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Chapter One

Posted on Saturday, 19 March 2005

"I'm sorry, dear, but you cannot read it at the dinner table."

"But Mom, I'm just getting to his first proposal! Please?"

"Beth, no more Pride and Prejudice at the table. Now put it on the shelf and eat with the rest of the family like a regular person."

Beth Anderson did as her mother directed and slumped into her chair at the dinner table. Her family, consisting of her parents, three younger sisters, and one older brother, all resumed eating. This was a common introduction to their meals. Beth, age fifteen, cast a look at her older brother, Daniel. He was rolling his eyes heavenward and she was in no mood for his rude looks and comments.

One day, when Beth was almost twelve, she had been rummaging through her Grandmother Frainer's attic. She was getting paid two dollars to sweep and dust out the cobwebs. When she got down to the job she found it was more fun than work. Finding old letters, journals, clothes and an assortment of other things was interesting. In one box she had discovered several dusty old books. Beth had picked up one of them, wiped the sooty cover with her rag and examined the faded cover.

She had no idea at the moment that it would become her favorite book of all time. It was an ancient copy of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Beth had stopped her work to read the first page, thinking it was another book about wars or something. Surprisingly, the sophisticated language caught her interest and the silly woman at the beginning made her laugh. It was so entertaining that nearly two hours later she heard her grandma call up and ask if she was alright. Beth had asked her grandmother if she might take the book home and read it. Her dear grandma smiled and said she could have it.

Beth ran skipping home that day excited to read more. That one old tattered book changed her life. The book, its story and characters, began to fill all her leisure time. After finishing it, she began to read other books by the same author and found them delightful as well. Soon she knew the stories by heart, having read each one at least three times through. By the time she was fourteen she had read Emma four times, Persuasion three, Sense and Sensibility five, and Pride and Prejudice six. The other books were not available in her town anywhere.

Her family started to grow very tired of her constant quotations of the books and soon began to just deal with it. Her friends all knew not to start on the subject of books or Jane Austen because they would never get another word into the conversation. Even their postman knew all about Beth's love for the writings. Though her friends and family resented her obsession, Beth reveled in it. The tales of woe and gladness, the heartaches and reunions, all touched her and caused her to dream of life long ago. Romantic times and places filled her thoughts.

Now, she did not notice how much the obsession had taken over her, but her family certainly did. Her mother and father had been forced to lock up her books until after homework was completed. Their rules were set, no Jane Austen until schoolwork was done. Beth had nearly cried when they set down the law, but she was brave and worked harder to finish the homework speedily. Then she would grab one of the books and read until she was interrupted by an important task. When her mom yelled up that she needed to do something, she took the treasured book with her. Whether exercising on the treadmill, or folding laundry, or making a fruit salad, Beth could be found reading the chosen Jane Austen book and trying to complete the other task at the same time.

Her reputation was known. Teasing bullies taunted her, telling her that she was odd and old-fashioned. Beth usually replied with a loud "Thanks, that is the best compliment you could give me!" or called them some villain in a story or quoted a phrase that left them completely clueless. She was known as the JA Girl by her fellow classmates. Her teachers had called her home many times wondering if the girl was quite right in the head. She liked to jabber on in Language or History about England in the early 1800's.

Her parents began to worry about Beth's growth in other subjects. Her Math and Science grades were lacking, her time with her friends and family were filled with Mr. Darcy, Harriet Smith, and a variety of other characters. The conversation at the dinner table this evening was a reoccurring incident. Beth had sullenly given in to her parents commands each time, but as soon as the meal was over she'd snatch up the book and run to the seclusion of her room.

Chapter Two

Posted on Wednesday, 23 March 2005

"Yes, Stacy, I shall call you tomorrow." said Beth.

"Beth, can't you stop that "shall" stuff? It really is out of date."

"But Stacy, it is so much more polite sounding the plain old "I will". I think our language today has changed into such a lazy one."

Beth heard a sigh on the other end of the line but decided to ignore it.

"Well, then for your sake: I will call you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Miss Bennet!"

"Bye."

"Goodbye."

Beth shared in her own sigh as she hung the phone upon its hook. Nobody understood true English these days. Everything was mumbo jumbo in the conversations around the world and speaking the true English language was almost a lost art. Now people walked around using slang and words that have several different meanings. Many phrases meant something completely different a hundred years ago than they did now. It saddened her somewhat to see the change from her beloved Jane Austen way of speaking.

Beth slipped on her shoes and after telling her mother, she ran outside to go visit someone. The only person who ever happily accepted her Jane Austen ways was her grandmother, the very person who had introduced her to it. Grandma Frainer loved to get in heated debates with Beth about who was the better hero, Mr. Darcy versus Mr. Knightly. They could never come upon a definite decision and always ended up loving both of them. It was great fun for Beth to have someone to share her hobby with. Sometimes Grandma would also teach her other things like how to make homemade applesauce, or sew ripped hems, lots of little things.

This morning Grandma had called over and asked "Bethy", as she dubbed her, to come over for a surprise. Grandma's call was very mysterious and left Beth with a nagging want to know what the secret was. As she walked down the three blocks to her grandparent's old brick home she noticed a new car parked in the driveway. Having never seen it before, Beth guessed this was Grandma's surprise. But as she approached the steps up to the door, it was swung open wide and her grandmother's small form appeared. With a big smile that radiated love wherever it was bestowed, Grandma Frainer lead her and told her that they had some visitors.

In the nicely furnished living room with light blue walls sat a tall woman, three small children, and another person who appeared to be a teenage boy. The tall woman smiled wide and kindly like Grandma. Her gazed swept Beth and she spoke, "So you are Edna's granddaughter. How are you dear?"

Confused, Beth did not know the woman, but decided to be pleasant. "I am fine thank you. And you?"

"I'm doing great. I suppose you don't know who I am, do you?"

Beth shrugged slightly and looked to her grandmother for an explanation. Grandma laughed lightly and said that the woman was Rachel Southwick, the younger sister of her best friend when she was a child.

As recognition dawned, Beth exclaimed, "Oh, yes! I remember. You've told me many stories about your friend, Cindy, and her family."

The woman continued to smile as she gestured to the heap that was the teenager. "And this is my oldest son, Will."

"How do you do, Will?" asked Beth politely.

"Huh?" was the muffled reply.

"I said ... how do you do?" The boy grunted and muttered something she could not quite make out. His mother shot him a reproachful glance as she introduced the other children. Jennifer, age 11, Adam, age 7, and Brant, age 5.

The children were behaving very well, much to Beth's surprise. She had her doubts about the boy who seemed very bored. The woman was so kind though. She made up for her son's indifference. During the visit, Beth found out that they were just moving into the neighborhood and that Mrs. Southwick was the aunt of Anne Fremount, one of Beth's classmates at Rainwood Junior High. They were moving in just three houses down from Beth's home. With a new family in the neighborhood, Grandma was sure to get everyone to send them a dinner. Grandma was fondly called the Town's Welcoming Committee.

As the two women went over old times and life's busy events, the Southwick kids and Beth munched on deliciously crisp oatmeal cookies Grandma had baked. Out of the corner of her eye, Beth saw the boy eat five. "Well, he's got a healthy appetite!" she thought. But having a teenage brother herself she knew how much they usually eat and it was no surprise to her when the plate of cookies was gone ten minutes later. The visit was not long. The Southwicks had lots more unpacking to do and needed to run to store. As they left, Mrs. Southwick gave Beth's hand a squeeze and told her to drop by their house anytime for a chat.

As the new family drove away, Grandma looked up at Beth, for she was a few inches taller, and asked if her granddaughter would do her a favor. "Bethy, that boy will be in need of help to find his way around the school on Monday. Will you be courteous and neighborly towards him? You know what it's like to be new and alone."

"I don't know, Grandma. He sure seems like the unsociable type."

Grandma pleaded, "Please, Bethy? His mother is almost as dear to me as Cindy was. It would be a great service and the nice thing to do."

Sighing heavily Beth nodded and said she would show Will were to go at school and be a little friendly to him. She wasn't looking forward to it though.

Chapter Three

Posted on Saturday, 26 March 2005

"Stop moping and eat your breakfast, Beth. Hey, you know me. I'm a teenage boy and I'm not that bad." remarked Daniel as he stuffed a roll in his mouth. The next second he was grabbing another and slathering butter on top of it. Beth's agitation rose as she took her plate to the sink and rinsed it off. The only way to deal with irritating boys was to ignore their impudent comments, she reminded herself. Daniel, finding his sister had blocked him out, just shrugged and continued to eat.

Beth grabbed her Algebra books and her full backpack, gave her mother the routine farewell hug, slipped on her light spring jacket and stepped forward on her mission. As she walked down the driveway, she pushed April's tricycle out of the way. Her thoughts turned to what she would say to Will Southwick on the way to school. Luckily, they only lived four blocks from the school grounds. Maybe she would not have to talk at all; the thought was both appalling and appealing.

She crossed the street at the lamppost and ran up to knock on the Southwick's door. Before it was opened she could hear commotion inside and shouts, presumably from the two little boys. Mrs. Southwick opened the door with her eleven-year-old daughter close behind. With a smile as bright as sunshine, Rachel welcomed Beth and told her to wait a minute for Will to gather his things.

A bit later, the boy himself came out of the back hallway with two little rascals clinging to his legs. "Don't go, Will!" shouted one. "Yeah, stay home and play with us." added the other. He gently peeled them off and said goodbye. After grabbing his gear, Will closed the door and gave a sigh of relief. Beth could not help but smile. Her family was like that when she left for Girls Camp in the summer.

While he adjusted the new backpack straps, Beth looked for any cars or people on the street. No one was about on the Monday morning, and for that she was grateful. She didn't want anyone to see her walking with the new boy. People made awful assumptions where teenage boys and girls were concerned. Beth had no desire to be labeled as Will's particular friend, or worse, girlfriend.

He straightened after completing the task, tested the backpack out and then surprisingly smiled at her. Beth, determined to courteous, smiled shyly back. "Shall we set off?"

Will nodded and walked beside her with long smooth steps. A few seconds of silence followed until Beth came up with a neighborly question. "Do you like the town?"

"I guess so. We haven't seen much of it yet."

"Where did you live before?"

"We lived in a small town in Wyoming. We liked it there pretty well. Lots of friends, family, stuff."

Beth nodded, pleased that the walk wasn't turning out too horridly. "So," she said, "what types of things do you like to do?"

