Senior Year

By Judith P. Foard

Ruth Ainsworth is a happy, confident teen living in Massachusetts in 1947. She has a strong circle of friends and a secure family, and she excels at her studies. She is full of optimism for her senior year, mostly because shes dating Rex Gardner, the star of the Hampden High School football team.

They start their last school year, and everything is going well for Ruthuntil Rex suddenly breaks up with her and begins dating a junior cheerleader. Ruth is heartbroken, but she fights off the pain by focusing on school and the girls basketball team. When Ruth meets Maurice Langlois, a French-speaking Canadian immigrant, he helps her forget about Rex. As their love grows, however, they realize they will soon be separated by hundreds of miles when they leave for college. Their attempt to resolve problems related to their separation gets even more complicated when Rex makes a surprising reappearance in Ruths life. Will Ruth and Maurices love for each other survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475965537

Judith P. Foard

Judith P. Foard is a native of Missouri, a retired teacher and social worker, a mother of two, and a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work. She has previously written for the devotional collection These Days as well as a history of the First Congregational Church of Westfield, Massachusetts, where she currently lives.

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Copyright © 2012 by Judith P. Foard

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-6552-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6554-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6553-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012922824

iUniverse rev. date: 12/26/2012

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

CHAPTER 1

Saturday morning breakfast was usually one of Ruth Ainsworth’s favorite times of the week, but on this December Saturday morning, she was miserable. She sat silently at the kitchen table, staring at her food and trying to hold back the tears that she could feel welling up in her eyes. She was oblivious to her parents’ conversation with her thirteen-year-old brother, Will, who was telling their parents about the new basketballs that he had seen in the sporting goods store and strongly hinting that he would like to have one for Christmas.

No one had even noticed that something was wrong with Ruth until her mother, passing by Ruth’s chair with a second batch of cinnamon biscuits, looked at her daughter’s plate. Why, Ruth, you haven’t eaten anything! Is your stomach bothering you?

When Ruth looked up at her mother, tears started to stream down her cheeks. No, Mom, it’s not my stomach, she shouted. It’s Rex! It’s Rex! He’s ruining my whole life! Jumping out of her chair, she pounded her fist on the table and ran out of the kitchen.

Oh, dear, said her mother with a sigh.

For a moment, Ruth’s parents looked at each other silently. Then Mr. Ainsworth said, You’d better go and see if you can help her. Will and I’ll clean up the dishes.

Will, who had been munching on a biscuit, put it down and asked his father, How long do you think we’ll have to put up with that wailing of hers?

Son, you have to go easy on your sister right now. She’s really suffering, said Mr. Ainsworth as he looked sadly at his son through his wire-rimmed glasses.

Anne Ainsworth took off her apron and rushed from the kitchen. A tall, slender woman with dark hair, she looked anguished as she ran up the stairs to her daughter’s room. Standing at Ruth’s closed door, she called out frantically, Ruth, Ruth, may I come in?

Ruth replied in a muffled voice, Yes, Mom, come in.

Ruth was sitting at her dressing table, looking dejectedly into the mirror. Her face was pale, and there were dark circles under her eyes.

Oh, Ruth, it’s so hard to see you like this! Did something bad happen last night at the movies?

Yes, I saw Rex there with Betsy Swanson, and he completely ignored me. He wouldn’t even look at me. I just don’t exist for him anymore! She got up from the dressing table and threw herself on the bed, sobbing. I’ve never been rejected like this before, and it hurts so much!

Mrs. Ainsworth sat on the bed beside Ruth and began rubbing her back. I know, darling, you feel just awful right now. Remember, you can talk to your father and me or to Marnie and Jen, your friends. She stared into the distance as if thinking of something else entirely. Then she said, I look back to when I was about your age and remember what happened to my first love.

What happened, Mom? asked Ruth, looking up at her mother as she rubbed the tears from her eyes. You never told me. I thought Dad was your first boyfriend.

Oh, no, when I lived in Vermont, and I was seventeen like you, I dated a young man named Lucien. A year later, when we were planning to marry, he got ill and died suddenly.

Mom, that’s awful! That’s worse than what I’m going through. Oh, I’m so ashamed to be crying over this.

