The First Step Into A New Life

Slowly stretching her stiff, aching muscles, Madison watched as the soft glow of the setting sun fell upon the scenery outside her bus window. As she watched the scenery's colors change with the setting sun, she noticed a green highway sign, which read: Glenn Oak- 10miles. Slowly, Madison breathed evenly, trying hard to calm the sudden rush of anxiety. Her hands shook slightly as she fumbled with placing a book, she had tried to read, into her duffle bag and zip the bag closed. Madison glanced over her little seating area to make sure she wasn't leaving something behind.

"No, I've got everything," she thought. "Well, not everything," her rambling thoughts continued, as Madison absent-mindly watched the scenery whiz by outside her window. She gently, placed her hand on her stomach. "We have everything, except your father. I wonder how he is? Maybe Dr. Brown, your grandpa, is right. Maybe its best that Ephram doesn't know; but shouldn't he at least know about you? Shouldn't it be our decision as to what will happen with you? Oh, sweet baby, its not your fault that your daddy's not here or that I may have to give you up."

Madison's heart ached at the thought of the idea of giving up her child. Oh how she didn't want to, but she just couldn't think of how she would be able to keep the child a secret from Ephram forever. She felt so confused and alone. So lost in her thoughts, Madison, hadn't realized that the bus had pulled into the bus terminal, until she felt a slight tap on her shoulder, "Miss, this is the end of the line. Are you getting off?"

Slightly startled, Madison turned to see a young man, with a concerned look upon his face. "Um, yes, I...umm, guess I was lost in my own little world." She stuttered, fumbling to grab her belongings.

"Would you like help with your stuff?" the man asked. As Madison, looked up, she noticed his features and how young he seemed. "Probably just out of high school" she mused.

Shaking her head slightly, she replied, "No, I got it. Thanks though," as she slung the duffle bag over shoulder.

"Ok. Well, hope you enjoy your stay," he stated. Then turned and was soon lost among the many people trying to get off the bus. She silently followed. As she stepped off the bus, Madison thought, "Well, this is it...this is where our new life will start."

Glancing around the busy terminal, "good grief, for a small town this place is sure busy" Madison muttered. Noticing a tall man dressed a in a white lab overcoat, walking in her directing and waving, she thought, "Well, that must be Dr. Hastings." She tightened her grip upon the shoulder strap of her bag as she walked towards him.

"Madison Kellner?" the gentleman asked as Madison neared to where he was now standing.

"Yes, that me," she stated with a nervous smile. Dr. Hastings stuck out his hand, "Welcome, I'm Dr. Hastings."

Madison shook his hand politely, as he continued, "Well, shall we get your belongings?" She shook her head, as she simply stated, "no, this is it." Noticing the slight surprise look upon his face, she explained, "Dr. Brown said that he would ship anything I needed, once I got somewhat situated."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense. May I carry your bag and shall we head on out?" Dr. Hastings asked, smiling warmly.

"He seems nice enough," Madison, thought, as she replied, "No thank you, I've got it and yes, I'm ready."

Turning, Dr. Hastings started heading out of the busy terminal. Madison followed.

"Hey, Uncle Hank," a voice called out.

Stopping shortly, Dr. Hastings turned toward the direction of the voice. Madison nearly collided into to him as she followed his gaze.

"Simon! You home for the summer?"

"Yep," Simon replied as he neared to where his uncle was standing. "So, what are you doing here? Did Mom or Dad send you to pick me up or something?"

"No, I'm not here to pick you up but umm Madison here." Hank replied, as he motioned to the young lady standing next to him.

Simon followed his uncle's hand motion, "Well, nice to see you again" he stated, smiling.

Madison couldn't believe it, it was the same young lad who had offered to help her on the bus.

"You two know each other?" Hank asked, slightly puzzled.

"No Uncle Hank, we just had a brief encounter on the bus." Turning toward, to the young lady, "Well, so are you visiting Uncle Hank and Aunt Julie?"

"No, Simon...umm, I'm taking her to your parents." Hank answered. "She'll be staying there for awhile."

"Oh?" he replied, slightly puzzled. No one in his family had mentioned that they were going to have visitors. "hmm, wonder what that's all about?" Simon wondered.

"Well, Simon do you have all your stuff? I can give you a lift, since we're all heading in the same direction."

"Yeah that would be great. umm, I still have to get my guitar though. It's still in the bus storage compartment. Listen, why don't you two head on out to the car and I meet up you in just a moment?"

Madison was slightly intrigued, "hmm, he plays guitar. Wonder if he plays for a band or what kind of music he plays?" she wondered.

Nodding in agreement, "ok, see you in a few." Hank replied. "Oh, Simon, we traded the car for a blue mini van, since we have Erica and..." smiling, "your Aunt Julie is expecting again. Although, don't tell your aunt that I spilled the beans...she'd have my head, if she knew. She hasn't even told your dad or the Colonel yet."

Grinning broadly, Simon enthused, "Wow, that's great Uncle Hank! With a twinkle in his eyes and a smirk upon his face he stated, "No problem, Uncle Hank, you know I can keep a secret.. Mum's the word. Ok, blue mini van, right?"

Uncle Hank nodded. Simon simply stated, Ok, got it...see you in a few."