For personal use and select distribution only © April 2001 by "Tiff" Amber Stockton
"Brian." Miss Teresa put down the bell. "May I see you one moment before you leave?"
Brian had just gathered his books and was standing with Sarah at Colin's desk waiting for him to do the same. He turned towards the teacher. "Yes, ma'am, I'll be right there."
"Here, let me help," Sarah offered, gathering one of Colin's books and stacking it on top of another one. Colin took the slate and things Sarah handed him and hesitated as Brian walked to the teacher's desk.
"Uhh..," Brian began and looked back at Colin and Sarah. "Colin, why don't you and Sarah wait outside for me? As soon as I finish talkin' to Miss Teresa, I'll stop by and get you."
Colin looked at Brian hesitantly, but seeing Sarah smile and offer her hand, he nooded and walked with her out the door.
"I'll be out soon," Brian called, then turned his attention to the teacher. "Yes, ma'am?" He looked at her questioningly.
Miss Teresa had watched the young boy until he had disappeared outside, then smiled at Brian. "I would like you to write something for our school spring festival. Do you think you will be able to do this?"
"Do you want a speech, or a story, or what?" Brian asked.
Miss Teresa smiled. "Maybe it can be something the children can recite. If you do this, it will need to be simple."
"I can try," Brian agreed. "When do you need it?"
"It needs to be completed by the end of next week," Miss Teresa began, then shifted her focus to the doors at the other end of the schoolhouse. "Brian, has Colin spoken to Dr. Quinn about his family?"
Brian shook his head. "He seems to avoid any talk about parents. He says his mama was pretty and had long hair like Dr. Mike one time, but never mentions a father. Ma and pa try not to push him. He's beginning to trust pa and me a little more, but he's still very cautious."
"It is very important for him to learn to trust. That is a good thing." She paused and turned her gaze back to Brian. "That is all I wanted to ask you. I know you will give it your best effort. Please come to me if you have any questions."
"Yes, ma'am," Brian replied, gathering his books to him and turning towards the doors. "Bye, Miss Teresa," he called and opened the door to join Sarah and Colin. "Ready to go?"
"Yes," Sarah answered and the trio walked across the bridge into town.
* * * * *
"Hey, Colin," Jake Slicker called as he came out of his shop and saw the three stepping up onto the boardwalk outside the clinic. "Brian, Sarah," he acknowledged. "Dr. Mike ain't there," he pointed out as he saw Brian go to knock.
"Do ya know where she went?" Brian asked.
"No, but saw her head outta town about half hour ago," Jake replied.
"Well, we were supposed to leave Colin with her, and I gotta get to Ms. Dorothy's to work," Brian stated.
"I need to go to Miss Craven's to get Katie," Sarah added. "I guess Colin can come with me."
"Shave an' a haircut, Jake." A customer walked up the steps to Jake's shop, and Jake turned to nod at the man before turning back to the three, his eyes on Colin. "Why don't you let Colin stay here with me until you get back, Sarah? He can watch me and I can bring him over when ya get back."
Brian hesitated. "I don't know, Mr. Slicker."
"I'll keep a good eye on him. What do you say, Colin? Would ya like to watch me cut the man's hair?" Jake smiled at the boy.
Colin looked from Jake to Brian and nodded.
Still not sure about what to do, Brian couldn't help but notice the excited twinkle in the boy's eyes at the prospect of watching Jake Slicker work. He looked at Sarah, who shrugged her shoulders, then looked back at Jake. "I guess it'll be all right."
"Would you like me to come and get him when I come back, Mr. Slicker?" Sarah asked.
"Sure, and don't worry. I'll take good care of him." Jake smiled at Colin. "Come on, Colin. You can sit on one of the blocks right next to my customer and watch." He motioned for the boy to walk ahead of him, and when they walked into the shop, he placed a block on the floor and lifted Colin onto it.
Brian and Sarah watched and smiled at Colin's excitement, and Sarah turned to leave. "I'm going to go to Miss Craven's and get Katie."
"Yeah, I gotta get to work," Brian replied.
"Good afternoon Sarah, Brian," Michaela greeted, coming around the corner on Flash. She quickly dismounted and tied Flash's reins to the post. "Where's Colin and Katie?"
"Colin's with Mr. Slicker, and I'm on my way to Miss Craven's to get Katie," Sarah replied.
At Michaela's curious glance towards Jake's, Brian added, "He asked if Colin could stay and watch him do his barbering and Colin seemed so excited, I didn't have the heart to tell him no. Sarah's gonna pick him up when she gets back. I hope it's all right, Ma."
Michaela thought a moment. "He seems to have taken a liking to Jake, more so than any other man. I suppose it will be all right."
"I'll go to Miss Craven's," Sarah announced and left.
"Thanks, Ma." Brian kissed her quickly on the cheek and left. "I'll see ya at home," he called back as he walked next door to the Gazette office. "Sorry I'm late, Miss Dorothy," he began as he put his books down on one of the desks. "Are you ready for me to set the print?"
"No problem, Brian, and yes, indeed. The layout is almost done, so you can start the printing," Dorothy replied. "Tomorrow's edition should be a good one, almost six pages."
Brian smiled. "That's great, Miss Dorothy. You can really tell how much Colorado Springs has grown since you began the paper." He looked at the pride in Miss Dorothy's face and then busied himself with the task of printing the paper.
