It was a brisk fall day as the cab turned and made its way down the long winding driveway toward the massive Tudor at the end. Meghan was making her way toward the Mitchem home. Home. Somehow this place never lived up to the word home. Home was a place of joy and laughter, of happy times with family and friends. The Mitchem home was a place of horrors for her as a child. A place that only held memories of sadness, fear, and looming death.

Meghan was the only child of Thomas Mitchem, the youngest son of Adam Mitchem and Lucille O'Toole Mitchem. The Mitchem family had been in the area since great, great grandfather Adam had come to America from County Cork, Ireland, where he had lived on a small farm with his mother.

Adam was an ambitious young man; he saw that there was no future in his small town and heard so many stories about this new land America. There was no future in working their land. Ireland was facing a famine and so many had already perished. In America, a man with a dream could become rich. Rich enough to send for his mother in time to join him. And so, Adam bid goodbye to his mother and, three weeks later, boarded the next ship to America. He had helped his mother sell the property and had arranged for her to move in with his aunt in town so she wouldn't be alone. It would only be for a short while, he promised her, then she could join him in America.

It was six months later when, as Adam stood on the deck of the Victory, he saw what his new home and the beginning of his dream looked like. His first thought when he stepped onto solid ground was that he had to find a job. He had always loved the sea, ever since he was a young boy, and hoped that somehow, he would be able to get work on a ship. One could say that he came by this love naturally. His father worked on ships, and though he loved his darling Eileen, he just wasn't cut out for farming, and she understood that. She always said her Sean had two mistresses, her and the sea. The lure of the sea was in his blood, a lure that led him to take that last trip. The trip in which he and the ship went down in a storm, leaving Eileen and young Adam just the farm.

Adam was lucky to be offered a job by an Irishman named Patty McConnell. Patty had come to America years before, from Ireland as well; he had also heard tales of a better life in America. He took his wife and three young daughters, just wee lasses at the time, and headed for a better life. And a better life he found. He soon was working for a shipping firm. He had found his pot of gold, as the Irish say. When Patty met Adam, he could see that Adam was a hard worker, one he could use on his ships, but he also knew that his twenty-year-old daughter, Kathleen, was the only one left home and needed a husband. And, like any concerned father, Patty thought it was time she married. With Adam he would gain not only a fine son-in-law and husband for his daughter but also a hard worker for his business. Someone to keep things going after he passed. Kathleen had no trouble agreeing since she had seen Adam around the docks and had confessed to her older sister Margaret that he was pleasing to the eye.

And so, after three years of courting, Adam Mitchem married Kathleen McConnell in Saint Mary's church not far from the McConnell home. As a wedding gift, Patty bought the newlyweds a corner property on the main street for them to build a home and raise a family on. Two years later, twin boys, Adam and Patrick, were born, and the following year, the final touches were placed on the Tudor. It was massive, with six bedrooms. For the first time in their married lives, they had their own home, not a room in the family home with Patty and his wife. It had sprawling lawns and a one-hundred-foot driveway that led up to the house, which was lined with pine trees. When Adam was asked why pine trees, he smiled and said they remained green all year long and his Kathleen liked the smell. Adam wanted to give his wife a home she would be proud of, and with Meadow Leigh, as she named it, she was. Kathleen Mitchem never regretted obeying her father's wishes and marrying the young Irishman. He was a good and caring husband who made sure she never lacked anything. He was devoted to her and their children. As the years passed two more children were added, Sarah and Timothy.

It was Adam, the eldest, who inherited both his grandfather's as well as his father's love of the sea and carried on the family business when both his grandfather and father had passed on. The years went by, the family moved on, and the younger members of the family moved, making their way up Main Street and finally to Wall Street and the banking industry. Today the Mitchem family had a lucrative business on Wall Street as well as owned one of the banks. They also still had the original shipping line on the docks. Adam and Kathleen had passed on years ago, but the main house still remained in the family. It was there that young Adam, oldest of Adam and Kathleen's twin sons, lived with his wife Lucille and their children Ian, John, Ryan, Sarah, and Thomas.

With each generation the house grew in size, and now it had four separate apartments to accommodate the growing children and their families. After a few years, the only ones who remained were Sarah and Thomas. Adam and his wife remained in the original section. The others moved closer to town. It was in the original house that Meghan's parents lived. There was never the great family comradery that one expected in a large Irish clan like the Mitchems. Over the years the McConnell's also became more distant, since Kathleen's sisters had moved on, and the families grew apart. This was mainly because Kathleen's brother-in-law disliked Patty. They said he was uneducated and crude, though they never would've said it when Patty was alive. With his passing, they stopped speaking to him, and the wives on that side of the family also refused to speak to Kathleen. Meghan was also looked upon as an outsider, more like a servant than a grandchild. It was no secret that the family had never really accepted Meghan's mother. According to grandmama Lucille, her son had married below his class, even though Roisin was as Irish as the others. Both her parents were born in Ireland, yet to Lucille she lacked the poise, status, and culture she wanted for her son. Adam, on the other hand, found the young girl to be a breath of fresh air, and in his eyes, she was every sense of the word lady. He even told others in the family this on more than one occasion. It was Adam who reminded his wife that she herself was not a debutant when he had met her either. Her father had worked in the general store as a clerk, so there was no need to put on any airs with Roisin.

The cab stopped, and a familiar face came out the front door to greet her. "Miss Meghan, it's so good to see you."

She looked at the old man, still the same ol' Edward. He had always been so kind to her when she was growing up. He and his wife Martha were more like family to her than the Mitchems were.

"It's good to see you, Edward. Is Martha here?"

The smile disappeared from his face, "Miss Meghan, I'm so sorry, but my Martha passed on four days ago due to a heart attack."

She put her arms around him, "I'm so sorry, Edward, I didn't know… I…" She was sad to hear of her passing. Martha had become even more like a mother to her after her mother died in the accident. If she had only gotten back sooner, she could have at least been with Edward when she passed.

