Finding The Way Gnome

By Lacey Purcell

Charlotte wants everything that her cousin is getting: the Life Partner, a Home, and the hope of children in the future. But she knows that that future is not for her. She will care for her Father until he is Gone. And then? She didn't want to think about that. Who would take care of her when he couldn't?

Father would say "Longing g

• Language: English
• Publisher: T-Rex Typist
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798218014698

Book preview

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Chapter 1

Tonttu, Shretl, Starichok-Borovichok, Patuljak, Kabouter, Törpe, Pōtekiteki, NisseRūķis, Menninkäinen, Mbilikim, Luten, Yun wi Tsundsdi, Gnome . . . ...

It really doesn’t matter what you call me, just don’t call me late to dinner.

~Papoo

There is nothing wrong with wanting to stay home and have a perfect cup of tea in silence Charlotte mused as she waited for Father to arrive. It was the night of the Joining Ceremony for Rowan and Landon and she had insisted on making one more special pie for the couple; which was still steaming on the counter. Charlotte had cleaned up while the pie baked and now there was nothing left to do but wait and listen to the cricket sing just outside the door. Crickets liked the roots of the tree their home was nestled in and would take up residence there as they sang for their mate. She found them useful as they would silence as Father approached. He didn’t like to find her sitting on her butt as it wasn’t being useful, was it?

So she grabbed a cloth and started wiping the mantle above the fireplace. The first candle was still of appropriate length and didn’t need to be replaced yet. She rearranged the dried flowers and repositioned the two heart-shaped rocks so they were touching points. The wood carvings of her parents were next; carved by her Father when he first met Mother. Then hand prints of Jasper and herself when they were newborns, pressed into clay and fired to preserve them. Mother’s hat, then another candle at the end and it was clean. Again. Moving around the small home she wiped down any surface that could be checked by Father for a trace of dust. She stopped by the bedrooms and turned down the beds and fluffed the pillows even plumper. It will be so nice to crawl into bed later. She smiled at her pillow before turning and closing the door, feeling a bit foolish. Who enjoys the company of their pillow more than family?

She rinsed the cloth off and hung it to dry under the sink. She decided to add another cookie to Father’s plate and hers for the morning tea. She covered them with an upside-down bowl to keep them fresh and made sure each napkin was perfectly folded beside it. She went to the kitchen and chose the herbs for the tea and placed them in the teapot on the counter. That way she would only have to boil the water when they came back and all would be ready to enjoy.

She checked the burning candles and assured herself they would still be lit when they came back. They only needed a couple at the entrance to light the others when they returned. They would stay safe in their holders by the door.

The cricket went silent. It was time to go. She put her prettiest white apron over her green dress and made sure her green cap was securely on her head. She wouldn’t need a cloak tonight, her dress and the bonfire later would keep her warm enough. She bent over to slip her feet into her soft doeskin slippers and conked herself on the nose with her green stone necklace. She readjusted her hair when she popped up and put the necklace back where it belonged; nestled between her breasts. She heard his footsteps at the doormat as she wrapped the pie in cloth and had just lifted it when he opened the door. He smiled seeing her ready and stood aside to let her pass, closing the door gently behind her. He led the way down the long tunnel and stopped at the exit to listen to the night. The cricket started its song back up.

After a few minutes he led the way out into the forest. Ferns brushed the top of their heads as they followed the path that wove through the trees so tall, they blocked the sky above. The sun had just set but it was dark on the forest floor and Charlotte was grateful that Father knew the way to the beach.

They crossed a little bridge that spanned a rushing creek and melted back into the underbrush. They were close to the strawberry patch when they caught a whiff of a skunk. Father veered off the path and Charlotte hurried to keep up, the stench of the skunk making her gag. She swallowed hard and concentrated on keeping up. She slipped on the moss and some of the strawberry pie splashed up and burnt her right thumb. She hissed in pain and tears welled up in her eyes. She had to stop for a moment to wipe the burning juice off. And just like that Father disappeared.

She was lost.

Alone. In the forest; her worst fear. Her heart thumped in her chest. She hated what she knew she had to do.

She whistled her flat-tone-one-note whistle. It wheezed out between her lips as if reluctant to do so.

She didn’t move. She knew what to do.

The ferns rustled and Father popped out causing her to squeak in alarm. He snorted and turned, not walking quite so fast this time. In a few more steps they were back on the path. Father glanced back to make sure she was still behind him, and she smiled to indicate all was well.

