Chapter 12: The Hardware Store

September 18, 2028

“Who’s this?”

“Mama.”

“And this?”

“Mama.”

“Ah, who’s that?

“Dadda.”

Fifi’s and Trish’s birthdays were only three weeks apart, yet both started babbling their first words within a day or two of each other. Whatever one learned the other would pick up right away. Not only did they repeat the same sounds, but each complemented the other and their baby vocabulary developed remarkably well. No one knew for sure if the baby girls were on track. Clark wasn’t sure when Sally said her first words. She and Katie relied on their feminine instincts to teach them.

“You should have brought up the encyclopedia set with you,” Katie remarked. “There has to be something there about child development.”

“Well, I’m sure if we just keep on talking to Fifi and Trish, they’ll be jabbering away in no time,” Sally said.

“Oh boy, you mean I’m going to be outnumbered, four women against one guy?” Clark observed.

“That’s easy to resolve, Dadda,” Katie replied, smiling and blinking her eyes. “But just in case you need a little boost, make sure that the next deer you bring back is a buck with a nice you know what.”

“I get the message,” Clark reacted and they all laughed, except the baby girls who continued making gurgling and babbling sounds.

“So, after this next trip down to the farm, we should be able to bring up the last corn, apples and potatoes, and can then have a little party to celebrate Fifi’s and Trish’s first birthday. What do you think?” Sally asked.

“Don’t we also want to go see Brothers Matthew and Anton before the first snowfall?” Katie replied. “We haven’t seen them since we picked up the girls and I’m pretty sure they’d be delighted to see them.”

“Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t we do that and have the party together with the Brothers?” Sally suggested. “We could go down to the farm, get everything ready, maybe even take some things to them, and then return bringing up the last of the harvest.”

After two years, it was getting easier to descend and go up the mountain. The trail was worn in and more visible. Clark removed most of the stones and filled in depressions to make walking more even, especially along rocky and treacherous segments of the trickle of water. He also cleared the thick mat of dry pine needles and leaves and most of the encroaching vegetation on the mid and lower sections of the trail, leaving a narrow, but clean path. What initially took an hour or more to reach the cabin now could be done in half an hour, sometimes less if they had little or nothing to carry.

Clark helped the girls turn two small backpacks into baby carriers, making it easier to go up and down the mountain, pick corn and apples, and even go fishing.

September 30

It was late afternoon on the second day down on the farm. Clark and Sally were tying up two bags of corn. Katie with Trish slung to her back was at the nearby stream fishing. Suddenly there were screams, shouts and all sorts of loud noises echoing from the stream. Fearing the worse, Clark’s body became tense and sprang into action. He ran like a savage towards the furious cries, the adrenaline energizing every muscle in his body. Sally had Fifi in a carrier on her back and couldn’t move as fast, yet her body too was electrified and on edge.

When Clark got nearer he could see Katie throwing rocks at a large shape fading rapidly into the underbrush on the other side of the stream. It was a black bear.

Apparently, the animal had come to the stream to drink water or catch a meal, but mozied over when he got a whiff of the fish that Katie had caught to invite itself to a free lunch. The big fellow must not have seen Katie and was only a few yards away when she saw him out of the corner of her eye. She immediately bristled thinking foremost of protecting Trish. Nothing, absolutely nothing would hurt her family and she was ready to do whatever it took.

Clark knew that black bears typically avoid confronting humans when possible and do not attack. They’re not considered overly dangerous, but they can scare the dickens out of someone not used to dealing with them, especially when least expected. That certainly proved the case with Katie. She not only proved to be courageous, but also capable of putting greater fear in the dumb bear who apparently had forgotten its manners.

“He won’t come back again,” Clark tried to comfort her as the adrenaline started to wear off and her legs got all wobbly. He also grabbed Trish who had stopped crying but wanted her to know that she and Mama were alright.

That night Katie couldn’t sleep, waking up constantly to check on Trish. Katie had developed a special connection with Trish like there was a secret understanding between them. Trish was the younger of the two babies just as Katie was the younger between her and Sally. Both were cast into situations where their lives and ultimate survival hung by a thread.