"Uh, I don't know. I guess I like to watch basketball, play trumpet and read." Beth jumped at the last thing he said.

"You too?"

"What?"

"You like to read too."

"Yeah, sure, why not?"

"Nothing. I just love to read also. What type of literature do you like to read?"

"Hmm ... lots of different things."

"Have you ever read Jane Austen?"

"Nope."

"Oh." said Beth, disappointed.

Silence followed until they passed by the Connelly's house. The lawn looked like it could use a moving and there was some wash left out to dry on a clothesline. Beth's steps became a little more hesitant as they neared the house. She hated walking by because of the huge dog they owned. On a usual day she would have crossed the street before approaching the house, but she had been thinking about something else. Will must have noticed her uneasiness because he asked what was wrong.

"Well, there is a dog that lives there who isn't a great friend of mine. I usually cross the street before reaching this point."

He laughed, much to her dismay. "A dog won't hurt you, not with that fence surrounding the yard. Come on, it'll be all right."

Beth continued walking but she didn't trust Rufus to behave himself. He always seemed to know just when she was walking to school. Sure enough, just as they reached the fenced area the ugly mongrel came leaping out of his doghouse, barking and growling maliciously.

Will told her to just keep walking and to ignore the mutt. They did so until the dog tried to jump up on the fence. His paws were perched on wood planks and his nose and gnashing teeth showed above the edge. Something strange got into the overgrown pup and he tried to scratch at them as they quickened their pace. He persisted in trying to snap at them until Will gave him a light whack on the head with his backpack. At that the dog backed down and ran yelping back to his doghouse.

Beth let out a built-up breath and found herself trembling. Nothing frightened her more than mean dogs. She turned to check if Will was all right, but he was still staring after the dog. He muttered, "You were right about that one. He is trouble. I'll remember not to walk by him in the future. Are you okay, Beth?"

Still a little breathless, she nodded. "Thank you so much for whacking that beast. I'd never have had the courage."

"Ah, no problem. How much farther is it to the school?" Pointing to the next intersection, she said it was just around the next corner.

As they approached the school, Beth saw that they were on the verge of being late. She mentioned that they'd better quicken their pace so they wouldn't get detention. Will opened the large door for her and they walked in to find a few students still lingering in the halls. Her friend Stacy was standing by her locker with a group of girl friends. Some kids turned their heads noticing the newcomer. A few girls blatantly eyed Will and their eyebrows lifted and eyes sparkled. Beth turned a little pink at the stares her walking companion received. Girls were so obvious these days!

She veered Will down the hall a bit more and then quietly gave him instructions to find his first three classes. "I'll tell you where to find the others at lunch." she said. "Okay. See you at lunch." With that he walked down the hall looking for the room numbers. Beth, still feeling uncomfortable, went back to where Stacy's and her lockers were stationed. She opened it and flung her backpack in. As she grabbed the books needed for her first period she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Beth swung around only to find Stacy waiting expectantly. "What is it?"

Stacy rolled her eyes. "Who was that boy you walked in with?"

"Just my grandmother's best friend's sister's son."

"Wow, how on earth did he happen to get such a title? Anyway, how come he was walking with you?"

Beth shrugged unconcernedly, "His family just happened to move in three houses down from us. Grandma asked me to show him the way here."

"If I were you I'd be sounding more thrilled about that. He is sure cute." Beth sighed and started walking to class. "Stacy, 'cute' is a word only to be associated with babies and kittens, not teenage boys."

Chapter Four

Posted on Thursday, 31 March 2005

Beth's classes had been dragging on and on until the bell rang for lunch. The thirty-seven students in the classroom sighed with relief as they gathered their things and filtered out into the hall. Beth joined the mass exodus as they moved to the lunchroom. She kept a sharp lookout for Will in the crowd, and found him standing off to the side talking to another boy. "Good," she thought, "he has found a friend." She walked through the double doors and found a table where Stacy and her other friend, Rebecca, sat talking. Seating herself across from them, she unzipped her lunch pack and found a Ziploc of last night's casserole. Since it was her favorite, Beth didn't mind it being a leftover and a bit cold.

Her friends were talking in loud whispers and each kept glancing around the room, looking for someone. Beth was embarrassed; she knew exactly who they were looking for. She tried to distract them by asking when time they had the next student council meeting. She and Rebecca were both on the council and needed to discuss some things about the next dance. That got them off the subject of a certain new boy at school for a little while.

Beth listened as Stacy shared her opinions about the music played at the last dance, until her friend stopped mid-sentence and stared at something behind Beth. She turned around and noticed Will coming their way. The other two girls' eyes followed him as he drew nearer, then they snapped back to their senses and continued talking with an unmistakably false pleasantness in their voices. Beth rolled her eyes and bit into her carrot. "Hey, mind if I sit here?" he asked her. Beth nodded slightly while Rebecca and Stacy fairly leapt over to make room for him at their side. They were too late though, Will had already stationed himself on the left side of Beth.

Rebecca and Stacy passed looks of annoyance with one another and turned back to their prey. Stacy held out her hand across the table. "Hi, I am Stacy Robbins and this is Rebecca Gregg. I guess you already know Beth here. You are new aren't you?"

Will looked at the offered hand and shook it, drawing away quickly. "Yeah, we just moved in."

"Ah, that's nice. And you are?"

"Hungry, thank you." came back the unemotional reply. It was not usual for Stacy to be flustered but Beth saw that she was. "I meant what is your name?"

"Will Southwick."

"Nice." Stacy smiled like it was the greatest name ever.

Beth's stomach wrenched with discomfort. Stacy was a good friend, but she was much too forward with boys. Beth would have liked to go into the hall and miss the whole scene, but she knew if she left Will alone he would be pounced upon mercilessly. She shot Stacy a warning look and started up the subject of which they had been speaking about before the intrusion. Rebecca got the clue and talked about the invitations to be handed out, but Stacy kept jumping in with questions for Will.

"Do you like dances, Will? What music should we use? We are trying to figure out if it should be a formal or not."

Beth could no longer stand it, "Stacy, Rebecca and I are trying to figure out if it should be a formal or not. Remember, you are not on the Student Council."

Stacy stared at her surprised for a minute and then mumbled something like, "You're right. I'm sorry."

Soon the bell rang once again and it was time to resume classes. Will and Beth both had Science after lunch so they walked out of the cafeteria together. Will released a whoosh of air out, "That Stacy sure talks a lot. I felt as if I was being interrogated for a crime or something."

Beth glanced sideways at him. "I know. She is a nice girl and a good friend but she gets excited around strangers. I guess she is just itching to find out about the outside world. She has never lived anywhere but here."

"Is that so?" Will commented.

At the end of the school day all the students of Rainwood Junior High filled the halls with a loud hum and bustle. Beth grabbed her things and waited just outside the door for Will. He appeared, talking to the boy she had seen earlier. They parted ways and Will joined her. On the walk home Beth was quiet as Will told her about his first day. He had made a friend, the boy named Jeffery Treyman, who had lived in Wyoming half of his life.

When they reached his house, Will thanked her for showing him around and yelled that he'd see her tomorrow. Beth couldn't answer before he shut the door behind him. She was left standing on the sidewalk. Beth realized that she was stuck walking with Will to school every day. "This was all Grandma's doing! If I didn't love her so much I'd give her a good piece of my mind." With that, Beth trudged back home.

Chapter Five

Posted on Saturday, 2 April 2005

``It may perhaps be pleasant,'' replied Charlotte, ``to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely -- a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.''

"Well, that is what Stacy does. More than is needed." Beth sat on her bed the following week. Her walks with Will had not been too bad and they had become good acquaintances, nothing more. One day she had been called in for a last minute council meeting and explained to Will that she would be unable to walk home with him. Stacy, who was nearby, had jumped at the opportunity. She offered to walk with him. Will kindly turned down the suggestion saying he knew the way by now.

Stacy was beginning to get the idea that Will Southwick was not interested in her. He was polite as could be, but he never showed any partiality towards her. Beth was sorry for her but Stacy had brought it upon herself. Beth consoled Stacy as best she could, though once she had made the mistake of saying they were too young for romance anyway. Stacy hung up the phone after that remark and Beth decided to give her some time to recollect her emotions. More and more Beth felt the strain of a changing aggressive world around her. So many things had changed since the 19th century!

That summer, Beth heard tell that a new Pride and Prejudice movie was to be coming out. She was thrilled, having watched the old 1940's ones several times and found them to be quite dull. "I hope it will be true to the book. The old ones hardly are." she told her mother on the way to the movie rental store. The new A&E/BBC version of Pride and Prejudice sat on the "P" shelf before her glittering eyes. Beth begged her mom to drop her off at home after getting it, but Mom told Beth she would just have to wait, they had grocery shopping to do.

As soon as they got home, Beth called Grandma and Stacy over to see it. Beth and Stacy decided to make a sleepover of it and they watched the full six hours while munching on popcorn and pizza. The three Jane Austen Fans each sighed a dreamy sigh as it finished and commented on how wonderful it had been. It passed the approval and admiration of each.

"Don't you think Colin Firth looks like Will?" Stacy elbowed Beth in the ribs while they settled into their sleeping bags.

"Oh, Stacy, you really must stop that. He does not look a thing like him."

"But Beth, you are the one who always enjoys comparing life to Pride and Prejudice. You are so lucky. Think about it, Beth, Elizabeth, Will and Fitzwilliam."

"Stacy, I don't ever want you to say that again, please. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Beth."

Beth remained without particular affection for Will. She felt herself too young to be thrust into the world of men. And it was well for her to do so. Many girls her age found themselves full of premature heartache of lost boyfriends. She believed that one must not be involved in such a complex situation until one is fully prepared. Beth remained cordial and friendly with all the young men in her community but never showed the slightest bit of possessiveness towards one. She gained the respect of many adults for her maturity but it was still lonely for her in the teenage world.

In the month of October, Beth was extremely busy helping to plan a church youth dance. She was helping her leaders host the dance at their church building and there were many details that she had to attend to. Her Youth Advisor gave her the job of making the decorations. With the dance being a Costume Party, Beth was at loss what to do. She called up her grandmother and sure enough, the experienced woman had wonderful ideas.

One day when she was talking with Grandma in the Frainer's living room, she noticed a piece of beautiful silky cloth tucked in the sewing basket. She pulled out the light green 12" by 12" square and exclaimed, "Grandma! This is lovely. Where did you get it?"

