HELLOOOOOOOOO PEOPLE!!

Posted by Tessa from 138.87.169.47 on July 28, 1999 at 09:35:37:

Ah, I'm finally back. Thank God. Poland was not a restful vacation (but then it wasn't intended to). The bad part about my grandma dying was that my son nor husband has ever met her. Now they'll never know what a great lady she was. Que sera sera....

I'm still suffering from jet lag and I had to be up at 2 am to deliver newspapers. and plus it was raining. Yuck!

Ok, enough of my ramblings. I thought I would post this too. It's a story I have been working on... I know you people are tired of the typed dyed stuff but well I'm a child of the 70s!
Tessa

September 1971

Chapter 1
A stereo is blasting in the early morning day. A young woman was singing in the adjoining bathroom as she was getting dressed. Her bedroom door slams open and she hears,
ìLauren Marie, what are you doing? Waking up the whole neighborhood?î
A brunette head pops her head out of the bathroom door and said, ìSorry Dad,î as she ran to turn off the stereo. She faced her father in the doorway, his grayish-brown hair, the professor-type suit, wired-rimmed glasses, and hazel eyes. On his head rested his favorite possession, a brown felt fedora given to him years ago. The girl smiles at him and said,
ìI actually was trying to wake myself up.î
Her father laughed at her. Dr. Indiana Jones had since so many things in his lifetime ñ The Ark, Atlantis, and The Holy Grail for the most part ñ but nothing could amount to the pain and suffering he endured twice in his life ñ the lost of his wives. His first wife, Deirdre, died in a plane crash in a South American jungle. His second wife, Kate, Laurenís mother, to cancer two years ago. His pride and joys were Lauren, his youngest, and his twin sons, who were in their third year at Princeton. He ruffled his daughterís hair and said,
ìReady for your first day?î
ìAfter the escapade in Mexico, you betcha,î as she put on her head her own fedora, only in black.
ìThatís my girl,î he said fondly, ìBreakfast?î
ìNot hungry,î she replied as she grabbed her bag and swung it over her shoulder.
ìYou have to eat. At least some toast with jam.î
ìYou donít take no for an answer, do you Dad?î
ìNot us Joneses,î as he placed his hands on her shoulders and said wistfully, ìIf only your mother were hereÖî
ìI know,î as she looked in the mirror. Indy was amazed at how much his daughter looked like him except for the bright blue eyes. He kept thinking back when she was born, of how he found Kate at the bottom of the steps after tripping on one of the twinsí toys. He couldnít believe Lauren was 18, a freshman in college.
Lauren looked at the clock and said, ìI really have to go, Dad.î
ìAlright, Iíll see you at lunch?î
ìDefiantly,î smiling back at him as she ran out to the motorcycle she begged for on her 17th birthday. Helmet fastened on and her black leather jacket zipped up, she waved to her father as she rode off. Indy smiled back and thought Typical Lauren. Always a trendsetter.

Chapter 2
ìDid you guys hear?î said a girl on the far end of campus; ìProfessor Jonesí daughter is going to school here.î
ìSo?î as another girl was munching on some cookies.
ìArenít you the least bit curious of what she looks like?î the girl questioned.
ìNow thereís something,î as the girls turned to see a motorcyclist sped through the parking lot. The driver crunched the gravel as the girl with red hair said,
ìA showoff.î
ìYeah, who does the guy think he is?î said the blonde next to her.
The driver took off her helmet; a cascade of light brown hair tumbled out. The driver looked around, smiled, and the redhead said, ìItís a girl!î
ìWell, Kathy, go find out who she is?î said the dark haired girl.
Kathy wrinkled her nose and said, ìI donít hang around with riffraff.î
ìThen I will,î said the blonde.
ìEllen!î Kathy called but Ellen couldnít hear her. Ellen walked up to the girl and said,
ìExcuse me?î
ìYeah?î
ìYouíre new here, arenít you?î
ìYou can say that,î the girl replied smiling.
ìI havenít seen you on campus before.î
ìOh, Iíve been here and there,î the girl replied.
ìTransfer student?î
ìNo, freshman,î as the girl stared at Ellen with her bright blue eyes, ìProblem?î
ìWell, youíll have to obey the rules here. The president wonít like it.î
ìIíll keep that in mind,î as the girl walked away from her.
ìHey,î she called to her, ìIím Ellen Jacobs.î
The girl turned and looked at her. She grinned a bit and said, ìIím your worst enemy.î
ìBeg your pardon?î Ellenís eyes rose as her friends listened in.
The girl extended a hand and said, ìIím Lauren Jones.î
Ellenís eyes shot up as she croaked, ìThe presidentís daughter?î
ìExactly. But I call him Dad,î smiling a bit, ìI must fly, see ya.î
The girls stared at Lauren as she went up the steps and the girls talked excitedly about her. After her first fifteen minutes, Lauren had created a stir.

