Edens Gate

Samantha Potts

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Edens Gate Copyright 2012 Samantha Potts All rights reserved. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1-105-84885-8

Dedication I dedicate this book to all of the military families out there and anyone who has ever loved a soldier. Thank you all for your daily sacrifices for our freedom.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

I 3 17 25 37 51 57 66 88 107 123 129 137 151 162 179 189

Edens Gate

Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21

200 212 222 229 241

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Acknowledgments First I would like to thank the generation that lived through and served during World War II. God honestly broke the mold after you. The finest men I ever knew were soldiers of that terrible war. Many thanks to my Aunt Doris as always, for keeping me out of the hole when I slip. There are not enough words I can say to you. I would also like to thank my friends Christy Lea Wilkerson for proof reading for me and Alisha Smith and Carmen Riggan for reading my stories first and loving them as much as I do. I really heart you. To my children Toni, Merlyn, Serenity, Liberty, and Arwen, thank you for putting up with my book crack binges and reminding me to bath when I am in the editing process. You girls are my world. Finally, to my ex-husband and best friend Randy Lee Potts: Thank you for pushing me on this one and being an inspiration to my creativity. The ups and downs of life are what makes the story worthwhile.

Edens Gate

Chapter 1
You go around the building to the right, Kennedy. It seemed that Sarge always put Chris and I right smack in the middle of harms way, but we wouldnt have wanted it any different. Chris used to say, Thank God for helmets, but they were like wearing bonnets on our

Call, you cover Edmonds. Edmonds, you take the left.

heads when it came to mortar shells. One exploded twenty feet from us as Chris went left as I covered him. The ringing in my ears seemed to permeate the inside of my brain. It didnt would get done. wall next to us. We both immediately ducked as low as possible while trying to run to our destination. At the moment it just so happened to be a building that was supposed to be a The second we came around the side of the building, I saw the bullets ricochet off of the matter, we had orders we had to follow through with and even if I was completely deaf, it

headquarters for some Nazi general. There was a small concentration camp on the premises. If we took over the generals quarters, they would have to surrender to us and then we could begin the process of freeing the prisoners. The bullets bounced off the ground causing dirt to fly up in the air. I turned with my

rifle and shot in the direction of the gunfire. I didnt hit a single enemy, but it bought us some time. As we reached the door to the building, a Nazi soldier ran out with a knife right at us. so much as a second glance. Chris pointed his gun up the stairwell and started the climb. I put my back to him and walked backwards up the staircase while I pointed my rifle down. Once we reached the third floor, Chris rounded off some more shots and another Nazi fell down the stairwell and rolled right to us. I was careful as I stepped over his body. Chris had hit him at least once in the face. The shot had literally changed his features in a way that made them undistinguishable. When we finally reached the top floor, we quickly secured each room. Chris would kick The two of us maneuvered quickly down the corridor until we reached a set of stairs. Chris pulled back his rifle and shot him before he even made it ten feet. We moved on without

open a door and I would watch his back as he went in. I would then follow behind him and
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Edens Gate cover the door. For the most part they were all empty. We had checked three rooms when we heard a noise coming from behind one of the doors. He looked at me and I nodded. Chris kicked it open and what we found was not what we were expecting. A Nazi soldier had a young Jewish girl on a dirty mattress in the corner. She was completely naked. The girl couldnt have been a day over thirteen. I could hear more gunshots outside and the walls shook constantly from the blasts of the mortars.

He looked at us and Chris raised his rifle to fire. The girl peeked out from under the mans arm. When Chris saw her face, he froze and dropped his rifle back down. Kennedy was now covering me in the hallway as we entered the room. I watched Chris pull the knife from his side belt as he ran full force toward the soldier. He had the look of a completely deranged as he ran at Chris head on. maniac. The soldier came at him in full defense mode. He also pulled a knife from somewhere The two of them rolled around on the floor struggling. I watched the girl as she sat up.

How could anyone in the midst of all of this even think about such a thing?

