Hiii, this is my very first story and fanfiction for Mandie. I'm not the best writer out but I've read the existing fanfictions for Mandie so many times that I was inspired to try write my own.
The snow slowly blanketed the front lawn of the Shaw's mansion capturing the attention of Mandie who was vacantly looking out of her bedroom window. It was finally winter break and Mandie was home with her family to celebrate Christmas. She missed her family dearly while being away at college, so being with her Mother and Uncle, Liza, Aunt Lou and her amazing chocolate cake made her extremely happy. Seeing them was so precious because it only happened when she had breaks and even then sometimes she couldn't get away from Charleston. Although she missed her family she was incredibly thankful for Celia's company while being away. She had her back even if no one else at the college did. Her best friend had come home with her to celebrate Christmas. It was becoming tradition that Christmas was spent at Mandie's then they would go back to college together. Celia's voice brought Mandie back to reality and away from the growing layer of snow on the lawn. How could it be so easy to get lost in snowflakes? They just seemed to have a calming effect. Her year had been so packed full of work, it was the first time in quite a while she had let herself get lost in her mind without having to worry that she was missing an important note.
"Mandie? Helloooooo? Anybody in there? Have I been talking to myself just now?" Celia teased.
"..uh no I'm here. Sorry Celia I was just lost in the snow," Mandie replied as her eyes readjusted to focus on the window she was looking out of.
"Ooo.. is it someth-" started Celia but then quickly changed her train of thought as Mandie still looked dazed. "Well as I was saying, Robert is writing such sweet letters to me. Oh he's such a gentleman Mandie, he wants to see me before I go back to college and take me on a picnic!" exclaimed Celia. Mandie wasn't looking at her friend but she could tell how happy she was.
For the last half hour Celia had rambled on to Mandie about Robert who had recently asked to court her. The two had been shyly admiring each other at a distance for the past 4 years. It wasn't til one of the recent balls at College that Robert finally found the courage to ask her to consider to be in courtship with him. It made Mandie so happy to see her best friend so giddy with excitement. Robert made her happy and she was glad they had found enough courage to take that step into courting. It made Mandie's heart ache, yes it ached. As much as she thought she'd never admit it. Her feelings were changing towards Joe. He was nearly 21 and was graduating from Law school in New Orleans. It made her proud to see him complete his education after all these years. A smile found its way to her face, a memory coming to mind of when he promised to become a lawyer just to get her fathers house back. Joe was loyal to a fault and it made Mandie blush. Denying that loyalty was not attractive would be silly. How she had taken advantage of Joe's loyalty and caring nature all these years. What kind of friend was she to him? Dragging him through countless mysteries where he got hurt while protecting her.
"Mannnddieeee why are you smiling to yourself and blushing? Where do you keep going?" came Celia's voice again. Mandie had forgotten she was even there. Oops.
"I'm not blushing, I'm just remembering some good times back in Charley Gap," she replied hastily.
Mandie hid how she truely felt from Celia recently because she was waiting to talk to Joe in person about where they stood. What if she admitted to Celia how she felt then got rejected by Joe? What if Joe's feelings had changed? He was so far away and letters were few and far between since his final exams were taking place. What if another girl had come along and taken interest in Joe? What if Joe was tired of waiting for her? It was something she'd find out when he'd arrive in 2 days time to spend Christmas with the Shaws. His parents were coming the same day and she was excited. A little nervous to be truthful.
"I'm just so excited Celia, I'm glad to be home. Christmas is in a week and I'll be spending it with my friends. I just hope it doesn't snow too much more because then it will be hard for everyone to make it. It's already snowed plenty," continued Mandie with excitement but then her face clouded with concern.
"I'm sure everyone will get here safely Mandie, we just have to pray that they do. Nothing is out of God's control," replied Celia gently.
Her friend sure seemed a little lost today and it confused her as to why she would be but didn't push incase Mandie became uptight and defensive. It was Christmas time and she wasn't her usual self. Where was the carefree and energetic Mandie she knew? As much as Celia wanted to push for answers, Mandie would tell her in her own time and she just had to be patient till then. Shifting slightly on the covers of Mandies bed caused a sudden movement bringing Mandie's attention to Celia and away from the window. Concern was etched on Celia's face and Mandie knew she was suspicious of the uncharacterised silence coming from her but smiled anyway.
"You're right Celia," started Mandie after a while, "just like my verse, I need to trust in the Lord. He will keep them safe."
"Exactly Mandie, don't stress. Sallie, Dimar, Joe, Mr and Mrs Woodard and Uncle Ned will make it here for Christmas," Celia replied soothingly.
"I sure hope so, I'm sure Sallie and Dimar will have plenty to tell us! Just think I'm the only one out of us girls that isn't courting! Oh Celia, we're growing up so fast. I remember when we were attending Miss Heathwoods School and we met Robert and Tommy. Now you're courting Robert and you'll get married and awww Celia I'm so happy for you!" rambled Mandie, forgetting previous thoughts.
Celia quickly turned her face away from Mandie as her cheeks turned light pink.
"Mandie!" exclaimed Celia, "let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm sure you and Joe will be courting in no time, college will no longer be a problem" she added quickly with a smirk.
"Celia, I'm not sure about that, I- " started Mandie.
"Well why not?" interrupted Celia, "Joe has said he has loved you since you were kids."
"Because he's 21 and he's not a little boy anymore Celia. I haven't even seen him in a year, he probably feels differently about me now," replied Mandie. Her voice growing thick with anguish.
"I'm pretty certain his feelings wouldn't change Mandie, you could ask him when he comes if it would make you feel better." insisted Celia.
"I will," said Mandie with finality. That time seems like it is taking forever though. This wait is killing me, she thought to herself.
A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Liza's head popping around the door into the room.
"Sorry Miss Amanda to interrupt," started Liza "but dinner be ready. Your mother be wanting yo downstairs quick smart."
"Okay, we're coming Liza." responded Mandie.
The three young women made their way downstairs and into the dining room where Mandie's Mother, Grandmother and Uncle were already seated at the table. When they entered, the conversation between the adults abruptly ended leaving the room silent.
"Amanda, you finally made it. Quickly sit so we can begin eating, I'd like to go to bed early tonight," said her Grandmother.
"Yes, Grandmother," responded Mandie as she glanced at Celia who was taking her seat quickly. That was strange how the adults conversation stopped when we walked into the room. What could they have been talking about? They must've been talking about something that they don't want Celia or I to know. What could have happened now?
Her thoughts were interrupted when her Uncle started to pray for the food.
Mandie slowly ate her food, too caught up in her thoughts as to what the adults could've been talking about that she didn't realise that her Uncle was calling her name.
"Mandie? Earth to Mandie? What planet is my blue eyes on?" teased Uncle John.
"Sorry Uncle John, I wasn't paying attention. I was just thinking," stuttered Mandie.
"Well, I was just wondering if you knew about the train that derailed coming from New Orleans, do you know if Joe was on that train?" cautiously asked Uncle John.
What?