I grabbed my lightest suitcase and carried it inside with me. The woman lead me to the foyer of her home. Inside smelled of new paint and carpets that had just been installed.

“I’m Betsy Samuel,” she said, extending her hand. “My husband Richard will carry in your other bags.”


Betsy Samuel seemed like a nice lady.

“Hi,” I repeated awkwardly shaking her hand. “Like I said, I’m Laura. Your, uh, um, Cousin, Mr. Hunt sends his greetings.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” Mrs. Samuel didn’t seem impressed. “I hope your trip wasn’t too unpleasant. Four hours on a train can be a bit boring.”

“No, it was interesting,” I replied.

“As you can see, Laura, we’ve just moved in, or just did a few days ago. The house was only finished a week ago. And my husband is trying to get the rooms set up the way he wants them. Right now the nursery is on the top floor. It’s not ideal—there isn’t a bathroom up there. I hope you don’t mind doing a lot of stair walking.”

“Not at all,” I said.

“Let’s go look for my husband. I think he was in the kitchen.”

We walked through an archway into the living room. Every bit of furniture was expensive, from the marble fire place to the velvet sofa. Rare paintings hung on the golden painted walls and sun streamed through the large windows.

“Well, this must be Laura,” said a tall man wearing a black shirt and white tie. “I’m Doctor Richard Samuel.” He also put his hand out and I shook it without hesitation.

Doctor Samuel was about five years older than his wife and had a serious expression on his face.



Doctor Richard Samuel seemed stern and had no-nonsense air about him.

“Cousin Arthur told us you plan on majoring in early childhood education. I’m sure Trevor will put you through your paces.”

“Thanks for the opportunity,” I said trying to be more confident. “I’d love to meet your son.”

“He’s napping right now,” replied Mrs. Samuel. “But he will be up soon and you can get to know him. Richard, Laura has a few things outside. Can you bring them in?”

“She looks like a strong girl and better get used to hard work,” retorted Doctor Samuel. “Laura, go bring your cases or things in one by one and put them in the foyer and we’ll all carry them up.”

I nodded, swallowing. It figured Doctor Samuel was as rude and blunt as C.A.S.H.

All of a sudden I had a wave of homesickness hit me. I missed my house, I missed Leon, I missed my---mom.