Chapter 1 - Coming Home
It had only been a couple of months but for Hubert Bailey it felt like an
eternity. He was enjoying his time at the seminary and found it so
rewarding becoming a Priest but at the same time was beginning to
have some doubts as to whether this was really his calling or not. With the
advice from Father Lonaghan that he go home to find the answer.
Hub decided it was time to go hone for a visit. He hadn't told his mother
or even Max about his doubts knowing that it would break his mother's
heart and he himself wasn't even sure on what he wanted.
As he sat on the train heading home to New Beadford, he thought about
the letters he had recieved from his mom and Max. His mom had
completed her college degree in English and was now teaching at the
local school. Max was now the principal. His brother Fat had joined
the RCMP and now was in British Colombia for training. His sister
Violet was now helping Aunt Toppy in her new store and his brother
Zack was keeping busy with his lastest hobby; collecting old coins. Hub
couldn't wait to go home and see all of them, especially his grandmother who
was recoverying from a stroke. She had also recently sent him a letter
telling him of her progress due to the help of her nurse and new
companion Juanita. She sounded like quite the woman and Hub was
excited to meet her.
Hub must have fallen asleep because before he knew it the train was
coming into the station. He quickly grabbed his things and poked his
head out. Immediately he heard his mother's voice "Hub!" she exclaimed
as she held her son tightly. Hub didn't think she'd ever let go.
"Hi mom, I've missed you too"
"Oh let me look at you, look how thin you've gotten" scolded Honey as she
looked at her son who was blossoming into a dashing young man much like her
dear Jack.
Just then he saw his brother and sister running towards him with an
exhausted looking Max following them. "Hub, Hub" they both shouted.
They gave their big brother a huge hug as Max patted him on the
shoulder "hey son, how are" but before Hub could even answer Violet
and Zack were bombarding him with questions. Finally Honey stepped in
"Violet and Zack let your brother rest he's had a long journey and he
must be tired"
"Your mothers right" said Max "you'll have lots of time to tell him
everything later".
And with that they all made the trip to the Hotel where they lived.