Page 28 of Ultimate Freedom

“I think we should call her Glory. Because she’s a glorious creature, right? Plus, Demi said Harold’s wife was called Gloria. And… and I like the name a lot.” He slid his hands into his pockets, fidgeting. “What do you all think?”

Standing alone in front of the group, having everyone’s attention, and not shying away, made Demi’s motherly instincts swell. Pride over Charlie’s ability to be the focus, and his faith that no one would take offense or be angry was paramount to her happiness. The little boy had begun to feel worthy, and nothing could please her more.

During these happy days, Glen and Rudy spent time with them also, and it was Glen who came up with the best idea of where the fawn could live. “It’s too hot inside the cabin for her, Demi. She should be outside but somewhere sheltered and safe.”

“I wondered about that myself. Yet, I wasn’t sure if we could leave her in the woodshed. It’s so dark inside.”

“I have a better idea. Why don’t we close off a section of the porch and make a pen there. Charlie would have to go around the outside of the stairs to get the wood though.”

“I don’t mind. I can tie a rope around the area if you want me to, Demi.”

“Good idea. Yes. I want you to stay inside a boundary in case it blows up a storm again. You’ve seen how the snow can come down so thick a person can’t see two steps in front of them.”

Between Glen, Charlie and Rudy and an industrial stapler, they used one of the large heavier tarps to close off a section of the porch and made a cozy pen there for the fawn. The light from the kitchen window made it easy to see inside the space, and Demi could keep an eye on her new baby.

Knowing that Nito would be nearby gave them a sense of security for the fawn from other wild animals. It seemed a perfect solution.

Wanting to see the newest orphan for themselves, Norrie and Lexie appeared unexpectedly early one afternoon, bringing casseroles and extra baked goods. The enlarged group had a blast that day playing games and carrying on well into the night. The ladies were able to drive the oldies home and saved Demi and Charlie the trip, giving them time to clean up and hit the sack early.

Between them all, they’d coaxed Charlie to take these days off work at the store with the promise that he could return once school started. Norrie had arranged with him to come straight to her after his last class and work his two hours. Then someone would be there each day to bring him home. Though he never brought it up, Demi sensed his nervousness and stopped his fretting by mentioning it herself. “Either Whit or I will be there to get you, Charlie. Don’t worry.”

“But it’s a lot of trouble.” His large eyes were filled with apprehension. “I don’t want to make you mad.”

Glad that this conversation happened during one of their alone times, Demi went to where he sat on his chair, knelt down in front of him, and took his hands to stop him from squirming. “Charlie, school is very important. I’m sorry Beth didn’t understand that, but it could be that school had been a bad experience for her as a youngster. Could she have been trying to save you from the same thing happening to you?”

“Nope. She didn’t care. About me learning anything.”

“Not true. If she didn’t care, she would have put you into foster care. But she kept you with her.”

“Because she was scared of the dark.” His earlier harsh tone lightened then. “She told me so. Said she hated being by herself. Sometimes, she was nice to me.”

“Oh, Charlie. I have no doubt your mother had a lot of issues we’ll never understand. And unfortunately, you were forced to deal with them. But no more. I promise. We’ll get you started in the school here. For the first while, it might feel awkward and scary. But eventually, you’ll find that learning about the world we live in is fascinating.”

His face reddened as he admitted painfully, “But Demi, I don’t have money for the school fees. And they want us to have proper materials… and, and stuff. I know cause I asked one of the teachers who came into the store.”

Demi smiled gently. “I know, pal. We’ll get whatever you need. And you can pay me back by taking on Glory’s care. Her pen has to be cleaned every day, and she needs attention with her feeding and grooming. If I can leave it to you in the morning before school and in the evening, it will be a huge help.”

Pretending… she rubbed her shoulder. “Since I had the injury, I’ve been careful not to overdo things, but carrying Glory out of the bush might have pulled my muscles a bit too much.Having you take on the heavier chores these last few days has been a godsend.”

Charlie hesitated, the fear of being rejected written on his features but as if he couldn’t help himself, he leaned his head towards her shoulder and let it lay there.

Very carefully, she wrapped her arm around his back and rested her cheek on his hair. She didn’t squeeze hard, knowing it might scare him. Instead, she just waited for when he was ready to move. It took long moments before he sighed and broke away, twisting from their embrace. “I’ll check if Glory needs food.”

She let her hand rest on his hair for a second longer before answering. “I see you’re making inroads with Nito. He’s a good friend to have around here.”

Charlie shrugged and spoke in a matter-of-fact way. “I think he just puts up with me. All he cares about is you.”

“See… it’s because I saved his life when he was tiny. Same as you’re doing with Glory. She won’t forget you.”

Charlie’s expression turned sad. “Harold said I’ll have to let her go when she’s healed. Is that true?”

“I believe so. As long as she has full ability to get around safely. But it’ll be her choice. We won’t keep her caged in any way. It’ll be up to her when she’s ready.”

“She’ll leave.”

“Maybe. Or maybe she’ll stick around. But it has to be her decision. There’s a whole world out there in the forest… her world. It’s only fair that we give her the opportunity to go and be with others like her. Right?”

“I guess so.”

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