Title: Timeless Love
Author: Jenn
Disclaimer: I don't own anything having to do with Dawson's Creek, and honestly I don't have anything worth value so even if you wanted to sue, you'd get nothing. The only thing that I do happen to own is the story idea. Thank you
Summary: What would you do if you woke up one morning and found yourself transported back into the past? What if you weren't sure you'd be able to find your way back to the future?
Rating: Possibly NC-17 in later chapters
Author's Note: Pacey does not live in Capeside, and he and Joey do not know one another.
Chapter 1:
The sun glared off the creek blinding Joey. She didn't know why she was rowing to Dawson's house; he was acting out of character all week. Going on and on about the two of them being soul mates. Like anyone really believed in soul mates anyway, well, she certainly didn't. On top of that they were senior's in high school, way to young to be thinking about such things anyway.
"I don't know what Dawson keeps babbling on about. It doesn't make sense," Joey said to herself, rowing her small boat closer to the side of the creek that Dawson's house resided on. "It's not like we've ever even dated!"
Joey, reaching the dock at the end of Dawson's property, tied her boat up and climbed onto the dock. Jen Lindley was just walking out of her grandmother's house and spotted Joey.
"Jo! Hey!"
Joey smiled. After a rocky introduction, the two became fast friends. Joey had been happy for both Jen and Dawson when they had begun dating. Dawson had been Joey's best friend since they were infants, and Jen was her best girl friend now, it only seemed logical that the two should date. Joey was just happy that Jen was still talking to her, now that Dawson got it into his head that he and Joey should be together until death do us part.
"Jen, are you heading to Dawson's, or just out getting some air?"
"Air. Why?"
"Well, Dawson wanted me to come over for 'movie night', however, I don't want to go up there alone. Please, please, please come with me?"
"Sure. Let me just go tell Grams. Come on in."
Joey followed Jen into the house. Grams was sitting in the parlor knitting something that looked to Joey like an afghan, but she really didn't know much about knitting or the items that could be made.
"Grams, is it all right if I head over to Dawson's to watch a movie with he and Joey?"
"I suppose so. Hello Josephine."
"Hi Grams. How are you this fine evening?"
Grams chuckled. "I'm going marvelously well thank you. How are you?"
"I'm doing all right, much better now that Jen is coming to Dawson's with me."
"Is he still going on about the soul mate thing?"
"Yep, I really wish he'd just get over this. I don't like him that way, and frankly he's going to lose my friendship if he keeps it up. It's starting to creep me out."
"I think that you should just tell him how you feel about him, and how his insisting is making you feel. If it doesn't stop, then I say cut your losses. Just promise me you won't give up the notion of soul mates."
"Come on Grams, don't tell me you believe in soul mates!" Joey asked, astounded.
"Of course I do. I married mine. Not everyone meets their soul mate, and ends up settling for second best, I was lucky enough to meet my other half. Jennifer's grandfather was the most wonderful man. I loved him very much."
Joey smiled. Grams' was such a romantic at times. "I can't make any promises, but I'll try not to give up on the notion."
Grams smiled, "I suppose that's the best I'm going to get out of either one of you. Go on now, get to your movie and have a good time. And girls, use the door this time, not the ladder. It stops my heart every time I watch you climb that thing."
"All right Grams." Jen promised. "I'll be home later. Oh, if it ends up getting late, because it very well could knowing Dawson, is it all right if Joey crash here?"
"Of course. I don't like her rowing across that creek too late at night."
"Thanks." Both girls called out, walking through the door.
Jen rang the Leery doorbell. Loud pounding footsteps could be heard from the porch. Dawson must have run down the stairs, not expecting anyone to be coming in that way.
Dawson opened the door, wondering why Joey was using it and not the ladder like she always did. His smile fell slightly when he saw Jen standing in front of Joey. He had really hoped to get Joey alone, his parents were gone for the weekend, and he was going to try hard to convince Joey that she and he belonged together.
"Hi Jen, Joey, come on in. Why didn't you use the ladder?"
"Grams made us promise to use the door," Joey replied, noting the downtrodden look on Dawson's face, but not really caring. She knew that Gail and Mitch were out of town, which was one of the main reason's why she didn't want to go to movie night alone. She had a feeling what the night was really going to be about. Not that she was using Jen, after all the girl was her best friend, but Joey needed the buffer and Jen was it.
