Callie's Wish

By Lilly Linville

School is out. On the bus ride home, Callie invites Chris over for ice cream to celebrate the end of her first year of school. When an accident prevents them from having the carefree day's they've planned for the summer, seven year old Chris unselfishly devotes his time with his best friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613092286

Book preview

Dedication

To Friendships, new and old. Some are silver and the other’s gold, but each one is treasured.

One

1955

Callie stood at the end of the road with her older siblings waiting for the school bus. Why can’t Mama take me to school and walk me to my class like last week? I don’t want to ride the bus, she whined.

Lexi looked at Michael and William and rolled her eyes. Because she can’t take you every day. You’ll be riding the bus with us and I’ll take you to your class.

Before Callie could complain more or start crying, the bus pulled up and the Cassidy kids climbed aboard.

The first face Callie saw when she stepped on the bus was her best friend, Chris Hodges. Seeing he’d saved her a seat, she smiled and momentarily forgot about her mama.

They’d been playmates since they were toddlers. When he started school last year and left her behind, she’d been lost. She having older siblings and he being an only child, they’d become inseparable from the time she could toddle behind him.

Lexi, can I sit with Chris? Callie asked.

Sure you can. I’ll be right behind you.

When the bus stopped in front of the school, Callie got off with Chris and said, I have to wait for Lexi. She’s taking me to my room.

I can take you, Chris offered. It’s down the hall from mine. He waited beside Callie until Lexi stepped off the bus. I can take Callie to her class.

Lexi looked down at her little sister. Are you okay with that?

Uh-huh.

Okay, I’ll come and get you after my last class this afternoon.

Thanks, Lexi said to Chris. She winked at Callie. Okay you two, go on in and I’ll see you later. She smiled, watching Chris proudly take Callie by the hand and walk with her inside the school building. She then took off running to get to her first class, not wanting to be late.

Don’t worry, Callie, Chris said. When I started first grade last year, I was scared I couldn’t find my room, but I’ll walk with you to yours as long as you want.

THE BELL RANG AND CALLIE looked up to see her sister standing out in the hall. She stuffed her school work in her book bag and hurried to the door. Hey Lexi.

Hey kiddo, you look relieved that school is over. Are you ready to go home?

I sure am, Callie replied. I like school, but I miss Mama and Daddy.

Sensitive to her little sister’s feelings, Lexi gave her a hug. Come on, honey, let’s go. I’m sure they miss you too.

When the two sisters stepped on the bus, Chris moved over and made room for both of them. Callie was yawning by the time the bus stopped at the end of the road to her family’s farm.

Bye Chris, she called out. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow."

Michael took her book bag as he and William followed their sisters down the driveway where they were greeted by the family dog, Scooter.

Lexi scooped her up in her arms. Hey little girl, did you miss us?

Callie reached up and patted the beloved dog’s head and was rewarded with a wet lick on the hand. She asked, How old is Scooter?

Let me think, Lexi said. I believe Daddy brought her home when I was about your age, so she must be about seven years old. He said he’d planned to make her a squirrel dog, but it quickly became clear that wasn’t going to happen when I carried her around in a baby blanket and claimed her as my own. She hugged Scooter tighter. You’re the best dog ever.

When the four siblings stepped inside the house, they heard the familiar sound of their mother’s sewing machine.

Sara’s sewing skills stayed in demand in the small farming community of Pleasant Grove, and the extra money she made doing alterations and making clothing helped out with family expenses.

Mama! Callie called out. I’m home.

Sara walked into the kitchen. Well, get yourself over here and give me a hug. She looked over at her sons. Boys, your daddy said to tell you he needed some help this afternoon, but first change your clothes and grab a snack before you go out.

Lexi picked up an apple from the fruit bowl on the kitchen table. Mama, I’ve got loads of homework. If you don’t need me to help you do anything right now, I’m going to my room and get started.

Sara looked over at her almost teenage daughter. You go ahead, honey; I’ll call you if I do.

Callie proudly pulled out a sheet of paper from her book bag. Look what I did at school today. This is an apple I painted red. A is for apple. Oh... and I have a new friend. Her name is Carol Lee Hancock, and we ate lunch together.