On the other hand, a similar close connection developed between Sally and Fifi. In fact, the girls could already tell which baby was crying or just babbling. According to Sally, Fifi had an energetic voice, while Trish’s was delicate. Although Katie and Sally were both “mamas” to the baby girls, it was remarkable to see how each longed to be nurtured and cuddled by their respective mama.

October 2

The monks beamed with joy upon seeing everyone and thrilled to see how the baby girls had grown. They were especially honored to be part of the birthday party, an occasion they hadn’t celebrated since the orphanage was closed. While the mamas and the babies went with Brother Anton to the kitchen to prepare a festive snack, Clark followed Brother Matthew to the study where the radio was located.

“Any news lately from the outside world?” Clark asked.

“Well, let’s see,” Brother Matthew began. “The brothers who brought the girls here returned safely to their home. They encountered no one on their journey and the town of Warrenton from where they came is completely abandoned. Reports from other areas as far away as 500 miles are the same. On the other hand, life is miserable in the southern regions with endless and constant fear of violence between those who already lived there and the droves of newcomers from the north. But, enough of that. Now tell me what has been happening with you,” Brother Matthew was anxious to change the subject.

Clark told him about the incident the day before with the bear and how Katie turned into a mother bear herself protecting her cub. Brother Matthew chuckled and understood why the black bear ran for his life. On the other hand, he was surprised because there had never been any bear sightings in the area since he arrived at the monastery over forty years ago. There had been the occasional sighting way further north and west deep in the forest preserve. But, now with all the people gone, the bears’ range might be expanding. Clark mentioned that there were three bear traps in the tool shed at the farm, but hoped he would never have to use them.

He also talked about the harvest which was larger than the previous year and nearly filled the root cellar. He and the girls went from city slickers to amateur farmers and were enjoying it. Next year, Clark speculated they may have to use the farmhouse cellar to store whatever surplus grains and vegetables they produce.

Clark said that Katie had been dropping hints she wanted a child of their own. He preferred to wait a few more months, but not too long. After all, he wasn’t getting any younger and wanted to be sure he could still father healthy children, as well as be around long enough to see them grow.

“How old is she?” Brother Matthew asked.

“Katie is 16 and will turn 17 in three months,” Clark replied.

“She is young, but looks strong. Certainly she proved that to the bear,” Brother Matthew observed and they both chuckled again. “If she is giving you signals that she wants to be a mother, it appears she is spiritually ready. Don’t put it off too long.”

Finally, Clark revealed how Sally had asked him to marry him and that they followed Brother Matthew’s instructions drinking the dark red potion from the vials. Moreover, he described how they experienced very similar sensations passing throughout their bodies.

“It’s a miracle,” Brother Matthew commented. “I remember the strange monk telling me that if the two recipients of the liquid were filled with an aura of enlightenment, it would be a sign from above that their love and their union would be blessed for all eternity.”

“I don’t want to change the subject,” Clark said, “but we never talk about you. Before we are called to the kitchen, you must tell me how you and Brother Anton are doing.”

“Brother Anton is 91. There are some days he seems full of energy, but most of the time he is tired and listless, plus his memory is failing him and sometimes he sees things that aren’t there. He has been a good companion, but I don’t know for how long.” Brother Matthew paused, staring at the floor, lost in deep thoughts.

“And, what about you?” Clark asked to break the glum silence.

“I’m a couple of years younger, but I too feel the pains of aging. My arthritis is getting worse with the passing of every winter. Fortunately, my mind is still functioning well. But... , “ Brother Matthew paused again. “Clark, please promise me you will come in the spring. I may have an important task for you. Right now, however, let’s join the others. I think the party is about to start.”

February 20, 2029

The wind from the north howled, wildly tossing and twisting the evergreen trees like buoys in a turbulent sea. The night temperatures had dropped like a stone, making some trees explode and crack. The girls sought refuge under the covers, frightened by what sounded like gunshots. Clark knew there was nothing to worry about and was glad his ranger friend picked a good spot on the south side of the mountain to build the cabin. It was shielded from the cold blasts of artic air that often swept through the region in the winter. It was still snowing from the evening before, but the amount on the ground was only ankle deep meaning it would thaw quickly come spring.

