*All ages
Disclaimer: All characters in this story are the original property of Western Publishing. I declare that I am not being paid to write this story, but if I were, I would probably do a better job. All names and events are purely fictitious and do not portray actual persons, living or dead. However, if you see yourself in this story, that’s what I hoped for.
What Lonely is Like
by Beverly
Standing apart from the others at the bus stop, the quiet brunette hung her head and clutched her books tightly to her chest. Silently staring at her feet, ashamed to look at anyone, it was obvious she did not fit in with the merry crowd of students laughing and joking with one another. However, no one seemed to notice her at all.
"I declare, Brian," hooted Mart Belden, "but our distaff sibling appears to possess an exceedingly plentiful collection of scholarly literature. Perchance the pedagogues have conferred obligatory educational designations o'er the weekend?"
"If you mean, did I get a ton of weekend homework from my teachers, you’re right, smarty-pants. But instead of irritating me with your silly rambling, you should be feeling sorry for me," his sister Trixie responded hotly. "Not only do I have two math assignments, and an English essay to complete, I have to baby-sit our mischievous little six-year old brother, while you and Brian have fun swimming and horseback riding all weekend long."
"Oh, come on, Trix. You have it pretty easy. I’ll gladly trade babysitting for the chemistry experiment I have to finish before Monday. I’m sure Moms will let you off the hook from ‘Bobby-sitting’ and you’ll get in your share of fun," her oldest brother Brian replied.
"Ohhh, I really hope so, Trixie," said Honey Wheeler, Trixie’s best friend. "This is the weekend the Bob-Whites planned the campout at the lake. We still have so many things to do, what with food shopping, planning our cookout menu, getting the camping gear ready, setting up the tents, and, all the fun we’ll have, and, oh, Trixie! If you’re not there, why, it just won’t be fun at all!"
"I agree. Trixie, you’ve just got to get all your homework done before tomorrow night! Even if it means skipping dinner and staying up late tonight to study," Diana Lynch jumped in.
"Whoa! Would you squaws relax," laughed Jim Frayne, Honey’s older brother. "You make it sound like Trixie will never see the light of day. Look, Trix, I can help you with your math homework, and I’m sure Mart would be willing to help you out on the English paper – that is, if you check his spelling." There was a twinkle in Jim’s eyes, and the rest of the Bob-Whites laughed heartily; for everyone knew that Mart Belden had a love for big words he could not spell.
Just then, the school bus came into sight, and all the young people piled on, pushing a protesting Mart ahead of them. The lonely girl followed, hanging back slightly from the happy-go-lucky group. She was not a part of their crowd and could not help but feel a tightening in her chest, as she fought back the sad tears that stung her eyes. How she longed to be a part of the fun and good times Trixie Belden and her friends enjoyed. But she was not a part of their world.
The bang of the screen door slamming was the only sound disturbing the peace in the little yellow frame house. Linda entered slowly, carefully placing her books on the kitchen table.
"Momma, I’m home," she called.
The tired-looking woman entered the kitchen then, smiling pleasantly at her only daughter. "Hello, sweetie. How was school today? Would you like a cookie?"
Linda hugged her mother and replied, "No thanks, Momma. You know I’m trying to cut back. How is Daddy today?"
The look her mother gave her was easy to read. In spite of a valiant effort, Linda’s father was slowly losing his battle with cancer. He had good days and bad days, but lately, his days were worse. The strain and worry of caring for her husband was also taking it’s toll on Linda’s mother. Nevertheless, Sue Collier refused to be any less than cheerful in front of her child.
"Why don’t you go sit with Dad while I get some supper started. He’s been looking for you all day."
As much as Linda wanted to pour her heart out to her mother, and talk about how lonely she was, she knew how selfish that would be. Eight months ago, her parents had moved to Westchester County to be closer to the specialists her father needed for his medical condition. And, even though she was only fourteen, Linda knew the move was partly because her parents needed to escape the grief of the loss of Linda’s younger brother in a car crash. One look at Mrs. Collier’s haggard face, and the full magnitude of her mother’s sacrifice hit Linda like a brick. After all she and Daddy have been through, there’s no way I’m going to complain about my petty little problems.
