For personal use and select distribution only © December 2000 by "Tiff" Amber Miller
The Unexpected Storm (cont'd)
by Tiffany Miller
The train whistle was heard blowing a little ways down the track. Katie clapped her hands when she heard the sound and tugged on Michaela's skirts.
"Mama, Col-ween comin'?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Your sister will be here in just a few moments. And Andrew is with her," Michaela replied.
"Andr-woo!" the little girl exclaimed.
Mother and daughter watched the train pull into the station and stop in front of them. They waited as the passengers exited the train car, looking anxiously for the two faces they knew.
"Ma!" Colleen called the moment her eyes spotted Michaela.
Michaela saw her daughter and Andrew stepping down from the car and took hold of Katie's hand to walk over to where they stood. "Colleen, it's so good to have you home!" Michaela stated, embracing her daughter. "Andrew, you will be a welcome addition to our family this year for Christmas," she told him, warmly.
"Thank you, Michaela. That means a lot to me," Andrew replied with a smile.
"Col-ween, Col-ween!" Katie called, excitedly.
"Hello, Katie. My, you've grown into such a big girl." Colleen picked up her little sister and gave her a hug.
"Love you," Katie told her sister.
"I love you, too," Colleen replied.
"She certainly is a beautiful little girl," Andrew remarked.
"And quite a mischievous one as well," Michaela added. "Now, how about we walk over the clinic. It's not long before Brian gets out of school, and we can all ride back to the homestead together."
"That sounds good, Ma," Colleen agreed, walking with the others to collect their luggage and continue into town.
* * * * *
"It's real great havin' ya home for Christmas, Colleen," Brian said later that evening.
"It feels good to be home, Brian," Colleen replied. "Andrew and I had a long trip out here."
"Well, we had a few unforeseen delays along the way," Andrew added.
"You still managed to get here before Christmas, though, and that is what matters most," Michaela assured them.
"When is Sully coming back?" Colleen asked.
"Tomorrow. He said this job would only take a couple of days. We have plans to decorate this weekend," Michaela replied.
"Yeah, he's gonna take me out to get our tree tomorrow!" Brian added, excitedly, from the other room.
"It will certainly be interesting to celebrate Christmas with a family again," Andrew remarked. "It's been quite some time since I was able to do that and feel like I belonged."
"We are pleased to have you join us, Andrew. It's so nice to have you both home again. How have things been in Philadelphia?"
"Busy!" Colleen replied. "I never knew I'd have to work so hard!"
"But, she's doing an admirable job at keeping up with her studies," Andrew was quick to add. Colleen smiled at him.
"Here's the hot cocoa for everyone, and a cup of milk for Katie," Brian announced, carrying a tray with the steaming cups.
Everyone took their cups and sipped the soothing drink for a few moments without talking.
"Mmmm." Katie broke the silence and everyone laughed.
"I can't get over how big she's gotten!" Colleen remarked. "She's big, but she's also gettin' into everythin'," Brian said.
"Little children can be quite a handful, sometimes," Michaela agreed. "I wouldn't change things at all, though. She brings such joy to our lives with each day. That's another reason I love this time of year. Having all of you here is the best Christmas present I could ever want."
"We love you, too, Ma," Colleen replied.
Andrew shifted in his seat and placed his empty cup back on the tray. "I think I am going to get some sleep. It's been a very long day." He turned to face Colleen, who was sitting next to him. "Are you coming with me?"
"Yes. Sleep sounds very nice, actually," she replied, standing to her feet and walking to where Michaela sat. She leaned down and placed a kiss on Michaela's cheek. "Night, Ma."
"Goodnight, Colleen. Andrew," Michaela replied, and watched the couple ascend the stairs. She turned to face her daughter. "I think I know a little girl who also needs her sleep."
Katie looked Michaela. "No bed. Don't like bed," Katie frowned.
"Well, little miss Katie. I don't recall making it an option. If you go now, we'll read your favorite story," Michaela enticed.
"Yay!" the little girl bounced, sitting on the floor. She fell slightly sideways and placed her hands on the floor, pushing herself up to a standing position. When she was standing, she ran to Michaela. "Up, please." She reached her arms up to her mother.
