Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 34

"As long as you don’t feel tired, it’s fine. But if you are, you can come home anytime," Vivian said with concern.

Audrey smiled and wrapped her arm around Vivian’s. "You always care about me, Mom."

Just then, Joseph and Danielle returned from outside. Howard, who hadn’t seen his daughter all day, was overjoyed to see her. "Danielle, have you eaten yet?"

Danielle had been busy all day and hadn’t had time to eat. Now that her dad asked, she realized she was hungry. "Joseph and I haven’t eaten yet."

Vivian, hearing that her daughter hadn’t had dinner, felt a pang of sympathy. She pulled Danielle’s hand and led her to the dining room. "Sweetie, why haven’t you eaten yet? Thankfully, I had the chef prepare some food."

"Joseph, why didn’t you bring Danielle to dinner? Now my precious daughter hasn’t eaten," Howard said, giving Joseph a reproachful look.

Joseph being scolded, spoke up softly. "I wanted to come back

every day? We never see you. It’s so late-Mom and Dad must be worried," Audrey said in a

your own business,"

"Joseph, I’m

come eat," Howard

to Danielle, her eyes soft with affection. ’She’s such a good girl,

Danielle ate, she remembered her trip to the border tomorrow. She would likely be gone for days. "Mom, Dad, I have a friend in trouble. I need to go see her. I’ll be going abroad tomorrow and will be away for a while." Howard and Vivian were worried and reluctant to let her go alone. "Sweetie, will you be going alone? Do you want us to send someone with

also concerned about Danielle traveling alone. "Danielle, do you need

saw their concern but knew this trip to the border wouldn’t allow for

Joseph, I’ll be fine.