The Road Not Taken

Chapter 18

June 26, 1973

The morning after the concert, Sam was still feeling rather surreal. He felt good that everything had gone well. During the short reception after the show, he'd received several compliments for his work. Although Sam was not really the type to seek out such recognition, it did feel good to receive it.

He had again spoken with Andrew Ross. It was such an honor to have him in the audience. To hear such a respected musician praise his work was a high compliment indeed. Mr. Ross had suggested the concert to quite a number of artists and other patrons of the musical arts and they had provided their words of joy at hearing such a great performance. Dr. LoNigro had sought him out to give him his congratulations. "You're a greatly talented man, Sam Beckett. I wish you well."

They'd gone to the Russian Tea Room after the concert. While it was a late dinner, it was a continuation of the Carnegie experience. Sam was sure that for as long as he lived, this memory would stay with him.

Sam turned his mind back to the packing he needed to do. He'd be going home today and Donna would be heading back to San Francisco. Each time they were together, Sam felt it harder to separate from her. He knew she had her life and he his, but all he wanted was to spend the time together. Again, he promised himself that someday that would come true.

Check out time was noon. Both his family's and Donna's flights had been scheduled for around 3:00 p.m. Packing up didn't take long it so they found they had a few hours to kill. Sam asked Donna if she'd like a carriage ride in Central Park. Thelma and Katie decided to do a little shopping at Macy's. Both groups headed out in different directions and agreed to meet back at the hotel at 11:30 a.m.

As the carriage ride went through the park, Donna leaned back against Sam. As he put his arms around her, he sighed. If he could make this moment last forever, it would be the answer to a prayer. He voice full, he whispered, "Donna, I love you."

She looked up to him, her eyes soft. "I love you too, Sam."

The rest of the ride was spent in each other's arms, a romantic end to the four days they'd been there. A few hours later, they would be in their own separate worlds but for now they were together and they were happy.

XoXoXoXoXoXo

On the flight back to Indianapolis, the family had been split up due to booking issues. Katie wanted to spend some time with Sam and so Thelma had taken the single seat four rows in from of them. As soon as the plane took off, and Sam was not holding the arm rests in a death grip, Katie started telling him about Macys. "Sam, you wouldn't believe it! The whole place was huge! I think all the stores in Terre Haute could fit into it."

He looked at his sister's wide eyed look, skepticism plastered upon his face. "I doubt that, Katie."

She conceded. "Okay, probably not. But, they had an entire floor for only makeup and perfume. An entire floor, Sam!"

He shook his head, confused at why this would be so important. "Why would anyone need that much makeup or perfume?"

Katie rolled her eyes. "That's not the point. It's just the idea. I doubt if they have a store even in Indianapolis like that." She stopped for a moment and then another thought came to her. "And when we went into the teen clothing section? They had tons of my size! Usually I can find one or two pairs of jeans that fit right in Terre Haute. Here they had like 15 styles and at least 30 pairs in every size!"

Sam looked at this sister straight in the eyes. "I think you're taking this a bit too serious. I mean, you only get a few pairs of jeans in any one year anyways and that's only because you're trying to be fashionable. New York is a big city. I guess they can afford that type of excess."

Katie closed her eyes, envisioning herself living there. "Well, I want to live in New York City, Sam."

"Why? It's too big. And there aren't many trees, except in the parks. And it's just too expensive to boot."

Katie's face lit up. "But, Sam! It's so exciting!"

Sam laughed. "You're just a country girl taken with the big city. Trust me, you wouldn't like it."

Feeling he was trying to burst her bubble, her look was annoyed. "No. You wouldn't like it. I would."

Finally, Sam just stated the truth plainly. "Well, you better come back down from your cloud, Katie. You won't be able to live in New York City until after you finish school. You have another couple of years to go yet."

Her forehead creased as if she was trying to work out a problem. "I could always drop out and get a G.E.D., Sam."

His eyes were wide and incredulous. "You know Mom and Dad wouldn't allow that, Katie. You're smart. You get your education."

Katie looked down and shook her head. "You're smart and Tom was smart, Sam. I'm at best just average."

Sam, feeling that perhaps his skepticism had brought her down came up with a plan of his own. "I'll tell you what, Katie. You just keep working hard at school and I promise you, I'll give you a trip to New York City for your graduation present from me. In two years, it might not look like such a great place to live."

She looked up at him grinning. "You're on."

Katie pulled out a few of the fashion magazines that she'd picked up at the airport and started to look at them. Sam leaned his seat back and closed his eyes. He was still a bit drained from the previous few days. It wouldn't hurt to take a little nap.

Thirty minutes into the flight, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. The flight attendant was serving lunch and she wanted to know if he wanted his meal. While airline food wasn't his favorite, he knew they would have a long drive back to Elk Ridge from Indianapolis. He awoke and set the tray table in front of him.

Katie, on the other hand was excited about her second meal ever during a flight, the first being four days before. She thought the smaller silverware and dishes were cool and she didn't even complain about the dry, tasteless meat loaf with a tomato crust, carrot cubes, and mashed potatoes the consistency of pudding. She was having a great time.

A few hours later, the flight landed. Thelma went down to the carousel to pick up their luggage while Sam headed out to the long term parking to retrieve the car. He drove to the loading zone and saw his mother, glad that she'd spent the money to get a cart. He got out and loaded the bags into the trunk and they headed back home, Sam and his Mom eager to get back to their real lives and Katie dreaming of a future where she'd live life as far away from the farm and cows as possible.