Michaela reached down and lifted Katie into her arms. Katie immediately placed her head on Michaela's shoulder, but then she raised it and looked into her mother's eyes. "Mama, when Papa come home?"
"He'll be here tomorrow, sweetheart," Michaela replied, turning around to look at Brian. "Are you going to be going to bed soon?"
"Yeah, Ma, just a little longer," Brian replied. "I'll clean up down here," he offered.
"Thank you, Brian. Don't forget to blow out the lamps. I will most likely not be back down," she instructed.
"I won't forget, Ma. Night."
"Goodnight, Brian," Michaela called, walking with Katie up the stairs. Brian turned his attention back towards the fire and sighed. "Pa, I hope you come home in time," he spoke to the flames.
* * * * *
"It's real good seein' ya both back," Grace greeted on Saturday, placing their plates of food in front of everyone. "Just ain't been the same around here without ya."
"Thank you, Grace," Andrew replied. "There are times when I wish we were back, but for now, we're happy in Philadelphia."
"Yes," Colleen agreed. "I miss everyone here at home, but I love my classes and learning to become a doctor. I've wanted it so bad. I can't stop now."
"We wouldn't want ya, too," Dorothy interjected, coming over to stand next to Grace. "We're real proud of ya doin' what you're doin'. I know your Ma and Pa are real proud, too."
"Speakin' of Sully," Grace said. "When is he comin' home?"
Michaela sighed. "He was supposed to be home yesterday, but something must be keeping him."
"Dr. Mike!"
Everyone turned to see Horace entering through the door of the café. The enclosing had only been completed two weeks ago, but it was still unusual to be able to eat there during the winter.
"Dr. Mike," Horace repeated. "Got a telegram for ya. Just came in, and thought ya might wanna see it." He handed the paper to her.
Michaela quickly scanned the words and she couldn't keep the disappointment from showing on her face.
"What is it, Michaela?" Dorothy asked.
"It's from Sully," she replied. "It says they've run into some unpredicted delays, and he's going to be a little longer than he originally planned."
"But, what about our tree? And our decoratin'?" Brian complained. "Pa was supposed to take me out today to get it."
"Ya ain't got your tree yet?" Grace asked.
"No. Like I said, Sully was supposed to be home yesterday. We had planned to have the tree tonight and we would decorate everything as a family."
"That's a real shame, but I'm sure he'll be home as soon as he can, and it most likely won't be too long," Dorothy reassured her.
"I hope you're right," Michaela replied and sighed.
"You just wait and see," Grace comforted, reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Oh my! Look at me, chattering about and I got work to do!"
"Yes, and I need to get back to the Gazette," Dorothy added.
"Thank you both." Michaela smiled as they walked away, returning her attention to Katie.
"Ma, Andrew and I have some things to do, so we'll see you later back at the homestead," Colleen announced, standing to her feet.
"All right. Just be careful out there. There is ice where you might not see it," Michaela cautioned.
"We'll be careful, Michaela," Andrew assured her, taking Colleen's hand and walking away.
Michaela turned once again towards Katie and began cutting some of her food on her plate.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop," John began.
Michaela looked up startled. "John, I didn't see you there. Won't you join us."
"Thank you," he replied, taking a seat. "I couldn't help but hearing that you have been unable to get your tree. If you would like, I can accompany Brian," he offered. "I used to go with my brother every year to get ours."
Michaela hesitated a moment. "John, that's very nice of you, but Sully said he would do it," she replied.
"Ma, Sully would understand," Brian chimed in, with a hopeful look in his eyes.
Michaela turned to look at her son and thought for a moment. "I suppose it's not a bad idea, but why don't we wait a day or two," she suggested, turning back to John. "If it's not too much of an imposition, why don't you stop by the homestead on Monday. If Sully isn't back, you and Brian can go then."
"That sounds like an excellent idea," John agreed. "What do you think, Brian?" he asked.
"Sure," he replied, nodding his head with a slight lift of his shoulders.
"So," John said, changing the subject, "what's on the menu today?"
* * * * *
"Katie, be careful!" Michaela admonished her daughter, who had taken a decoration for the tree out of the box.