Sara looked at her daughter’s school work. I’m happy you made a new friend and your apple is very good. We’ll show this to your daddy when he comes in. Do you want something to eat?

No ma’am. I’m sleepy. Can I lie down on the sofa?

Go ahead. Sara could see that Callie was worn out. You’re not used to getting up so early. Maybe you can take a short nap before supper.

CALLIE AND CHRIS SPENT almost every Saturday and Sunday together during the school year.

After church, Chris asked if Callie could go home with them for lunch and stay to play for the afternoon.

Mariah loved Callie like a daughter. Of course she can, but I’m sure she’ll want to go home and change out of her Sunday clothes. I’ll ask Sara and see if they’d like us to drop by and pick her up on our way home.

Callie raced into the house to change before the Hodges pulled into the driveway.

Bye Mama and Daddy, she called out as she ran out the back door. I’ll see you later.

Chris beamed when she hopped in the back seat beside him. We’ve got all afternoon to play, and I want to show you the litter of kittens in the barn.

Callie lit up. You have kittens? You think I can have one when they’re older?

Chris’s dad, Joe, laughed. Sure you can, Callie. You can have two or three if you want.

Mariah playfully punched her husband’s arm. Oh dear... Sara and Ted are going to love you for that.

They pulled up to see Gaby, their yellow Labrador, lying at the back door. She stood and ran over to Chris and Callie, her tail wagging back and forth. Gaby had been a member of the Hodges family since Chris was a baby.

Hey girl, Chris said. We’ll be back out to play after we eat. Just when he noticed his chocolate Lab, Buddy, wasn’t with her, the big brown dog came slowly ambling around the side of the house.

After lunch, Chris and Callie went out to the barn with Gaby and Buddy by their side. Okay you two, Chris warned, Stay. If you come too close, you know the mama cat will scratch you. The dogs obediently sat since they’d learned that getting any closer might get them a swat from the cat’s sharp claws.

The two friends knelt to get a better look at the six multi-colored kittens.

Callie, you can pick any one you want, Chris offered. Dad says we’ve got to find homes for all of them.

Aww, they’re all so cute, I can’t decide.

You’ve got plenty of time. They’re only two weeks old. Come on, let’s take the dogs down to the creek.

LATER IN THE AFTERNOON, they heard Mariah calling, Come on, kids, it’s time to take Callie home. I promised Sara we’d have her back before dark.

Callie got out of the car and remembered her manners. Thanks for lunch and letting me stay the afternoon. I had a great time.

Mariah smiled at her son’s friend. You’re always welcome, honey. We enjoy having you.

See you tomorrow, Chris. Save me a seat on the bus.

Callie ran into the house to tell her mama and daddy about the kittens. Mr. Hodges said I could have two or three if I want.

Ted smiled and winked at Sara. That’s very generous of him, but why don’t we talk about maybe taking one?

Sara added, First, you have to promise us that you’ll take care of it.

I promise, Mama. You have to see them; they’re so cute.

WHEN THE KITTENS WERE weaned, Callie decided on the smallest yellow female. Chris, what do you think I should name her?

I don’t know. What you got in mind?

I kinda like Missy. She picked up the tiny kitten and asked, Do you like that name?

Chris said, You can take her home when your mama picks you up.

When Callie got out of the truck with her new kitten, Ted warned her to be cautious around Scooter until they saw how the little dog would react to the new addition to the family. Much to their delight, when Missy rubbed up against Scooter purring hello, the little dog sniffed her and began wagging her tail.

Callie giggled. See Daddy? They like each other.

Ted shook his head, Well, ain’t that something. Sure looks like they do.

Two

The year flew by and on the last day of school, Callie and Chris were excited to be free of homework and tests. They’d made big plans for the summer.

I’ll ride my bike over after I eat. Chris’s parents allowed him to ride the back road to the Cassidy farm. He hopped off the school bus and waved goodbye.

Hurry over, she yelled out the window. Mama and Daddy have a surprise for us.

Callie was anxious to get home. Her parents promised to make ice cream to celebrate the end of her first year of school.

