Freedom Train

January 5, 1963 cont.

January 5, 1963 cont.

Annabeth asked her parent's if she could go out with Bobby when they got back from Birmingham. They were all too happy to shove her out the door with the prospect of marrying her off fresh in their minds.

Reginald looked down right thrilled with the idea of Bobby and Annabeth sharing another night out. Sarah looked as if she were already planning the wedding with the way her eyes widened in pleasure.

Bobby picked Annabeth up in his second-hand rust bucket right on time, carrying a bunch of daffodils in his calloused hands.

She was waiting for him on the porch but since he brought flowers they had to go in the house so the bouquet could be put in water.

Reginald stood in greeting, leaving his chair to cross the room and offer Bobby his hand.

"How about that Alabama game a few days ago? You get a chance to catch the game, Son?" Reginald asked Bobby as Annabeth walked into the kitchen.

Sarah was just finishing up the dishes and turned toward Annabeth as her daughter crossed into the room.

"Those are beautiful flowers, Annabeth," Sarah commented as she dried her hands on a dish towel before fishing underneath the sink for a vase. "Seemed the last ones have just died off and here the boy comes brining more. You're a lucky girl."

"Yes, I am, Mama," Annabeth replied before bringing the flowers to her nose to a quick smell.

"Bobby sure seems to like you," Sarah commented. "For whatever reason."

"Is it that unbelievable that a nice boy would take interest in me?" Annabeth asked, arranging the flowers just so before filling the vase with cool water, not bothering to look into the face of her mother.

"I suppose not," Sarah sighed as she grabbed the vase from the counter. "Have a nice time tonight, dear."

Annabeth walked out of the kitchen without reply and toward where Bobby and Reginald were still speaking of College Football.

"We better be going," Annabeth said to Bobby with a forced smile.

"You kids have fun," Reginald beamed before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his pipe and tobacco.

"I'll have her home by ten, Sir."

Reginald reached out and shook Bobby's hand again.

"I have no doubt that you will."

*~*~

"Here comes Sandy and Liz. Be nice?" Annabeth asked Bobby as she pointed a half-eaten French fry his way.

He held up his hands as if he would never be anything but.

Bobby and Annabeth were having dinner at Jim's in town. They had just gotten their food when her best friends walked through the door and instantly spotted the couple as they sat in the back booth.

"Well if it isn't Beauty and the Beast," Sandy joked as she slid in the booth beside Annabeth.

"Hey Sandy," Bobby returned with a smile. "Hey Liz."

Liz raised her eyebrow but slid in beside Bobby.

"Hey Bobby," Liz sweetly returned his greeting.

"No derogative remark?" Sandy questioned as she reached onto Annabeth's plate and helped herself to a fry.

"Nah. Not today, Sandy pants," Bobby said with a smile. "I'm in too good a mood."

He smiled widely and sent a wink Annabeth's way.