* * * * *
Colin sat very still on the block, his eyes growing larger as he watched Mr. Slicker cut the man's hair. He knew that Mr. Slicker had cut his hair, too, but he was so scared that he couldn't even remember anything about it. As he watched the hair fall down, he suddenly closed his eyes very tightly, trying to force away a memory of his mother screaming while his father was cutting her hair off with a large knife. He remembered how his mama's long hair was lying all over the dirty floor and his father stomping on it as he finally left his mama alone, huddled on the floor, trying to gather up the long tresses that made his mama so pretty.
"Colin, are you all right?" Jake Slicker had noticed the boy cowering on the block like a trapped animal.
Colin stared at Jake, but his eyes were blurry with tears. He tried to make himself even smaller by putting his knees against his chest.
Jake saw the fear and pain in the boys eyes and went closer to him. "It's all right, Colin. No one's gonna to hurt ya."
Colin was visibly shaking and continued staring at Jake. "Pa... he, my pa, he..." he began and then hid his face in his arms.
Jake looked at his customer. "I'll owe you a shave," he told him as he motioned for him to leave. "No charge," he continued as the man first looked at the boy and then at Jake.
"Sure, I'll be back tomorrow," the man told Jake as he put on his hat and left the barber shop.
Jake sat down and watched the boy for a few moments. Finally, he reached his arm toward him and gently stroked his back. "It's all right, boy. Everything's all right." He continued stroking the boy's back, whispering words to assure him that no one was going to hurt him.
Finally, Colin's sobs quieted and he peered hesitatingly at Jake.
"Are ya hungry?" Jake asked. When Colin nodded, Jake continued, "Fine. Let's go over to Grace's and get you somethin' to eat. How's that?"
Colin hesitated. "Sarah... she..."
"I don't think she'd mind." Jake replied. "In fact, Mrs. Slicker is on her way here. Maybe she can eat with us. What do ya think?"
Colin shrugged and slowly slid off the block. With another glance at Jake, he nodded and took the hand Mr. Slicker offered him.
Jake saw Sarah outside the clinic and motioned to her. "Sarah, will ya tell Dr. Mike I'm gonna take Colin with me to Grace's?" He looked at her concern and continued, "Colin was a little upset and I thought I'd treat him to a meal. I can bring him by the clinic later."
Sarah noticed Colin's red eyes and knew he had been crying, but seeing Jake's concerned expression, she stooped down in front of the boy. "Do you want to go with Mr. Slicker, Colin? I'm going to be at the clinic with Katie and Dr. Mike. It's your choice."
Colin had been watching the exchange and nodded slowly.
"You not come with us?" Katie asked, putting her thumb in her mouth, her other hand holding tight to Sarah's.
"I'm going with Mr. Slicker," Colin replied and smiled at the little girl. He reached out and patted her head.
Katie pulled her thumb out of her mouth as she blew a kiss to him. "Bye-bye, Col-win."
Sarah smiled at them both. "We'll see you later."
Colin nodded and waited for Mrs. Slicker to join them before following them to the café.
"What would you like, Colin?" Teresa asked when Lydia came over to wait on them.
"I can have anything I want?" Colin was surprised as he looked at his hosts. When they nodded, he turned to Miss Lydia. "Apple pie, please, and some milk."
The waitress couldn't help but smile and noticed that both Jake and Teresa were smiling at the little boy. She wrote it down and turned to Jake. "And you, Mr. and Mrs. Slicker, what will you have?"
Jake looked at his wife who nodded. "Same thing," he added. "For both of us."
As he ate his food, Colin kept looking around at the other patrons. He noticed several families with children nearby and sighed contently as he looked at Mr. and Mrs. Slicker.
Several bemused glances passed between Jake and Teresa as they watched the boy eat with such gusto.
"Would you like another piece?" Teresa asked him when he put his fork down, having all but licked his plate clean.
"I can have another?" Colin couldn't believe it. He nodded enthusiastically and smiled broadly.
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. Colin was too busy with his pie to pay much attention to the grown-ups. He did manage a glance at them every now and then, but they, too, seemed to be enjoying the dessert, and thus allowed him to eat without being watched. When he finished the last bite, Colin downed the last few sips of milk and then sat back, waiting for the grown-ups to finish.
Unknown to Colin, Teresa had been watching him eat. She found it hard to believe that such a little boy could eat as much as the grown-ups, but, she was glad that he was responding a little more like a child and seemed to be more relaxed and less cautious.
"That was excellent," Jake informed Lydia when she came to see if there was anything else they might want. "Thank Grace and Anna Marie for the good food." He paid the bill and left a generous tip as he motioned for Teresa and Jake to follow him.
Colin immediately sought and found Jake's hand and put his other hand into Teresa's and again walked with a smile on his face as they headed toward the clinic. Jake knocked on the door.
Michaela opened the door and smiled. "I just finished with my last patient for the day.. That's perfect timing." She looked at Colin. "Did you have a good time?"
Colin nodded and reluctantly let go of Jake and Teresa's hands. "Thank you," he told them as he went to stand beside Michaela.
"Don't mention it," Jake replied.
"He behaved like a little gentleman," Teresa added. "Thank you for letting us take him." She looked at the little boy standing beside Dr. Quinn and noticed that the twinkle in his eyes had faded. She tried to smile as she linked her arm through her husband's. "I will see you in school tomorrow, Colin," she stated and with a nod toward Michaela she allowed Jake to lead her toward the barber shop.
Colin watched them until they disappeared into the shop, then followed Dr. Mike into the clinic to join Sarah and Katie.
Katie was happy to see Colin and hugged him. "I miss you."
Colin seemed embarrassed, but allowed Katie to hug him. "I ate pie with Mr. and Mrs. Slicker at the café over there." He pointed toward Grace's Cafe. "It was real good."