"So what are we watching?" Jen asked.
"I was thinking ET to start with, and I don't know maybe Jaws or something."
"Spielberg! Again! Come on Dawson, can't we ever watch anything else. I mean, the first time I ever saw ET was on the first movie night I ever came to, but even I can quote the movie word for word now. You really need to obsess about a new director." Jen complained.
Joey had to suppress her laugh. Dawson's facial expression was beyond shock. He was utterly speechless. Joey knew that Jen had just committed a carnal SIN in the world of Dawson, but Joey had to admit she totally agreed with Jen.
"I mean," Jen continued, not paying any attention to Dawson's shocked appearance. "Why can't you get on a Scorsese kick or something? Godfather man, one of the best movies ever made."
"Ooh, I have to agree." Joey said. "That was a great movie. Or Quentin Tarentino, granted he's a little screwed up, but his movies are really good, in a f-ed up way."
"Yeah, I mean From Dusk till Dawn, and Pulp Fiction! Those are great, and CRAZY movies!"
"I can't believe I'm hearing this!" Dawson yelled. "Who are you people and what have you done with my friends. I feel like I've just been transported to the Twilight Zone, or I'm in Invasion of the Body Snatchers."
"See you do know other movies," Jen said, impressed. "I mean, why can't we watch a good, cheesy horror movie once in a while."
Dawson shook his head. "You obviously cannot grasp the genius that is Spielberg."
"Whatever. Go make some popcorn, and I vote for finding out what's on TB. Who knows maybe there's a good movie on." Jen said.
"At this point, I'll settle for Indianan Jones," Joey said. "Yes, I know who directed it, but I can't sit through E.T. again."
Dawson put some popcorn in the microwave while Jen and Joey went to check what was on TB.
"Hey! There's a Halloween movie marathon on!" Jen yelled.
"Isn't that that Michael Myers movies?" Joey asked, getting drinks from the fridge, having just left Jen for beverages, realizing that they had forgotten them.
"Yeah. We can catch Halloween, then Halloween 4, and Halloween H2O."
"I've never seen them," Joey said, walking back into the room.
"What! I can't believe it! Every kid's seen them."
"Well, you're talking to one that hasn't."
"Oh Jo. You can't go off to college not having seen Halloween. What about Nightmare on Elm Street, or Amityville Horror, or The Exorcist?"
"Nope. Jen I've been friend with Dawson my whole life, I've never watched anything scary."
"Well girlfriend, we're going to fix that, starting now."
Dawson walked into the living room just then. "Fix what?"
"Joey's lack of horror film knowledge. We are going to watch the Halloween marathon."
"But…but…Jaws, E.T."
"We've seen them enough times. Joey cannot go off to college without these!"
Dawson, seeing that he was not going to win conceded. Jen squealed, pulling Joey onto the couch with her, using the remote to turn on the TV.
The movies were pretty dumb, but Joey loved them. Dawson hated them, but kept his opinion to himself.
"I'm glad that I'm staying with you tonight Jen, I'd be too scared to row across the creek, and definitely too afraid to walk home."
Jen laughed. "I'm glad too. I'm going to run to the ladies before the next one starts. Be right back."
Joey watched Jen go. Dawson realizing that this was his shot, jumped onto the couch next to Joey to try and finally convince her. She rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what Dawson was going to say. He was so obvious.
"Joey…"
"Don't." Dawson looked at Joey shocked. "Don't start on this again. Dawson, I do not have romantic feelings for you, I'm sorry. I only see you as a brother."
"You don't mean that. We have something more. I can feel it, I know you can too."
"No I don't. Look Dawson, all this soul mate stuff, it makes me uncomfortable, no actually it creeps me out. You need to stop. If you value our friendship at all, you'll stop."
"Joey you're talking crazy. Give us a chance, you'll see that I'm right."
"Dawson, I'm not crazy, I know how I feel. I do love you Dawson, you are my best friend and BROTHER. You will never be more than that for me, however."
"But Jo…"
"No Dawson, there is no but. We leave for college and film school in a month, lets part on good terms, please. Drop this notion of us belonging together."
"I can't Jo. I know that we are meant to be together forever."
