day 12, yes I know a day late. but it is what I worte yesterday

Chapter 3

Introduction to the Wider World.

Sara gave up pretended to sleep at four that it was late enough to finish up the hand pies that she hoped to keep warm until they were ate. She made her way to the girls bathroom and took her shower. The chill water making sure she did not linger. Then got dressed and picked up her bags, the one was her school bag, the other the case Grandfather had given her for clothes, and headed down to the kitchen.  She knew there was way to many pies for just her and Abiram’s needs, but maybe some of the others would want some, and most of them had been fruit that would keep. These lat few had meat in them though, and she just hoped they tasted all right.  The lunch ones where a mix of vegetables and meat, with a touch of gravy, some had cheese in them as well, those were well know recipes, but ones that were basically an omelet in bread worried her. It was an odd idea, something sparked by a food in Grandpas book. The pies them selves might be why her mother wasn’t talking. It was a bit to flavorful for Holly day meals, but being on a bus they needed something easy to eat, and hand pies were that. Plus the fruit needed to be used, some had to be thrown out as it had been frozen to long. Her father had said nothing, not even when she took a bunch of the fruit ones around to the neighbors.

The pies done, packed, and the mess from them cleaned up she looked for something to do. Breakfast could not be made this early, but Abiram might like some before they left. So she took out a small pain and set about fixing him some oatmeal. She heard her mother come in, but waited for her to speak. When she heard Abiram’s foot steps on the stairs she started the toast.

Her mother said. “You should eat to. It will be a long ride.”

Sara said. “I have packed food for the bus, I can’t stand the thought of eating right now. But thought Abiram might want something.”

Eidath said. “That is like you. I hope the world doesn’t take that thoughtfulness from you. I would tell you to remember who you are, but it would do no good. Go take the test and find your way. I wish I had of done better with you.”

Sara said. “I didn’t go looking for this Ma’m. I have no idea how it came to be. I never. I just wanted to do a graduation project.”

Eidath turned, as Abiram’s steps stopped. “Sara has breakfast ready for you.” She left the room.

Abiram said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, and thank you sis. Did you eat?”

Sara said. “No, I can’t right now, but I have packed some food for latter.”

He said. “Don’t let her up set you so much, she will be all right when we get back. She is just afraid for you.”

“I wish I could believe that, but just is going to change so much. No matter what happens. They will publish the average grade that got and the number of those who passed. Everyone has there idea of how many of the boys will pass, if more than expected do they will be certain some of the girls did. That is why mother is so upset with me. It is not rather or not I pass the tests but what people think I do, or did.”

Abiram looked at her, really looked. Seeing not the kid sister that had tagged along with him all these years, but the young lady she was turning into, and it startled him to realize how little he knew her.  “I never stopped to think about it. I never thought about how it would affect you and the others.  Pass the tests, they are going to judge on it regardless, so forget holding back. Stop hiding. See how it feels. If you don’t like it well at least you know, and if you do. Well then you know.”

Sara said. “That is what Grandpa has been saying as well. But I am. I want to know what it is like, but yet I don’t.”

Abiram finished his food. “I know just what you mean. What happens if I don’t study generators, if I find something I like and go after it instead? What if I find I like life in the city? Being able to look at a women and have her look back. You are not alone in trying to come to terms with the opportunities we have suddenly been given. But it is a bit more for you and the other girls, for at least we knew we would take the tests. Come on it is time to meet dad at the door. I wish I had answers, but all I can do is tell you if you need to talk it over I will listen.”

Sara said. “That will help, and you know you can talk to me as well. You should at least look into broadcasting devilment. I think you will regret it if you don’t at least look. Take a class or to. Even if you don’t go that way you can still dabble. Like dad and his medical journals.”  She handed him one of the lunch pails she had filled, took the other and then got the bags waiting by the door. He picked up his and the head to the front door.

Mother was waiting there to. “I hope you have enough food there. It is a long trip.”

Iassc said. “Stop fussing, the buss will be making stops along the way. I am sure they will find more if they run out. It is not like they will be all day on the road. They should be at the hotel in time for a late supper. The road to Bixter gets regular service, so the busses will have little difficulty.” It would have been more convincing if he had of sounded like he believed it. “They kids will be fine, and will be back in no time.”

