Camp Mansfield - Chapter Four

"Faith!  Wait up for me!" breathless shouts Ted running after her golf cart that has just left the administration office and heading towards the dining room for some breakfast with the other staff members.

Faith pounds on the breaks and because of the restless gravel in the parking lot slides to a prolonged halt.  "I didn't see you!" laughs Faith finding it rather humorous that the once athletic Ted is not quite so in shape as he use to be when they were teens. 

As Ted starts to climb into the cart, she gently steps on the gas moving the cart slightly forward.  Ted looks at her and laughs while making a second attempt to step in.  Again, she teasingly pushes on the gas and Ted hops a few inches on one foot with the other resting in the cart.  He softly pushes her shoulder with his free hand as he did often when they were younger and climbs in and with a happy smile "You're still ornery as always."

"How are you doing this morning?" asks Faith wondering how he is managing with an earlier schedule than his typical office routine. 

With an uncontrollable yawn, "I'm awake.  But I'll probably need a couple of coffee cups to keep me this in this state" admiring the beautiful horizon of orange, gold, and pink in front of him  "It's been a long time since I've been up before sunrise and managed to be ready for the day. However I would say this sunrise is worth it!"

"Mornings are one of my favorite things about living here" admits Faith "In the morning, I often sit by the cross over the lake during my devotions.  The colors of the sunrise reflect on the water and it's one of the most peaceful places in camp."

"Sounds like it would be nice" agrees Ted "Sometimes I find myself too busy but can only grab a few minutes alone to meditate in my office.  I think at camp you would be daily reminded of God's presence in everything that surrounds you."

"Yes, sometimes it feels that way even on the days that are hectic" concurs Faith taking a deep breath in of the sweet aroma of the peach and violet chrysanthemums outlining the concrete golf cart trail to the dining hall.

As they head down the road, Ted comfortably rests his arm behind Faith.  "Why did it take you so long to visit again?"

Looking momentarily concerned, Ted leans forward and shifts in his chair and vaguely replies "I've just been very busy".

"Oh.  I guess it is rather far for you to come now that you work at territorial headquarters" puzzled replies Faith not sure what caused Ted's sudden change in mood.  "It's been a little over five years since you spent more than a day here.  At least you will have time to catch up with your family."

"Yes, I suppose so" signs Ted appearing lost in his thoughts "Have you been busy too?  Whatever happen to Russell Worth?  Last time I was here he seemed rather interested in you."

"You mean Rush?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  He's crazy.  Anyway, he's dating Mariah and has been for awhile.  Didn't you know?" shocked inquires Faith dubious that Ted would not know the romantic adventures of his younger sister.

"Really? I don't talk to Mariah much other than making sure she is actually attending her college classes.  It will be amazing if she ever finishes" confesses Ted " I think she's looking towards an M.R.S. degree rather than one she can actually use for an occupation.  I had no idea she was dating Rush."

"They're practically engaged.  Although I think Mariah might want to defer a wedding for awhile.  She's hoping that she will be discovered soon and  her singing career will take off" replies Faith mimicking what she has been repeatedly told by Mrs. Bartram who has high but delusional dreams of her daughters attempts to be famous.

"Mariah sing?  She's tone deaf!" rebukes Ted shaking his head "I don't ever remember her being able to stay in the same key for an entire song."

In hearing his statement, Faith blushes but doesn't respond not entirely sure how her agreement with his statement would be taken by the rest of the family.

"She tells everyone that she was named after Mariah Carey but truly that is where the similarity ends.  Hasn't dad talked any sense into her yet?" pleadingly requests Ted "What about you?"

"Oh no.  I'm not going anywhere near that one" wisely remarks Faith "Eventually she'll figure out that she does many other things well and it would be better for her to concentrate on them".

Leading back into his seat, Ted rolls his eyes and sighs. "It's hopeless.  I should have never given her that Chrissie Candie mighty mic when she was ten, she's been in her deranged state since then".

"It's not that bad" counters Faith knowing that she might be stretching the truth just a little "It will all work out for what it is meant to be".

"So Rush and you didn't get together?" slowing inquires Ted relieved that the answer might be what he is hoping for.

