by Bree Cariad
Chrissa dropped her off at home and as DeLynn walked up to her house, she took a couple deep breaths. It would not do to look flushed or out of sorts. Her mother was sure to deny her the chance if she thought anything strange was going on.
“I’m home,” she called as she walked in the door.
“How was it?” her mother asked, walking into the living room from the kitchen.
“Great. I want to go.” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that, but announce she did. Trying for some sort of composure, she shrugged. “I don’t know what I want to study, but there’s so much possibility at LCC. They even have a four-year program through Seattle University if I wanted to go beyond two years.”
“Two…four…” Her mother spluttered and after a look of shock crossed her face, she started to laugh. DeLynn stared as her mother doubled over and finally collapsed onto the sofa, laughing so hard tears escaped her eyes.
“Mom?”
Holding up her hand to stave off any more words, Liz managed to get her laughter under control. Looking up into DeLynn’s eyes, she gave a wry smile. “Here I was worried about a six to nine month program and you’re already thinking two-to-four years. Barrett’s right. I’m a bit blind.”
“I don’t have to go,” DeLynn said in a small voice. “But Zach said going there really helped him find his vocation and—”
“Zach?” her mother asked, sitting up straight.
Drat. DeLynn hadn’t meant to bring him up either. “Zachary Styles. He’s the chaplain on campus. We met him today. He’s a nice man.”
Relief crossed her mother’s face. “They have a college chaplain? That’s nice.”
“And he knows about Hyacinth.”
“I think most people nearby do, DeLynn. So, tell me about the school.”
Plopping down on the sofa next to her mother, she told her everything she remembered as well as gave her the packet of information. “Chrissa wants to go, too. Maybe we could make sure we have classes at the same time so we can carpool. Plus, the two of us going together would be safer.” She knew her mother was worried about a lot of things, her safety at going to and from Longdale being one of them.
The cooking school as it turned out went from six in the morning until two in the afternoon every day, so sharing a car with Deeka wasn’t feasible. Chrissa had no intention of getting up that early for school. DeLynn agreed with her that it was early. However, she would have been willing to go along with it if that was what Chrissa had wanted to do. This being something so new and different, she just felt more comfortable doing it as a group, even if it was a group of two.
The two of them talked about the classes and the school until her siblings returned home and then the noise became too much. Her mother sent everyone to do homework while DeLynn went upstairs to put everything away.
“How was it?” Blaine asked, walking into her bedroom.
“I want to go.”
“Don’t worry, Lynnie. Barrett’ll convince Mom to let you go.”
DeLynn wasn’t worried about that much at all. She was more worried about the brown-eyed chaplain an hour away. Never before had she been so attracted to someone. Would he think she was too young? For all she knew, he was married or engaged. Or even dating that Karen person. Looking into her mirror after her brother left her bedroom, she tried to take stock of her looks. Pale skin, pale blue eyes, white hair. Zachary Style’s exact opposite in looks. And yet, he said he thought she was pretty. Or was he just being nice?
“Dinner!” her brother Evan called and reminding herself to forget all about Zach as she would probably never see him again, DeLynn went downstairs.
Dinner was long over and Charity had gone to bed before DeLynn got the chance to talk to Barrett. Turned out, she didn’t need to say anything.
“So, I hear you’re going to college,” Barrett said with a grin as she found him in his study.
“I hope so.”
“Talked to Liz about it already. I see no reason why you shouldn’t go. Do you know what classes you want to take?”
Sitting across from him, she pulled out the class list and handed it over. “I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll take a couple different things since I don’t know what to study.”
He was a bevy of information, suggestions, and hope. Deeka’s father was pleased she was going and helped her to feel better about it. “Chrissa and I should probably coordinate what classes we’re taking so that we can carpool,” she said after he helped her choose five possible courses. DeLynn had a hard time admitting it, but going to school was not only exciting, it was terrifying. She felt if she had one of her best friends nearby, that it would be easier to get through. And hopefully, Chrissa would stop her before she did something stupid.
“I don’t think you should take more than three as you will be surprised at how college will keep you busy. But do me a favor?” he asked in a kind voice. Picking up the forms, she waited. “Have fun. Join some college groups. But stay true to who you are. You’re a great young lady, DeLynn. You have a lot to offer the world.”
Nodding in agreement, she dashed upstairs to call Chrissa. Getting her voice mail, she left a message and changed into her pajamas. Only two weeks until classes started. She couldn’t wait.
Chapter 3
Pulling the bookbag over her shoulder, DeLynn walked across campus. This was only her third day as an official LCC student, but it almost felt as though she had been here for years. The classes were far more complex than any high school class she had taken, but so far she had enjoyed all three. She and Chrissa had both signed up for classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, but one of hers was also on Fridays so today she was on campus by herself.
Since all of the school was fully in session, the quad was filled with people rushing to and fro or just standing around talking. While she had met a couple people in her classes, her natural quiet nature had kept her from meeting very many. Following the trickle of people to the James A. Newson Center, she almost tripped when she heard her name.
“DeLynn?”
Turning her head, she felt her skin blush as Zachary Styles walked up to her, his warm smile in place. “So you decided to come. Good for you.”
