The Magic pumpkin patch
Oct 2007
By Sadiespinner

The world outside the small cabin was bathed in luminous silver. Tonight was the night.

Marie Cartwright was not very sure about this in fact she was more than wary she was scared. Her new sons however were all aglow. Marie due to her upbringing did not hold with the traditions that went along with the pagan ritual of “All Hollow’s Eve.” Ben had assured her that this was really just a fun thing for children and no harm would come. The light in the big blue eyes and offer of protection coming form the 4yr old made her feel silly. No so the skeptical and somewhat scornful arch of black brow over dark hazel eyes, this brought a different reaction.

Marie was bound and determined to see this through. For a week now they had been anticipating this night.

Hop Sing the cook and housekeeper who worked for Ben from before her arrival tried to help her with this, however even he could not help being very mysterious about the event. Hop Sing was known for his way with plants and growing things, his garden was large and bountiful. He planned everything carefully to get the maximum advantage from the space provided by hard work. Plowing and turning over then removing rocks and clumps, it was slow and labor intensive but in the end paid off handsomely. Both boys had put countless hours at his side preparing planting and tending his beloved garden, at times hating it, also grateful for it when the harvest provided.

There was one spot no one tended but him. Down the back below the barn and pigsty, on the other side of a little knoll stood a section of split rail fence. It appeared to serve no purpose for it neither penned anything in or ran more than 10 ft. It was held up by a triangle set on both end, reachable only through a thick bower of thorny brush.

This was the night before “All Hallows Eve. The moon had complied fully and shone with breath taking beauty, the stars twinkled by the millions. There were just enough dark clouds skittering around the sky to add to the mood. Ben was not home tonight and Marie sorely wished he had returned. They had not been here long, Ben had promised her the house he was building with the aid of his eldest son Adam, only a boy but considered himself a man, would be done before the snow fell.

The fire in the hearth radiated out giving the small room a rich orange hue.

“Mama ya gonna love it!”

“Yes little one I shall try.”

“Aww Mama it ain’t bad! Honest Papa he don’ let us do nuffin bad, right Adam?”

The dark head came away from the drawing he had spread on the floor close to the light of the fire. He looked at his baby brother for a minute then shot a glance at her.

“No, of course not.” It stung just like it was meant to.

“Besides, most people aren’t all scared of things like this.”

Bowing his head to his drawing he avoided the look she sent him, he knew if Pa were here that he would not say this kind of thing, and he smirked just a little.

“Night out here can be overwhelming to one who lived all their years in a city, just as a large bustling city can be overwhelming to one who has never seen one.”

The shrug of his shoulder was the only reply she got as he industriously erased a portion of what he had drawn, brushing the residue off he frowned and leaned in closer. Hoss slid to the floor and crept up right next to him.

“Can I sees what ya are makin’ Adum, ya looks real se-r- se-r, um frown-ie”

“Hoss, get out of my light I can’t finish if I can’t see and you will just have to wait.”

He reached to the left and attempted to push Hoss back far enough.

“Owww don’ push me!”

“Then move when I say, gee wiz, Hoss, do ya have to make such a fuss, I did’nt push ya, not really, just wanted ya to move back is all.”

“Boys not listen, there be no magic in night”

It came from the kitchen area, as Hop Sing poked his head around to glare at them.

“Ahhh Hop Sing we ain’t fussun is we Adum,”

“No.”

Hop Sing glanced at Marie she remained silent but her lips formed a thin line, the days were growing shorter, stress growing stronger. When was life going to settle into comfortable family companionship? She loved both these boys, with all she was, blood had nothing to do with it. So why did it require an uphill struggle to get one young boy to at least try to be more likable.

Under it all Marie felt it had to do with the fact he needed order in his life, and she had thrown his order off kilter. Ben had warned her he was wary, rather shy and reserved. Open hostility was never mentioned, that is Ben felt it was not going to be an issue, when he was around it did not surface.