"Then all I can say is enjoy film school Dawson. Have a great month, but don't call me or come over anymore. I can't do this."
"Jo!"
"No! I'm done! Leave me alone, until you wake up and realize that we are not soul mates."
Jen walked into the living room quickly assessing the situation. Dawson looked crushed, like his entire world had just come to an end, which it probably had. Joey just looked sad.
"Jen, can we watch that last movie at your house?" Joey asked.
"Sure thing Jo. Bye Dawson."
Joey got up and walked out the door, Jen following. Neither Joey nor Dawson said anything. Jen had an idea of what happened, but she was going to get all the information from Joey.
Jen and Joey stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking about what had happened. Joey make it clear that she did not want Jen to feel as if she had been thrown in the middle of the mess that was Joey and Dawson.
"I fully understand you still hanging out with Dawson, Jen, he is after all your friend. All I ask is that you don't invite me to anything if you've invited him as well."
"I won't, but what about my graduation party?"
"I'll still be coming. I know I can't avoid him completely, just don't expect me to be by him at all."
Jen smiled. That was just like Joey stubborn and willful, and Jen wouldn't have her best friend any other way.
Joey waked around Jen's room looking at her collection of books, mostly romance novels. One title caught her attention Timeless Love. Joey read the back of the jacket, interested in what the plot was about. It sounded interesting. A man from the past gets trapped in the future and wins the heart of the main woman. Will he go back to his own time, or stay in the future with his love?
"Why can't there be real guys like this?" Joey asked, holding up the book.
"Because the men in those novels are the author's fantasy man. It doesn't stop me from hoping though."
"Can I borrow this?"
"Sure. Now go to sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open."
Joey lay down on her makeshift bed, falling asleep almost instantly. She had dreams of a handsome stranger, whose facial features she could not make out. Upon waking up Joey did not remember much about her dream, the only thing she could recall was how the man in the dream made her feel. Alive.
Grams made the girls breakfast, which both gratefully wolfed down.
"Thank you so much for letting me stay, and for breakfast, Grams."
"Not a problem, Josephine. You know that you are always welcome here."
Joey hugged both Grams and Jen goodbye and walked to her boat, refusing to look at Dawson's house. The book Joey had borrowed from Jen was on the seat opposite Joey. She could hardly wait to read it.
Bessie was waiting on the porch when Joey docked. Joey gulped; she had forgotten to call yesterday to tell Bessie that she'd be staying at Jen's.
"Bessie, I'm so sorry. I forgot to call you yesterday to let you know I was…"
"Staying at the Ryan's." Bessie interrupted. "I know. Mrs. Ryan called me. I need you to watch Alex; I've got to drive Bodie to the bus station in Chapman. His mother isn't doing well. Since I need to be here to run the B&B, he'll call me if anything happens."
"Don't worry Bess, I've got it all under control."
Bessie smiled at her younger sister. Neither girl had been dealt a decent hand, but they were making due with what they had.
"I should be home before dinner. Bodie left food in the oven. Set it to 350 at 4pm, and it will be hot enough for dinner at 5:30. Don't forget we've got three guests, and no friends except Jen or Dawson."
"Ok Bessie. Don't worry. I'll be fine. I've been doing this for the same amount of time as you."
"I know. I'm a worrier, what do you want. BODIE! LETS GO!"
"I take it all the guests are out?"
"Yeah. See you in a bit."
Joey took Alex from Bodie and watched he and Bessie get into the Potter truck. After the truck was out of the driveway and had faded from site Joey headed back into the B&B. She had been hoping to take a nap, but that was out of the question now that she had to watch Alex.
The phone started ringing. Sighing Joey balanced Alex on her hip and reached for the offensive device.
"Potter B&B."
"Jo? Is that you?"
Joey groaned, Dawson. "Yes. What do you want?"
"Can I come over?"
"No. I thought I made myself clear yesterday. I don't want to talk to you, not until you can drop this soul mate crap."
"You are my soul mate!" Dawson yelled.
"How could I be when I don't feel the same way about you? Find someone else to obsess over, like Andie or something."
Joey hung up the phone before Dawson could say anything else. She sometimes couldn't figure out why she was friends with that boy. He was so self obsessed, everything was about him, and he hardly ever listened to anyone else.