She went to pick up her suitcase, but Edward grabbed it, "Miss Meghan, you know you're a guest now, so I will take care of your luggage."

She nodded and let him carry it.

He led her up the steps and opened the door. The memories all came back to her. The endless steps lead up to the bedrooms. Hers was the last one at the end of the hall. It was the only bedroom without a fireplace, and in the winter, she often slept with her coat on. To the right was the hall leading to the parlor, as Grandmother Lucille called it. It just looked like a big room to Meghan. In simpler times the house had been filled with music and laughter. But it had only been for the others, not Meghan.

Thomas Mitchem was the youngest of the family, and Lucille dotted on him. There wasn't a day she didn't try to match him up with a lovely young girl from a fine family. She only wanted the best for her son. He was her golden child. Except Thomas had found his own lady and had married her without his parents' blessing. Roisin Colleen McDonald was the only daughter of Brian McDonald, who was a third-generation immigrant and took over his family's business as the town barber. At first Lucille wanted the marriage annulled, until both she and Adam became aware that Roisin was carrying Thomas's child. There was no way there was going to a bastard in the Mitchem family. It was simply not a matter for discussion. At Lucille's insistence the newlyweds, after a simple ceremony, moved into the main house and awaited the birth of their child. Thomas was given a desk job at the family bank, where he would spend most of his time while Roisin spent her days preparing for the birth of their child. As much as she tried (she made every effort) to be friendly with Thomas's siblings, they only ignored her. Thomas's sister Sarah was the worst; she made it known that she was not happy with her brother's choice of wife, voicing this opinion whenever she could. There were times she was even as hurtful as her mother.

Meghan Colleen Mitchem came into the world on a warm summer's evening. Along with her father, Edward and his wife, Martha, were there. They both had fallen in love with Roisin and had done all they could to make her life easier. They were the first to see the little one after she was born and were there when Thomas took his wife and daughter home. But home was more like a prison than a loving home. Roisin and Meghan were forced to eat in the kitchen, not in the main dining room with the family. Lucille and Sarah made sure any social event was not to include Roisin. Meghan was not to play with her cousins and was often teased by them.

When Meghan was ten, both her mother and her father were killed in an auto accident on their way home from a party.

For weeks Lucille was inconsolable, blaming everyone for her son's death, but the truth of the matter was it was an accident. And that was not the problem at hand. There was the matter of what to do with the girl. What was she to do with the child? It was obvious she didn't want the child around, yet she couldn't very well put her up for adoption. She was a reminder of her dead father and how he foolishly entered into a marriage with the wrong woman, who caused their passing, leaving her to raise this child. Never showing any form of love for the child, she left it up to Martha and Edward to raise her.

Of course, there was also the task of finding a suitable place to have Meghan educated. It needed to be somewhere where she would be away from the family but could also have a good education. An education that would ensure she could find a suitable job when she was of age, and not rely on the family for any help. Lucille had heard of a fine finishing school upstate that would not only educate her but also house her until she was eighteen. And so, after a brief mourning period, Lucille made the necessary arrangements for Meghan to be sent to the Emma Willard school for girls in upstate New York. Edward took her to the train, and someone from the school picked her up at the station in Troy, New York, where she would attend the school until she was eighteen. Only Martha stood at the front door with tears in her eyes to say goodbye to her. Lucille had chosen to remain in her room and not watch the child leave. Her only request was that when Meghan was gone, she was to be notified. With tears in her eyes, Martha hugged the girl and told her not to forget her and to write often.

As she boarded the train at the station, she looked back at Edward standing there with tears in his eyes. He and Martha had grown fond of the girl soon after she was born. They even asked Lucile if they could adopt her. But Lucille would not agree to it. The good Lord never blessed them with children of their own, so Roisin and Meghan were a special gift to them. As Martha said once, the good Lord placed them in the Mitchem home to give these two souls love. Love that no one else wanted to give them. Meghan raised her hand and waved goodbye to him, then slowly made her way into the train car.

It was evening when the train arrived at the station. As Meghan deboarded, she noticed an older gentleman standing on the platform. He smiled at her and slowly made his way toward her. "Miss Mitchem, I presume?"

"Yes, I'm Meghan Mitchem."

"I'm Joseph, the chauffeur. I will be taking you to the school."

Meghan smiled at the older man as they walked to get her suitcases. Once in the car he proceeded to tell her of the school and what would be expected of her. It was a short ride from the station to the school, and thirteen-year-old Meghan kept asking Joseph questions. Once they arrived, he opened the car door, and for the first time, Meghan saw her new home. The massive stone building looked more like a church than a school. Joseph escorted her through the hall to the office of the registrar, Emily Sanders.

Joseph announced her arrival, "Miss Meghan Mitchem, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Joseph, you may leave. Do place Miss Mitchem's luggage in her dorm room, Room 352."

Joseph nodded and, grabbing the suitcases, quietly left. Ms. Sanders looked up from her desk and focused her attention on Meghan.

"Well, Miss Mitchem. I see your grandmother has placed you here in our charge until you turn eighteen. It is stipulated that you spend all your time here until then. Am I to understand that you should not go home even for the holidays?"

Meghan looked at her and nodded, "It is what my grandmother wants."

Ms. Sanders looked at her, finding it hard to believe that any grandparent would not want her granddaughter with her. "Well, Miss Mitchem, let's get you settled in your new home." She placed her arm around Meghan as they headed out the door and to the elevator. She felt that she needed to make this young girl feel at home here.

"Your room is on the third floor, and you'll be sharing it with two other girls. I hope you don't mind?"

"No, not at all, I welcome the company."

A smile came to the woman's face, "wonderful."

They got off the elevator and passed by a row of dorm rooms until they arrived at 352.

Ms. Sanders smiled at her and knocked on the door, "Are you girls decent? Your new roommate is coming in," She opened the door and Meghan saw her roommates for the first time.