"No, not at all.  I'm not his type.  I was never really interested in Rush.  He was nice to me but that was it" remembers Faith suddenly understanding that Ted might have been a little jealous of Rush then but not entirely sure.

"You were too good for him, but I didn't think you could see it" bluntly states Ted more confident to share his opinion now that time has passed "You seemed to have your act together while Rush was still trying to figure out which end was up."

'You're probably right" reflects Faith not sure what else to say and this new discovery of possible former interest on Ted's part.

"He's definitely a lot more like Mariah" considers Ted "They're both very ambitious but rather directionless."

Widening her eyes, Faith doesn't know how to respond to a remark about Ted's potential brother-in-law and sister. "Oh" is all she can managed.

"To be honest, he's one of the reasons why I didn't come back for awhile.  Since we were such good friends, I decided to give you some space to see if things would work out with him" shares Ted not quite telling the truth that he had already believed that Faith had made a choice and it wasn't him.

"No, that would have never worked out.  I never saw him in that way in my life" truthfully shares Faith trying to figure out how to say the next statement without revealing too much  "I think I was looking elsewhere but the man I was looking at seems to be focused on someone else."

"That was a stupid guy" sharply remarks Ted and then to encourage her "Any guy that wouldn't look at you first is an idiot."

"Yeah, well that didn't happen" softly murmurs Faith "It's okay though. I don't think that I was ready for any kind of permanent relationship at that time."

"Probably not. I know that I wasn't." considers Ted looking over to her but turning away as soon as she moves her head to look at him  "But I can't help but sometimes wish things had worked out differently a few years ago."

"Here we are!" exclaims Faith relieved to change the conversation but wishing that she had been able to share more "The door is just on the other side.  Everything is still buffet style for most meals as it has been for years."

Walking up the split wood plated porch, Ted holds the door open for Faith as she ducks under his arm and moves ahead of him through the glass door entry.  Ted gently leaning towards her, smells her fresh blossom shampoo triggering memories of pushing her on a tire swing by the soccer field when they were in high school. Ted smiles to himself and cheerfully follows behind Faith.

Camp Mansfield - Chapter Three

Looking at the huge pile of shirts laying across her bed, Faith closes her eyes in frustration.  Nothing seems to look right.  Either she’s worn the shirt too much, it is too tight from when she wore it a couple of months ago, or too big from last year, or not the right color or in too busy of a pattern, too boring or too outrageous .... nothing .... not-one-single-top seems right.  She hasn’t even started to look at her shoes yet.

Faith stands in front of the mirror one more time and smirks. “This isn’t it” she thinks to herself “I should have gone shopping last weekend and then I would have had at least something to wear but I didn’t know he was coming. At least I have one pair of jeans that are fairly new that I can wear.”

Glancing at her shoe rack, Faith passes over the tennis shoes, pauses at the Mary Janes, but then aims her vision towards the attractive red strappy stilettos that she hasn’t worn in six months since her last birthday. “I’d like to wear these but I will be sitting on every bench that we pass in desperate need for a five minute break”.  She moves her gaze over to a pair of comfortable chocolate brown wedge shoes.  “This might be a only a little more dressed up than flats but at least I won’t fall in them”.

“Now to accomplish something with my hair” which looks like it might actually be in a contest for a fur ball of frizz, Faith plugs in her straightener with not much hope of success. 

“It doesn’t matter what I look like, he’ll just enjoy being with me again” Faith tries to unconvincingly comfort herself feeling as if her attire is completely inadequate for the impression that she would like to make.  “Maybe I should wear a sundress, but it is so cold today. Every other day for the past few months has felt like summer, but unfortunately not today. Jeans will have to do.”

Searching through the magazines under her night stand for a moment of inspiration, Faith signs in resignation “For once, I wish I had a least an interest in fashion so I would know what to wear and how to look good, but I haven’t got a clue.”

A bell echoes through her tiny cottage, “he’s here” whispers Faith to herself taking one last look into the mirror and realizing that she forgot to put on her makeup in her indecisiveness in choosing what to wear that day.  “Ugh, why can’t I get myself together?”  She grabs the nearest baseball cap on the shelf by the door and pulls it down over her face as she opens the door to meet Ted.

