The Vicky Series: Book 1: Chasing a Dream

Chapter 06

Victoria stood with Abigail, facing Jeremy and Joseph. After three short weeks, they were all on a first name basis. Abigail looked like she wanted to cry. Victoria swallowed the lump that was in her own throat and sighed.

In just a few short moments the three of them would leave Lakewood and Joseph behind. Knowing it was most likely her last summer here, Victoria felt a particular sadness. Jeremy, ever attentive to her, noted the sadness.

"I can't afford to stay away from the paper for the whole summer, Dearest, but if you wish it, we can come for a visit. Perhaps we could join Abigail and Joseph here for the Mid-Summer Gala." The words were spoken as a statement, but she saw the concern and question on his face. The thoughtfulness of the gesture was too much.

She blinked away the tears and smiled up at him. His answering smile was so...blast these silly tears! With his kerchief, he touched her cheek. Her own had covered his as she tipped her cheek to his palm. For just one moment, she forgot everything except the gentleness of his affections.

It was a good thing Jeremy would be leaving her for Philadelphia soon. His earnestness and attentiveness were wearing her resolve. She'd known she could learn to love Jeremy Kelley. She had no idea it could have been so quickly!

Lord help me!

The distance from Rosewood to Philadelphia wasn't so great, only a few hours by train. She knew she'd still be seeing Jeremy, but her classes would help to keep her focused. And with any luck, she could begin to distance herself again.

Or else I'll never be able to leave!

A glance at Abigail confirmed that she was faring much better with holding back her tears. She stood near Joseph McKinney talking rapidly. Victoria smiled, pulling herself together. She took the kerchief from Jeremy and dried her eyes, turning her attention to Abigail.

Abigail hated goodbyes. So instead she talked, nervously and rather too quickly about everything and nothing at all. Joseph seemed to sense this. He simply held her hands and smiled at her. She adored him.

"All Aboard!"

The Bradleys and Mr. Hensley had already boarded the train. Abigail and Victoria did so now. All of them would travel together to Rosewood where they would remain guests at the Bradley's home for a few days before traveling on to Baltimore and Philadelphia.

The bells clanged and the train hissed as it jerked sluggishly forward.

Joseph shook Jeremy's hand and watched as Jeremy jumped to catch the train as it pulled away from the station. Abigail and Victoria waved through their window. Jeremy waved from the steps then disappeared into the coach. Joseph stood alone and watched until the train was out of sight. He was already missing Abigail's chatter. With a smile he strolled back to his shop.

***

Victoria found that it was extremely difficult to concentrate on her studies. Her worries over Jeremy, her eagerness for her plans and the anticipation of seeing her friend again were a constant distraction. She often found her thoughts wandering.

Somehow, with considerable effort, Victoria managed to keep her grades up and was actually pleasantly surprised to realize one day in December that she had only one more week to go before she left for Baltimore to see Abigail.

She waved through her window to her parents as they stood on the platform. Her father hadn't approved her trip to Baltimore at first, but she was able to sway her mother. When that happened, Victoria knew she'd won this battle. Mother would take care of Father and she would go to Baltimore.