Different from the previous year in the farms, this time Mark was included in his parents´ plans to take a tour of Europe.
He was reluctant at first, but Mandy encouraged him. She found it important for him to spend time with his parents and strengthen their bond.
“It will be the first time that we stay apart for so long, Mandy.”
“I know, Mark. I am already suffering from anticipation.”
“Maybe it is not such a good idea.”
“Of course it is a good idea. You told me many times how you longed to be with your parents on their many trips.”
“But I was a child then. Now I long to be with you. Can´t you come with us?”
“I would love to. But I promised my mom and my grandparents I would be at the farms. Also, dad wants to show me the advances in the construction of the college there. He values my opinions. I also promised to take the jet and go to some of Steph´s concerts, during this spring break. When classes begin I won´t be able to go
ABOUT HIM Mark was sure that Mandy would apologize to him after their argument. When she came to her senses she would realize that eleven weeks were just too much to be apart. She had to. Eleven days were already too much. So he waited for her call. He packed his clothes for the vacation on the farms and he waited. The call never came. He had to empty his bag and throw some clothes that were more accordingly to European weather at this time of the year. He followed his parents across the crowded airport, expecting a surprise appearance from Mandy. She didn´t show. Her absence was the real surprise. He never expected that and he was very impatient and rude at times when it seemed that the stewardess wouldn´t give him peace. He declined her offerings of food and drinks and reclined his chair for the long and boring trip. ABOUT HER Mandy, in her turn, was aching inside every minute of every day. Mark´s words kept repeating inside her head like so
MISSING HIM In the first days that they were away, Mandy missed Mark so much, because she was used to talk to him and see him everyday. She missed his eyes, his smile, the way he whispered sweet words to her. The touch of his hand holding hers. She hadn´t noticed how much he had become a support in her life. When she did things at school or work, mandy couldn´t wait to share with him. And now he was away and silent. At first, she thought it was better to give him space. After all, he had cut contact with her, not even caring to say goodbye. Altough she knew it was the right decision, it hurt her every minute of every day. When she traveled to Washington without him, they talked on the phone, sent many selfies and used video conference a lot. They participated in each other´ss life, even from a distance. Mandy had missed her boyfriend, but not been this devastated. After two weeks of this cold treatment, she thought it was enough. What
The teachers get together a little before classes start. This way they can prepare the materials for the following semester, or just get updated on some rules and even special calendar activities.Professor Jackson had arrived early as always and was having some coffee with two colleagues, while they waited for everyone to arrived.They were chatting about their familes and how fast time went during vacation.They noticed that he bent his head and complained of being a little dizzy. But before they could react they saw their friend fall on the floor before their eyes.This time he fainted.When the ambulance took him to the hospital, he was still unconscious.REBECCA AND THE BOYSIt was such a scare for Rebecca when the school phoned her and she heard that her husband was in the hospital after fainting in the teacher´s meeting.She didn´t have a family to count on, so she took her kids with her to the hospital and t
Mandy couldn´t believe her eyes. Dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt, there came Mark walking towards her.It was around ten o´clock on a Tuesday and she had just arrived from her morning ride at papa John´s farm. Quickly she dismounted her horse and ran to his arms.“I am so glad to see you.”He squeezed her and kissed her lips like a thirsty man. She looked so beautiful to his eyes. She became very alive when she rode her horse. He took turns in admiring her and kissing her, until they were both out of breath.“Mandy, Mandy.” Mark kept repeating her name like he couldn´t believe she was finally back in his arms.“Did you drive all night?”“It was worth it.” He took her hat off and touched her silk hair, bringing her mouth to his again.But then they got interrupted by nana Helen calling them from the window of her house. She kept checking if Mandy was back from h
Mandy couldn´t keep the break up a secret from her grandparents. There was no explaining to Mark´s sudden departure, except the truth. Even having a brilliant mind, Mandy was human after all. She even couldn´t believe it herself, so how could she say anything convincing to the family? That he had a sudden compromise? In the day of his arrival, in the middle of school break? And it caused her extra pain, the realization that Mark didn´t think to avoid causing concern to her loved ones. Talking about selfish, he had proved by his actions that the word described him better than it did her. So, Mandy kept the explanations honest and simple. They had a fight. Mark broke up with her. There was no need to try to save face, after all these people loved her completely and they comforted her and supported her. She was talking to the four of them because she was not sure of being strong enough to repeat the story in the same day. Papa John and gr
PARENTS´ CONCERNSWhen they arrived from their second honeymoon, Carol just had to have a quick look at Mandy´s face and she knew that something was wrong.So she opened her arms and Mandy ran to her, unable to hold back some tears. Carol allowed her to unburden her sorrows. They sat on the sofa and as she listened to the details, she dried Mandy´s eyes and said encouraging things.“I am sure everything will be all right, sweetheart. Relationships have ups and downs, but your love is strong.”“But mom, the way he acted, the things he said. And the grandparents? He left without even saying bye.”“I am sure they understand. Guys are proud and Mark probably didn´t want them to see him suffering.”“I hadn´t thought of that.”“About the things that were said or done, they are impossible to take back. That is why you will need the capacity of forgiveness. Ca
Mandy knocked and was welcomed in Arthur´s office. “Dad, just a quick word.” “It´s okay, Mandy. I am all ears.” “Our lawyers advanced the papers for the scholarships, and they have been in touch with professor Jackson. But now for the final signatures, they can´t get an answer from him.” “How long have they tried?” “It has been two weeks since they last talked to him.” “Come to think of it, I haven´t heard from him in a while too. I will try his phone.” Arthur doesn´t get an answer but he sees that Mandy had more luck, since she is talking on her phone. “I see… And what hospital was that? Thank you very much.” “Hospital?” “I had the idea of calling his school. They told me that he got sick there and was taken to the Municipal Hospital some days ago.” “It´s useless to call the hospital. I am going there right now.” “I will go with you, dad.” On the way, Arthur called Rebecca. She a
Eric and Louis couldn´t help but be impressed by Arthur´s house. It really caused an impact on anyone. Mandy tried to make them feel at home.“Once you rest a little, I can show you the swimming pools and sports courts.”They nodded, still too shy and worried to talk much.Grass had order from Carol in an adjoining guest room, so she took them there, while explaining, “This guest room is next to the one that your mother will be using. It is connected by this door, see? Why don´t we just leave it open for now?”They liked the idea. Grass seemed ot have a way with children because she offered comforts that they could assimilate. Louis had a request, “Can I call my mom, now?”“Sure you can, Louis. But if you both have showers and eat something, you will have something to tell her that will make her happy. And you know what? This phone I have here is only to contact my friend Green. She is als