On seeing Faith with a baseball cap on and looking towards the ground so that he cannot see her face, Ted asks “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just forgot something” muffles Faith keeping her face towards the ground desperate for him not to catch a clear view “Come on in, I’ll be back in a few minutes”.

Wondering what she is hiding from him, Ted bends down to speak to her under lifting up the bill of the baseball cap, “Do you need any help?”

Faith starts to laugh because her disguise is not working, “No, I just forgot to put on my makeup.  Give me a few minutes and I’ll look much better.”

“You look fine to me with or without the makeup” sincerely remarks Ted remembering plenty of times swimming together in the camp pool enjoying each other’s company.  He laughs to himself remembering her absentmindedness and finding it pleasantly endearing.

While Faith disappears into the other room, Ted finds a comfortable spot on the outdated floral sofa. On the walls are framed photos that Faith has taken over the years of the campground.  They are artistic and good enough to be something that might be purchased in a gallery.  Unknown to Faith, a few years ago he had a few of the pictures that she sent to him blown up and placed in expensive wooden frames around his home. The photos are often a centerpiece of conversation when visitors have come to his own home and he has bragged about the skill of his best friend who is a photographer.

Hearing the shuffle in the front room, Sampson rushes through the dog door and pounces on Ted’s lap spreading out comfortably head to toe.  “So, you’re Sampson” the happy dog prods Ted’s hand with his nose prompting him to be petted. “Good boy” scratching him behind the ears as his tail furiously wags against the cushions of the sofa.

“Sampson get down!” demands Faith shocked and embarrassed that her dog has commanded attention so quickly.

“He’s okay. I wish that I had a dog again. It’s been awhile because of traveling so much.  He’s very friendly” chides Ted as Sampson moves closer to snuggle into him.

“Sampson behave!” commands Faith gently taking him by the collar and moving him to the floor.  In response Sampson plops down and pouts in the corner with his face nesting between his paws. 

Following behind Faith with a smile, Ted walks over and pats Sampson on the head “It’s okay buddy, maybe she’ll let me stay longer next time”. Faith turns her head on hearing this comment and Ted winks at her.  Blushing Faith replies “Well, we’ll see.”

“I like your car” replies Faith attaching the seat belt into its lock and leaning back into the comfortable seat.

“It’s not mine, but a floater from divisional headquarters for my time as a consultant in the division this month” remarks Ted genuinely grateful for the transportation that was provided “I agree, it’s very nice.  I hope you don’t mind but I need to check on the publicity booth at the fair while we are there.”

“No problem, I’m just glad that I’m able to go with you today.  It’s a nice change from the routine” replies Faith very content with her life at this moment. 

While driving the hour into town for the state fair, Ted finds Faith as easy to talk to as she has always been.  “Do you remember when we climbed the tree by the craft hut and you couldn’t get back down?”

“Yes, I was competing with you on who could go the highest, but then once I was up there realized that it was way too far from the ground” exclaims Faith feeling breathless at the recollection “You were kind enough to come up and help me back down.  I think that I would have possibly never made it down without your help! I was so scared.  I don’t know why it didn’t enter my brain that I might have to come down after climbing up, I just wanted to win.”

“Do you remember getting stung by all the bees?” asks Faith “It was awful.  I felt so sorry for you!”

“Yeah, you put calamine lotion all over me and then you had it in your hair but I didn’t tell you” remarks Ted feeling slightly guilty “I liked the pink streaks. I was disappointed when the cook, Mrs. Norris, told you in the dining room while you were doing announcements.  I probably would have waited much longer.” 

Joking with him, Faith punches Ted gently in the arm.  “At least I didn’t wear my shorts backwards to chapel!”

“Ugh, why did you have to bring that up? I was harassed about that for days” blushes Ted at the memory.

“What were you doing anyway?” chides Faith wondering how that would even happen.

“We were playing King of the Hill on the bunkbeds and running late because of goofing around. Our counselor came in looking for the group of us and said we had to leave right then for chapel or we would miss our free time later that day.  I just grabbed the nearest pair of shorts and put them on without looking.  They felt very uncomfortable walking but I didn’t bother to look down to see what the problem might be, unfortunately everyone else did.  And you seemed to be the very first one” shaking his head “Sometimes …”

“I thought it was hysterical!” laughs Faith “I thought that you might possibly have done it on purpose.”

