Aunt Leia's Cabin

By Devlin Bronte Rachele

A story of the last of the American Americans.  An original tale of American patriotism, an introduction to Americanism. 

 

Believing he is a good American, Kaden embarks on a journey, learning not all is as it seems.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640961845

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Aunt Leia's Cabin

Devlin Bronte Rachele

Copyright © 2018 Devlin Bronte Rachele

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2018

ISBN 978-1-64096-183-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64096-184-5 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

To

Leia J.;

Randy T.;

Dean, Kat, and Ray F.;

Thought Monger;

Dennis S.;

Albert L.;

Dave W.;

Tierney R., John R., Robin R., Kierstin R.;

Audrey W., Jackie H., Tracy A., Carol M., Betsy H., Diane H., and Robert H.;

Evan R.;

Joseph R.;

Kara B. and Dustin B.;

Nicole H. and Chad;

Dustin H. and Jenny H.;

Travis H.;

Dylan B., Trent B., Noah H., Caden B., Hannah, and Aubree H.;

Winston and Chloe;

Kaden S.;

Billie Jo;

Quenten O.;

Myranda Z.;

Dalton F.;

Karen S. B.;

Hunter R.;

Another Hunter;

Leela C.;

HRM Heather K.;

Tammy G.;

Kayla Z.;

HRH Brandie K.;

Faith Something; and

Another Dustin.

In special memory of

Barbara E., Angie H., Elizabeth M., Michael W., Lynne E,. Robert H., Virginia H., Brian H., Harold H., Florence and Her husband Joseph E., Clint B., D.R. Sauders, and Leroy H.

Thank you for all your inspiration.

1

A sudden whispering hush fell upon the crowd, arrayed haphazardly on the open slope of the hill, facing the old high school’s athletic field, as a muffled pop signaled the beginning. Most sat, while others stood up, as if they would get a far better view in eager anticipation as each set of eyes, young and old, turned and tracked a small, red comet streaking up into the dark sky, defying the earth’s attraction. Racing toward the heavens, it suddenly started to slow and seemed to hang in the dark sky for only an instant. Moments later, it unfolded into a brilliant, blazing star, with many tendrils racing in all directions, quickly followed by a loud bang and a chorus of oohs and ahs spoken in mindless unison. One after another soared into the dark sky and opened in a brilliant display casting its hypnotic affect over the spectators.

Kaden Braun is young—very young, like the nation he loves and for which this crowd had assembled to celebrate. He had looked forward to the spectacle and now sat up, paying undivided attention. It had started slowly, with one or two rockets launched at a time, and quickly increased its pace. What had begun as a lone rocket gradually increased into a crescendo of a multitude of different-style bursts, opening up on top of another.

With wide eyes, Kaden sat on the blanket his family shared and watched as blazes of fiery color erupted in the skies above. In the distance, he could hear the echo of the blasts bouncing off of buildings and the nearby river valley mimicking the blasts. He imagined that was how a nearby battle would sound. Kaden’s pride and heart soared, just as the sky exploded with color. It was a fitting end to a day filled with patriotic speeches and music.

Lights about the athletic field and its adjacent parking lot sprung to life in a stuttered wave, starting from near the gym and moving out into the field, signaling that it was definitely the end. His family continued to sit on their large blanket watching the smoke illuminated by the lights roll across the sky in silence like the ghost of the show departing a stage. Slowly, the silence ended as people realized it was over and started to talk amongst themselves excitedly as they gathered up their things to leave. His family didn’t move.

A couple years ago, his mother, Karen, had suggested that they should just sit and wait for the crowd to disperse. Previous times, they rushed to their car, only to find that not only did they usually forget something at their spot, but they would burn gas just sitting, waiting up to and beyond a half an hour to get out of the parking lot and make it just to the road.

Kaden liked the idea of just sitting with his parents and his older sister Billie Jo, taking their time as others rushed for their cars. It gave him a chance to think of the show and to observe the other people. He liked watching how they moved like a gentle herd toward the parking lot. When he got tired of watching them, he turned his attention to the stage, which had been erected about one hundred feet from the bottom of the hill for this event.

Instead of a well-timed choreography of color-tinted stage lights, the stage was brightly lit as workers moved about taking care of all of the props. He watched as they moved various items to vans behind the stage. He wished it didn’t have to end. He loves his country and believes it needed an eternal celebration. He did find the fast, fluid motions of the crew fascinating.