"Meghan Mitchem, this is Anna Gentry and Marilyn Harrison."

Both girls nodded and Meghan politely nodded back.

"Well, I'll just give you girls some time to get acquainted. Don't forget, supper is at 6:30 sharp."

With that, she headed out the door.

With her gone, Anna was the first to speak up, "So, what did you do to get sent here?"

Meghan looked at her, "What do you mean?"

It was Marilyn who spoke next, "Well, let's face it, girls only get sent here if they've done something wrong or their parents don't want them around. Mine was the second case. My parents wanted a baby, but then I grew up, and well, they wanted to be a young and free couple again, so it was off to finishing school for me."

Meghan looked and Anna, who nodded, "My parents decided I should have a formal education, not just the public school back home, so here I am."

They looked at Meghan, who told her story, "My parents were killed in a car crash three years ago, and my grandparents, well my grandmother, felt I'd be better off in a private school."

Anna looked at her, "Oh I see, they didn't want you around, too many memories, right?"

"No, my grandmother just doesn't want me around at all."

"What do you mean your grandmother doesn't want you?" Meghan looked at her.

"Well, you see, my father didn't have my grandmother's blessing when he married my mother. She never made me or my mother feel welcome in the family, and when they both died, she found a way to get me out of the house too."

Anna looked at her, then realized who she was, "You're Meghan Mitchem! Your family is the banking family. Why, you'd be able to go to any school you—"

"I'm just Thomas Mitchem's daughter. I'm more like the poor relative no one talks about. Just an unfortunate mishap, as my grandmother would say and has said many times."

"But you can't mean she doesn't even want you back home for the holidays? How could you live in a house that way?"

"Well, the servants, Edward and his wife Martha, were like family to me and my mom. They're the ones I will truly miss."

The girls went back to their books, and Meghan went to unpack her things. She placed the photo of her parents on the night table near her bed. It was the only photo she had of them. It was the day she was baptized. Edward had taken the photo as they came out of the church. They looked so happy; both her parents were smiling. They had smiled so little after that day.

Meghan did very well at school. Her grades were excellent, and she even tutored some of her classmates who were having problems with certain subjects. Even Ms. Sanders was pleased with her progress and how well she fit in with the other students. She sent reports on Meghan's progress each month to Lucille, who rarely looked at the notes and would toss them aside. Meghan always made sure she wrote to Martha and Edward each week just to let them know what she was doing, and of course, she mentioned how she missed them. In her second year at the school, she received a letter from Martha telling her that her grandfather had passed away. Seems he had a heart attack. Of course, no one else would think of getting her so she could attend the funeral, but Edward was willing to drive up to get her. Meghan went to the hall phone and promptly called Martha's private number.

On the third ring, she heard Martha's voice. "Martha, it's so good to hear your voice."

"Meghan? Is that you, dear? It's good to hear your voice too. Do you want Edward to come and get you?"

"No, Martha. Though I would love to see you, I really feel it's best if I stay away." There was hesitation on the other line, and Meghan knew there was also disappointment, but there was no reason for Meghan to go back. And so, Lucille Mitchem was laid to rest beside her husband with her children and grandchildren there, all except for one. It was Anna who suggested that Meghan spend Thanksgiving with her and her family. It was a change of setting and a chance to feel part of a family. The Gentry's modest but very nice home felt inviting to her, and Anna's parents were more than happy to have another person at their holiday table. Anna's brother was also there, home from West Point.

Mark Gentry was just about the handsomest boy Meghan had ever seen. He was well over six feet tall with black hair and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. They were almost transparent yet captivating.

Mark was also taken with this shy schoolmate of his sister and wanted to see more of her. But he had to go back to West Point the following day. However, he did manage to take up all her time while he was there. As they sat on the back porch, just enjoying the sunset, they spoke of many things, yet really spoke of nothing. How could someone talk so much with someone they hardly knew? Yet Mark found himself talking about his hopes, his dreams. He found he could spend hours talking to this young girl, and yet in the back of his mind, he realized that was what she was: a young girl. A fifteen-year-old teenager who, for the entire time he was there, captivated him with her smile. She was a girl he wouldn't forget. And this didn't go unnoticed by the others, especially by his sister Anna. She had come to think of Meghan not just as a classmate but also as a sister. They had a special bond, which continued to grow stronger. It was Mark, not his mother, who invited Meghan back for Christmas vacation. Though she liked the idea, she politely said she would see.

Later that evening, in the room she shared with Anna, her dorm mate questioned her. "Meghan, is there a reason why you don't want to come back here for Christmas? We'd love to have you; honestly, we would. Heck, Mark even invited you, and he never invites anyone."

Meghan had to admit she didn't have anywhere else to go but…

"I'll think about it, Anna, I promise, and I'll let you know." Meghan really wasn't sure if she wanted to go or not, but she did know that she had enjoyed being with Mark. Maybe a bit more than she wanted to admit, even to herself.

~*~

Christmas break was approaching, and Meghan knew Anna was waiting for her answer. She had made up her mind, and even though she longed to have a family holiday, she still had her doubts and had decided to decline the invitation and stay at school. The week was filled with parents coming to take their daughters home for the Christmas holiday, and as they left, Meghan watched from her bedroom window. Anna was disappointed, but she promised to call her on Christmas day to wish her and her family a Merry Christmas. There was a sense of peace and quiet with the dorm rooms nearly empty. Except for four girls and Meghan, the school was literary empty.

As she gazed out her window, she saw a single car in the driveway. With everyone gone, she wondered who it was. A young man got out of the car and ran to the front door. She heard the knocking on the door and headed down in the elevator to see Ms. Sanders answering the door. To her surprise, it was Mark Gentry. She knew she had to get to them as soon as she could to find out what he wanted. He explained that he had come to take Meghan to his parents' home for the Christmas holiday. Ms. Sanders was about to tell him that Meghan had made arrangements to stay at the school.