"Well, I have some paper work to do, so why don't the three of you play, and we'll be ready to head home very soon," Michaela suggested. At Sarah's nod, she walked back into the main room, pulling the door to behind her.
* * * * * * * * * *
When it was time to head home, Mrs. Sheehan came to pick up Sarah, and Michaela lifted Colin and Katie onto the bench of the wagon, which Robert E had brought over. Flash was tied to the back, and seeing that both the children were safely seated, Michaela headed them toward the homestead. When they arrived, Sully and Brian were already waiting for them.
"You're just in time," Sully stated as he helped his wife off the wagon, kissed her, and then took his daughter into his arms. "Hi, Kates." He kissed her, too, then patted Colin on the back when he jumped off the wagon. "How was your day, Colin?"
"Good." Colin shrugged, and started toward the house.
Sully looked at Michaela and shrugged. "At least he didn't shrink away this time."
Michaela nodded. "He spent most of the afternoon with Jake and Teresa," she informed her husband as they went inside and into the kitchen to prepare supper. Sully put Katie down and watched his daughter walk over to the rug in front of the fireplace to play with Colin. Brian went and sat over in one of the wingback chairs and picked up on the of the newspapers Dorothy had sent home with him.
"Jake and Teresa?" Sully asked, turning his attention back to his wife.
Michaela smiled and nodded again. "It seems Brian had to talk to Teresa after school, so, he told Colin to wait with Sarah outside. When they arrived at the clinic, I wasn't there, and Sarah had to go to Miss Madeleine's to get Katie. Jake saw them and asked Colin to watch him work while Brian went to the Gazette and Sarah left to get Katie. When Sarah returned, Jake talked Sarah into letting him go with him and Teresa to get something to eat. Sarah said Colin seemed to be quite willing to go, so I didn't mind. When Jake returned, Colin looked happier than I had ever seen him before. I'm glad he had the opportunity to be with them."
Sully sat down and then looked at his wife. "Do you suppose... I mean, Colin needs a good home and although we're more than willin' to provide that, he needs somethin' permanent. Maybe Jake and Teresa might just be the answer..."
"From what I've seen of Mrs. Slicker," Michaela began, "she seems to be quite fond of Colin. If that goes deeper, I don't know. I know she was very disappointed when she came to see me and wondered why she couldn't seem to get pregnant. She wants a child very badly, but I think it's a child of her own." She sighed. "Colin is quite taken with them, especially with Jake. I think he would be good for them and they for him, but we can't act too hastily. It's going to require some time and thought." She turned towards the stove and busied herself preparing supper.
* * * * *
The next morning, Colin was up at the first light of dawn. He quickly got dressed and went downstairs. He saw that Sully was lighting the logs in the fireplace and tried to back up before he was seen, but Sully had noticed him before he could retreat.
"Mornin', Colin. You're up early." Sully greeted him with a smile. "And all dressed, too. Plannin' on goin' somewhere?"
Colin shook his head. "No...I was just...." but he stopped when he heard footsteps behind him.
"Hey, Colin," Brian greeted him and walked past him. "I'm gonna do my chores, Pa," he announced and walked out the door.
"Can I help?" Colin looked at Sully.
Sully said, "I'm finished here, but, you can help Brian in the barn. I think the eggs need to be gathered and maybe give some hay to the horses. Then, by the time you finish, Dr. Mike'll have breakfast ready. How's that?"
"Good," Colin replied and for the first time since he'd been staying with them, he actually smiled at Sully as he passed him to run out to help Brian.
"Was that Colin who just ran out?" Michaela asked as she came downstairs.
"Yep," Sully replied as he waited until she came over to him. "Mornin'. Sleep well?"
Michaela kissed him lightly, not missing the teasing twinkle in his eyes. "You know very well how I slept," she responded and smiled when he raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the back. "Flapjacks sound all right for breakfast?"
"Sounds good to me." Sully moved to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her on the side of her neck and backed away. "I'll see how the boys are doin'," he announced and left her to go out the door to the barn.
Michaela smiled and began to prepare breakfast for them all, hoping Katie would sleep a little longer.
"Mama," Katie called from upstairs just as Michaela was putting a plate of flatcakes on the table.
"Just a moment, Katie," Michaela called to her little one. After calling outside to announce that breakfast was ready, she went upstairs and greeted her daughter with a kiss. "We'll have to hurry," she explained as she dressed her daughter. "Papa, Brian and Colin are waiting for breakfast."
* * * * *
"Brian," Colin began as they gathered their books for school. "Can I stay with Mr. Slicker again today?"
Brian was caught off-guard, not only by the question, but also because this was the first time Colin had actually addressed him by name. He looked at the small boy whose eyes glistened expectantly. "You'd have to ask ma," Brian advised him.
"Ask me what?" Michaela smiled at the boys as she handed them each a tin. "Don't forget your pails."
"Can I stay with Mr. Slicker after school?" Colin looked at her hopefully.
Michaela glanced at Sully who was wondering how his wife could handle this one. "Well, Colin," she began as she helped her daughter out of the high-chair. "We'll have to check with Mr. Slicker, and also, I think Katie missed you yesterday afternoon."
"Miss Colin," Katie nodded and took Colin's hand, pouting.
Colin looked at her and smiled. "I'll play with you."
"Good," Katie clapped her hands and then dragged Colin along as she followed her father out of the house. "Up, Papa?" She raised her arms to be picked up.
