New Chapter in the "Times Are Changing" Season 9 Rewrite

 

Exciting news! The latest chapter in my Season 9 "Times Are Changing" rewrite is complete and uploaded to fanfiction.net. You can find the sixth chapter by clicking this link. 

New Chapter in the "Times Are Changing" Season 9 Rewrite

 

Part 5 of my "Times Are Changing" Season 9 rewrite is now posted on Fanfiction.net. You can find all five chapters here. Enjoy!

Updated "Times Are Changing" Season 9 Rewrite

 

Years ago, fans of my stories requested that I create a series of fanfiction stories that would rewrite Season 9 of Little House on the Prairie: A New Beginning. As we had previously discussed here, Season 9 seemed to find the writers of Little House on the Prairie having exhausted the source material. With the Ingalls family now living in Burr Oak, Iowa, the Carters had moved into the little house on Plum Creek. Royal, father to two pesky boys--Myron and Rupert--in Season 7, suddenly had a young daughter named Jenny and no wife. 

No one can deny Michael Landon's ability to write stories that tugged at the heartstrings. If he and his team weren't so talented, we wouldn't be talking about the show more than 50 years after it originally aired. As we can now stream and binge-watch Little House on the Prairie, however, those kinds of details become more noticeable. 

Needing some stress relief, I revisited the first four chapters of that rewrite of the episode "Times Are Changing" that I had begun earlier. If you're curious about it, you will find the updated chapters here. I've changed some points of view and corrected grammar. Maybe I will keep going with it. Not sure how much time in the schedule there will be, but now I want to get back to it. Hope you enjoy the first four chapters. 

New Story: My Funny Valentine (LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos)

 

My Funny Valentine

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, book series, or any of the characters. I used some dialogue from “Laura Ingalls Wilder, Part 1.”

Laura was so glad that Almanzo had gone off to Mankato this morning. That would give her enough time to bake and decorate the special cake she planned for Valentine’s Day. Though she knew it was just another day filled with chores, she hoped this day would be nice.

Sometimes it felt like they had spent more of their time arguing than agreeing. Their relationship had more than its share of rocky moments. Losing the land they planned to build a house on. Breaking off their engagement. That embarrassing misunderstanding about Brenda Sue. The chaos caused by Myron and Rupert’s visit.

As Laura creamed the butter, she had to smile as she recalled the day Almanzo proposed. Her shy, quiet husband had invited her out to the lake to tell her something important. Then, he didn’t say anything at all.

When she questioned him, he said, “Sometimes it’s hard to say things.”

So, she suggested he write her a note. Seemed like a good plan… until the pencil tip broke. He fell silent again. Laura grabbed the pad from him and read, “Dearest Laura, I love you, and I want to…”

“You want to what?” she asked.

When he tried to say he wanted to sharpen the pencil, she pressed him. “Manly, look at me.” Lifting his chin, his blue eyes appeared troubled but determined. “You want to what?”

“I want you to be my wife,” he said.

At that moment, she realized what she had dreamed of since the first day they met was coming true. Almanzo loved her, and he wanted them to spend their lives together.

Blending in the sugar, Laura thought back to how much had happened since then. She felt blessed that God’s plan unfolded for the two of them just as she had hoped. There were days she wasn’t sure. Like the day she left on the train for Radner, leaving Walnut Grove and Manly behind. She couldn’t see God’s plan that morning. It seemed as far away as the Atlantic is from the Pacific. Only the resolve to start a new life for herself kept her moving forward.

Thankfully, Almanzo raced after the stagecoach, declaring his love for her. They were married that day at the blind school in Sleepy Eye. Her life as Laura Ingalls ended, and her life as Laura Ingalls Wilder had begun.

Adding baking soda, almond extract, and lemon extract to the milk, she beat that into the butter and sugar mixture. Then came the hard part: beating the salted egg whites until they were stiff.

Ugh! After ten minutes, Laura’s arm felt like it would drop off. But the stiffened egg whites didn’t slip off the platter when she tilted it. Ma had taught her well.

Laura took a bowl of flour sifted with cream of tartar and folded it into the wet mixture, alternating spoonfuls of egg whites. Then she divided the batter into two greased cake pans before sliding them into the cookstove.

“I wonder if Manly will remember this is our wedding cake. Of course, I’m not sure if it will come out as good as Ma’s.”

Laura cleaned the kitchen, preserving the yolks for Almanzo’s breakfast tomorrow morning. The rest of the day, she did her chores and waited for the cake layers to cool. Almanzo wouldn’t be back until late, so she had a small supper before making the frosting. She stirred beet juice into the white frosting to turn it pink. Then she added a few canned blueberries in sauce from her pantry in the middle to decorate the top layer. The rest of the blueberries would be yummy over pancakes.

“Pretty good, if I say so myself.” She smiled. “A bit lopsided.” Like her sister, Mary, Laura usually baked lopsided cakes.

She brewed tea and sat in the chair next to the fireplace to read until Almanzo came home.

*

Almanzo rubbed his gloved hands together. His muffler wrapped around his face, he could just see puffs of breath from Barnum and Skip’s nostrils float into the air. He never felt so happy to see the Walnut Grove sign in the center of town. Soon, he would be home.

He tapped his coat pocket and felt the bottle of perfume he bought for Laura as a Valentine’s Day gift. She would probably scold him for spending so much money on her, but Beth was worth every penny.

The beginning days of their marriage had been tense at times. He was sure that watching his nephews had spoiled any thought of her wanting children soon. He had never met two such mischief makers. Even his youngest brother, Perley Day, hadn’t been that bad.

Gosh! I haven’t thought of Perley Day in a long time. Almanzo shook his head. He wondered where Perley Day was these days. After he left Walnut Grove, he hadn’t heard from him. If his sister had, Eliza Jane didn’t mention it in any of her letters. And in thinking about Eliza Jane, he couldn’t help but think of Harve Miller. What happened between them? One day she was moving to Minneapolis to get married to Harve, and then months later, Almanzo received an odd letter saying it didn’t work out between them. Good thing that Harve Miller wasn’t still around. He would have a thing or two to say to him. But Almanzo couldn’t help but be thankful that Eliza Jane leaving meant Beth and he could live in the house he used to share with his sister.

As he pulled into the front yard, he saw the lantern burning on the table in front of the window. He was sure Beth waited up for him. She should have gone to bed. She had school to teach in the morning.

A yellow sliver of light crawled across the front porch when Laura opened the front door. “Hi, Manly!” she said, waving from the doorway.

“Howdy, Beth!” He pulled his horses to a stop. “You best get inside. It’s colder than a day-old dumpling. I’ll be in just as soon as I am done unhitching the team.”

After tending to Barnum and Skip, Almanzo brought packages from his trip into the house. Laura raced to him and threw her arms around his neck.

She shivered. “You are cold.” She pulled away his muffler and pecked his cheek. “I have tea brewing for you.”