The path climbed upward and the forest opened up and there was a brief view of the lake below them. Charlotte liked this spot and always wanted to stop here to check out the view. The view is always the same, child. Focus. Father would say. Charlotte knew better than to ask.

They took all the right forks as they wove through the giant trees and ferns and were soon at the lake where the rest of the family milled about. The wind blew across the lake and the waves slapped against the pebbly shore. Clouds covered the mountain tops to the west blocking the view of the stars and the moon. Charlotte knew it was a full moon tonight, as the Joining wouldn’t take place on any other night. Otherwise, she really didn’t pay attention to the cycle of the moon and the seasons. What’s the point when you’re inside all day?

The trestle table was packed from end to end with plates and bowls of food; some steaming and some cold. Charlotte made a spot for the pie at Rowan and Landon’s seats; hoping they would like it. A giant roast from a deer sat steaming in the center and Charlotte couldn’t resist snatching a bit of a burnt end when she passed by.

Welcome to the party, Charlotte! called out Jasper.

I’m glad to be here…

Too bad you couldn’t have made your way down here on your own! You could have been here before sundown Jasper interrupted.

Charlotte shrugged I had one last pie to make, and you aren’t going to get a bite of it. The family chuckled as Charlotte hurried away to a small fire that had a kettle hanging over it for boiling water. Typically, the only way to avoid his hurtful comments was to keep busy with the food and the dirty dishes.

She didn’t get a reprieve for long.

A slow drum beat started off to Charlotte’s right and the family hushed at once and made themselves into a circle with two openings. From one side of the forest emerged Landon, his parents Oliver and Fern, and his sister Hazel; all of them beating a simple rhythm. Another drum beat started, this one with a different beat that wound itself around Landon’s, with the two beats becoming one every fourth beat. Rowan slowly made her way from the forest, with her parents Bernard and Ivy and brother Copper. Each had a drum and by the time the two families made it to the circle, they had a complex rhythm that entwined into one.

The family enclosed the circle and it was time for the Joining Ceremony.

Charlotte had stayed in the back, ready to return to the food and service when it was all done and over with. She wished she had one of the babies to hold, but Memaw had Pearl and Nana had Bran, and there was no way Charlotte was going to get closer to ask.

Charlotte stared at the ground thinking of all the things to do as soon as the ceremony was over. Serve the meal, keep the plates moving, pass tea or mead, clean, wash, organize. She didn’t hear the words her Uncle Bernard said nor Oliver, Landon’s Father. Her mind whirled around her tasks for the night and she looked forward to when she would get to leave.

Huzzah! Shouted the crowd. Charlotte looked up to see Rowan and Landon sealing their vows with a kiss.

Huzzah! They shouted again; this time Charlotte yelled with them.

Huzzah! The third time’s a charm, and Charlotte knew she could break away from the party now without anyone commenting on it.

The family sat down at the table for the feast with Rowan and Landon in the center. Charlotte went from end to end making sure the plates were passed and filling tea cups with freshly brewed tea. She helped the Elders get their food, and made sure everyone was eating before sitting down herself for a plate of select morsels.

Charlotte! Called Rowan from her seat. Thinking she needed something Charlotte hurried over.

Your pie is delicious! You put in blueberries and strawberries! How did you do it? It tastes amazing! Rowan stood and hugged her so hard Charlotte could feel her heart beat.

Talk was sporadic at first and increased as bellies filled and cups grew empty. Uncle Bernard started going around with a skin full of mead and tossing out the tea for something stronger. Before Charlotte could slip away and start washing dishes, Hazel came by with Pearl.

Charlotte, will you hold Pearl for a moment? I really need to pee. Hazel said.

Of course! Hello Pearl! How’s my darling niece? and opened her arms. Pearl was the sweetest, cutest little baby who smelled like chamomile flowers and had blond hair and the bluest eyes. Pearl was just as excited to see her Aunt and she cooed and waved her little hands. Charlotte kissed her cheek; cherishing the softness of her skin and the sweet smell of baby. Pearl giggled when Charlotte blew raspberries on her neck; continuing just to hear her giggle. When Pearl grew tired of their game and was ready to look around, she snuggled right into Charlotte’s breast and was content there to play with her necklace.

That was until Bran started getting fussy and wanted his Mama and more dinner. Jasper was having no luck calming him down no matter how much he bounced him. Pearl, hearing her brother cry, started to whimper.