Grabbing some toys, Joey placed Alex on the floor and laid next to him taking Jens' gook out of her shirt, trying to forget about Dawson. Making sure Alex was satisfied Joey began to read. She read until Alex started to fuss. The book was good and Joey couldn't put it down. She wanted a man like Travis McTanish. He was strong, kind, and yet hard. He protected Diane with all he possessed, and the man knew how to satisfy a woman. On top of all that he sounded sexy, black hair, blue eyes, rugged build. Just reading about him was enough to make Joey swoon.
Alex needed a diaper change, so Joey changed him and realized that it was time for his nap. She put him down in his crib, winding up his music toy and walked back to the living room, taking the monitor with her. She curled up on the couch and continued reading until Alex woke up.
Joey changed Alex again, and checked the time. It was just after four. Joey washed her hands then turned on the stove. She played with Alex for a bit, wondering how much longer Bessie was going to be, and when the guests were going to come back. She wanted to finish the book, since she was practically done, but decided to play with her nephew.
The timer on the oven beeped, letting Joey know that it was done. Joey lowered the heat, to warm and went to set the table. As she was setting the table the guests came back from their day on the cape. Bessie walked in just as Joey was putting the last glass on the table. Joey informed the guests that supper was ready and would be on the table in five minutes, then went to wash up.
Dinner was a quiet affair. No one spoke but the silence was a comfortable one.
Bessie cleared the table and set about doing the dishes.
"Jo, would you mind changing Alex for bed and then going to the attic? There are some paintings that I want to hang that are still up there."
"Sure Bess."
Alex was dressed and ready for bed in no time. Joey carried him back to the living room, placing some toys in front of him, and then headed to the attic. She wasn't sure which paintings Bessie wanted, but she'd bring down anything she found.
The attic was in a state of disarray. After the B&B was built things were just thrown in the attic, in no particular order.
"No wonder Bessie didn't want to come up here. This place is a mess."
Dust particles caught the last rays of sunlight giving off the impression that the attic was full of sparkling glitter.
Joey made her way through the throngs of boxes slowly, looking for any paintings. So far all that she could spot in the clutter were boxes.
"One day soon, when we don't have guests, Bessie and I really need to go though all this stuff and get rid of some of it, or at least organize it."
Having thoroughly checked the one side of the attic, Joey walked toward the other.
"Finally! Paintings! Of course they would be tucked away in the farthest most corner."
There were four paintings and Joey didn't know which ones Bessie wanted. Joey pulled them out from behind her mother's old writing desk, knocking her elbow into the thing in the process. The desk shook, causing a box to fall from its perch at the top left corner. Something heavy CLUNKED onto the floor.
Joey bent down to find out what it was and gasped. The most beautiful necklace lay upon the floor. Joey had never seen it before and wondered where it came from, and to whom it belonged. There was a large emerald in the center of a ring of sapphires and diamonds.
Joey picked up the necklace and got a better look at it. It was gorgeous. Joey had never seen the likes of it before. Who could it have belonged to? It looked very valuable and Joey was certain that it cost a fortune.
Walking toward the full body mirror on the far wall, Joey opened the clasp and put the necklace on, curious to see how it would look. Before Joey could admire the necklace, however, her world grew dark. The last thing Joey would remember was falling toward the floor.
Chapter 2:
Joey slowly opened her eyes, rubbing the back of her head. What had happened? Looking around Joey began to shake, she was no longer in her attic, nor was she in her bedroom. Where was she? Nothing looked at all familiar. The room was too…. male was the first thing that came to mind.
"Hello?" Joey called, softly, not really wanting to meet the person in whose room she was in.
Moments later the door opened and an elderly colored woman walked through the door. "Good, yer up. Ya gave us all a bit of'a scare there ma'am."
"I'm sorry. Um, could you possibly tell me where I am?" Joey asked her face scrunched up in confusion. Was that a southern accent coming out of her mouth? What in the world was going on?
Joey looked more closely at the woman in front of her. She had on a well worn cotton dress, a shade of blue, a white apron tied around her waist, and a kerchief on her head. 'Oh this cannot be happening.' Joey thought.
"Why Ma'am yous are in the home of Master Pacey Worthington."
"Pacey Worthington?" Joey asked. 'Who the hell is Pacey Worthington?'
