Finding Tasha

Chapter 12 Cold War

Over a week later Tasha and Jase were still avoiding on another. Tasha simply retreated into old habits, smiling benignly and leaving the room as he entered. She had always had a second sense about where he would show up and she would be somewhere else. If someone mentioned Jase she would deftly change the subject. It was not hard, she had years practice. Avoidance had become second nature.

Her family quickly fell into a routine. She would bring Daniel home from work, start supper while her two children reacquainted themselves playing basketball by the garage. They would eat supper, Daniel would head out with friends and Gabe would sit down to homework. Afterwards she would either head out to ride her bike or hang with Gina, or chat on the phone with other friends.

The only thing that seemed different about having them both home, was that they rarely bickered. They had always been closer than some other siblings but they certainly had the usual rivalry between them. Since Chas's death she noticed they were especially solicitous of one another. She supposed Daniel being away at college was also a factor. It was pleasant, though if she were honest, it felt a little false.

Late one night after getting off the phone, Gabe walked into the kitchen and asked, "Are we going to the farm this weekend, we haven't been all week and I just want to make sure that I get to go riding?"

"Sorry honey, I didn't realize you were missing the horses. With Jase staying at the farm until he finds a place to stay in town, I just wanted to give him his space. I guess we'll have to figure out a way to visit the horses and still not intrude."

"Mom we wouldn't be intruding with Jase," she whined.

"I'm glad you are so confident but we still have to make sure he knows we are coming, and that he's not busy. If you give him a call and let him know we are coming we can go on Saturday."

"Mom you are so weird. Jase is family."

"I am so glad you think so honey. Anyone can see how much he cares for both you kids. I'm glad you've got him." As she turned back to the dishes, she thought about how she was going to face him.

Saturday came too quickly as far as she was concerned. As she expected Jase was looking forward to Gabe visiting. Daniel also decided he would come for the day. He would drive his own truck so he could go to town in the early afternoon and meet a girl for dinner. She envied her how easy the young eased in and out of relationships sometimes.

When they arrived at the farm early Saturday afternoon, Tasha was surprised how nervous she was. They drove up the curving drive through the trees to where it opened up to the yard. Filled with day lilies and other perennials, the house was painted a muted blue with a veranda cradling two sides. It was a little worn at the edges but it was a cozy. It was a home with a comfy feel and the children and her had spent most weekends here before Jase had moved in. They went riding, and swimming in the fishing hole on the back of the property, and enjoying the peace and solitude of the country.

She had wanted to live here after her mother died but Chas had refused, saying it was too far from work. She purchased Nick's half of the farm in spite of Chas's disapproval, when he moved home to Jackson Crossing and needed a deposit for a house of his own. Chas had been angry but she had insisted and this small farm had become hers. Chas called it "The farm" and hated that she had always referred to it as 'home." She supposed she always would.

Pulling the car up to the house she noticed the veranda had been repaired. New supports had been placed under the once sagging structure and she could see the floor, once covered with aging damaged pine, had now been replace with an attractive cedar. The uprights were stained a dark blue and steps that, two weeks ago had been crooked and needing replacing were straight, with an attractive railing.