Settling In and Saying Goodbye

The dormitory rooms lined both sides of the long hall on the floor above the classroom buildings. There was a room mother in a slightly larger room at the end of each hallway. Regina was introduced to Miss Peale who smiled warmly and welcomed her new pupil.

"We'll see a lot of one another. If you need anything or you're not feeling well, come see me, Regina. We're so glad to have you with us. But I'm sure you want to see your room now, right?" she said.

"Miss Peale will take good care of you now, Regina," Miss Porter said, taking her leave. "But if you need anything before you leave, Colonel, or if either of you have any more questions, please do come see me. If I'm not in my office, the staff will find me."

Regina peeked into the rooms as they passed along the hallway. The girls were laughing and giggling and talking or reading. The rooms were bright and sunny with painted wooden floors. Regina was delighted when Miss Peale opened the door to one room near the middle of the hallway and she saw a large picture window in the middle of the far wall. It looked out over the courtyard and the grassy lawn area they'd crossed to get to Miss Porter's office.

Regina said nothing but walked to the window and opened the sheer drapes. Miss Peale looked at Pappy and smiled. Looking at the two beds, Regina turned to Miss Peale. "Which one's mine?" she asked.

"You may have your choice, Regina, dear. For the time being, you don't have a roommate. But don't get too accustomed to being by yourself, I'm sure you'll have a roommate soon.

"Each room has its own sink," Miss Peale continued, "But the bathrooms and tubs are down the hall. We passed them on the way in. Please be a good citizen and don't spend too much time at your toilette. There are too many girls for much primping. Besides, it's all girls here. No need for much primping.

"The staff will bring your bags up in a few minutes, so let's go check out the dining hall and beaux parlors while they do their work." Miss Peale didn't wait for an answer but led the way out by another staircase.

The butterflies that had plagued Regina's stomach earlier settled down and she felt as though she might learn to like this place in time. She could breathe here and the cool breezes, while they smelled of sea air, were moist and welcoming. The girls were different from Kentucky, but then she hadn't had many friends back home anyway. She'd been schooled at home and the girls that lived nearby were more interested in the boys and silly secrets.

After their tour, Miss Peale showed them into the dining hall and excused herself while she spoke in hushed tones with one of the kitchen staff, then returned and bade them sit. "Luncheon will be served in a few moments. Lupita makes a wonderful crab salad and there's always plenty of food."

The plump, gray-haired housemother went to the sideboard, opened it and removed three glasses. She set them around the table, and once again, asked them to sit down. The large room was painted white and had several large long tables lined with chairs.

It was the last meal Regina and her grandfather would eat at the same table. Miss Peale must have sensed that would be the case for rarely did the kitchen staff serve meals other than at regularly scheduled times. Miss Peale sipped her iced tea and answered their questions about the classes, the school's brief history and the other girls while Pappy and Regina ate their meal. The crab salad was delicious, although the crabs Regina had eaten before tasted different. The sourdough bread was unusual and wonderful.

'At least I won't starve,' thought Regina.

When they were through eating, Miss Peale excused herself after first making sure Pappy knew the way back to the campus's entrance and Regina could find her way back to her dormitory. Then she gave them their privacy.

It was difficult to say goodbye. Regina knew somewhere in her gut that she would never see this lovely man again. Her parents, her Gran and now, now Pappy too -- she'd lost them all in her few short years. Her dark eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.

"Don't do that, my Regina," Pappy said, kissing her forehead softly. "You have your whole life ahead and mine is mostly passed. I've loved you more than I knew was possible and I never want you to forget that. When you think of me, remember an old man who marked your birth with fireworks and celebrating. You've always been my girl. And you always will be."

Pappy paused, and wiped the back of one calloused hand across his own eyes. " This place will give you a good education and, with the skills you learn here and the small inheritance from your family, you can do almost anything with your life. You be strong, Regina, and make me proud. I love you, Regina. That will never change."

Regina's voice failed her. Her throat was thick and closed with emotion but she threw her arms around her grandfather's neck and hugged him with all her strength.