“Remember when you tried to bleach your hair and it turned orange?” laughs Ted still finding it humorous after all these years.

“Oh yeah, no one told me I couldn’t go swimming after a perm.  It stayed like that for weeks” shaking her head, Faith brushes her hair with her hand at the memory. “I think that I wore a baseball cap most of the summer.”

While at the park their conversation of old times continues as it starts to rain.  Afraid that Faith might catch a chill, he puts his jacket around her shoulders and keeps his arm around her so that jacket will not slip. Faith relaxes in his company and finds the chatter refreshing like a new day is beginning.

“Do you want some funnel cake?” asks Ted as the sweet vanilla and caramel aroma fills the area by the food stand.

“Most definitely!” replies Faith walking next to him as he leads the way “I think it is my favorite amusement park item.”

“Mine too” agrees Ted paying the cashier and balancing the two plates over to a covered picnic table with a purple striped umbrella advertising a popular soda.

“Faith, if you could choose to do anything that you wanted to do, what would it be?” asks Ted wondering how Faith might fit into his life.

“Good question.  I like to do a lot of things, but I would want whatever I chose to do to be something that would make me happy and content” vaguely answers Faith taking a powdered sugar bite of her funnel cake.

“Do you want to stay at camp the rest of your life or would you be open to doing something else?” sincerely inquires Ted wanting to find out exactly what Faith’s goals are.

“Well, right now it seems that camp is the place I’m meant to be. If another door should open up that I feel God is leading me to, I’ll listen to Him” considers Faith wondering why Ted is asking her these questions. “What about you?  Do you like what you are doing?”

“Yes for now, but I can’t help but feel there might be something more meaningful that I could do.  I like what I’m doing now and I believe that I’m helping people where I am, but I have a nagging feeling that I might find more fulfillment doing something else” confidentially shares Ted feeling as if Faith is one of the few people who truly understand him.

“I think you will do well at whatever you choose to do” confidently remarks Faith believing that Ted is probably the most well-rounded person that she knows. “You have so many skills and talents, but you have a great personality too that is kind and considerate of others.”

“Faith, you always seem to have the right words to say that make me feel good about myself” bluntly states Ted looking directly at her “I feel the same way about you too.”

Returning his gaze, Faith can feel herself unintentionally blush. “Thank you” is all she can manage to say.

“At one point many years ago I wanted to be a pastor and corps officer.  My parents highly recommended that I go to college and have a career first which I’ve been doing the last ten years. I’m glad they encouraged me to get my education because it is necessary whether I am in business or clergy.  I feel that I can serve God wholeheartedly in either occupation” Waiting for confirmation that Faith is listening, Ted courageously continues “But recently, the thought of officer-ship seems to be coming up again and I find myself asking for some direction.  I’m not ready to go to training right now by any means, but I’m probably more open to it now that I have been for a long time.”

Not surprised, Faith nods her head and contemplates what Ted is quietly sharing with her.

“Faith, have you ever considered being an officer?  What do you think of it?” lightly prods Ted not entirely sure what her response will be.

“I think it is a place that is meant for those who feel called to do it.  I think if someone is going to be an officer, they need to prepare themselves as much for the life of service that is ahead of them as they can including education, volunteering, a lifestyle of giving, and learning how to communicate well with others” contemplates Faith “It really isn’t meant for everyone, but I think that God does call people into many different areas of service and surrender to Him whether it is officer-ship, a church leader, or a member of the community that is a representative of Him.”

“But what about you, would you consider being an officer?” asking a more direct question, Ted intensifies his tone.

“Yes, I think so. But I would need God to tell me in no uncertain terms that this is what He wants me to do” truthfully says Faith “I don’t think God usually speaks in ultimatums though.  He does like us to take a step in faith, just like my name.”

“Knowing when and how to take the step sometimes is the most difficult thing to know though” remarks Ted pondering if Faith would ever be an officer with him.

At that moment Ted’s phone announces that a text has just been received, Ted glances at it.  “It looks like my mother is impatient for me to get back to take her to dinner she always has the worst timing.  Are you ready?”