Mark continued to explain, "Two days ago, my mother took a bad fall, and my sister called Meghan this morning to ask if she could help with the holiday dinner."

Meghan looked at him, walked over to him, and placed her arm in Mark's before saying she had been waiting for his arrival.

He smiled at her and continued talking. He looked at Ms. Sanders, "I was on my way, and I decided to stop and pick up Megs here. Saving her the walk to the train and all."

Ms. Sanders looked at Mark, then at Meghan; he seemed to be honest, but she still needed to call the Gentry home to be sure. "Would you two please wait in the parlor while I call the Gentrys and confirm this story?"

As they walked into the room, Mark whispered to Meghan, "Don't worry, Anna will answer the phone and agree with whatever Sanders says."

Meghan looked at him, "Are you two crazy? We could both get kicked out of school."

He looked at her and smiled, "Don't worry, leave everything to us."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

He looked at her, "Look at you, you came down the hall like you were expecting me and put your arm in mine."

She tried to pull away, but he stopped her, taking her hand in his, "Now you just keep your hand in mine, Megs. I kind of like it there, and you didn't seem to mind it a while ago when you held my arm."

She looked at him, "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

He smiled and nodded his head. "Well, I must admit, when Anna called me and said you weren't coming, I was a little disappointed. I mean, I thought we had a good time last time you were there."

"Oh, I did, I just…' She looked into those eyes of his, so blue they almost looked like crystals of ice peeking through his black hair. A little voice came into her head and said, "Stop it, girl, he's not interested in you. He's only nice to you cause you're his sister's friend. Come on, stop looking at him like that."

Mark smiled at her and kept thinking that she was a pretty girl, then reminding himself she was only 15. Some time passed before Ms. Sanders returned.

Too much time, Meghan thought while Mark thought, not enough time, but he still had the ride back home. "Well, Meghan, it seems Mrs. Gentry did indeed break her arm, and she told me that Anna needs help with the holiday cooking, so you will be going to the Gentry's home with this young gentleman." Mark, still holding Meghan's hand, gave it a gentle squeeze.

Ms. Sanders looked at Mark, "I trust you will get Miss Mitchem there safely?"

Mark looked at her, "Yes ma'am, I will."

Ms. Sanders looked at Meghan, "Well, my dear, you best go up and get your things. Mr. Gentry will remain down here until you return."

Meghan nodded, and suddenly Mark released her hand so she could leave.

He turned as she left and walked over to the chair to sit down. Ms. Sanders smiled before she, too, left the room.

Once inside the elevator, Meghan was able to regain her composure. How could she have thought up such a lie? What was she thinking? And what was Anna thinking to send her brother here? She got off the elevator, rushed to her room, and started to pack her suitcase. She had no idea what she would wear, only that she had to get back downstairs before Ms. Sanders got suspicious. She looked at her parents' photo and quickly put it in her suitcase. With one last look around, she was out of the room. She rushed to the elevator and prayed she would be able to get out the door and into the car without fainting. She got off the elevator and saw Mark standing at the door of the parlor waiting for her. She made her way to him, and as she got to him, she handed him her suitcase so he wouldn't be able to take her hand.

As they reached the door, Ms. Sanders came into the hallway, "I trust you will be careful on the road, Mr. Gentry? And do tell your mother I hope her laryngitis is better. I could hardly hear her talk."

Mark looked at her, "I will, Ms. Sanders, and you have a Merry Christmas."

The older woman smiled, touched by the young man's words and thoughtfulness in wishing her a happy holiday. He opened the door for Meghan and followed her out. They rushed to the car, and Mark opened the door as she got in. He proceeded to place her suitcase in the back seat, then entered on the driver's side.

As they drive off, Meghan punched his arm.

"Hey, what was that for?"

Meghan smiled, "That was for coming here. I told your sister I was staying on campus. And it was for calling me Megs."

He smiled at her; he had to admit, she was a pretty one when she got mad, such a fiery temper. "Come on, you know you would rather stay with Anna and not in some dark dorm room."

"I wouldn't mind, and it's not dark!"

He started to laugh. "Megs, you're a wild one, but one day you'll change your ways. Someday a man will come along and catch your eye."

She looked at him. "That's one day you won't see, Mr. Gentry,"

He looked at her and shook his head. Yep, she sure was going to be a beauty in a few years.

That was the last time she saw Mark. The following June he graduated from West Point and headed for Harvard Medical School. It would be quite a few years before their paths crossed again.

~*~

Two more years had passed, and it was time to say goodbye to the Willard school and the friends she had made there. Anna and Marilyn had become as close as sisters to her, and saying goodbye to them wouldn't be easy. The families had begun to gather on the grounds since the weather had decided to turn favorable for the commencement, which was to be held outdoors. The side lawn was set up with chairs and a podium, and the girls were busily getting ready. They had been practicing all week. Marilyn was extremely excited that her fiancé was able to attend along with her parents. They planned to marry in the fall of next year. Of course, both girls were invited. Anna was a bit disappointed that her brother couldn't be there, but he had promised a friend he would take his place that weekend at his daughter's graduation. He knew Anna would understand and know that he really wanted to be there for her and Meghan.

It was early that afternoon that there was a knock on the dorm room door. Marylin answered it and was promptly handed two bouquets of roses.

"Miss Annie Gentry?'

Marilyn looked at the young man. "No, but I can give them to her. She's right over there."

Anna gave him a smile and a wave.

The young man nodded and then looked at Marilyn, "And you would be Miss Mitchem?"

"Wrong again," she pointed to Meghan walking across the room. "That's Miss Mitchem." She smiled at him.

The young man was convinced he was in the correct dorm and had Marilyn sign the ticket before turning to leave.

Anna was the first to reach her. "Flowers! Oh, aren't they beautiful? Meghan, look at these roses, they're just…."

Marilyn handed her the other bouquet of yellow roses and noticed a card attached; she opened it and read, "To my favorite wild one. Love you, Megs. Mark."