So what did you think of this year’s event? asked Mom, looking back over her left shoulder at Billie Jo who was sitting behind the driver’s seat and Kaden, as his dad, Charlie, maneuvered the car out of the parking lot. As predicted, the cars attempting to leave the parking lot had greatly diminished. The previous year, they had waited until twenty minutes after about half of the crowd had reached the parking lot. But that year, they had decided to give it about thirty before they started to head down. Those ten extra minutes had paid off nicely. By the time they had reached their car, the stream was moving steadily and smoothly.

I thought it was all fantastic! answered Billie Jo excitedly before Kaden could respond, I found the veterans’ stories were very stirring and inspiring. They were all so brave.

Yes they are. How about you, Kaden? asked Mom as she twisted further in her seat, turning more of her attention on him.

I thought that it was magnificent. I enjoyed it all—the music, the speeches, and, of course, the fireworks. It is so hard to imagine going through what the vets did. I hope I can be that brave if I am called to serve.

Karen grimaced a little on the inside at this notion, doing her best not to betray it with her expression.

It is just so nice to be able to have celebrations like this to remind us of how this land became so great, added Dad.

You would think that you shouldn’t need a reminder. We should all know how great this country is and appreciate it, countered Kaden, turning his attention to a group of pedestrians carrying blankets and small backpacks draped over their shoulders.

Amen, replied Mom as she turned to face forward.

"Maybe remind wasn’t the best word—we should all know how great our country and what it took to become great. But it is nice to hear the speeches, the tales of heroism, enjoy the fireworks, and just have a night out, all together."

Absolutely, responded Billie Jo, looking out her window.

Well, do you think you have enough to write a nice article for your school paper? asked Dad.

Yeah, I think it will be very easy, answered Kaden. It should only take a few minutes to write something up and email it. Actually—Kaden stopped, thinking a little, and then continuing—it’s not really due until Friday.

Great. That gives you a couple of days to edit and polish it, recommended Mom in a slightly authoritarian tone while still facing forward but with her head back on the headrest and her eyes closed.

I was thinking of using the time to expand on the war and the actions of the veterans.

Billie Jo looked over at her brother and said, That sounds like a great idea. It would be so nice if other countries would stop their aggression so that so many young people wouldn’t have to make those types of sacrifices.

You would think that instead of resenting our freedoms and wealth, these other nations would love to be like us, answered Kaden as Mom and Dad shot each other a quick glance. You know those veterans will have to live with their experiences for the rest of their lives. I remember that one vet describing how he spent every evening after a bombing mission. He would walk out to this isolated field and ask God for forgiveness. I hope I never have to do something like that, and I am so happy they did so I don’t have to and can enjoy all we have.

Oh, I know, fired back Billie Jo in an emotional tone. When we had a field trip to the veteran’s home, I remember several of them were in tears when they talked about their experiences. It was all so very touching and moving.

We owe them a lot, added Mom, resting back in her seat, with her head against the headrest and her eyes closed again.

I don’t think our nation does enough for them for all they have done for the rest of us, added Dad as he finally made a left onto the main road and started to increase speed.

But I thought that we did do a lot for them? asked Kaden, sounding a bit surprised.

Oh, we do, but is it ever really enough, considering what they have given up so we can enjoy what we have? asked Mom still, reclining back in her seat with her eyes closed.

I guess not, answered Kaden.

Didn’t you just love the music, the flags, the banners billowing in the wind, the speeches of how great we are, and the fireworks? chirped up Billie Jo, quickly changing the subject.

Kaden like that she changed the subject from such an uncomfortable theme. Yes, I don’t think there can ever be enough flags at these events.

Not knowing if their son was being honest or sarcastic, Mom asked, How do you mean, Kaden?

It is such a great effect, I think, to look out across a crowd of people and see flags waving everywhere—a literal sea of red, white, and blue.

Don’t you mean ‘figurative,’ Kaden? asked Dad, keeping his eyes on the road.

Sure, that’s what I meant to say.

I just wished it hadn’t ended. I could listen to the music, see the awards, watch the banners, and the fireworks all night, said Billie Jo, talking in a faraway, dreamlike voice. Wasn’t it all so amazing? She stopped only to take a deep, relaxing, and satisfying breath. It would be nice if they could do this more often. I think that it is important for our nation to have more rallies such as this. I think it really brings us together.

Oh, that’s just great—just look at that, stated Kaden in an angry, possibly frustrated tone as he sat up straight in his seat to look out the window.