Chapter 3
At noon, Lauren slammed her locker and headed for the presidentís office.
ìLauren. Lauren Jones.î A voice called.
ìYeah?î she turned around and saw the four girls from this morning. The blonde looked at her and asked, ìWeíre going off campus for lunch, care to join us?î
ìThanks, but I have a lunch date,î as she walked towards her fatherís office.

Lauren looked at the elderly lady behind the desk and greeted her, ìHi Mrs. Atherson.î
ìLauren? Gracious child, youíve grown since Iíve seen you,î smiling at her.
ìIs Dad busy?î
ìHeís never busy for you and you know it. Go right on in.î
ìThanks,î as she knocked lightly on the door and peered in. Lauren walked in on her father and a man slightly familiar to her ñ a man in his late twenties with blond hair and gray eyes ñ as her father said, ìLauren, what a surprise.î
ìYou asked me to meet you for lunch, remember?î teasing him.
Indy grinned at his daughter, then looked at the man next to him, and said; ìHave you two met?î
ìSheís in my class, Professor Jones,î the man replied, ìMy archeology course in the morning.î
ìProfessor Raleigh, of course,î smiling at the man.
ìThen youíve met my daughter then?î Indy said.
ìYour daughter?î the younger professor was shocked a bit. Indy grinned and said, ìLauren wants to be an archeologist one day. Sheís been a help to me on several expeditions.î
ìBut Iím just working on my studies, Dad,î Lauren said.
ìI didnít realize you were married, Dr. Jones,î the professor stammered.
ìIím not,î roughly, ìMy wife died when Lauren turned sixteen. Cancer.î
ìIím sorry,î as Lauren cleared her throat and said, ìDad, how about lunch?î
ìRight,î as he shook the professorís hand and said, ìEnjoy yourself, professor. And donít let my daughter intimidate you. She maybe bright, but she has a lot to learn.î
ìDad!î her face turning slightly red.
ìOk, ok,î grinning as they turned to leave the office, ìGood day.î

Chapter 4
Lauren and Indy walked out of the office as Lauren asked, ìWhat did you have to embarrass me like that?î
ìI was just joking, Laurie,î tousling her hair, ìReally.î
ìOk,î as they walked out of the building, ìWhere to?î
ìHow about the cafÈ across the street?î
ìSure,î she said brightly as she took her fatherís arm. They walked hand and hand to the cafÈ as a waiter came up to them and said,
ìWhat can I get for you?î
ìA bowl of minestrone,î Indy said, ìand a cup of coffee.î
ìAnd for your granddaughter?î eyeing Lauren with interest.
ìSheís my daughter,î Indy said roughly, ìLaurie?î
ìChicken salad sandwich, a bag of pretzels, and a glass of milk.î
ìSure,î as the waiter left. Indy looked at his daughter and said,
ìNow I see why you donít eat breakfast.î
ìDad, youíre a terrible cook,î Lauren chided.
Indy laughed as one of his colleagues walked past their tables, ìAh, Professor Jones.î
ìAfternoon, William.î
ìGoing after someone younger?î eyeing Lauren.
ìNo,î laughing a bit, ìI take it you havenít met my daughter, Lauren?î
ìLauren. Little Laurie?î looking at her with interest, ìYouíve grown.î
ìHave I?î Lauren said feigning with surprise, ìHmm, hadnít noticed.î
ìSheís got your wit, Jones,î William said, smiling a bit.
ìThanks, professor,î Lauren smiled brightly as William left them alone when their lunch arrived.
Indy looked around them and saw most of the males staring at her. While Lauren looked like him, she got her motherís whimsical charm and inner beauty. Lauren looked at him, folded her hands, and said,
ìWhatís up, Dad? Cat got your tongue?î
ìSorry,î grinning at her, ìDo you realize how much attention you get?î
Giggling a bit, Lauren looked at him with a smile and said, ìYou should have seen me this morning when I pulled up with my motorcycle, Dad. Now that was attention!î
ìI can imagine,î smiling a bit. Indy remembered how much his sons, now 20, were shocked when he bought Lauren a motorcycle for her birthday last year. Lauren had always been a spoiled child since her emergency delivery, but like Kate, she wanted to be treated equally.
ìWell, Dad,î as Lauren got up from the table, ìSee ya at home. I have a class in fifteen minutes.î
ìAlright. See you at home.î
ìWhenever that will be,î jokingly as she put her hat on and walked out, eyes following her out.
Indy just shook his head and thought Too much like me and Kate combined. There should be a law against that. He smiled a bit, paid the bill, and left.