You shouldn’t be ashamed. You should cry. You’ve lost someone dear to you. Whether it’s in death or in a separation, the person you love is gone, and that’s what hurts.

You’re right, Mom. How did you get over losing him?

My family and friends helped me. Sometimes when I felt especially bad, my father would take a walk with me, and we would talk. It took time, though, to start feeling better. You have to expect that you’re going to feel bad for a while.

How long did it take you to get over it?

I can’t remember exactly, but about a year, I suppose. I moved from my little town in Vermont about six months after Lucien died and came here to work in the bank where your father worked. Let’s see—I started courting your father several months later. You know how caring he is? He was like that when I met him, and he helped me too. Ruth, I don’t think it will take you that long to get over losing Rex, said Mrs. Ainsworth reassuringly as she patted her daughter on the shoulder.

I can see what you mean. It’s different. Rex didn’t die. Ruth looked at her mother tenderly. Thanks, Mom, for your help.

Why don’t you lie down and take a nap? advised her mother.

I really shouldn’t. I have yearbook work to do, and I wanted to go out and buy Christmas gifts this afternoon.

Don’t you think those things can wait?

I guess they can. I’ll try to get some rest. Ruth reached out and hugged her mother.

Mrs. Ainsworth smiled faintly, the worried look gone from her face. As her mother left the room, Ruth followed her to the door and watched her descend the stairs. Then she heard her father, who was waiting in the living room, ask, How is she doing? Ruth tiptoed into the hall and leaned over the stair railing so that she could hear her mother’s reply.

I think she’s a little better. She’s going to take a nap. Whew! We’ve never had a problem like this before, have we, Arthur?

No, we haven’t. I know it’s been especially hard on you to see Ruth suffer like this. As he said this, Ruth saw him put his arm around her mother’s shoulder and kiss her. Putting on his overcoat and hat, he said, I’d better get to the bank.

From her position on the stairs, Ruth could see her father go through the kitchen to the back door. In his late forties, Arthur Ainsworth was a man of average height and weight with gray hair. His blue eyes were his most prominent feature, and they twinkled when he smiled. He was the president of Hampden National Bank, a position that he had assumed shortly after the end of World War II, when the elderly president, Mr. John Douglas, died. He loved his job and was happy that now he was able to provide a comfortable living for his family.

Feeling uneasy about her parents’ remarks, Ruth remained at a place on the stairs where she could observe her mother, who was now in the kitchen finishing her breakfast. By looking at her mother, Ruth thought that she could tell whether she was upset or not. She felt somewhat relieved when she saw her mother sitting quietly at the kitchen table with a calm but determined look on her face. Until the past month, Ruth had felt secure in knowing that her parents were capable of meeting any challenge that she or her brothers gave them. She knew, however, that her recent reaction to losing her first serious boyfriend had been an extremely unsettling experience for her mother. Now feeling relieved by the look she saw on her mother’s face, Ruth tiptoed quietly back to her room and lay down to take a nap.

CHAPTER 2

It was nearly eleven when Ruth awoke from her nap. The sun was beginning to break through the clouds, and the fog was lifting. She felt rested, but the pain was still there. As she often had during the past weeks since her breakup with Rex, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, reliving her time with him. It seemed that every day she felt compelled to go over some part of the story in her mind.

She had first seen Rex Gardner in late June while working at the Hampden Boat and Swim Club. One hot, humid afternoon as she ended her shift as lifeguard at the pool, she spotted a handsome young man who looked about her age. He was carrying a canoe toward the boathouse. Who is that? she thought. I’ve never seen him before. Maybe he is from another town.

After he came out of the boathouse, he walked toward the swimming pool. Spotting Ruth, he called out, Miss, how long is the pool open?

We’re open until seven o’clock, she replied. Looking at him, she saw a faint smile on his tanned face as he looked at her with interest. He had slightly curly blond hair and dazzling blue eyes. I’m Ruth Ainsworth, and I’m a lifeguard here at the pool. I don’t think I’ve ever met you.

No, you haven’t. I’m Rex Gardner, and I have just moved here to Massachusetts from Pennsylvania. You see, my dad is the new manager of the paper mill down on South Street.

