A Place Where I Belong, Page 2

  Chapter 2

  As they drive along the familiar highways, Mandy talked about where she had lived as a child. She pointed out the church she had faithfully attended until moving away to go to college. Buddy listened quietly and asked encouraging questions when she paused. She learned that they had been in high school at the same time, but he had gone to high school in Loomis instead of Carmelita High School. When she learned Buddy had played football in high school, she wondered if she had ever seen Buddy play football when they travelled over to play against the Loomis High School Lobos. She had been a cheerleader and had gone to all the games, so she had probably seen him. The schools were about ten miles apart so she figured they might have seen each other before, but just didn’t remember. They both agreed it was amazing that they had lived so few miles apart and had just met as adults.

  Before entering the cemetery, Buddy and Mandy got out at the flower stand. There wasn’t much variety left since it was already mid-afternoon, but Mandy found a couple of bunches that looked fresh. She bought them and put them in the truck. When Buddy drove in, Mandy directed him to veer to the middle road and follow it around for about 500 feet. “I think this is fairly close to where my parents are buried, but it has been so many years since I was here last that I may be way off.”

  They got out of the truck and began walking slowly down the rows of headstones. Mandy wandered off to the right, then stopped and looked down on her parents’ graves. She knelt down by the graves and tried to remove the containers that would hold the flowers. Buddy saw the problem. He hurried back to the truck, got a knife and screwdriver and hurried to her side. He quickly cut away the grass and extracted the two metal vases. They were filled with grass, roots, and scummy water. He took them over to the faucet and cleaned them out. When he brought them back, he noticed that she had used his knife and cleared overgrown grass from around the headstones.

  Mandy separated one bunch of flowers, putting some in each vase. She sat back and looked at their work. “I’m lucky you were here with me. I would never have been able to get those vases out by myself. Thank you so much, Buddy,” she said gratefully.

  Buddy noticed a hint of tears lingering behind her eyes. He helped her to her feet. She picked up the other bouquet. “Would you mind helping me with my grandparents’ graves, too?” she asked softly.

  “Lead the way, ma’am,” he said politely. It took a few minutes to find the other location, but they discovered it about two hundred yards to the north. Buddy cleaned these vases, too. Soon they were filled with fresh water and flowers. They walked back to her parent’s graves. Mandy looked down and sighed. “They’ve been dead for a long time now, but I still miss them,” she sighed.

  Buddy watched her look down at her parents’ graves again. “Would you like to spend a few minutes here? There’s a bench over there where you can sit. I’ll wait in the truck if you want some time alone here.” he suggested quietly.

  “Thanks for being so thoughtful and sensitive. I would like to sit here for a few minutes. After they died, when I had things to decide, I used to come here to think sometimes. You don’t have to go away, unless you’d feel more comfortable in your truck. It’s really nice having you here with me,” Mandy answered with a shy smile. They sat silently on a nearby bench for a few minutes. When Buddy put his arm loosely around her shoulders, Mandy leaned closer to him.

  While they drove back to Carmelita, Buddy asked, “Did you find what you were hoping to find there?”

  “I found my family roots and some more happy memories of the time when I felt safe and loved. I know true peace can only come from God. I know that peace is here inside me still; but it has just been so long since I’ve clearly felt it. Thanks to you, this has been a good beginning for my search,” Mandy smiled at him.

  “Where have you been living since you left here?” Buddy asked.

  “I don’t think I have really been living at all. I existed for the last twelve years in Montana. Since last July, I have been wandering aimlessly searching for something I lost during that time,” Mandy answered.

  “What was that?” Buddy asked.

  “Myself. During that time, I lost sight of who I really am. That probably sounds crazy to you, but the last eight years were the worst period of my life. I am still carrying memories and scars from Montana. I keep praying that God will remove them and restore my peace. I know God is faithful, and He will answer my prayer. In the meantime, I just keep searching and trying to keep an open heart so I will hear His voice and recognize where He wants me to be. You probably think I’m some kind of a religious nut, but it was only through God’s grace, protection, and mercy that I survived Montana.”

  ”I don’t think that’s crazy at all. I have been listening for God’s leading all my life. I know He is Faithful and True. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Mandy. I am hoping that you have already found that place. Why not stick around here for a while? This area was good for you in the past; it may be the right place for you now, too,” Buddy urged.

  “That sounds good, but I’ve always heard that you can never go home again, because it will have changed. I know I’ve grown and changed a lot since I left here, too,” she said.

  “Only time will tell if this is the right place for you. Maybe it has changed and become an even better place for you now. I will pray that you find all you want and need here and now. This is a nice place to live. There are many people around here that are caring and loving. Give it some time,” Buddy said finally.

  “Thanks for your help today and for your prayers. I’m sorry we got off to such a bad start today,” Mandy said.

  “I’m not sure if I am sorry about that or not!. If you had just come in, sat down at a table and played cards, I doubt if we would have even spoken. Maybe this was God’s leading that brought us together today. Maybe this is part of God’s plans for your life, Mandy,” Buddy added with a smile.