Chapter 6
Dr. Raleigh was locking his office at precisely six oíclock. He headed out the parking lot towards his car when he heard, ìProfessor Raleigh.î
He turned to a person wearing a black helmet and leather jacket on a motorcycle. He stammered and said,
ìI have no money, young man.î
The person laughed and took off the helmet. He was shocked for a minute and said, ìMiss Jones?î
ìLauren, please,î laughing a bit, ìThought I was going to rob you?î
ìThe thought did cross my mind,î smiling a bit.
ìHeading home to the wife and kids?î
ìNo,î as he fumbled to find his keys, ìIím not married.î
ìReally? How come?î
ìNever found that right person. Why the interest?î
ìJust curious thatís all. The majority of the professors here are married.î
ìI see,î looking at her, and swallowed hard. He liked this girl, but sheís his student and too young for him.
ìCare to join me and Dad for dinner?î she asked.
ìWhat would your father say?î
ìDad wouldnít mind. Ever since my brothers left for college and my momís death, we like the company.î
ìSure,î trying not to sound eager.
Lauren patted the back of her motorcycle, ìHop on.î
ìAre you sure about this?î
ìRelax, Iím a good driver,î as she put her helmet on and started the motorcycle, ìJust put your arms around my waist and hold on tight.î
Raleigh got on the back of the motorcycle and did what she instructed. She rode up the hill to the presidentís house. She pulled up in front of the house just as the door opened. Lauren looked up and said,
ìHi, Dad. I brought home some company.î
ìThatís fine. Dinnerís on the table.î
ìIíll wash up,î as she ran inside the house. Raleigh stammered and said, ìThereís nothing between us, Dr. Jones.î
ìRelax, Tom,î Indy chided, ìIím not like that. If something does happen between you and her, I wouldnít mind. Laurenís capable of making her own decisions.î
ìWhat about the rest of the faculty?î
ìNever mind them,î he said, ìThey shouldnít put their noses where it doesnít belong anyway.î
Raleigh laughed as he joined the Joneses for dinner and for the first time finally felt in place.

Chapter 7
The last day of the semester was approaching; Professor Raleigh was heading off to his car after posting his grades. He caught a familiar figure walking in the hallway and said, ìLauren?î
The girl turned, smiled, and said, ìHi, Professor. Working late?î
ìYes, I am. Shouldnít you be home?î
ìI will be soon, if Dad ever gets out of his meeting.î
ìNo motorcycle today?î
ìNot in this snow,î she grinned, ìRuins the engine.î
ìI see,î looking at her, ìHow about a lift?î
ìSure, let me tell Dadís secretary,î as she walked towards the office.
Raleigh looked at the girl and thought Sheís beautiful and intelligent. But then realized that she was his student and brushed the feelings away as Lauren approached, ìPerfect timing, Mrs. Atherson was ready to call campus security for me.î
ìYour father doesnít trust you to drive?î
ìOh, he does, but not his car,î grinning, ìMineís being borrowed by one of my brothers.î
ìYour brothers?î
ìMy twin older brothers. They just got in last night from Princeton.î
ìI see,î as helped her into his car.
As he pulled up to her house a while later, Lauren turned to him and said, ìThanks.î
ìSure thing,î as Lauren got out of the car and the said, ìDo you want something to drink? Coffee? Hot chocolate?î
Why not? He thought as he parked the car and followed Lauren in. She called out, ìEric, Mike. Where are ya?î
ìMiss Laurie,î said the maid coming in.
ìHi, Marcia,î Lauren said, ìWhere are my brothers?î
ìEric and Michael had dates. I was just leaving for the day.î
ìThanks,î smiling, ìSee you Monday.î
As the maid left, Raleigh looked at Lauren, gulped, and wondered what heíd gotten himself into.