Sully grinned. "Sure, Kates." He easily picked her up and deposited her in the back of the wagon. He looked at Colin who seemed to be having problems climbing into the back while one hand held his books tightly against him, and the tin dangled from the other. Without asking, Sully put his hands under Colin's arms and lifted him over the side. "There you go," he added, then went to the front of the wagon. "Ready?" he asked Michaela when she came out of the homestead. When she nodded, he helped her up on the wagon seat, then joined her as Brian climbed into the back with Colin and Katie.
Colin had been caught off-guard when Mr. Sully lifted him up on the wagon, but before he could protest, Mr. Sully was already helping Dr. Mike. He had watched Mr. Sully with Katie and then with Dr. Mike and somehow felt that Mr. Sully was different from his own pa. He never hurt anyone and he seemed to care a lot for Katie, Dr. Mike, and Brian. Then he thought of Mr. Slicker and Mrs. Slicker and how nice they were to him.
"Catch, Col-win," Katie interrupted his thoughts as she rolled her ball toward him. When he reached to catch it, he accidentally bumped it, making it roll right off the back of the wagon. "Ball, ball!" Katie called out and watched it roll in the dirt, then began to cry.
Sully stopped the horses, then jumped off the wagon to retrieve the ball. He walked back and went over to Colin and with a smile, handed the ball to him and put the back board up on the wagon. "All set?" he asked everyone. At their nods of assent, he set the horses in motion again.
Colin was in awe. He was all set to get punished for causing the ball to roll off the wagon, and couldn't believe it when all Mr. Sully did was just give it to him. He looked at Katie and carefully rolled it back to her.
"Whee!!!" Katie grabbed the ball and before anyone could stop her, she threw the ball over the side of the wagon.
"No, Katie," Colin called, too late. He then looked at the others and curled up in a ball waiting for the ax to fall.
Michaela had seen her daughter hold the ball up, and seeing the mischievous look in her eyes, had tried to stop her from throwing the ball, but failed. "No, Kates," she admonished the still-laughing little girl.
Luckily, Sully had just started the wagon rolling, so Brian had no trouble hopping down this time. He couldn't help but smile at his sister's antics.
"Get ball, papa," Katie told her father when Brian hopped back into the wagon and handed the ball to Sully.
Sully looked at his daughter a moment. "I think I'll hold on to this until we get to town," he stated, ignoring his daughter's outstretched hand. With a half-smile at his wife, he shook his hair back from his face and focused on the road. It was then that he noticed Colin with his arms over his head trying to shield it as he made himself as small as he could. Sully handed the reins to Michaela and nodded to Colin, so she would know what he was doing. He saw that his tin had turned over and reached for the apple that had rolled out. "Don't forget this," he smiled as he held out the apple to the boy who was peeking out from the arms over his head.
Colin hesitatingly reached for the apple and mumbled a thanks as he took it and put it back into the pail.
"I want ball, papa," Katie insisted as she reached out her arm towards him.
They were nearing the clinic and Sully brought the wagon to a stop, then hopped down.
"Gotta go," Brian announced as he hopped down and slung his books over his back. "Come on, Colin." He helped the boy off the wagon.
"Just a moment," Michaela began as her husband helped her off the wagon. She looked at Brian and patted him on the back. Then she turned toward Colin. "Let's see," she smiled as she inspected his hands and face. "Good. Have a good day," she stated as she ruffled his hair before he ran to catch up with Brian.
"Bye, ma! Bye, pa," Brian called over his shoulder.
"Bye," Sully called to them, then put his arm around his wife. "I'll walk Katie over to Miss Madeline's, then I'll be headin' to Manitou this mornin' to get some fence posts for the north end of the meadow.
Michaela smiled. "Be careful," she whispered against him when he kissed her good-bye.
"I will," Sully smiled. "I should be home by suppertime." He waved to her and then went back to the wagon, moving Katie to the seat beside him and greeted Robert E and Grace as he passed them.
"Where you off to?" Robert E asked.
Sully stopped. "Goin' to Manatou to get some fence posts. Loren won't have any for another week, and I've gotta fix my fence."
"Want some company?" Robert E asked.
"Sure," Sully answered and noticed that Grace did not like the idea much as she tried to keep her twins from picking at each other.
"Looks like you got your hands full," Sully smiled as he watched little Olivia win the tug of war by pulling a blanket away from her brother.
Grace picked up her son who began crying when he lost control of the blanket. "It's all-right, Robert A, mama will get you another one." She kissed his tear-stained cheeck and then smiled back at Sully. "They are a handful, but a welcome one." She then turned to her husband who was already sitting on the wagon, waiting for Sully to leave. "Don't you think you're gettin' away with anythin', Robert E!" She shook a finger at him.
Robert E grinned at his wife. "I don't know what you're talkin' about, woman, but I'll see you this evenin'. Take care of my little ones." He waved at his children and a few minutes later, they were heading out of town.
Michaela had several patients to see and was just finishing updating her files when Teresa Slicker came in, with Colin in hand.
"Is something wrong?" Michaela asked and was at Colin's side in an instant.
Teresa put Colin in front of her. "Colin appears to be ill. He has complained of his head hurting and he couldn't keep his lunch down."
"Well, let's see what's wrong with you," Michaela began as she felt Colin's forehead. "You have a fever, too. Now, tell me exactly how you feel."
Colin swiped his hand across his forehead. "My head hurts and I feel sick to my stomach. And, I'm awfully tired."
Michaela lifted him up on her examination table and listened to his chest with her stethoscope. She removed his shirt and checked him more carefully. Seeing the little marks spotting his chest, she checked him a little more. "I think I see the culpret," she began and pushed the boy's hair back from his face.
"What is it?" Teresa asked.