Oh, you mean the Stratford Mill? asked Ruth.

Yes, that’s right. We moved here two weeks ago, and I was glad to find there was a boat club. I belonged to one back in Pennsylvania.

Are you still in high school?

I’ll be a senior this year. There was a hint of sadness in his voice as he continued. It’s been tough leaving friends my senior year. I was going to be the starting quarterback on the football team, and now that’s gone!

Looking at Rex, Ruth said, I’m going to be a senior too. Are you going to Hampden High or prep school?

I’m going to Hampden High. My dad checked out the school before we moved, and he was impressed with it.

Our school does have a great reputation, and I think you’ll make friends fast.

Well, I hope so. I left behind my friends, and I feel lost without them. That’s why I’ve been coming down here and taking a canoe out on the river. Paddling is great for muscles and stamina, and I do want to try out for the school football team.

Great! You may have a good chance at quarterback as last year’s quarterback graduated.

Hey! said Rex excitedly. That makes me feel better already. Then he asked, I’ll get to see you some more, won’t I?

Yes, you will. Come in swimming someday while I’m working at the pool.

I will. You can bet on that, said Rex as he walked with a confident swagger toward the pool.

Ruth was a level-headed young woman who was not easily swept off her feet. She had been dating for over a year but had not gotten serious with anyone. However, when she had looked at Rex and begun to talk with him, she had felt drawn to him. He was not only friendly but also handsome and extremely well built. He must be in great shape, she thought, to be able to carry a canoe all of the way from the river.

When she arrived home, she was a bit giddy, and her mother, looking puzzled, said, Ruth, what’s gotten into you? You’re usually not so silly.

Mom, I’ve just met the most divine-looking guy at the club!

Oh, really, who is it? Her mother looked both curious and worried.

His name is Rex Gardner, and he’s new to town. His dad is the manager of the Stratford Paper Mill down on South Street.

Oh, I think I’ve heard your father mention a Mr. Gardner who’s recently opened an account at the bank. Aren’t he and his family from Pennsylvania?

Yes, you’re right. Rex is going to be a senior this year and plans to try out for quarterback on the football team. Mom, you ought to see him. He is so handsome, and he’s got big muscles just like Rick! When she said the name of her twenty-year-old brother, Rick, she paused a moment thinking of how she was going to miss having him around during summer vacation. He had recently left for his summer job as a camp counselor in Vermont and would be going right from work back to college. There’s no guy at school that comes even close to him in looks. I can hardly wait to go to work tomorrow! I think it’s going to be an interesting summer.

Mrs. Ainsworth looked at Ruth and chuckled to herself. She had never seen her daughter this excited about a young man before, not even when she was a giggly junior high student. Ruth’s unquestioning enthusiasm for Rex worried Mrs. Ainsworth somewhat, but on the other hand, she thought that a mill manager’s son might go well with a banker’s daughter.

Over the course of the next week, Rex often talked to Ruth at the pool. On July 4, when the club had a picnic and fireworks, Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth first met Rex’s parents. Ruth had worked that day at the pool, and she had just joined her family for the picnic when she noticed that Rex and his family were looking for a place to sit. She beckoned to Rex to bring his family to the table nearby. After introductions Ruth was pleased to see that the families felt comfortable being together. Rex’s mother and father asked many questions about the community, which Ruth’s parents were eager to answer.

As the families were cleaning up after the picnic, Rex asked Ruth if she would like to take a walk with him. She said that she would, and they headed toward the path on the river bank. For a few minutes, Ruth found it difficult to say anything, for she was overwhelmed with her sudden good fortune. She was anxious as she searched for something to say. Then she thought about his interest in boats. She was relieved to see the spark in his eyes when she asked him how long he had been boating. Before long he was telling her about being on a crew team in Pennsylvania.

I’ve told you about my boating, said Rex. I’d like to know how you got to be a lifeguard.

It all began when I was eight years old and learned to swim. I loved swimming from the minute I began lessons. Each summer, I took Red Cross lessons here, and in the winter, I went to the YMCA to practice. This spring, I passed the lifesaving course and applied for one of the lifeguard positions here. I was the youngest person chosen. I really like the job, especially giving the swimming lessons to the children. That makes up for getting toasted every afternoon up there in the lifeguard’s chair, said Ruth with a laugh.