Eidath didn’t look at Sara, but reached out and gave Abriam a hug. “Take care and make us proud son.  Show those big city guys what a real education looks like.” She stepped back and this time looked at them both. “Remember what you have been taught. Stay to the light.”

Sara said. “Always Mom. May the light lead us and guide our steps where ever we go.”

A cloud passed over her mothers eyes, but she said. “I know you will both do us proud. I will see you in a week.” She left and they headed off.

For a bit they walked in silence, then the bus came into sight. Iassc stopped. “Look I know there is going to be a lot temping both of you this week. I know the kids I have raised and I know you both know what is right. Don’t let your heads get turned.” He handed an envelope to Abriam. “Now we need to get over there they are starting to get on the bus.  The bus will be picking up more kids in Hamer. Likely the seats will be mixed at that point. Abriam, I expect you to help your sister. She is going to be lost. Sara, Zac is going as well, so if your brother is busy you can go to him. The Lester girl is the only one you will know, and she is likely to be more lost than you. I don’t think she ever went to a market day in Hammer even, and has no male relative to turn to.”

Sara said. “I will do what I can to help her sir.”

One of the leader came over, Sara dropped a curtsies and kept her eyes lowed, as was only right when in the company of a male unrelated to her. The man said. “All right, just one more lad now. Here you go, kids. I know you will represent us well. Make the town proud and show them that our education system can teach them city guys a few things. Now Sara dear, you act just like you do with the high school teachers. For the length of the trip everyone is a teacher, and to be answered. I am sure you will be fine. You are strong, good hearted lass. Here is your cash for the trip, and no one will care if you buy a few fancy things as reminders, as well as those history books. If you do find two copies of Comptain’s work, bring one back for the library as well. You are not the only lady who has asked why it was missing.”

Sara blushed, both that he knew her name and had heard her that day. “Yes sir, thank you sir. “ She took the envelope he was offering and just about dropped it, due to how thick it was. Just how much had they given her? She slipped it into her bag, hoping that ere was a reason other than the amount it felt heavy.

He said. “Go where the light takes you child.”

Sara blinked, that was an odd way to say it. “May the light ever guide our path.” She answered automatically, but he was already moving away.

Her father said. “The bus won’t wait much longer. See you both in a week. Go with the light.” He turned and left, not waiting for the reply any more than the leader had.

Abriam said softly. “That was odd. Well come on, I think we are the last to get on.”

The got on the bus and found a seat. Knowing they were going to be adding kids in Hammer Sara took the empty place next to Rebecca, thinking how horrified she would be if a boy happened to sit there.

Rebecca looked at her. “I should have known you would be here. Bet you asked for it! taking an unnecessary year of school. This has to be right up your ally.”

Sara said. “I asked for this no more than you did. I do not want this. I was content with the project.  I do not know what caused this or how we came to be here! I asked for this year because I hate the fact that I am a year behind where” She took a breath. “Look we are both, likely all, scared and upset by this. But we should not let it make us rude. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have responded like that. But you are not the only one to point a finger at me, but you I could yell back to. I am sorry. I know you, unlike me, had no reason to go to markets. I don’t mean to be offensive but where cash isn’t used much in town have you used it before? Would you like some help with it now before there are outsides around?”

Rebecca said. “My Father saw that I knew all I needed to. Honestly what a travesty. I can’t imagine having any need of it.”

Sara said. “You might find some nice fabric for a quilt. Bixter gets more trade wagons in so will have wider verity.”

Rebecca sniffed. “And how much untainted? No thank you, I think not.” Sara gave up, set back in the seat and opened her bag taking out a book. “A book really, and a history at that. You really are going to keep working on that paper. What’s the point now? Don’t you have something more appropriate you could be doing?”

Sara said. “I happen to like history, so yes I am going to finish the paper, even tough it is not necessary. I do have my embroidery with me, but there is no way I can work on it in this light. Maybe when the sun gets higher.” Rebecca shook her head and took her sewing out of her bag.