Now as he concentrated on his work his mind simmered, (What kind of so called mother is scared of a fun thing, spooky stuff ain’t real, and getting a little scared is part of it. Some grown up she is, huh!)

Hop Sing kept his ear tuned to the living area, however the silence re-assured him things had settled down for the time being and he had yet to finish his tasks. Quietly he peeked around to do one final check. Adam head bowed worked now oblivious to the world around him, Hoss stood next to Marie patting her hand, looking up adoringly and trying to take on the role of protector, after all things at this time of year as Adam say’s “Things have a way of going Bump! In the middle of the night!”

A barely discernable change in the air went un-noticed the fire flickered for a moment, other than that no one took it in.

With amazing quiet and swiftness, moonlight the only source to see by the figure hurried along the path, at times darkened to almost black as the clouds or swaying of a tall pine, cluttered the sky space. Sharp Dark eyes darted left and right, things must be in place as time was drawing near. A big old Horned Owl hooted from high up in a naked sycamore, the figured nodded agreement; on silent wings the huge hunter swooped across the path and into one of the sentinels guarding the entry. “Hoot-Hoot-hooo”

“Don’t worry.” It came as a grunt as the wheelbarrow full of needed things hit a rut.
The force almost dumped it over and the figure staggered left and right as it fought to righten and continue forward.

The air began to chill, not really cold, just the damp feeling that comes over the autumn night like a layer of frosting on a cake.

The breath from his exertion came in small puffs it made little clouds that floated up and became nothing inside a second or two. Almost there, it would not be good to stumble now, too much to do. The moonlight grew brighter as the giant silver disk climbed along its appointed path to glide over the earth and decline at the far end meeting the rise of the bright yellow sun.

At last he emerged through the little bower of thorny brush, the place lay still and silent ready for him to begin. Of the left he cleared cut brush from a spot that held a ring of rocks, the makings of a fire lay in wait for the touch of flame to bring it alive. Turning he emptied his cache moving here and there, arranging and re –arranging until sweat popping on his forehead in spite of the night dampness. Slowly rolling down his sleeves, wiping his brow he retreated. All was ready. The shadows danced ghostly, in and out among dried leaves and up and down the stalks of tall corn along the far side of the patch.
Bare branches scratched, creaked and groaned their shadows mimicking great snake like arms and fingers over the ground.
Must not keep them waiting, came the reminder, ducking under the bower he scurried down the path, once again warmed by anticipation.

“How much longer we gotta wait A-dum?”

Little Hoss was growing restless and fighting fatigue, he was close to being past bedtime and it showed as he yawned loudly, instantly covering his mouth and shaking his head in apology, fearful this would forfeit his chances. Last year it was not this late, but he decided he was a big boy now; perhaps that is why they made it later.

For the last two years Ben and Hop Sing had let the boys wait until after dark to go into the garden and with special lanterns pick out a pumpkin to bring in and carve. It was always waited on with great eagerness, and this year it was hoped things would be the same even a little more exciting as a new member of the close little family was being introduced to this fun.

The almost negligible change in the air herald the return of the mysterious figure.

Taking a moment to right himself and remove all traces of his effort, however it would have gone by without any one realizing at this point. A small basket in is hand he entered the room, bright black eyes shining in the firelight. Marie looked up from the chair where she sat Hoss on her lap stroking her hair and murmuring gently. Even at this young age Hoss Cartwright had a strong affinity to all creatures when in need of comfort or facing fear, his new Mama was that just now.

“Okay, Oh boy, I’ms wready, alrite!” He bravely announced the tingle in the pit of his belly belied his bravado.

Adam rolled onto his back stretching he sat slowly up, the small of his back ached from lying on his stomach for so long and leaning on his elbows to finish his work.

“Me too Hop Sing and I have finished the prints and plans, hope this year you have something worthy.” He challenged rather arrogantly.

“Little boy, no be smart mouth or no pumpkin for him!”