I imagine sitting up there every afternoon can get pretty boring, said Rex.

It does, but teaching the children and getting my own paychecks make it all the worth it. I’m saving money for school clothes and putting money in my college account.

That’s great, said Rex. I want to go to college and play football. That sure would make college more interesting, and besides, he said with a chuckle, everybody loves a football hero, right? His eyes twinkled as he laughed at his own joke, but then his smile vanished, and his lips tightened a bit. He was silent for a moment. He appeared to be searching for words. Then he blurted out, Ruth, will you go with me to the movies tomorrow night? There’s a new film downtown, and I thought we would enjoy seeing it together.

Ruth must have looked stunned, for glancing at Rex, she realized that he thought she was going to say no. She hurried to answer. Rex, I would love to go with you.

He smiled. I’ll stop by for you at six thirty. I think my old man will let me use the convertible. As he looked at Ruth, his eyes danced with delight. Just wait till you see it. It’s some car!

Oh, Rex, I can’t wait to see it! We’ll have a great time! Rex reached out his hand and took hers in his and squeezed it. They started back to the clubhouse holding each other’s hand tightly.

By now it was nearly dark, and the couple noticed that people were beginning to set their blankets on the ground to watch the fireworks. Will you come and sit with me? asked Rex.

Sure, said Ruth.

Ruth and Rex sat on a blanket near their families. As they watched the fireworks, Rex pulled Ruth closer to him. Leaning against Rex, with his arm wrapped around her waist, Ruth felt as if she were in a dream. She silently asked herself, Is this really happening to me?

CHAPTER 3

In her bed now on a cold December morning, Ruth winced as she remembered that happy night. Why did the dream have to end? she asked herself as she started to cry again.

Ruth recalled her first date with Rex. He had come to the house dressed dashingly in a tan suit. She would never forget how handsome he looked as he got out of the convertible that evening! Daydreaming while watching him come up the walk, she had whispered to herself, He is Van Johnson coming to see me, Esther Williams, the glamorous swimming star of the movies!

When Rex pulled the cream-colored car up to the curb near the movie theater, all eyes were on them. Ruth dreamed some more. Van Johnson and I are arriving for opening night at a grand theater in Hollywood. Returning to reality, Ruth noticed that some of her classmates who were in line for tickets had questioning expressions on their faces as they looked at her. She wondered what they were thinking.

The film was hilarious, and she and Rex laughed all through it at the antics of the actors. After the film was over, she saw several of her friends and introduced Rex to them. She derived a secret delight from the astounded looks that they gave her and Rex. Ruth spotted Tim O’Brien, who played on the football team, and she beckoned to him. Tim, I want you to meet Rex Gardner, who has just moved here from Pennsylvania. He played football there and wants to try out for our high school team.

Tim sauntered over from the popcorn machine where he had been standing and shook Rex’s hand. Tim, who was of about the same height as Rex, had red curly hair, green eyes, and an abundance of freckles. He was an easy-going young man who was very popular with his classmates. From the conversation that ensued, Ruth could tell that Rex had already made a friend. Before starting home, the couple stopped at Schuler’s Soda Shop, which was a favorite hangout for the high school crowd after the movies. There Ruth introduced Rex to several more classmates.

Ruth laughed as she settled back in the seat of the convertible. Wow! News about our date is going to be all over town tonight. I bet the phones are ringing right now.

Rex smiled, and there was a look of satisfaction on his face. When they arrived at Ruth’s house, Rex got out of the car and rushed around to her side to open the door. He took her hand as they walked to the front door. Without saying anything, he reached down and kissed her. Do you mind? he asked afterward.

No, not at all!

I’ll call you tomorrow, said Rex as he turned to leave.

