Just as I Am by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Author:Kim Vogel Sawyer [Sawyer, Kim Vogel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781601425898
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Published: 2013-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

By sunrise of her first morning in Sinclair, Daisy had nearly talked herself out of seeking employment at Dinsmore’s. As much as she wanted to be in the same building as Robby, she didn’t think her heart could survive watching Cassandra steal her very best friend. Cassandra had made it very clear she’d set her sights on Robby and she would do everything in her power to win him for herself.

Last night as Daisy had put her clothes away in the wardrobe and bottom drawers of the bureau, Cassandra lay on her tummy across the bed and explained that she wore blue dresses because blue was the color of Rob’s eyes. While Daisy ran a brush through her short, coarse curls, Cassandra twisted her own black tresses into a long silky braid and commented on how her hair color contrasted so perfectly with Rob’s corn-silk hair. Once Cassandra was settled on the opposite side of the mattress with the lamp extinguished, her final words were of eagerness to sleep because Rob always entered her dreams.

Even at breakfast with the other boarders, most of whom were employed at Dinsmore’s, Cassandra brought Rob into the conversation regardless of the topic. Finally Miss Lucy sent her a stern frown and said, “Goodness, Miss Hooper, your besotted state is a distraction I wish to avoid. May I have the pleasure of eating my poached eggs and toast without being forced to listen to your constant commentary?”

Cassandra had ceased talking, but she’d continued to cast sidelong glances at Daisy, and her dark eyes flashed a warning. Now, as Daisy walked toward Dinsmore’s well behind Cassandra and the other factory girls, she considered whether she should seek employment elsewhere. Only her promise to Robby that she would see him at Dinsmore’s kept her feet aimed in the direction of the factory.

As she rounded the final corner, she spotted Robby leaning against the brick wall near the entry doors. And he wasn’t alone. Cassandra stood so close it appeared her toes bumped against his. Hands locked behind her back, head tipped at an angle, the girl seemed to hold Robby captive. Daisy’s steps slowed, unwelcome thoughts filling her head.

At the asylum she and Robby had banded together because they were the only two “older” orphans. She’d allowed herself to see their friendship as special. But now she wondered if it had only been convenient. At least, from Robby’s mind-set. Oh, he’d been happy to see her yesterday. She still tingled from his enthusiastic, breath-stealing hug. But here in Sinclair there were dozens of young people their age. Why did she think she’d hold an important place in his life anymore with so many others for him to choose as friends?

Not once in Robby’s monthly letters had he mentioned Cassandra, but watching them together confirmed Cassandra’s statements about how she and Robby “fit.” The longer Daisy gazed at the two of them together, the more she realized just how out of place she must appear next to Robby.

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