Arms folded Hop Sing stood as tall as he could. The scolding showed in the flush that not even dim light masked turned the young face deep red. Pulling at his hear and then biting his thumbnail, Adam held his breath, he would surly apologize to Hop Sing just not in front of her.

“Yes or No?”

“S-s-orry.” It came out as a mumbled stutter, under different circumstances he would have been made to repeat this clearly and sound more sincere, things seem to go all down hill when ever Ben left them alone.

“Herumph! Maybe fresh boy only get tiny pumpkin, not grown up enough!”

His head came up at that, dark eyes flashed, he shot a sideway glance at her, it was all her fault, he just knew she was laughing at him, glad he was embarrassed, happy he got scolded like a child. He was never so wrong.

“Hop Sing, isn’t it best we were going out now.” Her voice quivered in her nervousness, not only to have this over with but to get both she and Adam over this latest test of wills, so hoping to get one step closer to this amazing young boy.

Hop Sing looked deep into her troubled face, his expression did not soften but his eyes told a different story, bowing to her he announced. “Go get coats, it getting velly damp, bring Hop Sing’ special lanterns, hurry but no run or you fall and break magic, and lanterns, also, make to much foolisheemt, mess floor, with blood!”

Hoss froze on the spot. “B-b-l-oood!” swallowing loudly his eyes doubled in size.

Adam returned from the loft, both lanterns swinging from his left hand as he deftly scrambled down jumping the last wrung, with a self-satisfied smirk.

Marie shook her head, covering herself with her woolen shawl, the pocket of her warm woolen skirt, held her rosary beads, she stuffed her hand in to be sure they were there. At least she now felt reasonably safe.

Hop Sing opened the front door and led the little party out and around towards the back of the barn. Something was not right, this was not the side the garden was on, Adam took a quick look around the moon was so bright it might be day, the world shimmered with silver touches, the damp had begun the condensing of the air into a frost. When they reached the far side of the barn to the left of the house before he was able to voice his question Hop Sing stopped, reaching into the pocket of his long silk tunic he produced three silk bands. “Here must put on now, no see where we go, it mystery, this time of year for mysteries, yes?”

“Y-yes-“ Adam answered dubiously tying his band over his eyes, “There Hop Sing, he groped forward with is hands to prove he truly could not see. It bothered him, really bothered him, but he would rather die than let on. Standing tall, chest stuck out he announced. “Hoss where are you, are you alright? Hop Sing don’t you think this is too scary for Hoss?”

“U-t uh, I’ bwave jes’ like you, Ad-um I ain’t afradie cat.” His lip trembled as he clung to Marie’s hand which shook just as much, she also would rather die than show fear in front of Adam, one way or another she would outlast his stubborn streak, with the help of God.”

“Missy, Marie, you put on too, Hop Sing no let any harm come to Mr. Bens’ family, you see,” leaning in so only she could hear he whispered. “Hop Sing have magic, maybe so it help missy and boy see better. You trust Hop Sing?”

“With my very life, and these beloved sons’ of mine, my special guardian.”

“Good. . . Now.” Taking each hand he placed one on each side of Marie and made sure they all held to one another. With great mysterious and solemn tones he continued. “Must not let go, must trust each other, Hope Sing be right here, but must trust each other not to let fall, or stumble, not go far, I watch.”

When there was nothing but silence to answer him he began to walk ahead.

The sound of his feet shuffling through fallen leaves and pine needles brought the trio to action.

“H-Hop S-sing, wait,” the sound was a wavery treble, “W-we need you to go slower.”

Hop Sing stopped, hoping with all his heart Mr. Ben wpould not be angry or worse yet fire him.

“Right here, go slow, and remember trust.”

Slowly and carefully one foot in front of another, Hoss hanging onto Marie with both hand so tightly it pinched, a pinch from this darling little boy was well worth it, on the other side the hand made as little contact as possible and still be in hers.