“Yes, thanks for letting me borrow your jacket” handing it back to him, Faith continues “It’s been a lovely day and I’ve enjoyed talking with you quite a lot and its been fun catching up on old times!”

“I’ve enjoyed the day with you too.  We’ll definitely have to go out again, but you get to choose where you want to go next time and I won’t have to work at all” informs Ted hoping that the next time will only be a few hours and not days away.

Camp Mansfield - Chapter Two

“Come on in” welcomes Thomas holding the wide the door for Faith “We’re all in the living room chatting away”.

“Thanks so much” replies Faith taking off her jacket and handing it to Mr. Thomas to place on the coat rack to dry off.

“We’ve started a fire to keep yourself warm.  The rain is really coming down, I wonder if it will ever stop” reflects Thomas looking out of the large window entering the living room “Everybody’s in here.”

Feeling nervous but comfortable among friends, Faith raises her eyes and makes direct contact with Ted.  Elated to see his good friend from such a long time ago, Ted smiles with delight and joyfully exclaims in his eternal nickname for her “Hey, Faithless, how are you doing?  It’s so good to see you!”

“Pretty good Slimy Toad!” sarcastically answers Faith giggling while Ted heads towards her for a friendly bear hug.

“You two …” dismissively states Mrs. Bartram shaking her head “You’re not exactly 12 anymore.”

“She’ll always be my Faithless to me” remarks Ted with his arm still stuck like glue around her shoulder.

Faith nudges him in the side like the many times she did as a teen when he would tease her, “I guess you’ll always be my toad too.”  He kisses her on the forehead like he would his sister and releases her from his grasp.

“Ready for dinner?” asks Ted feeling hungry after his long flight and travel excursions earlier that day while grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the dining room “Faithless, you have to sit by me.  We’ve a lot to catch up on.  What’s it been, three or four years?”

“Closer to five and a couple of months” precisely remarks Faith having regularly noted the times that she has missed him over the years.

“Yes, it has definitely been that long.  I should have been around more often, but everything has been so busy lately with a few promotions thrown in that I didn’t have much time to take off.  I even lost a few days of my vacation the last couple of years because my schedule has been too hectic.  Living overseas for a while didn’t exactly fit into my budget to come home either” explains Ted now wishing that he had made more of an effort to come home especially to see Faith whom he didn’t realized that he missed so much.

Understanding the limits of a budget, Faith nods her head in agreement and stirs the spaghetti with her fork on the plate in front of her.

“Hey, what are your plans tomorrow?” asks Ted looking directly at Faith when he hears his mother answer instead already feeling a little envious of the attention her son is giving to Faith “Oh nothing much.  I thought that we would spend the day together tomorrow for a mom and son time.  I’m sure Faith is too busy with the things at camp to have any free time, right Mr. Bartram”.

“No honey, I think we could let Faith have the day off to spend some time with Ted.  They haven’t seen each other in such a long time” kindly remarks Thomas receiving at the same moment a swift kick in his shin under the table from Mrs. Bartram. “Owww!” giving Mrs. Bartram a disgusted look and then speaking firmly, “I think Ted can decide what he would like to do with his time.  There still is plenty of time to visit with us”.

Mrs. Bartram gives him the evil eye in return promising that things will not look good later on when they are alone together in private.  “I suppose Ted can do as he wishes.  But I would think being his mother that he would want to first spend his time with me.”

Looking away from his mother but towards Faith, Ted rolls his eyes.  Faith blushes not wanting to be in the center of attention in any argument or misunderstanding. “Mom, I love you very much.  But I haven’t seen Faith in a while either.  How about if I take you out to dinner tomorrow night, just the two of us? I have some things that I would like to discuss with Faith that you most likely would not be interested in.  I’m thinking of taking her to the state fair tomorrow and you don’t like to walk much.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.  Dinner sounds very good.  Can we go to my favorite restaurant?” feeling a little appeased asks Mrs. Bartram.

“It’s a date.  We’ll leave here about six-thirty” establishes Ted hoping to defer any disagreement with his mother “Remember to dress up too!”

