Packing
Meredith came to the Manning farmhouse to help Marty pack for the trip to Boston and New York. As they were placing Marty's clothing in a suitcase, Meredith seemed greatly concerned about her daughter. "Marty, your father and I are worried about you and Todd travelling so far... especially in your condition."
"I'll be fine, Mama. Todd will take care of me. He always does... and besides, I NEED to go. I need to do this. Todd knows it and nothing can stop me," Marty said.
"You do have quite a stubborn streak," said Meredith. "But you could stay here on the farm. Your father and I could look out for you. Everything will be fine... you just have to give it a chance."
"No, Mama, it won't be fine, because I am carrying the baby of the man who attacked me. My life hasn't turned out at all like I thought it would. I thought I could help Papa take care of his patients and maybe in time, I could become a midwife - a healer. I could help the sick, but now my life has taken a different turn and it frightens me."
"Marty, I know it's hard for you to carry this child -."
"You don't know. Not really. This isn't Todd's baby! I want Todd's baby! I LOVE him!" Marty was becoming hysterical as sudden tears streaked her cheeks.
"I know you do, dear... but Todd has vowed to love this baby... to raise it as his own. Marty, you're not my flesh and blood, but I love you as if you are...and Holly Anne. I adore that little girl, just as much as I love Danny."
"It's not the same, Mama. I was violated. I hate what happened to me...and now I must live with the consequences. Only Todd understands, so that is why we are going away..."
"Where is Todd?"
"He went to sell all the livestock and the farm animals, so we have enough money for our trip. He'll be back soon. Then we'll be leaving to get on the train."
"There's nothing I can say to stop you," Meredith said sadly. "I feel like I am losing my daughter."
Marty hugged Meredith tightly in her arms. "You'll never lose me. Todd and I will be back. Danny said he'd take care of my kitten for me...and when Todd and I get back, he'll be all grown up."
Meredith smiled at her daughter, her eyes damp with sadness. "And Danny might be all grown up, too. Don't stay gone too long, precious girl. Your Papa and I love you so."
Larry walked in the front door, carrying little Holly Anne with Danny trailing right beside him. "Are you getting everything packed up for your trip?" Larry asked his daughter.
"Yes. Todd already has his bags packed. We are leaving on the train...and there's nothing you can say to stop me," Marty answered.
Larry took his daughter in his arms. "I wouldn't dream of stopping you. You need to go. We'll miss you terribly, but I understand why you have to go on this trip. We'll all be waiting when you come back."
"Thank you, Papa. I love you so much," Marty said as she kissed Dr. Larry's cheek.
Just then Todd walked in as Marty was saying goodbye to her family. "Todd, take care of my girl," said Larry as Todd and Marty grabbed their luggage and prepared for their journey.
"I always look out for Marty," Todd said as he wrapped an arm lovingly around his wife.
"Bye, big sis!" Danny said as he waved at Todd and Marty as they prepared to go.
"Love you, Danny," Marty called out to her little brother. "Take care of Boston. See that he doesn't get into too much mischief."
Danny promised he'd take care of the kitten as Larry hugged his little family close. After all of the goodbyes, Todd and Marty headed into town to the train station.