“Yeah. I’m enjoying it so far.”
He winked. “You haven’t gotten to midterms yet.”
Laughing as she had listened to her teachers harp on midterms and finals twice so far, she nodded. “So, I’ve heard.” He opened the door so she and a couple other students could enter and then followed her inside.
“What class are you going to?” he asked.
“Society 101.”
“Interesting course. Is Spelling your instructor?”
“Yeah. How’d you know?” she asked in surprise.
“She’s the only one I know of who teaches it,” he admitted in amusement. As they got to her classroom, he paused. “I don’t know if you’re available, but I’m leading a hike up to the Longdale Labyrinth this afternoon. You’re very welcome to join us. We’ll head out from the chapel at one if you’re interested.” With a wave, he turned and walked away.
“Thanks!” she called, turning and walking into the classroom, thrilled he had invited her. And yet knowing there was no way she could go. Her mother expected her home by one.
It was vastly difficult to pay attention to the lecture on modern vs. ancient Greek societies when all she could think of were ways to go to the labyrinth. By the time class let out, she resolved to do some extra studying this weekend to make up for not hearing the lesson. It was only noon, but she had Barrett’s truck. Staying would be inordinately rude given the fact her step-father was so firmly in her corner about getting an education.
Biting her lower lip, she dashed across campus to the administration building and student center, hoping Zach put up a list of activities. Hopefully they went every Friday and she could make plans for next week. Scanning the large calendar on the wall, she didn’t see the labyrinth listed. Maybe he had a list of them downstairs. Quickly making her way to th
e chapel, she walked in and looked around.
“Zachary?” she called hesitantly, still not sure that she shouldn’t be calling him something more formal.
He popped out of his office. “DeLynn,” he said warmly. “Are you coming to the labyrinth with us? We won’t be starting out for another hour.”
Blushing, she shook her head. “No, I have my step-father’s truck and need to get it home. I…um…I was trying to find a calendar of activities so I could plan ahead.”
“Ah! Well, except for the basics, while I have certain times set aside, I don’t schedule activities until that day as it’s impossible to tell what the weather will do. Come in,” he beckoned, heading back into his office. “Why don’t you sign up for my email list? I send out a weekly list of times and possible activities as well as a weekly devotion.” He pulled a list out of one of the drawers of his desk and placed it and a pen in front of her.
Suddenly glad that Barrett had been quite insistent that she create an email she could use just for school, she wrote down her information. As she did, he pulled out a few pieces of paper. When she was done, he handed them over. “I’ve already sent out this week’s email yesterday. But these are the activities and times planned from tomorrow through next Friday.” As she took the pages and turned to leave, he spoke again. “I’m glad you came to LCC, DeLynn. I look forward to seeing you around.”
After cautiously smiling at him over her shoulder, she darted as slowly as possible out of the door and to Barrett’s truck. She might be mistaken and she probably was, but she thought that just maybe Zachary liked her. And if he did, what did that mean? Professors weren’t allowed to date students. Was the chaplain? Not that she could date. Barrett was pretty open, but he still believed strongly in the courting concept.
Hopping into the cab of his Ford 250, she turned the key, smiling at the roar of the engine as she connected her seatbelt and pulled out of the parking lot. Her smile didn’t diminish once the whole way home.
Her entire family took her good mood as an indication that school was just what she needed and she quite happily left them with that assumption. They didn’t need to know that her thoughts kept returning to a gorgeous man with brown eyes and a warm smile that she felt all the way to her toes.
Of course, Chrissa got it without asking. “You saw him, didn’t you?” she asked as the two drove to school on Monday.
“Saw who?” DeLynn asked, staring out the window.
“Right,” Chrissa said. “Look who you’re talking to? Zachary Styles. The God cutie.”
“Chrissa!” DeLynn spluttered, giggling at her friend’s description.
“Oh, don’t ‘Chrissa’ me. Something put that grin on your face. Did he try to hold your hand?”
“He just asked me to join a hike they were taking on Friday but I couldn’t go. But…I kind of got the idea he might like me?” DeLynn still wasn’t sure and while she would normally have preferred to talk to Deeka about this as Deeka wasn’t as brash as Chrissa, that wasn’t possible right now and she needed some advice. “I just don’t know what to do about it. Or if there is anything I can do about it.”
“Hmm. Well, he seems to understand the Hyacinth courting system. Plus, I don’t think he’s technically supposed to date the student body,” Chrissa mused aloud. “Maybe you should ask Barrett to ask him to dinner.”
“I can’t do that!” That sounded desperate to DeLynn. Wait. Was she desperate?
“Why not? Barrett could say he’s doing it as a thank you for Zach making you feel so welcome at school and Zachary could taste your cooking skills…which are sooooo much better than mine. And seeing him away from school would give you a better chance to talk…”
“With Charity, Evan, Cherise, and Blaine chipping in,” DeLynn reminded her. “We’d never get a word in.”
“Drat. So what activities are this week?” Chrissa asked as she took the turnoff for the college.