"It is just some fabric that was on sale at Hancocks, dear. I only bought a little. It was too pretty to resist."

Beth ran her hand along it, feeling its smooth weave. "It's so beautiful. Oh my, I just had an idea! What if I made some banners out of this for the dance hall? I could make banners, tack them to the walls, and accent the ends with fake pale-colored roses and ribbons."

Her grandmother smiled tenderly at Beth's childlike excitement. "Of course, dear, it would make a lovely bunch of banners. If you'd like, you may use my sewing machine to gather the edges."

When Beth arrived home she immediately called up Stacy to talk about the new ideas that came pouring in.

The week of the dance arrived and Beth was excited for it. She loved these church dances where the music and dress were appropriate. All her friends where to be there, and many were coming from out of town as well. Will and Stacy, both members of her youth group, were definitely coming. Beth was so busy preparing the other details of the dance that she forgot to prepare her own costume. The day before the dance, she was visiting her Grandma Frainer again. "Beth, have you figured out what you'll go as?"

Confused, Beth said, "What do you mean?"

"Well, isn't it a Costume Party?"

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed, slapping her forehead. "I completely forgot! I cannot believe I forgot my own costume. What will I do!?"

"There, there, Bethy. Don't worry. I knew you'd be too busy to make your costume, so I took it upon myself," she said moving to her bookcase. She opened the drawer at the bottom and pulled out an article of clothing.

The item's full length dropped down as Grandma held the sleeves. It was a dress, a gorgeous, elegant dress! Beth recognized the fabric as she drew near. It was the same one she had made the banners from. The look of surprise and astonishment on Beth's face made the older woman chuckle. "Yes, I made it from the fabric you saw last week. That little piece was a scrap left over. I've been working on this since you told me about the dance."

Beth's eyes were wide as she looked at it closer. It was no ordinary dress, but one like a Regency Era gown. It had the narrow short bodice, the long flowing skirt. "Grandma..." Beth breathed, "you didn't. You made me a Pride and Prejudice dress!" She squealed with delight as she fingered the gathered puffed sleeves and the tiny flower lace at the neckline. The fabric shimmered in the dimly lit room.

Never had Beth dreamed she would ever find a dress, let alone own one. She hugged her grandma tightly as tears came to her eyes. "Grandma, I can't believe you made this for me. I love you so much."

The old woman patted her back tenderly while returning the hug. "I love you too. I wanted you to have something to remember me by. I hope it fits. Why don't you go try it on in the bedroom?"

Beth pulled back and fairly shouted, "Can I really?"

She raced to the room and put on the dress. It was magically perfect. It fit as if she had grown into it. Grandma entered after knocking and smiled. "You look just like Emma Woodhouse."

Beth smiled and turned to back toward the full-length mirror. She spun around several times, feeling just as if she were going the Meryton Assembly. She could not wait to try it with a Regency hairstyle tomorrow. After that, the dress was carefully tucked away in the bookcase, ready for the next night's wearing.

Chapter Six

Posted on Monday, 4 April 2005

Beth stepped back from the mirror. Her smile of satisfaction reflected her mother's. Mrs. Anderson pulled another small ringlet loose and arranged it. She gave her eldest daughter a soft squeeze hug and told her she looked beautiful. Beth looked at her and smiled brightly. "Thank you for helping me, Mom. I love how you did my hair."

"Yup. You look like an elegant Regency maiden all right. You'd better put a horseshoe or rock in that coin purse to fight off the young men."

"Oh, Mom." she groaned playfully.

"I'll be downstairs to see you off in ten minutes."

"Alright."

Beth looked at herself in the mirror. The dress did wonders to her appearance. Beth usually was not one to be particularly vain but even she had to admit that it brought out the sparkle of her matching green eyes. The simple gold chain necklace, the tiny fake roses in her hair, everything was simple and pretty. Beth shivered with delight. She could just imagine herself, Elizabeth Bennet, descending from the carriage and looking up at the magnificent Netherfield house. The grand home filled with music playing, guests greeting, and lots of food. Beth snapped out of her daydream and smoothed back an errant strand of hair.

As she said goodbye to her mom and little sisters, she grabbed her wrap, made to accompany her dress by Grandma. Beth's father also approved of her appearance and bowed, saying he would be proud to escort such an enchanting young lady to the ball. Daniel, dressed in a ridiculous pirate outfit, input his comment, "Well, you're not. Sorry Dad, I'm the one who is escorting the princess. I'm taking her to my den where I'll force her to divulge where her jewels are hidden."

"Daniel," Beth groaned, "Do you have to ruin everything?"

He shrugged, "Well, there has to be some balance in this family. Remember, 'Opposition in All Things' "

They left and headed towards the church early enough for Beth to make sure her banners had stayed in place.

Beth and the other kids on the committee applied the finishing touches before the dance. Having come that morning to set up, there was not much left to do. The snacks and lemonade were set out, the game area was set up and the activities were all prepared, and Beth's decorations were holding up well. She helped to arrange the welcoming station until the teens started to trickle in. Daniel was off to somewhere. Probably sneaking the treats and eating them.

As part of the committee, she had to be at the welcoming station for the first twenty minutes. Beth and Leslie, the other assigned greeter, taped a piece of paper with a word on each person's back as they came in. The word was a character or historic figure and there was a match on someone else's back. The matches were always a boy and a girl so that they could use them for later activities. Most of the youth had shown up so they were now free to join the others. Beth thought in the back of her mind that Will had not come. It surprised her because he had been so set on going.

She found Stacy sipping some lemonade against the wall. Stacy was dressed as a ladybug with hairband antennae sticking up. "Hey, you look so good! Where did you get that?" Stacy asked.

"Grandma made it for me and gave it to me last night. Does it really look alright?"

"Yeah, you look like you just stepped out of Pride and Prejudice."

Beth laughed with pleasure.

"I don't suppose you've seen Will tonight?" said Stacy as she looked around.

Beth frowned, "No, and I was sure he'd be here. But you never know, he could be mixed in amongst all these deceiving costumes." Stacy sighed and said she hoped Beth was right.

Terrance Yates, the head of the committee, gathered everyone around and announced the meaning of the papers on their back. They then went to find their partners. Beth looked to find that on her slip was written, "Laura Ingalls Wilder". "I guess I'm looking for Almanzo now." So she went around searching for the owner of her match. Peering about the crowd, she caught a glance of the name. The owner was a boy dressed up as a lion. He was in a lion suit with a large lion head and mane on top. Beth had no idea who it was.

"Excuse me, I believe you are my match," she said, tapping on the beast's shoulder. The lion spun around and stood still for a second. Beth still could not figure out who it was. "Does yours say Almanzo Wilder on it?" The lion nodded and waved. "I'm Beth, what's your name?" The beast made a roaring sound and struck out his hand. Beth laughed and took the hand in a quick handshake. "I see you are determined to remain Mr. Lion. Well, I guess we should line up with the others."

They turned and walked towards the two rows where the teens and their matches were placed. The first activity was a three-legged race, which turned out to be a trial for most of the people in bulky costumes. Beth was so glad her grandmother had made the dress easy to run in. She and her partner won second place in the race and won a bag of candy each. She gave hers to the lion because she didn't want all the sugar.

Then the dancing began. Beth sat down on a cushioned chair expecting it to be awhile before some boy took pity on her and asked. Though she was friends with many, most of the boys preferred to dance with the more popular girls first. Beth looked down and smoothed the wrinkles in her dress. The next second she saw a pair of feet. Looking up, she found Brent Gibson standing in front of her asking for a dance. She, a bit surprised, accepted. From then on, Beth's times on the chair were few. "It must be the dress." she wondered. She had pleasant conversations with all those she danced with.

Her lion partner danced with her twice, still not speaking, only making lion grunts that made her laugh. At the end of the song, he bowed with a flourish and kissed her hand with his felt nose. Beth was delighted at his game. Who was the lion? Oh well, it didn't matter. She kept dancing until it was time for the next activity, which was a pumpkin bowl. Liter pop bottles were arranged bowling pin style and the sets of matches were given tiny pumpkins to toss. She and her companion did well, knocking down several pins each. Beth was having the time of her life!

More dancing followed. Beth had many more partners, handsome and plain alike. Sadly, as the clock drew near to ten, the dance was ended. The second to the last dance her lion friend asked again. As the song ended, he handed her a note. It read: You look very pretty tonight. She thought whoever the lion was he was a nice guy to dance with her so many times. Some of the boys and girls complained about getting stuck with each other as matches.

Beth stayed after to clean up the mess left over. She hummed as she picked up the trash that had been dropped near the snack table. The dance had been the best she had ever attended. The atmosphere had been lively, fun and amiable. As she stood and began to pick up the cups strewn on the table, something behind her made a loud, "ARGH" sound and she jumped in fright.

"Daniel Anderson, you are determined to make me die young. What were you thinking scaring me like that?"

Her older brother smiled mischievously, "I'm kidnapping you, Miss Bennet. Ye'd better be comin' without a fight, or I'll make ye walk the plank." He stopped speaking with the phony accent and said, "Okay, so I'm taking you out to get some ice cream. Don't worry, I spoke to your leader and she gave you leave."

Beth smiled and took his arm, "In that case I'd be glad to go with you. You may look like a brute, but I'm throwing my life at your mercy, trusting you'll be a gentleman."

He resumed his pirate voice, "Well, me feels tender towards fine pretty young lasses, so I'll be goin' easy on ye. But don't be tellin' me shipmates that. Their liable to think they can shirk their chores!"

Chapter Seven

Posted on Wednesday, 6 April 2005

"So, how was the dance?" Will asked as they walked to school on Monday morning.

"Oh, it was great!" Beth's eyes sparkled at the memory. "I loved it. We had lots of fun activities and I made lots of new friends. Why weren't you there?"

Will shrugged, "My parents told me I had to finish a scout requirement before I could go. It took me forever to finish. By the time I was done, the dance was half over and I just decided it would cause less trouble if I stayed home. You know, with having to find another match and all."

"Oh, yeah. There were no more kids left, they all had partners."

"Hey, Beth, I'm thinking about starting my Eagle project now. I finished my last requirement on Saturday and now I can start on the big one."

Beth spoke animatedly, "That is great! I can't believe you are that far in the program. I hear from Daniel that it demands a lot if devotion and work to get to your Eagle."

"Well, I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do. Could you help me brainstorm for ideas? You are so creative and brilliant with that type of stuff."