Entering the house, Ruth could hear the phone ringing, and she ran to answer it. It was her best friend, Marnie Jensen, and she was calling to ask Ruth about her date with Rex. Tim, who had been dating Marnie recently, had called her as soon as he had gotten home. After Ruth finished talking with her, the phone rang again, and it was Jen Schmidt, another good friend, telling her that Marnie had called her earlier to tell her about Ruth’s date with Rex. When Ruth finished talking to Jen, she slumped down on the sofa and sighed. What did I tell Rex? The news about our date would be all over town!

Dates with Rex to the movies continued throughout July. At work Ruth could hardly wait for her shift at the pool to end so that she could talk to Rex, who was usually at the boat and swim club at that time for canoeing. At the beginning of August, the Hampden Boat and Swim Club put on a formal dance at the clubhouse. To be asked to the ball by a young man who belonged to the club was the dream of many a young woman. One late afternoon, when Rex had taken Ruth out on the river in the canoe, he asked her if she would go with him to the ball.

Rex, I’d love to go. I’ve always wanted to go ever since I was a child.

I’m not much for these types of dances, but going with you will make it fun, he said.

I don’t picture you being uncomfortable at a formal dance.

Well, I am. Can you help me with some of the dance steps?

Yes, I can help you.

ON THE DAY OF the ball, the weather had turned cooler, so that dressing in formal attire was not the nightmare that it would have been on a hot, humid August day. Mr. Gardner let Rex borrow the convertible to take Ruth to the dance. From her upstairs bedroom window, Ruth saw him arrive in the car. She could hardly believe her eyes! He was stunningly handsome in his black tuxedo! She put on her navy blue high heels and rushed downstairs to greet him.

Mr. Ainsworth, who had opened the door for Rex, stood looking at the young couple, his face beaming with pride. Do you mind if I take a picture of you together before you go? he asked. Mr. Ainsworth’s camera focused on the blond-headed, tanned muscular young man in a black tuxedo and his daughter, a taller than average young woman, in a deep blue taffeta gown. Ruth’s brunette hair fell softly about her shoulders and around her tanned face. Her brown eyes sparkled, and there was a faint smile on her full lips.

Rex was at ease at the dance and told Ruth that he was enjoying it. At around ten thirty the couple, tired of dancing, decided to go outside for fresh air. Let’s walk along the river path a bit, the part that isn’t muddy, suggested Rex.

Yes, let’s, said Ruth. ‘‘It’s getting warm and sticky inside. They walked for a while along the path, saying nothing. Ruth thought of what a beautiful night it was. The moonlight was reflected in the rippling currents of the river, and she could hear the strains of her favorite piece, Stardust, being played by the band. When she looked through the large windows of the clubhouse, she could see dancers gliding across the floor. What a scene! I’ll never forget this night!" she whispered to Rex.

Rex took her hand into his and said, It’s like a dream being with you. You make my life so good. I love you, Ruth.

Oh, Rex, I love you, too.

He held her tightly and kissed her. Silently, they walked back toward the brilliantly lit clubhouse.

RUTH SAT UP IN bed, shaken suddenly back into her real life now on this cold December morning. When she thought of this part of the story, she felt the greatest amount of pain. Looking back over her short romance, she concluded that the evening at the ball had indeed been the high point. She wondered, How did it come apart so fast?

CHAPTER 4

After the ball at the Hampden Boat and Swim Club, Ruth saw Rex every day. Either they would swim together after her shift as lifeguard was over, or they would take a canoe on the river. She especially remembered one afternoon. They had been sitting quietly on a birch log at the place where they had stopped the canoe. There was a gentle breeze in the trees, and in this rather marshy area, sounds of insects and birds were all around. Suddenly, Rex pulled Ruth close to him, holding her tightly and kissing her. When he looked at her, there was joy written all over his face. Ruth, I’m so glad I moved here. I never thought I would say that. We’re going to have a great senior year together, and it’s all because of you.

Am I dreaming, or is this really my life? she wondered aloud as she sat nestled in Rex’s strong arms.

The quiet was broken by Rex. Oops! It’s already five o’clock. We’d better head back as Dad will be by to pick us up at five thirty. They rushed to the canoe and shoved off quickly into the river.