“Thank you, Beth. I can’t remember a night so cold. I almost thought about staying in Mankato and coming home in the morning.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I couldn’t have my best girl worrying about me.”

*

Manly had been calling her his best girl for years. Not always in a good way. Because of the difference in their ages, it had taken time for him to see her as a young woman. It didn’t seem to matter anymore. They had been married for over a year.

Almanzo disappeared into the kitchen while Laura put another small log on the fire. Though it was late, she would wait until he had defrosted from his journey before heading up to bed.

She heard something drop followed by Almanzo saying, “Dagburnit!”

When she raced into the kitchen, she found a half empty bottle on the table and Manly wiping up a puddle.

“What happened?”

Almanzo sighed. “I dropped half of your Valentine’s Day gift all over the place. I thought I should smell it before I gave it to you, but my fingers were still a bit numb. Slipped right out of hand.” He pointed to the plate in the center of the table. “That cake is going to smell real pretty.”

Laura’s hands flew up to her cheeks. “Oh, no! That was your Valentine’s Day gift. I thought I would recreate our wedding cake.” Tears swam in her eyes. I wanted my gift to be so special.

Almanzo opened his arms and embraced her. “I’m sorry, darlin’. I didn’t mean to ruin it. Still looks nice anyway.” He lifted her chin and gazed into her face with his blue eyes. “You’re the only gift I’ll ever need. “I love you, Beth.”

He kissed her, and Laura’s disappointment melted away.

She smiled. “I love you, too, Manly.” Laura glanced over his shoulder. “I don’t think the perfume spilled on all of it. How about a piece of wedding cake with your tea?”

“Sounds good to me. I’m starving.”

She laughed. “You are always starving.”

Laura grabbed the perfume bottle and dabbed the flowery perfume behind her ears and on her wrists. Then she cut two slices of cake from the far side of the top layer that mostly escaped the flood of perfume.

As they sat at the table together, enjoying their gifts and conversation, Laura felt truly blessed. She knew there would be many more Valentine’s Days in the future. There would be more chances to find or make the perfect gift. In the years to come, they could laugh about this funny Valentine’s Day fiasco and cherish the memories.

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved

New Story: Rosie Posie's First Christmas: LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Rosie Posie’s First Christmas

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos 

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, 

book series, or any of the characters. 

This story uses Rose Wilder’s actual birthdate of December 5th, instead of the summer months, which is when she appears to be born in the show. It also assumes that Almanzo’s stroke featured on the show never happened and that their house wasn’t destroyed by a tornado. In real life, Almanzo suffered from complications of diphtheria when Rose was a toddler, which he struggled with the rest of his life.

Laura and Almanzo sat in their rocking chairs on either side of the fireplace. Rose lay in her cradle between them. After only a couple of weeks, the little girl had gained weight, and her red cheeks were now a rosy pink.

The new parents were as nervous as any two new parents could be, worrying they were doing everything wrong. But Laura had to admit that it seemed like Rose had always been with them. They couldn’t imagine life without their precious baby.

A Christmas tree strung with popcorn and cranberries sat in front of the window in the parlor that looked out over the yard. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and the Wilders discussed the possibility of going into town for Christmas service. Reverend Alden was in Walnut Grove this year, and Laura hadn’t left the house since Rose was born. 

“Beth,” said Almanzo, calling her by the nickname he christened her with soon after they met, “Are you sure it’s safe to take Rose out so soon?”

Laura smiled. “The fresh air will do us both some good.”

“What if she catches a cold?”

“We will bundle her up in her sweater set and wrap her in blankets.”

Almanzo’s face tightened. “I don’t know.”

“How about we wait until tomorrow to decide?”

Laura leaned over and scooped Rose out of her cradle so that she could nurse her before going to bed. She existed in a perpetual state of exhaustion because Rose would wake up several times a night to be fed or changed. But despite that tired feeling, Laura’s heart swelled with love every time she laid eyes on her.

A crooked smile lifted the corner of Almanzo’s lips. “I guess it was lucky your ma had two babies after you were born. Taking care of our little one must come natural to you.”

“Actually,” said Laura, “she had three babies after me.” She pursed her lips. She realized she had never told Manly about the brother who died not long after he was born.

Almanzo’s face clouded over in confusion. Laura didn’t answer right away. Unsure if she had the mental energy to talk about Freddie right now, she sat back in her rocking chair and lifted Rose onto her shoulder.

“A few months after we had settled in Walnut Grove, Ma got pregnant. We were all so excited about a new baby coming, especially Pa.” Laura swallowed the lump in her throat. “They named him Charles Frederick Ingalls.” She shook her head to shoo away the bad memories. “I thought he was the son Pa always wanted.” Tears stung her eyes as she recalled Pa’s joy over the birth of Freddie.

“Ma and Pa fawned over everything Freddie did.” Laura laughed. “Just like we fawn over every new thing Rose does.”

Manly’s blue eyes twinkled. She knew he was thrilled to have a baby in the house. Sometimes, she wondered why she put it off for so long. Nothing fulfilled her as much as being a mother, even her teaching.

The pain of her actions all those years ago suddenly gnawed at her. Laura hadn’t thought much about those days and weeks after Freddie’s passing in a long time. It seemed every day was filled with a mountain of never-ending chores that didn’t leave a person with much time to let their thoughts ramble. Not that she forgot about her little brother. At night, when the house was quiet and still, she wondered who he would have grown up to be. Would he have been a doctor like her adopted brother Albert planned to become? Maybe he would have run a general store like Mr. and Mrs. Oleson. Perhaps he would have been a farmer like Pa and Almanzo.

“What happened to him?” Almanzo’s question broke into her thoughts.

“A few weeks after Freddie was born, Pa and Ma called Doctor Baker out to the house. The baby wasn’t gaining weight, and he was getting weaker by the day. He didn’t know what to do, so they took Freddie to Mankato to see if the doctors there could help him.” Laura sniffled back the tears. “Only Ma and Pa came back home.”

Almanzo got out of his chair and kneeled by the side of Laura’s rocker. Taking her hand in his, he kissed the top of her hand. “I’m so sorry, Beth. That must have been so hard on all of you.”

She nodded. “It was. And then I made it worse for Ma and Pa by running away a few weeks later.”

Almanzo seemed uneager to interrupt her story with his questions, so she continued. “I blamed myself for Freddie’s death. They had asked Mary and me to pray that he would get better, but I was too jealous of all the time they were spending with him. I thought they didn’t care about me, and I refused to pray for Freddie.” That lump returned to her throat, and she struggled to swallow it down. “I was sure I had killed my little brother.”

She sighed. “Pa and Mr. Edwards searched for me for a long time.”

Almanzo wrinkled his forehead. “Mr. Edwards?”

