DISCLAIMER is on the Introduction page.
Italics denotes thoughts
The steady rhythm of the windshield wipers was making Scott tired. A mileage sign was coming up - 10 miles to Elkhart, Indiana. He glanced over at Betty, asleep next to him. Her face looked serene and peaceful.
She had jumped at his offer to drive her home and had thanked him profusely for his great sacrifice. What she didn't know was that he'd gladly drive to the ends of the earth if doing so would put a smile on her face.
He noticed the delicate movement of her nostrils as she gently breathed. He hated to wake her and decided to let her sleep for a couple more miles. He thought back on the last 5 hours. He hadn't always found it easy to confide in Betty the things that mattered to him. He had always felt a bit inferior to her and didn't want her to see what could be perceived as weaknesses. But tonight something was different between them. Something subtle had changed. During the long drive, after some gentle prodding from her, he had opened up and poured out all he was feeling about his Aunt's passing. She quietly let him reminisce about her and his childhood – the good things as well as the bad. Maybe it was the intimacy of the darkness and the confinement of the car, but tonight their conversation had been easy and meaningful.
His plan was to drop Betty off at her folks, then turn right around and head back. He didn't want to get in the way of any family doings. The rain had finally stopped and he turned off the wipers. He touched Betty on the shoulder and gently wakened her. "We're almost there. I need directions."
A sleepy Betty directed him off the highway and down several country roads. He pulled into a long tree-lined driveway and up next to a large two-story farmhouse. It was after 1:00 in the morning, but every light in the house was on. As they pulled up next to it, the back door burst open and five people piled out, all talking at once.
Betty squealed as she jumped out of the car. She ran to hug each person. Scott watched this joyous reunion for a moment. He wondered what it would feel like to belong to a family like this. He slowly climbed out of the car and opened the trunk to get Betty's suitcase.
After Betty finished enthusiastically greeting everyone, she came over and grabbed Scott's arm and brought him over to her family. "Everyone, this is Scott Sherwood. Scott, this is my mother, Ida, my father, Harold, my little brother Chester, who's not so little anymore, and my sister Louise and her husband Seth."
"It's very nice to meet all of you." Scott handed Betty her suitcase. "I'd better get back on the road."
Ida would hear none of it. "Don't be silly, Mr. Sherwood." She took his other arm and started walking into the house. "You will, of course, spend the night and stay for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow?"
"But, I..."
Ida shook her head. "Now, I won't hear another word about it. It's a done deal."
Scott wondered to himself, There's something about these Roberts woman that I just can't refuse. The door slammed behind them as they all crowded into the warm cozy kitchen.
Betty's Journey of Discovery Series
Go to Betty's Journey of Discovery#18 - Not Such a Culture Shock!
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