Against the Stars

Chapter 28

Ginny dashed over to the door and yanked it open. To her surprise, both Becca and Lottie were there. Ginny' s cheerful attitude suddenly soared towards the sky. "Hello!" She said cheerfully.

"How are you doing Ginny?" Rebecca asked, pulling Ginny into her arms.

"I'm good. How are you two?"

"I'm good as well," Rebecca said smiling.

"I'm doing fine as well thank you for asking," Lottie said beginning to head towards the kitchen, not really acknowledging Ginny. Ginny shook it off. That was typical Lottie after all. Rebecca chuckled softly and then led Ginny into the kitchen.

Ginny found everyone seated around the table, Nelly and Edward with wicked grins on their faces. Bess' s lip was out in a pout, it seemed she was unhappy about the fact that she was not let in on the joke. Stephen had a slight smile on his face probably because he was excited to see what Nelly and Edward had planned.

Ginny took her place between Stephen and Lottie, then realized everyone had gone silent. She looked up and saw that, without intending to, she had set a place for Blithe. Everyone just stared at the plate, thinking of their sisters or daughter who was who knows where. After who knows how long, Ginny couldn't take the silence anymore.

"Everyone! I'm sorry I set a place for Blithe, it was just what I'm used to doing. But, please let's not dwell on it and focus on having a good time."

"Well said Ginny," Father said smiling. "Let's all eat!"

Soon Ginny watched as her family began to dig in. Stephen and Edward especially seemed to enjoy the large array of food that had been set before them. Ginny couldn't help but laugh as she watched her brothers pile food into their mouths. Boys, Ginny thought, shaking her head.

"So Father, is there any specific reason you called us here today?" Lottie asked, looking hopeful for some odd reason.

"No, it was just we never spend anytime as a family anymore with you and Becca out with your married lives, popping out children."

"Father!" Rebecca cried, shocked.

"I'm just kidding dreary," Father said, shaking his head.

"So is everyone done eating?" Mother asked.

"Mother! I'm just getting started!" Stephen cried, horrified. All eyes turned to Stephen, he just smiled. Ginny shook her head, but nonetheless started to clear plates. Stephen protested, but his protests fell in deaf ears. Eventually, groaning, Stephen left the table.

Ginny, with the rest of her family, went to the family room to talk. It seemed odd, for they hadn't done this since before Rebecca was married nearly three years ago. Ginny plopped down on a couch, Stephen on one side, Nelly on the other. Ginny couldn't help but smile.

Soon little conversation broke out across the room. Ginny laughed at the abundant chatter that filled the room. She wished her house could be more like those, a close happy family.

But though she tried to push it out of her mind, Ginny couldn't stop thinking about Blithe. Here they were all gathered together well Blithe was all alone down I Philadelphia. Ginny then realized she didn't even know if Blithe was in Philadelphia. She could be stranded in the middle of nowhere. She might even be...

"Penny for your thoughts Ginny?" Stephen leaned over and asked.

"I can't stop worrying about Blithe.I'm just so scared."

"Ah, I don't think you need to worry. This is Blithe were talking about. Plus, she has Josiah Roser with her. Now had it been Lottie and Alexander who had run away, not that I can see that happening, but that's when I would be worried."

Ginny looked over at Lottie and chuckled softly. "But Stephen, I can't stop worrying."

Stephen looked into Ginny's eyes, starting her down. "Gin, Blithe is fine. I know I can't prove it but I know our sister. She'll be all right. She's probably already down in Philadelphia, all settled in a snug little hour. She's probably written to, but letters don't appear magically the next instance. Give it time Gin and I promise you'll see."

Ginny sighed. "All right Steph, I'll try to stop worrying."

"That's my girl," Stephen said, smiling. Then he looked around, and grabbed Ginny' s hand. "Come with me. No one will notice if we slip out."

Ginny chuckled and followed Stephen outside. He led her to a small hill, situated near one end of the property. He motioned for Ginny to lay down. Hesitantly, as there was a small layer of snow, Ginny did so.

A gentle snow was falling. It fluttered down slowly, only one job, to fall. Ginny wished her life could be that simple. Fall, lay, melt, repeat. The simplicity of it, yet the beauty amazed Ginny. Simple was beautiful.

Suddenly, she felt an arm on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Stephen smiling. "You know Gin, everyone has their own beauty and one they've found it, there's no limit to what they can do. And you know Gin, you've already found yours."

Ginny looked at Stephen, tears in her eyes. It was like he had read her mind. "How'd you know?" She mumbled.

"There are some things brothers just know," Stephen replied. "And remember, what I said is true. And I'm sure Ben would agree."

"Oh be quite you," Ginny said, playfully shoving Stephen over.

"What? Am I now suddenly not allowed to tease you?"

"No, you can tease me all you want." Ginny paused and looked at Stephen. Suddenly, she threw her arms around his neck and said, "I love you Steph."

"I love you to Gin."