Disclaimer: As usual, just taking our friends out to play. Promise to put them back when I'm done…
Note: I like to say a special Thank You to all the readers who have followed my stories along the way and have left such kind reviews. There have been so many thoughtful comments and many I am unable to respond to. And just so you know, they do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. So THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH from the bottom of my heart. You make this all worth doing!
Laced By Blood
PT. 1
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The aroma of fresh brewed coffee filled the room enough to stir the sleeping red head as she tossed and pulled the sheets up over her head trying to block the small streams of light streaking across the room and flashing across her bed. It seemed as if her head had just hit the pillow.
Finally, stretching and letting out a long moan, she opened her eyes, looking around the room. Then smiling and saying to herself, "YES! It's all over. No more school! I did it!" Now rolling around and cheering in delight. "Now just to check and see that I aced my exams and Gracie Girl you're on your way!"
Rushing to pull herself together and have some coffee, this had been something she grew too used to with all the nights of long studying. Quickly dressing, she joined some friends in the large dining area for breakfast. They were all excited as they gathered, all chattering, wondering when someone would post exam's scores. This had been a long time for her and she couldn't wait to write home with good news.
Grace had made several good friends while at the University Of Pennsylvania Medical School. After spending so much time, hanging out with her Grandpa, it was something she found she was very interested in as she started getting older. She came across some opposition from several people who didn't think women should delve into the field of Medicine but Grace, being as stubborn as she was, well, that fell on deaf ears. She went full steam ahead with her family's blessing.
Several of the group sat discussing their plans for what they wanted to do now that school was letting out. Grace had really clicked with one girl, Sarah. She had traveled from Arizona. Her family were all ranchers. Doctors were few and far between so she figured she would go back and try and help there where it was needed most.
While talking, knowing Grace too was from out west, she stopped for a moment while several others were in conversation. "Hey, Grace? I'd really like it if you'd come and meet my people and see where it is I live. Have you ever been to Arizona, I mean?"
"Oh, Sarah, no I never was and that sounds great. When I write home, I'll just let Momma and Poppa know I'm going to go visit with a friend first before coming home. We can have a great visit."
Thomas, one of the guys there, had developed a huge crush on Grace. "Oh, Grace, you mean you going back west? I thought I might interest you in staying east. Now that you have seen all the east has to offer, why would you want to go back to such a primitive life?"
"Primitive? What? Dodge is not primitive, Tom, and it is my home."
"But here has so much to offer and I wanted you to come and meet my family?"
Sarah just smirked at Grace, realizing Grace didn't have the same interest in him.
Thomas was one of the sons of John Wanamaker of the major clothing store chain and the family was putting pressure on him to marry and come into the family business. He had just finished a business degree. Thomas figured that although Grace got her degree in medicine, once in his family she would just be his wife and be on his arm and do as a wife should, as she is expected to do.
Quickly, Thomas asked, "Grace, can we talk? Alone? "
But just then, one of the group noticed the scores being posted on a large board. Suddenly, they all pushed away from the table, hurrying to read the list.
Sarah found her name. She began yelling. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Jumping up, she looked at her friend. "Grace! Grace, I did it!"
Now closing her eyes, taking a deep breath, then running her hand down the list as she found her name. Grace Maria Dillon.
She was suddenly stiff, stunned. Then hearing Sarah.
"Well?"
"Huh?" Then she quickly shook her head. "Oh! I did it! Yes, Sarah, I did it. I aced it!"
Later, sitting in her room, Grace sat at her desk and pulled out her writing paper, pen and Ink and sat down, excited to write home to give everyone the news. She was now…
Grace Maria Dillon M.D.
TBC