Beyond the Shadows

By Rachelle Wellington

…No. She stopped herself; Tashy was wrong. Why do I even feel bad about this? She took a deep breath and looked back out across the dusty paddock from where she had just trudged home. Tashy just wasn't the friend for her, and that's what it was—her high and hopeful expectations had been crushed again. Oh, she had wanted to make them work so badly, and now…It's not my parents' fault, she told herself in an attempt to cool the heartsick feeling that surged through her veins. . .It was hard to accept that this was it; another dream was shattered, another chance for a friendship lost. But maybe it wasn't so bad this time; maybe Tashy was never meant to be her friend. Maybe it was all for the better…
Fifteen-year-old Irene Anderson just wants to fit in, but somehow, something always seems to get in the way. Her best friend, Gloria, lives miles away across the ocean. When Irene's neighbour, Sharon, moves to the city for Uni, it's like she suddenly becomes a different person. Will their friendship ever be the same again? Then there's Tristan Witmer, her little preschool-age chum. But as they had both grown towards adulthood, sadly, their relationship had changed too. He just wasn't the same anymore, and Irene had to admit her feelings had changed towards him lately; nervous butterflies always found her stomach whenever they were together. Just maybe he feels the same way about me…But when tragedy strikes the Witmers, fate threatens to separate them forever. Maybe I will never know; the dreaded thought haunts her mind daily. Can she banish all the shadows that life has thrown at her, and discover her true self despite her challenges?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jun 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781984506313

Rachelle Wellington

Rachelle Wellington’s passion for turning her vivid dreams into fascinating, heart-warming tales began at a young age, when, as an early teen she began a collection of "stories" in a five-subject notebook binder. Little did she realize that her creative leap would change her life forever, launching her own unique journey as an author. Years later, she continues her passion for turning her silent dreams into fictional realities; meanwhile working, studying, and living life to the fullest—providing her with the same inspiration and zest that she puts back into her stories. To quote Rachelle: "Dreams lie dormant in your mind; it's only when you share them that they take on value and open up a whole new world of possibilities. That's why I write; I want to share with others, I want to see my dreams become a reality—even if it's only in another person's mind." Rachelle is a strong believer in positive endings; if not for all the characters, then at least for those who worked to deserve it. She believes that a good book should leave the reader feeling inspired, motivated, and with a smile on their face, even if they are wiping a tear at the same time.

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Copyright © 2020 by Rachelle Wellington.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 06/05/2020

Xlibris

1-800-455-039

www.Xlibris.com.au

812839

Beyond the Grey

Sometimes the grey and billowy clouds

Can seem to shut out the light,

Casting their shadows, damp’ning the world

Dark’ning a beautiful sight.

Then all you need is the sun to cast

One simple, brightening ray;

Sudd’nly the world that was dark and grey

Transforms to a gorgeous day!

You know, it can be the same in life—

When everything’s going wrong.

The world seems dull, the outlook dark;

The days are always too long.

Then sudd’nly someone spreads over you

A bright’ning, gladdening light

And then all the dull, and gloom, and woe

Melts into something bright!

—Rachelle Wellington

Contents

1.     Irene’s Dilemma

2.     Glorious Fall

3.     One Chilly Morning

4.     Visitors…

5.     …To the Snow

6.     Spring Preparations

7.     Aboard the Ferry

8.     Only Two Days Left

9.     Tragedy Strikes the Witmers

10.   The Results of a Debt

11.   A New Friend For Irene?

12.   Jacob’s Missing Toolbox

13.   The Truth Triumphs

14.   A New Beginning

15.   Sixteenth Birthday

16.   A Journey Begins

17.   Your Choice

18.   Plans in the Air

19.   Emprise Across the Sea

20.   Blizzard

21.   Great News

22.   Visit to the Farm

23.   On a Jet Plane

24.   At the Sunshine Coast

25.   Welcome Home

26.   Dad Leaves for Work

27.   Cattle Ranch

28.   A Friend in Need

29.   Beyond the Shadows

To the reader

I’m sure that every single teen goes through stages of doubt or insecurity at some point in life as they try to connect with the world around them. We wonder if we’re good enough, if we’ll fit in with our peers, what people will think of us. We can tend to assume the answers to these questions, based off unsubstantial ‘evidence’ that we gather from those we interact with. I think that ‘evidence’ can too often form a basis for the way we view ourselves and everyone around us, but sadly the result is that we tend to shoot ourselves down rather than see our infinite potential.