Chris rode up to see Callie’s daddy, Ted, scooping out bowls of ice cream and passing them to his family.

Here Chris, Callie said, handing him a bowl and spoon.

Thanks, I like this surprise. Chris sat under the oak tree and dug in. He stopped eating long enough to thank Mr. Cassidy. This sure is good.

You’re welcome, Ted said, but you need to thank Sara. I just did the elbow work.

Callie sat beside Chris and reminded her daddy, Mama’s getting the clothes off the line. She said to be sure and save some for her.

I sure will, honey, but there’s plenty.

When Callie and Chris finished eating, they asked permission to go and play in the old tree house her brothers, Michael and William had built years earlier.

You may, Sara answered, But please be careful.

They raced each other around the house and headed to the edge of the woods.

You go up first, Callie.

Okay. She began climbing the ladder with Chris right behind her. When she reached the top, Callie missed the last step and lost her grip. Screaming, she tumbled backward, knocking Chris off as she fell.

He lay on the ground, stunned by the fall, but was able to sit up. Chris realized Callie wasn’t moving. Callie, he gasped. Are you okay?

When she didn’t respond, he started crying. Scared and not knowing what else to do, Chris ran as fast as he could, yelling for her daddy. Mr. Cassidy, come quick. Callie and I fell off the ladder and I can’t get her to open her eyes.

Ted looked at the frightened little boy and could see his elbows were skinned and blood was running down his leg from a scraped knee. Boys, he yelled to Michael and William, Go get your mama, right now.

He ran to the tree house with Chris trying his best to keep up. Ted thought his heart would stop when he saw his youngest child lying lifeless on the ground.

Still sniffling and wiping tears, Chris said, I’m so sorry, I should have been more careful. He’d always been protective of Callie and clearly felt responsible for what happened.

It’s not your fault, Chris, try to calm down. She’s going to be okay. Ted prayed his words were true. Chris, go and tell Michael to bring the truck around here.

Sara arrived and Ted could see she had gone pale as she knelt beside their daughter. You’re going to be okay, honey, she said, her voice shaking.

He patted her arm. Michael’s getting the truck. We need to get her to the hospital.

Callie opened her eyes and moaned, Mama, my leg hurts.

Don’t move, honey. Sara stepped aside as Ted gently lifted their child in his arms.

Okay honey, your mama and I are going to take you to the hospital.

They drove off, leaving a distraught Chris standing beside a stunned Lexi and her brothers.

Chris wiped his nose on his shirt. I’m going home and tell my mom and dad what happened.

Lexi put her arm around his shoulders and could feel him shaking. Go ahead, Chris. We’ll let y’all know as soon as we hear something.

HOURS LATER LEXI CALLED the Hodges’ home and spoke to Mariah. Daddy just called. Callie has a concussion and a broken leg. The doctor wants to keep her overnight. How’s Chris?

He’s okay, but keeps begging me to take him to the hospital. I think I’ve finally convinced him we wouldn’t be allowed to see her. After I got his cuts cleaned up, he fell asleep on the sofa. Lexi, please let us know when they get home.

THE NEXT DAY THE PHONE rang as Mariah took the pound cake out of the oven. It was Lexi calling to say her parents were on the way home with Callie.

Mariah covered the warm cake with a dish towel and looked over at her son impatiently standing by the door. I know you’re anxious to see Callie, but I’ve got to change clothes before we leave. You go on outside with your dad and Poppy.

He sighed, but did as he was told. Thankfully Gaby and his Poppy’s dog, Luke, distracted him as he watched them attempt to get a rope away from his dog, Buddy. When Mariah walked out the door, Chris ran and beat her to the car."

SARA MET THEM AT THE door. Thanks for coming over. Callie’s been asking for Chris.

Mariah handed her the pound cake. Hope it’s good; it just came out of the oven.

Sara gave her a hug. You’re such a good friend. I’ll fix us a glass of tea and we’ll have a piece later. I’m sure Callie will want a slice...that child loves your cake.

Sara looked at Chris. You’ve got a few scrapes there...you feeling okay?

Yes ma’am. Can I go see Callie?

Sure honey, she’s in the living room.

