Mystics of the Tuolumne

Perambulation #

"Yes, thank you, they are beautiful aren't they?"  Albert would make this reply dozens of times as he pushed the twins in their pram while promenading with Dahlia on his arm.  Even among the Yankees, they were a spectacular sight to behold.  They would take the horse drawn trolley down to Lake Merrit where they would take the air under the canopy of the gray-green eucalyptus trees,

"Albert, I think you are making a show of us and these children."  Dahlia was proud and contented by Albert's adoration.

"Indeed, madame, that is exactly what I am doing."  Albert smiled as he strode around the lake in utter delectation.  "Can you see through them like we do each other?"

"Yes, but not like with you.  It is clear sometimes but mostly like the fog."  Dahlia was the happiest she had ever in been in her life.  "And you?"

"The same.  I don't try too hard.  I don't know how it affects them."  Albert was protective of his family. "Let's start for home.  I have reading and a presentation in my seminar this week."

The rest of spring was mild weather.  Dahlia and Marie planted a garden earlier and it was already yielding calabasitas.  The twins grew exponentially while being breastfed.  Albert wrapped up his studies and was granted his master's degree in Science of the Mind.  Dahlia trained Oramil in the techniques and methods of automatic writing.  She continued giving him the grain prices in Chicago.

"I have to go to the Presidio this weekend.  I am teaching ballistics to the new officers this summer."  Albert loved working there and he loved his men.  The fact that he could work the math in his head and could consult with Dahlia with no one knowing was downright fun.

"You make sure you have those cannon pointed in the right direction."  Dahlia laughed.  As long as it was just to the Presidio of San Francisco she did not mind letting him play soldier.

Ericia, BJ, and Joel visited for a week and brought cheeses and more baby clothes made by Abuela.  "Tell Abuela that I am coming for Winter Solstice.  I really have to wait until the babies are 6 months old."

"Maybe I won't tell her because she will bother me every day until you come."  Ericia was shaking her head just thinking about it. "Where is BJ?"

"He is out walking the babies."  He is a really proud Grandpa.  Dahlia was proud of him.  "Joel went too."

"I am so glad everyone is here.  I have some interesting news."  Albert was a little hesitant.  "Some of the population in the Philippine Islands are in rebellion against us and their own government that is supported by us."

"No....no....you are not going.  Not now."  Dahlia was on the warpath.

"He has to darlin'.  he's a soldier."  BJ calmly explained.

"I don't care."  Everyone was trying to calm her.

"It's more dangerous for me in my own home than it is in the rebellion over there."   Albert was amused at Dahlia's completely expected reaction.  "The good news is that I don't have to go tomorrow."

"I think you are pushing your luck now, my brother."  Joel lifted one eyebrow then laughed.

Unfortunately for Albert Ericia, BJ, and Joel had to entrain to Modesto the following morning.

Before they left, Dahlia pulled her mother away for a private talk.  "Mamma, please drop by and see oramil, Albert's brother.  I think he has the same sickness as Mr. McKinley, Senior.  Just check and see what you think, please"

Two weeks later a letter arrived from Ericia.  "Hija Mia, I regret to inform you your suspicions turn out to be correct.  I expect the results to be the same.  I don't know if you should tell Albert before he ships to Manilla.  Tu Madre."  

That evening, Albert returned from the Presidio early with a large envelope.  "I must sail for the Philippine Islands on Monday next."

"I will make your last days here a joy because you know how much I love you."  Dahlia slowly walked to him and placed her palms on his chest and allowed him to draw her close for a passionate kiss and all that should follow.

A week of tenderness and passion with an ample sprinkling of family time proceeded the ship departing for Manila.  Dahlia was amused at what she saw of the voyage.  The endless blue sea and the occasional clouds in an otherwise empty blue sky. 

Dahlia started back at the veterinary school one day a week.  She expressed milk in advance so Marie could feed the babies while she was gone.  The time with Albert overseas passed quicker than she expected.  The babies and her increasing workload at the veterinary barn made it seem like time was racing against the clock.

Ericia continued to send the increasingly depressing news of Oramil's health.  Otherwise, there was no contact with Modesto from Albert's side of the family. Marie and Dahlia discussed that there must have been something terribly wrong on that side of the family.

"My darling Albert:," The letter began. "The twins seem to grow daily.  They are smiling and showing different personalities.  Your son is definitely your boy when he eats.  He spits milk on me and paints with it.  Naming him Albert Robert III was perfect.  Your daughter smiles and laughs all the time.  They love their Aunt Marie.  Our watermelons will be ready for harvest next week.  We are becoming wealthy farmers.  I love you.  Be careful  Your true love, Dahlia"

Dahlia wrote every day whether or not she communicated through their "gifts"  or not.  Marie asked her parents to sent Albert large boxes of raisins and dried apricots.  Every week the local Volunteer commander came to Dahlia and brought fresh vegetables and usually some beef or poultry.  Dahlia was also spoiled by the Veterinary College.  They gave her fresh milk daily.  They gave her so much that Marie began making yoghurt and cheese.

Oramil sent a stipend every month to Marie Therese.  Oramil was a good man caught between two narrow-minded women.