Michaela rebuttoned Colin's shirt and helped him off the table. "I think Colin has the chicken pox. With is being spring, I think it's safe to say we'll have a number of cases before it runs its course."
"I got somethin' from the chickens?" Colin asked.
Michaela smiled and shook her head. "No, dear. Chicken pox is a kind of illness that causes little blisters to form all over you body, and they'll itch and you must do your best not to scratch. They have been around for a very long time, and it seems to affect mostly children. They call it chicken pox because the blisters resemble chick peas."
She paused to look into Colin's eyes and check his breathing. "What I don't understand is why he's suffering from a headache and upset stomach. There aren't usually any other symptoms which accompany chicken pox, except in rare cases, where the body simply isn't able to resist an infection." Smoothing back Colin's hair, she gave him a reassuring smile. "I believe it's just a simple cattarh in addition to the chicken pox. Nothing to cause any concern. Anyway, young man, I'm afraid there'll be no school for you for several days." She turned to Teresa Slicker. "I'm also certain it will spread rather quickly amongst the children, so I will recommend that the town council close the school until we are over the most of it. Have any of the other children complained of not feeling well?"
Teresa Slicker shrugged. "No, but I have noticed that Margaret and Marcus Windom have been absent for several days. Some of the children spoke of them being sick. I know Margaret was not feeling well the last day she was in school. I believe she told me she was very tired."
Michaela nodded. "Sounds like the right symptoms." She stopped suddenly. "Oh, dear, that means Katie has been exposed to it, too. I suppose we'll have our hands full." She thought a moment. "With a substantial amount of cases, I'll be here at the clinic anyway, so I'll simply keep Colin and Katie here with me and stay in town a few days, until the worst of it is over. Thank goodness Brian has already had them. I wonder if Sully has," she said more to herself.
"Dr. Quinn," Teresa began hesitatingly, "if school will be closed, it would be no trouble for me to take care of Colin at my home. This will give you freedom to care for the other children and your own daughter."
Michaela looked at her, then at Colin, whose eyes seemed to have brightened when Teresa mentioned taking care of him. "What do you say, Colin? Do you want to go with Mrs. Slicker? I'm certain we would have no trouble taking care of you and Katie at the homestead, but it's up to you."
Colin thought a few moments, then looked at Mrs. Slicker. "I'll be good," he promised and nodded towards Michaela. "I will, Dr. Mike."
"I know you will, Colin." Michaela stooped down and hugged him. "You know you don't have to go." She wanted to be certain he didn't feel as if she was sending him away.
Colin allowed her to hug him, then said, "I want to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Slicker." He then put his hand into Teresa's outstretched one, backing up his statement.
"Are there specific things which need to be done?" Teresa asked Michaela.
Michaela stepped away from them for a moment and opened her cabinet to retrieve a metal tin. "Chicken pox has to run its course. Once he starts itching, put some of this salve on and try to keep him as comfortable as possible, and make sure he doesn't scratch. Chicken pox often leaves scars where children scratch them off. With his catarrh, if he continues to run a fever, sponge him down a little and give him plenty to drink, to keep his temperature from getting too high. Should that happen, let me know right away." She smiled at Colin. "We'll miss you, but have a good time."
"I will." Colin smiled back at her.
"I will send Sully over with some of Colin's clothes later," Michaela told Teresa as she started to leave.
Teresa nodded. "Thank you, Dr. Mike. I think I will go see Jacob and tell him about closing the school. Perhaps Miss Dorothy can print an announcement in her paper."
"Yes, that is a good idea," Michaela replied. "I'll tell Brian, then get Katie from Mrs. Craven's and wait at the clinic a while. I am certain I'll be seeing more patients before the day is over. And, thank you. I know you'll take good care of Colin."
After they left, Michaela didn't have to wait long before two more mothers with their children came to the clinic. She gave them all the same instructions, explaining to them the stages of the illness. Before the afternoon was over, she had seen more than eight children who were showing signs of the illness. By the time Sully and Brian came by to pick her up to go home, she was exhausted, not only from the busy schedule, but also because Katie was also demanding much of her attention.
She allowed Sully to help her into the wagon seat, then pulled her daughter in her arms, stroking her back. She cast an encouraging smile at Sully, who picked up the reins and started the team towards home.
* * * * *
"Sully," Michaela began as they entered their homestead. "I forgot to ask you earlier, but have you had the chicken pox?"
Sully shrugged. "I guess so. I remember bein' stuck at home a couple of times when I was small, but can't say for sure what I had."
Michaela looked at him. "I hope you have had them. Chicken pox can be quite serious for adults, and especially males."
"How so?" Sully looked at her.
Michaela handed Katie to Brian and went towards the kitchen. Seeing Sully following her questioningly, she shrugged. "For some reason, adult males have a tendency to have it attack their... um... private areas, and that sometimes causes them to..." She broke off, embarassed at having to explain.
"To what?" Sully asked, a teasing grin on his face at Michaela's struggle to explain.
Michaela turned to face him. "It can cause them to become....it makes them unable to sire children," she finished in a rushed whisper.
"That so?" Sully asked teasingly as he walked toward her and drew her into his arms. "No chicken's gonna do that to me." He kissed her and smiled. "You can bet on that."
Michaela smiled back at him. "Well, chances are you've had them. Some of the children's parents remember having them as children, and your being from the East, it was much more prevalent there."
"Ma." Brian brought a crying Katie into the kitchen. "I can't do anythin' with her. She don't want to play, or have me read to her, or anything. I guess she don't feel very good."
