Together Again

Todd and Marty traveled on the Orphan Train with the other children. They weren't sure how long it would take for them to arrive in Llanview. It was a very long trip and many of the children were getting restless. "Will we be there soon, Todd?" Marty asked as they sat on the seat, holding hands. Her blonde head was resting on his shoulder. Her blue eyes were full of wonder and innocence. Todd could get lost in them. He was so happy that he had gotten on the train and that now, they were back together.

"I'm not sure," Todd told her honestly. "I hope it's not a very long way... but I don't think that we are even half-way there."

"I'm getting hungry," Marty said softly. "And I need to go potty." She whispered the last part, because she was a little bit embarrassed. It wasn't very lady-like to squirm in her seat, but she had to go so badly.

"We should be eating soon I hope," Todd told her. "We will hopefully have to make a stop soon to eat and have a potty break." He really did hope that was true.

Marty was practically dancing in her seat when the train whistle blew. They were coming to at a train depot. Marty was hoping like Todd that they'd be given something to eat and that they would have a chance to use the outhouse. "I'm hungry," a little girl said as soon as the train had come to a stop.

"Come along, children. We'll all get out here and use the privy," Miss March announced. "Then when we get back on the train, we'll have some lunch."

Marty clung to Todd's hand as the children stood up to exit the train. They followed the others off the train behind Miss March one at a time. When they got outside, Miss March lead the children to the outhouses. Marty followed the girls and Todd went with a group of boys. "Hurry along, children," Miss March warned. "The train leaves in a few minutes."

Marty and the other little girls took a turn in the privy. After they were finished, they returned to the train with Miss March. The boys too had a chance to relieve themselves. Soon they were all seated on the train and Miss March was handing out the food. She had brought a large basket containing bread, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and apples. Marty smiled as they were given their lunch. It was very satisfying and nourishing. "This is delicious," Marty said to Todd after she had taken a bite of her apple. It was crisp and sweet.

Todd grinned as he too was devouring his food. It was absolutely scrumptious. It was wonderful to be given a meal. For once in his life they had plenty to eat. He was so tired of begging for his meals.

After they had consumed the food, Marty was sleepy. "I need a nap," she said quietly to Todd.

"We should get some rest," he agreed.

They held hands and took a little nap. When they woke up, they talked as they rested in their seats. "When we get to Llanview, I don't want you to leave me," Marty spoke softly. "Promise you won't."

"I don't want to be away from you either... but I want you to have a happy home with a mommy and daddy who will take good care of you. I will have to go live with my uncle, but I will come see you all the time."

"Do you promise?"

Todd nodded solemnly. He leaned back in his seat, trying to rest. It seemed like such a long ride to their destination.

"Children, we'll be there soon," Miss March spoke up from the front of the train. "When we arrive in Llanview, we'll go to the town hall where families will be waiting in hopes of adopting. I will do my best to find all of you loving homes."

Todd and Marty were excited and hopeful, but also a little scared. Marty wanted new parents, but she didn't want to be separated from Todd. She whispered a little prayer quietly as the train made it's way down the track. "Dear God, please help me find a nice mommy and daddy... and take good care of Todd. I love him very, very much. Amen."