I’d like to introduce you to Irene Anderson. As a fifteen-year-old girl growing up with six younger siblings on her family’s farm, she faces these same questions. She feels different; her closest friends are widely dispersed, and living in a small country town, the only peers she can really see on a regular basis are a few neighboring teens that all seem to get on with each other so well that she naturally wonders why she doesn’t feel the same closeness.

Of course her family is always there for her, making life interesting and challenging at the same time. There’s her baby brother Reuben and her little twins sisters Ruby-Anne and Loretta-Jade. Then there’s seven-year-old Madeline and nine-year-old Joel. And lastly, but never least, there is her fast maturing twelve-year-old brother, Jacob. Nope, she didn’t get any sisters even close in age to her, but trust her brothers to always keep life as spiced up as their fast-growing selves know how.

Tragedies happen and people come and go, but through all the ups and downs that life throws at her, Irene must look beyond the shadows that she faces, and notice the sunshine that’s always behind them—because without light, shadows can’t exist. It’s the same in your life, so don’t give up; you’re just as amazing as anyone else.

Chapter 1

Irene’s Dilemma

T he swing gently swayed as Irene watched the autumn breeze gently blow a swirl of gold and flame-colored leaves to the ground. She sighed. Being the oldest really isn’t that bad, but… her voice trailed off. She watched Jacob and Joel working together, hauling fresh soil for the garden from where Dad had dug it out of the dry creek bed… It’s just that I’m not always sure who to spend time with. With six younger siblings, you wouldn’t have thought that would be a difficult decision, but…Jacob and Joel were almost always hanging out together, and you could count on Madeline to be unfailingly finding ways to entertain the twins, in her free time. I suppose I could spend some time with Baby Reuben , she mused, that is, when he’s not sleeping.

Irene! Mum called from the porch, Sharon is on the phone.

Irene jumped off the swing, her emerald-green eyes sparkling in excitement. Why, Sharon’s my neighbor and good friend—when we do get the chance to catch up, that is, she thought, running to the house. I wonder what she could want. The screen door banged behind her as Mum handed her the receiver.

Hi– it’s Sharon here. How are you doing? the chirpy voice at the other end asked.

I’m fine thanks, Irene replied, just plain glad you rang! I’m just a little—oh, what’s the word; in need of someone to hang out with. She chuckled.

Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I think you might like why I’m ringing, Sharon sounded pretty positive. So I’ve been organizing a picnic for a few of us girls around the town—you know, Loralin Marsh, Alice and Carrie Winters, and I’m hoping you. Irene listened with growing interest. She really didn’t know the other girls that well—they just lived around the neighborhood.

I’m sure you’d be able to come, wouldn’t you? Sharon continued speaking.

Irene hesitated. When’s it planned for?

This Sunday, Sharon stated knowingly.

Irene’s hopes rose even further. I’ll just have to check with my parents, but I sure hope so. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. With that, she hung up the phone and hurried outside. She found Mum harvesting the last of the ripening cherry tomatoes in the garden.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many tomatoes still ripening this late in the season, Mum mentioned as Irene approached the garden bed, I guess we’ve just had a pretty warm autumn so far. What did Sharon have to say? she wondered.

She said, Irene replied slowly, that she’s organizing a picnic for a few of us girls around the town; and Mum, I had just been wishing as I sat on the swing, for a girl my age to talk to.

Mum nodded. So she invited you? When is it planned for? She paused in her work and looked questioningly at Irene.

Yes, she said this coming Sunday. Do you think I could go? I-I’d really like to, and I said I’d get back to her soon.

There was silence for a few moments. I’d want to talk to Dad about it before I make a definite decision, Mum replied. You don’t really know the other girls very well, do you? Her dark hair gently wrapped around her face in the soft breeze.

Not really, but I’m sure we’d all get on well, Irene assured her, sitting down on the edge of the damp garden bed. She readily ignored the nervousness she had felt earlier over hanging out with the other three girls that she didn’t know as well; but Sharon was organizing the picnic, so of course she would go if she could.

Mum tossed a weed over the chicken-wire fence. I’m sure you’d do your best to be friendly to all the girls and I’m sure you’d have a great time, she agreed. But…

There was that troublesome old word again. Irene bit her lip. Why can’t she just say yes—like no ‘but’s or ’maybe’s, just a solid ‘I know you’ll have a good time; sure, you can go."