"Yes'um. He's bin down in his study waitin' on word of ya wakin' up. I's just gonna run on down and tell him that yous awake."
"Wait! What manner of man is this Pacey Worthington?"
The woman looked at Joey. "He's the best kind."
Joey nodded and watched the woman leave. She hoped that this Pacey was the best kind of man. Joey was confused and didn't understand what was going on, but she was going to get down to the bottom of it.
A gentle knock on the door broke Joey from her thoughts. "Come in."
The door opened and a handsome man walked though the door. Joey sucked in a breath. His clear blue eyes were bright, and the smile on his face seemed genuine. His dark brown hair was cropped short, with a few errant curls falling onto his forehead.
"I'm glad to see that you are doing better. I'm sorry about what happened."
"What exactly did happen?" Joey asked.
"A carriage was barreling down the road, Miss. I saw it coming, but it was moving a little too quickly and I had to, well, basically dive at you in order to save you. You hit your head pretty hard on the ground, for which I am truly sorry. You've been unconscious for a good three hours now."
"THREE HOURS! Oh. This is horrible. I know that this is going to sound crazy, but where exactly am I?"
"You are at Worthington plantation, ma'am."
"I figured that I was in your home. I mean city, what city am I in?"
"Oh, Charleston, ma'am."
Joey swooned. Pacey rushed forward and caught her before she hit her head on the headboard of the bed.
"I'm sorry, I guess I'm still a little weak," Joey smiled. 'Charleston! What the heck is going on? How did I end up in Charleston? I live in Capeside!'
"Perhaps you should eat. I'm sorry, I never caught your name."
"Josephine Preston," Joey said, not knowing where the name came from, or how she knew that this was indeed her name. 'Well, at least I'm still Joey.'
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Preston. Come, we shall make our way to the dining room. You are going to love Momma Tally's cooking."
"Momma Tally?"
"Yes, she's in charge of my kitchen." Pacey smiled.
Joey looked down blushing. Why was it that this man's smile could make her stomach feel as if there were millions of wings flapping inside of it?
Pacey helped Joey out of the bed, keeping one hand on the small of her back, steadying her. The going was slow, as Joey was indeed weak, but before too long she was seated at a large table, in an ornate dining room. Pacey had seated Joey in the chair next to his; the rest of the long table remained empty.
"You have a lot of extra room at your table," Joey commented.
"Aye, that I do."
"Won't your wife object to my sitting here at her table?"
"She probably would." Pacey smirked. "That is, if I had a wife."
Joey's cheeks burned. She hadn't meant for her question to come out the way it did. Now Mr. Worthington probably thought she was fishing around to find out whether or not he was married. Granted, she was pleased by the announcement, however, she had not intentionally asked in order to find out that information.
"So, Miss Preston, what brings you to Charleston?" Pacey asked.
"Please, call me Joey. Um, well, I'm the new school teacher."
Once again, the answer just seemed to pop into her head. Joey did not know how or where the answers were coming from, but she assumed that the answer was correct.
"Of course. I had heard that we were getting a new schoolteacher. I didn't catch the name of the teacher at the last town meeting, however. Well, Miss Prest…ah, Joey, welcome to Charleston."
"Thank you kindly, Mr. Worthington. I'm just glad that I met you, lord knows what would have happened to me if you hadn't been on the street today."
"It was no problem, I assure you, and please call me Pacey. I believe that formality can be forgone, as I did save your life and everything."
"I would have to agree."
Pacey and Joey at in silence. Joey was still trying to make sense of everything. She was back in the old south, what year, however, Joey had no idea. She was almost run down by a speeding carriage, and saved by the handsome, unmarried, man next to her. Could life get any weirder?
After lunch Pacey took Joey on a tour of his plantation. He grew cotton, like many of the other plantation owners, and Joey was appalled to realize that Pacey owned slaves. Apparently, Joey had been taken back to a time when slaves existed. She could tell, however, that Pacey took very good care of his slaves. Their living quarters were clean and everything looked fairly new. They got plenty to eat, and the people seemed to like working for Pacey.
"I can't believe that there are slaves here," Joey whispered to herself.
"I know. The president, is trying to do something about that, or so I hear," Pacey said, having overheard Joey's comment. "If I could, I'd free all my slaves, however, it wouldn't look right."