Laura laughed as a vision of Mr. Edwards in his plaid shirt and brown hat filled her thoughts. “We first met Mr. Edwards when we lived in Kansas. He and Pa became best friends. We lost track of him after settling in Walnut Grove, but one day Pa saw him in Mankato and brought him home to see all of us. He stayed in town for a few years until he moved to California.”

Rose squirmed in Laura’s arms. “I think your daughter is hungry. I’m going to head upstairs. Give me little bit and then you can join us.”

After she nursed Rose and changed her diaper, Laura swaddled the baby and placed her in the cradle beside the bed. She slipped into her nightgown and unrolled her hair. By the time Almanzo opened the bedroom door, she sat on the edge of the bed brushing out her long tresses.

Manly held out his hand. “I can do that for you.” She passed over the brush, and Almanzo sat next to her on the bed. “So, where did you run away to?”

“The mountains.” Laura smiled at the memory. “Reverend Alden had told me that God listens to those who are closer to him. So, I thought he meant closer as in distance, not as in a deeper relationship with God.” She shrugged. “How much closer can you get to God from down here than a mountain?”

Almanzo chuckled. “Charles must have been thrilled when he found you.”

Laura’s heart squeezed as she recalled their happy reunion. “We talked it out, hugged, and cried. Let me tell you, I was never so happy to see my own bed again after that outing.” She lifted a hand to her mouth to cover her yawn. 

“You can turn down the lamp.” He stood and pulled his shirt off. “I can get undressed in the dark.” He kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” Right before the flame went out, he said, “Oh, how did your Pa find you?”

“I’m sure Jonathan had something to do with that.”

“Jonathan Garvey?” he said as she slipped under the covers next to her. She shook her head. “No, my personal guardian angel.”

Almanzo lifted his eyebrows as his eyes widened. “What?”

She yawned again. “I need to sleep while Rose is napping. I’m sure she will be up in a couple of hours. We can talk again in the morning.” She kissed him, rolled over, and closed her eyes.

After nursing Rose for the second time that night, Laura found herself somewhere between tired and already thinking about all she had to do. She tucked Rose into the crook of her arm and let the baby snooze while she thought about the pies she would bake to bring to her parents’ house tomorrow, the new sweater for Rose she needed to finish, and the soup she would make to go with the bread she baked yesterday so they would have a nice lunch.

Almanzo turned over, opening one eye to glance at Laura and Rose. He groaned.

“I’m sorry if I woke you,” she said.

“You didn’t. I just wasn’t ready to open my eyes yet.” He sat up. “We both have a busy day.”

Even though the sun wouldn’t be up for a couple of hours, Laura knew a farmer’s day always started early. “If you would like to hold your daughter,” she said, “I can get dressed so you can have breakfast before starting your chores.”

“Gladly.”

Though the baby didn’t wake when Laura placed her in Almanzo’s arms, he still spoke to her. “Good morning, little Rosie Posie.”

Laura looked upon them as she dressed. What is it about fathers and nicknames, she thought.

“Are you going to tell me about this guardian angel of yours?” asked Almanzo.

“Well, I had run away to the mountains. I didn’t even bring a coat. Shows you how prepared I was to spend the nights outdoors. When I finally reached the mountaintop, I prayed, telling God I would wait right there for his answer. At some point, I fell asleep. When I woke the next morning, I was covered with a coat and a there was a man named Jonathan there. For the entire time I stayed on the mountain awaiting God’s answer, he took care of me.”

“I still don’t understand how he helped your Pa find you.”

Rolling up her hair and straightening her skirt, Laura crooked her head at Manly. “I was getting to that. Jonathan carved me a cross with my name on it. One day, while I was washing in the stream that led downriver, the cross slipped off my neck. I was so disappointed when I lost it, but Pa showed it to me when he found me, saying that was how he knew where to go. It had floated miles downstream.”

Laura strolled over to the bed and picked Rose out of Almanzo’s arms so he could dress. By now, the little one had stirred and was ready for a change herself. Laying a blanket out on their bed, she put a fresh diaper on the baby while Almanzo got ready.

Tucking his shirt into his pants, Almanzo asked, “What did your pa say when he met Jonathan?”

A quizzical look adorned her face. “That’s the thing, Jonathan disappeared as soon as Pa found me.” She sat down on the bed. “At first, I was sad that Pa found me. God hadn’t answered my prayers. I asked for him to take me and bring Freddie back to Pa. So, when I saw Pa and Mr. Edwards climbing the mountain, I tried to run. But Jonathan caught me.

“He told me that God had answered my prayers, and that God wanted me to stay with Pa and Freddie to stay with him. When I asked him how he knew what God wanted, he said ‘He told me.’

“I didn’t understand that at first, but I was so happy to see Pa that I ran right to him.” Laura nibbled her bottom lip for a moment. “When I turned around, Jonathan was gone. All that was left was the lean-to we had built to keep us dry. Even the dove we had cared for while I was with him had suddenly disappeared.”

Almanzo didn’t say anything for a few seconds. Laura knew it sounded unreal. She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t lived through it. But she knew it was true, and in all the years she thought about what happened on that mountain, the answer that kept coming back to her was that Jonathan was sent by God to take care of her, an angel of protection who left as soon as his job was done.

Manly caressed the furry down on Rose’s head, as he leaned over and kissed Laura’s cheek. “Sounds like a miracle that you were kept safe all that time and that a tiny wooden cross led Charles to you.”

Laura sighed. “It was.” She stood, knowing they had to get on with their chores. “I best go downstairs and get your breakfast ready, or we won’t make it to Christmas Eve service on time tonight.”

By the time they left to head into town, Beth and Manly’s home smelled of baked pies and fresh evergreen boughs. Snuggled under the blankets, Laura shifted along the wagon seat to get closer to Almanzo. Rose’s pink face was the only visible part of the child. Her new sweater set had a matching hat, and she was nestled in between several of her crib blankets.

Their breath came out as white puffs into the cold air and flurries of snow floated down, quickly disappearing as soon as they touched anything warm. They arrived at church just as the bells finished ringing.

Almanzo and Laura slid onto a bench in front of her siblings, who sat in front of their parents. Their family had grown through the years. Though her older sister, Mary, now lived in New York with her husband, Laura felt blessed to have Ma and Pa, Carrie, Grace, Albert, Cassandra, and James in Walnut Grove with them.

After Reverend Alden concluded their Christmas Eve service with a prayer, the congregation sang, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,”

Once they were dismissed, everyone crowded around Laura and Rose.

“Such a healthy little girl,” said Doc Baker.

“I’ve never seen such a sweet baby, Laura,” said Mrs. Foster.

Even Mrs. Oleson cooed at the newest resident of Walnut Grove until her son Willie asked, “When do we eat? I’m starving!”

The room filled with laughter by the time Mrs. Oleson said, “Oh, Willie,” with a smile on her face.