Anna looked over to her and saw the tears in her eyes. "Is everything alright?"

She wiped her eyes and looked at Anna, "Yeah, it's just the roses. They're a sweet gesture."

Anna looked at her, "Meghan, isn't yellow your favorite color for roses?"

She was about to answer when there was another knock on the door. This time Anna answered.

An older man smiled at her but then looked right at Meghan. "Miss Mitchem, this is for you." He handed her a small box and smiled. "May I say, Miss Meghan, the photo does not do you justice." With that, he turned and left the room.

Anna rushed over to her. "Well, come on, Meghan, open it!"

Slowly she unwrapped the box as the two other girls waited in anticipation. Removing the box from the package, Meghan opened it and held up a locket.

Anna grabbed it. It opened up and revealed the photo she took of Meghan and Mark at Christmas two years ago. "Oh, Meghan, he said he had something special, but I never thought…"

She handed the locket to her, and Meghan looked at the photo and remembered the day the picture had been taken. It was such a special day, and for the first time in a long time, Meghan felt like she had a family. But that had been three years ago. And yet that photo brought back all those memories of that weekend and of Mark.

She had to admit, he was handsome, so very handsome. But he also had his own plans, and they didn't include a classmate of his sister.

"Oh Meghan, I know he would be here if he could."

"I know. After all, it's your graduation too."

Anna looked at her and smiled, "But it's you who got the two gifts."

Meghan just looked down at the locket she held in her hand. She had never expected he would make such a kind gesture. As the girls added the finishing touches to their hair, the music outside came filtering through the windows. The girls looked at each other and, for a moment, held each other's hands. Looking at each other, they smiled and made their way out into the hall to join the others who were lining up to walk outside. It was Marilyn who looked out the window and saw her folks sitting with Anna's parents. What she didn't see was a young man hurrying across the grass to join his family. Slowly, the girls made their way down the stairs and out the door. Meghan was still carrying the locket in her hand as she walked out the door behind Anna. They walked to the right side of the podium and sat down as the principal and staff took their seats behind the podium.

Ms. Sanders walked to the podium and smiled at the students and their families. "May I extend a warm welcome to all the families of our graduates on this joyous occasion. To the graduating class, let me give my congratulations. This is the most important day of your lives; you are all about to embark on a new journey. Each of you must have so many memories to take with you, and the staff, as well as myself, have fond memories of you all. And now, with no further delay, I will call each graduate up to accept her diploma."

From behind her, two teachers moved the table to her side containing the diplomas. One by one, Mrs. Sanders called out the names, and with each name, the graduates rose and walked to the podium to receive their diplomas. Then Ms. Sanders came to the G's, and Anna heard her name: "Anna Gentry."

Anna stood up and slowly made her way up to the podium to receive her diploma as Ms. Sanders congratulated her. Suddenly, from the crowd a male voice shouted, "Yippee!"

As everyone looked over, the three girls recognized the voice as none other than Anna's brother Mark. Embarrassed, Anna walked back to her seat, but not before she saw her mother speak to Mark. Ms. Sanders called out Marilyn Harrison's name and looked over to John Gentry, who sat quietly in his seat. As the names proceeded down to the M's, Meghan began to feel a bit nervous. She prayed Mark wouldn't embarrass her as he did to Anna. She looked down at the locket still in her hand and thought it was stupid of her not to leave it upstairs. She looked at it and thought about the photo. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear her name being called.

Ms. Sanders looked down at her and repeated her name again, "Meghan Mitchem."

Anna looked at her, "Meg, go up there!"

She jumped up and headed for the podium.

When she got up to Ms. Sanders, the woman smiled at her. "I believe you want this." She handed her the diploma and shook her hand, "Congratulations, Miss Mitchem."

Meghan smiled at her and headed off the podium. All eyes were focused across the lawn, waiting to see if the young man would voice his opinion again, but Mark sat in his chair and kept his head down. As the commencement continued and the last graduate received her diploma, the graduates were invited to enjoy time with their families.

Meghan looked for Martha and Edward as she made her way through the gathering. She was about to give up when she saw Martha waving to her. "Meghan! Meghan! Over here."

She smiled as Meghan waved back and made her way toward them. So excited to see them, she hugged Martha. It was so good to see her. "Now step back. Let me look at you, Meghan. You've grown so. Why, you're a fine young lady now! Look at her, Edward, our little Meghan is a lady."

Edward smiled as he saw the look in his wife's eyes. That look had been missing since Meghan left the Mitchem home years ago. "Well ladies, shall we tour the grounds?"

Suddenly Meghan heard Anna's voice calling her, "Meg! Meg!"

As she looked over, she saw Anna coming her way with her family. It was Mrs. Gentry who greeted Meghan. "So good to see you again, Meghan."

"It's good to see you also, Mrs. Gentry."

Meghan introduced Martha and Edward to the Gentrys. Martha smiled at Anna's mother. "It was so kind of you to have our Meghan at your home for the holidays."

"It was our pleasure. Meghan was a joy, and she was also a great help."

Martha looked at Meghan and smiled, "she always helped when she was at home. I've missed her so much these past few years." The two women began to walk along the pathway, and Anna and her father followed.

It was then that Mark saw his chance to talk to Meghan.

He walked up behind her, "Hi there, how's my Megs?"

The sound of his voice startled her, and she dropped the locket. It was Mark who bent down, picked it off the ground, and handed it back to her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

She looked at him. "Do you always sneak up on people, or is it only me?"

He handed her the locket, "I really am sorry, I didn't…"

She took the locket from his hand. "Maybe you should think next time."

He looked at her; she still had that wild temper that he remembered from the first time he ever saw her. "Still the wild one I remember from that holiday, huh?"

She looked at him, "I thought that after all this time you would've come up a new line."

"Why are you carrying the locket?"

"I didn't have time to…"

He took the locket from her hand, "Turn around, Megs, I'll put it on for you."

"How do you know I even want to wear it?"

