From Rockville to Stockton Chapter 6

By 3:00 o'clock the next afternoon the train from Rockville had made its way to Stockton. Danny was surprised that he had got himself some rest, considering how nervous and even excited he had been for what lay ahead for him. He had almost forgotten that he had told his mother that he would send a telegram when he arrived in Stockton, so she would know that he made it there safely, and in one piece, he jokingly told himself.

Stepping off the train after retrieving his luggage he looked around to plan where he should go next, seriously thinking he should get a room first, then send the telegram to his ma. Just as he stepped onto the sidewalk, he bumped right into someone, by not paying attention to his surroundings, and dropped his suitcases, which burst open.

"Oh, I'm so sorry I should have been watching where I was going!" Danny said, embarrassed that he had just arrived in strange town to him, and he had already almost knocked someone down. He was so ashamed of himself as he was picking up the items which had fallen out of his suitcases that he hadn't noticed who the person was that he had walked into.

"Here young man let me help you," said a deep but not too deep and friendly voice

"No, that's alright sir, I'm just clumsy and nervous I guess!"

Between the two of them they managed to get Danny's belongings back inside of his suitcases. When the last piece was put back into the suitcases, the two of them looked up and almost stared at each other.

"Sir, are you sure you are alright, I'm truly sorry that I was not watching where I was going?" Danny said, trying not to be nervous, but also trying not to get too carried away after noticing who was standing in front of him. Because he immediately recognized him.

As both men stood to their feet the other man, who was older than Danny, stood directly in front of him and stretched out his hand for a hopeful handshake.

"Welcome to Stockton, young man - I'm Jarrod Barkley!"

Danny nervously stretched out his hand to shake Jarrod's hand. "Nice to make your acquaintance Mr. Barkley, I'm Danny Matthews."

"It's wonderful to finally make your acquaintance, I am ashamed to admit this young man, but I was almost late meeting the train," Jarrod said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Being a lawyer there is always papers to read repeatedly, it can be exhausting sometimes," Jarrod said, still smiling at Danny.

"That's quite alright sir, I'm sure you are always busy," Danny said smiling back at his new boss.

"Since you just got off the train, I know you have not found a place to stay yet. How about I walk you over to the boarding house, I'm sure they will have a room for you there. I am told it's a nice place." Jarrod then smiled and winked at his new intern.

"Thank you, Mr. Barkley, but I need to send a telegram to my momma as soon as I can to let her know I got here safely."

"Sure, after we walk to the boarding house. I'll show you where the telegraph office is. Just don't wait too long to send it. Mothers tend to worry until they get word that their children are safe. Believe me young man, I know," Jarrod said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Right this way I'll introduce you to Mrs. Weaver, she owns the boarding house. Then I'll let you get settled, and we can catch up later how does that sound?"

"That does sound like a good idea, I am tired. I guess I am still nervous too."

Shaking his head in understanding Jarrod said to Danny. "Danny you are here now, and I know it's going to take some getting used to, but I have no doubt that everything will work out wonderful for you."

Jarrod couldn't help but think to himself that everything was going to work out just fine for him as well. He was excited about what the future held for them both. And he couldn't wait to let his family know about his interaction with Danny Matthews.

"I know you're right, Mr. Barkley!" Danny smiled back, and this time his smile was not a nervous smile.

In just a short time Danny settled into what would be his room for possibly the next five to six months. He took his shoes off and decided to lay down on the bed, to rest his eyes for what he thought would be just a few minutes before he sent the telegram to his mother. Well, the few minutes of shut eye lasted for a few hours. He rubbed his eyes and sat straight up.

"Oh, no I didn't mean to go to sleep I've got to get to the telegraph office!"

Putting his shoes on, Danny made his way down the stairs and out the door of the boarding house on his way to the telegraph office. On his way there, his mind drifted to his chance and honestly embarrassing meeting with Jarrod earlier.

"Mama was right things are going to work out just fine." Even though he knew that it would not always be easy, and he knew he would eventually have his fair share of obstacles, he was very pleased with the way things had started for him in Stockton.