"I sor-wy, Mama," Katie replied, pouting slightly.
"It's all right, sweetheart," Michaela comforted. "I just don't want anything to happen to this particular ornament. It's very special to Mama."
All of a sudden, a knock was heard.
"I'll get it," Brian called, stepping over the ornament box and heading towards the door. He opened it and saw John standing there. "Oh, hey, Dr. Fulton."
"Hello, Brian. Do you mind if I come in?"
"Nah, come on in," he invited, stepping aside, then closing the door behind him.
"Good afternoon, Michaela."
"Good afternoon, John. I know Brian appreciates you coming."
"It's my pleasure," he replied, smiling at the young man. "Shall we go?"
"Sure," Brian replied. "I just need to get my coat. We can get the ax and saw from the barn."
"I promise to have him back before too long," John assured Michaela.
"That's fine. You shouldn't have too much difficulty finding a tree. Just be sure it's not too big. After all, we do need to get it through the door, and there needs to be room for the star at the top."
"Not a problem," John replied.
"All right. I'm ready," Brian announced.
"Great. Let's get started, then. We'll be back soon," John called, following Brian out the door.
* * * * *
Sully reigned in his horse and dismounted, stepping carefully across the snow-covered ground as he led him into the barn. He made quick work of getting his horse into the stall, and he immediately walked across to the homestead and up the stairs. He opened the door and stomped his boots before entering.
"Michaela?" he called, a little surprised to find the house so quiet. "Michaela?" he called again.
He heard movement on the stairs and a moment later, Michaela descended with Katie in her arms.
"Oh, Sully! You're home!" she greeted, happily.
"Papa!" Katie exclaimed with a big smile.
"How are my two favorite ladies?" Sully asked, meeting them halfway and placing a quick kiss on Katie's cheek before turning to face Michaela.
"It's good to have you home," she said softly and leaned towards him.
"Good to be home," he replied and met her lips with his own. When he pulled away, he looked around the homestead. "Where's Brian?"
Michaela avoided his eyes, briefly. "Oh, he and John left a little while ago to get a tree."
"He and John?" Sully asked. "They went out together?"
"Yes," she replied, chancing a glance in his direction. She was defensive all of a sudden. "He was really looking forward to getting the tree, and you weren't here…" She didn't finish, but waited for him to say something. "John simply offered, and we didn't think you would mind. After all, we didn't know when you were going to be home."
"I sent a telegram."
"Yes, I know, but it was rather short of details," she replied.
"Mama, down please?" Katie squirmed in Michaela's arms. She put down her daughter and watched as she walked into the living room and sat down next to Wolf in front of the fireplace.
"I didn't know what else to say," Sully said, bringing her attention back to him.
"Sully, I'm sorry if you're upset about this. I truly didn't think you would mind if someone else assisted Brian."
"Well, actually…" he began, but he wasn't able to finish. They both heard the sound of a horse stopping in front of the homestead, and Michaela's attention immediately shifted.
"That's most likely them returning," she stated and went to open the door to welcome them.
Sully stood where he was for a few moments, then he went to the door, too. However, he didn't walk down the steps to where Michaela now stood with John and Brian. He just remained standing by the open door, watching.
"John, I want to thank you for doing this. It really was very kind of you."
"It was my pleasure, Michaela," he replied, tipping his hat. "Besides, Brian and I had a good time. He's very good with an ax, and he did an admirable job of selecting just the right tree." Brian smiled a little under the praise.
Katie appeared at Sully's side and looked up at him. "Papa, up?" He lifted his daughter into his arms and hugged her tightly to him, watching the scene below.
Brian looked up when he heard Katie. "Oh, hey Pa! Look at the tree Dr. Fulton and I found!"
"Looks real good, Brian," Sully replied, not making any attempt to move in that direction.
Michaela smiled warmly at John. "It is a beautiful tree."
John returned her smile, then looked up and caught Sully's eyes for a moment. He shifted, uncomfortably. "I think I, uh, should return to the chateau. I know I have a patient expected this evening, and it was the only time she could come."
"All right, John. Thank you, again," Michaela replied.
"Yeah, thanks, Dr. Fulton," Brian added, both watching the doctor mount his horse and ride off.
