Chapter One: Childhood

Middle Derrybren, West Area

First Day of School, 1890

"Hey little girl, why are you crying?"

"I miss my mommy. I don't like school."

"It's okay. You'll see her soon. Besides, school can be fun."

"Really?"

"Sure. You get to read new stories, learn about animals, and play with your friends."

"I don't have any friends."

"I'll be your friend!"

"But you're old."

"Ha! I'm only ten! I'm Maes Hughes, and I'm in your class. What's your name?"

"I'm Gracia Jones and I'm five."

First Recess, 1891

"Maes! I made you a pie!"

"Whoa, Gracia, you're covered in mud!"

"Do you like my pie?"

"Yeah, but the teacher isn't going to like you so dirty when we have to go back to class."

"Try some pie!"

"How about you eat some first, and then I'll take a bite."

"I already ate the pie mommy made, but since I ate it all, I made some for you! Try it!"

"Mmm, yum, that's delicious . . ."

"That's a pretend bite!"

"This is a pretend pie! No, don't cry! Okay, look, I'm taking a bite."

Lunch Break, 1892

"Hey my little Gracia, whatcha doin' there?"

"I'm playing house. Wanna play?"

"Sure."

"Okay, I'm the mommy and you're the daddy."

"Alright! Where are the babies?"

"This will be our baby."

"That's a bunny doll. That can't be our baby. We need to get a real baby."

"Real baby?"

"Yeah, something that looks human. We should get a lot of them. I want to have a lot of babies!"

"Maes, where do real babies come from?"

"On second thought, the bunny will be fine."

Second Recess, 1893

"Hey Gracia?"

"Yes, Maes?"

"Why do the big girls always giggle when they look at me?"

"Because Macy likes you and said she wants to be your wife."

"Macy? No way! She's not pretty at all! I won't marry anyone who doesn't beat you."

"That's not very nice. We're just pretend married. She wants to really marry you after you both finish school."

"Forget it. There is no way I'm going to cheat on my little Gracia."

"I don't mind. Tim proposed to me yesterday so I can replace you with him."

"You're a cruel girl, Gracia Jones."

"Macy said that your names combined would sound cute: Mace. Or Maecy."

"That sounds stupid. I like Maecia better."

Summer Break 1894

"Happy birthday, Maes!"

"Thanks, Gracia! Aw, you didn't have to get me a present."

"This is from all of us Jones'. Mother said that this is also a thank you for chopping up our wood for the coming winter."

"Holy cow! Spectacles! Wow! Thanks, Gracia."

"I know they're not the most exciting present, but I thought you might need a new pair."

"How did you know I needed them?"

"Last week I saw Rogen beat you at darts. Nobody beats Maes Hughes at darts."

"Gracia, this is the most thoughtful present I have ever received."

"Try them on!"

"Wow! Everything is so clear! How do I look? Smart? Handsome?"

"You look like you can beat Rogen at darts."

Last Day of School, 1895

"Look at that cloud! It looks like a cat. You're right, Gracia, this is nice. Thanks for bringing me here."

"It's my secret spot. I only brought you here because you're leaving soon."

"Ah, it's not good to keep secrets from your husband."

"I'm glad you're going to Central. Derrybren is too small for you."

"I wish you could graduate early too and come to school with me."

"I have to take care of mother. She needs me and she'll miss me too much."

"What about me? I'm going to miss you too."

"You're going to be someone great and very important, and you're going to forget all about me."

"I'll never forget my little Gracia."

"I won't forget you either."

"Promise you'll visit me if you come to Central?"

"I promise. We have to get married after all."