As the crowd dwindled, Laura watched while Reverend Alden tucked his podium away and picked up Bibles so that the room would be ready for school at the beginning of the week.

“You ready to go, Beth?” asked Almanzo.

“In a minute.” Laura strolled up to the front of the room with Rose in her arms. “Reverend Alden?”

The minister of Walnut Grove flashed her the same wide smile she had seen since her family moved into town when she was just a little girl.

“Why, Laura, look at you. You’re beaming. And I bet this blessed little one has something to do with that.”

Laura felt the heat of a blush on her cheeks. “It is definitely a special Christmas this year. I was wondering if you might say a prayer of protection over Rose.”

Reverend Alden raised his eyebrows. Suddenly, this seemed like an odd request. Why should she be worried about something happening to Rose? Hadn’t Doc Baker just said she was a healthy child? But all this talk about her baby brother struck a nerve. She didn’t fear something awful would happen to Rose, but hadn’t Freddie seemed fine the first few weeks after his birth? What had changed? Why did it change? Could something like that occur again?

As if he could sense her concerns, Reverend Alden cupped Rose’s head in one of his hands and offered Laura a reassuring smile before he closed his eyes. “Dear Lord, we ask for your protection over baby Rose Wilder. We ask that she grow up to be healthy and strong, learning to live a righteous life that pleases you. And, Lord, we ask you to bless her parents, Laura and Almanzo, as they tend to her physical and spiritual wellbeing. Guide their decisions and bring them the peace of mind that only you can give. Amen.”

Laura whispered, “Amen,” and immediately felt a sense of comfort and peace wash over her. “Thank you so much, Reverend Alden.”

When Laura was once again seated in the wagon next to Almanzo, cozy underneath the blankets, she leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Are you tired?” asked Manly.

“A bit,” she said.

“Are you okay?”

She silently recited the prayer that Reverend Alden had spoke over Rose. “Yes. It’s just all this talk of Freddie reminded me how precious life is. I feel better knowing that Reverend Alden is praying for Rose.”

Almanzo lifted her chin with one of his gloved hands. “I’m sure your parents will understand if you want to stay home for Christmas.”

Laura shook her head. “It will be good to spend Rose’s first Christmas with our family. But after that, I would prefer to stick around the house until warmer weather arrives. My family can always come to our house to visit. I don’t mind cooking, and Ma is always a big help. And I’m really looking forward to us being a family of three this winter.”

“That sounds just fine by me.” Almanzo flashed her a crooked smile.

By the time Laura had changed Rose’s diaper and Almanzo and she had slipped into their nightclothes, the clock on her dresser read 11:55. No wonder she felt exhausted. Laura crawled under the covers with Almanzo, who cuddled Rose. She would need to nurse her one last time before putting her into her cradle, hopefully to sleep for the rest of the night.

After handing Rose to Laura, Almanzo grabbed his Bible off his nightstand. Laura nursed while he read the Christmas story again. What a blessed miracle, she thought. Christ come to earth; the promise of a Savior fulfilled.

Rose drifted off to sleep as she suckled. Almanzo turned down the lamp, leaving just enough light for Laura to see when it was time to put the baby into her cradle. And that’s when they saw it, a bright star through their bedroom window. How odd, thought Laura. The sky was cloudy earlier. And yet, there it was, one star shining brighter than all the others, reminding Laura of the star that led the Wise Men to find Jesus.

Laura and Almanzo glanced at each other and back to the star. “We are blessed,” she said.

The clock chimed the hour. A new day had begun.

“Merry Christmas, Manly.”

“Merry Christmas, Beth.” Laura glanced at the sleeping baby in her arms. “Merry Christmas, Rose.” 

Almanzo leaned over to kiss one of Rose’s tiny hands. “Merry Christmas, Rosie Posie.”

We are blessed, Laura said again to herself. What a wonderful year this will be!

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved

After the Storm: LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

 

After the Storm

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos 

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, book series, or any of the characters. 

A few days after the storm, Laura joined her siblings in Pa’s sleigh, and they made their way into town. The horses stopped in front of the mill when Charles tugged on the reins. Laura, Albert, and Carrie climbed out.  

“Have a good day,” he called to them as they walked towards the schoolhouse. 

“We will,” they answered. 

Laura spotted Almanzo tossing sacks of feed into Mr. Mayfield’s sleigh. She broke away from her siblings and walked to the platform, still damp from the snow piled into the corner.  She waved to Mr. Mayfield as he drove off. 

“Hi, Manly.” 

“Morning, Beth.” He rubbed his gloved hands together. “How did you sleep last night?” 

“Not very well,” she admitted. 

“Me too.” 

She was glad she wasn’t the only one. “We should probably talk about it some more.” 

Almanzo’s eyes lit up. “Listen, Beth, I’m sorry I got mad. I hope ya know it’s only because I want to start planning our life together.” 

If it were only so simple “Manly, I need you to understand, it took a lot for Pa to agree to let us get married next year. Once Pa gets something in his mind… well, let’s just say he’s very stubborn. I can’t run off after he’s made a sacrifice like that.” 

His brow furrowed. “What about the sacrifice I made by knuckling under so your pa would be happy?” 

She couldn’t believe her ears. Knuckling under is far from what happened. “What are you talking about?” She made a mental note to lower her voice. “You’re the one who said you didn’t care how long you had to wait.” 

“I’ll wait,” said Almanzo, “but I ain’t happy about it.” 

Laura’s hand went to her hip.  “And you think I want to wait?” 

“That’s not what I’m saying.” 

The school bell interrupted their conversation.  

“I have to go.” 

Almanzo reached for her arm. She tensed under his grip and glared at him with eyes full of fire. “Beth, I just want us to be together.” 

She sighed. How could she make him understand. “I want that too, Manly, but not at the risk of hurting my pa.” Laura felt trapped between the two men she loved most in the world. Why did she have to risk hurting one to make the other happy? 

“Listen, I’m heading out to Sleepy Eye in an hour to pick up some supplies for Doc Baker. You want to have supper with me tomorrow night?” 

“I’d like that.”  She lifted up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “See you tomorrow, Manly.”  She walked off but the hurt lingered. If he loved her, why couldn’t Almanzo just wait? 

            Later that night, snow fell in big white flakes. From inside the little house on Plum Creek, warm lights flickered in the front room. Laura peered out the window at the storm. Her thoughts were all about Almanzo. Was he safe and sheltered from the storm or was he out there — somewhere between Sleepy Eye and Walnut Grove — driving on the open prairie, fighting the elements, and hoping to make it home safely? 

            Caroline rubbed Laura’s shoulders. “He’ll be all right.” 

            Laura looked up at her with doubt-filled eyes. “I just wish I knew he was safe.” 

            “You must have faith, Laura.” Ma squeezed her arm. “Have faith that he’ll come home to you.” 