Michaela looked up at her husband. "Sully, could you come down and help us with this?"
"Sure," he replied, setting Katie down and walking down the steps to join them. "Grab the top, there, Brian, and I'll get the trunk," he instructed, and together they worked to bring the tree into the house.
* * * * *
"Mama, I help?" Katie pleaded, tugging on Michaela's skirts.
Michaela looked down at her daughter and smiled. "Of course you can, sweetheart. Here," she said, handing her daughter an ornament. "I'll help you hang this on one of the branches." It took a little bit of work, but soon the ornament hung and shone in the lamplight. "How are the popcorn strings coming?" She turned to look at Colleen and Andrew.
"Almost done, Ma," Colleen answered, and Andrew smiled.
"We're almost ready with the star," Brian added from where he and Sully were sitting together at the table.
"I think we can all use a nice, hot cut of cocoa. When I get that, Katie and I can finish the paper rings."
"Dr. Mike, if you wanna get the cocoa, I can help Katie with the rings," Matthew offered.
"Thank you, Mattew. That would be wonderful," Michaela accepted. She set Katie down next to her older brother. "Now, Katie, Matthew is going to need your help to make some paper rings. Would you like to do that?"
Katie nodded, enthusiastically, and Matthew immediately began working with her. Michaela walked into the kitchen to prepare the cocoa. While the water was heating, she turned around and leaned against the wall to watch everyone working on the various projects. It warmed her heart to see her family all gathered together and decorating.
A few moments later, she returned to the room with cocoa for everyone. Each person took a cup, but before everyone sat and enjoyed it, they placed their creation on the tree. The last item to be placed on the tree was the star. Sully and Brian had just put the finishing touches on it to make sure it sparkled, and since Brian had long outgrown the ability to be lifted, Sully lifted Katie and helped her place it on the very top.
They all stepped back to admire their handiwork. "Beautiful," Michaela was the first to speak. "Now, let's sit and enjoy our cocoa and the warm fire," she invited.
* * * * *
It wasn't long before the cups were empty, and the fire needed to be stoked again. Eyelids were drooping, and one young member was already fast asleep.
"I'm gonna go on up to my room," Brian was the first to say. The others quickly agreed.
"I think I'm gonna head home." Matthew stood to his feet.
"No, Matthew. Why don't you stay with Brian for tonight? We would love to have you with us for the holidays," Michaela invited.
He pondered it for a moment and thought about the alternative: returning to an empty and cold homestead. "If you're sure ya don't mind?"
"Not at all. There will always be a place for you, here. Now, I'm going to take Katie up to her room," Michaela announced, turning to catch Sully's eye. "I'll be back down in a few moments."
He only nodded, but he did manage to smile, slightly, and watch his family ascend the stairs to their rooms. He, on the other hand, just sat in his chair and stared into the fire, pensively drinking his second cup of cocoa. He even looked over at the decorated Christmas tree, trying to make sense of his jumbled thoughts. He started out of his reverie when two arms encircled his shoulders.
Michaela leaned over him and placed a warm kiss on his neck, just below his left ear. "Care to share what has you so deep in thought?" she whispered.
"I wasn't thinkin' about much," Sully refuted.
"You didn't even hear me approach. That seems to be more than just nothing," Michaela returned.
When he didn't say anything, she slid her hands down his chest in a slow caress. However, he didn't respond as she had hoped he would. Instead, he stiffened slightly, something she would have least expected. She slowly straightened and moved from behind him to sit in the other chair, facing him.
"Sully, what is it?"
"I was just thinkin' about the tree, an' the decorations an' everyone here," he began.
"Yes, isn't it wonderful to have them all together?"
"That isn't what I meant, Michaela."
"I'm not sure I understand, Sully," she replied. "We have our family all here. We just spent a wonderful evening decorating and laughing. We have a beautiful tree, complete with all the trimmings."
"That's just it, Michaela. The tree."
"Oh, Sully, I told you I was sorry about that. We just didn't know when you were going to return."
"That shouldn't make a difference. I promised Brian I'd take him, and you let John come in and take him instead, just because I'm a coupla days later than I said I'd be." His voice began to get louder.
