Against the Stars

Chapter 37

Ginny slowly began to walk home, thoughts still chasing in her head. When the Millers had first Monty up America, there were seven Miller children at home, with one married. Now there were only four left at Ginny. Of the other six children, two were married, one was a runaway, and three were dead. Ginny wondered who would be the next to go, and how they would take their leave.

For a moment, Ginny allowed herself to think of a forbidden topic: Blithe. Ginny missed her with all her heart. She wanted so desperately to see her again, but there was little chance of that happening. Blithe was gone, off in Philadelphia, hopefully married to the love of her life. Though she was most likely happy, Ginny wished for nothing more than that Blithe was here in Williamsburg, at home, waiting for her.

Soon Ginny's mind wandered to Stephen. He was gone and she had finally come to accept that. Steven was gone and he wasn't coming back. Stephen, her fun loving over brother. Hey older brother who couldn't put a book down. Her older brother, the only person who called her Gin.

At that moment, thinking of her two beloved siblings who she had lost in different ways, did Ginny allow herself to cry. For maybe, crying wasn't a show of weakness, but a show of bravery. Everyone knows how to cry, but only the bravest allow themselves to do so.

"I'll see you again, both of you. I promise," Ginny muttered to herself. She would, she would.

Ginny saw her house and ran around to the back of the door. She tapped lightly on the door, and then ducked, waiting for either Nelly or Bess. Soon after Nelly appeared and ushered Ginny upstairs.

"What happened to your check?" Nelly asked.

"Don't ask," Ginny said, as Nelly left.

Ginny sank into her bed, which was truthfully Blithe’s old bed. She looked around and thought of how Blithe and Lottie had shared this room, and now it was hers. Only hers.

Ginny awoke the next morning confused. She could not hear Nelly’s loud snores or Bess’s obnoxious breathing. It was too quiet. It took Ginny a moment to remember that she was in her own room now.

 Alone.

Ginny lay in bed for a moment, thinking about her day. She wanted to see both Ben and Celia today. She hadn’t had the chance to see Celia since Stephen’s death and her experience with Ben had been… interesting to say the least.

Ginny got up and got dressed quickly. She wanted to have as much time with Ben and Celia. She didn’t know when she would be able to see them again.

“Mother! I’m going out!” Ginny called, as she headed out the door.

“Oh no you’re not-“Mother began. The she suddenly stopped. “You know what, you can go. Have a good time.”

Ginny was surprised. Mother normally would not let her leave. “Thank you,” she replied as she headed out the door. She was out the door in a flash. She wanted to see Ben and Celia so bad. She walked as quickly as she could, careful not to slip on any of the icy patches that had sprung up in the winter storms.

Ginny hurried along the streets and burst eagerly into the general store, a board smile on her face.

“Why if it isn’t Miss Ginny Miller. I take it you want to see my brother?” Nicholas Eby, who was working, asked when he saw Ginny.

“Yes please,” Ginny said, nodding eagerly.

“All right then, you just wait here for a moment. You can help yourself to a piece of candy while you wait.”

“But-“Ginny started, but Nicholas just winked. Ginny laughed, but helped herself to a small peppermint stick,

Ben came out from the back of the store and stared at Ginny. “You bought a peppermint stick?”