Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick Page A

shrugged, "we're probably all just tired of school and ready for some time off for Christmas."
    Clayton stared at her, but Milly didn't notice. What she just described should have made them all restless and happy, not depressed. But Milly was already moving toward the path their father had shoveled out so they could reach the house. Clayton settled the two roan horses and wagon and then followed her. They found their father at the kitchen table filling out a survey report and working on some letters, but he put it all aside when they came in and joined his wife and children for hot coffee and fresh muffins.

    Barefooted, Lexa stood in the hallway outside of Eddie and Jackie's room, a small jar clenched in her hand. It was late, time she was in bed, but welcome or not she had to see Jackie. She took a deep breath and knocked.
    "Come in," Eddie called from within.
    Lexa pushed the door open just enough to slip inside and then shut it behind her. Like Lexa, both of the older girls were in long flannel nightgowns, but the light was on and only Eddie was under the covers. Lexa made herself go to the other side of the bed, right up to Jackie, and speak.
    "Uncle Mitch gave me this ointment a long time ago when I cut myself. I thought you might like to use it."
    Jackie stared down into her sisters hesitant eyes and took the jar from her outstretched hand.
    "Thanks, Lexa."
    "You're welcome," she said and then just stood there. Jackie spoke next, her voice fierce, but not toward Lexa.
    "I knew those states and capitals, Lexa. I knew every one."
    "I know you did. I heard you say them to Mother."
    Quiet descended until Eddie said softly, "I know its Saturday tomorrow, but you'd best get to bed, Lexa."
    "All right. Good-night, Jackie. 'Night, Eddie."
    The older girls wished her a good night as well, and when Lexa slipped back out of the room, Eddie pushed herself up against the headboard. When Jackie climbed into bed still holding the ointment,
Eddie immediately reached for her hand.
    "Oh, Jackie," she whispered when she saw the marks, tears filling her eyes.
    "Don't cry, Eddie!" Jackie's voice was sharp, but Eddie ignored her. Seeing those tears, Jackie's fell as well.
    With tender movements Eddie took the small jar and removed the lid. She carefully smoothed the white cream over Jackie's swollen hand, moving painstakingly and sniffing back her tears. When she was done, her voice sounded as fierce as Jackie's had.
    "Tag would never do this."
    "Tag? What are you talking about?"
    "Clayton Taggart. I don't think he'll hit anyone when he's a teacher."
    Jackie shifted in order to get a better view of Eddie's face.
    "Clay is going to be a teacher?"
    "That's his dream."
    "How do you know that?"
    "Jackie," Eddie's voice held a note of rebuke. "I talk to the man. We visit every time he comes to the store, and whenever he's home he stops here to see Mother and me."
    Jackie was frowning at her sister as though she didn't have the right to Clayton's company. Without speaking she took the jar from Eddie, replaced the cap, and set it on her nightstand. She settled her head on the pillow, her back to the sister who had just shown her such kindness.
    "You're going to be 16 in a few weeks, Jackie. Don't you think its time you gave up this childishness?"
    "What about Clay?"
    "What about Clay?" Eddie asked back. "Honestly Jackie, you have no grounds. He couldn't be kinder to us if he tried. He doesn't even tease you anymore."
    Jackie was well aware of that fact but tried again to divert Eddies belief.
    "Well, anyway, Clay's too young to be teaching school. I, for one, would never respect him."
    "Clay is no child, Jackie. He was 19 in October, and by the time he finishes his training he'll be even older than that. Like I said, you have no grounds for disliking him outside of your stubborn pride, and in my opinion that's no grounds at all."
    With that Eddie blew the light out. The tender way the older girl had ministered to Jackie's hand seemed to be