"Sully, please keep your voice down," she admonished. "Everyone is sleeping or trying to sleep. I truly don't see why you're making so much out of something so simple."
"Well, seems to me you been spendin' a lot of time with John, lately."
"And what do you mean by that, Sully?"
"I don't know, Michaela. Why don't you tell me?" he demanded.
"I only agreed to John accompanying Brian because he was so discouraged when you weren't here in time to take him yourself. If you had been here, I wouldn't have had to do that," she challenged.
"An' if you had waited, I woulda been here to take him. Way I see it is you don't seem too bothered by allowin' a complete stranger to do things I should be doin'!"
"John is not a complete stranger, Sully, and I did wait. John actually offered on Saturday, but I knew how much it meant to you and how you promised Brian you would go with him. At first, I wasn't going to accept his offer, but Brian didn't seem to think you would mind, and he truly did seem to look forward to going with John. So, I did it for Brian," she explained.
"It just looks like you're stayin' away from your family a lot lately, and most of the time, you're with him. People are even startin' to talk about you two," he added.
"Talk? About us? What could they possibly be saying? We haven't done anything Andrew and I didn't do when I was working with him."
"They're sayin' how chummy the two of you have been gettin' lately, and now, I come back from a job to find him takin' my place with my son in gettin' a tree for Christmas. Why didn't you just invite him in to help us decorate?!"
By this time, both of their tempers had flared and they were saying things they wouldn't ordinarily say. It was obvious they were both hurt, but neither one of them wanted to admit it.
"Sully, I resent your accusations, and I believe if you would stop and think about things a little more clearly, you would see John was only offering to help. There is nothing more to it than that."
"Well, that's kinda hard to do, Michaela, when I see what I'm seein'. Every time I turn around, John's there, or you're with him."
"Sully, you're over-reacting."
"Am I? Would we be havin' this conversation if there was nothin' happenin'?"
"Why is it when I misunderstand something you've done, I'm over-reacting and I need to think about the situation more clearly? But, when it's you who's misunderstanding and jumping to conclusions, I'm still wrong?"
"That ain't it at all!" he raised his voice and anger leapt into his eyes. "You seem to have someone else waitin' to take my place when I'm not here, so I'll make it easy on ya. I'll just leave!" he stated, firmly, brushing past her to grab his coat and reach for the doorknob.
"Sully, please, don't rush off in anger. We can work this out, if you'll just listen to reason," she pleaded.
"No, Michaela. Not this time. I need to think." With that, he stormed out of the homestead and closed the door behind him.
Michaela stared at the door after he walked out, in shock and disbelief. "Why did something so wonderful have to end up being so painful?" she thought to herself. She walked to the window and stared out into the starry night and saw the snow slowly begin to fall. "Where would Sully go?" she wondered. "How long would he be gone? Would he come back tonight?"
She walked over to the fireplace and stroked the Cheyenne talisman hanging on the mantle. Snow Bird had given it to her for courage to face the unknown in their marriage. She could use that courage, now more than ever. Turning around, she walked back to her wingback chair and sat down, covering herself with a blanket and waiting for Sully to return.
* * * * *
"That was the best sleep I've had in ages," Brian said to Colleen as they both came down the stairs, Andrew and Matthew right behind them.
"Help me," Katie pleaded, softly.
Matthew turned around and lifted his sister into his arms. "Hey there, little one. Almost forgot about ya," he said, tickling her slightly, eliciting a giggle.
They all arrived at the bottom of the stairs and noticed the lamps still burning from last night, the wicks almost down to nothing.
"It's not like Ma and Sully to forget to blow out the lamps before they go to bed," Colleen remarked. "I'm surprised they're not awake yet."
"Well, maybe they're still sleepin'," Matthew suggested, giving his sister a knowing look.
Colleen smiled, slightly, but they all stopped when they heard a small moan coming from the living room. They walked towards the chairs and saw Michaela in one of them, sleeping.
Brian touched her shoulder and shook it lightly. "Ma? Wake up," he called.
Michaela stirred and took a deep breath, coming awake and opening her eyes. It took a moment or two to focus on the voice, but when she did, she blinked. "Brian?"
"We're all here, Ma," Colleen said. "Where's Pa?"