"Thank you for saying so, but I'm really not that inventive. I'll be glad to help though. Hey, I could ask Daniel. He had a list of ideas written down when he was thinking about his. We might have something there."

That day at school Stacy once again interrogated Will. "Why hadn't he been at the dance? Didn't he know what he had missed out on? How many times had a boy asked her to dance?" Beth put a hand on Stacy's arm to warn her not to push Will too far. Stacy wisely heeded the warning and ceased speaking of the dance. Will shot Beth a grateful look, he knew the great efforts she made in his behalf. Stacy was a nice girl, but much too pushy in his opinion.

His friend Jeffery had made a comment about Miss Pushy Robbins and Will had shushed him quickly, saying that they should pity the girl. Beth admired his forbearance in regards to Stacy and thought it was too bad she was scaring him off. "What a great match they would be someday! If only Stacy could just lay off for awhile!"

After lunch, Stacy ran over to Beth's locker where she was gathering her books. Stacy looked a touch sad as she spoke, "Alright, Beth. I give up. Will doesn't like me. He has made it quite clear that he is not interested in me. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused between you two."

Beth was startled, she couldn't believe Stacy was being sensible, but the last phrase caught her attention. "Stac, what on earth do you mean by "the trouble you've caused between us"?"

"Beth, you and I have been best friends since second grade. You don't have to pretend with me. You have been walking with Will for almost a year now and can you honestly tell me you don't like him?"

Beth's eyes grew large and her face flushed, "Stacy Robbins, you know how I feel about that! I'm not the least bit interested in Will Southwick. He is a friend only because my grandmother forced me into it. He is a nice friend, like a brother and that is all he has or will ever be."

Stacy's eyebrow rose to a slant, "Are you positive? You are absolutely sure?"

"Of course, I can't even believe you thought that. Well, anyway, you still have a chance of catching his attention if you'd just be yourself and not pester him so much. Men like to be the pursuer, remember? Remember how Mr. Darcy was disgusted with Mrs. Bennet's attempts between Bingley and Jane? And what about Miss Bingley and her attempts to snare Darcy? It has been proven throughout the ages that girls should not be the first to move until later on in their relationship with shy men. I have a small inkling that Will could like you in the future, if you'd just go about it the right way." Her friend looked hopeful while she hugged Beth. They returned to their classes with no further word.

"Will, I've got an idea!" said Beth excitedly later on that week.

"What is it?" "Mom took us to Prairieview Park yesterday and we had a picnic. While we were there I noticed the picnic tables and benches were old and splintery. The stain and paint are wearing off and they are such an eye sore. I thought we might just be able to fix them up. I even talked to the Recreation Department and they said they would love it if we can restore them. That is if you are interested..."

Beth gasped for a breath making Will smile at her enthusiasm.

He thought about it for a minute and then replied, "Great idea, pure genius. And I think it'll work too. But what did you mean by "we"?"

Beth became a little hesitant. "Well, I thought maybe you'd let me work on it too. I still have one more ten-hour project left to do in Personal Progress. It would help me to get my Recognition award." The Personal Progress award was a leadership program for the young ladies at her church and required them to do seven ten-hour service projects. Will liked the idea of them both using it to get their awards, so he agreed and after permission from parents they set to the job of fixing up the picnic tables.

Through the next five weekends, Beth and Will worked side by side to strip the old and apply the new stain and paint. They scrubbed and cleaned the weathered tables and benches with vigor and sanded down rough spots. The work was hard, backbreaking labor, but both enjoyed the company of the other and the work seemed less tedious.

On the day they were to finish the job, Beth touched up the spots they had missed on the tables. As she bent over to grab the bucket of paint, her long hair landed and slid along the newly painted table. When she realized what had just happened, she let out a frustrated grunt. "What's wrong?" Will questioned before breaking into peals of laughter at seeing her hair clumped with dark green paint.

Beth shouted indignantly, "It is not funny. I'll never be able to get this stuff out."

"I know how to fix it." Will said, holding his stomach as it rumbled with laughter, "Just dump the bucket over the rest."

"Ha ha, very funny, and how would I look then?" Will was laughing too hard to reply. Beth suddenly got a streak of inspiration. "Will, are those your grubby clothes?" He nodded and continued his roaring.

"I'm going to help you with your wardrobe!" she yelled as she sent a shot of paint off her brush and splattering onto his old cut up jeans.

"Hey, no fair!" he shouted as another hit his shirt. Holding up his hands, Will said, "Alright, alright! I surrender! Cease fire." Beth giggled. He took the paint can from her hand and tried to gain a stern expression, "Remember, we are approaching the age of adulthood. Now is the time to prepare to meet the world. No time for childishness!" Beth began to laugh all the more. He looked and sounded just like their mean Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Grenchman. Known as Mrs. Grinch by her pupils.

After rinsing her hair out in the drinking fountain as best she could, Beth followed Will to where their bikes were parked. Riding off, Beth thought what a gorgeous day it was with the sweet smelling breeze that pushed against her as she pedaled along. It was a heavenly feeling, as if she were flying right above the earth. She glided, pedaling faster and faster so that Will could hardly keep up. She faintly heard a shout from Will, "You'd better slow down, Beth!"

"Never." she shouted back, enjoying her freedom too much. She closed her eyes drinking in the glorious sunlight.

There was no way for her to prepare for the fateful incident that occurred next. It came without bidding, without any warning and thrust its pain upon her with force. At that moment a speeding car had rounded the corner at the intersection. She had forgotten it was there, and the driver was unable to see what lay ahead in the hot mirage-producing weather. Beth did not even see the car as it rammed into her frail fifteen-year-old body. She did not fully comprehend what had happened. All she knew was that she was lying on the ground and a second later Will's face was above her, distressed deeply. After that Beth drifted out of reality, no longer conscious of the earthly world around her.

Chapter Eight

Posted on Saturday, 9 April 2005

"Beth! Beth!" Will screamed over and over. He kneeled by her side and saw that she had rendered unconscious, but was still breathing. The driver, a young adult woman, leapt out of her car and ran out where she lay. "Oh, what have I done?" she cried, horror in her voice.

"You just hit my best friend! Go ... go run to that house and call an ambulance; she needs to get to the hospital."

He noticed her right leg was a mess of blood. The sight of it, the sheer horror of having seen the accident occur before his very eyes, sickened him as he continued to rub Beth's hands and arms, trying to keep her from fading away. "She can't go into deep shock," he thought over and over. Will checked her breathing again; it was faint but steady. He checked her airway, it too was clear. He scanned through his brain if there was anything else he could do to keep her from going into shock. Things he'd been taught in Scouts left his mind, and it frustrated him that in the moment of need, he couldn't remember everything in First Aid.

Seconds later Will heard the reassuring blare of a medical ambulance. It came to a quick halt at the scene of the accident and immediately professionals repaired Beth to the vehicle and rushed her off to the ER. Will, drove with one of the medical men to tell the Andersons what had happened. He explained as best he could and it pained him to see the grief of the family. They immediately left for the hospital after telling Will they'd give him a report on her condition when they found out.

He sat on their porch for a few minutes after they had gone. His face buried in his arms, Will cried for his friend. After wiping the salty water from his hot cheeks, he stood and walked the few feet back to his home. Upon arriving, his mother listened with deep sadness and comfort to what had taken place.

Beth at first only noticed darkness. A deep darkness engulfed her; she knew that it was holding her prisoner. She wanted out so badly. Where was the light? That car, had it been coming at her? Was she still alive? Beth thought very hard whether or not the car had hit her. She slowly, ever so slowly opened her eyes to a blurry lighter world. She realized she was in bed. The whole thing had just been a nightmare. No, she was not dead or she would not be able to feel that twinge at her knee.

Suddenly, as if she had leapt into a freezing river, the twinge became pain. Excruciating pain like she'd never felt before. It shot up and down like a pinball, consuming her whole leg, or so it felt. It seemed to become greater and greater as she became more alert. Then it was so great that she could no longer hold back the cry that had built inside her. Beth gave a muffled scream and felt as if she were to truly die from the acute ache.

After a few seconds, it began to subside incrementally. As it slowly loosened its grip on her, she once again could breathe and noticed that she was holding on to something. It was a hand. She looked up through the blinding light and saw her mother's tearstained face over her. "Beth, Beth," her mother was softly crying. "Mom, my leg hurts." She choked through her own tears.

"I know, honey. Try very hard not to move it."

"I can't. Why does it hurt so much?"

Her father stepped up alongside the bed now. "We don't know exactly, Beth. Be a brave girl, the doctors are trying their best."

"Did I..." Beth trailed off finding the darkness coming upon her again. She succumbed to it, letting it soothe her senses. She let it dull the ache as she fell to sleep again.

"I am sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, for the trauma that your family has gone through.", said Dr. Haversaw as he rubbed his weary eyes. "Your daughter, she will probably recover but the amount of time it will take is not known. A compound or open fracture of the leg is serious. As you may know the bone is not completely inside her skin. It is sticking out quite badly. I'm afraid we will have to perform a surgery and apply pins or plates, guiding the bone back to its proper place." Mrs. Anderson, being supported by her husband, sobbed quietly against his shoulder.

"Beth will be in a lot of pain the next few days while it is open. We will do everything we can for her, please do not worry about her on that note. Our nurses will be available for her around the clock. She is a strong girl though, and I think she will pull through this well. What I'm worried about is that the bone will not heal perfectly. It should, but there is no way for us to guarantee that. Your daughter may be left with a slight limp for the rest of her life, or at worst, crippled. Now please do not despair on that last bit. Crippling very rarely occurs."

Beth sat, propped against a stack of pillows. She bit her lip, wishing it could ease the pain. She had woken again and it was night or early morning. The lights were dimmed and only the noise of a quiet machine sounded in the room. Against the wall at her right was the slouched over form of her father. He was lightly snoring with his head drooping towards his chest. Beth was grateful for his presence. His strength that she had loved since childhood, radiated in her heart.

Her nice thoughts dissolved in another shoot of pain that rippled up and down her leg. She closed her eyes and tried not to cry out, but a small groan and whimpering could not be covered. Just as she felt that it would never end, she felt a gentle pressure against her cheek.

"Daddy?" her eyes fluttered open. It was not her father that stood before her, but a beautiful young nurse in an old-fashioned white uniform and a smart little white cap. Her smile was lovely and comforting. She grabbed Beth's hand and rubbed it gently.

