PART 1
Hey eveyrone! Liz here, with her new "little" story. =) I just wanted to clear up some stuff so you all don't think I'm crazy when you read my story and get all confused. The kids are...I dunno...16,17,18, however old they'd be when it's time for them to leave the school. Rob is the age that the kids are on the show now. And I know that might not fit...but hey, I'm the author...I can make up stuff. Meg married Edward (big surprise there) and Nick and Jo STILL aren't together. (WOW did ya see that coming??) At the beginning, Tommy has already left, and Franz went to go teach somewhere else. I promise it'll end happy!!! Enjoy!
The train whistle pierced the peaceful bustle of the town, a signal of its timely departure. It did not, however, disrupt the small band of people huddled near the train. Five children in their late teens, a middle-aged couple, and an African American woman. Although the people stirring about created a happy buzzing sound, the atmosphere between the small group was unusually quiet and solemn.
"Do you have everything?" Jo asked, placing her hands on Emil's shoulders, even though they were somewhat higher than her own.
"Yes Mrs. Jo," he replied with a comforting tone.
Nick looked over at the platform for a moment, then gently said, "It's time." Jo took a deep breath, trying to keep her tears at bay. Emil walked over to Nat and shook his hand.
"See ya around Nat," he said, pursing his lips. He moved on to Dan, who squeezed Emil's hand reassuringly.
"If that navel academy gets too hard, you can always come back," Dan teased.
When Emil walked over to Nan, she gingerly held out a small package. "Here," she said, placing it in Emil's hand, "It's some of that herb that I use to make your tea. It'll help you when...you know, you can't get to sleep and all."
"Thank you Nan," Emil said, staring hard at the small sack. He approached Bess, who had a very sober look on her face. "Goodbye Bess," Emil said quietly. Bess tried to give a small smile, but failed. She put her arms gently around Emil, and gave him a hug.
"Just be careful 'bout eatin' stale meat," Nick joked as he shook Emil's hand and patted him on the back, "You'll do fine Emil, trust me. I've always seen it in ya." Emil nodded and finally turned to Jo.
She held back her tears and smiled bravely, "You write soon, okay?" She tightly embraced him and squeezed her eyes shut.
Emil pulled back, looked her in the eye, and said, "Thank you Mrs. Jo."
"You are so....very...welcome," Jo said hesitantly, trying desperately to keep the tears back just a while longer. Before getting on the train, Emil and Asia embraced, and shared a few secret words away from the group. Then Emil boarded the train, and took his seat by the window.
As another whistle sounded, and the train began to move, Emil waved at his 'family' as each of them put up a brave smile. When the train was just a dot through the trees, Asia was the first to turn away.
"No sense makin' it into somethin' more difficult," she muttered as she headed for the wagon. Bess nudged Nan's arm, and together they walked off too, followed by Nat. Dan lingered, looking at Jo.
"Mrs. Jo?" he said, "You comin'?"
"We'll be along in a minute Dan. Go on," Nick said lightly. Dan hesitantly nodded and walked off, glancing back.
Jo, arms crossed, finally looked away. "Rob's comin' home tomorrow," Nick said, trying to raise her spirits.
"I know," she said, nodding firmly. But her voice shook a bit.
"Come on, let's go," Nick said quietly, offering Jo his hand. She slipped her's into it, and together they walked towards the wagon.
"Dear Lord, we thank you for this food, and this family to share it with. We ask you to look over all of the "Plumbfield Family" wherever they may be. Amen," Jo spoke the prayer at dinner, as everyone held hands.
As everyone began to dig in, Jo took a small helping of something on her plate, and began to push it around with her fork. "Aunt Jo," Bess chided, "You need to eat something."
"I will," Jo said, giving her niece a grateful look, "Oh! Did I tell you? I received a letter from Franz today!"
"You did?" Dan asked, "What did he say?"
"He said he's doing fine," Jo replied, a smile on her face, "He's found a teaching job in one of the public schools. The pay is good, and he says the materials he has to work with are excellent!"
"Well does he say anythin' about what it's like livin' in Virginia?" Nan asked.
"He did say that it's a bit warmer, however their winters are said to be more mild than ours," Jo said, her smile fading.
"Well, will he be able to come home for Christmas?" Nat asked, trying to bring back her smile.
"He says he's unsure if he'll be able to, seeing as it is his first year teaching there," Jo said, the smile not returning as hoped. A dismal silence fell over the table. Jo forgot about the food she was pushing around her plate, and instead looked at the empty chairs that surrounded the table.
"Well I've got some news," Bess said with a smile. Jo looked up expectantly, and the other three put down their forks.
"I didn't want to say anything until I was sure...you see, I entered some of my art into a contest a while ago....I didn't even think it was very good...well anyway, the first prize was a full year of study with the finest teachers. And well...I won!" Bess exclaimed.
There were cheers around the table, and Nan "patted" Bess on the back, nearly choking her. "Congratulations Bess!" Jo exclaimed, a smile finally returning to her face.
The small round of congratulations went on, even drawing Asia from the kitchen to join in. However, Dan, not joining in, finally said quietly,
"Where's it at?"
"Where's what at?" Bess asked.
"The full year of study," Dan said, "Where ya gotta go for it?"
Bess looked down and played with the napkin in her lap. "It's in Chicago," she said quietly.
"Chicago?!" Jo exclaimed, clearly shocked but trying to hide it, "Do Amy and Laurie know about this?"
"Yes," Bess replied softly, "We've discussed it already. If I choose to accept the award, I'll have to leave in a month."
"I see," Jo said dejectedly, "If you'll excuse me." She got up from the table and quickly walked upstairs.
The foursome left at the table shot each other glances, but none spoke. Finally, Dan asked, "You gonna except it?"
Bess looked at each of them, earnestly awaiting her answer. "I, I don't know yet. I haven't decided."
PART 2