She sighed. "Gone," she replied in a whisper.
"Gone?" Matthew asked, incredulous.
"Gone where," Colleen added.
"Papa go?" Katie pouted.
"To be honest, I don't know. He left last night. We…we had a fight, I'm afraid, and he walked out. I sat here waiting for him to return, but I must have fallen asleep."
"Well, maybe he's just out in the barn," Colleen suggested.
"Yeah, he sometimes goes out there to work to take his mind off things," Brian agreed.
"No, I'm afraid he's gone further than that. He was quite angry last night," Michaela told everyone, tears beginning to form in her eyes. She held them back, however.
They all knew not to ask why the couple had fought. That was none of their business. What did concern them, however, was seeing their Ma not worrying.
"Why don't we give him some time before we go out searchin' for him?" Matthew suggested. "We know Sully can handle himself out there, no matter what the weather."
"Yes, I suppose you're right," Michaela agreed, although she was still concerned.
"Why don't I cook us a nice breakfast, to help take our mind off of this for a little bit," Colleen offered. "What does everyone want?"
* * * * *
A couple of hours later, breakfast was done and the dishes were cleared. Sully still hadn't come home, and the snow, which had started last night, had been falling steadily since then. There wasn't much on the ground yet, but it was enough to cause everyone to worry.
"I'm going to go out and look for him," Michaela suddenly announced.
"Dr. Mike, are ya sure that's a good idea?" Matthew replied.
"Ma, are ya sure you wanna go out in that?" Colleen echoed.
"Mama, don't go!" Katie pleaded.
"Yes, I'm certain. Sully is out there, and has been since last night. I know he's accustomed to living on his own and surviving on his own, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to worry about him."
"Michaela, I must advise you against this. The snow is falling steadily, and I'm sure you know the risks that could befall a person out wandering in the snow," Andrew cautioned.
"Andrew, I am grateful for your concern, and I am well aware of the dangers, but it's my husband out there, and it's partly my fault we argued. I can't just sit here in my warm house waiting for him to return."
"What if Andrew and I went out and looked for him," Matthew offered.
"No, I need to do this on my own. Besides, the snow isn't bad, and I'll have Flash with me. I'm certain I'll be fine. I need all of you here, in case Sully returns, and I need to know all of you are safe, as well."
It was clear none of them were happy with this arrangement. Still, what were they going to say? Michaela had made up her mind, and nothing was going to change that.
So, they made sure she had enough layers to keep her warm and sent her out with a lantern and matches and some food, just in case something happened to her or she came upon Sully in less than pleasant circumstances. They waved goodbye to her from the top of the steps of the homestead, waiting until she was out of sight before closing the door.
* * * * *
Michaela had been wandering for what seemed like hours, leading Flash, since she wasn't certain of the footing in the snow. In reality, it had only been about an hour, and she had been to all of Sully's favorite places, but he hadn't been at any of them.
The sun had faded in intensity, and Michaela began to feel the chill of the cold air. The snow had continued to fall, but just recently, it had worsened. Now, Michaela could hardly see a few feet in front of her. Everything was leading her to worry more and more about Sully, especially since she hadn't found him.
"Perhaps he had returned home, and he was now out looking for her," she thought. "What would happen if they were both lost out here in this? What would she do if she didn't find him?"
She was startled out of her thoughts when she stumbled slightly and almost lost her footing. She continued to walk and thought she saw a faint light up ahead, but not too many steps further and she must have caught a branch on the ground covered by the snow. She pitched forward and landed in the snow, her ankle twisting slightly, causing her to cry out in pain. "Sully!" she breathed.
* * * * *
Wolf lifted his head from the floor and whined. Sully reached down and patted his head, rubbing his ears. But, he wasn't comforted. He sniffed the air and continued to whine.
"What is it, boy?" Sully asked, and Wolf got up, walking to the door and scratching at it.
It didn't take long for Sully to meet him at the door. He wrapped the blanket more securely around him and reached for the knob. Wolf continued to scratch at it. "It's all right, boy. We'll see what's out there."
He turned the knob and opened the door at the same moment a figure fell against it and collapsed at his feet.
"Michaela!"