"You don't believer in slavery?" Joey asked.
"No. I mean does our constitution not say that all men are created equal? Shouldn't that apply to the Negro's? I think so."
"Do your slaves know that you feel this way?"
Pacey laughed. "I believe so. I think that they realize that I treat them differently then some of the other slave owners treat their slaves."
"I imagine that's why they seem to like working here."
"I guess so. Well, Miss Preston…" Pacey said, earning him an icy glare from Joey. "Right, Joey, sorry. Well Miss Joey, I should get you to the schoolhouse. You're going to need to settle in."
"Goodness, the day has seemed to have gotten away from me. I would love for you to accompany me, Mr. Pacey," Joey said, emphasizing the Mister.
Pacey chuckled. "Let us go then."
Pacey led Joey to the stables. "Victor, I'm going to need the carriage hitched."
"Right away Master Worthington." Victor said, walking out of a room in the back of the stable. "You heard the Master, hitch up them 'orses to that there carriage!"
Two young stable hands rushed out of the room, into two stalls. Moments later they came out, leading two beautiful chestnut mares, and hitched them up to the carriage.
"All set Master Worthington." Victor said.
"Thank you Victor. We'll be heading to the schoolhouse."
"Yes'ir."
Pacey helped Joey into the carriage and took the seat opposite her. They traveled in silence, Joey taking in everything she could from the window. She'd never been to Charleston, not that it would have mattered if she had, she was there before the Civil War. It was sad to think that this city would have to see war, but it was history, and Joey could only hope that whatever force had brought her to this time, would take her right back out before the war actually started.
"Will I see you again?" Joey asked, as the carriage pulled up in front of the schoolhouse.
"I should hope so. You will be at Church on Sunday won't you?"
Joey hadn't thought about that. Of course she'd have to go, she was living in a time when everyone went to church. Damn whatever powers brought her here. She had lost her faith in God after her mother died, and her father had gotten carted off to prison.
"Of course I will," Joey said, wishing that she wouldn't have to go.
"Then I shall see you on Sunday. Until then Joey."
"Yes, until then. Good evening Pacey. Bye Victor, thank you, both."
"You're welcome." Pacey said.
"Ma'am," Victor replied, tipping his hat.
Joey walked into the schoolhouse, wondering how she was going to pull this off. She had just graduated High School. How was she supposed to teach? Then again, what would she be required to teach anyway, reading, basic arithmetic, that sort of thing. She could handle that.
"Miss Preston!" a woman squealed as Joey closed the door of the schoolhouse.
"Yes." Joey replied, turning to the woman.
A woman appearing no older then Joey walked out of the back room. Her blond curls bouncing around her head, and her blue eyes sparkling. The girl reminded Joey of Jen, which made Joey homesick once more. Why was she here in Charleston? It didn't make sense. What possibly could be powerful enough to trap her here?
"I thought you were a goner. What happened today?"
"Honestly I don't really know. According to Pac…um, Mr. Worthington there was a carriage barreling down the street, and he had to drag me to the ground in order to stop it from hitting me, and I hit my head. Apparently I was unconscious for three hours, we had a nice lunch and then he brought me here."
"Goodness. How terrible, although Mr. Worthington is the most eligible bachelor in these parts."
"Really? That's interesting. I suppose I'm going to be getting quite a few nasty looks from the women here in Charleston."
"I imagine so, but I wouldn't let it bother you. I say go for Mr. Worthington. He's quite a catch, and I promise I won't get too jealous and hate you forever."
"Thank you that's quite nice of you. Um, I know that this is going to sound strange, but who are you?"
"OH! Right, we haven't actually met have we? I just assumed that you were Miss Preston because you were due here hours ago, and all we heard was that you had been injured and were being looked after. I'm Jennifer Liton."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Liton, I'm Josephine Preston, but please call me Joey."
"All right Joey. And please call me Jen. Only my grandmother calls me Jennifer, I can't stand it. Speaking of my grandmother, you need to meet with her before I take you up to your room. You're to call her Mrs. Ryan."
"Thank you Jen."
"Don't mention it Joey."
The two girls walked up the stairs quietly. Joey was taking everything in, from the pictures on the wall to the elaborate statues in the hallways. Jen stopped at a door and knocked.