"Because you do, my little wild one." Before she could protest, he turned her around and pushed her hair up off her neck. He took her hand and placed it on her head, holding the hair up as he fastened the necklace. "You can move your hand now." As she did, he turned her around so she was facing him. "You really should wear your hair up more often, it really becomes you."

She heard his voice, but all she saw were his eyes. How were those blue eyes still so captivating even after all these years? They were still as hypnotic as when she first saw him. Now she was getting wrapped up in his eyes just as she had that first time.

She shook her head, "How I wear my hair is of no concern to you, Mr. Gentry."

He smiled at her, "It's Dr. Gentry."

She looked at him, "I stand corrected, Dr. Gentry. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go join my friends."

He took her hand and held it gently, "I believe they're with my parents; I'll walk with you there."

"Must you make a scene? Everyone is looking this way!"

He smiled at her, "They're just looking at the most beautiful graduate—and you are beautiful, there's no mistaking that—walking with a man who can't take his eyes or hands off her."

She looked at him but didn't say a word.

They finally reached the Gentrys, Martha, and Edward.

It was Martha who noticed the locket. "Why, that's a beautiful locket, Meghan. I don't remember ever seeing that before."

"You haven't, Martha, it was a gift. Mark Gentry gave it to me as a graduation gift."

Martha looked at Mark and smiled, then she looked back at Meghan. Mrs. Gentry looked at the locket; she knew where she had seen it before: it was her mother's. She had given it to Mark in her will, stating it was his as long as he promised to give it only to the woman he planned to marry. That was how she received it, and this way, it would always remain in the family.

She smiled at Meghan, "It's lovely, dear."

It was Mr. Gentry who got the party walking again toward the food, "I don't know about the rest of you, but that food does smell good and I'm more than a bit hungry."

His wife looked at him, "You're always hungry. Come on, let's head over and get you a plate."

She placed her arm in his, and they walked to the far side of the yard, where the food table stood, followed by the others. Only Mark kept Meghan and himself some distance behind.

"I hope you like the gift, Megs."

She looked at him, and for the first time, she saw a gentleness in his face, "Yes, it's beautiful, thank you for giving it to me."

She started to walk again, but he held her back for a moment, "It's beautiful, just like you, Megs."

~*~

Oh, they kept in touch that entire summer. He called her on occasion to drive down and take her out to diner, but when fall arrived, Meghan was off to college, and doctor Gentry was on his way to becoming a fine heart surgeon. Somehow, she lost touch with everyone, Martha, Edward, Anna, and Mark.

Over the years, slowly, they had lost touch. It would be fifteen years before they saw each other again. It was as if fate brought them both together in such an unusual place. The last place Meghan had ever expected to return to. It seemed Lucille Mitchem was having some problems with her heart, and in true Lucille fashion, she demanded the best heart specialist—who just so happened to be Doctor Mark Gentry. The Mitchem family was willing to have him come to the Mitchem home and stay there in order to be Lucille's personal doctor, and they would pay him an impressive salary for his time and talent. When he was offered the job as a favor to his mentor Dr. Jacobson, he had no idea she was Meghan's grandmother. After all, he had not seen Meghan in a number of years, but he had never forgotten the girl who had captured his heart so long ago. He tried his best to do all he could for her, but Lucille's heart was just not strong enough. For three days, he sat by her bedside in the hopes that she would take a turn for the better, but on the fourth night, Lucille passed on to join her husband. It was Martha who sent the telegram to Meghan, telling her that her grandmother had passed.

Meghan looked at Edward, “Is there a reason why you asked me to come back Edward? After all grandmother really never wanted me around.”

“Well Miss Meghan you are the only child of Thomas Mitchem and your grandfather never changed the will. Oh, he told your grandmother he did, but he would never cut out a grandchild and for what it’s worth he did like your mother. So, you are to inherit your father’s share of the Mitchem estate.”

She looked at him a bit shocked as they continued up the stairs and toward one of the guest’s rooms. Edward had carefully chosen the last room at the end of the hall it was bright and sunny and lacked the dark atmosphere of the rest of the house. Edward opened the door and Meghan followed him in the room. She stepped into the room and looked all around.

“This is beautiful Edward. Thank you so much.” She hugged the old man, and it was as if the years had melted and she was that young girl again.

Edward looks at her and smiles, “if you’d like after you’ve settled in, you can stop down at the kitchen for a snack before supper.”

“I’ll do that Edward.”

The old man smiled and made his way out the door.

Meghan’s attention was drawn to the window as she heard the sound of car door closing in the driveway. As she looked out the window, she saw the assortment of aunts, uncles and cousins arriving for the reading of the will of Lucille Mitchem. She noticed Katherine walking over to her aunt. Oh, there was no mistaking Katherine she had grown to look like their grandmother.

Her attention was distracted when she heard a familiar name, “Dr. Gentry!”

She looked up the driveway at the direction Katherine was looking and there was Mark Gentry, still as handsome as ever. Her hand went to her locket, the locket he had given her, and it had not left her neck since he put it on her neck fifteen years ago. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed him until this moment. But what he was doing here was another story. Was someone ill? She looked at the locket in her hand and slowly opened it. It was the picture Anna had taken of Mark and her on that Christmas she spent at the Gentry’s. He still was as handsome as went they took that picture. Oh, did she have such a crush on him, and often wondered if he did also. They had lost touch over the years but seeing him standing out there erased all those years and she was that fifteen-year-old girl enchanted by him all over again. She moved from the window and went back to unpacking her bags. Strange to find Mark here after all these years.

It was sometime later when Meghan made her way down the stairs and toward the kitchen.

As she turned the corner, she was met by her cousin Katherine, “Well if it isn’t dear little Meghan. Tell me what brings you here little cousin, surely not to grieve for our grandmother.”

Meghan looked at her and was about to answer when Mark walked into the hall. “Megs! My sweet Megs, it’s been too many years.”

