As Sun on Snow

~ Chapter One ~

All’s this dumb old state has is trees, Caili complained in the same unhappy tone she’d been employing for hours – and hours – as Tessa drove them through the rural Maine countryside.  "Trees.  Trees.  Trees."  She sighed the sigh of the long-suffering, as only a soon-to-be six year old could.  And to make sure Tessa took full and complete note of her displeasure, she heaved a soul-weary sigh that warned she might expire right then and there from the sheer injustice of it all. 

She then upped the potential body count.  "Elizabeth hates trees.  Darby too."

Elizabeth can go stuff herself, Tessa wanted to say.  And really, after hours – and hours – of listening to Caili relay Elizabeth’s roster of complaints, comments, and unwelcome advice, she was surprised it had taken her that long to wish the little troublemaker gone.  To her dismay, she even found herself wishing she’d listened to Richard back when Elizabeth and Darby first took up residence in the Alexander household.  He’d warned they were trouble in the making.  Like Caili’s head wasn’t cluttered enough with fairies, angels, and other fantastical beings, she needed to add a couple of imaginary friends into the mix?

And to think Tessa had once thought them cute.

Restraining her less-than-noble impulses and assuming the same cheery tone she’d been using ever since they left Boston – like if she hit just the right note of cheeriness Caili would suddenly decide a summer spent in a secluded cabin in the wilds of Maine was going to be fun! – Tessa said, "I’m sorry Elizabeth isn’t happy, sweetie.  But you like trees.  Remember?  You’re always climbing the one in front of our house back home."

Caili kicked the back of Tessa’s seat.  For the fourteenth time in the past ten minutes.  "Elizabeth says trees are only fun if they have a tree house in them.  She said we could have one if Daddy lived at our house."

Fat chance, Tessa barely refrained from saying.  Richard had never set foot inside a lumber store in his life.  She wasn’t sure he even knew such a thing existed.  Maybe we can get Grandpa to build one, she said.  When we get home.  In the meantime, there are lots of things we can do for fun this summer.

Thump went Caili’s foot on the back of Tessa’s seat again.  Elizabeth says Boston is better.  Way better.  There’s all kinds of stuff to do there.  Here all you can do is climb trees.  And Darby is scared to climb.  He’d rather go to the movies.  Or the park.

Then he’ll love it at the cabin.  It’s like a big old park there.

Another thump sounded.  I bet it don’t got a swing.

Restraining that time her teacher’s impulse to correct Caili’s grammar, Tessa again assumed that cheery tone that was starting to wear a bit thin and said, I don’t know if the cabin has a swing.  Caroline didn’t say.  But the place has been in her family for years and years, so it could be someone put up a swing at some point or other.  If they didn’t, we can always put one up ourselves.

Caili didn’t say anything to that.  Instead she lapsed into a silence Tessa hoped signaled a surrender.  No doubt though it was only a pause while she gathered resources for a renewed assault.

Wishing she could think of something to convince her to look on the summer ahead as an adventure rather than something else gone wrong in her life, Tessa looked in the rear view mirror at her. 

It was like looking at a stranger.

Oh, sure, she still looked like the changeling Tessa had always thought of her as being.  Taking after neither of her parents – who were both a bit above average in height and athletically built – Caili was small for her age and delicate, with fair skin, blue eyes, and thin blonde hair several shades lighter than her mother’s thicker tresses.  So ethereal did she look, in fact, she could well have been a mislaid fairy child.  But that indefinable quality about her Tessa had always loved and thought of as otherworldly had gone missing.  She no longer smiled as if she knew things beyond ken.  In fact, she hadn’t smiled much at all in the past few months.  Nor did she dance through life as she’d once done.  Since her parents’ split, she’d taken to stomping her way through life instead – when she wasn’t trying her best to be as invisible as Elizabeth and Darby.  And instead of taking joyous delight in her long-held belief in fairies, angels, and the good in people, she didn’t seem to believe in much of anything anymore.

Turning away from the stranger her child had become, Tessa looked instead to the directions her friend Caroline had given her and was relieved to discover their journey was almost over.

We’ll be in Nathan’s Road in a few minutes, she said, trying not to poke holes in her increasingly fragile facade of cheerfulness.  There’s a store there where we can stock up before heading to the cabin.  A quick look in the mirror showed Caili was unmoved by the news.  Still, Tessa forged ahead.  I think you’ll like it.  Caroline said it’s really neat, like some old-time general store full of all kinds of interesting things.