Chapter 8
ìSo Professor,î Lauren said with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, ìwhere did you study archeology?î
Raleigh looked at his student with a smile. They were talking for about an hour about archeology, current events, and how they first got into archeology. And Iím actually enjoying myself; he mused as the phone rang. Lauren set her cup down and said,
ìIíll be back. Feel free to look around.î
Lauren went into the other room to answer the phone as Raleigh put down his cup and looked around the house. He opened the door and saw that it was Professor Jonesís study. He noticed several pictures on the desk and picked one of them up. He saw a picture of Jones as a young man with a blonde woman at his side. They were smiling at each other broadly. Raleigh smiled a bit and picked up another picture, this one of the blonde woman holding an infant in the picture. Lauren peered in and said, ìProfessor?î
Raleigh jumped a bit, still holding the picture as Lauren asked,
ìSomething wrong?î
ìUh, no,î he stammered, ìJust looking at the pictures.î
Lauren looked at the one he was holding and said, ìThatís me as a baby and my mother.î
ìYour mother?î looking at her, ìHer face looks awfully familiar.î
Lauren smiled a bit and went to a far wall of the study. She pulled out a book, opened it, and said,
ìHere, take a look.î
Raleigh took the book and looked at the page Lauren had turned to. It was a newspaper clipping with the blonde woman wearing a suit and the headline, ìHeiress moves from Chicago to New York.î And it was dated August 4, 1949.
He turned the page and saw a magazine article, ìThe Most Eligible Bachelorette in New York,î with the same blonde woman with her name at the bottom, ìKatherine A.S. Tyler, vice president of Tyler Musicals.î
ìTyler Musicals?î Raleigh questioned, ìThe company in New York City?î
ìItís my mother, well, technically itsí Dad until Michael finishes school in a couple of years.î
ìWhy Michael?î
ìHeís the music history genius. Heís the only person who cares about it.î
ìWhat about you or your other brother?î
ìEric doesnít care much about it. And me? I do to a point, but Mom knew I wanted more out of life than to sit behind a desk all day. She understood.î
ìI see,î Raleigh said as Lauren turned to a wall with a heavy curtain.
ìClose your eyes.î
ìWhy?î
ìJust do it.î
Raleigh closed his eyes as Lauren tugged at the cord and revealed a picture. She turned to Raleigh and said, ìOpen them.î
He did and was astonished at what he saw. He saw a picture of Laurenís mother and father, taken when they were much younger. He turned to Lauren, who said,
ìIt was taken when they were in college, right before my mom and dad spilt up the first time. Mom held onto it in hopes they would be together again someday. It took them 26 years, but they did.î
Laurenís eyes started to water as Raleigh held her in his arms. She looked at him and said, ìIím sorry. I usually donít act like thisÖî
Raleigh put a finger to her lips, and kissed her. She was shocked a bit, but then continued the kiss. They didnít even hear her father walk in, who said,
ìLauren, whoís car is in the drive?î as he peered in and saw the two of them kissing. His face reddened a bit as Lauren looked up and stammered, ìDad!î
Raleigh turned around and stammered, ìDr. JonesÖI didnít mean toÖî
Indy was staring at the picture. He went to it and cover it and yelled,
ìHow could you see my private picture?î
ìDad,î Lauren said, ìI wanted toÖî
Indy slapped her hard in the face. Lauren covered her cheek as Raleigh stammered, ìDr. Jones, that was out of line.î
ìStay out of this,î Indy roared.
Lauren had tears in her eyes and said, ìYouíre living in the past, Dad. Mom would have wanted you to live. But youíve become a bitter, selfish person since she died,î as she walked out of the room.