            Laura embraced her mother as tears fell down her cheeks. Caroline stroked her hair. “Let’s pray,” she said. 

            Laura nodded. She wiped away the tears. Holding tightly onto her mother’s hands, she admired her strength. Caroline smiled at her and the two women bowed their heads in prayer. 

* 

            Almanzo squinted as snow pelted his face. The flame inside the lantern fought against the wind. Hopefully, it stayed lit. He was running out of matches.  

            “Whoa,” he shouted to his horses. 

            He pulled the muffler closer to his mouth and stepped out of the sleigh. The constant trips to remove ice from the horses’ noses made the journey home drag on even longer. He hoped he would find shelter soon. Once back under the covers, his mind wandered to Laura. What if he never got to hold her again?

* 

            Laura sat up in bed listening to the howling wind. Why hadn’t she agreed to run off and get married this weekend? Almanzo wouldn’t have been able to do that errand for Doc Baker if they had been away. If anything happened to him, it would be all her fault. 

            She got out of bed and opened the shutters. The snow fell faster than it had been earlier, and great gusts of winds swirled the mounds of snow into deep drifts. Sick with worry, she paced the floor. She had a vision of Almanzo traveling in his sleigh, struggling to find shelter on the vast prairie. Tears of remorse prickled her eyes.   

            Moments later, heavy footsteps climbed the ladder up to the loft she shared with her brother Albert. It used to be Mary and Laura in the loft, but after Mary went off to teach in Winoka, and the Ingalls family brought her stepbrother Albert to live with them, she was glad for his company upstairs. It made missing Mary easier to handle. 

            “All that worry won’t make him come home any faster,” Charles said. 

            Laura wiped the tears away with the back of her hand. “I can’t help it, Pa. What if he’s out in this?” 

            “Almanzo is a smart man.” Charles placed his hands on her shoulders. “If he was on his way home, I’m sure he’ll find shelter.” 

            “But what if he doesn’t?” 

            “Half-pint, do you believe Almanzo will do everything in his power to make it home to you?” 

            “Of course.” Deep in her heart she knew it was true. 

            “Then don’t doubt that he’ll do it.” 

            Laura smiled. Her pa had more faith in Almanzo than she did.  “I love you, Pa,” she said as she embraced him. 

            “I love you, too. Now, try to get some sleep.” 

* 

            “Dagburnit!” Almanzo cursed under his breath. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t budge his sleigh. Who knew how deep the drift was. He unhitched his Morgans and started walking. The lantern swayed in one hand as he tugged on the horses with the other. Almanzo shivered without the bear skins to keep him warm. He knew he had to find shelter soon.

* 

            It took Walnut Grove two days to dig out from the second storm in a week. Over three feet of snow had fallen, and people were just beginning to venture out of their homes to check on neighbors. 

            Charles and his family were huddled close in the sleigh. They weren’t sure if school would be open today, but they wanted to see how others had fared against the latest storm. They met Eliza Jane on the road. 

            “Miss Wilder,” said Charles, “Why isn’t Almanzo driving you into town this morning?” 

            The look of concern clear on her face, she glanced at Laura before answering.  “He never made it back from Sleepy Eye. I suppose he stayed there instead of traveling during the storm.” 

            “I’m sure you’re right,” said Charles. “He probably wanted to wait until it was safe.” Charles glanced at Laura as she tightened her lips.  “I wish I had room to offer you a ride,” he said to Eliza Jane. 

            “I’ll walk alongside you Pa,” said Albert. 

            She fluttered a gloved hand at him. “Oh, no, you can’t do that.” 

            “Really, Miss Wilder, I don’t mind.” 

            Albert crawled out, and the family made room for Eliza Jane to climb in. 

            “Thank you,” she said to Albert.  “I was very cold.” 

            The Ingalls family and Miss Wilder headed into town. An anxious Laura gazed over at the Feed and Seed. She hoped Pa and Miss Wilder were right. The thought of losing Almanzo made her heart ache. 

Another day passed without a sign of Almanzo. The men in town decided to form a search party. Doc Baker wanted to go along, but they convinced him to stay where he was needed the most — Walnut Grove. Laura had also begged to go, but her pa forbade it. Besides, Eliza Jane would need support, too. Laura planned to stay with her until the men came back. She knew nothing would convince her pa to let her go, so she packed a bag for the Wilder farm. 

            “Can I ride into town with you?” Laura asked Charles. “Miss Wilder and I will walk home together later.” 

            He nodded. “Sure, but you better hurry. I’m ready to go.” 

            Laura collected her books and a basket filled with food for her stay at the Wilders. 

            Caroline hugged Charles. “Be safe,” she whispered. “I hope you find him.” 

            Looking over at Laura, Charles nodded.  “Me too.” 

            “If you need anything,” Caroline said to her daughter, “just stop by the restaurant.” 

            “Thanks, Ma.” 

            Laura waved at Caroline as the sleigh pulled onto the road — or at least where the road should be. They drove silently into town.  Charles offered words of comfort and encouragement, but the only thing that would make her feel better was seeing Almanzo. 

            It felt strange standing in a group of men, hearing of how they would split up to look for Almanzo. It reminded her of when Mary and she were still in school. The teacher, Miss Beadle, had let the children out early for Christmas, but a swift moving blizzard blew through town and they, along with many of the other children, got lost on the way home. Thankfully, almost everyone made it back safely. 

Laura thought she was dreaming as the muffled voices swirled around her head. She wished someone would wake her up from the nightmare. The men piled onto their horses when the faint sound of sleigh bells jingled through the air. 

            The ringing of the bells pierced Laura’s ears. She missed hearing Almanzo’s sleigh approaching her house the past few days. She glanced in the direction of the noise and saw a black sleigh pulled by a familiar set of horses. 

            “It can’t be,” she said to herself. As the sleigh drew closer, she was sure his Morgans were pulling that sleigh. Laura jumped out of her pa’s sleigh and ran. 

            “Half-pint!” yelled Charles.  

            The Morgans galloped as Laura came into view. Almanzo tugged the reins hard and jumped down to catch Laura in his arms. 

            “Oh, Manly,” she cried, the tears stinging her cold cheeks. “I thought I’d lost you.” 

            “It’s okay, Beth. I’m home now.”   

            He rocked her back and forth, as they held each other close. He kissed the top of her head, her cheeks, her lips. Oh, thank, God! she thought. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! 

            Eliza Jane stepped out of the restaurant. “Almanzo,” she screamed and ran to join them.           

            Laura stepped aside so he could hug his sister. She felt the strong hand of her pa on her shoulder.  “I told you all you needed was a little faith,” he said.            

* 

            Charles, Eliza Jane, Laura, and Almanzo sat at a table inside Nellie’s. The men from the search party were at the tables around them, chatting about how hard a winter they were in for. For the first time, Laura realized what tomorrow was.  

            “In all the excitement I forgot tomorrow was Christmas Eve,” she told them. 