"There now, honey. The pain will stop soon, just fight through it." It did stop in about thirty seconds. Beth's breathing became more regulated and she could see the lady clearly.

The beautiful woman was loveliness itself. Her skin was pale and clear; her auburn hair was softly curled at shoulder-length. She had a smile that lit the dark area around Beth it seemed. "Who are you?" Beth asked quietly.

"Why, I'm Wendy, dearest. And you, Miss Beth, are one of my patients."

"You are very pretty."

The woman laughed, it too was a pretty laugh, a tingling sincere sound. "Thank you, but you are twice as pretty as I ever was."

"I'm sorry for making noise just now. My leg hurts an awful lot." Wendy's look of compassion made her heart throb.

"I know, sweetie. Your leg is banged up pretty bad." Wendy's voice dropped to whisper, "The bone is not in the right place."

Beth's thoughts suddenly turned to horror, "You mean ... it's sticking out?!" Wendy silently nodded. "Will I ever be able to walk again?" she said with her voice choked with emotion.

Wendy grabbed her hand and patted it tenderly. "Yes, if you put your mind to it. Don't let this get you down. Continue in the fight and you will walk again, I promise." Beth rubbed her eyes hard and heard Wendy say something about more pain medication. When she took her hands away, she found Wendy had left the room. Beth heard the door open a few minutes later and another nurse, a short grey-haired one, came in to give her the painkiller.

Chapter Nine

Posted on Tuesday, 12 April 2005

Two days later, Beth still lay in the hospital bed. She had not been moved since arriving at the hospital. At times she felt as if she'd be confined to the restrictions of the awful bed forever. Three weeks was going to be much too long for her to stay in the miserable place, but she had no choice in the matter. Tuesday, the day after tomorrow, would be her surgery. Oh, how she dreaded it. Beth, who had always been in the best of health, had never had one before. In fact, the only time she had been a patient in the hospital was at her birth.

She sat for hours doing nothing but sitting and aching. Beth had asked her mother to bring the Jane Austen books over. Those kept her busy sometimes, but other times she just did not feel like reading. It hurt her eyes and gave her a headache. She wanted to get up, to move around the small room. She began to feel like a caged animal, trapped in an endless state of immobility. Wendy helped her most; she knew exactly when Beth was feeling despondent.

Beth loved it when Wendy took care of her. The woman was young, vivacious, and so caring that it made Beth's mouth turn up into a smile whenever the nurse came to mind. Never had she met a more sweet and interesting person. On one of the three times she had visited Beth, all at night, she had asked Wendy if she'd ever read Pride and Prejudice or Emma. Wendy smiled and nodded that she had enjoyed both thoroughly. Beth was pleased to have a fellow Jane Austen fan in her midst.

Now as she sat on the bed, alone in the room, Beth fingered the cover of her worn copy of Pride and Prejudice. Its pages were old and curling. She wandered how many generations back had the book been owned. The things in Grandma's attic were said to be from centuries of ancestors. Beth had searched and scoured at each page, but had found inscription, no markings that alluded to its previous owner.

She was jostled from her thoughts as the door was opened and the little grey-haired nurse, now known as Hannah, announced a visitor. A familiar face peered from behind the stout woman. "Hello, Grandma. But what are you doing back? Didn't you just leave a few hours ago?"

Grandma Frainer chuckled. "Yes, dear, but I brought you back something."

From behind her, Will came through the door and smiled slightly. "Will, how are you?" Beth asked happily.

"You silly goose, I'm supposed to ask you that." She laughed at herself and motioned for him and her grandmother to sit. They both pulled up chairs alongside her.

"Beth," spoke Grandma, "you were aware of what this young man did at your accident?"

"Yes, I heard and I haven't been able to thank you properly. Will, thanks so much for not fainting when I was such a mess."

This brought another round of giggles as Will reencountered it with his own comment. "Well, thanks for not dying while we were waiting for the paramedics. I'll admit it was pretty scary watching you lie there. I've never been so frightened in my life."

She smiled back, "From what I heard, you were pretty confident and handled everything well."

He colored slightly at the praise and the older woman came to the rescue. "Beth, as soon as Stacy heard about your accident, she has begged to see you. I tried to call her to come with Will and me, but the phone line was busy. Would you like her to come tomorrow?"

Beth didn't wait long to answer, "Of course, I want her to come. If you can possibly get hold of her later, I'd love to see her today."

"If you are feeling up to it I will." Beth frowned a little. "It hurts, doesn't it?" Will asked quietly, inquiring with solemn expression.

"Yes, sometimes the painkillers wear off and I feel like I'm being stuck with thousands of knifes. I get very weak after those painful moments, like a new born baby."

"I'm sorry." he offered.

Grandma looked from one to the other and announced that she was hungry. "I've not had lunch yet. If it's fine with you two, I'll go down to the cafeteria and grab a bite."

"Go ahead, Mrs. Frainer. I'll keep Beth company." Grandma nodded and whisked out of the room and down the hall. Will turned back towards her and asked how she spent her time at the hospital.

"Oh, I try not to go crazy! There is a T.V. up there, "she said, pointing to the one hanging from the ceiling, "but nothing good is on. I've tried to read several times, but whenever I do I get a headache and my eyes start to hurt."

Will reached over and picked up the book on the table next to her. "Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen" he read aloud. "Oh, I remember. Stacy said this was your favorite book."

She smiled a little self-consciously. "Yes, I like that and the others by the same author. I have read them all about twenty times each at least." Will looked thoughtful for minute as if he were trying to remember something of great importance. A look of recognition passed over his friendly features.

"I remember now. This is an old English literature book. My mom read it when she was younger I think. It's full of that old language stuff."

Beth nodded, pleased that he knew a small tidbit about her passion. "I discovered that book in Grandma's attic when I was about twelve and I got hooked. That particular copy is no-one-knows-how-old. I can't seem to find any indication of who its first owner was."

"Ooh, I like good mysteries like that." Looking up from the cover, he asked if she'd like him to read it to her.

"That is really kind of you, Will, but I don't think you'll like it. It isn't exactly an adventure novel."

"Well, I won't know until I've tried it, will I? If you'd like to listen, I'll gladly read." Beth nodded happily and sat back in her pillows.

Will's steady voice carried the words off the page and into her mind as Beth played the dialogue out in her thoughts. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighborhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. ``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' said his lady to him one day, ``have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?'' Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. ``But it is,'' returned she..."

Nearly two hours later, both teens were so focused upon the narration that they didn't notice as Grandma came in. Recognizing the context, the older woman smiled fondly. Of course Beth would share this with her friend, how could Will avoid it? Hating to break the picture of old England, but knowing that visiting hours were soon over, she cleared her throat loudly. When that failed to catch their attention, she had to verbally announce herself.

Beth looked towards her, "Grandma, I'm sorry we didn't notice you."

Chuckling softly she replied, "I know. I regret to inform you that time is up. I have to take Master Southwick home or his mother will be upset."

Will grinned with boyishness, "Won't Mom be pleased to know I'm getting some culture though. She's been trying to get me to read something sophisticated forever." Standing slowly, he directed his speech back to Beth. "I'd be happy to come back and continue tomorrow if you're game."

"Sure!" she replied. "That would be awesome."

"'Til tomorrow then and I hope your leg doesn't hurt bad tonight."

Chapter Ten

Posted on Thursday, 14 April 2005

Still sitting in the accursed bed, Beth drummed her fingers on the metal bar that supported the mattress. The visit with her friends earlier that afternoon had helped to calm her nerves somewhat, but now the fear came back. Dread filled her for tomorrow would be her first operation. Multiple questions circled about in her mind with the answers all unknown.

Beth did not like "the unknown". Usually her life went along smoothly, each day nearly the same as the latter one. When her family had moved here from their home in a beautiful little New Hampshire city, Beth had protested with vehemence. She had been nine years of age and had many friends in their town ever since preschool. She remembered crying and mumbling that she'd never be happy again as their moving van had rolled out of the driveway.

But of course, she did find friends and a lovely home once again. Her fears had been forgotten in the first week when, at church, a pretty girl with short blond hair smiled and waved her way. Now Beth wondered if these present fears were just nonsense also. She knew that the doctors and nurses were very intelligent and seemed to know what they were doing. She knew that no place was safer for her then the hospital, where help was available twenty-four hours each day. Still the fear nagged at her, causing her to withdraw inside herself at this hour.

In this moment of unhappiness, Beth didn't notice the appearance of another person standing by her. Looking up, Beth saw the ever familiar smile and wavy auburn hair tucked beneath a prim white cap. "Wendy," Beth spoke to her, "how do you always know when I need cheering up?" The smile widened and the question was left unanswered.

"I know you are worried about the surgery, love, but it won't be as dreadful as you think. Try not to think so gloomily. It'll be over sooner than you know and then you'll be going back to your own comfortable home. Within three months you'll most likely be good as new."

Beth puffed angrily, "Three months! By then, everyone in the community will have forgotten I exist and when I go back to school people will ask, "Who is the new kid?""

A light pat on the arm was the response from her supporter. "You will be fine, Beth." The woman's deep blue eyes showed sincerity and radiated intimate kindness. "I have faith in you. You are a strong willed, special young lady who knows who she is. Somewhere inside you is a strength that you must pull out and use as a weapon against your fears. Grab the strength and use it, while having the humility, being grateful for the many sources from whence that strength came."

Beth gazed up at the woman who spoke with calm reassurance and she returned with a smile. "I will try. Thank you. I've never said this to someone who is not a member of my family, but I love you, Wendy."

"I love you too, Beth. I've loved being with you and when you leave to go back home, I'll continue to check on how you are. You know you are never without help."

"I know. I'll try my best not to be selfish and brooding. I do have many blessing, don't I?"

"Yes, goodbye dearest." Wendy said as she gave Beth a small kiss on the forehead.

What medical school produced such loving wonderful people, Beth wondered. Then and there Beth resolved that she would look into nursing as a future career. It must be the most fulfilling job ever invented. Beth snuggled her blanket closer to her chin, closed her eyes and began to fall asleep. The warmth of Wendy's words still ran over her, calming her to sleep.

The next day, Beth clung to those words as she was moved into the operation room. Fear was not gripping her anymore. She was reported around as the bravest young patient the surgeons had seen. When Beth awoke around five hours preceding the surgery, she realized she had survived. Her leg only ached faintly and she knew it had been bandaged with extra care. It felt awkward to her that she had metal pins and plates inside it, supporting her bones.