"Doesn't," she corrected him, taking her crying daughter into her arms. "I'm sure she doesn't. It's all right, sweetheart, mama will help you feel better," she soothingly began as she rocked her back and forth, then walked to one of the wingback chairs and sat with her daughter in her lap. "Let's see if we can't help soothe your skin a little." She turned and looked over her shoulder at her husband. "Sully, can you wet a towel and get Katie's blanket, please?"
When he returned with the items, Michaela gently wiped her daughter's face and body with a cool, damp cloth, then wrapped her up in the blanket and cuddled her against her. "You're going to be fine, Katie," she whispered as she placed small kisses on her daughter's cheeks and forehead.
"I'll fix us somethin' for supper," Sully began as he headed toward the kitchen. He stopped and bent down to his wife and daughter. "Mama's right, Kates. You'll be just fine," he whispered as he kissed his daughter and wife, then continued toward the kitchen and began preparing something for them to eat.
* * * * *
"How's Colin?" Jake asked his wife when she joined him after putting the sleeping boy to bed.
Teresa sat down beside her husband. "He has been a turning about a little, but he finally went to sleep. I saw that more spots are appearing on his chest."
"Are you sure that's all right? Should we get Dr. Mike?" Jake seemed concerned.
Teresa smiled. "Dr. Quinn said to expect that, Jacob." She looked at him a moment. "You do not mind that I asked to take care of him?"
"Course not," Jake replied. "With Dr. Mike havin' her hands full with Katie and all the other children, it was good of ya to offer." He kissed her on the cheek. "Besides, I kind of like havin' him around."
Teresa didn't say anything more. Instead, she just leaned her head against her husband's shoulder and they watched the embers in the fireplace until they had all but died down.
"No, ma...no..." Colin's shrill cry shattered the quiet and both Jake and Teresa were on their feet immediately. When they entered the boy's room, they saw a crying Colin waving his arms wildly about as if trying to fight off an entire army.
"What is it, little one?" Teresa began as she sat down beside him and drew him into her arms, holding him tightly until his loud cries turned into soft sobs. "It is all right. No one is going to hurt you here." She rocked him gently back and forth until only an occasional whimper escaped the boy's lips.
Colin felt safe and slowly opened his eyes. "I had a bad dream," he confessed and snuggled closer against Teresa.
"Bad dreams can scare ya sometimes," Jake began as he, too, sat down beside his wife. "But, don't worry. We ain't gonna let nothin' happen to ya." He pushed the boy's hair back from his forehead. "Promise," he added when the boy again snuggled closer to Teresa.
Colin looked at Jake and slowly a smile appeared on his tear-stained face. Minutes later, he was fast asleep again.
"I guess we should call it a day, too," Jake began in a whisper as he helped his wife tuck the boy back safely into his bed. He watched as his wife leaned down to place a soft kiss on the boy's cheek, then put his arm around her as they quietly left the room.
* * * * *
A few days later, Teresa awakened earlier than usual and noticed that her husband was still asleep. He had not slept too well that night, so she quietly dressed and went to check on Colin, who was still asleep. She silently thanked God that he had slept safely through the night and went to prepare some breakfast.
She took a tray of some milk and thinly cut bread to Colin's room and urged him to try to eat a little when he opened his eyes. "How are you this morning, Colin?" she asked with a smile.
"Itchy," Colin replied and started to rub his arm.
"Dr. Quinn says you should not scratch," Teresa cautioned as she gently stopped him from scratching. "I know it does not feel good, but it will soon stop. Now, see if you can drink something?"
Colin sat up in bed and took the glass of milk and slowly sipped some. "I'm not very hungry," he apologized when he set the still half-full glass down. "Where is Mr. Slicker?" he asked.
"He'll be in to see you in a little while. He just awoke." Teresa explained as she straightened the covers on Colin's bed and heard her husband's footsteps in the hall. "I believe he's coming right now."
At that moment, Jake peeked around the corner into Colin's room. "So you're up, too. How's it goin'?"
Colin shrugged. "Itchy, but my head don't hurt no more."
"Doesn't hurt, and anymore," Teresa lovingly corrected him, as she watched Jake bending over the boy with an arm on each side of him.
"Anymore," Colin giggled as Jake playfully tickled him.
Jake smiled and straightened up. "Yep, I think he's gonna make it." He ruffled Colin's hair. "Take it easy, and I'll see ya tonight."
"Yes, sir," Colin smiled up at him. He watched him put on his jacket and shyly waved as Jake headed out the door.
Teresa smiled, too. "I will be back in a few minutes, Colin. Please call for me if you need anything. All right?"
Colin nodded and snuggled down into the covers. He couldn't remember sleeping in such a comfortable bed since before Brian and Mr. Sully found him and took him home with them. When he first came to stay with them, he had slept on some warm rug-like pelts, so he could sleep in Katie's room to keep her company. At least, that's what Mr. Sully had told him. He wondered why Mr. and Mrs. Slicker had an extra bedroom in their home since they didn't have any children. Suddenly feeling very sleepy, he closed his eyes and welcomed the world of dreams.
* * * * *
"Jacob, are you not feeling well?" she asked, concerned when she noticed Jake rubbing his eyes.
Jake opened his eyes and peered at his wife. "I didn't sleep much, and I'm real tired," he answered
Teresa smoothed back some hair from his forehead and a concerned look crossed her face. "Jacob, have you had the chicken pox?"
Her husband shrugged. "Don't know. Why? Don't tell me you think I got it, too?"
"I do not know, but I think you should stay in bed and let Dr. Quinn come to see you. She would know," Teresa replied.
"That's crazy," Jake began and shrugged into his jacket. "That's a kid's illness."He took a step towards the door and scratched the back of his hand.