“You’re mother and I have been discussing the house on the property up the road that we built a quite few years ago when we first got married” begins Thomas not sure how his son will react to the news “Since you’ve been busy and not able to visit much, we’ve decided to rent it in the meantime.  I know it is your inheritance, but it will help your mother and me to have a little extra income.”

“Do you have in mind who you might rent the property to?” asks Ted knowing that the house needs to be used but not happy at the prospect that it might be rented to strangers.

“I think that you might remember them from your days attending the territorial music institute?  They seemed to remember you” explains Mrs. Bartram “They’re family is very influential.”

“The renters are a brother and sister.  Their name reminds me of something to do with fish” trying to remember offers Thomas.

“Fish?  What are you talking about? The last name is Crawford not crawfish!” annoyed answers Mrs. Bartram shaking her head “Always talking about fishing.  I remember the first time we met, you said your last name was similar to Barracuda.  Bartram and Barracuda who would ever think those two names are related?”

“Crawford?  Do you mean Mary Crawford?” slowly asks Ted not sure how he feels about her staying in his home.

“Yes, yes that’s it. Mary Crawford” explains his mother “Lovely girl.  She could talk for hours and very charming.  She will make someone an excellent wife one day.”

As she hears the name, Faith can feel her face being drained of all color.  Her hand touches her cheek for reassurance.

“I remember Mary as sure most of my friends remember her as well” remarks Ted looking next to him “Do you remember Mary?”

“Yes and her brother Henry.  They were very popular when we were growing up” blandly replies Faith not wanting to give away any hints of the snobbery with which Mary treated most of the girls around her.  Henry was a player and not much of a prize in Faith’s eyes either.

“I seem to remember Henry always talking about you, Faith.  But you never seemed to give him the time of day” considers Ted grateful that Faith never dated him “I had this nagging feeling that he was my friend so he could be around you.”

In retrospection Faith quietly rolls her eyes “I don’t think that I was Henry’s type.  He seemed to be attracted to the rather shallow and high maintenance kind of girls.”

Ted eyes widen in contrast to how he remembered the summer time events of years ago. He remembers quite clearly Henry bragging about how much Faith liked him and that it was mutual.  He considers that perhaps his perception of things in the past was incorrect due to his young age then.

“How long will they be staying?” politely asks Faith not sure if she wants to hear the answer.

“Oh, I believe the rental contract is for a year.  Plenty of time for Ted, Mary, and Henry to catch up and be reacquainted with each other as long as Ted promises to visit more often” encourages Mrs. Bartram grateful for a motive to make Ted see her more often as well as the status that might be offered in a future union “Mary is quite a nice young woman.  I think she might be exactly your type Ted.”

“Well, I don’t know.  It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other.  We are probably two different people by now from when we knew each other as teens” suggests Ted not wanting his mother to fantasize about any matrimonial ideas with someone he has not been in contact with for over ten years.

“You never know what surprises might happen with your heart” Mrs. Bartram states as a matter of fact “For all I know, you might be married within the year.  You’re getting older you know. I'm ready for some grand-kids too!”

“Yes, I know.  But I’d rather wait for the right one that just marry because I’m lonely even if she is a nice girl” remarks Ted glancing over at Faith who seems lost in her own thoughts “What about you, Faith?  How do you feel about the whole marriage thing?”

“Me?  I just hope I find someone one day who loves me as much as I love him” quietly replies Faith wishing Ted understood that she would consider him a good match with her on any day.

“Why are we talking about weddings?” asks Thomas interrupting the conversation “Please pass the potatoes.  They’ll find who they want when they want.  I think it is all a matter of timing and coincidence.  They’re ready and they just happen to meet someone at that time who is someone that they want to be with.”

“I think it is a bit more than that” offers Ted knowing that he has met quite a few beautiful women during his travels but of whom none seem to be the right one “It’s more a matter of shared interests, a common background, and similar outlooks on life. Sometimes the person that a man wants ends up being right next to him the whole time”.

“What do you think Faith?  Do you think Ted’s right?” asks Thomas curious to know her answer.

“I think it is a little of both.  It is a matter of timing where life is falling at the moment” agreeing with Thomas but then looking over to Ted “And finding someone who is a lot like you and who can communicate well with you.”

“I think it just takes a pretty girl who knows how to flirt” bluntly states Mrs. Bartram from experience “That’s how I got my Mr. Bartram”.