The light of dawn was barely breaking through the dark, thick snow laden clouds. Everyone was still asleep, except Clark who went to put more wood in the stove to keep out the chill. He quickly crawled back under the covers of the warm bed. For months, he was sleeping on the side against the wall, while Sally and Katie alternated their position depending on whose turn it was to get up during the night to care for the girls.

Katie felt Clark returning and snuggled up to his warm body.

“I have something to tell you,” she said, grabbing his hand and placing it over her belly. “Do you feel that?”

“Hmmm, silky smooth and warm,” Clark whispered into her ear.

“You’re going to be a daddy,” Katie announced softly.

Clark brought his hand up to her shoulder and turned her to face him. “What? Are you sure?”

Katie nodded briskly and smiled, waiting for Clark to continue. “This is great news,” he said and kissed her. “I’m going to be a daddy and you, a mommy,” he said grinning from ear to ear, unable to restrain his joy.

They hugged, kissed and cooed like two love birds. “Ah Katie, you can’t imagine how happy I am. I love you.” They kissed some more. Then Clark looked into her eyes perplexed and asked, “When did this happen?”

“Well, do you remember the night of my seventeenth birthday? The pendent on my necklace was finally in the safe zone and I wanted you inside me. You were pretty eager that night yourself,” Katie said pinching his butt.

Clark thought back to that moment. Katie had her hair in pigtails and was wearing a pullover, a pleated miniskirt and thigh high socks. She looked like a virgin schoolgirl showing off her long legs and tight ass out to torment the boys. Clark’s eyes were riveted on her. Never had so little aroused him so much.

When things finally quieted down, Katie removed her clothes and got into bed. Her eyes invited Clark to lie next to her. He joined her under the covers, put his arm around her and kissed her, first on the forehead, then worked around her face then on the lips. The kiss melted into a hot kiss that started the blood rushing, and their bodies united rubbing against each other.

“Did you hear what I said?” Katie asked trying to get Clark to return to the present. “I said that Trish had been playing with my necklace. I know she untied the pendant a couple of times and when I retied it I may have advanced it one or two beads before I moved it into the safe zone myself. Anyway, I didn’t have my period last week. I’ve never been late, missed or skipped a month. Sooo...”

“OK, let me see,” Clark began counting the months with his fingers. “The baby’s going to be born in October.”

Just then, Sally turned over facing Clark and Katie and, with her eyes still closed, asked with a sleepy voice, “What are you guys babbling about?”

“We’re pregnant!”

March 20, 2029

Most of the snow around the cabin had melted sooner than expected and the ground was slowly beginning to thaw. The days were getting longer and daytime temperatures, milder. Surely down the mountain the traces of winter were already long gone. At least that is what the calendar they put together showed, and also what Clark hoped.

He decided to go to the farm a week earlier than the previous year. He wanted to get a head start on preparing the vegetable garden. With Katie pregnant, he didn’t want her to strain herself with the heavy work of spading and turning the soil. Moreover, helping him plow the field was absolutely out of the question. Sally, on the other hand, could handle the plow better, keeping it straight and even. He and Sally felt they would need an extra day or two to get up to speed and complete the task in time for planting.

Clark planned on getting most of the garden soil turned in three days, but wanted to stay an extra day to go to the village. It had been nearly two years since he first went there. He not only wanted to check if it was still abandoned, but also get into the hardware store. They were in need of new garden tools like spades, hoes and rakes, and anything else that could make their work more efficient and productive, especially since Sally and Katie would be spending more time caring for the baby girls and the new baby on the way.

He knew he couldn’t continue with the back breaking, sometimes primitive ways of getting things done. If the hardware store turned up empty, Clark would have to start combing through garden and tool sheds of abandoned houses, which meant spending days away from the family.

Clark also promised Brother Matthew to visit the monastery with the onset of spring. The monk had alluded to an important task he had for Clark. Therefore, the sooner he could get started with the initial work on the farm, the better, and the trend in the weather seemed to be in his favor.