She looked as though she didnt know what to do. She covered her body as best as she could with her hands. I turned my attention back to Chris. He managed to knock the knife out of the on him as he pulled the knife out and struck him again straight into the heart. With a quick before was gone. As the blood ran down his face and dripped off of his chin, he looked completely triumphant like a wild predator that had landed his prey. I walked over to the girl. She looked frightened as she pulled herself tighter into a ball against the wall. Chris looked around the room and found an old shirt and gave it to her. He wiped his own face on his sleeve. He and Kennedy went to secure the rest of the building while I stayed with the girl. She was long been removed from her soul because of the hardened conditions of living in the camp. War was a terrible monster that loved to pray on the souls of everyone; especially the young. Within minutes, the gunshots ceased and the fighting was over. We had taken the camp. We had also lost twelve in our company, but all in all it was still a victory. Chris and I walked the girl down the stairs and out onto the smoky battle field. Sarge already had the could be counted. As we walked with the girl over to where Sarge stood, a woman came prisoners of the camp lined up and had them giving their names to the register so that they running across the grounds towards us. The girl ran to her. They were both crying. I looked around me. The prisoners were starved. In the camp it was mostly women and children. Their thin pale faces were ghastly. Their skin hung off of their bones in a way that sickened me and
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soldiers hand and then struck. He plunged the knife deep into the mans throat. Blood spewed twist, the soldier fell over. Chris turned to look at me. The rage that I had seen a few seconds

only a child. Her dark brown eyes looked ages older than she really was. Her innocence had

Edens Gate saddened me all at the same time. of some of the prisoners were lined in a separate line. They looked like skeletons. Hitler in my I watched as the bodies of my fellow soldiers were lined up. I also watched as the bodies

mind was nothing short of the anti-Christ. These were people for Gods sake. The world had yet to know how bad he really was. I looked over at Chris. The two of us exchanged a look that said we must have been thinking the same thing. We went back to work sorting the dead and taking names of the living. Neither of us spoke to each other again until we were back at the encampment. As Chris polished his boots, I lay on my cot reading a chapter out of Proverbs. As far as I could tell about everything I had read out of the Bible, murder was murder whether a war was going on or not. It bothered me thinking about it, so I closed it and sat up. which guy. He knew exactly which one that I was talking about. Chris, what were you thinking today when you killed that guy? He didnt even ask I saw that girl and she reminded me of my little sister Ruthie. She was so young. Too I would react the same way if anybody were to touch her like that.

young for what was happening to her, he said as he just shook his head. I thought about what he was saying for a moment. I had been an only child, but just imagining having a little sister, I would have probably reacted the same way. have any more children after me, I said. shoe polish and threw it at him. We both laughed again. Hell, if you were my kid Id called it quits too, he said as he laughed. I picked up the Naw, Im just playin. Look man, youre not alone. Youre the closest thing to a brother I got. You got my back out here. When we get back to the States, you and me are going to do some serious fishin and then if youre interested, I want you to help me open up my own bait shop. My parents left me a little money and some land. Part of it sits on one of the biggest lakes in the south. Whatcha think? I think when we get out of here, I would be happy to help you do anything that doesnt It must be nice to have someone to go home to. Im all by myself. My parents didnt

require guns, tanks, and bombs. I mean, you have my back too. There isnt anything left for me in Charleston anymore anyway. My father had been a preacher in Charleston, South Carolina. My mother was the secretary of the church. One night when they were both in his study, a storm blew in and lightning hit the steeple. It caused a fire that trapped them inside. They both lost their lives and I was left alone. Two months after their funeral, I decided to enlist. I had wanted to just get out of Charleston. If I could serve my country in the process, that would be a plus. Chris had joined
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Edens Gate up because his father had always wanted to be a soldier, but never was for some reason. foot. Up close there were major differences. Chris had straight brown hair and brown eyes. He was tan. I on the other hand had wavy brown hair and green eyes. I was pale in comparison. bout with influenza. That made him the only living relative of his little sister. At age eighteen, he took over guardianship of her. She went to a private all girl school, so he being gone wasnt a real problem for the time being. Somehow he had made arrangements for her to stay there during the summer as well, because he knew he wouldnt be back by then. The two of us had ended up in the same training unit together. We had been bunkmates from the beginning, but pick a fight with him at the local bar. He bit off more than he could chew, so I intervened and took half the load off of his back. Between the two of us, we cleaned the place out in a matter of minutes. Of course, it almost got us thrown in the brig, but somehow we managed to escape that together as well. We had been inseparable ever since. Theres more than enough room. You can stay with me when we get home. Ruthies never there except on holidays anyway. That sounds good to me. Would you like to see a picture of her? Chris asked as he reached into his wallet and pulled out a black and white picture and handed it to me. The girl in the picture was very resemblance between Chris and her. They both had the same eyes and lips. Her nose was smaller and straighter than his. I chalked it up to him having it broken in a fight before. Shes beautiful, I said as I looked at the picture. Watch yourself or youll end up like that bastard today, he said with a smile. pervert? I mean come on shes what, fifteen? Thirteen actually. Ok, ok. I was just merely stating her looks, thats all. Besides, who do you take me for a pretty. She had shoulder length dark hair and coffee and cream brown eyes. I could see the I got a good size house, said Chris. we werent friends until one night when we were on leave and couple of troublemakers tried to He was from a small town deep in the heart of Georgia. His parents had died during a From a distance, the two of us might have actually passed as brothers. We were both six