Mr. Gardner was waiting for the couple at the boat dock, and Ruth immediately noticed again how much Rex resembled his father. Mr. Gardner’s hair, also blond, was starting to gray at the temples. He was of nearly the same height as his son, and from the way that he carried himself, Ruth could tell that he was a physically vigorous person. What made him different from Rex were his piercing blue eyes and distinguished moustache. As he called to his son, Ruth could tell by his authoritative voice that he could easily command the respect and obedience of not only his children but all of those who worked for him.

Ruth had been invited to Rex’s house for dinner, and she was nervous about her first visit there. After a ten-minute drive, Mr. Gardner pulled the car into the circular drive of a large brick Georgian-style house. Mrs. Gardner, a tall woman with blond hair swept back in a bun, came out to welcome her. She was friendly and soon had put Ruth at ease. Rex’s younger brother and sister introduced themselves and asked whether she had any brothers or sister their age.

She replied, My brother Will is thirteen like you, Amy. Are you going to be in eighth grade this year?

Yes, I am, she replied.

Then you’ll be in my brother’s class. Rex, we’ll have to introduce them to each other.

Rex laughed as he said, Oh, I don’t know if Will would want to meet a brat like my sister.

Amy made a flying leap onto Rex and started punching him in the shoulders. If that’s the way you’re going to talk about me, I’ll injure you before football season even starts. When I’m done with you, you won’t be able to play! said Amy as she pounded away on her brother. For several minutes, Rex and Amy chased each other around the yard, laughing and shouting. Ruth and Rex’s younger brother, Max, stood by, amused at their antics.

Mrs. Gardner came outside and said, Rex, why don’t you show Ruth the garden and the rest of the yard while I finish the meal?

Sure, Mom, I’ll be happy to.

The couple walked into the backyard to the flower garden, followed by Rex’s sister and brother. We’ve got a lot of work to do here as you can see, he said. I’ve been helping Mom weed all these flower beds every morning. Once football practice starts, I’m not going to have the time or the energy to help her.

When does practice start, Rex?

A week from today, he replied.

Ruth became pensive. We won’t have as much time to spend together then.

Rex looked rather sad. Yeah, there won’t be many more days like this one.

The conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a little bell. It was Mrs. Gardner at the kitchen window. Dinner’s being served, she called.

We can go in through the back door, said Rex. There’s a powder room to the right if you want to freshen up.

Thanks, Rex.

In the powder room, Ruth looked at her face. It was blushed from the heat and a bit sweaty. Oh, I hope I didn’t look too bad when I got here, she thought with a sigh. She ran cold water on her face and dried it. Now that looks better, she said aloud.

When she entered the dining room, Rex, Amy, and Max were helping their mother bring the hot dishes from the kitchen. In a few minutes, everyone was seated around the beautiful cherry dining table. Mrs. Gardner asked her husband to say the blessing. Rex reached out to take Ruth’s hand as his father prayed. Ruth also said a silent prayer, thanking God for the day.

While they were eating, Ruth complimented Mrs. Gardner on the food. I’ve never had potato filling before. It’s so delicious.

That’s an old Pennsylvania Dutch recipe, commented Mrs. Gardner. Where we came from in Pennsylvania, potato filling is very popular.

I’ll have to tell my mom about it. I think she’d love it.

Before you go, I’ll give you the recipe, offered Mrs. Gardner.

After dinner Ruth and Rex offered to help Mrs. Gardner clear the table and wash the dishes. By the time they finished, it was getting dark. I guess I had better get started home. I have to go to work earlier than usual tomorrow, said Ruth.

Dad, called Rex, can I take Ruth home?

Mr. Gardner replied, Sure, but be careful. Here are the keys, son.

Mr. Gardner, thank you for inviting me this evening. I’ve had a wonderful time.

Oh, you’re quite welcome. I’m happy that Rex has met a fine young lady like you. Earlier this summer, he was very upset at having to move here, but now his attitude has totally changed.

Soon the couple was on the way to Ruth’s house, which was about a mile south of the Gardner house. When they arrived, Rex walked Ruth to the door.

It’s been a wonderful day, Rex, said Ruth.

He kissed her and held her tightly. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon, he said as he walked toward the car.