"Come in."
"Grams, this is Josephine Preston."
"Ah, I'm happy to see that you are all right."
"Thank you Mrs. Ryan. I have Mr. Worthington to thank for that, if he hadn't taken it upon himself to literally get me out of the way of that carriage, I wouldn't be here talking to you right now."
"Mr. Worthington. I'll have to send him a personal thank you. Jen will show you to your room. Here are the students in your English class, and the materials you will need to teach. I will see you in the morning at breakfast."
"Thank you Mrs. Ryan." Joey said, following Jen out of the room.
"Don't mind Grams," Jen said, "she's a bit gruff but she's really a softy at heart."
"I hope so."
"Well here you are. Why don't you freshen up, your things had been brought earlier, I guess Mr. Worthington had then sent over. Once you've gotten freshened up come down to the kitchens. Once you come down the main staircase, make a left, it's the third door on the right."
"Thanks Jen. I'll be down shortly. I just want to unpack and settle in."
"I understand. I'll see you later."
Joey walked into her room, taking a deep breath. She wasn't sure how long she was going to be stuck in Pre-Civil War Charleston, and she was going to have to make the best of it.
Joey noticed some luggage and a chest in her room, apparently her things. She walked over to them and started taking items out. There were dresses, a few nice ones, in blues and greens, the rest were brown or black for school Joey supposed. The nicer ones must be for social gatherings and church. Joey hung these up in the closet. She then found petticoats and shifts and placed them in the dresser.
After that was done, Joey moved to the trunk. There were books, and a journal, which Joey promised herself she would read after she got back to her room. There were also pictures, of Joey Preston's family, or at least that who Joey guessed they were. They seemed like nice people, all smiling and happy. Josephine Preston standing between a woman and a man, her mother and father. Joey felt a pang of jealousy course through her. She had been denied a mother and father; she didn't know what it was like growing up with normal parents.
Sighing, Joey placed the pictures on the dresser and then headed back toward the main stairwell. She was getting hungry and was hoping to catch Jen down in the kitchen.
The kitchen wasn't hard to find, as Jen's directions were perfect. Joey walked through the door and noticed Jen sitting at the small table talking to one of the slaves, who was making bread.
"I swears Miss Liton you do beat all."
Jen laughed. "You don't have to tell me Becca, I'm the worst there is."
Becca laughed. "That you sho' is."
Jen shook her head catching Joey out of the corner of her eye. "All unpacked?"
"Yes, it didn't take me as long as I was afraid it was going to."
"Come, sit. Becca and I were just talking about how wicked I am."
"Wicked?"
"Oh yes. I moved here from New York City that town is just full of sin let me tell you. I was in my glory; it's too boring down here. Anyway, my parents did not feel that I was behaving like a lady should and sent me down here to live with my grams."
"What exactly were you doing up there in New York?"
Joey already knew the answer to that. It seemed that this Jen and the Jen she was friends with had a lot in common.
"Well, I was behaving like a 'loose woman' or so my mother said. It's not like I was consorting with every man I came across, just a few and one in particular. Drew Varten. He was a god, I swear. Black hair, deep brown eyes, I could get lost in those eyes. I was in love with him you know. He and I became exclusive, but my parents wouldn't hear of it. My father caught us together. He and mother were supposed to be out at some benefit that the governor was holding. My mother must have forgotten something I'm not sure, but my father came home early and caught Drew and I together in my bed. That was the end of it. I was packed up the following morning and sent down here."
"I'ms tellin' ya Miss Liton, you as bad as they come."
"I'm not denying it. It was good while it lasted. I don't think I'll ever find anyone like Drew. I was hoping maybe Mr. Worthington, but now I'm thinking that I'll have no chance."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he's met you my dear Josephine. I can almost guarantee that he's smitten."
"Smitten, please. I think you might need to go down to the tavern and get a drink my dear Jennifer, to clear your head."
Jen laughed. She just knew that she and Joey were going to be best friends. Joey had a sense of humor that Jen could appreciate; she wasn't boring like the other girls in this town.
"You'll see. Wait until church on Sunday, then we'll see who's right."
"Whatever," Joey mumbled, rolling her eyes, making Jen laugh harder.
TBC…..