Even worse, although in that picture she could pass as fifteen. Dont say that. Thank God shes in an all girl school. I dont have to worry about killing any boys when I get back as long as shes there. I picked the Bible up and started back reading Proverbs. You believe that stuff in there? he asked. Dont you?
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Edens Gate Yea mostly. On days like today though, I have to question a few things in it. Everything else was completely ruined, yet it survived. I think God protected it when he took my parents because he wanted me to know the truth about everything. Does it say in there how were supposed to defeat these Nazi bastards? Sure it does. Have faith, I said with a grin. I awoke with a grunt. It was one of the same dreams that I had dreamt over and over for years. It was way back in 1942 when Chris and I had actually had that conversation. I sat up and looked out the window of my room and thought about all those days long ago and all my adventures. There were many of them including my safari expeditions in Africa, the time I actually was allowed down on the arena floor in Spain with the Matador, and swimming with This Bible is the only thing that didnt burn in the church when my parents died.

the rays in Australia. I touched my feet to the cold floor. The shock of the cold ran through my toes, up my legs, and seemed to radiate strait through my veins to my heart. That seemed about right; a cold heart for the heartless. I slipped my slippers on and started my morning routine. First was a trip to the bathroom, then I would go join the rest of the community for breakfast. Once I was there, I sat down at the table. The mess they fed us in this place was worse than anything I had ever put in my mouth. It was even worse than the food we had in the Army and that was saying something. I looked grumpily into my bowl of bran flakes. I decided the orange was the better option, so I bit into one of the slices. It was sweet and juicy. I looked around and quickly cleaned off my chin hoping no one saw me dribble. Now, Mr. Call, a voice said behind me, you need to eat that bran too. It was Nurse

Beverly. She was one of my favorites for the time being. She was a black woman, probably in her mid thirties. She always slipped me candy in when she worked the night shift. It tastes like cardboard. I grumbled a little and then took a bite. Yea, I know, but its good for you. I came over here to tell you that youre going to have a visitor today. So when you get done with your breakfast you need to go put one of those spiffy suits on that you have. place nearly five years prior. somewhat interesting. I was told its a reporter coming to ask you some questions. Apparently your life story is A reporter? Well, ok then. Bring on the press. A visitor? Who is it? I asked. I hadnt had one single visitor since I had moved into this

As soon as I finished my breakfast, I hurried off to my room. I decided to put on my

Edens Gate brown suit. I wore the hat that went with it. It was one of the best suits I owned. All of the widow women in the community always seemed to blush a little when I wore it. I had just put on my crocodile loafers when there was a knock on my door. Come in, I called out. In stepped Nurse Beverly. lemonade. I thought you could sit out in the garden to talk. She walked out with me. As we walking. We exited the building and into the garden where there were two rocking chairs Why, Mr. Call you look absolutely handsome. Your visitor is here. I made yall some

crossed the community room I noticed all those old biddies were staring me down. I just kept under a gazebo with a small table. There was also a young lady there. She was probably no older than twenty. In my opinion, she looked too young to be a reporter, but maybe my old eyes didnt judge things the way they used too. Porter Call, this here is Rachel Beatty. The name Beatty had triggered a long lost memory way back in the back of my mind. I pushed it aside and then took her hand. my memory as well, yet I couldnt quite put my finger on it. Ladies first, I said as I motioned to the chairs. She sat down and I followed. Mr. Call, you have no idea how happy I am to finally meet you. I could hear a hint of emotion in her voice. I wasnt quite sure why my story would be that intriguing to her. So what do you want to know? I guess you know I was in World War II. I was given Its nice to meet you, I said. She smiled at me. Something else about the girl touched

the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Maybe you would like to hear about the years I spent in Africa. She looked at me serenely. No, Mr. Call. Those things are all very interesting, but Im actually here to invite you to A birthday party? Whos inviting me to a party?

a birthday party and ask you a few personal questions. Im inviting you myself, but the party is for my grandmother. She actually doesnt know Im here. Ive been looking for you for a while. She will be eighty years old this Saturday and I think it would be wonderful if you could attend. Shes told me a great deal about you. She says you were the love of her life. The love of her life you say? I asked with a chuckle. Whats her name?