What? asked Billie Jo, startled by the change in Kaden’s tone, as she sat up to get a better view of what had upset her brother.

Over there, across the street. Kaden pointed at a group of young people standing across the street from the park’s other entrance.

What are they doing? asked Billie Jo.

They’re protesting the rally. They really should go to Cuba if they don’t like it here. Look at that one with a sign, saying, ‘You should learn to think.’ He should really learn to take his own advice.

Dad took his right hand off the steering wheel and reached over, taking his wife’s hand and giving it a firm and steady squeeze unnoticed by Kaden. Kaden was busy staring at the group of about ten young women and men only slightly older than Billie Jo and Kaden standing on a grassy shoulder with their signs. They stood silently without motion. They stood in the light of a streetlight like casually dressed mannequins holding their variously designed and phrased cardboard signs.

People like that are the reason we have so many problems, added Kaden, I will be sure to add them into my article. I wish I could get more information on them so I could make it the best end of the year article ever written. They’re exactly why we can’t progress. It would be so nice if we all thought the same.

Dad looked at Kaden in the rearview mirror. He saw how Kaden was looking at them and gave out a large sigh. Traffic started to move again, and he turned the car onto the road leading to the bypass. He thought of his son’s words. It was only a few yards until the got to the highway entrance, and he took it, leaving the heavier traffic behind, as he accelerated to about fifty-five miles an hour.

2

No sooner than Mom placed the bacon on the griddle did its intoxicating aroma drift to every corner of the house. Kaden smiled as he breathed in its scent while he finished pulling a sock onto his left foot. He thought that it was a great way to start the first day of his summer vacation before his senior year. He sat up as he thought on this—it was going to be his last summer vacation from high school. He would be a senior in the upcoming year. There would never be another summer vacation from high school after this.

He just sat and thought about this for a few moments letting it really sink in. He thought about how weird it actually felt. This time next year, what had been a major part of his life would be over. He wondered if all seniors all over the nation felt this way about their last high school summer vacation.

He came back to reality when his stomach growled a little, which he immediately attributed to the magnificent odor of frying potatoes and bacon. Kaden knew that his mom would be making omelets soon. He quickly got back to the chore of putting on his shoes so he could get down to the kitchen.

When he arrived, he was surprised to find only his mother working at the stove. Of course, his father was off to work at this time, but Billie Jo should have been there. He walked over to his mom and leaned over her shoulder, taking a deep smell of her work in progress. It smells wonderfully Mom.

Thank you. I thought that it would be a nice award after the amazing year you put in with your schoolwork.

Well it is, and thank you, said Kaden, walking over to the nook and taking a seat. Where’s Billie Jo?

Don’t you remember that she has a new job this morning at the mall?

Oh, that’s right. I guess that I have had just a lot on my mind for the last few days, he suggested. He wasn’t kidding. He had a full agenda, as teachers piled on extra assignments to be included in the final grade, as well as lessons to be included in final exams. For all but two classes, he had to turn in a project or a term paper. It had been long days and late nights—a small price for taking first-year–college-level courses. His hard work had shown in the remarkable final grades he had earned. So it is just you and me?

Yes and no. I have to get going this morning, so I already ate. This is all for you.

Where are you going, Mom?

Well, I have an appointment with my optometrist this morning, and then I have some errands to run like the grocery store. Did you want to go or need anything?

Kaden thought for a few moments. I don’t think so. If I think of anything, I can get it later.

So what are your plans for today? asked Mom as she placed a plate of eggs, potatoes, and bacon on the table in front of Kaden.

Kaden, taking a few seconds to take in his meal finally, looked up. I don’t know. I thought about continuing my search for a summer job, but at the same time after the previous two or three weeks, I just want to just do nothing for a day—literally not a thing.

That is fine. You didn’t want to go with me just to get out of the house?

No, I just really feel like being super lazy today. Kaden stopped to think about what he was saying as he picked up the pepper grinder and started to add it generously to his eggs and potatoes. I just feel like I need a day just to myself. Thank you for this great breakfast.

Smiling, Mom said, You’re welcomed, but you don’t want to do anything?

No, I just want to relax.

It’s just I thought that you would at least go over and hang out with Myranda or your friends.

No, I have all summer for them—to work, to do things. Today is just for me.

Well, you worked hard all school year and did very well, and I don’t think anyone would blame you for letting your hair down, responded his mother with a smile while, rubbing her Kaden’s left shoulder. So, just curious, what jobs are you looking at for the summer?

