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During the drive home, it started to rain. Actually, it didn't start to really rain until much later. Drizzly, damp and dreary was a better way to describe the conditions. Not that I minded at all. Snug in the buggy next to Andrew, my arm threaded through his, settled as close as was properly permissible, I was content. Happy. The past few days and few hours were washed away with the rain. We didn't talk that much; rather, we just enjoyed the peace and quiet and each other. The steady crunch of the vegetables under Michaela's knife were in perfect unison to the raindrops on the windowsill, the ticking of the clock, and the steady breathing of Katie asleep in her crib in the greatroom. Everything was peaceful. She was no longer worried about Colleen. Granted, she and her eldest daughter would probably always have clashes over certain subjects they did not see eye-to-eye on. Michaela simply accepted that strand of her own mother found in her temperament. At least she now knew that Colleen was capable of making her own decisions. Her daughter was growing up. The frightened, reserved child of thirteen she had first met was now a poised, confident lady of seventeen. Michaela sighed. Where had the time gone? She heard the crunch of buggy wheels on the wet gravel outside and paused from her supper preparations to look out the window. It was, as she had correctly guessed, Colleen and Andrew. She observed the next few moments unfold with a smile, remembering her own first encounters of love. Yes, love was clearly in the air as she watched the two of them. Andrew drew the buggy to a stop outside the front door of the homestead. As he glanced up from the reins, we had another kaleidoscopic moment; one where things drastically change. Andrew leaned forward slowly. I knew immediately that he was going to kiss me. A sudden surge of fear welled up as I remembered the last kiss I had been given that week, but I immediately squelched it. I think Andrew knew that my infinite trust had been shattered and replaced by a more wary nature, but his eyes told me what his voice did not. Andrew was not Patrick. Andrew would not betray me as Patrick did. As our lips met, I couldn't help but smile. This was so unlike our first kiss. While the one last summer had been the start of the shift of our relationship, this sealed the fact that we were in love. I spent the night basically glued to Andrew's side. The three of us laughed and talked as friends, and Ma wisely didn't ask what had gone on with Patrick Collins. She knew, even though we said nothing of the subject. Patrick left the next day, and I prayed that I would never see him again. The rest of the week, Andrew and I spent every spare moment together, both dreading the day I would get on the train to go back to Denver. But, as time does, it passed quickly, and I suddenly found myself giving him one last hug, waving to him from the window of the train with a few tears rolling down my cheeks. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* I must admit that I was not a picnic to live with during the first week I returned to Denver. My joy of newfound love quickly transformed into loneliness and melancholy. I was also quite jealous of my friends - Mary Agnes, Lydia and Cassie all had beaus that lived close by. Only Kiersten could sympathize with me, but even she got to see her James more regularly than I saw Andrew! It finally came to a head when Mary Agnes and I engaged in a yelling match over my crabby behavior and general lackadaisical mopey-ness. We didn't speak for two days. Finally, after a long conversation, and a lot of tears and hugs, I returned to a state of more cheerful demeanor. Still, it was hard. Andrew and I wrote constantly at first, but it gradually settled into a routine of three letters per week. I wanted desperately to go home for at least a weekend, but I was much too busy as the new quarter started in earnest with a LOT of work. Andrew invited me to the Sweetheart's dance as soon as he learned of the dates, but I had a huge term paper, three other assignments and an exam the following Monday, so it was impossible to go. Things seemed to go from bad to worse as Preston nixed Andrew's plans to come and visit me in Denver at the last minute, claiming that the hotel was much too busy. It had now been nearly seven weeks since we had seen each other. Seven weeks, I thought with despair the Friday of the Sweetheart Weekend, as all of the students and faculty of Denver Seminary College gathered in the chapel for the weekly prayer service. I tried to listen to the minister and the speaker, but my mind involuntarily drifted off. They must be setting up for the dance by now, I thought to myself. I wonder what everyone is doing. Grace is probably cooking, and the quilting circle is doing the decorations. The men are setting up the stage and the chairs, and the tables. Then, everyone will go home, and get ready. And Andrew. What would he be doing? Probably seeing patients, feeling as depressed as I am right now! I sighed as I thought of the drudgery of writing and homework that lay ahead of me that weekend. That, coupled with my missing Andrew and my family for that matter, was not at all the makings for a pleasant two days! Mary Agnes, who was seated next to me, gave me a quick, sympathetic glance. The headmistress stood up to address us just then, having just been handed a slip of paper by one of her deans. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have an important announcement to make. There has been a slight change in the schedule for next week. Due to unforeseen delays, we will not be able to move into the new building for a few more days, and as a result, classes are going to be canceled through next Friday. In order to compensate, we will be having eight Saturday sessions for four hours each starting next week. Please do not let this interfere with your studies, however. You will be expected to complete the work assigned for this weekend, and there are also a list of assignments for each student that are to be completed before returning next Saturday. Be sure to collect those, and I trust that all of you will have a pleasant holiday, as it was quite unexpected. Dismissed." I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I leaned over to Mary Agnes, and said, "Did they just announce that we have a week off school?" "Yes, Colleen. My, you were really off in dreamland!" she teased. I glanced up at the clock. It read quarter after two. Did I even dare hope…? Yes. I had to try. Quickly, I picked up my cloak, hat and books, and ducked into the stream of students. Most were standing in groups talking, the usual occurrence on a Friday afternoon. I made my way to the door, and quickly found where the assignment sheets were posted. I found my name, grabbed the paper, and slipped out of the door of the chapel. On a usual day, it took ten minutes to walk to the dormitory. Today, it took five. I hurried up the front steps, past the front room and the dining room and down the hall to my room. I fished my key out, unlocked the door, and went in, dropping my books in an untidy heap on the bed. I glanced up at the clock on my wall. Half past two. Give or take a little, I had fourty-five minutes to pack, change, and get to the train station to catch the last train to Colorado Springs, which left at quarter to four. It would be a squeeze, but I would make it home between quarter to and seven. The dance started at half past six, so I would arrive just in time to surprise everyone. Just thinking about it made me grin. I couldn't believe what had just happened. Now, not only did I have a week to write my papers study and do my other work, I also got to go home! But I had to hurry. Hastily, I pulled my brown leather satchel from under the bed. There was no need to pack my trunk - the satchel would hold everything quite well. I went to my chest and grabbed the first four dresses that were folded on top and shoved them in. With what I kept at home, they would be plenty. I took two school dresses from my armoire to wear to church, grabbed a hat to match them both, and packed it all. Opening two other drawers, I tossed stockings, underpinnings and a nightgown in as well. I scanned over the assignments, selected the proper books and papers and packed them, and added all the research I had collected for my term papers. The satchel packed, I closed it and set it by the door and glanced at the clock. Half an hour left. Perfect. I went back to the armoire to select a dress to wear on the train. Since I wouldn't have time to change when I got home, I needed to wear the same dress that I would wear to the dance. The only problem was which one? The most obvious choice would seem to be my best dress - a forest green silk and velvet ballgown that Grandma had given me for Christmas - but I would look rather odd traveling it, and I didn't want it to get ruined either. Plus, it was a bit too formal. My second best formal gown was out as well, because it really was a summer dress. Suddenly, as I ruffled through my clothes, I caught a glimmer of blue out of the corner of my eye and pulled out…my blue silk dress. Of course! Why hadn't I thought of it before? This was the perfect occasion for it. I was washing up when the door was unlocked, and Mary Agnes wandered in. "Hey Colleen, I was wondering if you wanted to go out for supper with Stuart and me tonight…" she trailed off as she saw the satchel and the dress spread out over a chair. "What's this? You're not going home now, are you?" she asked. "Of course. I have half an hour to get ready and to the train station," I said as I unbuttoned the brown princess dress I had on. Mary Agnes shook her head with a smile. "And I thought I was in love!" she commented. I grinned as I tossed my school dress in the dirty clothes pile. "Do you need any help?" she asked. "Well, can you button me up?" I asked as I changed into petticoats with a bustle former, a slightly firmer corset and a sleeveless chemise. I put on nicer stockings and my brightly polished high black kidskin boots. I stepped into the dress and slipped my arms into the sleeves. "Of course." Her deft fingers quickly fastened the small buttons that ran from the neck to the waist. I smoothed the skirt down over the crisp petticoats, and turned to my dressing table. Mary Agnes came up behind