The Dreams We Share
Chapter 5 Allie Arrives
Lucas waited on the platform where Allie's train was scheduled to arrive in about 10 minutes. He had convinced Marcus that he didn't need to accompany him; he decided to take his own car since this was personal business. Marcus had offered to call over one of the Ministry drivers, but Lucas had refused as he was very cautious about keeping government and personal expenses separate. He was afforded lodging and a stipend for business entertainment expenses but any personal entertainment he was careful to ensure he paid for. He even paid Gustave's salary, so he didn't have to worry about government versus personal payment.
The train pulled up to the station and he could see Allie hanging out a window waving to him. He waved back and waited for her to descend from the train car.
She ran to him and hugged him enthusiastically, "Lucas I am so happy to see you!"
"I am glad you are here," he replied. "We need to catch up, but first let's go retrieve your bags from the porter."
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"So, tell me what is happening in Hope Valley," Lucas said as he pulled away from the station.
"Well, it was hard to keep Jack from stowing away in my suitcase when he found out I was going to see you," she giggled and Lucas joined in with his own chuckle.
"He is a happy little boy but he does miss you. The only thing that keeps him going in that regard is knowing you are doing great things here in the capital. Elizabeth says he thinks you are Robin Hood."
"Well, I always dreamed of being Robin Hood when I was young, so I am happy to oblige his fantasy," said Lucas.
"Everyone says to say hello. Dad says to thank you again for hosting me. I think he sent you a note."
"Yes, he did. How are Mike and Mei and the new baby?" he asked.
"Oh, they are so happy. I think Mike is walking about 4 inches above ground. The baby is beautiful. Did you hear what they named him? She asked.
"Mike called me and said they would like to name him after me. I am honored. I understand he is Luke Shen Hickam. I believe he said that Shen was her father's name and means "spiritual thinker".
"Mike is very appreciative of all you have done for the town and for him. He is your biggest promoter," Allie told him.
"He has helped me tremendously. I am able to focus on my work here and not be concerned about my business. It is really such a relief. I was happy to make him a partner," Lucas said with quiet sincerity. "I hear from Lee quite often, so I know they are well. It is hard to believe that Goldie is now going on four years old."
"She is a special little girl. Rosemary has her already quite the fashion model, but Lee keeps his princess grounded. And Henry is a regular presence in her life. The Coulters both send their love. Minnie told me to give you a hug which I will do when you aren't driving," she told him.
"I will hold you to it. I hear that Elizabeth is helping Angela to get certified to teach braille," Lucas said.
"Yes, there is a new family in Hope Valley that has a little boy that is blind and will be of school age this coming year. Angela is getting certified so she can teach him and also help with his schooling. Elizabeth is supporting her as you might expect. Angela has also been keeping up with her music. She has written several songs that she performs at special events. I think Mike is helping transcribe it to sheet music and is going to see if he can help her sell her songs" Allie said.
"Well she has the right people helping her. Besides Minnie and Joseph, she has great champions in Elizabeth and Mike," he told her.
Allie wondered if it gave him pause to speak of Elizabeth but now was not the time to bring it up. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to speak with him about it before she returned home.
The next day they spent touring the city. They had lunch near the river in a small café and he took her to the Ministry Building and showed her around. He introduced her to several of the staff and to James who they ran into in the hall when they were about ready to head home. James was his affable self as always and told Allie that he was eager to have her meet his daughters on Friday night. Marcus was able to secure a box and the Peterson's had accepted the invitation. Jame's wife was a very kind woman with a warm and generous heart. She reminded him a lot of Minnie. She was the head of a charitable woman's group that helped feed and clothe the poor, especially the homeless. She had that quiet glowing grace that Minnie possessed, and he enjoyed her company. Her husband was very adoring, and he hoped someday he would have that too. In addition to the two daughters, they had an older son away at Oxford University.
Gustave would be serving dinner again with more of Allie's favorites. Looking at his watch he saw that they had an hour or so before dinner was served. Allie had asked him earlier if he would pepper her with interview questions that he thought she could be asked.
"Allie, we have an hour if you care to join me in the library we can sit and I can interview you," he offered.
"That would be great. Even if the questions are different, it will help me get used to the process. I really appreciate this, Lucas."
They headed to the library, and he pulled out a table from the wall and sat in a chair on one side and had Allie face him on the other. "So, tell me a little about yourself, where do you come from, what were your favorite subjects in school, what do you enjoy outside of school?"
Allie thought for a moment and then proceeded with her answer… They kept at it for almost an hour when there was a knock on the door and Marcus let them know that dinner would be served shortly.
"Thank you, Marcus we will be there soon."
"So last question, why should we select you to be one of our students?"
"I have loved books ever since I learned to read. They were often my sole companions as my dad, uncle at the time, was often on duty. He would have a woman stay with me but mostly I hid in books. My teacher in Hope Valley has encouraged me and has supported my foundling efforts at poetry. She is my biggest champion and I want to make her proud. I think that this is exactly what I need to take me to another level, and I promise to work hard to represent the University and make it proud of me too."
"Very good Allie! I really do think you are ready and will win over the faculty. I think we better hurry or Gustave will not be happy. I am sure that he prepared something for the first course that will either be getting too warm or too cold," Lucas told her.
"She giggled. Shall we bet on which. I will guess the soup is getting cold."
"Well then, I will guess that something is melting," Lucas replied. She tucked her arm in his and they hurried to the dining room to see who had won their bet.