Caili frowned out the window.  Elizabeth says Boston’s stores are lots better.

Tessa gave up and concentrated on her driving as she turned onto the narrow two-lane road that led to the town of Nathan’s Road.  She then watched carefully for a city limits sign to make sure she didn’t shoot through the town without realizing she’d reached it, as she’d done on more than one occasion during their journey through the tiny hamlets of Maine.  She was therefore prepared when a scattering of homes set close to the road gave way suddenly to a business district consisting of little more than the aforementioned store and a small café.

She pulled the car into the parking lot in front of the store and climbed out, glad of the chance to stretch cramped muscles.  As she stood waiting for Caili to join her, she studied the building.  Long and narrow, it had two large display windows and a covered walk in front.  On either side of the doors were planters filled with geraniums.  And off to one side were a couple of well-worn rocking chairs.

Curious to see what lay within, Tessa led Caili inside and discovered her friend’s description of the place hadn’t done it justice.  Every square inch of the store was crammed with a variety of merchandise, from groceries to hardware to handcrafted gifts. 

In the midst of it all stood a square wooden counter scarred by age.  And behind it sat an old man spare of frame and sporting a full head of gray hair above pale blue eyes lit with curiosity.  Seeing Tessa’s gaze on him, he said, Can I help you folks?

Tessa shook her head.  We just need to stock up on a few things.  Grabbing a shopping basket, she started a scavenger hunt for the items they would need to keep them going for the next few days.

The old man leaned back against the counter, watching as Tessa tried to make sense of the store’s layout.  You’re from away, he said, the words a statement rather than a question, as if the old man dangled a polite bait in hopes of a bite.

Tessa only smiled at him, so Caili took the bait in her stead.  Drawing close to the counter, she looked up at the old man and said, We’re from Boston.  And we’re having an adventure.  Apparently remembering then how much fun she wasn’t having, she frowned and added, At least, that’s what Momma says.

And you? the old man asked in curious tones.  "What do you say?"

That it doesn’t much feel like one.

Tessa paused in the act of putting a box of cereal in her basket and lowered her head in lieu of banging it against a shelf. 

Well, now, the old man said, his tone that of someone knowledgeable in such matters, it can take a while for an adventure to really get going.  Sometimes you don’t even realize you’ve had one until it’s over.

Caili remained unconvinced.  Elizabeth says Maine isn’t hardly the kind of place for an adventure.

And just who might Elizabeth be when she’s at home?

My best friend in the whole wide world.  Her and Darby.  And she doesn’t much like this dumb old state.

Tessa did bang her head that time – against the box of cereal she clutched.  She then tossed the box into her basket and went back to her shopping, keeping one ear tuned to her daughter’s complaints.

I guess this friend of yours is used to Big City life, the old man said, still in that knowing tone.  All the noise and confusion.  People everywhere you look.  She probably thinks that’s what adventure is all about.  But there are other kinds of adventures, quiet ones where there’s not another soul around for miles.  If you ask me, those are the best kind.  And those are the kind Maine specializes in.

"Have you ever had an adventure?"  Caili’s tone was skeptical, as if one so young found it hard to believe one so old could ever have been anything but old and dull.

I’ll have you know, the old man said, his tone that time bragging, I’ve had lots of adventures.  Why, just the other week, I –

A new – feminine – voice broke in.  Now don’t go filling the child’s head with your fool stories, Hiram Delano MacLean.  The voice sounded of the shakiness that came sometimes with age, and the tone was that of a long-suffering that spoke of a long acquaintance with the old man – or an even longer marriage. 

Suspecting the latter, Tessa shifted her gaze back to the counter.  And there stood a new arrival – a thin old woman with unnaturally red hair, her arms crossed in front of her and her expression a scowl she aimed at the old man.  With a sniff she went on.  You’ve never had an adventure in your life, old man, and you know it.

The tone was biting, but Hiram smiled.  With a wink then to Caili and a bow to the old woman, he said, Why, Lettie, my love, what has my life with you been but one grand adventure?

Several descriptive phrases come to mind.

Again Hiram winked at Caili.  Don’t let this old woman fool you, Little Miss.  She adores me.  Why, she worships the very ground I walk on.

