wondered. Her and that foremen have only been courting for a little while.

Suddenly, Ty was right behind me. 

I spun around. “Tyler Matthew Walker! What are you doing here?” My voice sounded accusing.

“I need to talk to you. Let’s go outside.” Ty tried to gently lead me out of the store.

“How dare you touch me!” I smacked his arm. All my earlier fear melted into burning fury. Be ye angry and sin not. I grimaced. And decided to stay angry with big brother.

“Macy….” He tried again. “I know I’ve done some horrible things to you…”

By now a crowd of onlookers had paused their shopping to stare. “HORRIBLE THINGS?” My voice rose to a shrill shriek.

“C’mon, Macy.” Andi led me out of the store and sat me down on the sidewalk. “Macy… I know you hate Ty, but he really did look sorry back there.”

I snorted. “I don’t care. He’s had his chances. He burned every one of them. I’ll never forgive him or speak to him again.”

Andi sighed. “I know how you feel. I just got over it myself, after Taffy and everything.  But nothing you do can change the past.”

I shut her out. I didn’t want to hear that I should forgive Ty. Andi must have noticed the look on my face, because she quietly walked to Shasta and rode out of town. I thought I saw a tear sliding down her cheek.

    I tried not to think about Ty for the next few days, but it turned out he’s about all I thought about.

Then IT happened. 

Saturday morning dawned like any other day of my life, but it turned out to be the most important day of my life. Andi woke up sick, and I went to the apothecary to pick up some medicine that Mrs. Carter wanted.

Part of me was hoping to run into Ty.

I shaded my eyes against the bright, California sunlight as I clattered out of Mr. Sullivan’s pharmaceutical and down the stairs. The shades were drawn at the bank, a strange sight for this time of day. Then a commotion erupted.

“Bank robbery!” Someone shouted. Three or four outlaws burst out the door and threw half a dozen lumpy sacks up onto their horses. Their allies kept the crowd at bay with cocked pistols.

“Just one minute.” A voice rang through the crowd, loud and clear. “What do you think you’re doing with these good citizens gold?” Peter Wilson stepped behind the leader, a pistol of his own in hand.

I shuddered. So many guns. It was evident that Peter had stepped out for lunch, and the outlaws had decided that with Sheriff Tate getting on in years, this robbery should be a cinch.

The lead man nodded to an accomplice. Quick as a striking rattlesnake, the outlaw grabbed me and held me in a bone-crushing grip. “We’re stealin’ it, Wilson. Now unless you want this here gal to have a hole blown in this here kid, I suggest you get outta our way.”

“Miss Walker!” Peter’s eyes widened in astonishment, and he backed down, clearly defeated.

The leader grinned too soon. A shot rang thought the air. “It’s the sheriff!”

People scuttled out of the way. My captor held me tighter, and his gun cocked. I squeezed my eyes shut, too scared to cry. “Lo, I am with you always.” Peace flooded me.

I opened one eye. Chad Carter stood nose to nose with the lead outlaw. I giggled in spite of myself at the astonished look on the outlaw’s face. He must’ve forgotten that Sheriff Tate resigned and Chad Carter is Fresno’s new sheriff.

Chad’s men surrounded the rest of the outlaws.  One of the deputies moved behind the man who had me in a crushing grip. That’s the last thing I remember before I saw a flash, and a searing pain ripped through my stomach.

“I’m here, Macy.” Ty’s voice was the last I heard before drifting into sweet unconsciousness.

***

“She’ll be fine, boy. So long as infection doesn’t set in. It’s just a flesh wound.” I heard Dr. Weaver’s bag snap shut, and the door open.

“Thanks, Doc.” The door shut.

I forced my eyelids open and looked around. I was back at the Carters, in my guest room. Who was Doc talking to? I wondered. I shifted to look. OUCH! That hurt! My fingers explored the neat, white bandage that wrapped around my torso under my nightgown.

“Careful, Sis. Don’t wanna bust that wound open.” Ty dipped a cloth in to the basin of water sitting by my bed.

I drew back.