Linda gave hugged her mother again, longer and harder this time, and smiled. "I’ll go read to Daddy for awhile. Call me when you’re ready and I’ll set the table. Momma...I love you!"
Her mother smiled. "I love you, too, Linda. You’re a blessing to me."
After the dishes were washed and dried, Linda went out to sit alone on the front porch. She loved to watch the stars come out. Nighttime was so peaceful out in the country, she thought. Only the crickets and an occasional car along Glen Road disrupted the silence. Fireflies danced in harmony, performing a private ballet just for her enjoyment.
Tears crept into her eyes as she heard her father’s moans in the darkness. From the open window in his room, she could hear her mother’s soothing voice, reading Bible scriptures to him for comfort.
I don’t know how much longer I can take it. I can’t believe all this is happening to my family – to ME! If I just had someone to talk to...someone who’d would listen and understand how I’m feeling. If I had a friend.....
She hung her head and let the tears come.
On the other side of the hill behind Manor House, laughter wafted up from the lake. The seven teenagers, Trixie Belden, her brothers Brian and Mart, Honey Wheeler, Jim Frayne, Diana Lynch, and Dan Mangan, were all in a very good mood. And why not? School was almost over for the year, and soon more good times like this were just around the corner. Maybe Trixie would even unearth another mystery for the Bob-Whites to solve.
As the group sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows, a thoughtful Dan Mangan spoke up.
"Do any of you guys know Linda Collier?"
"WHO?" "There’s a Linda in my Algebra class." "Linda Collier?" "I don’t think so." "Is she the quiet one with the long brown hair?" "Linda who?" came the mixed replies.
"Linda Collier who lives just down Glen Road from us, who rides to and from school with us, who is in at least one class with every single one of the Bob-Whites, that’s who," Dan spoke softly.
"I guess I know her. I think I have Physical Education class with her," said Diana.
"Oh, yeah! She’s the brainy one in Algebra class," Trixie mumbled through bites of marshmallows.
"I’m flabbergasted that you are capable of discerning intellect when you see it, Beatrix," Mart guffawed.
Jim spoke up. "She’s very smart, but awfully quiet. I know she makes straight A’s, and the principal has recommended her for an advanced program for high school students at NYU this summer. I heard she won’t be able to go, because money is a problem with her family right now."
"I can’t really say that I know her that well, although she seems very nice," Honey remarked thoughtfully.
"That’s just my point," Dan said soberly. "Here is a very nice person we see every day that we don’t really know at all."
Trixie jumped up and wiped her hands on her jeans. "What makes you so concerned about Linda Collier anyway, Dan?"
Not knowing how to put his thoughts into words, Dan was silent for a moment. How could he explain to the rest of the Bob-Whites how it felt to be a lonely person without any friends? None of them had ever experienced the void of companionship like he had when he was alone on the streets of the city. Having a loving family was one thing: Dan knew his Uncle Regan would always be there for him. But having a close group of positive friends your age and sharing fun together was something he had not always had, like the others. It was something he was sure Linda did not have either.
Finally, Dan spoke. "I think Linda is a very lonely person right now, and could use our friendship. I really believe she needs some friends."
"Why, Dan, you’re right! How many times have I seen her standing alone at the bus stop after school, and not gone over and said hello!" Honey appeared to be on the verge of tears as the realization of her unintentional disregard for someone’s feelings sank in.
"As Bob-Whites of the Glen, isn’t it our responsibility to help others, regardless of whether their problem is a missing emerald or just plain old loneliness?" Dan looked around the campfire for agreement in his friends’ faces.
Trixie, who had listened quietly as Dan delivered his heartfelt speech, had a sudden flashback. She remembered when she had first met him, how distrustful of him she had been. It wasn’t until the BWG’s befriended him that Dan’s true personality shined through, and his loneliness vanished. She could not imagine the BWG’s without Dan Mangan as one of the club’s members.
"Well, as co-president of the BWG’s, I call this meeting to order to discuss our next party, to which of course, we are going to invite Linda Collier as our guest of honor!"
Dan’s beaming face was all the approval Trixie needed.
The End