Well, she was Ruthie Edmonds, sir. The coldness that I felt shoot through my feet that morning had returned and was penetrating my heart like an icicle. I froze. I had tried so long not to think about her. Of course the dreams haunted me every night, but when I was awake I kept myself busy enough to keep my mind from going there. Now here was this girl in front of me making me think about the one thing I had tried so long
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If its not too much to ask, can you tell me a little about that?

Edens Gate to forget. That was when I realized what had tickled my mind earlier. Her eyes. They were exactly like Ruthies. She had me then and I couldnt say no. What exactly would you like to know about us? I asked her. Why didnt it last? Im afraid my grandmother has never spoken anything except good things about you Mr. Call. Yet, if you loved her as much as she seems to have loved you, I guess I just dont understand. She didnt tell you why I left?

She said you went back into the Army to help with the search efforts. She told us about you and Uncle Chris being in the war together and she told us how you taught her how to dance. When I was a little girl, I used to sit while she told us those things. They were always back. years. Here they were now on a completely different person, yet somehow my heart still managed to hurt from looking at them. After a minute, I gathered myself and spoke. she understood at the time. I on the other hand saw everything from a different point of view I guess then, I should start at the beginning. It seems that Ruthie only let you in on what I stared into those lovely eyes. They were the same eyes that had haunted my dreams for important to me. The stories I mean. I just dont understand why you never wrote her or came

than she did. I was just trying to do what I thought was right. I thought in a way that she would see things differently when she was older. Honestly, I didnt really want to do it at all. When I first met Ruthie Edmonds she was a beautiful young lady on the verge of becoming a magnificent woman. I was lucky enough to be a part of that time in her life.

Edens Gate

Chapter 2
I was just a boy when Chris and I were in Germany. We were one hell of a team. While we were there, we helped out quite a few innocent people. We also had a hand in killing some of the most notorious bastards I have ever seen. The last mission we were on was just a simple routine overtake. We already had them

surrounded and we were moving in quietly. Chris and I were in charge of getting the civilians out. All we were supposed to have to do was walk down the path with the women and children. It was a night time mission and there was a chain link fence that surrounded the perimeter. We pushed them forward up a hill to it. Chris took a pair of wire cutters and cut a whole large enough for them to fit through. The firefight started behind us as we hurried them. I carried a little boy who was separated from his mother through the fence last. As we came through the fence, there was one round of gunshots coming from a hill in front of us. The women and children started screaming and ran quickly to get away from the shots. I grabbed up my rifle to cover Chris. I saw a little girl fall down and it put her in the direct line of fire. As I slung my weapon back over my shoulder, I quickly put her on her feet. The whole thing happened in less had a chance to pull my rifle back around, a man came out of nowhere with a knife and I watched in horror as he caught Chris in the back. Chris fell to his knees and flipped over. The man came down on him in the chest. I acted before I thought about it and pulled my own knife
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than six seconds. Those six seconds was all it took to forever change my life completely. Before I

Edens Gate from my side. I pulled the man around and plunged my blade deep into his chest. I felt the warm blood as it ran down my hand. I couldnt see anything but red. As the man fell, I twisted the knife. He was dead before he even hit the ground. I quickly ran over to Chris and knelt bleeding, but it was no use. down over him. He coughed and sputtered up blood as he tried to breathe. I tried to stop the Hang on Chris, I said. He looked at me once, blinked, and then just like that he was

gone. I lost my composure at that point. I pushed back through the fence and ran toward the

gunfire. As I entered back into the village, I saw that we werent holding our on as well as I had thought we were. There were a lot of our boys on the ground. I saw which way the shots were coming from and I opened fire. I didnt count at the time. I just shot. I felt the bullet as it into the building where the sniper was at. He never saw me coming. including the sniper. They gave me credit for saving our company. The US felt I should receive a medal for my bravery. In all honesty it was just pure blind rage mixed with a little dumb luck. I was sent back to The States wounded and broken. I wasnt home even two weeks when I got a letter from a lawyer down in Georgia. Chris I spent four weeks in the medical unit. The Army said my total body count was fifteen entered my shoulder, yet it didnt register at that moment exactly what it was. I yelled as I came

had a will and apparently there was something in it just for me. I took the train from

Charleston. What I received when I arrived there was more than I had ever imagined. The lawyers name was Henry Dafton. Chris had told me that his parents had left him a house and some land. I was hoping that maybe he had decided to leave the lakefront property to me. The lawyer was a short portly man with a bald head. He looked up at me through his round glasses with one eyebrow arched. Mr. Call, I presume you know why you are here? he asked. Yes Sir. I received a letter saying that I was invited to Chris Edmonds will reading. Mr. Call, it seems Mr. Edmonds thought mighty highly of you. I think you will see that he thought of you as family. If you dont mind, Ill go ahead and start. By all means.