“Yes and I’ve been in prison ever since” agrees Mr. Bartram giving his wife a peck on the cheek to smooth over the reality of this statement.

After dinner and walking towards the front door, Ted helps Faith put on her jacket, “Is it all right if I pick you up at cottage around nine? Will you be ready by then?”

“Yes, no problem.  See you then!” happily replies Faith looking forward to seeing Ted tomorrow and being able to talk with him.

Ted opens the door and watches Faith as she walks to her golf cart.  Faith waves back to him and smiles.  As he watches her, Ted does the same but feels an aching in his heart that he doesn’t remember having before.

Camp Mansfield - Chapter One

The raindrops rhythmically falling each in their own time cluster together in the corner of the outdoor pavilion. The breeze is gentle but the air is chill enough to need a jacket in the damp temperature. Once under the shelter, Faith shakes her hair to release the excess moisture and smiles appreciating the fresh glow on all of nature surrounding her.  She stomps her creased dusty boots against the geometric stone flooring looking at the wet trail left behind her. 

“There you are!” Faith gently admonishes her favorite pet, Sampson, an older yet still in denial Labrador who has dreams of puppyhood.  She nuzzles with him a moment nose to nose giving him a good scratch behind each of his floppy ears. Looking down at his muddy paws “Looks like you’ve been chasing a few of the geese around the lake again! You don’t want them biting your nose like last time!”

Sampson loyally follows her around the empty pavilion as she checks the stage to make sure that all the items from the previous rental group have been removed. She opens the storage closet to place the one lone chair that was left by the water fountain. She imagines a young boy of about 5 needing it for a moment’s refreshment from a warmer day before.

Picking up leftover candy bar wrappers and small remnants of spiral notebook paper accidentally left behind, Faith wonders what memories were created that past weekend that some will carry for a lifetime.  Camp is one of her favorite places to be.

When her parents passed away as a senior in high school, she was given a position as a Guest Services associate and has been living on the campgrounds for over ten years managing different areas as needed or assigned. Mansfield Park, a historical premier camp nestled in the woods of the Northern Territory, personifies all that is whole and good to her.  To Faith, the camp is more than a home it has become a place of healing from grief and a promise of good things to come.

Her thoughts are interrupted by a scratchy sound from the radio that almost feels permanently attached to her hip, and hears a gruff low voice “Faith, what’s your location?  We need you in the barn as soon as you can get here”.

“I’m on my way Thomas! I’m leaving the Pavilion now” immediately answers Faith jumping into her golf cart that she has decorated with a laminated portrait of Jane Austen tightly taped to the steering wheel, with the words “This cart belongs to Faith or Jane if she comes to visit”.  Too many times before without a posted sign, she would walk away from a building only to find that her cart had disappeared into the unknown driven by a friendly guest.

Driving through the mud and rain, Faith finally reaches the chipped paint barn where the horses and some cattle reside along the trenches. “Mr. Thomas I’m here!” announces Faith entering the barn enveloped in the smell of wet hay and other farm animals meandering in the air.  Her haggard boots shuffle through the scattered hay and feed that has aimlessly drifted along the floor of the barn.

Among the permanent staff, Thomas and Mary Bartram have been the caretakers of the large rural property and have raised their four lively children in the organized wilderness. Their children are no longer kids hanging randomly from the trees, but are now adults each finding their own place in the world.   

“Oh Faith, I’m so glad you’re here!” anxiously replies Thomas, “It seems Apple Dumpling is not doing so well today.  We need to take her to the vet, but she is refusing to move. You’re the only one who can convince her to go anywhere other than my Ted.  She’s so stubborn, but she has been around forever and has a mind of her own.”

Faith grabs an apple from the metal bucket beside her stall, gently stroking her forehead she leads Apple Dumpling by her muzzle to the trailer.  Apple Dumpling softly nods his head near to Faith and comfortably neighs in acknowledgement that she will be safe in Faith’s hands.

In a fatherly way, Thomas reminds Faith “You know, Apple Dumpling may not be with us much longer.  There will be a moment when it will be kinder to let her rest than to suffer in any more pain.”