            Almanzo sighed. “It sure is, Beth, but I’m afraid I didn’t get you a present yet.” 

            She clutched his hand. “Having you home safely is all the present I need.” 

            Almanzo leaned over and kissed Laura. She placed her head on his shoulder. It felt so good to be close to him again. 

            “You got any special plans for Christmas?” Charles asked the Wilders. 

            “I haven’t even put up a tree yet,” said Eliza Jane. “Almanzo and I usually decorate it together, so I figured I would wait for him to get home.” 

            “How about coming over to our place?” asked Charles. “We’ll sit down for supper about six o’clock tomorrow night. You’re welcome to join us after service on Christmas Day, too.” 

            The Wilder siblings looked at each other. “Oh, I don’t want to be a bother Mr. Ingalls,” said Eliza Jane. 

            “It’s no bother at all. Caroline always cooks plenty of food, and the two of you are almost family. What do you say?” 

            “Well, alright then,” said Almanzo. “We’d be happy to join you, Mr. Ingalls.” 

            Caroline strolled out of the kitchen to fill coffee cups. She beamed at Almanzo.  “Anyone ready for more coffee?” she asked the group. 

            Charles held his cup out to her.  “Thank you, darlin.” 

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you’re all right, Almanzo,” said Caroline. 

“He’s more than all right,” said Charles.  “He’s celebrating Christmas with us.  Eliza Jane will be there, too.” 

            “The more the merrier,” said Caroline. “What a blessed Christmas this will be.”  Caroline shot a glance over at Laura.  “I told you he’d be back,” her eyes seemed to say. 

* 

            On Christmas Eve the Ingalls family and the Wilders sat in the front room of the little house on Plum Creek eating apple pie. 

            “Everything was wonderful, Mrs. Ingalls,” said Almanzo rubbing his stomach. 

            “You’re welcome to have another piece of pie,” Caroline replied. 

            “No, thank you.  I don’t think I could eat another bite.” 

            “How could you?” asked Charles. “You had three helpings of supper and two pieces of pie.”  Everyone laughed. 

            “Almanzo has always had a big appetite,” said Eliza Jane. “Mother used to say it was because he was a growing boy.” She sipped her tea. “I don’t know what his excuse is now though.” They all laughed again. 

            “My excuse is that I got stuck in a blizzard, had to drag me and my horses to shelter, and then repair my sleigh to make it home in time for Christmas.” 

            “You never told us what happened,” said Laura. 

            Almanzo shared his story of how he had started for home when the storm blew up, and how the Morgans got stuck in a drift, forcing him to abandon the sleigh and seek shelter in an old barn until morning. 

            “I sure was happy to stumble across that farmer and his family. They shared some food with me, and he helped me dig out my sleigh and repair the runner so I could get back home. I sure was worried Doc Baker would need those supplies before I got them here.” 

            Laura reached for his hand.  “Probably not as worried as we were about what happened to you.” 

            Almanzo nodded. “God sure was looking out for me.” 

            “Amen,” said Caroline. 

            “It’s getting late, Sis. We should be heading home.” 

            “You’re right,” said Eliza Jane.  “We still have a tree to put up.” 

            “Let me get you one more cup of coffee before you head out,” said Caroline. 

            Almanzo stood and pulled on his winter coat and hat. “I’m going to hitch up the team.” 

            Laura stood and pushed her chair in. “I’ll help you.” She heard the whispers from the rest of the group as they headed out the door. 

* 

            Almanzo scolded Laura.  “You should have stayed inside where it’s warm.” 

            “I never got the chance to give you a proper hello,” she said with a smirk. 

            A crooked smile covered his face as he pulled her close to him.  “What kind of hello are we talking about?” 

            Laura cupped his head in her hands and drew him closer. Within inches of his face, she noticed fear flashing in his eyes before he broke away. “Is there something wrong?” 

            Almanzo swallowed hard before responding.  “Ever since I became a man, I haven’t worried much about taking risks. It’s part of bein a farmer; you buy things on credit and hope next year’s crops pay off your debts. And, since I was on my own, I wasn’t hurting anybody.” He caressed her cheek. “But I’m not alone anymore. I told Doc Baker I would get those supplies without even asking your opinion.” He shook his head. “I was scared, Beth, real scared. Scared I was going to die without you knowing how much I love you.” 

            With tears glistening in her eyes, she embraced him. “I know you love me.” 

            “But we were angry at each other when I left. I hated knowing that.” 

            “Me too,” she admitted. “I wished I had agreed to run off and get married because then you wouldn’t have been in Sleepy Eye in the first place. I knew if anything happened to you, it would be all my fault.” 

            His brow furrowed. “It wasn’t your fault. Mr. Crowley told me a storm was coming, but I thought I would beat it home, just like that weekend when your pa told me not to take ya on that sleigh ride. I guess I’m just too stubborn for my own good.” 

            Laura laughed loud enough to get a neigh out of the horses. “I never noticed that about you.” 

            Almanzo tossed her a pretend scowl. “Very funny. I best hitch up these horses.” 

Laura watched him work, but he seemed distracted. When he finished, he paused to pet Barnum. Laura felt sure he had something on his mind. “All set?” she asked as they walked toward the barn door. 

            He reached for her arm and brought her closer. “Laura, I never should have asked you to run off with me. I know how much you love your pa. I shouldn’t ask you to choose between us. Can you forgive me?” 

            “Oh, Manly,” she cried, collapsing into his arms. “I was going to tell you that I decided we should get married right away. I do love my pa, but I want to be your wife more than anything in the world.” 

            Almanzo chuckled. “Well, this is mighty strange ain’t it? It’s not that I want to wait, Beth, it’s just I don’t want to do anything to upset you or your pa.” He smiled at her. “So… we wait until August?” 

            “We’ll wait until August,” she said. 

            “All right then, how’s about one last kiss before we go inside?” Almanzo pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. “I love you,” he whispered. 

            “I love you, too.” 

            They strolled back to the house with their arms around each other. Laura was glad they had settled the question of when they would marry. It would be hard to wait, but there were lots of plans to keep them busy. 

            “This will be our first Christmas together,” said Laura. 

            “The first of many,” Almanzo said. 

            Laura imagined what it would be like on their wedding day. She would look up into his blue eyes and say, “I do.” They would be joined forever from that day forward.  She would belong to him, and he to her. They would love one another for the rest of their lives. As they entered the little house on Plum Creek, she saw the two of them in her mind—much older—sitting by the fireplace rocking together. Oh! What a life they would live. And it had only just begun. 

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos - All Rights Reserved

Changes: LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Changes

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, book series, or any of the characters. 

 Charles and Caroline had just finished moving Carrie up to the loft.  Now, only Baby Grace would be downstairs with them.

“Would you like some coffee?” Caroline asked Charles.

 “Sounds good,” he replied, glancing up at the loft. 