Is your tummy empty, darling? Charlotte kissed her cheek but Pearl wasn’t having it. Mama is coming.

Hazel came out of the forest and smiled at her wailing children. She grabbed a mug and filled it with water before sitting down and opening her arms and blouse to Bran. Pearl, seeing her brother at the breast, began wailing. Charlotte took her over and placed Pearl in her Mother’s open arm. The crying stopped abruptly as both babies suckled and the adults breathed a sigh of relief at the sudden quiet.

I wish….Charlotte knew wishing gets you nothing so she looked away from Hazel nursing her babies and started gathering dirty dishes.

The talking stopped.

Charlotte looked up to see the family looking at a stranger that joined them. He held his hands up in the air and shouted Hello! My name is Antero. I have been traveling the world looking for others. I heard babies crying and came to see what fine beings could be living out here. May I join you?

There was no hesitation as cups were raised and Antero was welcomed to the table. Uncle Ty guided Antero to his daughters, Iris and Ivory, and the two smiled and batted their eyes at him. He was stunned for only a moment before returning a charming smile of his own. Introductions flew around the table. Ruby looked hopeful for a second when her turn came, but could barely whisper her name out when it came time.

Then it was Charlotte’s turn. Her heart pounded as his eyes fixed on hers. His were so dark they looked black. His beard was as dark as his hair and when he smiled…oh stars…his eyes twinkled.

My name is Charlotte Mae.

He nodded his head deeply to her as Orion called out his name until they’d all introduced themselves.

I hope to remember all your names, please excuse me if I ask it again. He smiled at everyone as they tittered back. Charlotte took the moment to slip away and headed to the little wash-station that Jasper and her cousins had built for her many seasons ago. She had places for the dirties, boiling water for scalding and a place for everything to dry. They even built cupboards, lining the outside in stone to keep rodents from taking up residence there. They built a cover and made sure the stone ground was sloped away from the water to help everything drain. Dishes were already piled up and ready to go so she took off her pretty apron and exchanged it for the washing-one and got right to work. She hummed a little song as she worked to help pass the time. The family wouldn’t be able to hear her over here amongst all their chatter.

Charlotte looked to the dirty side and was pleased with herself for getting through the first batch so quickly. She turned to take off her apron and almost ran into Antero who was behind her. She laughed nervously at his sudden appearance and took the dirty dishes from his hands then plunged them in the dirty water to soak for a moment. She glanced over her shoulder to find him still standing there, giving her a cheeky smile.

Charlotte Mae. What a beautiful name. Antero said.

Th-Thank you. My Mother chose the name for me.

Your name is as beautiful as your face. And your dress is stunning. His smile only seemed to get bigger as his eyes grazed down her body, settling for some time on her ample bosom. He had rosy cheeks from the mead he’d drunk and his eyes sparkled even in the dark. He was taller than her, so tall she didn’t know how she would be able to kiss him. He stifled a burp.

He took a deep breath and trilled out the most beautiful whistle she had ever heard in her life. She stood there; stunned at his display and in complete awe. When he was finished he smiled at her and bowed his head at her.

Charlotte’s heart stopped. He wanted her to whistle back.

It took her a moment to realize she was shaking her head no. Her mouth tried to form words but nothing would come out.

Did you really just whistle at Charlotte? If you’re hoping for anything in return, she can’t buddy. Yelled Jasper.

Antero’s smile and happy face dropped into one akin to mourning. Charlotte still couldn’t stop shaking her head. He gently picked up her right hand and kissed it.

I am so sorry.

He turned and started to walk back to the family.

At that moment, Iris and Ivory struck up their harmonizing whistle they had perfected over the last century. Antero picked up his step.

Charlotte still stood there, dumbstruck. Did that really just happen?

She felt like a wooden stick as she turned back to the dish basin and reached in for the plate he’d just handed her. She followed through with the motions. She was happy to burn her hands in the hot water, to blame the pain on that instead of the one in her heart. She kept her back to the family as she completed the chores and slipped around the back to dry her eyes.

The rejection turned into anger as she stood there. How dare he?! Yet she knew it was the way. It was the only way to find a mate out here in the great, big forest. You had to whistle for it.

The family had moved to the bonfire so Charlotte made her way back to the table to gather the rest of the dishes and do the second round of washing. She was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn’t see Memaw still sitting there and gasped.

Memaw! You should be by the fire where it’s warm.

I was waiting for you, child.

I need to clean, Memaw. Can it wait a little bit?

"Are those dishes going to