Teresa gently placed a restraining hand on his arm. "But adults can get it, too. I think I will ask Dr. Quinn to come see you."
Jake shook his head. "No way. What'll everyone say if their mayor's got chicken pox? I'll be a source of jokes to them all."
"But, Jacob," Teresa tried to reason with him.
Jake shook his head again. "Not buts... and don't you tell no one either."
"What should I tell the town?" Teresa asked trying supress a smile at his childish behavior.
Jake shrugged. "We ain't even sure I got them, but if I do, tell them I had to go out of town on business for a few days. Just don't tell them the truth."
"I think you should tell them," Teresa advised, but seeing her husband's determined look, nodded. "All-right, Jacob. I am only concerned for you. What if it is not chicken pox? What if it is something more serious?"
He paused and looked back at his wife. "If it's somethin' more than chicken pox, I promise I'll go see Dr. Mike," he reassured her. "If it ain't, no one's gonna know."
Teresa nodded with a hidden smile and left the room as Jake went to work.
* * * * * * * * * *
"He is still sleeping," Teresa informed Michaela, who had stopped by on her way to the clinic to check on Colin.
"How was he last night? Katie kept my husband and myself quite busy most of the night." Michaela told her.
"He was no problem, Dr. Quinn," Teresa Slicker replied. "He tried to scratch a few times, but stopped when I explained what would happen if he didn't." She hesitated a moment and then asked. "Would you like to come in and see him?"
A little surprised, Michaela nodded. "If it wouldn't disturb you. I would like to see the how things have progressed." She stepped down from the wagon and followed Teresa into the home and up some stairs into a bedroom that was roomy and very cozy.
"Dr. Mike," Colin opened his eyes and sat up in bed. "I feel better," he began when she came over to the bed and hugged him.
Michaela looked at Colin and noticed that several spots were now quite visible on his face and arms. "Looks like they've all come out, so the worst should be over," she told Teresa who was hovering close to Colin like a mother hen. "Colin will be just fine in a few days."
"Thank you, Dr. Quinn." Teresa was relieved.
Michaela acknowledged the thanks with a nod, then turned to Colin. "Katie says she misses you. We all do."
"Really?" Colin's eyes showed disbelief. "Is Katie very sick?"
Michaela shook her head. "She seems to have a mild case, and she should be fine in a few days, too." She closed her bag and stood up. "I have to go to the clinic now. I'm sure there will be more children waiting for me." She looked at Colin with a smile. "I will check on you again tomorrow," she assured Colin and bent to kiss him lightly on the cheek. "See you soon," she called and left the room, followed by Teresa.
"Thank you, again, Dr. Quinn." Teresa walked her out to the wagon.
Michaela stepped up on the wagon and took the reins. "He'll be fine. Thank you, for taking such good care of him," she added and was on her way to the clinic.
* * * * *
"Matthew, are you all right?" she asked when she saw her son waiting at the clinic. She immediately reached out to feel his forehead.
Matthew smiled and took her hand. "I'm fine, Dr. Mike. I gotta go to Denver to pick up some law books and wanted to stop by to see how Katie and Colin are." He opened the door for her and continued, "I was plannin to come by this evenin' to see all of ya."
"They're both doing fine. Colin seems to enjoy being over at the Slickers. Katie misses him, but she rather enjoys being the center of attention." Michaela put her bag down and sat down at her desk.
"That's good," Matthew stated as he put his hat on. "I guess I'd better get to the train station. Wouldn't want to miss the train."
Michaela looked at her eldest. He had turned into a handsome young man and to say she was proud of him was an understatement. "How's Lydia?" she asked with a hint of a smile.
"Fine, she's fine," Matthew answered and noticed his ma's quizzical expression. "And don't go gettin' any ideas," he added as he kissed her on the cheek. "See ya tonight." Before she could say anything more, he was gone.
Michaela shook her head with a smile and went about preparing her clinic for a new day. She saw at least three more patients before the morning was over and was glad when Dorothy stopped by to invite her for lunch. "Grace's sounds wonderful," she stated as she followed Dorothy to the café.
"How are the twins, Grace?" Michaela asked when Grace brought them some tea. "They're not showing any symptoms of chicken pox?"
Grace shook her head. "Robert A is a little fussy, but, that's nothin new. I think he's cuttin' more teeth."
"My goodness!" Dorothy exclaimed. "He already has two. My children didn't have any when they were that age."
"Katie had two at about that age, but children differ quite a lot in that area." She looked at Grace. "Do you have time to join us?" she invited.
Grace looked around the cafe and noticed that it was filling up for lunch, but she also noticed that Lydia and Anna Marie were handling things quite well. "Why not?" she replied and sat down with her friends. "Some tea, please, Lydia," she told the waitress when she came to get their order. "And, I'll have some of that stew," she added when Lydia finished taking the orders.
"Right away," Lydia smiled at the trio and went to get their orders.
* * * * *
"That was nice." Dorothy was genuinely pleased as she stood up when they had finished. "We should do this more often."
Michaela and Grace nodded in agreement. It had been a while since they had enjoyed some time together.
Grace said, "I enjoyed it, too. But, now, I've got to get back to my kitchen to see what's on the menu for supper. See you both later"
"Goodbye, Grace," Michaela called after her, then walked with Dorothy back to her clinic. "Thank you, Dorothy, I needed a break."
"Any time, Michaela," Dorothy smiled at her friend. "I'll see you later."
* * * * *
A couple days later, Michaela smiled as she greeted her daughter upon waking. "No more spots, Katie," she announced happily as she dressed her.