Ty sighed. “Listen, Macy. Just let me help you. I’ll leave as soon as you’re well if you still want me too.” He looked like he hadn’t slept at all last night. Worry lines creased his handsome face.  

“How long have I been here?” I gave in and let him replace my cloth.

“Three days. Just rest now.” My big brother spooned some laudanum and broth into my mouth. I whispered my thanks as I fell back onto my pillow and closed my eyes. I drifted in and out through the night. Each time I woke up, Ty was there to spoon laudanum and broth into my mouth and replace my cloth.  

One morning, I woke up feeling much better.

“Morning, sleepyhead.” Andi entered my room with a grin. My mouth watered at the tray of food she set down in front of me.

“Where’s Ty?” I questioned.

“Sleeping. He didn’t leave your side, Macy. He refused to let anyone else take care of you. Hardheaded, that one. But I really do think he’s changed. Mother finally convinced him that you’re out of danger, and so he’s sleeping now.”

She flitted around, opening my windows to let the fresh air in. I took a deep breath.

“Ouch.” I winced. “How long did Dr. Weaver say it’ll take to heal?” I questioned.

“Huh?” Andi asked. She turned from the window. “Oh, he said about three weeks.” She turned stern and lowered her voice to mimic the doctor. “And no getting out of bed, young lady.”

I changed the subject. “So… Ty really stayed with me the whole time?” My voice betrayed my disbelief.

“Sure did” My brother strolled into the room. “How’s my Macy-gal feeling?”

Andi made a quick exit.

“Fine, thanks.”

Ty sobered, and cleared his throat. “Uh… Macy… I was serious. I’ll leave if you want me to.”

 I lost my smile. “Ty…. Andi says you took really good care of me. And I’m thankful. But I don’t know if I’m ready yet.”

My brother nodded. “I can respect that. I’m still taking care of my past, and there are some people I’d rather just forget. But whatever happens, Macy-gal, just know I’m sorry, and if you ever want to talk…. I was just hoping that somehow, someway, you could forgive me, and we could move on.”

 “I know, Ty. I just always hoped that one day I’d wake up, and it’d be different. That you’d keep your promise, get that spread you talked about, and we could live like a family.” Tears welled up in my eyes. “But you never did. I reckon after a while, you just stop believin’ in a person. And it’s awful hard to start believin’ again.”

“I understand.” Ty’s voice sounded strained. He rose to leave. “I’ll leave first thing tomorrow. I plan on settling down in Arizona. Jase is shopkeeper of a little town there. I’ll leave my address with the Carters if you ever want to get in contact….” His voice trailed off. “G’bye, Macy.” He planted a quick kiss on my forehead, and then he was gone.

   Andi entered as soon as he left. “This came for you.” She dropped a letter into my lap. “From your Aunt Hester.”

I whispered my thanks, and she left again. I slit open the envelope, and the pages fell onto my lap. Tears ran down my cheeks as I read the contents.

My dear niece Marcella,

I received your letter, along with the news that Tyler is in Fresno. My dear, he really is a changed man. He came first to Arkansas to search for you, and thanked your Uncle Walter and I for all the years you lived under our roof when you were young. I know right now you are probably debating whether to forgive your brother for past wrongs. Consider, darling.

Tyler was only fifteen that morning he woke up to discover that his own mother had left to discover a new purpose in life. And Megan’s betrayal cut him deeply. He was so young, Macy. Too young to care for an eight-year-old girl. For that reason, I begged him to let you stay with me. But he was adamant that family stays together. He cared for you, child.

Tyler was a bright boy. He loved learning, and school. But when my brother Mark died in the war, Tyler gave all that up, found a job, and supported his mother. He never completed sixth grade, perhaps why he was so set on you going to school.

He regrets the mistakes he’s made, Marcella. No one, no matter how wrong, deserves to be trapped in the past by a bitter and unforgiving soul.

Forgive him, my dear. I urge you. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Use yours.

All my love,

Aunt Hester     

I wiped my tears. “Andi!” I called. “Please fetch Ty.”

The nine o’clock train out of Fresno would be leaving without my brother. I was ready to forgive.