He walked over to the sofa where Callie sat with pillows behind her back and her leg propped on another.

That’s the biggest cast I’ve ever seen.

I know, she said, and it’s heavy too. The cast covered her leg from her toes to her thigh. Chris, this spoils our whole summer. I’m going to be stuck inside forever.

Don’t worry, he assured her. I’ll come over every day and keep you company.

For the next six weeks, Chris did exactly as he’d promised and faithfully rode his bike over every day with a book or game for his best friend. He knew how much Callie liked to draw and kept her supplied with pencils and paper. He’d made it his mission to keep her entertained.

On a trip into town, Chris asked his mother if he could take his money and buy Callie a set of watercolors and paint brushes. He couldn’t wait to take them over to his friend.

He rode his bike to her home with the art supplies in a bag he’d tied to his handle bars.

I have a surprise for you, he said proudly, walking into her living room. Chris handed her his gift.

She sat it on the sofa and whined, The only thing I want is to get out of this cast.

Aren’t you going to see what I brought?

Callie lay down and turned her face into the pillow. Not now.

Hurt by her actions, he turned to leave. See you later.

When she heard the back door slam, she sat up and opened the bag and looked inside to see a watercolor set and brushes. She took them out and looked up when she heard her mother enter the room.

Sara walked over to the sofa. Young lady, I am so ashamed at your behavior. You were very rude to the best friend you have. I am very disappointed in you. You are going to call Chris and apologize as soon as he’s had time to get home. Do you understand?

Yes ma’am.

Mariah told me he took his allowance to buy these things for you, and you behave like this? What were you thinking?

I’m sorry, Callie said, wiping her eyes.

You should be. He has spent his entire summer trying to keep you entertained, and you acted like a spoiled brat. I better never see you treat him or anyone else like that again.

I feel terrible, Mama. I don’t know why I did that.

You should feel terrible and think about what you’ve done. If I were Chris, I wouldn’t come back. I’m sure there are things he’d rather be doing this summer than being stuck in this house with you every day. You need to think about what your days would be like if he didn’t take his time to to be with you. I have a good mind to take these things back to the store and get his money back.

Callie started crying, begging Sara, Please don’t, I promise I’ll call Chris right now and thank him for being so thoughtful. I’ve always wanted a watercolor set.

And when you finish apologizing, you might ask him to come back over. You can tell him I’m baking his favorite cookies. But, if he doesn’t, you only have yourself to blame.

WATERCOLORS OPENED up a whole new world for Callie. It quickly became apparent that she had a natural talent for painting and drawing.

Chris and her family continued to encourage her over the years and weren’t surprised when she announced in the seventh grade she wanted to be an art teacher.

Chris always took credit for buying her first watercolor paints and said when she became famous he expected a commission.

Three

Summer of 1963

Callie and her best girlfriend, Carol Lee sat on the porch trying to decide what to do.

It’s too darn hot to play out in the yard. I’m glad we’re going to the pool tomorrow. Wish we were there right now. I feel like I’m going to melt.

The two friends spent the rest of the day lounging on the covered porch drinking iced tea, reading magazines and talking about boys.

After supper they took their skates and went up to the elementary school, where the paved sidewalks circled the school house. Sitting on the steps, they adjusted the strap on the skates over their shoes and tightened them with their keys.

Callie stood and pushed off, Come on, Carol Lee. Mama said we couldn’t stay long. I’ll race you.

AT THE POOL THE NEXT day, they hurried to get into the cool, refreshing water.

Carol Lee started up the steps to the diving board. I’m going to practice my swan dive.

I’ll stay in the water and watch you. That way I can tell you if your feet are together. I might try it later, but the water feels too good right now.

When Carol Lee swam over to the side, she asked, How did it look?

Great, Callie said. Don’t look now, but you should have seen that boy standing over there watching you.

Oh him, I saw him earlier. He’s cute, isn’t he?

I think he plays ball with Chris, but I don’t know his name. I’ll ask Chris next time I see him.

Callie, Chris doesn’t come around like he used to, does he?

I know and I really miss him. Mama says I have to remember we’re growing up and our interests are changing.

Yeah, he likes girls and we like boys. Carol Lee