He gives her a hug and whispers in her ear,” just smile honey and I’ll get you out of this.”

She nods her head and smiles. Mark holds her a bit away from him, “I have to admit, you look as beautiful as the last time I saw you.”

The look of confusion on Katherine’s face was priceless. “You too know each other?”

Mark looks at her,” Know each other? Why she was my sister’s roommate at finishing school. We all celebrated a holiday together.”

The gleam in his eye told her he was enjoying this too much and she really should make him stop. She was about to stop him when he looked into her eyes and took her hand in his, “Megs, I have some things I have to do in town, please say you’ll come with me? There’s so much we have to catch up on.”

She suddenly feels fifteen years old again and sneaking out of boarding school to spend the holiday the Gentry’s. She smiles and heads for the stairs and Mark’s eyes follows her not to go unnoticed by Katherine.

“So, you know my cousin, and you didn’t know that she was one of the Mitchem’s?”

Mark turned and looked at her, “no I never knew she was in anyway related to your grandmother. I took on this assignment at the request of Doctor Jacobson seems your grandmother was a close friend of his.”

“Yes, Uncle Arthur went to school with my grandfather. He was best man at my grandparents wedding.”

He looks at Katherine, something told him there was no love lost between her and Meghan. Before he could think further Meghan came down the stairs and smiled at him. “Did I take too long?”

He placed his hand over his heart and smiled, “an eternity and then some, but oh how it was worth the wait. You look beautiful Megs.” He takes her hand and places in his and they head for the door. He holds it open for her and follows her out. Holding hand’s, they race down the steps and head towards Mark’s car. Always a gentleman held the car door for her.

She smiles at him, “it was almost as fun as the time you took me to your folks house for Christmas.”

He looked at her how could have let her get away from him that day. He looked down and saw the locket around her neck, “You kept it!”

“Of course, I kept it, it’s very special to me.”

“Special?”

She smiled at him, “It’s a good picture of me.”

She smiled as he moved closer to her, “it’s a beautiful picture of you. One I’ve carried with me all these years. You don’t know how many times I wanted to try to find you, to tell you …” He gently lowers his lips on hers.

He smiles at her, “I’ve wanted to do this for fifteen years.”

She smiles at him, “Why did you wait so long?”

He starts to laugh, “Megs, you are full of surprises I think that’s what I love about you.”

She looked at him and at the same moment realized what he said. “You love me?”

“From that Christmas I came to get you. I thought you would grow up and forget all about your roommates’ brother.”

She looked at him, “looks like we both were wrong. I didn’t think you would be interested in a young schoolgirl and you didn’t think I would be interested in a college man. Oh how we were so wrong.” She put her arms around him and kissed him.

She looks at him,” I’ve wanted to do that for such a long time.”

He looks at her, “well please don’t feel you need to stop. I could get used to it very easily.”

He turns his attention to getting the car started and heading into town. As they drive off Katherine looks out the window. She has been watching them all this time. She had no idea she knew doctor Gentry. From the looks of things, they seem to know each other quite well. It seemed to Katherine fact a well-known doctor would know her lowly cousin.

In town Mark and Meghan were enjoying the sights, sights she hadn’t seen in too many years. They stopped in at a coffee shop to sit and relax for a few moments. Mark sits across from her just smiling, happy in the fact he found her after all these years.

Meghan smiles at him, “why are you just staring at me?” “I just can’t believe you are here!”

“Well to tell you the truth I’m can’t believe it either.” He looked at her, “I mean I never connected the last name with you. Well I really didn’t know where your family was from.”

“You could have asked Anna, by the way, how is she?” The smile on his face disappeared and he lowered his head. “She died five years ago in a car accident.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry Mark.”

“It seemed she was driving with the kids after a soccer game this guy came out of nowhere and just hit the driver’s side and spun the car around to the next lane and she was hit again. The kids were strapped in the back seat and were unharmed. Anna was rushed to the hospital, but her injuries were so severe they …”. He lowered his head. Anna was his little sister, and they were close. Her death still affected him after five years.

He lifted his head and looked at Meghan, “sorry it’s…”

She reaches across the table and takes his hand in hers, “no, there is no need to apologize. I know how close you and Anna were.”

“She was also close to you; she was so upset when she couldn’t find you to have you at her wedding.”

Meghan wished she had kept in touch, but she foolishly kept her distance something she will now regret for the rest of her life.

“You mentioned her children were safe.”

“Yes, she has three Anne Marie, James and Meghan, she wanted to name her after you.”

It was Meghan who was brought to tears now. She remembered those four years at Willard and the friendship between that had developed them. She foolishly distanced herself from her and everyone else. Now she regretted those lost years.

It’s Mark who takes her hand now, “don’t go blaming yourself for something you had no control over. Even if you had stayed close to Anna. There was nothing you could have done to stop that car from hitting her.”

She looks at him, “you can’t be sure of that. I could have been in the car with her I could have….”

“You could have been killed also Megs. I’ve been wandering around for the past five years searching for something to give me hope again. When I saw you, it was like my search was over. I know now it was meant for me to come here. I couldn’t believe I found you after all this time.”

Meanwhile back at the Mitchem home Katherine was still wondering how her cousin would know Mark Gentry, after all she didn’t seem to travel in the circles he did. He seemed to know her very well though. I bit too well. As she looked out the window her mother came in the room.

”Is there something interesting out there Kathy?”

She turned and looked at her mother, “mother did you know Dr. Gentry knew Meghan”.

Her mother looked at her, “really? I had no idea.”

“Yes, I saw them, and he offered to take her into town.”

Sarah wondered herself at how the good doctor knew her niece especially when she had plans to have him for her daughter. “Don’t worry Katherine, I’ll get to the bottom of this. I’ll make sure she’s gone before the weekend.”

A smile came to Sarah’s face, she had so set her heart on getting the young doctor for herself.

It was later that evening when Mark and Meghan arrived back home. They had already missed supper, but she knew that Edward was probably in the kitchen and if she knew Edward he probably had some leftovers.