There’s a few in retail out at the mall, he answered with a sigh and scooped up some hash browns.

Seeing there was an issue, she asked, But?

Chewing on his potatoes, Kaden took a few seconds needed to finish and swallow his mouthful to get his mind together. It would just be nice to get a real job and start working on a career, making real money to get started on my future. But I have another year to go, I guess. Kaden sighed, looking down at his plate, stirring his fork in his hash browns. I know education is the most important thing right now, but I feel like a champion long-distance runner stuck at the starting line, even though the starter’s pistol has been fired and already unloaded, cleaned, and put away a long time ago.

I know, Kaden, I know what that is like, and at times it does suck, but it is just one more summer and one more year—

But then there is college, interrupted Kaden, sounding a little more frustrated.

It is all in good time, Kaden. Nothing is more important than being in control and prepared. As your dad said, ‘Wellington beat Napoleon at Waterloo because he refused to let Napoleon dictate what Wellington did and when. Wellington dictated what Wellington did.’

I know it is all for the best and maybe this impatience is just a bad case of growing pains, but I just can’t wait to start—really start my life.

I know, Kaden, I know. Be patient and stick to this plan and with a great education in the long run, you will be dictating your life instead of having it dictated for you.

Getting ready to take another forkful, he said, I know and it isn’t that far off yet.

By the way, I do have something to discuss with you later that may actually change some of your immediate plans anyway.

Kaden looked up with a confused look, catching his mother’s eyes. What is going to change my plans?

We’ll talk later, she said, looking up at the clock on the kitchen wall and moving to grab her purse. I have to really get going if I am going to be on time.

Can’t you just tell me real quick? insisted Kaden.

It’s a little bit on the complicated side. We’ll talk later when we have all the time we need. I really must get going. She stopped abruptly at the door, taking a deep breath, and turned slightly to look back at Kaden with a smile. Perhaps we can take a walk this evening and talk a bit.

Kaden perked up noticeably. Yes, I was thinking of that. Maybe dad could come, and we could walk in the park.

Looking a bit thoughtful, Mom replied, We’ll have to see. I don’t remember if he said this was going to be a late night for him or not. She changed to a smile. But we’ll see.

That would be great either way, though, responded Kaden, looking up from his breakfast.

Good, I’ll see you later. She suddenly stopped and turned to face Kaden. Oh, by the way, Chloe and Winston are at the groomers. Billie Jo had dropped them off on her way to work. Time for that summer haircut and flea dip, I guess.

Kaden quickly looked about the room, noticing for the first time he didn’t have two dachshunds begging for food. So it will be a day just to myself.

Yeah, I guess so, replied Mom, sort of thoughtfully. Billie Jo will be picking them up on her way home as well. She shrugged a little, with a stupid kind of smile. See you later.

Kaden just smiled and watched as she made her way out of the door, closing it behind her. He wondered what it could be and what exactly she had meant. He looked at the door until he heard her car come to life, shift into gear, and leave. He changed his attention back to his plate and slowly continued to work on his breakfast.

When he had finished, he took his plate and silverware over to the double large stainless-steel sinks his parents had installed back when Kaden was just starting school. One sink was filled with water and dish soap. Kaden scraped his scraps into a bag for the compost heap in the far corner of their backyard and then placed his dish and utensils into the sink with the water.

When his parents were starting out, time was a rare commodity. Neither one had liked dishwashers, but one came with the house and its concept could have saved them time. Except the reality of it was, having to rewash most of the dishes or rinsing them off prior to putting them into the dishwasher just ate up any time the dishwasher saved and wasted even more water. Then one day, they came upon this idea—let the dishes soak and then while doing evening chores, they loaded the dishwasher and let it go through its cycle. Just before going to bed, the dishes were then quickly put away in a group effort. In the morning, the sink was filled again for a new day.

Kaden finished placing his dishes in the soak sink. He felt a sensation of tingles run up his spine as he glanced out of the window. He leaned forward to get a better look. He just stood there, puzzled at seeing his mother’s car just sitting down the road about thirty to fifty yards. He got concerned seeing it just sitting there and moved into the living room to see if he could see what was happening.

When he reached the large bay window behind the sofa, he kneeled onto the sofa and leaned forward. His hands were on their dogs’ bed, which was on the large windowsill for when Chloe and Winston wanted to lie in the sun or just watch out the window. He leaned forward, turning his head to the left, and could see her