So you keep telling me, Lettie said with another sniff.  She then settled onto a stool as if she’d appointed herself to stand watch for further foolishness.

Hiding a smile, Tessa grabbed one last item and made her way to the counter.

Running a curious eye over her purchases as she set her basket on the counter before him, Hiram added mental sums that had nothing to do with shelf prices.  Sense then made of the total, he said, It looks like you plan to stay a while.

The whole summer, Caili said, her tone glum and her expression set in lines of determined misery.

Then you’ll have time for lots of adventures.

Caili shrugged and moved away from the counter, and Tessa watched her, wondering for not the first time if she’d made the right decision in bringing her there.

Her expression apparently saying plenty, Hiram tried to set her mind at ease.  Don’t worry about her, he said as he began ringing items up.  I’ve never yet met a kid who didn’t take to the woods.  Takes some of them a while, but they all come around eventually.

I hope so.  Tessa, however, wasn’t convinced.  Not even when Caili squealed with delight at discovering a litter of kittens tumbling about the store.

You’ll be staying in a cabin hereabouts? Hiram asked, his tone unabashedly curious.

Yep.  Tessa spoke absently, her attention on Caili as she plopped onto the floor beside two kittens tussling between vegetable bins.  On Winding Stairs Road.

The Forrester place?

Tessa searched her memory and pulled out a name.  She then turned back to Hiram to give it.  It belongs to the Hahnemann family.

Hiram paused in the act of putting a gallon of milk in a bag.  He then stared at her as if she’d just announced she was descended from royalty and would be raffling off the crown jewels.  The Hahnemann place?

When Lettie seemed no less taken aback, a vision flashed into Tessa’s head of just what the words ‘secluded’ and ‘cabin’ might describe – and it was no longer anything that might charmingly grace a Chamber of Commerce brochure.  In alarm, she said, Is there something wrong with the place?  I know it’s been sitting empty for a few years, but I was told it’s in good shape.

Hiram returned to bagging the groceries, a smile hovering at one corner of his mouth.  There’s not a thing wrong with it.  It’s a good sturdy cabin.  I don’t expect a few years of neglect will have done it much harm.  It probably only needs cleaning and maybe a few minor repairs.  He flicked a look at Tessa’s left hand now devoid of rings, and his interest seemed to step up a notch.  It’ll be just you and the girl, Miss...?

Alexander.  Tessa stifled a smile, her alarm easing into amusement at Hiram’s shameless digging for information.  Tessa Alexander.  She nodded to Caili joining her with a calico kitten dangling from her arms.  And this is my daughter, Caili.

Who, from the looks of her, Hiram said with a grin, is about to start on her first adventure.

The hopeful look Caili was sporting warned Tessa that Hiram was right.  Forget it, Tessa said before Caili could open her mouth.  The kitten stays here.

But Momma....

A free kitten with every purchase, Hiram said, his grin widening.

Hiram Delano MacLean! Lettie snapped.  You stay out of it.  For once, let other folks handle their lives as they see fit.

His grin dimming not at all, Hiram winked at Tessa and said, She adores me.  She absolutely adores me.

Ignoring the adult by-play, Caili hugged the kitten to her chest and tried again.  Please, Momma, she said, her tone that of someone used to being denied but holding out some small measure of hope.  Whereas once upon a time she’d firmly believed good things came to those who asked. 

Once upon a time.  And long ago.

Pleading then the kitten’s case instead of her own, as if that would win her better favor, Caili added, She needs me.

Not as much as you need her, Tessa thought with a stab of guilt.  Unable then to deny her the first thing that had made her happy in longer than she cared to think on, she rubbed the kitten’s head with a finger and gave in.  If Mr. MacLean will agree to keep it for a few more days, until we get settled, I suppose you can have it.

Hiram scratched his chin as if giving serious consideration to the proposal.  We’ve never put a kitten on layaway before, but I think we can swing it.  So why don’t you folks come back in about a week to pick her up.  She ought to be old enough to leave her mother by then.

Caili’s face lit up.  Thank you, Mr. MacLean.  Thank you, Momma.

See, Little Miss, Hiram said, that grin of his back and wider still.  I told you Maine was full of adventure.