Will, Stacy, the Anderson family, and Grandma continued to brighten her last few days in the hospital. The following Wednesday, she was permitted to go home. On that day Beth waited anxiously for Wendy to come bid her farewell. She waited up until twenty minutes before leaving, but Beth worried that perhaps the nurse had not heard of her soon departure.

Hannah, the other nurse, was taking some sheets from the room when Beth asked, "Do you know if Wendy can come say goodbye?" The stout woman looked at her quizzically before asking who Wendy was. "Why, the other nurse that has been taking care me. Don't you know her?" Hannah shook her head, but commented that she did not know the entire floor's staff. She told Beth that she would ask around after "Wendy".

A few minutes later her family came in to take her home. Beth asked them to wait until Wendy came. As Beth relayed to them the many experiences she had with Wendy, her parents agreed to wait and thank the nurse personally. Dr. Haversaw came bustling in with a confused expression on his face. "Well, young lady, I've been told you wanted to see a certain nurse before leaving."

"Yes, sir, if I may."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there is no nurse by the name of Wendy on this floor, none in the hospital either for that matter. Are you sure you did not confuse her name? We have a Brandi."

Beth looked down at her lap with her own confusion. "But of course there is a Wendy," she thought, "the kindest, most wonderful nurse she'd ever known." A startling thought came into mind and Beth looked to her mother and father in wonder. She turned the doctor, "You are absolutely positive there is no Wendy?" He nodded with affirmation. "That is alright, Doctor. I'm ready to go home now."

Chapter Eleven

Posted on Saturday, 16 April 2005

Though she would still be in bed for a few months, Beth was glad to be home. No more noisy beeping machines to keep her awake at night, no more injections, less medications, and here she was at ease to have visitors as often as she liked. Teachers at school had organized get-well cards from all the students. Beth spent two days looking over them with pleasure. Some of the notes were so sweet and kind that Beth wondered how she ever deserved them. Even some from those Beth had thought indifferent to her were nice and friendly.

Some were short scribbled notes, some longer and more concerned. Three stuck out in her mind as her prized possessions. One from Rebecca Gregg was greatly comforting. It read:

Dear Beth,

I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. When Stacy told me, I felt bad that you had to go through such a horrifying experience. Now I hear you'll not be able to come to school for awhile. I'll miss you! I've never told you this but I think you are the greatest girl I've met. You are always so nice to everyone and polite towards adults. Please do not become discouraged while you are recovering. Your leg will heal sooner if you have a positive attitude. I'm going to miss eating lunch with you everyday, because being with you always brightens my day. Smile and remember that lots of people love you.

Have a nice week,

Becca

With this note of heartfelt kindness, Beth felt better about her present situation. She had never imagined that Rebecca saw her in that light. "Have I really been like that?" she wondered. Beth hadn't consciously done those things; it was just came naturally. The notes from Will and Jeffery Treyman were nice as well. They brought her happiness as she read the friendly sentiments and well wishes. A great surprise revealed itself in Jeffery's card. It was signed "Mr. Lion" (Jeffery).

Will and Stacy took turns visiting her after school for the next two months. Sometimes during their visits, Beth was not her best self. At times she was quite grumpy and mumbled about staying in the house for days on end. Her friends tried to cheer her and most of the time they succeeded. Beth particularly liked when Will read Pride and Prejudice to her. At the end of the first three weeks they had nearly finished the whole book.

Beth was surprised at how attentive he was while reading the story. When reading a certain passage, Will would look up and ask for an explanation of a word or situation. Will's favorite character was Mr. Bennet. He enjoyed the inside jokes and comments Mr. Bennet made, making the clever father a fascinating spectacle. Beth smiled mentally when Will made connections in the story. When he would shout out in the middle of a scene, saying how he now understood what happened, she couldn't help but laugh and nod.

When one finishes a good book it is always a bittersweet moment, because the reader enjoys the story so much that he wishes for more. If only those good books would never end. But then, too, the reader would never study other literatures. What would be the point of the author writing a story if he was too busy to take time to think or experience new things to write? All books must come to an end, as much as the two teens wished otherwise.

Two months later, near Christmas, Beth's skin had resealed across the injury. The pain rarely occurred and when it did it was minimal. An assessment from the doctor reported her ready to use crutches. From crutches, Beth went to walking without assistance. Her leg was not as it was before the accident. It was slightly twisted inward and caused her to limp mildly.

While grateful to walk, she resented the deformity. Never would she be able to run smoothly, or dance resembling a ballerina as she had as a girl. Her friends and family assured her over and over that she was not different in their eyes. Beth struggled to keep a cheerful spirit, but it was hard. Time and time again Wendy's words came back to her.

"I have faith in you. You are a strong willed, special young lady who knows who she is. Somewhere inside you is a strength that you must pull out and use as a weapon against your fears. Grab the strength and use it, while having the humility, being grateful for the many sources from whence that strength came."

Beth still wondered at the disappearance of her friend and could only think that the woman was meant to help her in her time of need. Wendy would stay forever in her memory as the answer to many pleas for help and strength. Her words and example helped Beth to realize how much love can help to heal the afflicted, whether they are physically or spiritually disabled.

When Beth was able to get around with relative ease, she volunteered at the hospital in the floral delivery department. It created fulfillment in her life as she watched the patients brighten at her presence and at the thoughtful gifts that their associates and families sent.

Beth went back to school and found where her friends stood in their loyalty. Some dropped their kindnesses to her; others brought theirs to the surface. Stacy moved away the next January, much to the two girls' dismay. Their friendship had been rocky, but true. Stacy came to say goodbye on a cold mid-January morning. They cried and hugged, promising to write every week, and they did for ten years until Stacy moved with her husband, a Mr. Charles Jordan, who was a business owner, to Canada. They lost contact after the move.

Chapter Twelve

During the next four years, Beth grew in her maturity even more. She became involved in many good activities, including an activities assistant at a local nursing home while still in her teenage years. She and Will continued their friendship, enjoying one another's company. Once they reached an appropriate age, they group dated and later single dated. Beth didn't dream of marrying Will. She was planning on finding a dashing young man in a History class while away at college. Will's ideas, which he never shared with her, were quite the opposite. He knew that he wanted to marry her someday, though he never hinted towards it in her presence.

When he was nineteen, he decided to serve a two-year mission for his church, as many of the young men of his faith did. The decision was firm set in his mind. His family, Beth, and his other friends were proud of him and sent him off with smiles through their tears. Beth attended a local college and received a Master's degree in History with a Minor in English. It was the fulfillment of her dreams.

During History in one semester the students were required to read Pride and Prejudice. The professor asked if anyone had read it. Beth was the only one to raise her hand. Exclamations of "What?!" and "Wow!" echoed through the room when she said she had read it nearly thirty-eight times through. The professor asked her to be in charge of writing and conducting the discussion questions, since she surely knew the book by heart.

Beth continued to date a few nice young men. But she soon found that Will's friendship meant most to her. She began to question if she'd ever meet someone else who knew her so well, who knew her every dream and conviction for the future. In his short letters to her, he talked of the goodness of the people around him, and the happiness he found in teaching others. It made her glad to see that he was receiving the same fulfillment she had in serving their fellow men.

Mrs. Anderson phoned her one week in July when Beth was twenty-one, and told her that Will was coming home at last. Beth could not travel back home for his homecoming. Her funds as a student were low and tight. But Rachel told her Will would be leaving to attend the same college in five months.

Beth was excited that they would be attending the same school. She was anxious to see how he had changed. Had he changed much? Would he still want to continue their friendship and perhaps some day love her as she had come to love him? She waited during that time with great anxiety, dreading and longing for the moment when he would return to her.

On a Friday summer afternoon, as she was cleaning up the lunch mess her roommate had left in the counter, Beth heard a knock on the door. She brushed her hair out of her eyes, wiped her wet hands on her jeans, and opened the door. Standing erect outside was a tall young man with a handful of little flowers. "No fair. Gaby always has luck with the handsome ones." she thought. Beth started, "If you are here to see Gaby, she's not..." As she looked closer she recognized the smile that played on the young man's lips. It was the same smile she had known all of her teenage years. "Will?" she questioned, unbelieving.

He nodded and spoke with laughter edging his deep voice, "I don't know who Gaby is, but I'm looking for Miss Beth Anderson. Would you know where she is?" Beth threw her arms around him for a friendly hug. She pulled back quick enough for propriety's sake but found herself pulled back for a longer one.

Will moved her further from him to look at her. "Beth, you've grown so much the past two years. I hardly recognize you."

"Same to you, I'll not pretend, I thought you were one of my roommate's boyfriends. How are you?"

"A lot better now that I've seen you. I've missed your friendship. I'm sure we've got lots to catch up on, so grab your shoes and we'll go out to lunch. I'm treating."

Beth grabbed her purse and slipped on her sandals after momentarily checking her appearance in the mirror, and ran to join him for a wonderful afternoon of "catching up". While eating at Taco Bell, he carefully asked if she was engaged or soon to be. Beth replied with all confidence that she had not found any young men at college who suited her. She asked the same of him and he told her that he had a young lady in mind.

Beth hopes fell as she tried to pleasantly ask after the young woman's character. "Oh, she's great. She doesn't know my intentions though. I figure I'd give us some more time to get to know each other since I just got back."

"That is probably a good idea." Beth murmured softly.

"Hey, how'd you like to go see a movie tonight?" Beth smiled, trying to be happy for old friend's sake.

"I'd love to, but I have some homework that can't be delayed. Tomorrow night I'll be free though."

"Great! I can pick you up around seven. Sound alright to you?" Beth nodded and told Will how good it was for her to have him back.

She prepared her appearance with care the next evening. Beth knew that once Will set his mind on something he rarely turned back, but perhaps just this once he would. It saddened her to think that he had notions of marrying someone else, but she was also glad that he had found a future wife. "She'd better be worthy of him if she is going to steal my Mr. Darcy." she thought as she curled her hair. "She must be beautiful, petite, smart, witty and perfect." The last attribute was thought in frightful spite, because she, Beth, was imperfect in form.

Though much healing had taken place during the past six years, her leg was still a touch twisted and still caused her to limp. No matter how hard she tried to stand up straight and tall, the leg always came down with an ungraceful thump. It was as if she had gout. Beth knew that was likely the reason not many boys were serious about her. They wanted a perfect angel who floated across the floor, one who could run and dance with ease. No young man wanted a girl who thumped around like an old grandmother.

