America Rosenyk

The pastor's sermon had been a bit dry this morning, and America was anxious for the service to be over. As soon as he finished, she began making her way towards the door. Audra had gone on a picnic with Bryce Van Buren yesterday, and America was anxious to find out how it went. He was so handsome and engaging. Of course, Audra was beautiful inside and out—it was no wonder Bryce was taken with her.

Nodding to several friends and acquaintances on her way through the crowd, she finally made it to Audra's side. "Well, how did it go?"

Audra turned quickly, "Ami! How are you?"

America rolled her eyes and hugged her friend, "I'm fine. How are you? All the niceties are covered. How did it go?"

Audra blinked at her, "How did what go?"

"Audra! Your picnic with Bryce?"

Audra looked around, waving to friends she hadn't seen for a few days. America took the moment to notice Audra's handsome brothers before her friend answered quietly, "Oh, that. Well, we didn't go."

America gasped in sympathy. "Oh, I'm so sorry. What happened?"

Audra shrugged a bit. "Well, it was just one of those things. We couldn't get it worked out."

America felt sympathy for Audra who had been quite excited about the picnic in the days leading up to it. "Perhaps you'll go another time?"

Audra shook her head, "I don't think so. Mother and I are leaving with Jarrod in the morning for San Francisco. I'm going to look for books for the orphanage, and I might find time to stop in a dress shop or two. But I'm not really sure when we're coming back, so it's hard to make any definite plans."

America gave a little stomp with her foot. "How disappointing."

Audra gave another small shrug. "Well, you know, maybe it's not supposed to happen. I prob—"

Just then, Audra's good looking brother, Heath, came up behind her and laid his hands on her shoulders. "You about ready to go, Sis?"

"I'll be right there." She turned back. "I've got to go, Ami. Have a great week. Or two. I'll see you when I get back, and we'll talk then. I love you." She kissed America on the cheek and turned to get in her family's buggy.

America watched her go. Something seemed off about Audra today. Maybe it was just her disappointment about the picnic.