Freedom Train

February 14, 1963

February 14, 1963

Dr. Gill informed the girls that there would be a gathering at Dr. Wallace's house. There would be a formal meeting of everyone who would be attending the protest, followed by a St. Valentine's Day party/morale booster in preparation for the following day- their first day of protest.

Candy and Annabeth spent an ungodly amount of time settling their hair in mirror in the front hall of Dr. Gill's home.

Annabeth knew who she was sprucing for, but Candy never did tell her who she had her eye on.

"What's his name?" Annabeth asked with a smile through the mirror.

Candy's mocha cheeks tinged pink and she refused to meet her friend's eye.

"I'm not sure what you mean," she replied coyly.

"Don't play shy, Candy Cane," Annabeth urged with the nickname she'd developed for her new pal. "I know a woman on a mission when I see one and honey, no amount of primping is going to make you look any better than you do at this moment."

"Gee, thanks," Candy replied with a laugh as she nudged Annabeth's shoulder.

"Oh, hush. Now you know I didn't mean it like that. You're completely stunning and you know it."

"Well, my Mama always told me so," Candy agreed with a grin.

"So come on. Spill."

Candy grunted and turned toward her.

"Is there something wrong with a girl just wanting to look nice on Valentine's Day?"

Annabeth shook her head.

"Of course not," she agreed.

Candy smiled, letting that be her answer, as Dr. Gill rounded them up for the quick drive to Dr. Wallace's house.

By the time the girls walked into Dr. Wallace's house it was already filled to the brim with people. It was a little unsettling to be one of the only pale faces in a sea of brown, but it was something that Annabeth was quickly growing accustomed to.

Everyone she'd ever met for the cause always seem to be nothing but grateful that she had come to join them. But she couldn't deny the fact that maybe she got stared at a little longer than some of the other protesters. Maybe not as many people seemed all too eager to get to know her. Annabeth couldn't help but notice that it seemed to be easier for Bobby and Bradley, who appeared to be able to enter any conversation and give the impression that they were completely at home within it.

As soon as Annabeth entered the house, her eyes searched through the crowd for the one face that she wanted to see more than anything. It seemed as if he was searching, too, because over the collection of heads she could see him spot her at the same moment she saw him. Annabeth's smile widened as they nudged their way through the people until they finally stood face to face.

Annabeth wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around Terry and give him a proper greeting. He looked as if he wanted the same thing, but neither of them caused a scene. Terry did, however, reach out and gently run his fingers down Annabeth's arm until the tips of his fingers grazed her own as they stood beside each other.

"Happy Valentine's Day," Terry whispered into her ear as he leaned forward.

Annabeth pulled back slowly and smiled up at him.

"Happy Valentine's Day," she repeated.

"You look beautiful tonight," he said as he briefly linked their fingers together.