Waving aside the anger, she pasted on a happy face for Will's sake. Nothing would ruin this evening because he was hers, even if it was for one night. She chose a pretty lavender blouse made of soft material, her best pair of casual pants, and her new closed-toe sandals. Finding her outfit complete and receiving the approval of Gaby, Beth was nearly ready.

She applied finishing touches to her makeup as Gaby stood, back propped against the wall, facing her. "You are in love with this "Will", aren't you?"

Beth turned to look and nod, "But don't you let him on. He already has his girl picked out."

"Sorry, Beth. I know that can hurt."

She sighed. "I'll survive as long as she isn't a Lydia or Miss Bingley." Gaby snorted, she had already been introduced to the Pride and Prejudice characters several times. How could anyone living with Beth avoid it?

The doorbell rang before Beth was finished. "Gaby, be a pal and answer it for me."

"Sure, princess." At that phrase, Beth remembered when her brother, Daniel, had called her that nearly seven years earlier. Oh, those were the days! Before the accident, when everything was perfect, including her leg. All the sudden she remembered that her friend was waiting and that she shouldn't keep him.

As she entered the inexpensively, yet tastefully furnished room Will rose from the couch to greet her. He stood without speaking for a few seconds, just staring. Beth flushed pleasantly at his scrutiny, but then quickly scolded herself. "He's not in love with you, dope. He already knows who he is going to marry. Don't fool yourself." "Well, should we go?" she said too hastily, with eyes cast down to avoid staring in his intense ones. So much for feigning happiness.

"Uh, yeah, I guess we should if we don't want to be late. Here let me help you with that." Will offered as Beth allowed him to put on her jacket. His closeness distracted her and she spun around to tell Gaby they'd be home by ten.

"Beth, something is bothering you. What's up?" he asked as he opened her car door.

She gave him a forced smile, "You know me too well. I'm just worried about a prep test tomorrow in English, that's all."

"Worried?! You know English better than half the people in America. You'll do great, I know so."

"Thanks for your confidence. I'll try to remember that." Beth slid into the seat as he closed her door and soon joined in the opposite side.

They drove to the movies, watched a show, and then went to grab an ice cream at the nearby old-fashioned malt shop. Beth ordered a Strawberry-Vanilla swirl cone, while Will ordered a Raspberry one. "Mmm." he muttered as he licked off a mouthful. Then he bit little pieces of the cone off one by one, trying to see how long the ice cream could keep its form. Beth smiled. What memories that brought to mind. He had always done that when they were younger and on more than one occasion the ice cream had landed in his lap or on the floor.

"What's so funny?" he grunted as the ice cream began to melt. Beth raised a hand to her mouth as she laughed.

"I just remembered the time you did that at Grandma's. I think we were sixteen. Remember how you accidentally dropped in on her nice beige carpet and she nearly threw a fit?"

Will threw his head back in laughter. "She threatened not to let me eat at her house again if I played with my food like that." Giggling softly, Beth watched him as he chuckled. He was even more handsome than she remembered.

They talked more about his mission and plans for schooling, her time at college and their families. Beth had so much fun; she wished that the evening would never end. They drove back to her apartment and parted with a promise to meet at the potluck hosted by the young adult group from church. Beth closed the door softly behind her went into the bedroom to change into her pajamas. As she lay on her bed, Beth battled inside herself, half happy, half sad. Will would not be hers, but at least she could enjoy his companionship while it lasted it.

During the next two months, Will and Beth continued to see each other, as friends. Beth's love for him continued to grow, but she let never let him know. She wished for him every happiness with the girl he had chosen. Beth almost resigned herself to be an old maid or maybe marry Jeffery Treyman, who had in the last year asked her to marry him. She had kindly told him that she liked him as a friend, but did not love him strong enough for marriage. Now she realized why she had turned down his proposal. Beth had loved Will all along. She had never felt so complete than when she was in his presence.

Chapter Thirteen

Posted on Thursday, 5 May 2005

It was late August. The leaves showed forth their most brilliant colors on every tree. The air became crisper as the days shortened. Beth tugged her warm wool sweater closer to her body as she walked down the path towards a small pond. The pond was located about a mile from her apartment and the walk was her favorite to take. At least once a week she took a stroll there. The beauty around her commanded her attention so that she did not mind the thump of her foot on the ground. She soon came to the beginning of the soft dirt trail and as she continued on it, the pond came into view.

She rested on her regular worn stump by the water's edge and watched the water swirl in fascinating ripples. Beth folded her arms down around her knees and rested her head on the cushion. Minutes swept past, time moved while she sat so, until her back began to ache slightly. Straightening, she found a pair of ducks gliding in unison, side by side, across the extent of the pond. Tears came to her eyes and she likened the scene to her own relationship. She and Will had been as close as those birds ever since they were young teens and then he had left. How, in a short period of time, two years, had things changed?

The gentle breeze whipped around her, brushing her hair into her face. How long could she bear this awful dread in her heart? How long could she see Will and long to be the one he held most dear? Beth had been mulling over an idea in her head all week. She was now nearly finished with all her classes. Next week would be her graduation and there would be no reason to stay at college but to be near Will. Beth began to wonder if she should go back home to stay until she found her livelihood.

She could not stand to think of being separated from his cheerful presence, but what other alternative did she have? He had asked her out to dinner again tonight and would soon pick her up. She stood and hurried back down the path to get ready for the appointment.

Gaby swung around the door to ask if she was going out with Will that night when Beth got home. "Yes. We are just going to grab something to eat." "Right...." "Gaby, don't you have a pan of hamburger on the stove?" Her roommate's eyes widened as she ran from the room and returned to the kitchen. Beth sniffed and saw a hint of smoke coming from their small kitchen and laughed quietly to herself; Gaby was always burning something or adding too much of one ingredient and forgetting another.

Will came to pick her up about seven o'clock that evening and they ate at an Italian restaurant. He suggested they go on a walk and she agreed. He stopped the car a short distance from her apartment and started walking in the direction of Beth's favorite spot. As they came up to the dirt trail Beth smiled, "I was just here a few hours ago."

"Well then, I hope you don't mind going again."

"Oh no, it's actually my favorite place to be."

His eyebrows rose slightly and his mouth turned into a pleased smile. Beth felt warmth as his hand slipped so naturally into her own. It meant much to her, but she knew it was only a brotherly gesture, something that Daniel would do.

They walked in silence until they came to the pond and there Beth sat down on her stump. Will joined her, settling cross-legged on the grass next to the stump. He looked out at the water and Beth studied his profile but had to look away soon after she had begun. Her heart had suddenly panged with longing and it hurt, filling pain through her chest to see his perfectly handsome features.

"Will, I have something to tell you. I've made the decision to return home in three weeks. You know that my graduation is next Wednesday. I plan on taking two extra weeks to pack and say goodbye to everyone. There is nothing else left for me to do. I called Mom and she was so happy that I heard a "Yeeessss!!!" on the other line." She watched carefully for his reaction. Disappointment registered, he showed no emotion, just continued looking out at the water.

"I think it would be best. Grandma is aging fast. They need another person to take care of her and my help would be greatly appreciated. She is still sweet Grandma, Mom tells me, but she is losing her sense of the present. Mom says she sits in her living room with a tea set of apple juice and has "tea" with your aunt Cindy. Though we told her Cindy is no longer with us, she does not understand. It hurts me to hear how she has deteriorated but I want to be with her."

Will finally turned and spoke huskily, "You are a good woman, Beth. Not many young adults, with their own lives ahead of them, would care so much. You are a treasure." Beth smiled; she was glad to hear the familiar tone in his voice.

He looked out at the water again for a minute or two. Then suddenly he rose up half way, on his knees. Beth, startled, started to ask if there was something wrong but he silenced her and spoke. His look hinted timidity and a little silliness as he grabbed her hand. "I have tried in vain, but it will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

"Will, don't tease me like that. And it is "In vain I have struggled," not "I have tried in vain,"

He pressed her hand a little tighter and smiled wider. "Thank you for the correction, but I'm serious Beth. I've been reluctant to ask you this, but now there is no hesitation, I can not bear to be quiet any longer."

Beth wondered what on earth he was talking about. He looked straight in her eyes and she held that gaze, questioning him with it.

"Beth, I may not have always been the best friend to you..."

She jumped in defense of him from himself. "No, Will, you've been the dearest, most true friend I could ever have. You've been loyal, kind, generous, and you never..."

Will took the opportunity to surprise her with a short kiss. Now even more startled, she looked at him with wide eyes. "You darling little thing, Beth, you won't let me finish. I'm asking you to be my wife, sweetheart."

She looked down at her lap, barely daring to believe that he meant it. But the girl he spoke of ... What of her?

"Will, how long have you loved me?"

He moved closer and kissed her cheek softly. "I guess it was after two weeks of walking to school with you. But I did not realize how very much you meant to me until I left. It was hard to keep my mind on my work, you know." So, there was no other, Beth thought. She had been the "wonderful girl" he had spoken of all along. Her heart leapt inside her and she wrapped her arms around Will. They held one another close for a few minutes. "I love you, more than anything else, Beth. You are my dearest, loveliest Beth."

"Oh, Will, you have no idea how long I've wanted you to say this to me." she softly cried into his collar.

He whispered, "Will you marry me?"

Beth, with happy tears in her eyes and throat replied with the pleasant answer, "I will be yours forever." He rose, pulling her with him and swung her around. They stood still after, comfortably resting in each other's arms. The two friends, who had waited so long for the proper time to reveal their love, would now be as they should, together forever.

Beth pulled back from his embrace reluctantly. "What about my grandma? If I marry you, my plans will be changed."

"This works out more perfectly than you think. I still have one more year at this college. During that year, as much as it pains me to be apart from you, you'll be able to go home and spend time with your family. I promise I'll visit often as I'm able." he added after her despondent expression. "I will be able to transfer to the community college back home and we can settle there until I finish my degree. How does that sound?"

"Good," she murmured into his shoulder, "except for the part about us being separated."

"I agree."

Chapter Fourteen

Posted on Thursday, 5 May 2005

Over the next three weeks, Beth and Will spent every extra hour together, making dreams for the future, plans for the wedding. When Beth came back to the apartment, Gaby was sitting on the couch watching an old movie and eating popcorn. She looked expectantly at Beth's radiant face. "Well?"