Chapter 9
ìLauren Marie, get back in here,î Indy roared as Raleigh followed her out the door.
ìLauren!î Raleigh said, as she walked out into the snow.
Lauren turned to him and said, ìDrive me somewhere, please.î
ìCome on,î as he led her to the car and sped off in the car. After a few blocks, he stopped the car and held her.
ìLauren, Iím sorry.î
ìNo, I am,î looking at him, ìI knew how much Dad cherished that picture and I broke his trust.î
ìLauren, you were right about letting go. But you do understand itsí hard sometimes, right?î
ìI do,î remembering how hard it was letting go her motherís memory the first time, ìDo you?î
He nodded, touched her face, and said, ìMy fiancÈe was like you. She died in a car accident a few years back.î
ìIím sorry. I didnít know,î Lauren said.
ìYour father didnít even know,î smiling weakly.
Lauren looked in Raleighís eyes, a mirrored blue as her own. She smiled a bit and said, ìProfessorÖî
ìTom.î
ìTom?î
ìMy Christian name,î he replied.
Lauren smiled and said, ìTom, I think IímÖî
Raleigh kissed her gently and said, ìI am too.î

Chapter 10
Lauren smiled a bit and said, ìIs this crazy? Iím your student.î
ìTechnically youíre not,î smiling at her, ìYou took your finals remember?î
ìSo I did,î as he kissed her again, ìIím falling in love with you, Lauren Jones.î
ìI am too with you,î grinning.
ìWhat do we tell your father?î looking at her.
ìNothing yet,î as she had a faraway look in her eyes, ìHeís still pretty mad at me.î
ìYour mother must have had an impact on him,î he commented.
ìShe did. She was the only one to have left my father by choice.î
ìWhen was this?î
ìWhen they were students. She broke up with him after their graduation.î
ìBut why?î
ìI only discovered that a few months ago myself,î Lauren admitted, ìMy mom was pregnant by Dad. But she didnít tell him until they met again.î
ìWhat happened to the baby?î
ìShe miscarried it in her fourth month,î somberly, ìand lost her own parents a few weeks later.î
ìYour poor mother,î he said somberly.
ìI know, especially since she loved Dad so much. I still donít understand why she did it.î
ìWhy donít you ask your father?î
ìHeís still suffering from her death.î
ìBut that was two years ago.î
ìI know, but it still hurts for him. Dad really loved her.î
Raleigh looked at Lauren. Her long brown hair, blue eyes, and peaches and cream complexion was a sight for sore eyes. He tipped her chin and gave her a kiss. Lauren responded warmly to him as she said,
ìDo you really love me?î
ìSince the first day I saw you,î he replied, ìbut I was afraid to act on it since youíre my student.î

Chapter 11
Lauren woke up the next morning in Raleighís townhouse on the other side of town. She stretched her arms as he came in with a tray,
ìMorning.î
ìMorning,î smiling a bit, ìYou didnít have to make me breakfast.î
ìBut youíre my guest,î smiling at her, ìAnd you slept in my bed.î
ìI did say I would sleep on the couch,î looking at him.
ìBut I couldnít do that to you,î as he set the tray down and sat down next to her on the bed.
ìI wonder what Dad is thinking right now,î Lauren wondered out loud.
ìHe might be worried about you,î looking at her.
ìMaybe, but who knows?î

Ok, it's openended, but what do you think?

Follow Ups:

Re: HELLOOOOOOOOO PEOPLE!! Goodsport 09:49:20 7/28/99 (3)
- Great writting Tessa... the Fiddler 10:55:27 7/28/99 (2)
  - Re: Great writting Tessa... Tessa 11:47:18 7/28/99 (1)
    - Re: Great writting Tessa... Indy 15:03:45 7/28/99 (0)

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Comments:

: Ah, I'm finally back. Thank God. Poland was not a restful vacation (but then it wasn't intended to). The bad part about my grandma dying was that my son nor husband has ever met her. Now they'll never know what a great lady she was. Que sera sera....