 Caroline’s knowing smile told him she knew what he was thinking. “It seems strange without her, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does.” Charles walked over to the kitchen window and looked out, as if he expected Laura to walk down the road at any minute. “We already went through this with Mary. You think it would be easier this time.”

Caroline shrugged. “It never gets easier, no matter how many times it happens. It’s just not the same when one of your children leaves the nest.”

She brought Charles his cup of coffee and motioned for him to sit down with her at the table. Caroline brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “She married a good man.”

“I know,” he said with a nod.

Caroline reached over and put her small, white hand on top of Charles’s much larger and darker one. “Once again, we know how our parents felt when we packed up and left the Big Woods. We’ll get by it…just like we did when we left Mary in Winoka.” 

After drinking his coffee, Charles stood. “I need to do some work out in the barn.

His feet shuffled along the floor before he opened the door and walked outside. He only stayed there for a few minutes before he strolled down to the creek.

***

From the kitchen window, Caroline saw him cross the yard. She spied him as he sat down in Laura’s favorite thinking place. Her heart ached for him. Laura and he had always been so close. She prayed God would help him accept the changes life had brought. 

***

 Charles sat along the creek bed for about twenty minutes. It was no accident he sat in Laura’s special thinking place. He would often join her when she was younger and share fatherly advice. Now, he was replaced by Almanzo Wilder. She would go to him for the advice she needed. He admitted he felt sorry for himself.

He knew he was being silly. It was natural for a young girl to grow up, fall in love, get married, and cleave to her husband. But somehow, he had hoped Laura, his Half-pint, would wait a little longer. 

Charles looked up at the sky searching for guidance. “You know, Lord, it was hard for me to admit Mary had become a woman who could survive on her own without her Ma and me. But after a while, I accepted it.”

He felt tears forming in the corners of his eyes but blinked them away.

“With Half-pint, I fought the battle against her growing up every day. I always wished I could keep her a little girl forever. But before I knew it, she was a young woman and a teacher. An older man courted her.”

Charles stopped praying to let the tears flow. When the last tear fell, he stood and grabbed a smooth, flat stone from the ground. He skimmed it across the creek. Laura loved to do that when she was younger, he thought.

“Lord, I feel like I’ve lost my little girl. We have always been kindred spirits. I always understood how she felt…and she understood me, too. I am going to miss those picnic lunches and fishing trips. Lord, please help me to accept these changes in my life and help me learn to appreciate the grown Laura as much as I love the young one.  Amen.”

Charles sat back down and looked out over the cold flowing water. A few moments later he felt a small, familiar hand on his shoulder.

“Hi, Half-pint.” Charles turned his head to look back at her. 

“Hi, Pa.” Laura pulled up her skirt and sat down next to her father. “What are you doing out here?”

“Thinking.”

 “About what?”

 “How grown up you are?”

 Laura smiled wide. “I never thought I would hear you say that.”

Charles cupped her chin in his hand. “As much as I hate to admit it Half-pint, you’re a woman now.” He gazed at the ground to hide his tears. 

Once he recovered from his emotions he looked up and said, “What are you doing here? I thought you and Almanzo would be busy at the house.”

“We just finished getting Eliza Jane’s things together. She’ll send for them once she’s settled in St. Louis.” Charles nodded. “Almanzo had to go into town, so I figured I would come out here and spend some time with you. Almanzo will pick me up on the way back.”  Laura paused. “Pa, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

 “How long did it take you and Ma to get used to being married?”

Charles smiled. He had thought his days of passing out fatherly advice to Half-pint were over, but here she was once again looking for him to share his wisdom. “Quite a while. It’s a big change going from being your own person to being a couple. You’re not having problems already, are you?”

“No, it’s just that Almanzo and I have different opinions on things and sometimes I feel I have to give in so we don’t argue.”

Charles let a laugh escape from his lips. “I know you have strong opinions Half-pint, but there’s nothing wrong in giving in occasionally. Marriage means a lot of compromises...if you want it to work.”

Laura reached over and hugged him. “I’ll try to remember that. Thanks, Pa.”  She reached for a smooth, flat stone and stood. She tossed it toward the creek and watched it skim the water. 

Charles had been so preoccupied with all the changes in his own life, he had forgotten how many changes his daughter was going through. And he found even though she was a grown, married woman, she still needed him. Charles glanced skyward and silently thanked God for answering his prayers. 

***

Caroline watched them from the kitchen window. “Thank you, Lord,” she said as she wiped away tears of joy.

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos – All Rights Reserved.

New Story: Snow Angels: LHOP Inspired Fan Fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

 

Snow Angels

LHOP inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Disclaimer: I do not own the Little House on the Prairie television series, book series, or any of the characters. 

Author’s note: The real Charles Frederick Ingalls was born on November 1 and died nine months later. In the episodes, “The Lord is My Shepherd, Parts 1 and 2,” there was no date mentioned for his birth, but he seemingly died weeks after he is born. (The funny thing is that if you watch the episode “A Most Precious Gift,” from Season 4, they have the correct birth and death dates.) When Laura runs away, it is warm enough that she doesn’t bring a coat, but Charles mentions to Isaiah when they are searching for her that the night was the coldest one they had as of late. For the sake of this story, I am using Freddy’s actual birthdate.

Laura snuck out of bed when she heard the clattering of pots and pans on the stove. Just like every day, Ma rose early to get the fire going and to make breakfast. She leaned over the loft ladder. Usually, Ma smiled as she worked. But not today. She didn’t sing or hum either. Today, would have been baby Charles’s first birthday. Though Ma and Pa never spoke of the baby boy they lost, Laura figured they must think of him from time to time.

The bed creaked behind her, and she saw Mary stretching her arms and releasing a big yawn. She snuck back to the bed and whispered to her sister.

“Ma looks sad today.” 

 Mary nodded. “That’s to be expected. We should take Carrie with us as we do our chores this morning.” Since it was Saturday, the oldest girls didn’t have school.

“She likes feeding the chickens with me anyway,” said Laura. “Maybe we can take a walk down to the lake later.” 

Mary tossed the covers aside and exchanged her nightgown for her dress. She brushed her hair and held her long bangs back with a comb. She opened the shutters on the window. “We best stay close to home today. Those gray clouds might mean snow.”

Both girls descended the ladder as quietly as possible. 

“Morning, Ma,” they said.

Ma flashed them a weak smile. “Good morning, girls. Laura, could you put your coat on and go tell your Pa that breakfast will be ready in a few minutes?”

Laura did as she was told. Some days she didn’t feel like doing chores or being a messenger, but today she wouldn’t complain at all. She needed to be on her best behavior to make the day as easy on Ma and Pa as possible.

When she entered the barn, Pa raked the same spot over and again. “Morning, Pa.” 

Charles startled as if he had been deep in thought. “Morning, Half-pint.”