It’s just that you don’t really know the other girls, you don’t really know what sort of things they might get up to, and you wouldn’t want to end up in a position that would tempt you to do something you would end up regretting.

I know, Mum, but you can trust me—I wouldn’t do anything you wouldn’t want me to, Irene pleaded for understanding, and if I had to, I’d just come back home.

Mum smiled. I’m sure you’d do the right thing, Irene, but the pressure can be really strong if you try to go against the tide. I think Sharon seems like a lovely, young girl, and I’d say she probably has pretty high standards too. As for the other girls, well I really don’t know them well enough to say either way.

Irene sighed. Mum’s concern wasn’t helping her own wavering confidence one little bit.

Mum stood up with a basket of bright red tomatoes. Why don’t you go see if Reuben’s awake yet; I’ll talk to Dad about it as soon as he gets back.

Irene got up and slowly made her way back to the house. She sure hoped her parents would decide in her favor. After all, she was fifteen now, and she could be trusted. I’ve never done anything to make them doubt my character, she told herself decidedly, tucking a strand of her dark-chocolate hair behind her ear.

That evening, when Dad came inside from work, he found Irene stirring gravy on the stove for dinner. He stood there for a moment, watching as she carefully added more flour to the saucepan. We decided you can go to the picnic on Sunday, he said at last, but be sure you don’t go anywhere else without asking first.

Irene’s face lit up in excitement.

We trust you to be responsible, Dad reminded with a kind smile.

Irene was positively beaming now. Oh, you can count on it, she assured him.

With mingled feelings of excitement and doubt, she eagerly rang Sharon back and confirmed that she would be joining the picnic. But on Sunday afternoon, for some reason, Irene just didn’t feel entirely confident as she strolled down the road to the Graders’ meadow. The fact that she had never spent much time with the other three girls made her nervous. But it was nice of Sharon to invite me, she thought positively.

Hi Irene! Sharon called, as Irene came into view. The other girls all waved.

Irene summoned up her courage. Really, what’s there to be nervous about? She thought. I’m probably just being a bit paranoid. Hi everyone! she called excitedly. Looks like you probably picked the best spot in the whole meadow.

We sure did! Alice replied.

Irene sat down on the red-checked picnic mat. Sorry, I guess I’m a bit late, she apologized.

Oh, you aren’t late, Sharon replied cheerfully, passing her the cookie tray, the other girls just decided to come a bit early.

Ha-ha. Loralin Marsh laughed. I told my brother that Dad said he had to do my chores because I had an appointment, and then I ran off before he had a chance to find out I duped him.

The other girls all laughed along, but Irene felt slightly uncomfortable. She smiled. I just had to start mine a bit earlier, so I could have the afternoon off, she said lightly.

When no one else said anything, Carrie quietly replied, That was a good idea. But it just didn’t sound natural.

I never feel like I really fit in with these girls, Irene thought miserably, munching on her cookie. Alice’s cheery voice broke into her troubled thoughts. Does anyone else ever like to go fishing?

Oh, I love to, every now and then, Sharon replied, uncovering a plate of corned-beef sandwiches, but of course I don’t have the chance very often.

Carrie looked surprised. Aren’t there any fish in your creek?

Sharon shook her head. No, I think it’d be pretty cool if there were, though.

Carrie nodded. I just assumed there would be since my Uncle’s got tones of Redfin in his dam. But then again, he probably had them introduced there.

Where does your Uncle live? Sharon sounded interested as she smoothed a strand of honey-blond hair out of her face.

Carrie finished her bite of sandwich. His property is adjacent to ours—on the north side. He lets Alice and I go fishing there whenever we want, sometimes we even take friends; he doesn’t mind so long as we leave his property the same way as we found it—minus the fish, of course, she added with a chuckle.

Her sister, Alice, nodded in agreement. We should all go down there sometime.

I was thinking the same thing, Sharon agreed with a smile. Your property isn’t that far away; just down the road, really.

After the girls had finished their lunch, Loralin brushed the crumbs off her hands and stood up. Why don’t we all go fishing now? she suggested. The only thing is whether or not we’d have enough fishing rods.

Carrie and I each have one, Alice chimed in, we could both use our parents’ fishing rods, and two of you could use ours—

And I have one too, Sharon interrupted, I just don’t use it very often.