The trip took much longer than the first time, avoiding a mishap on a number of twists in the path, roots caught unsuspecting toes they bumped into each other, sudden snapping of twigs under foot brought them abruptly to a halt a yelp would ring out into the night air. Eventually the strange parade approached the bower of thorny thicket.

“One must be velly careful now, not let go, get velly close, if not want trouble.”

The three figures instinctively closed ranks, three hearts thumped in unison. What in the world had come over Hop Sing went through Marie’s mind she had been so confident in his every action up to now. Ben had utmost trust in him, so she willingly followed but tonight!

“All okay?”

With trepidation the heads moved as one, slowly up and down. Adam strained his ears, his senses heightened, he was use to the night, ventured out into it when he got the chance, not always with the results he wanted. His sense of smell acute, things he learned from his Indian friend. Hoss sniffed the air also, there were smells that did not belong here, but being only a little fellow his power of reason still fell short.
Marie drew in a deep breath; try as she may the trembling passed from her to the boys at her side. Hoss squeezed tighter, Adam managed to further divide the contact.

Hop Sing was satisfied that they could now enter in.

They felt warmth, and heard a crackle as the fire took hold to cast its own glow onto the spot. Hop Sing led Adam who led Marie with Hoss clinging to her, the passed the threshold and stood shifting from foot to foot.

“Okay take off band”

Adam grabbed his and pulled it down to fall loosely around his neck, Hoss struggling began to whimper wiping the blur from his own eyes Adam removed Hoss’ blind, At the same time Marie undid her own.

What they beheld when they did brought gasps and wide eyes; Hoss began to jump up and down, throwing his arms around Marie laughing wildly. “See Mama, see! Ain’t it . . .?

“Oh, (pause) yes my little one.”

“Ad-um, ya ain’t saided nuthin.”

The older boy pulled in a great breath it whooshed out making a cloud that for an instant hung there, taking on the shape of a great winged horse. It blew away; shivers ran up and down his entire body.

With that Hoss grabbled his free hand and before he knew it he was part of a threesome circle dance, head thrown back wild calls and laughs as his feet and legs moved without his direction in frenzy. They suddenly parted ways and spun round and round each to their own tune and rhythm of the night.

All around the Magic pumpkin patch, the carved faces, the delicate painted ones, and the fierce evil chasers with wicked daring jagged teeth, next to the smiling cheery ones sent off flickering glows from the candles inside. The bare trees seemed to dance with them. The night air, tasted of fall, damp leaves, wood smoke and simmering cider, with just a hint of cinnamon.

Adam whirled around and caught Marie in a bear hug, startled she did not even breath, a flash of insight went around him in the form of her arms returning the hug with all her heart.

The fast forming frost glittered on the surface of the few untouched pumpkins left.
Hoss slid to the damp frosty ground out of breath and giddy, Marie soon followed, wide-eyed hair flowing all around her shoulders, Moonshine giving her an ethereal aura. Cautiously Adam inched near and settled down close enough to feel her hand.

A nod and wide grin split the small man’s face, he stepped next to them offering each a cup of steaming cider, with it came a spicy doughnut.

“Rest, take time to see the Magic, it soon time to chose which one each want to bring home.”

Adam felt her shiver, his arm went around her instinctively, with only a bite from his own doughnut he offered the remainder to Hoss who had crumbs all down his front, moonlight making them look like little nuggets of gold. Eagerly it was polished off and the blond head swiveled to where hope told him an extra might be found.

Adam after a several long moments of deep breaths rising from each stood and offered Marie a hand up. “Here, M-marie, take my hand I’ll pull you up, you look all tuckered out.”

Accepting the offer with a watery smile, one hand stuffed in her pocket feverishly rubbing the beads hided therein Marie nodded. Magic good or bad, for tonight held her captive, a Peace was being bridged, not firm, still unstable but there none the less.

For after months of struggle in the end all it took was, love, faith, trust, a special friend and a Magic pumpkin patch.

Happy All Hallows Eve to all of you,
Sadie

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