None of them would work. Zach’s list included stuff during their classes or later at night when the two would be back home. “On Friday, he has one until four blocked off but said when he planned outdoor activities he didn’t specify exactly what until the day before because of the weather.”
“Tell Barrett you need the truck all day on Friday.”
Too embarrassed to do so, DeLynn conveniently forgot to mention it. For a couple weeks. By which time Chrissa had apparently decided she needed help.
“DeLynn,” Barrett said, one Thursday evening, “can you come to my study?” Surprised as she was helping to clear the table from dinner, she glanced at her mother who nodded. Quickly, DeLynn followed him from the room and into his study where he shut the door after she entered. If it weren’t for the fact that DeLynn was mostly sure Barrett would never spank her, she would be nervous. “Have a seat,” he said, waving to the chair she had taken the last time she was in here. Gingerly she sat down as he walked around his desk and sat down in his chair. “Was there something you wanted to ask me?” he asked in a very gentle tone confusing her.
“Like what?”
Smiling, he shook his head. “Like if you can use my truck all day on Fridays rather than just the mornings?”
“How did you—Chrissa.” She sighed, putting the pieces together in her head.
“She suggested that you were too shy to ask for it but that there were activities you wanted to partake in that were every Friday afternoon.”
“It’s your truck. You’re already being nice enough to let me borrow it for class. Asking to keep it so I could hang out with people seems…selfish.”
His eyes softened. “It isn’t selfish to take advantage of opportunities, DeLynn. I don’t happen to need my truck on Fridays at least through Thanksgiving. So please. Enjoy yourself.” He cleared his throat and leaned back. “If it’s for a school activity all you need to do is ask. The only time I may say no is if it’s a date, but then it will be because I want to meet the young man first.”
Blushing because Fridays had more to do with a man than they did the activity, she nodded. Knowing she might never get the chance again, she asked, “Barrett, can I ask you something? Just between you and me?”
“Of course, honey.”
Gnawing on her lower lip for a moment, she paused trying to figure out how to word it. “I’m not sure how to deal with the whole dating thing. I mean, I haven’t met a lot of people. Some. But…since I’m out of my courting year, what does that mean exactly?”
“It only means what you want it to. DeLynn, you’re only nineteen. That’s incredibly young by the rest of the world’s standards. I hoped for Deeka to find someone and was glad she and Curtis worked out, but that was Deeka. Do not judge you and your future husband by her relationship. You may find you want a career or maybe you’ll meet a guy in one of your classes and fall head over heels. Only you can know that.”
“The guys my age seem kind of immature,” she admitted.
Chuckling, he nodded. “Yes, they are. Girls mature mentally much faster and the girls in Hyacinth even more so on certain levels. Don’t push yourself to do anything you don’t want but don’t be afraid to try either.” Pausing, his eyes rested on her. “Is there someone you’re interested in?”
Her cheeks heated up as she had no idea how to answer.
“Ah. One of your fellow students?” he guessed.
Slowly, agonizingly slowly, she shook her head.
“A professor?” he asked, his tone not as light.
“No. He’s…Zachary Styles is the chaplain.”
To her surprise, his face widened into a large smile. “Would you like me to invite him over for dinner?”
“No!” she said, horrified. “I don’t…I don’t want him thinking I’m after him, Barrett. For all I know he only looks on me as an LCC student he’s trying to help. Please don’t.”
“I won’t. But if you like him, DeLynn, I’ll discretely have him checked out. I may not be your father, but you’ve been Deeka’s friend for several years and I care for you like a
daughter and want to make sure any man you like is worthy of you.”
Pleasure bloomed in her stomach and she nodded. Maybe if Barrett had been dating her mother when Conners asked to come to dinner, he would have sent him packing.
“Now, have the truck home by five tomorrow and enjoy yourself,” he said and she knew their little talk was over.
“Thanks, Barrett.”
All morning she looked forward to whatever the activity would be. DeLynn didn’t even care what it was, just as long as she got to spend a little time with Zach. Maybe she could figure out if he actually liked her or not. After a quick lunch from a vending machine, something she was getting used to while on campus, she knew there was still almost a half hour until the activity began. Figuring that she could at the very least hang around the chapel until one, she walked across campus. The week before she had found a different staircase that would take her to the student center basement closer to where she wanted to be. She was about to head down the stairs when she heard voices. Something about the whispering quality made her pause.
“I can’t believe he did it!” hissed a female voice that sounded somewhat familiar. DeLynn couldn’t remember where she had heard it before. “I mean, we aren’t dating but I thought we might have some sort of understanding. And what does he do? Moves to the end of the world.”
“Hyacinth isn’t the end of the world,” another female voice said calmly. “It’s only an hour away.”
DeLynn held onto the rail and leaned forward. Who was moving to Hyacinth? The town was small enough that if they bought one of the houses in town, the news would spread quickly enough. However, if they bought outside, this was the better way to find out.
“Kayla, haven’t you heard about Hyacinth? They exist in the eighteenth century or something. Girls get married at eighteen and get beaten if they have a hair out of place.”
Startled and rather upset, DeLynn stood up straight. That was wrong. Surely people didn’t actually believe that?