Loralin clicked her finger. Perfect! That’s the exact number we need. Only Irene had not yet spoken on the subject.

Sharon gathered up the rubbish. Alrighty, I’ll run and get my fishing rod. So saying, she sprinted to the house.

Loralin folded up the picnic mat, and the group joined Sharon at the house.

Ready to go? Sharon asked, shouldering her fishing pole.

Irene hesitated. I—I think I should ask my parents first, they weren’t expecting me to be anywhere else.

But Irene, Carrie reminded, they wouldn’t be expecting you back for at least another hour or so.

Irene was still unsure. I—I don’t know. I feel like it wouldn’t be right for me to go without telling them, since they’re expecting me to be here. I mean… she was at a loss for words. Would it really be wrong to go? Am I being too pedantic? A light breeze fluttered the girls’ hair. If only Dad hadn’t said that last bit about not going anywhere else.

Come on Irene, Sharon urged, "I’m sure they won’t mind. Like really, it is just down the road." Irene noticed Loralin glance impatiently towards the driveway, and Alice shuffled her feet.

I just don’t know, Irene stated, staring at the ground. Why? Why do I have to stand out like this?

Loralin sighed. Well we can’t wait for you to go ask your parents—and then what if they end up saying ‘no’, anyway? It’d be better to just go now and we’ll be back before they know it; they’ll never have to hear one way or the other.

Sharon looked up sharply, but then she shrugged her shoulders. Loralin is right about the time running out; we really do have to get a move on.

Irene nodded. Sorry about the holdup, I guess I’ll just go home then, she decided with a smile. Thank you so much for the lovely picnic. She walked with the girls down the gravel driveway, and then they turned their separate ways.

* * *

You’re home early, Mum called, as she noticed Irene coming up the driveway. Is everything okay?

Irene looked up and smiled. Everything’s fine, she stated, the girls all decided to go fishing over on a property next to the Winters’; I didn’t think I should go without asking first and the girls couldn’t wait for me.

A gentle smile crossed Mum’s face. You did the right thing, Irene, she encouraged, looking fondly at her oldest daughter. If nothing else, you confirmed the trust that Dad and I already have in you.

A warm feeling surged through Irene and filled her with confidence. Her parents’ trust was worth more than a fishing trip.

Chapter 2

Glorious Fall

"J acob, Dad called, please come carry Reuben out to the van." The recent downpours of rain over the last few days had left puddles and mud strung around the yard. Nevertheless, it was a welcome autumn blessing after an unusually dry summer.

Irene followed Jacob with the twins, and it wasn’t long until the rest of the family had all found their places in the van. The Andersons were on their way to a family-acquaintance’s farm to pick up some late-season fruit for canning. When you had a family of nine, a wholesale discount was always appreciated.

Irene was staring out the window as the beautiful mountains that gracefully framed their farm, rolled away into the distance. Mum, do you think the Fendals make a good income from selling farm produce? Irene wondered.

I wouldn’t know, Mum replied. They do seem to be doing pretty well, but they have to keep awfully busy around the farm. I know that Mrs. Fendal really appreciates her husband being able to work from home though—it gives their family a lot more time together.

Irene nodded. Have you ever thought of selling eggs? she asked thoughtfully.

Mum smiled. We don’t really have the time to take produce to the markets like the Fendals do, and I doubt we’d have much business at our roadside.

Irene chuckled. I guess not.

How long do we have to go? Madeline sounded antsy from the back seat.

Only half an hour left, Dad stated. We’ve been traveling for almost an hour already. He paused. Can anyone guess what’s coming up in about four months?

Irene smiled. She knew the answer, but she decided to let one of the younger children have a go at guessing.

Our birthday! Ruby and Loretta exclaimed together in their squeaky little three-year-old voices. Their light blond pigtails bounced up and down in their excitement.

Yes, Mum replied, with a satisfied smile, you were our Feast gifts almost four years ago.

That hint from Mum was all it took for Madeline to guess Father’s intended answer. Oh, yes—our family Feast trip! Is that what you were talking about Dad?

He nodded. You guessed it.

Where are we keeping it this year? Joel asked eagerly.

Dad smiled. Mum and I decided we’d go to Tasmania this year, since it’s been oh, say, ten years since we last went there.

Are we going to fly or take the ferry? Jacob wondered.

We’ll take the ferry this time, Dad replied. That’ll be a new experience for most of you.

The conversation