Chapter 12
That bright and sunny California morning, Barbara Lindsey left four important stages of her life behind her: her school resignation, the little town of Santa Lenora, and her love for David and Stevie Hamilton.
She sat quietly on the train, occasionally staring damp-eyed out the window to watch the countryside roll by, resolved that she had done the right and only thing. It was quite apparent to her now that she could never change, and to have married David would have meant the ruination of both his and Stevie's lives, for she never could have kept her lecherous hands off the boy ... and truly, she loved them both too much to destroy them.
She had left without saying good-bye, in fact, had mailed her resignation to the school, and at the moment she had no particular destination in mind, except to head east. Still, she didn't feel lonesome, nor the slightest bit like a wanderer, and she always had her profession for security. No, her brief tears puddling her lovely eyes had come when she thought of David and handsome Stevie. She knew she was going to miss them both so much....
Suddenly, a little ripple of excitement washed through her belly and she searched her purse for a Kleenex, drying her eyes quickly. She stole another glance across the aisle and saw him smile over at her. She returned it with a pleasant one of her own, thinking that he couldn't be over fifteen or sixteen ... and undoubtedly traveling alone!
And God, he was a handsome young boy...!