Hiiii again, I neveerrr thought I'd get that many reviews on my story so thanks for those that reviewed! I'm writing the story a little different to the original as my preferred style of writing isn't like LGL and the characters are tweaked a little to my liking. I don't know how frequently I'll update but I love writing this and I have some plans... so sit tight. Thanks again! Hope you enjoy :)
Mandie's thoughts raced as she tried to remember what Joe wrote in his last letter regarding when he would be catching the train back home. Think Mandie. Think. If he was finishing 1 week before Christmas then he should be on the next train. Should he? Or was he on the train that derailed? Oh no.
"Amanda. I was just asking a question. Do you know what train Joe was going catch?" gently asked Uncle John.
"Uh.. I-I'm not sure, he might be on the next train?" said Mandie uncertainly.
"I'm sure we'll find out soon if he was on that train or not. Don't think too much about it alright? He is probably on the next train into Franklin," added Uncle John trying to comfort Mandie.
"Yes Uncle John, I guess I'll just have to keep busy," responded Mandie.
Once Celia and Mandie finished the meal and excused themselves they wandered into the parlor and sat close to the fireplace where the flames gave the girls warmth. Mandie however didn't feel the warmth at all. Worry gripped at her conscience and she felt cold inside. She didn't even know if Joe was on that particular train but she still felt terrible for those onboard. Was anyone hurt? Did the entire train come off the rails? Was it an accident? Did anyone die? So many questions buzzed through her head and it left her feeling colder. Celia could sense the torment that was going on within Mandie and tried to soothe her by distracting her with conversation but Mandie still looked aimlessly into the flames giving short responses whenever she was asked a question. It wasn't til Liza came into the room saying Uncle Ned, Sallie and Dimar had arrived that her gaze shifted from the fire and towards the door where Liza stood. A puzzled expression shown clearly on Liza's face from Mandie's behaviour. Celia was just as confused. Why would Mandie be acting so cold? Joe wasn't meant to arrive for two days so why was she so worried?
"Mandie, didn't you say Joe was supposed to arrive in two days? If so, he wouldn't have been on that train," stated Celia.
"Yes he was but things might've changed since his letter to me two weeks ago," replied Mandie
"Joe never does things differently to how he tells you Mandie, I think you're worrying for no reason. He'll be here in two days like he said," soothed Celia.
"If you really think so," responded Mandie hesitantly, "I guess I shouldn't be so worried."
The girls left the parlor and were led into the dining room by Liza where they found their newly arrived guests eating their dinner. They looked tired and worn out.
"Uncle Ned! Sallie! Dimar! I'm so glad you're here. I was starting to think that no one would be able to make it because of the snow!" exclaimed Mandie.
"Papoose," started Uncle Ned sounding exhausted as he momentarily looked away from his food and towards the girls, "tough journey, lots of snow make us slow."
"Oh no, I'm glad you got here safely though," said Mandie with relief. " I'm so excited that you're here!"
The two girls sat down at the table and watched the three Indians eat their dinner hastily. Neither saying a word in order to let them eat. After dinner the young adults made their way to the parlor where they relaxed in each others company on the settees. Uncle Ned had left the young adults to themselves after eating his dinner and disappearing with the older adults. Celia and Mandie sat opposite of Dimar and Sallie who were sitting closer together than what friends would. Mandie and Celia smiled at each other happy for their Indian friends who had been courting for a few months now. But since they hadn't seen each other for so long it brought Mandie a new wave of happiness. If only Joe would hurry up and get here. Then she might know if he still felt the same.
"How've you been Mandie? How's college going?" asked Sallie breaking the brief silence.
"I've been good and college has been very busy but I've been getting good grades so I'm happy with how I'm going. I'm so excited for Christmas and to catch up with what everyone has been up to this past year. It feels like I haven't seen you two for a long while," replied Mandie. "How're you both?"
"Well I've been very good," responded Dimar as he looked at Sallie with a shy smile.
"And I've been good too," smiled Sallie, "It's been quiet in Deep Creek but I love helping my grandparents out, they keep me busy."
The young adults chatted for a while longer till Dimar said goodnight and retired to his room. So the girls went upstairs to Mandie's room where they prepared for bed. Although they were preparing for bed they all knew they'd stay up a while longer to chat without having Dimar there to listen to them.
"So Sallie," began Celia, a cheeky grin playing on her lips, "how're things with Dimar?"
"Celia!" exclaimed Mandie, "I was about to ask the same thing but go on Sallie. I have two friends who are courting now, how exciting!"
"I have no privacy do I?" questioned Sallie who was smiling bashfully.
"Well you don't have to tell us everything, but a little update on how both of you are going would be great!," replied Mandie excitement clear on her face.
"We are good. We've gone on horseback rides but Uncle Ned is always with us. It's so lovely riding through the mountains slowly and seeing all of nature's beauty that way. I've gotten to know Dimar more when we're riding too which is really nice. What about you Celia? How're things with Robert," responded Sallie shyly.
"As I've discussed with Mandie things are going well," began Celia. "We've only recently started to court so not too much has happened because we're both at college but he has politely asked if he could take me on a picnic before we go back to college and I have accepted."
Sallie and Mandie both awed with delight.
"How exciting!" said Sallie.
Mandie was waiting for Joe to be brought up in the conversation but he wasn't and was secretly glad they hadn't. They were settling down for bed and the light had been switched off. Sallie must've had some understanding or overheard a conversation that Joe may or may not be in trouble and thought to not bring him up. Both of her friends were thoughtful of her and it made her feel so blessed by God for the friends she had. In this thought she lay down and began to pray, thanking and praising God for the life she was living and the friends she had been so blessed with.