"Can Col-win come home now?" Katie asked as she hugged her mother.
Michaela put on Katie's shoes. "Yes," she assured her daughter. "Colin's spots are all gone, too. I saw him yesterday afternoon."
"Let's go," Sully's voice called from downstairs. "The wagon's all ready."
"Coming," Michaela called back down to him as she picked up her daughter and took her downstairs. "Brian and Papa are waiting."
"No bweak-fast?" Katie asked.
Michaela smiled. "We're going to eat at Miss Grace's this morning. That's why Papa is in a hurry," she explained, closing the door behind them and walking down the front steps.
"Oh, goodie!" Katie clapped her hands and happily fell towards Brian who was waiting to put her in the wagon. "Hi, Bwian." She kissed him. "Mama says spots all gone. See?"
Brian smiled at his sister. "I see." He put her in the wagon and got in beside her. "I'm glad the epidemic is over. I never thought I'd say it, but I missed school."
"That's good, Brian. I'm glad you like learning new things," Michaela smiled at both of her children, then turned to her husband who was now taking the reins after having helped her into the wagon. "Ready."
Sully nodded and they headed toward town.
* * * * *
"Hey, Colin," Brian greeted the little boy as Teresa was bringing to Grace's Cafe. "How are ya?"
Colin felt a little overwhelmed by the group coming toward him and stood quietly at Teresa's side. He noticed their smiles and when Katie clapped her hands and waved at him, he smiled back. "I'm f..fine," he said very softly.
"Won't you join us?" Michaela asked Teresa Slicker, who appeared a little reluctant to let Colin go.
"Please?" Colin looked up at her and put his hand into hers.
Teresa looked at the group, then at Colin and smiled with a nod. "Thank you. That would be very nice." She squeezed Colin's hand, then followed the group to a table.
"Where is Jake?" Michaela asked Teresa after they had been served and eaten most of their meals.
Teresa looked down at her plate of food and pushed the leftover morsels around before answering. She turned to see that Colin was helping Katie eat some of her food, so she lowered her voice to make sure he didn't hear. "He had to go out of town for a couple of days, but he will be back very soon," she replied, not wanting to lie but also not wanting to break her promise to her husband.
"Everything all right with Colin? He's not too much trouble, is he?" Michaela asked, concerned.
"Oh no! Not at all!" Teresa quickly reassured her. "It is wonderful having him with me."
"I do want to thank you for caring for him," Michaela continued.
"It has been my pleasure, Dr. Quinn," Teresa replied.
After breakfast, Teresa took Brian and Colin to the school with her. Sully and Michaela watched them leave and then Sully looked at Michaela. "Ya see the way he looked at her?"
"I didn't miss a thing," Michaela nodded with a smile. She picked up Katie. "Come on, Katie. I'm sure Miss Craven will be happy to have you back, especially since you're feeling so much better. She told me yesterday she missed you very much."
* * * * *
That evening, Colin was playing with Katie. "I liked stayin' at Mr. and Mrs. Slicker's," he responded when she asked him if he missed her. "But, I did miss you and Dr. Mike and," he hesitated, "everybody."
"Bedtime," Michaela advised the children and she and Sully went about getting them ready. Colin made sure it was Michaela who helped him, while Sully helped Katie.
"Dr. Mike," Colin began, "why do Mr. and Mrs. Slicker have a lot of rooms? They don't have children."
Michaela shrugged. "Well, they haven't been married so long, and they were planning to have a family. I suppose God simply hasn't answered their prayers yet."
"People ask God for children?" he seemed surprised.
Michaela smiled. "Most of the time."
"But, my ma and pa... I don't think they wanted me." Colin looked doubtfully.
Michaela sat down on the bed and pulled the boy onto her lap. "I'm sure they did, Colin. People sometimes want things and after they have them, something happens and, well, I know your mama wanted you very much."
"But Pa didn't," Colin replied. "He told Ma so."
Michaela looked at Sully, then stroked Colin's hair back from his face. "I don't believe he meant that, Colin."
Colin nodded. "Yes, he did. He... he used to... to .. hit me.. even when I was good. Mama said I was good."
Michaela hugged him against her. "I'm sure you were good. You are a very good boy. Your pa was sick, Colin, and sick people do strange things sometimes." She kissed the top of his head. "Now, let's get you and Katie to bed." She stood to her feet and carried him to his bed. "Sleep tight," she added as she tucked the covers around him and kissed him. She then went over to her daughter. "Good-night, sweetheart," she whispered as she kissed her.
Sully kissed his daughter good-night, then went over to Colin's bed. "Night, Colin," he said softly as he pushed some of his hair back from his eyes.
A touch of fear appeared in Colin's eyes, but just as quickly as it had appeared, it went away and Colin stared at Sully. "Night, Mr. Sully," he whispered as he slipped further under his covers and watched them both leave.
* * * * *
"He's beginnin' to break a little," Sully began as he and Michaela entered their room. He immediately pulled off his shirt and went to the washbasin as Michaela changed into her nightgown. "I saw him take Brian's hand when they walked to school this mornin'."
"He's had a lot of pain," Michaela agreed, sitting at her dressing table and pulling the brush through her long tresses. "I just wish we could help it go away."
Sully walked to their bed and pulled back the covers. She joined him as he blew out the lamp and pulled her toward him. "It'll just take time, Michaela." He kissed her lovingly, then guided her head to his chest. "It's been a rough few days, and I think we can all use some sleep," he suggested.
Michaela snuggled closer against her husband, placing her hand on his chest and sighing in contentment as they both drifted off to sleep.