Dropping her eyes Faith sighs and giving Apple Dumpling a reassuring pat on her side, “Yes, I know.  I want to do what I can for her right now though”.

“Mr. Thomas, when will Ted be back in town?” asks Faith wanting to change the subject as they head towards the vet about twenty minutes away in the nearest local community.

“Mrs. Bartram is so excited.  All the kids will be back for Thanksgiving and spending a couple of weeks with us” explains Thomas feeling rather nostalgic for his family “You and Ted will be glad to see each other.  I remember as children the two of you hanging out at the lake and fishing when you were ten years old.  Such good times ….” 

“Yes, we did have a lot of fun together” agrees Faith giggling as some adventurous memories pop into her thoughts of laughter and other comedic antics of childhood. “It will be good to see him again.  He was my very best friend.  It’s been a few years since I saw him last other than for a meal at your house or something like that.  I hope he is doing well!”

“Sure, you know Ted.  He always studying or traveling.  He talks about wanting to be an officer someday.  We’ll see.  As far as all my kids go, I think he is the one with the most likely heart to make a difference” reflects Thomas “He’s a good man but he needs to find some direction.  Maybe you can help him with that.  Perhaps you could introduce him to some of your friends and help him find a wife, but that might be better for my daughters to do since they might be more his type or at least my wife’s type.”

Listening to his words, Faith nods her heading in agreement.  Mrs. Bartram was not terribly excited when they dated for a short time as teens. It was only for a summer after graduation and ended with Ted left for college on the coast.  But it seemed Mrs. Bartram interfered as much as possible to keep them separated.  Her eye had been on the commissioner’s granddaughter who didn’t seem to have the slightest acknowledgement of Ted at the time but on every other cute boy with any type of status in the territory who seemed to willingly ignorantly follow her like a row of puppies as if they each felt like they were the only one in her life.

However, Ted didn’t seem to notice the other girl and kept his attention focused on her.  It didn’t matter who was around, Ted was always kind to her and made her happy. “It will be so good to see him again” silently reflects Faith to herself “I wonder if he is the same or if he has changed over the years.”

A loud line of a song reverberates from the phone sitting next to Thomas on the bench of the truck, “I’d gladly walk across the dessert with no shoes upon my feet”.  Faith hears Mr. Thomas “Uhh unh, yes, oh really?  When? Mmmm.  Good as far as I know. Yeah, that will be all right. See you then!”

“Guess what Faith?” interrupts Thomas as he lowers the music on the radio “Seems like the angels must have heard you.  Ted is coming to visit tomorrow and officially added another month to his vacation in November.  He has to do some consulting work for the divisional headquarters and asked if he could stay at camp with us.  He even asked about you!” shares Thomas rather surprised that his son would ask about her rather than his mother “Mrs. Bartram is going to be ecstatic. I better head home to tell her or she’ll be mad if she doesn’t have everything ready in time.  Do you mind if I drop you off at the office, so I can head back to the house?”

“No, not at all” replies Faith knowing that her small cottage is across the camp grounds from the caretaker’s home “I think that I left my cart at the office anyway.”

“No you left it at the barn” correctly answers Thomas “But it’s not too far of a walk from the office.”

“Yes, I don’t mind walking” replies Faith knowing that the office is at least a good half mile away on the property from the barn but a walk seems like a good idea at the moment.

“You’ll have to come for supper once Ted arrives tomorrow” kindly offers Thomas remembering that Faith doesn’t have much family and viewing her as somewhat of a daughter “I’m sure you’ll have many stories to catch up on or remember from when you were kids together.”

“Thank you!  That would be wonderful!” loudly states Faith to be heard over the diesel engine as she jumps out of the utility truck “I’m looking forward to it!”

Camp Mansfield - Introduction

Camp Mansfield is a modern twist on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park in a new setting at a Salvation Army camp.  For those who enjoy the original Mansfield Park  as one of their favorites, I've changed and removed some of the characters.  In the original story, they were all in their late teens but I've added a few years to have most of the lead characters towards the end of their 20s and choosing most likely their permanent life paths.  I first read the story in jr high and then later for a class in college.  Fanny Price (now Faith Price) is a bit different but I tried to keep the essence of her personality and viewpoint of life.