MAYBE IT STARTED GOING downhill from there, surmised Ruth as she sat up once again in her bed. She looked at the clock. Oh dear, it’s already eleven thirty. I’d better get up soon, she said with a sigh, or the whole Saturday will be gone. Before long, though, she was again dreaming about what had happened after that day at the Gardners.

THE WEEK AFTER THE dinner, Rex began football practice. Some days Ruth would meet him afterward at the pool. The first week he was tired despite all of his summer training, but he was excited about how the practices were going. I think I have a good chance at starting quarterback, he told Ruth one early evening while they were at the soda shop. At times, Ruth would massage his shoulders and upper arms when he complained of feeling sore. Oh, that feels so good! he would say.

Labor Day was Ruth’s last day of work. In the afternoon, there was a picnic, and she was in charge of the pool. After she finished her shift at five, she and Rex walked along the river one last time before starting home. Because school began the next day, Rex dropped Ruth off earlier than usual at her house. Before he left, she reminded him that she would meet him in the morning at the school’s entrance.

Okay, I’ll see you there at eight fifteen, he said as he turned to go to his car.

She noted that Rex had seemed quieter than usual. She thought, Like me, he’s probably worried about tomorrow. After all, it’s the first day of our senior year. What a year it’s going to be!

CHAPTER 5

Once in her room, Ruth started making plans for the first day of school. She decided to wear a summery white blouse and a blue skirt with her new saddle oxfords. After bathing, she rolled her hair on curlers and manicured her nails. Finally, she put lined paper into her notebook and pencils and a fountain pen into her purse.

It was hard for her to believe that it was the night before her senior year. For years, Ruth had admired the senior girls she had seen at school. Now that she was one, she knew that younger girls would be watching her. It was not only an honor to be a senior but also a responsibility. Her religious upbringing made her aware that she needed to set a good example for the younger girls.

She also thought of how fortunate she was to be a senior of the class of 1948. The young men in her class would not face the prospect of going off to war in Europe or the South Pacific after graduation. Those who did join the armed forces would go to Europe or Japan to help rebuild war-torn areas.

The next morning dawned bright with sun streaming in her bedroom window. Ruth awakened early, feeling refreshed from her sound sleep. She was already downstairs by seven fifteen to prepare her breakfast. Soon her younger brother, Will, came into the kitchen. Though he was beginning eighth grade, he had not yet begun to grow taller, and he tried to compensate for his still small size with a cocky swagger. He also delighted in teasing his older sister.

At eight o’clock Ruth was on her way down the street to Hampden High School. She had to walk only a short distance to a large intersection. There she crossed the street and turned right onto the street that led to the high school. Hampden High School was a beautiful brick building built in the 1920s. Above the front entrance was a tower that added to its charm.

Climbing the stairs to the large entrance, Ruth waved to several of her acquaintances who were already there. She found a place by the door to wait for Rex. Time went by quickly as several friends stopped to talk to her, including Tim O’Brien. Tim smiled and said so that all around him could hear, You’re waiting for Prince Charming, aren’t you?

Tim, don’t be so loud! said Ruth.

Hey! replied Tim. That guy is some football player! You should want everybody to know you’re waiting for him. With him on the team, I think we’ve got a good chance to win the conference championship this year. Just don’t get him too lovesick! Tim laughed.

Oh, be still! Ruth shouted as she hit Tim on the shoulder with her notebook.

In a few minutes, she spotted Mr. Gardner’s car. Rex got out of the car, waved to his father, and started up the walk toward the stairs. Was he ever handsome in his navy pants and blue shirt! Proudly, she thought, He’s mine. Then she had a disquieting thought—what if another girl tried to steal him?

Hey!’ shouted Rex. Are you off in dreamland or something?"

Yes, I guess I am. I was thinking about what a day it’s going to be, introducing you to all my classmates.

Well, let’s get going. I want to meet your friends.

Walking inside the school, Ruth and Rex went past the main office and down the hall toward the auditorium, where the whole student body would be welcomed by the principal and receive instructions for the day. It was easy to spot the freshmen. Many of the boys were shorter than the girls, and most of the freshmen had scared looks on their faces. Sophomores, appearing more at ease, were talking and laughing loudly with their friends. The juniors and seniors looked older and