me. "Here, I'll do your hair. It will go much faster," she said as she took the pins from the knot of hair caught at my nape and brushed my hair out. She expertly twisted, braided and coiled it into an elaborate configuration, and then scattered it with tiny pearl beads attached to hairpins. I pulled my pearl jewelry from its box and put it on. The haircombs matched the other beads perfectly and shone in my hair like dewdrops. "Wait, you'll need a more suitable wrap for the dance," Mary Agnes decided as she ruffled through my drawers and found the matching one. She folded it and put it into the satchel while I found a simple blue hat, white gloves and my tan cloak. I carefully perched the hat over my hair, fastened it with a hatpin, and put on my other wraps. I took a hurried glance in the mirror. Perfect. As I picked up my handbag and satchel, Mary Agnes gave me a quick hug. "You look wonderful. Have fun, and good luck!" she said with a smile as she hugged me quickly. "I will! Thanks so much for your help!" I called. "Any time!" The train station was about a ten-to-fifteen minute trolley car ride from my dormitory, and there was one waiting at the stop when I got there. Luck seemed to be on my side that afternoon. I got to the station just as the clock on the wall struck half past three, and purchased my ticket with no trouble. Soon, I was settled into a plush velvet window seat, watching Denver fade away behind me. The train was fairly empty - the late runs were usually reserved for cargo and such. I decided to try and be productive, so I chose an assignment to start. For the next two-and-a half-hours, I concentrated on getting my work done and trying not to wrinkle my dress by moving a lot. Eventually, it grew too dark to see by natural light, and the lanterns did little to help the situation, so I put away my books and papers and stared out the window at the familiar scenery. The time seemed to crawl, and to make matters worse, the stop in Manitou was delayed. I was pent up with nervous excitement. I WANTED TO BE HOME!!! As I felt my cheeks begin to flush with anger, I forced myself to calm down. Finally, the conductor announced that Colorado Springs was coming up in fifteen minutes. I made sure all my things were together and got ready to leave. When the train finally pulled to a stop, there was only one other passenger who stepped off the train. The conductor helped me down the steps and onto the platform. As I was collecting my bags, Horace came out of the office and immediately recognized me. "Colleen, hey! You folks didn't say nothin' about you comin' in on this train," he greeted, looking a bit confused at my appearance and the fact that no member of my family was there to greet me. I smiled. "Actually, they don't know. I got some extra time off of school and decided to surprise them. "Oh! Well, I won't say a word. I reckon they're all over at the Sweetheart's Dance. That's where I'm headed myself, just as soon as I take care of these deliveries," he said. "Thanks, Horace!" I called as I headed over toward the clinic. I took the key Ma had given me quite awhile back from my handbag and opened the door. I lit a lamp and set my satchel down. Now, to get ready. Standing in front of the mirror, I eased the hatpin from my hair and carefully lifted the hat off. My hair still looked fine, nothing disrupted. I took off my cloak and replaced it with the silk shawl, draping it so it fell loosely from my elbows as the style dictated. I removed my gloves and took one last look in the mirror. In the dim glow of the lamplight, my hair shone richly from the elaborate coils. The pearl jewelry glistened like dew against my hair and skin. My cheeks were pink and my eyes bright, both from the color of the dress and from excitement. The dress looked perfect, showing off my figure quite nicely without being too revealing. Grandma and Andrew were right; blue was definitely my color. I blew out the lamp and locked the clinic door again. The dance committee had set up the festivities in the church meadow. People were clustered around the dance floor and in the benches and chairs framing the outskirts. The band was set apart up on the stage, which was beautifully decorated. Laughter and conversation floated among the music. As I walked closer, carefully lifting up the hem of my skirt so it wouldn't trail in the dirt, I began to recognize familiar forms. I managed to spot Ma and Sully almost immediately, wrapped up happily in each other's arms. I stayed toward the outskirts, camouflaged in the darkness while I watched everyone else. I saw Dorothy and Loren, Teresa Morales, Jake, Hank, some of the homestead families. Brian and Sarah were sitting together, conversing over cups of punch. Matthew was talking to Daniel, and several people who I guessed were hotel guests surrounded Preston. But I couldn't find Andrew. Fear suddenly hit me. Had he even come? As I took a few steps closer to the crowd, Ma, who had stepped off the dance floor with Sully, saw me instead. "Colleen!" she said in surprise, coming over to give me a hug. "What are you doing here? I thought you had homework to do this weekend?" "We have an unexpected break from school! I'm off all next week!" I