Just Plain Nora

Chapter One Nora’s News A cloud of dust trailed behind Nora Smith as she ran down the well-worn dirt road from the Mountain Springs School to her home. Nora slowed her pace slightly as she crossed the rickety bridge that spanned Spring Creek, but she picked up speed again as her family’s log cabin came into view. Knowing that Mama would be baking in the kitchen, Nora bypassed the front door and sprinted around the house to the lean-to out back. She dropped her lunch pail and books on the bench beside the back door before thrusting it open. Disappointment quickly registered as Nora noticed that Mama was not at her usual place in the kitchen. The rich, buttery smell of freshly baked shortbread wafted through the air, so she knew that Mama hadn’t gone far. Nora stopped just a moment to savor the delicious aroma of her favorite treat before letting the back door slam behind her as she stepped into the kitchen and shouted, “Mama!” “Nora, please,” her mother admonished as she poked her head out of the small pantry, “young ladies close every door without slamming and never raise their voices.” Though Mama’s girls were being raised in the rough wilderness of eastern Colorado, she expected them to behave as genteel ladies. However, in spite of her reproof, Mama came out of the pantry smiling gently at Nora. “ Yes, Mama, I know, but you will not believe my wonderful news,” Nora’s response to Mama was not apologetic in the least. In fact, rather than showing regret for her unladylike behavior, her face radiated joy and she felt like a bubbling pot of water about to boil over with the exciting news she was yet to share. “Well, out with it young lady for you are fairly bursting at the seams!” Mama exclaimed as she dusted floured hands on her red checked apron. Mama looked amused rather than scornful, and Nora detected a hint of curiosity in her dancing green eyes. Before Nora could catch her breath and share her announcement though, she heard muffled voices and thumping footsteps approach the back door. Nora’s brothers entered the room noisily and headed directly to the sideboard in search of an afternoon treat, but Mama swiftly redirected the boys with a reminder to clean their hands first. As the twins raced each other to the pitcher and basin, Nora took a deep breath. She’d have to hurry with her news before the rambunctious twins demanded any more of Mama’s attention. Yet, just as Mama turned expectantly back to Nora, Nettie sailed into the room dramatically. “Oh, mother! You must speak to Nora about her disdainful behavior. Why she ran all the way home!” Nettie glanced reproachfully at her younger sister as she removed her bonnet and smoothed her perfect golden curls. Nora’s heart sank as she realized that her siblings were ruining this opportunity to have Mama’s undivided attention just long enough to share her important announcement. That’s why she had run home to begin with. Just a brief moment alone with Mama had been her motivation.