Read Online Changing Traditions, A Christmas Novella by Rachel Rittenhouse - Free Book Online

chores, it was turning into a real blizzard. I kept Laura
inside with Bethy when I went out, for I didn't need to worry about
her. As I went, I took a rope with me that attached to the main
house. I was quite relieved when I finally reached the barn door
and pushed it open. It was warm in the barn, most likely from all
the animals. Still, it took me twice as long to do the chores since
there was no one to help me.
    As I was putting hay in
the horses' feed trough, the door flew open. A tall figure stood in
the doorway. I gave a small scream and grabbed the pitchfork, which
was right next to me.
    The figure came closer
with his hands in the air. "Relax, Carolyn, it's only me." It was
Scott Harp.
    With a sigh of relief, I
lowered my pitchfork, "You know, you shouldn't scare people like
that."
    He gave a small laugh. "I
reckon not."
    I continued my job at
hand. "So, what are you doing here? I would have thought that Luke
would've told you that Jesse wasn't here."
    Scott started filling
another trough with hay, "He did, but we both thought that it would
be good for someone to check up on you girls."
    I turned to him. "We don't
need checking up on, and besides, with a blizzard, there is no need
for anyone to put their lives at risk."
    Scott stopped what he was
doing and looked my way. "Then just let the barn alone and stay
inside and I won't come anymore."
    That was ridiculous. "I
can't do that! They'll die out here. What would Poppa and Jesse say
when they return and all their animals are dead?"
    "They'll say that at least
you and the girls were safe. Just think if you were to get lost out
here. How would the girls find you?"
    "My sentiments exactly,
which is why I have a rope hanging from the house to the barn. And
you do not, so you should get home before you get lost."
    "Carolyn..."
    "The blizzard might be
over tomorrow anyway. There is no sense in arguing this." I walked
over to the door and swung it open. There was nothing but absolute
whiteness out there. I couldn't even see the rope hanging in front
of me. I grabbed some pieces of wood before I grabbed to the rope
with one hand. I turned then to look at Scott who was just standing
there, watching me with a face that showed he disapproved. I tried
to smile, but none would come. "Please shut the door when you
leave." Then I left, out into the whiteness all alone. The wind was
so strong that I lost all of my wood pieces, but I didn't stop for
them. I could hold the rope easier now with two hands, though it
was swinging rapidly back and forth.
    Finally, I stumbled upon
the steps. Crawling up, I pushed the door open and collapsed inside
the house.
    "Carolyn!" Bethy screamed
upon my entrance. She and Laura pulled me in and settled me by the
fire. It took me this long to get here, how would Scott possibly
get home?
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
EXCERPT FROM
“DISCOVERING HOPE”
    Bethany’s Diary
     
    November 16, 1857
    Dear Diary,
    Today would have been
Momma’s birthday. It has been three years since cholera invaded our
house and Momma died. Carolyn seemed extra touchy, and she spent
most of the day out at Momma’s grave. Poppa seems much happier
since Momma Hannah’s been here. I believe that it is because we
were always missing someone but now the “Momma” void has been
filled. Momma can never be replaced, but Momma Hannah helps take
our mind off of what we lost.
    After we were all in bed,
I could hear Carolyn crying from the next bed. Laura was asleep
beside me, and I’m pretty sure the boys were too on the other side
of the loft. I slipped out of bed and crawled in next to
Carolyn.
    She turned over to me. “Is
everything all right, Bethy?”
    “I was going to ask you
the same thing.”
    I heard her sigh and
several moments of silence passed between us before she spoke
again. “How can you be all right with Momma not here? And Hannah?
You and Laura call her ‘Momma Hannah’ like it makes no difference
to you. I’m trying, Bethy, really, and I thought I was