A Visit from Cousin Sofia

1. See more Andi’s Journal Posts >>
2. See more Guest Bloggers >>

A Writer for Andi Carter did not want any credit for her guest post, but I at least credited her name (and edited the journal entry to keep it consistent with other entries). But alas, no bio, so she will remain a mystery for now. That said, she penned an Andi’s Journal entry, and I am glad, since Andi’s Journal has remained quite silent the past few months. Are you surprised at the title? As far as we know, Andi has only one cousin, Daniel Carter. However, if you look on Mother’s side of the family tree, she is much older than her younger siblings Mark, Aaron, and Rose, who all returned with their mother after their father died in the gold fields. Elizabeth stayed behind and met James Carter. Read all about Mother’s history here >>

——————

Andi’s Journal

July 1886

Andi and Riley have been married a month . . .

“These entries were written over a year ago, but the events took place many years ago,” I said softly, flipping through old journal entries. About a year ago, right after being rescued from Procopio’s hideout and agreeing to let Riley court me, I decided to write down all of the childhood memories I could think of. This one almost slipped my mind. Now, I’m glad I included it, especially after my horrid experience with my cousin Daniel. Come to find out, he was not my only cousin. The years rolled back to when I was ten years old and met a much more delightful first cousin, a little girl named Sophia. My eyes scanned the tiny script.

May 1878 

Part One

I hurried downstairs one morning. It was a beautiful early May day, It was Saturday! I loved Saturdays, and today I was going to ride Taffy all day . . . well, at least for as long as my mother or Chad let me. And of course after mucking Taffy’s stall. I made a face at that idea. Yuck. Mucking stalls. That took some of the bounce out of my steps. It was still very early in the morning but everyone was awake and talking downstairs. Why are they up so early? I thought. Without meaning to, I slowed my steps and stopped halfway down. And I listened. (Yes, eavesdropping is one of my besetting sins, I’m afraid.)

“Justin, can you believe it!” Mother’s voice was full of excitement. 

“I can,” Justin answered. “They’ll be here soon.”

Who is coming soon? I wondered. I kept listening without even thinking about it. I hoped it wasn’t Aunt Rebecca.

“My brother Mark and his wife are coming here, and their daughter. I have not seen them for years.” Mother’s voice trailed off. 

I nearly fell down the rest of the steps. A cousin, aunt, and uncle from my mother’s side were coming to Circle C? It wasn’t possible! I hardly knew I had any cousins. Mother didn’t talk about her family very much. I set one foot on the next step, when another voice drifted up the stairs. 

“I wonder how Andi will like it? She has never met her cousin from Pittsburgh,” Mitch wondered aloud. 

“We will find out. I’m sure the girls will get along just fine.” Mother’s voice was cheery. 

Me and who? My eastern cousin . . . girl? I thought. I suddenly remembered that I was eavesdropping. Oh, no! I quickly skipped down the steps and into the dining room. “Good morning!”

“Good morning dear, how are you?” Mother greeted me. 

“I’m doing great.” I sat down at the table. Breakfast was already served. There were yummy muffins and biscuits! Plus milk. I listened as Mitch said grace then reached for a biscuit. It was hot and flaky. Mmmm.

A few minutes into the meal Mother cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention.

I looked expectantly at her. Would she tell me more about my cousin?

“Your Uncle Mark, my brother, is coming here to Circle C.” Mother paused. “He is bringing his one daughter and wife. Sofia and Dorothy Johnson.” 

“When?” I asked. Thinking it would still be a week or so out.

I saw Mother give Justin a special look, “Today,” she said softly. She lifted a telegram. “The boy brought it out this morning with their arrival time.”

“Today?” I thought they would maybe come sometime, but today? Not today! Not on my free Saturday! I hardly had any notice. “No one told me before this?” I glanced over my family. Everyone seemed to know but me . . . as usual. 

“No, I am sorry dear,” Mother hesitated. 

“Why not? It wasn’t that hard of news to tell.”

Mother didn’t answer, but she didn’t have to. I knew why. I was still ‘too young’ to know hardly anything. I quickly ate my breakfast. Still trying to process the news, I asked. “How old is my cousin Sofia?” I asked. If they were really coming today, I figured I’d better learn all I could. I wondered what she would be like. Cowgirl? City girl? I thought. Well, Pittsburgh is the city. 

“She is ten, nearly your age.” Mother smiled at me. 

“What does she like to do?”

Melinda answered that question for me, “She likes to sew, knit, and be outside.” 

Sewing and knitting were not for me, but the outside part? Now that interested me! I wondered how Melinda was so well informed about this unknown cousin. But I didn’t ask that question. “What time will they be here?” I asked instead. 

“In about two hours,” Justin answered. “I will leave right after breakfast to meet the 9 o’clock train.”

“Alright,” I said, still thinking. I finished my meal and asked Mother if I could go outside and ride. She was fine with it, so I went. Straight to the barn of course. Nobody said anything about mucking out stalls so I didn’t either.  