: I'm still suffering from jet lag and I had to be up at 2 am to deliver newspapers. and plus it was raining. Yuck!

: Ok, enough of my ramblings. I thought I would post this too. It's a story I have been working on... I know you people are tired of the typed dyed stuff but well I'm a child of the 70s! 
: Tessa

: September 1971

: Chapter 1
: A stereo is blasting in the early morning day. A young woman was singing in the adjoining bathroom as she was getting dressed. Her bedroom door slams open and she hears,
: ìLauren Marie, what are you doing? Waking up the whole neighborhood?î
: A brunette head pops her head out of the bathroom door and said, ìSorry Dad,î as she ran to turn off the stereo. She faced her father in the doorway, his grayish-brown hair, the professor-type suit, wired-rimmed glasses, and hazel eyes. On his head rested his favorite possession, a brown felt fedora given to him years ago. The girl smiles at him and said, 
: ìI actually was trying to wake myself up.î
: Her father laughed at her. Dr. Indiana Jones had since so many things in his lifetime ñ The Ark, Atlantis, and The Holy Grail for the most part ñ but nothing could amount to the pain and suffering he endured twice in his life ñ the lost of his wives. His first wife, Deirdre, died in a plane crash in a South American jungle. His second wife, Kate, Laurenís mother, to cancer two years ago.  His pride and joys were Lauren, his youngest, and his twin sons, who were in their third year at Princeton. He ruffled his daughterís hair and said,
: ìReady for your first day?î
: ìAfter the escapade in Mexico, you betcha,î as she put on her head her own fedora, only in black.
: ìThatís my girl,î he said fondly, ìBreakfast?î
: ìNot hungry,î she replied as she grabbed her bag and swung it over her shoulder.
: ìYou have to eat. At least some toast with jam.î
: ìYou donít take no for an answer, do you Dad?î
: ìNot us Joneses,î as he placed his hands on her shoulders and said wistfully, ìIf only your mother were hereÖî
: ìI know,î as she looked in the mirror. Indy was amazed at how much his daughter looked like him except for the bright blue eyes. He kept thinking back when she was born, of how he found Kate at the bottom of the steps after tripping on one of the twinsí toys. He couldnít believe Lauren was 18, a freshman in college. 
: Lauren looked at the clock and said, ìI really have to go, Dad.î
: ìAlright, Iíll see you at lunch?î
: ìDefiantly,î smiling back at him as she ran out to the motorcycle she begged for on her 17th birthday. Helmet fastened on and her black leather jacket zipped up, she waved to her father as she rode off. Indy smiled back and thought Typical Lauren. Always a trendsetter.

: Chapter 2
: ìDid you guys hear?î said a girl on the far end of campus; ìProfessor Jonesí daughter is going to school here.î
: ìSo?î as another girl was munching on some cookies.
: ìArenít you the least bit curious of what she looks like?î the girl questioned.
: ìNow thereís something,î as the girls turned to see a motorcyclist sped through the parking lot. The driver crunched the gravel as the girl with red hair said,
: ìA showoff.î
: ìYeah, who does the guy think he is?î said the blonde next to her.
: The driver took off her helmet; a cascade of light brown hair tumbled out. The driver looked around, smiled, and the redhead said, ìItís a girl!î
: ìWell, Kathy, go find out who she is?î said the dark haired girl.
: Kathy wrinkled her nose and said, ìI donít hang around with riffraff.î
: ìThen I will,î said the blonde.
: ìEllen!î Kathy called but Ellen couldnít hear her. Ellen walked up to the girl and said,
: ìExcuse me?î
: ìYeah?î
: ìYouíre new here, arenít you?î
: ìYou can say that,î the girl replied smiling.
: ìI havenít seen you on campus before.î
: ìOh, Iíve been here and there,î the girl replied.
: ìTransfer student?î
: ìNo, freshman,î as the girl stared at Ellen with her bright blue eyes, ìProblem?î
: ìWell, youíll have to obey the rules here. The president wonít like it.î
: ìIíll keep that in mind,î as the girl walked away from her.
: ìHey,î she called to her, ìIím Ellen Jacobs.î
: The girl turned and looked at her. She grinned a bit and said, ìIím your worst enemy.î
: ìBeg your pardon?î Ellenís eyes rose as her friends listened in.
: The girl extended a hand and said, ìIím Lauren Jones.î
: Ellenís eyes shot up as she croaked, ìThe presidentís daughter?î
: ìExactly. But I call him Dad,î smiling a bit, ìI must fly, see ya.î
: The girls stared at Lauren as she went up the steps and the girls talked excitedly about her. After her first fifteen minutes, Lauren had created a stir.