  Buddy drove back to Carmelita and headed over to Ginny’s house. Mandy got out of her car and noticed the house was still dark and empty. She got into her car and followed Buddy as he drove east toward the small town of Loomis. Just south of the town, Buddy turned right onto a winding gravel road and headed toward a group of buildings. He parked in front of the largest one, and Mandy pulled in next to his truck.

  She got out of her car and looked around. There were no annoying, flashing neon signs in sight. There were just a couple of cars parked around the buildings. It certainly didn’t look like a typical motel. Mandy looked around and saw horses in a corral, and she sighed with pleasure. It was quiet and peaceful after the noise and traffic of the cities she had been staying in. It looked friendly and inviting, and she realized she was tired of the same old motel routine.

  Before she had moved away from her car, the front door opened and Melanie came rushing down the steps with three little children in tow. The kids made a beeline towards Buddy. They jumped into his arms. He caught them and spun them around amid squeals of laughter. Melanie rushed over, gave her a hug, and grabbed her suitcase and carried it into the nearest house.

  An older man and woman walked out of the house and down the steps. The woman hugged Buddy, then turned and gave Mandy a big hug, too. The man reached out and shook Mandy’s hand.

  “Welcome to Turner Ranch,” he said with a low drawl. “It’s a pleasure to have you come and stay with us. Melanie will show you to your room. If you need anything, just holler.”

  Melanie led Mandy upstairs to a large simply decorated bedroom. In the center of the room was a large four poster bed covered by a blue, tan, and brown log cabin quilt. There were photographs of children on the wall. It struck Mandy how comfortable and homey the room was. It was certainly a great change from the usual impersonal motel room.

  Melanie put her suitcase beside the bed. “The bathroom is across the hall. You’ll be the only one using it—unless, one of my kids sneaks in
side the house. There are clean towels, shampoo, soap, and even a new toothbrush in the bathroom for you to use. Isn’t this much better than a motel room?” Melanie asked.

  “Yes, it’s so beautiful and relaxing. I love being able to look out at the horses. I have always loved horses. Would it be all right to go out and look at them later?” Mandy asked.

  “Sure! Make yourself at home. Maybe tomorrow we can go for a ride. Do you know how to ride?” Melanie asked.

  “I’ve ridden horses all of my life. I was raised on a small ranch. My dad taught me how to ride, rope cattle, fix fences, milk cows, and do almost every chore that had to be done on the ranch. Being here is almost like going back to my childhood days. That is a special treat for me. Thanks for arranging this for me, Melanie. I feel so much happier now than I did yesterday.”

  “The others have eaten dinner already, but they have supper waiting for you and Buddy. If you are hungry or thirsty, come on down. Buddy’s gone to wash up, but he’ll be back soon. I imagine he’s pretty hungry by now, too. Come on down when you are ready and get something to eat and drink. You can meet my kids, too, if you want to.”

  “That sounds good to me. I love kids, and I just realized I’m hungry. It smells so good; my mouth is already watering,” Mandy exclaimed.

  As they walked downstairs, Melanie explained, “Paul, Lisa, Chris and I live in the house next door. I need to get them bathed and in bed soon, but they’ve been hopping up and down with excitement wanting to meet you. They love it when people stay here. They are a little wild, but they are wonderful kids. Of course, I might be a tad prejudiced about that! They dearly love their Uncle Buddy, and he’s really great with them.”

  When they entered the dining room, three little kids ran and hugged Melanie. They looked at Mandy curiously, but stayed partially hidden behind Melanie. When Mandy looked at them, they disappeared behind their mother.

  “Are we playing peek-a-boo?” Mandy laughed. “You can come out of hiding. I don’t bite—unless you bite me first.”

  First a tow headed boy stepped out and smiled at her. “We aren’t allowed to bite,” he said seriously. A smaller girl peeked around and came a step forward. Finally a tiny red-headed boy edged up beside his sister.

  “That’s better,” Mandy encouraged them. “I’m glad you don’t bite. I was just kidding about biting. I’m not allowed to bite anyone either.”

  Melanie laughed and said, “These are my kids. Paul is my oldest one. He’ll be six next month. Next is my beautiful girl Lisa. She’ll be 5 in three months. The last little character is Chris. He just turned 2, but he says he’s a ‘big boy’ now.”

  Mandy said hello to each one in turn. “Paul, it is nice to meet you. I’ll bet you are a big help to your mother. You have the same pretty eyes that she has. Lisa, you are really beautiful. I think you look a lot like your mom, too. I like the pretty dress you are wearing. It has butterflies on it, and I like butterflies, too. Chris, I can see that you are a ‘big boy’. I’ll bet you like to do things by yourself. I think you may be like your Uncle Buddy. He seems to be a ‘take charge’ guy. I don’t know where you got your beautiful red hair, but I think if is wonderful.” Mandy concluded reaching out and tousling his hair.

  Chris giggled and looked down shyly.

  “We keep wondering where the red hair came from, too,” Buddy added. “I can’t find one person in our family tree with that color hair.”

  Melanie blushed and glared at Buddy. Before she could say anything, Mandy interjected, “Who cares! It just means he is a very special boy—a one-of-a-kind, just like his Uncle Buddy.”