The big barn doors were open, so I went right in. “Howdy, Taffy, Coco!” I called out. I heard two nickers in response. I grinned as I walked up to the stalls my horses were in. I reached out and petted them quickly before getting Coco’s saddle from the saddle rack. 

I led Coco out and over to the saddle I had gotten down. I tried to lift it but couldn’t get it as high as Coco’s back. Sighing, I left the barn. I saw a ranch hand near the bunkhouse. It was Diego. “Howdy, Diego, can you help me saddle up Coco?” Even though I could ride Taffy, I still rode Coco sometimes. Even though he was a slow-poke pony he was the first pony I had ever ridden! I tried to give him attention once in a while so he wouldn’t be sad.

“Sure thing.” Diego followed me back to the barn. He had the saddle on in no time. 

“Thanks, Diego!” I called as he left the barn, giving a wave behind him. I put a halter on Taffy, for of course she must come along. Then I mounted Coco and rode out of the barn into the bright California sunlight. It was a wonderful day. 

“Let’s go!” I shouted into the day. I felt so joyful. I just couldn’t keep my happiness inside. I kicked Coco and tried to make him go into a gallop. I didn’t think he would do anything, but I got the shock of my life. Coco galloped. I mean really galloped! I couldn’t believe it. Was Coco feeling my joy of the beautiful day? I think he was.

Taffy let out a shrill whinny as she ran slightly ahead of us, she was enjoying it too. I thought Coco would quit galloping after a few yards but no. He galloped on for a few minutes before slowing into a trot. A bouncy trot but I didn’t care. I was thrilled Coco had galloped.

After a while, I headed back to the ranch. My family’s ranch, I thought to myself. It had almost been an hour and I knew I had to get back before my kinfolk arrived. I rode into the ranch yard and saw Chad and Mitch riding in too. I waved. I slipped off Coco and led him to the barn. Taffy trotted behind us.

After getting my horses settled back into their stalls, I walked to the house. My brother was about to enter but waited for me to catch up. “Howdy, little sis,” Chad said, ruffling my hair, “Ready for cousin Sofia to arrive?” 

“Sure am.” I was well used to the idea by now and was even looking forward to meeting her. I walked into the house right after Chad. I glanced at the time. It was eleven minutes past 8 o’clock. I hastened upstairs and into my room. Flinging open my wardrobe I stood in front of my dresses. I would have liked to wear overalls but I knew Mother wouldn’t like it. Not when company was coming. I picked out a dark blue dress. It only had a few frills so it wasn’t too bad. I slipped it on. I adjusted it slightly, and then I was ready for my cousin to arrive.

—————

Part Two

“Are you ready dear?” Mother came into my room about twenty minutes later. 

“Yes, Mother,” I said, sliding the dime novels I was reading under my bed. I suddenly thought of something. “Mother, will I call Sofia, “Sofia” or “Cousin Sofia?” I had never met any cousins before. At least any I remembered! Just then, a dark memory crept into my thoughts. Wait. Father’s funeral. A mean little boy. What was his name? Cousin Daniel? The memory was hazy so I pushed it aside.

“You may call her Sofia. Or you can ask her.” Mother smiled at me. 

I nodded. That made sense. 

Mother left my room, and I picked up the dime novel again. 

“Andi?” a voice came through my door. I snapped my head up, “Andi? Sofia and her parents are here.” It was Mitch. 

Sofia! Already? Where had the time gone? I jumped up and saw that indeed, it was way past 9. I made sure I was presentable and opened the door. 

Mitch smiled at me, “Ready to meet your cousin, little sis?” he asked. 

I nodded and followed Mitch downstairs. As we neared the parlor, I heard a voice talking in a low, gravely tone. I walked in. 

“Hello, Andrea,” a woman greeted me, smiling. “I am your Aunt Dorothy, but you may call me Aunt Dolly.”

I felt at ease right away. Aunt Dolly was very friendly. The man, who I guessed was my Uncle Mark, also greeted me. I smiled politely back at him, “Nice to meet you. I turned to the girl who was perched on the edge of the couch and said, “I’m Andrea.” I left off my nickname because I didn’t want to get scorned right away. Many city girls didn’t like boys’ names as a nickname. But I did. 

“Nice to meet you,” the girl spoke. I was startled to discover she was the one who had been talking in a gravely tone. “I’m Sofia.”

“Andrea,” Mother caught my attention. “Why don’t you and Sofia go outside and pick a horse to ride for a bit. If that is alright with you.” She turned to Uncle Mark and Aunt Dolly. 

“Sure.” Mark shrugged. Dolly nodded.

I led the way to the barn. My cousin followed right behind me. “So, um, hi, Sofia,” I said. “What would you like to do?” I knew Mother had said for me to take Sofia for a ride, but I wanted to see what Sofia thought. 

“We can ride,” Sofia said, very formal-like.

Ladylike. I did my best to ignore my unpleasant thoughts and I answered, “Sounds fine to me.” We walked to the barn. “What do you want to be called?” I asked. Maybe she had a nickname.

“Who, me?” Sofie jerked her head up. 