: Chapter 3
: At noon, Lauren slammed her locker and headed for the presidentís office. 
: ìLauren. Lauren Jones.î  A voice called.
: ìYeah?î she turned around and saw the four girls from this morning. The blonde looked at her and asked, ìWeíre going off campus for lunch, care to join us?î
: ìThanks, but I have a lunch date,î as she walked towards her fatherís office.

: Lauren looked at the elderly lady behind the desk and greeted her, ìHi Mrs. Atherson.î
: ìLauren? Gracious child, youíve grown since Iíve seen you,î smiling at her.
: ìIs Dad busy?î
: ìHeís never busy for you and you know it. Go right on in.î
: ìThanks,î as she knocked lightly on the door and peered in. Lauren walked in on her father and a man slightly familiar to her ñ a man in his late twenties with blond hair and gray eyes ñ as her father said, ìLauren, what a surprise.î
: ìYou asked me to meet you for lunch, remember?î teasing him.
: Indy grinned at his daughter, then looked at the man next to him, and said; ìHave you two met?î
: ìSheís in my class, Professor Jones,î the man replied, ìMy archeology course in the morning.î
: ìProfessor Raleigh, of course,î smiling at the man.
: ìThen youíve met my daughter then?î Indy said.
: ìYour daughter?î the younger professor was shocked a bit. Indy grinned and said, ìLauren wants to be an archeologist one day. Sheís been a help to me on several expeditions.î
: ìBut Iím just working on my studies, Dad,î Lauren said.
: ìI didnít realize you were married, Dr. Jones,î the professor stammered.
: ìIím not,î roughly, ìMy wife died when Lauren turned sixteen. Cancer.î
: ìIím sorry,î as Lauren cleared her throat and said, ìDad, how about lunch?î
: ìRight,î as he shook the professorís hand and said, ìEnjoy yourself, professor. And donít let my daughter intimidate you. She maybe bright, but she has a lot to learn.î
: ìDad!î her face turning slightly red.
: ìOk, ok,î grinning as they turned to leave the office, ìGood day.î

: Chapter 4
: Lauren and Indy walked out of the office as Lauren asked, ìWhat did you have to embarrass me like that?î
: ìI was just joking, Laurie,î tousling her hair, ìReally.î
: ìOk,î as they walked out of the building, ìWhere to?î
: ìHow about the cafÈ across the street?î
: ìSure,î she said brightly as she took her fatherís arm. They walked hand and hand to the cafÈ as a waiter came up to them and said,
: ìWhat can I get for you?î
: ìA bowl of minestrone,î Indy said, ìand a cup of coffee.î
: ìAnd for your granddaughter?î eyeing Lauren with interest.
: ìSheís my daughter,î Indy said roughly, ìLaurie?î
: ìChicken salad sandwich, a bag of pretzels, and a glass of milk.î
: ìSure,î as the waiter left. Indy looked at his daughter and said, 
: ìNow I see why you donít eat breakfast.î
: ìDad, youíre a terrible cook,î Lauren chided.
: Indy laughed as one of his colleagues walked past their tables, ìAh, Professor Jones.î
: ìAfternoon, William.î
: ìGoing after someone younger?î eyeing Lauren.
: ìNo,î laughing a bit, ìI take it you havenít met my daughter, Lauren?î
: ìLauren. Little Laurie?î looking at her with interest, ìYouíve grown.î
: ìHave I?î Lauren said feigning with surprise, ìHmm, hadnít noticed.î
: ìSheís got your wit, Jones,î William said, smiling a bit.
: ìThanks, professor,î Lauren smiled brightly as William left them alone when their lunch arrived.
: Indy looked around them and saw most of the males staring at her. While Lauren looked like him, she got her motherís whimsical charm and inner beauty. Lauren looked at him, folded her hands, and said,
: ìWhatís up, Dad? Cat got your tongue?î
: ìSorry,î grinning at her, ìDo you realize how much attention you get?î
: Giggling a bit, Lauren looked at him with a smile and said, ìYou should have seen me this morning when I pulled up with my motorcycle, Dad. Now that was attention!î
: ìI can imagine,î smiling a bit. Indy remembered how much his sons, now 20, were shocked when he bought Lauren a motorcycle for her birthday last year. Lauren had always been a spoiled child since her emergency delivery, but like Kate, she wanted to be treated equally.
: ìWell, Dad,î as Lauren got up from the table, ìSee ya at home. I have a class in fifteen minutes.î
: ìAlright. See you at home.î
: ìWhenever that will be,î jokingly as she put her hat on and walked out, eyes following her out.
: Indy just shook his head and thought Too much like me and Kate combined. There should be a law against that. He smiled a bit, paid the bill, and left.