"Well what, Gaby?"

"Are you engaged?"

Beth bounced down onto the couch next to her. "How did you know?"

Gaby's eyes twinkled with merriment. "When he called and asked me if I knew where you're favorite romantic spot was, I just put two and two together." They laughed, hugged, and cried together.

Next, Beth called her family to tell them the wonderful news. They were almost more exuberant than she when she announced Will would be her husband. On speaker phone she heard them all talk at once. "I would have no other young man. Will is a great person." was her father's remark. Her younger sisters cheered and shouted. Her mother only said how happy she was and sobbed.

Beth then called Daniel, who had married the previous year and moved to Arizona. "Well, little sister, I'll admit I always thought it would come to this. Will's a great guy and I'd be proud to call him my brother."

Beth parted tearfully the next weekend, her fiancé promising to visit during Christmas break and to call every few days. The separation was hard, but it gave them both time to think and prepare. The usual preparations were made for the wedding that year. Beth, her mother, and even her grandmother worked on the beautiful, yet simple white wedding dress, sewing diligently until it was finished, two months before Beth's wedding. Beth dug deep through her closet and found the minty green dress Grandma had made nearly eight years earlier. It was still in perfect condition, having been handled with the greatest of care. Beth decided to wear it at her reception as a tribute to her grandmother.

She went over to tell her grandma the next afternoon. The old woman, now hunched over a little, opened the door and immediately grinned and hugged her eldest granddaughter as she always had. Beth sat down and after asking how she was, pulled out the dress from its cover. The older woman gasped and touched the dress carefully as a little girl would touch a precious doll. "What is this, Bethy? I seem to remember it from somewhere."

"It's the Regency dress you made for me when I was fifteen. Do you remember that?"

"Yes, a little. What are you going to do with it? You could sell it. It could make a lot of money." she said looking it up and down like it was a steer and she was a livestock buyer.

Beth laughed and squeezed her hand. "No, I'll never sell it. I'm going to wear it at my wedding reception. It still fits me and I'll barely need to make any changes to it."

Grandma Frainer looked up at her with amazed eyes, her childlike brain still working hard to keep up. "You'd do that for something so special?" Beth nodded and took the little woman in her arms. "I love you, Bethy."

Tightness in Beth's throat made it hard to speak, "I love you too, Grandma."

Three days later, her mother came from a visit to her grandmother. Beth saw deep furrowed lines of sadness and tears spilled over her mom's cheeks and Beth knew in that instance that Grandma was no longer alive. Grief struck the family and neighbors in the community. Will flew down as soon as he could and arrived at the Anderson's door the day before the funeral. Beth was the one to open it and when she saw him she fell into his comforting embrace. Will simply held her and stroked her hair as she sobbed against his coat. Having him near her during one of the most trying times of Beth's life was a great blessing.

Though Will offered to postpone the wedding, since the family was mourning, Beth did not want to wait. The wedding continued on in November as planned and everything turned out perfectly. Will transferred his grades to the community college and Beth found a part-time job as an English substitute teacher at Rainwood High School, the very one she and Will had gone to.

Three years had gone by since the beginning of their marriage. They lived in a nice little house on the other side of town, a comfortable distance from their parents. Beth had just finished at a doctor's appointment and called Will to tell him she'd meet him for lunch. They did this often, so it was no surprise to her husband. But he was in for a surprise.

She walked into his office building and entered the cafeteria. Will signaled her to their table and gave her a kiss. "How are you, sweetheart?"

"Fine, right now." she replied sweetly.

"Did you have to work today?"

"No, remember I had a doctor's appointment."

"Oops, it slipped my mind. Everything go well?"

"Yes, the baby and I are in perfect shape."

"Oh, that's ... what!!!!" he exclaimed as she nodded and grinned.

"We are going to be parents."

"Woo hoo!" he shouted as he took her in a crushing hug. Everyone in the room looked their way in puzzlement; some snickered until Will said something loudly about the baby. Many smiled and returned back to their meals. Others watched the happy couple knowingly.

That evening they went baby accessories shopping. It was such fun to look and speculate over the many odds and ends that a baby requires. Will and Beth felt the magical feeling of parenthood beginning to spread throughout their actions. Now they took extra care of themselves so that the new little person would have strong healthy parents on whom it could depend for everything. Of course the Andersons and Southwicks were thrilled and showered them with baby presents. The couple received everything from baby Afghans to picture books. Soon they so much baby stuff that there was hardly any room for the crib in the nursery, the newly converted den. Now all there was to do was wait.

Chapter Fifteen

Posted on Monday, 9 May 2005

Beth ran an old washcloth over the kitchen counter and cleaned up the mess Will had left. He had been in a rush and had accidentally spilled some milk. He had noticed it, but he had not time to clean it himself. Sighing heavily, she wrung the cloth out into the sink and trudged down the stairs to the laundry room. The basement was cool and refreshing compared to the higher part of the house. After tossing the rag into a hamper, she gave in to the temptation that arose. She backed down gently onto the couch and set her feet up on the small coffee table in front.

The past eight months had been much harder than Beth had imagined. The morning sickness, the constant strain she had when doing simple tasks, and the tiredness that was ever present were all a part of some miracle, she knew. But it was extremely hard for her to believe it would ever stop. It had seemed like she had these ailments for a lifetime. Beth did not complain or worry about her crooked leg much anymore. Will, through his devoted love, had taught her that the perfect body is not what a person should desire, but a perfect heart and mind are. She knew that she had continued to blossom under his sweet tenderness and since their marriage, her past experiences almost never caused her regret or pain.

She very reluctantly and very clumsily got up from her seat and climbed upstairs again. By the time she reached the top, Beth's breathing was heavy and labored. She stood against the wall for support until it had regulated somewhat. Though she couldn't stomach food right now, some juice sounded just right. The fridge held no juice and she found to her dismay that they were also out of butter and apples. Knowing what she had to do, Beth gave a great sigh and somehow got her shoes on, grabbed purse and keys, and started the car to go to the store.

While shopping down the frozen foods aisle, Beth stopped abruptly as a pain hit her middle. Alarmed, she stood still to see if it would reoccur. It did and now she began to panic. The baby was not due for another month yet. A man passing down the aisle noticed her contorted expression and asked if she was all right. She quickly told him her situation and the man helped her to the front of the store where Will was reached on phone at work.

Beth worried as the pains came faster and faster, she knew this was not normal. The man, who had already been so kind, offered to take her to the hospital immediately, and she did not protest. Her husband would simply have to meet her there. On entering the emergency room, they, seeing her condition, quickly admitted her and rushed her up to the Maternity Ward.

For the second time in her life, she saw the furrowed brow of a doctor, telling her the gravity of her situation. Beth had a feeling, a strange feeling that the baby would not wait for its due date, no matter what the doctors did. She began to panic as they wheeled her to her room; Will was not there to help her through this. Her worries about proceeding alone were stopped as she saw him striding quickly down the hall towards her.

The attendants settled her bed in place as he took her hand, holding it tightly, and kissed her forehead. He spoke with a calm measured voice, but she saw the look of anxiety in his eyes. "Hello, honey. Everything's going to be okay. We'll be fine." She nodded and tried not to flinch as the pains continued. This baby was waiting no longer.

She went into full labor. The entire time she wavered between the room around her and the clouded world of pain. Beth now felt as if this could not be worth it. All those months of plaguing ailments had been nothing compared to this. She wanted to stop, back out, but there was no way. She had no choice but to do what the doctors told her.

Eight hours later, Beth began to breathe less roughly and her body began to calm down a little. Beside her was Will, sitting as closely as he could with the huge metal bed in the way. She smiled to see the looks of love and wonder he showed as he stared at their new family member. The baby, though prematurely delivered, had hardly any complications. Her little lungs were weak but the doctor promised that the little one would soon be strong with the proper care.

Beth loved the feeling of the teeny babe nestled in her arms. She was of course smaller than most, barely six pounds. Her size seemed to suit her, because the baby had a sweet spirit of softness and timidity about her. Beth, knowing all that she had gone through, was immeasurably pleased that the baby was almost completely healthy. Her perfect little eyes were closed in sleep, fists curled tightly. They had been sent a special piece of heaven.

"Honey, would you like to hold her? I don't think she'll wake if we're careful."

Will ever so carefully lifted the baby from her arms and settled her in his own. He gazed in reverence at the little sleeping form and spoke quietly, "Good work, sweetheart, she's beautiful. I was not sure if you would both pull through, but you did and it was worth it."

Beth nodded. "What should we name her?"

He smiled. "I think you already know. She's our little angel, Elizabeth Edna Southwick." Little Elizabeth opened her eyes after receiving a tender kiss against her soft curly hair from her father.

Thirteen years had certainly made a difference in Beth Southwick. Beth did not have the unwavering energy, nicely slim form, or time for herself as she had as single girl and newlywed. That didn't matter, what mattered was right in front of her. Her husband, whose black hair now showed threads of grey at the temples, sat reading a story to their two youngest children, Hansen and Anne. Her ten-year-old twins, Alex and Rebecca played quietly together with their new puzzles that were received as a Christmas gift. Her oldest, Elizabeth, was the only one missing from the peaceful family setting.

Beth sat back, content to watch all in their various activities. She loved to watch her husband and children in the evenings when family unity was felt the greatest. Though life had not always been a fairy tale, she thought they'd done pretty well with what they had been given. Her children had grown more and more with each passing year. They were all bright and firmly established in their convictions and feelings. She heard nothing but praise from their teachers at school, at church, and from all who associated with them. Nothing could please a mother more than to know that her children were growing in the ways of correctness and learning good principles.

Her thoughts were scattered as her teenage daughter came into the room. Beth smiled; Elizabeth was getting so tall and beautiful. Her features, though not extraordinary, were already beginning to show a rare type of beauty. It was more than skin deep too. Elizabeth seemed much like her mother in temperament and character. She was sweet, courteous, and she loved to be of use. Now she came in with a rectangular-shaped object in hand.

"Mom, what is this book? I've heard you and Dad talk of it before but until now I did not wonder what it was."

Beth received a flashing scene from the past in her mind. Many years earlier a girl had asked the same question, holding the same old worn book. Beth since then had spoken to some old family relatives and traced the book back to the original printing. It had been handed down from her fifth great-aunt, generation to generation and it now rested in her daughter's hands. She smiled knowingly as she replied, "It's Pride and Prejudice, dear."

The End