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Perhaps too full, Tessa was to think all through the rest of that day as one adventure followed another.  First they repeatedly got lost as she tried to make sense of the directions her friend had provided.  After innumerable wrong turns resulting in a fairly thorough tour of the mountain on which the borrowed cabin was located, she was relieved to finally discover the road that would take them to it.  Her relief was short-lived, however, when she realized just how few cabins they passed on their twisting way up the mountain.  In fact, when they finally reached the end of the narrow, barely-paved road and pulled up in front of what was to be their home for the next couple of months, she was dismayed to realize they had passed no other habitation for nearly a mile.  ‘Secluded’ then in Maine apparently meant remote and isolated. 

After twenty-six years of being constantly surrounded by people, it was going to take some getting used to.

Tessa tried to banish all thoughts of axe murderers roaming the woods as she unpacked the car and hauled the stuff into the cabin.

Caili was there ahead of her, her small nose wrinkled in disgust as she took in the rather shabby – and decidedly dusty – interior.  Elizabeth thinks it’s dirty, she said with a sniff.  And Darby wants to sleep in his own bed.

He’s welcome to do just that, Tessa said with a sniff of her own.  In fact, I wish he would.  Him and Elizabeth both.

She moved further into the room, angling past Caili and taking a closer look at what was going to be serving as home for the next little while.  Fortunately it looked like a liberal application of elbow grease would solve most of the problems.  The cabin itself seemed to be in good shape, as Hiram had said.  And while shabby, the furniture looked comfortable enough.  For sure she wouldn’t have to worry too much about sticky fingers and spilled juice. 

Come on, she said to Caili looking ready to lead a mutiny.  Let’s check out our bedrooms.

She went first to a closed door off the living room and opened it.  Finding a double bed tucked beneath a window, she looked over a shoulder to Caili and said, This one’s mine.  Which means....  She moved to the next door over and pushed it open.  ...this one is yours.  Pressing back into service that cheery tone that had yet to cheer anyone up, she took a look at what lay within and said, Hey, bunk beds!

"Elizabeth hates bunk beds."

Of course she does, Tessa muttered.

Wanting rid of the little pest – and to get Caili out of the way so she could get to work – Tessa singled out the bag of goodies her mom had sent along for Caili’s amusement and handed it to her, saying, Why don’t you take this out onto the porch and find something to play with while I get things settled in here.  And stay on the porch, she added.  No getting into trouble.  You hear?

I hear, Caili said in glum tones that warned she wasn’t about to have any fun and how could she?

When she’d stomped off, Tessa set to work.  And each time she checked on Caili she found her sitting on the porch swing staring at the beauty around her as if at a particularly obnoxious neighbor out planting pink flamingos and gnome statues all over his front lawn.

By the time Tessa had the cabin in a livable condition, it was time for dinner.  Needing to gather strength before tackling that particular job, she sprawled on the sofa and invited Caili to join her.  You can tell Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, her quarters are ready to receive her, she called through the front door she’d left open.  Assuming, of course, she muttered under her breath, the little wretch hasn’t mutinied her way back to Boston.

She waited for Caili to come stomping through the door.  When she didn’t, she raised her voice a little louder and tried again.  Caili, sweetie.  It’s time to come in.

Again Caili failed to respond.

Tessa realized then that it had been a while since she’d last checked on her.  Sitting up in alarm, she started to push off the sofa – and there was Caili, stepping through the doorway as requested.  Dripping wet.

Her alarm switching gears, Tessa frowned and said, Caili!  What happened?

I fell in.

Fell in what? 

I think it was a river.

Tessa all but leaped off the sofa and crossed the room to Caili.  After a quick check for any obvious signs of harm, she was relieved to find nothing wrong that a warm bath and dry clothes wouldn’t fix.  Come on, she said.  Into the bathroom with you.

Once there, she peeled Caili out of her wet clothes, demanding an explanation as she did so.  Where on earth did you find a river?

"I didn’t.  Elizabeth did.  Assuming then an indignant tone, Caili added, I told her we were supposed to stay by the cabin, but she wouldn’t listen.  She said she wanted to find an adventure."

So you went wandering around in the woods by yourself?  Tessa leaned over to start the water running into the tub and twisted the hot water handle with more force than was strictly necessary.  You could have gotten lost or seriously hurt.

But I wasn’t by myself.

Yeah, well, Elizabeth and Darby don’t count.

I don’t mean Elizabeth and Darby.

Thoughts of axe murderers flitted through Tessa’s mind, and she froze with her