She looked at Mark, “are you hungry?”

“Famished.”

“Come with me.” She led him down the hall and into the kitchen. Just as she suspected, Edward was in the kitchen getting ready to put away the leftovers.

He looked up and smiled at them, “Ah Miss Meghan, I was wondering when you would show up.”

He smiled at Mark, “When she was a young girl she would always sneak down to the kitchen before going to bed and get a snack.”

“Yes, and you and Martha always made sure there was something here.”

Mark looked at Edward and realized he was at Meghan’s graduation. “Edward of course, I kept trying to figure you out since I got here. I knew I had seen you somewhere, but I didn’t know where.”

Edward smiled, “oh I was quite certain you would know the moment you saw Miss Meghan.”

Mark smiled,” to tell you the truth I didn’t even know Megs was a member of the family. There are photos all over the walls but not one of Megs.”

Edward looked at her than to Mark, “I think I’ll warm up two plates for you two.”

With that he rushed to the pantry to get the plates. Mark looked at her, “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Come on Megs, the walls are covered with photos of everyone but there’s not one of you. It’s like you don’t exist.”

“It’s a long story.”

He takes a chair out and sits her down,” Ok let’s hear this long story.”

She looks at him,” are you sure you want to hear this.?”

He sits down near her and smiles, “oh I’m sure, I want to hear every detail and why you are stalling?”

She looks at him and realizes that he will not move from that chair until she tells him what he wants to know. So, she slowly begins her story. It was a while before Edward had come back with some food, but he also knew that the determined young doctor would not let this go without knowing the answer to his question. Edward recognized him immediately when he arrived three months ago at the door to become Lucille’s private doctor, it a favor to Dr. Jacobson that Mark took the job. Though he didn’t recognize him Edward knew he was the young man at her graduation who seemed not only to take up much of her time but was extremely interested in her. It was for that reason Edward sent the telegram to her hoping the old address she had given them five years ago was where she still could be reached.

Meghan looked up at Edward as he places the plates on the table. “Thank you Edward.”

He nods and returns to the pantry leaving them one again alone.

Mark looks at her, “he’s very fond of you.”

“Edward and his wife were more like family to me and my mother than anyone here As I said my mother was not welcomed into the family and after they were killed my grandmother, they couldn’t wait to get me out of the house. That’s how I ended up in Willard.”

He took her hand, “and I was lucky enough to have a sister who became your roommate and introduced me to you.”

She smiled at him, “doctor how you do run on.”

“It’s only because it’s true. I was a fool to let you go the first time I won’t do it again Megs, that I promise you. Now that I found you, I’ll never let you go again”

Later that evening as Meghan sat by the widow in her room, she thought about what Mark had said how he was not let her go again. All these years she wondered if he even thought of her, after all these years she finds him in a place she never wanted to come back to this house but it’s here that she finds what she’s been looking for all this time. She heard voices on the porch it was Mark and Katherine.

“Mark, we missed you at supper.”

He turns and sees Katherine, “yes well I some errands to do in town and time just seemed to get away from me.”

She looks at him, “I didn’t know you knew my cousin.”

“Yes, we met some years ago, she was my sister’s roommate at Willard.”

“Oh so you had no way of knowing…”

He looked at her, “no way of knowing what Katherine? I knew a young girl named Meghan Mitchem not her background or who her family was who was a friend of my sister.”

He looked at her, “and now if there are no more questions, I’ll say good night to you.”

With that he walks back into the house and up the stairs to his room. At the top of the stairs, he is met by Sarah, “Doctor Gentry, I thought I heard voices. “

He looked at her,” yes, I was talking to Katherine.”

“Oh that’s fine, we missed you at supper…”

“So I’ve been told already. Sarah, it’s been a long day and I really would like to get some rest. I have to notify the hospital I will be available again to work.”

Sarah looked at him, “Oh, I hadn’t realized you would be leaving so soon.”

He looked at her, “I was only doing this for favor to Dr. Jacobson and now that my job is over, I need to get back to the hospital.”

Sarah looks down then back up at him. “Well we have two fine hospital’s here I’m sure uncle Arthur could put in a good word,,,,”

He shakes his head, “thank you but no I need to go back to where I belong.”

“When will you be leaving?”

“I suppose sometime next week. If you like I can take a hotel room in town.”

“No don’t be silly you can stay until next week; I must say Katherine will be upset to see you go.”

He nods and makes his way toward the door to his room. He looks back but she has already left. So that was her game to hook her daughter on him. He had to admit he didn’t see that coming, but with Meghan in the picture he wasn’t interested in anyone else.

Sarah was met at the bottom of the stairs by her daughter. “I talked to Mark and he seems to know Meghan from his sister, seems she was her roommate at the Willard School.”

“The Willard School?” Sarah looks toward the kitchen, “come on I have an idea.”

Katherine follows her mother as she makes her way to the kitchen. “Edward! Edward, where is that man when you want him?”

Suddenly Edward appears from the door leading to his quarters. “Is there something wrong Miss Sarah?”

“Yes, well not wrong but tell me Edward do you remember when you and Martha went to Meghan’s graduation from the Willard School?”

“Oh yes Miss Sarah, was a lovely day and …”

“Yes, yes I’m sure it was do you remember a classmate of hers named Gentry?”

“Yes, Anna Gentry why she and her family were there. Why Dr. Gentry was quite taken by Miss Meghan, they looked like such a fine couple walking together. Is there anything else you wanted.?”

“No Edward that’s all.”

He nodded and went back to his quarters. Sarah looked Katherine, “so they were as Edward said a fine couple well isn’t that interesting.”

“But mother, you heard Edward he said they made a fine couple.”

Sarah looks at her daughter, “yes but that was quite a few years ago dear. Don’t worry there’s still time, she’s not got him yet.”

A smile came to Katherine’s face as he thought about how she would find a way to get Mark Gentry interested in her.