{No Turning Back-part XIX}
I don't know if I could be any happier than I am tonight. I feel like I could bust!
Tonight while we were sitting 'round the fire, I noticed Clint was gone. I asked where he was. Pa looked at Andy, Andy looked to Joel, and Joel looked at Pa before saying to me, "I think he said he had to get somethin'." I said "oh" and didn't think any more 'bout it. I figured he was probably doing somethin' with Flint.
It wasn't long before Clint came back, and when he did, he took me off guard. He walked up to me and said, "Can I talk with ya, Callie?"
"Sure, Clint," I stood up. "Will ya help me wash the dishes? I think the water's finally hot enough."
"Let me get it for ya." he said, grabbing the little kettle and taking it to the little stand I use for washing dishes.
"Callie?" he said as he sat it down.
"Yeah?" I set to washin' the plates.
"I reckon ya know I been sweet on ya for awhile now." he said.
"Yeah, reckon I do." I said slowly.
"Well, I been prayin' 'bout ya."
"Ya have?" I stopped and looked at him.
"Yeah, an' I asked yer Pa, and he agrees. Can I ....can I court ya, Callie?" He handed me a flower.
"Ah, Clint," I said, looking him full in the face," I'd like it very much if ya'd court me. I've been prayin' bout you too."
"All right, then." he said, kinda choked it seemed, while he looked away.
"Why don't'cha let it out?" I said, laughing.
"What?"
"That yell you're holding inside ya."
Then he smiled that crooked, catchin' smile, and yelled "yee-ha!". Then my brothers and Pa were around Clint, teasin' and slappin' him on the back. Missy hugged me, and so did Miriam.
It's late now, but I just can't sleep. I put the flower from Clint in between these pages. Pa came up to me and said, "Well, what're ya feelin' in yer gut, Callie Jo?"
"I feel a peace, Pa, I really do. I never felt such a peace 'fore." I said.
"I'm real happy fer ya, then." he said, and then hugged me from the side.
August 21st, 1847
We reached Fort Hall today finally, and it's a good thing, too. I thought we'd run out of food 'fore we got here. I bought more food, and I hope it's enough to at least last us to Fort Boise, which is at least four hundred miles away.
Today as I was walking Clint rode up on Flint and got off. Then he led Flint and walked with me under the watch of Joel, who was driving to wagon nearby.We talked about all sorts of things. It was good, just to talk. We talk at nights round the fire, too. Every time we talk I feel encouraged in my walk with the Lord.
August 25th, 1847 on the banks of the Raft River
Tonight we reached the Raft River. Well, it was more like afternoon, but there was already a train crossing, so we had to wait. We'll cross first thing in the morning.
The nights have been chilly, and we've had to put extra blankets in our bedrolls.
August 26th, 1847 nooning
This morning as we were packing up, I could tell something was troubling Miriam. When I asked her she said she didn't want to cross the river.
See, the Raft River has steep banks, too, 'most as steep as Thomas Fork. I knew she was probably just picturing the accident all over again. It's a shame what the trail does to these kids, turnin' them into little adults before their time. I wonder if they'll get their childhood back someday.
Anyhow, I went and asked Pa what we were gonna do about Miriam. He went to her and took her in his lap, just like he used to do to me and the others when we were scared. "Honey, don't worry." he said as she leaned against him. "Clint here and Lem went up and down the banks of the river, and they found a place where the banks ain't steep hardly a'tall. Ya can either ride in the wagon, or maybe ya can ride 'cross with Clint, or Callie on horse. All right?"
She nodded but didn't say anything. Then Clint strode up and asked her if she wanted to ride Flint with him and she nodded again. "Thank you, Papa Lewis." she said before she ran over to Flint and Clint pulled her up in front of him.
"I'm thinkin' I'm gettin' 'ttached to that girl, Callie Jo." Pa said as he stood up and mounted.
"I'm thinkin' we all are," I said, mainly to Feisty, the dog.
Later
I meant to write more earlier but I didn't have the time.
Right after crossing the river came the breaking off point of the California trail. This means that our time with Mr. MacGregor, Mr. Cole, and Miss Myrtle has ended. They, along with a couple other wagons, took the trail that headed south. We all went to Mr. MacGregor's wagon to say goodbye.
Miss Myrtle hugged each and every one of us, including Clint and Pa. She was crying and she told us she'd be praying for all of us. "Keep close to the Lawd, Callie." she said in my ear when she hugged me. I held her tight, fighting tears.
Then she pushed back and said, "Now, don't cry. God's chillen never say goodbye for a last time. If I don't see you'ns in this wretched world 'gain, I'll see you up in heaven." Then both of the trains headed their seperate ways.
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