A Searching Heart Read Online Free Page B

“So you caught me. Yeah, I know where the Chem Lab is. And lots of other things, too. I’m a junior. Been here long enough to know my way around campus.”
    He turned back to Virginia. “So how about it? I even know a few places that aren’t on the campus map.”
    Virginia was still shaking her head.
    â€œOur brother has already shown us around,” Francine informed him. “He showed us around until my feet felt ready to fall off.”
    But the young man was still looking at Virginia. “And you? Are your feet still okay? I know a real good place to rest them.”
    Virginia thought of the still shoeless foot under the table. For a frantic moment she feared he might take a peek under the table and discover her secret. She drew her foot back, hoping that it was hidden under her skirts.
    â€œWe’re to wait here,” said Francine. “Dad, Mom, Rodney, and Danny will soon be back, and we are going out for dinner.”
    â€œWhew. You sure don’t travel light.” He seemed about ready to stand to his feet. He turned to Virginia again. “Is . . . is one of those guys your . . . boyfriend?”
    Virginia shook her head. “Brothers,” she said with some emphasis.
    â€œGood,” he replied and settled back again.
    â€œHer boyfriend attends Webster College,” filled in Francine.
    Virginia finally found her tongue. “He’s a Webster Web-spinner. Quarterback.”
    The fellow cocked an eyebrow. “Figured there would be a boyfriend somewhere.” He shrugged. “But Webster is a lo-o-o-ng way from here. My offer still holds. Like to see a little of the town tonight?”
    Virginia was shocked.
    â€œOf course not,” she responded indignantly. “Even if . . . even if I knew you—which I don’t—and . . . and liked the places you’d take me, I still wouldn’t . . . wouldn’t step out on Jamison.”
    â€œJamison?” He reached out a hand to twist his Coke glass. “Jamison,” he repeated. Then he lifted his eyes as he hoisted himself up from the seat and looked directly at Virginia. “The way I see it, it’s really okay. I mean, I’ve got a girl back home, too. But that’s not much help to me now, is it? Guy has to have some fun. Can’t sit around like a monk. And she doesn’t expect me to. She’s more realistic than that.” He shrugged. “But then—guess some girls can be pretty narrow-minded.”
    Then he was gone before Virginia could gather her wits to vehemently respond.

CHAPTER 3
    T hey attended Rodney’s church the next morning, and the experience provided conversation for much of the train ride home. Virginia knew her parents were impressed with the pastor and his morning message and were relieved to know that Rodney and his faith were in good hands.
    Virginia herself felt exhausted. The weekend had been a busy one, and they were all tired. But that was not the only reason she felt edgy and drained. There was something about this new crowd of youth that disturbed her. Something in the riotous laughter that sometimes rang false. In the coarse language that was bandied about, not even hushed out of deference for nearby ears. Something about the whole scene unsettled her. Not the least was her experience with the young man at the soda fountain. She could not follow his reasoning. Had never been exposed to such thinking before. Did some people really think it didn’t matter whether one was true to one’s commitments or not? It was a distressing thought.
    Virginia tried to push aside her uneasiness and think instead about the fun it would be to share her adventures with Jenny the next day at school.
    Jenny wavered between university and moving to the city for a job. One week she would be all enthused about going out to some big school and sharing in the experiences of other young people. The next week she declared that she was through with