A New Beginning

It was late afternoon when the train finally arrived in Llanview, Pennsylvania. Carefully, Miss March helped all the children off of the train. After leaving the depot, Miss March and the group of orphan children walked several blocks to the town hall. The people of the nearby church had prepared a nutritious meal for the children. Before Miss March and the children could go inside, Todd tugged lightly on her sleeve.

"I need to speak with you, Miss March," he said.

Miss March turned to Todd. "Is something the matter?" she asked in surprise.

"No, Ma'am," Todd said softly. "I just... I just have something to tell you..."

"Could I please speak with you privately?" he questioned.

"Of course," she told him. "This way." She led him away from the others, so they could speak in private.

"You see, Miss March," said Todd. "My Uncle Peter lives here in Llanview. I am not sure where he lives, but he's here and my mother wanted me to go live with him. I got on the train and I was supposed to go live with my uncle and his wife, but I was afraid. I have never met my Uncle Peter. So, I got off the train in Boston... and I decided to live on my own. But I've changed my mind... I want to stay here in Llanview with my uncle. I want to be near Marty."

Marty still clung to Todd's hand. As he spoke, her heart was hurting. She didn't want to be separated from him, not at all. They belonged together. She knew it! She wanted to scream and protest and never let him go! But she had to be a big girl. She had to be strong.

"Please, Miss March, could someone find my uncle? I want him to come and get me now," Todd said.

Miss March nodded her head. "I will talk to someone. What is his full name?" she asked Todd. She needed a full name in order to find and locate the man. She was certain that someone within the area must have heard of this little boy's uncle.

"His name is Peter Manning," Todd replied. "His wife's name is Barbara."

Reverend Carpenter was nearby. He had overheard Todd speaking to Miss March. He paused before entering the town hall. The people of the church were just about to serve the orphan children a nice meal. "Excuse me, Miss," Reverend Carpenter said to Miss March. "My name is Reverend Carpenter. I couldn't help but overhear the conversation you were having. I know Peter Manning personally. He lives on a farm just outside of town. I could go at once to his farm and speak to him."

Miss March turned to the reverend. She was very relieved. "Yes please," she said. "Please speak with him. His nephew, Todd is here safely now and he would like to go and live with him."

"I will let him know," said the Reverend.

Before he left, Reverend Carpenter gave Todd a little pat on the top of the head. "Nice to meet you, Todd," he said. Todd tentatively returned the reverend's smile.

After the Reverend left to speak to Todd's uncle, Todd and Marty went with Miss March into the town hall. The people from the church were serving a delicious meal to the orphan children who had come in on the train to find loving homes. Since the reverend was unable to lead the group in prayer, Miss March was asked to say something in his place.

"Dear Heavenly Father," spoke Miss March. "Bless these little souls who have traveled a great distance to find homes in Llanview. Please provide them with caring new parents and give them a happy, healthy life. And bless these kind people who have prepared this meal for these dear children. Their kindness and all the good that they do to help those in need will be rewarded in Heaven. Amen."

Marty sat down at the table next to Todd as the meal was served. After they received their plates, they both started to eat. Marty only picked at her food. The thought of Todd leaving had taken her appetite. They belonged together; she knew it. She didn't want to see him only now and then. She wanted to see him every second of every day.

"What's wrong, Marty?" Todd asked, seeing her pushing her food around on her plate.

"I'll miss you, Todd..." she whispered. "...When you go to live with your uncle."

"I'll miss you, too," Todd stated. "But we'll never really be apart. Not really."

"Why not?" Marty asked softly.

"Because it's like how you feel about your mom and dad. You can't be with them... but they're always in your heart. You'll always be in my heart, Marty; forever," Todd told her. "Don't worry. We won't be apart. Not all that much. We'll see each other all the time."

"You promise?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Once again, Todd nodded solemnly, just has he had when they'd been on the train. Under the table, Marty reached for Todd's hand. She grasped it tightly in hers, squeezing it. She hoped he'd never break his promise. They had their whole lives ahead of them now. It was a new beginning. Marty prayed it would be a happy one.