Harvest of Love

Chapter 20

                   I spend Christmas Eve enjoying Clem's company. We play cards and swap stories the entire day. We talk about my family, well, the loss of my brother mostly. Clem is adamant that I shouldn't spend too much time away before I try to make amends with my parents. I admit to being a little home sick, and I would like to try again with them. I can only hope that time and distance have softened them to accept me for who I am. After a hearty beef stew dinner, I decided to go ahead and pack my bag. I plan to leave out Christmas day sometime, once the shine of the holiday starts to fade. I'm zipping up my duffel bag that sits a top of my bed when there is a knock at our door. Clem shuffles over and opens it.

"Well, Becky, Merry Christmas!" Clem is quick to usher her inside out of the cold. I slowly straighten from my stooped position from zipping my bag. The movement catches Rebecca's eye, and she glances down at the duffel. Her eyes quickly dart back to mine. "What did you bring us there?" Clem asks, motioning to the large thermos in her hands, and her attention returns back to Clem.

"Oh, I wanted to share the fresh apple cider with you . . . and wish you Merry Christmas since we plan to leave early tomorrow to spend part of the holiday with Harlow's family.

"That's thoughtful of you. I'll get us some mugs." While Clem goes to the kitchen, Rebecca turns back towards me.

"Are . . . are you leaving as well?" she asks softly.

"Yeah, tomorrow. Same as you," I say with a resigned half smile. Resigned, due to the knowledge that this would be the last time I would probably ever see her. I don't want it to be in anger. I'd like to think I can be gracious and wish her well sincerely.

"Where will you go?"

"I'm not exactly sure. Wherever there is work, I guess."

"And what about MaryBeth?"

I shake my head slowly. "It didn't work out."

"I'm sorry. I thought . . . you would be good together."

            There's a pregnant pause between us, full of so much that wants to be said, but nothing that can actually be delivered. Clem returns with the mugs.

"Why didn't you bring Harlow with you?" Clem asks. "I'd have liked to met him."

"He and Daddy had to make a run into town, so I thought it would be a good time to visit."

Because Harlow would never be okay with her coming to the cabin of the guy he is rightfully suspicious of, I think to myself.

"Oh well, maybe another time then." Clem motions for us all to go sit at the table. Clem and Rebecca make small talk. He asks about the wedding plans, and she answers remotely. There's no inflection of happiness that a bride to be would normally have, and I wonder if maybe she is holding back on account of my presence. She must know this isn't easy for me to hear. You'd think Clem would realize that as well, but for whatever the reason he continues to ask question after question as if I'm not here, breathing in the sweet smell of her perfume.

"Mason, you're being awfully quiet. Don't you have something to say to Becky?" Clem interrupts my thoughts making me jump a little. Rebecca glances my way. I look up from staring at my now empty mug and look directly into her big brown eyes.

"I wish you happiness. I truly do," I say sincerely. We hold each other's gaze for a moment. I notice the sheen of unshed tears that she quickly blinks away.

"I . . . I should go. It's getting late." Rebecca stands abruptly. She gives Clem a hug wishing him once again a Merry Christmas.

"Don't be a stranger, okay?" Clem admonishes. She nods and hugs him once more.