replied happily. "That's wonderful! What a wonderful surprise! I'm so happy to see you!" she exclaimed. Sully came over as well. "It's good to have you home again," he said with a smile, quickly kissing my cheek. Ma noticed me scanning the crowd again and smiled. Leaning in for a moment, she said softly, "He's right over there, holding Katie." She pointed over to where the refreshment table was. I immediately spotted Katie's blonde curls, and realized she was sitting in Andrew's lap. I blushed for a moment at how well Ma could read me. "I see him!" I stood watching him, his head bent in with Katie's. They appeared deep in conversation. I smiled. Ma nudged my shoulder. "Well?" she coaxed. "Oh, of course! Thanks Ma!" I said. I saw her smile to Sully knowingly as I happily bounced away. Andrew was sitting in a chair near the outskirts of the festivities, watching Katie for Ma, I guessed. As I approached, I could begin to make out what Andrew and Katie were saying. They were playing a game of "Find the Person" from what I could surmise. They looked so sweet together! "And, where's Matthew, Katie?" Andrew coaxed. Katie looked around and pointed to where Matthew stood. "Good girl! Now, who else should we try to find?" he asked. Katie turned her head and saw me standing off to one side, a few feet away and behind Andrew. "Leen!" she said. "I'm sorry, Katie. Colleen is in Denver. She's not here now." I heard a note of sadness in his voice. "Leen!" she said again. She wiggled off Andrew's lap and came toddling over to where I was at an impressive speed. "Katie, sweetie, come back!" Andrew cried in horror. Laughing, I scooped her up in my arms and stepped out of the shadows. "Hey, Andrew!" I said softly, smiling at the shocked expression on his face. He stared at me in surprise for a moment. The surprise soon turned to delight as he broke into a huge grin. "Colleen!" In a matter of moments, we were in each other's arms, hugging awkwardly due to the fact that Katie was between us. "Hey, Katie, why don't you come over with me?" Dorothy said, coming up behind us. Andrew released the two of us as Dorothy reached out for Katie. "Are you sure?" I asked, passing over my little sister. "Of course. I'm a little old to be twirlin' around anyway. Now, go on you two," she said with a knowing grin. After she walked away, Andrew turned to me again. "I don't believe it! What are you doing here?" he asked incredulously. "We have an unexpected break from school! I'm off for the entire week!" I said breathlessly. "That's great! I don't believe it!" he said again. He pulled me in more securely for a tight embrace. Smiling, he kissed my lips with a quick, gentle kiss. And again. And again. "Love you," I whispered. "Love you," he returned. When we pulled apart, Andrew smiled, stepped away, and bowed slightly. "May I have this dance?" he asked. "Of course." We fit in each other's arms perfectly, I realized as he guided me over to the dance floor and we fell into the familiar pattern of a waltz. Now, I was truly thankful for the dancing lessons I had taken my first year at college! Andrew was very accomplished himself, I mused as well. As we swept over the floor, talking softly through the changes in the music and later as we sat in the chairs, I realized that this was what I had always wanted. A friend. A colleague. A person who I loved who loved me back regardless of my ambitions and my goals, regardless of my faults and merits. I had that with Andrew, and he certainly had that with me. Epilogue: I spent most of the following week with Andrew. He set up a special corner of his office for me and I did all my work there. When my paper was finally complete (which was an almost-impossible task in itself!), we spent countless hours talking, playing, kissing… All those simple yet wonderful pleasures of being in love that I until this time had never experienced. I had never realized that it was possible to discover so many new things about a person I had known for two years. Leaving was hard, as we both knew it would be. As the train pulled out of the station, I pondered this time not over missing him now, but over what the future might bring for us. I wanted to go to medical school, which meant an even longer separation, and more encounters with people like Mr. Collins. The future ahead looked a little bleak, and very uncertain. But the past two years and especially the past two months had changed my views of love and of relationships. True love endured separations, and I was faithful that Andrew and I had embarked on a journey leading to true love. The path, as all paths, would be rocky at places and smooth at others, but we would be in it together. The seeds of doubt I once carried about us had grown into sweet flowers of promise of what the future held. But unlike flowers, I felt sure that our future would not die, only grow stronger.
Author's End Note: This story wasn't really intended as a sequel to my other story, "Endings and Beginnings," but it can be considered as a part of it. My next story, hopefully completed very soon, will explore Andrew and Colleen's marriage, and also have Mary Agnes Harris (she marries Stuart eventually!) as a part. Hope you enjoyed this!