The last will and testament of Christopher Fenius Edmonds: I Christopher Fenius Edmunds do hereby bequeath my entire estate except the items listed below to my sister Ruthie Pearl Edmonds. This estate includes the house and the land it sits upon as well as the five hundred acres of lakefront property out on Williams Road. I appoint Porter Mitchell Call as her guardian and overseer of my estate until she reaches the legal age of eighteen, in which she can take legal possession of said estate. I leave to Porter Mitchell Call, the 1940 Ford Pickup truck as well as any money that has accrued in my own personal savings account. All debts owed shall
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Edens Gate

be paid henceforth from the established trust fund. So shall it be. What was I supposed to do with his little sister? I knew nothing about girls. I knew
I understand Mr. Call that this is an unusual circumstance, said Dafton. I was completely dumbstruck.

nothing about kids in general. Chris had made a terrible mistake.

The original will was completed before Chris left for the Army. I received a letter from him while he was in Germany asking for some changes. The two of you must have been very close. All I could do was nod. me a key ring with some keys and an envelope full of cash. The truck and the three hundred dollars that was in his account are yours. He handed As far as Ruthie Edmonds, shes away at school. She wont be home until Christmas break. If you feel that its too much of a burden to handle, you may sign your guardianship over and she will be placed in the custody of the state. Chris wouldnt want that. No matter how much I disliked the idea, I would have to do it. Chris had been my best friend and I had already let him down in the worst way a person could. I would not do that again. I thought long and hard for a minute before I spoke. Does she know that Im going to be her guardian? I asked him.

Shes been informed. Shes looking forward to meeting you Mr. Call. From what shes told me, Chris sent her letters all of the time and you were mentioned quite often in them. My secretary has all of the paperwork you need. I will drive you out to the main house. You can then go look at the rest of the property in your new truck. As I rode on the passenger side of Daftons car, I looked out the window thinking about what I had gotten myself into. As we passed each house, I thought that the town was quite elegant. Some of the old houses were civil war era, some were more modern. As we turned onto the street the house was on, I noticed that only one other house was on the street. The street sat close to a tree line and not on a block. When Dafton stopped in front of the house, the first thing I saw was the wraparound porch. The house itself was big. It was wooden and painted white. As we walked in, I noticed how modern the inside was. It had five large bedrooms and a bathroom with running water. There was a parlor room, a dining room, and the kitchen. Well thats everything. I wish you the best of luck, said Dafton. If you need anything let me know. Thank you, I said as he walked out the door. I looked around and could see the place needed a little work on the outside, but all in all it was a nice house. Christopher had not mentioned how well off his parents had been. I was raised on well water from a pump outside
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Edens Gate that we had to bring in for baths and such. I went down the hall to stake claim on a bedroom. I first came to Ruthies. I knew it was hers by the vanity and the doll on the bed. The next room I came to was Chris old room. There was a toy horse and some tin soldiers on the window sill. had always been a brave soldier, even in his youth. Their parents room was next. It was nice Looking at them made me think about the man he had become and I knew that deep down he and tidy with a patchwork quilt over the bed and a black and white picture of the two of them on the night stand. After some deliberation with myself, I decided to take the one across from out of the room I had chosen for myself and went outside to look at the truck. wonderful fishing spot that Chris had worshipped so dearly. I followed the directions that road, I understood Chris love for the place. Trees of all sorts grew tall on either side. The get. turned over on the bank. As I parked the truck, I looked at the screened in porch. There was a bed there. When I walked through the door, I found myself feeling like I was in some type of magical world. The cabin was only one room with the exception of the porch. There was a bed in each corner, a sink, a small wood stove, and a fireplace. It was the perfect habitat for a man. I sat down at the edge of the bed on the porch. I looked out over the water. I wished that I had was to open a bait shop out on the road leading to the lake. I would get a job here and make that dream come true. Ill do it Chris. Ill make it happen, I said aloud. I immediately turned and walked back I made my way back down the road to the house without as much as a wrong turn. seen the cabin for the first time with Chris. I knew right then what I wanted to do. Chris dream The log cabin sat maybe one hundred feet from the water. I could see a wooden boat When I crank it, it sputtered at first and then roared to life. I couldnt wait to see this Ruthies room. My room was on the right and the bathroom was at the end of the hall. I came

Daftons secretary had been so gracious to write down for me. As I turned onto the red dirt driveway to the cabin was on the left. I crept down it slowly. I wasnt sure how curvy it might

to the truck. It was the perfect night to make building plans and brainstorm. When I arrived back at the house I searched through the drawers in the kitchen until I found a pencil and paper. I sat down at the table and started drawing blueprints for the shop. Flashes of Chris ran through my mind. I tried to shake them off, but every since the night of his death, I had trouble sleeping. I pushed the thoughts of Chris far back in my head as I concentrated on the blueprints. I finished them just as dawn was approaching. I finally started to yawn just as the sun was peeking through the trees. I decided to try to lie down just for a little while. I drifted off peacefully with the thoughts of a bait shop and fishing in my head.

