The Unlocked (Charlie Hartley Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

360-acre campus and well-maintained structures
from the early 1800s. Charlie thought being surrounded by old buildings was
like stepping back in time.
    “I imagine you’ll enjoy Harvard even more,” Carl suggested.
    Sarah added, “Founded in the 1600s, it’s the country’s
oldest institution of higher learning. The grounds and buildings are
breathtaking.”
    “It’s amazing when you think about all the students who
walked the halls and sat in those classrooms hundreds of years ago,” Charlie
mused. “I wonder how much energy people who’ve come and gone leave behind.
Could their energy contribute to the brilliant minds that continue to evolve in
such places?” Her parents thought it was likely though none of them really
knew.
    Carl and Sarah took turns at the wheel and reminded Charlie she
would have to drive on the way back. “We’ll take I-90 on the way home so you’ll
be able to drive all the way, Princess.”
    “Sure, Dad. Taking the freeway is just a little over half
the time it is taking us now, so I don’t really mind.”
    The drive was uneventful. Verdant foliage and pretty scenery
filled their senses with nature’s colors. Avoiding the freeway allowed them to
better appreciate how beautiful and relaxing America’s back roads were.
    At Sarah’s suggestion, they drove to Concord and stopped by
Walden Pond State Reservation. As part of the Massachusetts Forests and Parks
system, visitors flocked to the protected open space and experienced the pond
that inspired writer Henry David Thoreau.
    The Hartley’s stretched their legs and joined the guided walks
before they sat down to enjoy the cold chicken sandwiches and potato salad
Charlie had prepared and packed in the cooler that morning before they left.
    As Carl cruised the car through the heart of Boston's
Kenmore Square, the Boston Hotel Buckminster straddling the triangular
intersection of Beacon Street and Brookline Avenue, came into view. Once the
largest structure in the area, the turn-of-the-twentieth-century hotel awed the
Hartley’s with its well-appointed guest rooms and facilities.
    Sarah was more than impressed. “It’s clean, reasonably
priced and strategically located.”
    “You sound like a commercial, Mom,” Charlie made fun of her
mother. They all laughed at the accuracy of the statement.
    The room was more spacious than expected.  Charlie was
delighted. “I am happily surprised we have a living room area, which is great
for three people staying for forty eight hours!”
    Carl quipped, “Yes, Princess, we’ve got enough space to get
in each other’s way without killing each other.” Mother and daughter laughed.
    The next morning was Charlie’s birthday.  A whole day’s
celebration awaited the eighteen year old. The family decided on breakfast at
Fenmore Grill, which was on the ground floor of the hotel.  As they waited
for the elevator, Charlie said, “I like that the hallways are a bit narrow.
Feels like being in a fun maze, sort of like I’m Alice in Wonderland.” Sarah
and Carl smiled at the comparison, recalling how Charlie as an adolescent liked
passageways and labyrinths.
    The breakfast options were incredibly delicious. With
fantastic value for their money, the family enjoyed a hearty meal of the famed
Fenmore American Breakfast with their choice of dishes, freshly brewed coffee,
and natural fruit juice.
    The drive to Harvard was such a short one they could have
walked. The Hartleys joined a public guided tour along with other guests. The
tour of the campus was a three-hour affair, lasting until nearly noon. They
began at the Harvard Information Center. The outdoor walk was led by a student
who took them through Harvard Yard, providing a history of the university,
general information, and a unique perspective of the student’s individual
experience.
    Charlie separated from her parents to join some incoming
freshmen. Admissions officers presented information and answered their
questions about college life,