Yes, you. Who else? I thought. I immediately felt bad for thinking such things. I nodded.

“You can—” Sofia blushed and ducked her head—“you may call me Lilla.”

“Lilla?” I asked, just to be sure. Lilla sounded nothing like Sofia’s real name. Where did she come up with that name?

“Yes,” Sofia–Lilla–whispered. Her cheeks reddened. “I know Lilla is nothing like my real name but”–she took a deep breath–“I simply love that name, and all my friends agreed to call me Lilla.” She sighed. “But Mama and Papa still call me Sofia.”

Just like Mother never calls me Andi, only Andrea, I thought. Yep, I understood. “All right then. Lilla it is.” I pushed open the barn door and stepped inside. “Howdy, Taffy!” I called, hearing Taffy’s friendly nicker. 

“Oh, my, she is a pretty horse.” Lilla brightened. She walked to Taffy’s stall door. “May I pet her?” She turned to me.

I nodded. “For sure.” I watched Sofia/Lilla, who seemed surprisingly at ease with my horse. Maybe she’s not so city-ish after all. I thought. 

“What do I call you, Cousin?” Lilla glanced back at me. 

I blushed, “Um, well . . .” I paused. Tell her and get it over with.“ I go by Andi.”

“Andi?” Lilla smiled. “I like it. Your name sounds fun and cheerful.”

“Thanks.” I was quite startled! I thought for sure she would laugh at me for having a boys’ name. Surprises never end!

“Let’s ride,” Lilla said a few minutes later. “Can I ride this one?” She patted Taffy.

I swallowed, Taffy? Lilla wanted to ride my horse? I knew what Mother would have me do, “Yes, you may ride her,” After all, it was only one ride, right?

“Oh yay! Thanks, Andi,.

I quickly got out Pal and Taffy. I glanced doubtfully at the saddles. “Can you help me lift them?”

“Sure,” We both grabbed Taffy’s saddle and started to lift it. “My, this is heavy,” Lilla said as we dropped it. Even with the two of us, we could not lift it. I wish they didn’t make saddles so heavy but they did. 

“Let me find a ranch hand,” I said, skipping from the barn. I saw Sid, the ranch foreman, walking from the bunkhouse. “Sid!” I hollered. 

“What’s up, Andi?” He gave a gentle tug on my braid. 

“Can you help us saddle Taffy and Pal? Please?”

“Sure thing,” He smiled down at me.

After Sid helped me and Lilla tack up the horses we mounted. “Where shall we go?” I asked, feeling more thrilled by the moment. From the city or not, Lilla was a horse girl like me!

“Anywhere,” Lilla said with a smile.

“Want to go to my special spot?” I asked. 

“Sure!” 

“Let’s go!” I kicked Pal’s sides and he broke into a trot. Lilla did the same with Taffy. She was an excellent rider. She posed perfectly in the saddle and held Taffy’s reins just right. I relaxed, knowing my horse was in good hands. 

“Can we race?” Lilla glanced at me, mischief in her eyes. 

“Why, yes!” I said. “To that big tree?” I pointed off in the distance. 

“Go!” Lilla shouted. She kicked Taffy into a gallop. I started to do the same, but Pal had already seen Taffy running and started galloping to catch up. We raced side by side for a few yards and then Taffy and Lilla pulled ahead and won. “Great job, Lilla. And Taffy is the fastest horse ever! You ride really well,” I added. 

She blushed, “Thanks. My mother taught me.”

Aunt Dolly? I was surprised once again. I never would have thought that city folk knew how to ride, and as well as Lilla did. I smiled at her, “She must have been a great teacher.”

One week later it was time for Lilla and her parents to go. Lilla and I had a wonderful time the whole week. We rode everywhere and explored new areas across the ranch. “Bye, Andi. I’ll miss you,” Lilla said. 

“I’ll miss you too. I had a great time,” I loved the time we had together, and the sweet memories we made. It was a shame my cousin lived clear across the country. I sighed. “Someday, you’ll come again,” I promised for both of us. 

————————

Back to the present July 1886

“It was a great week,” I said to myself, smiling as I closed the journal and came back to the present. “Sofia”–I chuckled–“I mean Lilla, and I will have to meet up again.”

“Andi!” Riley called. He peeked around the corner into our bedroom. “Oh, there you are. What are you doing?” 

I shrugged. “Just reading old journal entries.” Then I smiled. “Riley, I have a question.”

“Let’s hear it.” He settled himself on the edge of the bed and grinned up at me. 

I handed him my journal and let him read the long entry about my cousin. After a few minutes, he glanced up with a slight smile, “Can I guess?”

I nodded.

“You want your cousin Lilla to come here?” he asked softly. 

How did Riley know? Of course, he knew! He was my husband. “Oh, yes. I’d like to meet Lilla again. I want to know what she’s been doing, if she’d married, if she still rides and–” 

“Then we can,” Riley broke in. “Sometime in the next year, you can invite her here. Or perhaps we can go back east. Whether she comes here or we go there, you’ll meet your cousin again.”

I threw my arms around his neck. “Oh, thank you, Riley!”