“Ma asked me to tell you breakfast will be ready in a few minutes?”

“Thanks, Laura.” Pa smiled, but his eyes didn’t twinkle the way they usually did.

As Laura strolled out of the barn, puffy white flakes of snow fell from the sky. “Look, Pa, it’s snowing!” She couldn’t hold back her excitement. She loved the first snow of the year.

“You best be getting your chores done early,” he said. “Looks like we are due for a good storm.”

“I will.” Laura raced back to the house to share the news with her sisters. 

Mary held Carrie up to the front window so she could peek outside at the falling snow. Carrie squirmed with glee. Laura and Mary chatted about how many inches they might get and how fun it would be. They didn’t notice the volume of their voices.

“Girls,” said Ma, sharply. “Please put Carrie in her highchair and set the table. Pa will be in in just a minute.” She turned back to the stove.

Laura and Mary stared at each other. Ma rarely raised her voice and hardly ever spoke in anger. Already, Laura had broken the promise she made to herself to be on her best behavior. She should have been more respectful.

“Yes, ma’am,” the girls said before doing exactly as they were told.

The front door opened. Pa walked in and removed his hat and coat. Without a word, he picked up the coffee pot and poured the hot liquid into a cup. Then he sat in his chair at the kitchen table.

Just as quietly, Ma dished out his breakfast. Her gaze lowered, she filled everyone’s plate before filling her own and sitting down.

“Laura, would you say grace please?” asked Ma.

She didn’t always know what to say, but today Laura wondered if she was supposed to mention her little brother. Would it be appropriate? Would it make Ma cry? Worse, would Ma or Pa be angry? Laura decided to just thank God for their food and for all their blessings. She swallowed hard before saying, “Amen.” She opened her eyes and looked from Ma to Pa, who picked up their forks and ate their food in silence.

The day dragged on forever. Laura and Mary did their chores with Carrie alongside them. Laura read Carrie a story and tucked her in for a nap. Then she joined Mary in the loft. Mary lay on their bed reading a book of poems by Oliver Wendell Holmes that Miss Beadle lent her, so Laura decided to sit at their desk and worked on her arithmetic homework. She found arithmetic so much easier than history. If you could remember the formula, you could solve any problem. With history, you had to remember all different kinds of dates and events.

When she heard Carrie rustling in her bed, Laura whispered to Mary, “Let’s get our coats and hats and take Carrie out to play in the snow.”

Mary glanced out their window. “There must be four or five inches out there by now. Carrie will love it.”

After asking Ma’s permission, Laura and Mary helped Carrie into her warm coat, her knitted hat, and a pair of red mittens before putting on their things. They walked outside as quietly as they could, but Laura’s heart skipped as her boots landed in the fluffy white snow. They made a point to play away from the house, so their laughing wouldn’t disturb Ma or Pa.

Carrie found it hard to walk and run in the snow with her little legs. When she fell for the third time, she crossed her arms over her chest and pursed her lips.

“Hey, let’s make snow angels,” said Mary.

“Yeah, that would be fun,” replied Laura. “Carrie, do you want to make a snow angel?”

Immediately, Carrie’s smile dimpled her cheeks. “Snow angel,” she said.

“Okay,” said Mary. “Lay down in the snow.” After she gave Carrie that instruction, Laura and she laid down to show Carrie what she meant. “Now, keep your legs straight and raise your arms over your head.” Mary and Laura did that, and Carrie copied them. “Now, you move your legs out and in and move your arms down and up like this.” Carrie mimicked her older sisters. When Mary and Laura stopped, Carrie stopped, too.

“Don’t move,” Laura warned Carrie. 

Mary stood up first, followed by Laura. Then the two girls lifted up Carrie. Their baby sister’s eyes widened as she looked upon the three snow angels.

“I wanna make a snow angel for baby Charles,” said Carrie.

Mary’s and Laura’s mouths dropped open. Laura wondered what would make her think of their baby brother.

Laura picked up Carrie and held her in between Mary and her. “That is so nice, Carrie. What made you think of baby Charles?”

Carrie nibbled on her bottom lip. “Mama said baby Charles was in heaven, and heaven has angels.”

 Mary and Laura hugged their baby sister. Laura hoped she would remember this moment the next time Carrie aggravated her.

“Do you think you can make a snow angel all by yourself this time?” asked Mary. 

Carrie nodded. Laura put her down and Carrie sat in the snow right next to her first snow angel. With a little extra help from Mary and Laura, she made another snow angel. Laura and Mary helped her up and they all looked down on the four snow angels.

The snow had lightened to flurries while they played. Laura figured it must almost be time for Pa to come out and feed the horses. The three girls walked to the front door and stomped off their feet before heading inside.

Carrie raced over to Pa, who sat at the kitchen table wiping down his fiddle. Laura didn’t expect that he would play tonight, but she always enjoyed watching him as he lovingly care for his instrument.

“Come see my snow angels, Papa. Come see my snow angels,” said Carrie.

Ma glanced at them from her rocking chair, where she darned one of Pa’s socks. “Your cheeks are as red as cherries, Carrie. You must be cold.”

Carrie shook her head. “Not cold. Come see the snow angels.” 

Pa shrugged at Ma and they both put down what they were doing. Ma grabbed her shawl before stepping outside followed by Pa, who held Carrie in his arms.

“Those are some pretty snow angels,” said Pa.

Ma crinkled her nose in confusion. “Why are there four of them?”

Laura was about to answer, but she saw Carrie raise her arm, so she didn’t speak.

“Mary, Laura, me, and baby Charles,” said Carrie as she pointed at each one.

Laura saw Ma’s eyes fill with tears. When she looked at Pa, his lower lip trembled, as if he was trying not to cry.

Ma kissed Carrie’s cheek. “How nice of you to remember your baby brother in heaven.”

Pa’s arm encircled Ma’s waist.

“Ma?” said Laura. “Do they celebrate birthdays in heaven?”

The gentle smile that usually greeted Laura in the morning shone across Ma’s face. “I don’t know, Laura, but isn’t it nice to think of your brother having a party with God and his angels today?”

The thought of baby Charles having a heavenly party sounded so much better to Laura than remembering him as the little brother she lost. Even if she knew she would see him again one day, that seemed like such a long time away.

“I am going to think of baby Charles having parties in heaven whenever I feel sad that he isn’t here.”

“That sounds like a great idea, Half-pint.”

The snow had stopped, and the sun broke through the clouds, making the snow sparkle like a sea of diamonds. Laura and Mary gasped. 

“How pretty!” they said.

“Pretty,” repeated Carrie.

Pa, Ma, Mary, and Laura laughed. Laura found the sound of Ma’s and Pa’s laughter soothing after the sad day they endured. She raised her gaze to the sky as the sun continued to shine. Thank you, God, for this special gift on my brother’s birthday.

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos – All Rights Reserved.