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Edens Gate

Chapter 3
Two months passed before I knew it and I found it was time to pick Ruthie up from the school she attended in Atlanta. During those months I had started to build the bait shop, but and December had been too cold to do anything. be a strange thing going back to her own home with someone she had never met. As I entered the office, an older grey haired woman stopped me at the door. May I help you? she asked. Youre her guardian? Yes maam, I am. I was very sad to hear of your loss with Chris. Ruthie has been through so much. She is an excellent student with a promising future ahead of her. Ive never once had a problem with her. Im Ms. Bernstein, the director of the school. asked. Its nice to have met your acquaintance. May I ask you some questions about her? I By all means Mr. Call. Step into my office and Ill send one of the girls to get her. Once I sat down in her office, she sent a student that seemed to be working with her to
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the weather had slowed me down. It rained through the rest of October and most of November As I walked up to the office of the school, I wondered how Ruthie would react. It had to

Yes maam. Im Porter Call. Im here to pick up Ruthie Edmonds.

Edens Gate fetch Ruthie. When she sat down behind the desk, I started to ask her the things I needed to know, but before I could, she spoke first. Mr. Call, what is it you would like to know about Ruthie? Well, everything. I dont know anything about her other than she was Chris sister. I have her birth certificate, thats about it. Mr. Dafton has informed me of the situation. I must say that I am not so sure that its in

Ruthies best interests, but since she spends most of her time here at the school, I suppose a few months out of the year wont hurt. I hope youre intentions are noble. Maam, if you are implying what I think you are. I want you to know that my only concern for her is whats best for her. Nothing will happen to her while shes in my care. I makes it to eighteen unharmed. would like to know about Ruthie, you should ask her yourself, she said as she motioned toward the door. As the door opened, Ruthie stepped inside. She was taller than I had expected. The top of her head was level with my chin. Her brown eyes sparkled in the light. As I looked at her, I could see a glimmer of Chris. I could also see that she wasnt exactly the little girl I had suitcase in the other. pictured in my mind. She held onto a doll tightly against her chest with one hand and held her Miss Edmonds, this here is your guardian, Mr. Call. Ruthie sat her suitcase down and held out her hand for me to give her a friendly shake. She didnt speak. Her face was sad. It was almost as if she didnt know how to smile. I walked over to her and took the suitcase. we started out the door. Are you ready to go home? I asked her. She just nodded. She waved to the director and Um, Mr. Call, if you need anything please feel free to contact us. I will, I said as I turned and left. Ruthie was already halfway down the hall. I caught up to her rather quickly. She didnt say a word until we were out of the building and in the truck. I know this is awkward. Believe me. Im just doing this because Chris left me in charge I think thats a good way to look at things Mr. Call. Perhaps if there is anything else you served for the U.S. Army and I treat the situation as a mission. My mission is to make sure she

of your care. I honestly dont know if Im really cut out for this job at all, I said. She looked at me for a minute and then spoke. Can you fish? she asked. I was shocked that the first thing she would think to say to

me just so happened to be the first thing Chris had asked me after our fight at the bar. I thought about how I had answered him. Yes, Im actually pretty good at it.
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Edens Gate Well see, she said with the first faintest glimmer of a smile. I smiled back. It was exactly like I had hoped she would say. On the way home, she opened up to me a little. We talked about fishing and Chris. We

avoided the obvious subject of his death. Talking to her made me feel good. She had his enthusiasm. It reminded me of him a whole lot. I took her suitcase from the back of the truck around and wrapped her arms around herself. Are you cold, I asked her. No, its just that walking in here is almost like walking into a tomb. Every memory I have in this place is with someone thats dead. I felt my heart ache for her just a little. I had be a hard thing to grasp. I decided to try lightening the mood. me. Do you want to help me go get a Christmas tree? I asked her. She turned and looked at Why? you would like to know a little about me as well. We can stay cooped up in here and make this me for a minute before she spoke. Well, the way I look at it, Ive got about three weeks to get to know you. Im pretty sure seen a lot in my life, but she had literally lost everyone that mattered to her. At her age it had to and followed her into the house. When she walked through the door, she stopped. She looked