  Chris walked over and held Mandy’s hand. He puffed out his chest and said, “That’s right! I’m going to be just like Uncle Buddy.”

  Mandy bent down and hugged him and said, “That sounds like a good plan for a big boy like you.”

  When Mandy looked up she saw Melanie quickly brush a tear from her cheek. Melanie looked at Mandy and mouthed, “Thank you.”

  Once seated at the large oval oak dining room table, Mandy smelled the delicious fragrance of beef stew and fresh-baked baked chocolate chip cookies. Melanie took big bowls of stew and warm, homemade bread and put them in front of Mandy and Buddy. She brought a large glasses of frosty cold milk and later added a cup of coffee to complete their meal. Everything was as delicious as it smelled, and soon both bowls were empty. Mandy noticed Buddy had showered and changed into a pair of shorts and a sweat shirt. He glanced at her and noticed she had been looking at him.

  Buddy smiled and sighed contentedly, “That was delicious, Mom, as usual,” he added.

  Madge smiled broadly, and said, “Thanks for noticing, Buddy.”

  “I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled and tasted the food. Thanks for keeping something hot for us to eat. I’m sorry we were late coming home. I wanted to visit my parents’ graves and stayed longer than I thought I would. Buddy was a big help, and he helped make something that could be very sad turn out to be very pleasant. I really appreciate your letting me stay here tonight,” Mandy said shyly.

  When they had finished the meal, Buddy turned to Mandy and said, “Mandy, I’d like you to officially meet Robert and Madge Turner, my folks.”

  Mandy smiled and said, “It’s nice meeting you. You have a beautiful home. Thanks for letting me stay.”

  “It is our pleasure,” Madge replied. “We love having company. Just make yourself at home.”

  After Melanie rounded her kids up and headed home to get them ready for bed, Mandy, Robert, Madge, and Buddy sat around the old walnut claw foot table eating chocolate chip cookies and finishing their glasses of milk and coffee.

  Madge said, “Melanie’s told us that you’ve been travelling around for a while. We are so happy to have you here with us. This house seems quiet and empty since our other kids grew up, got married, and moved out to homes of their own. The only ones left on the ranch are Melanie, her kids, and Buddy.

  Melanie hurried back inside, grabbed a few cookies and the kid’s jackets, and said, “They are in bed now, but I know they’ll want to get to know you better tomorrow, if that’s all right with you. If they start bugging you, just shoo them away. I’ve got to get home and make sure they are still in bed. Sleep well! See you tomorrow.”

  Robert said with a yawn, “We get up pretty early to do chores, but just sleep in as long as you want. Help yourself to anything you want to eat or drink. There’s almost always fresh bread and sandwich meat in the refrigerator. The coffee pot is brewing on the stove all day. The coffee is hot and strong. We are usually finished with chores before four o’clock and dinner is about five.”

  About 8:30 p.m., Robert and Madge excused themselves and headed off to bed. When they were gone, Mandy turned to Buddy and said quietly, ”Buddy, I thought Melanie got me a room at a motel or bed and breakfast place. Tell me the truth; this isn’t a bed and breakfast place, is it?”

  “No, not really, but we have lots of room here, and you see how happy Mom and Dad are to have you staying here. At least, this isn’t another boring motel room.”

  ‘I’ll bet you brought home stray dogs and cats when you were a little boy,” Mandy said with a knowing grin.

  “Yeah, I admit it. I did it, and Mom and Dad usually let me keep them,” Buddy grinned.

  “Well, don’t get your hopes up this time! Seriously, this is a real treat for me. I am really happy to be here now. You have such a great loving family. You have been blessed by God,” she said wistfully.

  “You are right about that! I love my family. I think they are great, too. I hope you’ll enjoy your time here. Just relax and enjoy yourself. You can stay here as long as you want. This is a working cattle ranch, and we all have chores to do in the morning. As much as I enjoy sitting here talking with you, I’d better say good night and go home to bed. I live in the last house on the other side of Melanie and her kids. You are we
lcome to stay up as long as you want. Just turn off the lights when you go upstairs.” Buddy said as he stood up to leave.

  Mandy stood up when he did. “I’m tired, too. I think I’ll go upstairs to bed now. Thanks again for allowing me to come here. It’s been wonderful getting to know Melanie and your parents, and you, too. They are so kind and real. I’ll see you in the morning,” Mandy said.

  “Good night, Mandy,” Buddy said giving her a quick hug and a light kiss on the cheek. “Go on up, and I’ll turn out the lights and lock the door for you.”

  Mandy turned on the staircase and said, “Sweet dreams, Buddy.”

  “Sweet dreams to you, too, Mandy,” Buddy said as he watched her walk up the stairs until she disappeared into his old bedroom. Then he locked and closed the door behind him and walked over to his house.

  It seemed unusually quiet and empty to him as he headed up to his bedroom. He undressed quickly and climbed into bed. His dreams contained disjointed memories of his day with Mandy. In his dream, when he knelt beside her at the diner, she answered yes and then stepped into his arms and kissed him. In the morning, his first thought was of Mandy. “Dear God,’ he prayed,” please protect Mandy. Help her find peace and safety and love here with me and my family, if it is your will for us.”