an awkward time together or we can try, just a little, to be friendly. Its up to you. She stared at I can see why Chris thought so much of you. Even in the darkest spots, you have a bright side, she said as she smiled. Ok, when do you want to go get one? In the morning, I thought we might go down to the lake and cut one. Ill let you pick it Im going to go to my room, she said, Good night Mr. Call. a man at all, I said with a chuckle. She smiled again. Well, good night then, Porter. Good night, I answered. As I watched her walk away, I realized exactly what type of inheritance that I had been left. I was no guardian.

out, I said. She smiled again. I was happy that I was beginning to befriend her just a little. Please call me Porter. I might be your guardian, but Im not an old man. Hell, Im barely

where all of the blue prints were scattered; as well as list after list of all the items I needed to for a minnow trough. I never knew when sleep overtook me.

Why in the hell had Chris laid this responsibility on me? I sat down at the kitchen table

order for the bait shop. I stuck my nose in and went to work. I was trying to figure out a design Psst. Psst, Porter, I heard a girls voice whisper. As I opened my eyes, Ruthie stood within inches of my face. As I jumped, I screamed. She had scared the dickens out of me. She
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Edens Gate jumped back with shock as well. Jesus, Ruthie you almost scared me to death. Im sorry. Its just that its dawn. I thought you looked uncomfortable, so I decided to wake you. Sure enough, as I looked out the window the sun was rising. Even in the state I had been sleeping in, I realized I did not have any dreams. It was the first time since I had been home from Germany that I had not dreamt something to do with Chris. For the first time, I looked at her closely. She was wearing a pair of overalls and a long shirt under it. Over that she wore what looked like one of Chris old jackets. She had braided her hair on either side into pigtails. She would have been downright cute if it wasnt for the fact that her face was breathtakingly beautiful. She had a complexion as smooth as a china doll with just a hint of a kiss from the sun stretched across her nose and over her cheeks. It gave her a naturally rosy hue that any movie star of the day would have killed for. I stood up and walked over to the icebox. Inside of it was a loaf of bread and some cheese. I made us a couple of sandwiches and the front door. I grabbed them up and took them to the icebox. I handed her a bottle and a sandwich. Come on lets go, I said. She looked down at the sandwich and the bottle and then back Whats wrong? I asked her. She looked back down at the sandwich and hesitated. Nothing, she said as she walked over to the door. I followed behind her. winter, but the wind was blowing and I could sense an icy chill in the air. The cold December air hit me like a slap in the face. Georgia was normally mild in the It looks like it might snow, I said as I tried to just make small talk with her. with. Down here we get ice storms. I knew what she meant. Back in Charleston we had winter. Ice is more like it. It never snows here and if it does its barely enough to do anything walked out onto the porch. The milkman had run early, so the milk jars were already sitting by

at me with a puzzled look.

suffered a few of those ourselves, but somehow we always managed to get some snow in the The truck was slow to crank. It took me seven tries to get it to even turn over. Finally,

the engine roared to life and the two of us were on our way. I could feel my own teeth

chattering because it was so cold in the truck. I looked over at Ruthie half expecting her to be a human icicle. She didnt seem to be cold at all. She looked downright thrilled. She was smiling as she stared out the window. Most of the trip was silent. I was entertained at watching her out of the corner of my eye by looking at her curly smile. Once we turned onto the road that led to the lake, I noticed Ruthie perk up and move to the edge of her seat. She was looking like a kid in a candy store. It made me smile to see her anticipation.
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Edens Gate We had almost made it to the cabin when she said, Stop right here. she jumped out and started to run down a path that lead into the woods. Why? I asked as I pulled the truck over. I had barely gotten the truck stopped when Ruthie! Stop! Where are you going? I called as I ran after her. She was fast. I could barely keep up with her. Finally, deep in the woods, she stopped. There was a brook running swiftly. Beside the brook was a large tree. Beside the tree was a little house made of sticks and twigs. The roof looked like it was made of trees that beavers had cut down. Nailed to the tree were planks that lead up to a wooden tree house that was perfectly wedged in between the forks of two large limbs. She started to climb the planks. Ruthie, what are you doing exactly? I asked her. I have to see something, she called back. I wasnt sure if the planks would hold her, much less me, but I started the climb after her. She reached the top in no time and was inside the tree house before I even made it to the fourth board. When I finally did reach the top, I ducked down through the small door and found Ruthie sitting on the floor holding a letter and sobbing like a baby. I bent down over her and put my arm on her shoulder. She turned to look at me and those big brown eyes almost brought me to my knees. She grabbed hold of me as the tears kept falling. I reached out for the letter and she handed it to me without any objections. I held her as I read the letter over her head and she continued to sob uncontrollably into my chest. The letter read:

Dearest Ruthie, I know I promised you that I would always make sure you were safe. This is me fulfilling that promise. Tomorrow, I leave for Germany. I wish I could promise that Ill be back, but it is war and with war, there are no guarantees. I have a friend that I met at the training camp. His name is Porter Call. I have plans to ask him to look after you if anything happens to me. Hes alone in the world as well and if something happens, he will need someone and so will you. Hes a real nice fella. He will make sure you stay safe. Ruthie, I know all of this is hard on you. You are strong. I love you Ruthie Roo. If I make it back here, I promise I will spend every single day fishing by the lake with you. I want you to take care of yourself while Im gone. Hopefully I will see you soon. If not, I will see you again eventually. Love, Chris.
I couldnt control myself. The tears filled my own eyes before I could stop them. He had

known before Germany that I would be the one looking after her. Why hadnt he told me? We had been in training for weeks before we were sent out. He never asked me like he had
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Edens Gate planned. The tears spilled over and ran down my face as the two of us sat there in that little house in a tree overlooking a brook. We sat there like that for what seemed like eternity. We were two people who had known each other less than twenty four hours with a common hurt. We had both lost our parents, a brother, and our best friend. Later, after we had cried ourselves dry, Ruthie spoke. Were you there? she asked. Was I where? Were you there when Chris died? She had the softest expression as she asked it. I was taken aback. I wasnt sure if I was prepared to answer any questions she had about it. Did he suffer? she asked. I shook my head. It all happened really fast, I said as I looked down at my hands. I wasnt comfortable talking to her about it. I hadnt talked to anyone about it. I didnt even want to think about what had happened, much less discuss it. Like what? Tell me something brave that he did while he was over there. Tell me something he did that made his life worth dying for. What was something he did to better someone elses? I thought for a minute. I decided to tell her about the I felt better as well. It felt good to be able to talk to someone about it. she said with a small smile. I smiled back at her. I barely know you, but I want you to know you have to think about them every day. The fact that he didnt die over nothing makes my heart lighter. I am so proud of him, concentration camp and the girl Chris had saved. When I was finished, she looked much better.

that Im proud of you too. It must be so hard for you. I mean, you fought those same battles and She was right. It was hard. It didnt matter. I was the one who lived. I wasnt sure why

and I had questioned God more than once over the last few months. The truth of the matter was that I had to be spared for a reason. I walked with a clear faith in God and that was the only answer I could come up with. She asked me next how I came to be in the Army. That led to talking about the death of my parents and the death of hers. We discussed war, politics, her

favorite things, and my own. After a while, we were laughing. For a little while it was like being with Chris. We shared so much in common. We had both lost a lot of the same people. We also both loved to fish and she had a better understanding of God than her brother did. Before long, I realized it was late in the afternoon. We had spent almost the entire day up in a tree house. Wow, we need to be going. We still have to find the perfect tree, I said. I know where one is. Come on. I followed her down the tree and back down the path
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Edens Gate to the truck. Take me to the cabin, she said. Yes maam, I answered. As we pulled into the yard, I saw the sun growing lower in the sky. We walked behind the cabin about thirty feet. There, right before the edge of the wood line was a row of cedar trees. They ranged in height from one foot to fifteen feet. They were perfect all the way around as if groomed just for the occasion. Altogether I counted twenty one trees. and Chris kept them up. We planted that little one on the end on his birthday right before he left for the Army. You want to cut one of these down? I asked. Not these, she said as she pointed to the other end of the line. That one. Sure enough, there on the end, sitting all alone by itself was a perfect Christmas tree. It stood out from the rest. It was a fir tree. Why was that one planted? I asked. Actually, it was a mishap. It just grew there, so we groomed it with the rest. Chris said we would use it this year for Christmas. He had that planned as well. In a way I hated to cut it down, but Chris had planned to use it anyway, so we cut it and Every year since Chris was born, Daddy planted a new tree. When our parents died, me

put it in the back of the truck. I could check one thing off of my holiday to do list. I had cut a Christmas tree. Next, I had to figure out how to cook Christmas dinner. That was definitely going to be a challenge for me. All I knew how to cook was potatoes.

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