: Chapter 6
: Dr. Raleigh was locking his office at precisely six oíclock. He headed out the parking lot towards his car when he heard, ìProfessor Raleigh.î
: He turned to a person wearing a black helmet and leather jacket on a motorcycle. He stammered and said,
: ìI have no money, young man.î
: The person laughed and took off the helmet. He was shocked for a minute and said, ìMiss Jones?î
: ìLauren, please,î laughing a bit, ìThought I was going to rob you?î
: ìThe thought did cross my mind,î smiling a bit. 
: ìHeading home to the wife and kids?î
: ìNo,î as he fumbled to find his keys, ìIím not married.î
: ìReally? How come?î
: ìNever found that right person. Why the interest?î
: ìJust curious thatís all. The majority of the professors here are married.î
: ìI see,î looking at her, and swallowed hard. He liked this girl, but sheís his student and too young for him.
: ìCare to join me and Dad for dinner?î she asked.
: ìWhat would your father say?î
: ìDad wouldnít mind. Ever since my brothers left for college and my momís death, we like the company.î
: ìSure,î trying not to sound eager.
: Lauren patted the back of her motorcycle, ìHop on.î
: ìAre you sure about this?î
: ìRelax, Iím a good driver,î as she put her helmet on and started the motorcycle, ìJust put your arms around my waist and hold on tight.î
: Raleigh got on the back of the motorcycle and did what she instructed. She rode up the hill to the presidentís house. She pulled up in front of the house just as the door opened. Lauren looked up and said,
: ìHi, Dad. I brought home some company.î
: ìThatís fine. Dinnerís on the table.î
: ìIíll wash up,î as she ran inside the house. Raleigh stammered and said, ìThereís nothing between us, Dr. Jones.î
: ìRelax, Tom,î Indy chided, ìIím not like that. If something does happen between you and her, I wouldnít mind. Laurenís capable of making her own decisions.î
: ìWhat about the rest of the faculty?î
: ìNever mind them,î he said, ìThey shouldnít put their noses where it doesnít belong anyway.î
: Raleigh laughed as he joined the Joneses for dinner and for the first time finally felt in place.

: Chapter 7
: The last day of the semester was approaching; Professor Raleigh was heading off to his car after posting his grades. He caught a familiar figure walking in the hallway and said, ìLauren?î
: The girl turned, smiled, and said, ìHi, Professor. Working late?î
: ìYes, I am. Shouldnít you be home?î
: ìI will be soon, if Dad ever gets out of his meeting.î
: ìNo motorcycle today?î
: ìNot in this snow,î she grinned, ìRuins the engine.î
: ìI see,î looking at her, ìHow about a lift?î
: ìSure, let me tell Dadís secretary,î as she walked towards the office.
: Raleigh looked at the girl and thought Sheís beautiful and intelligent. But then realized that she was his student and brushed the feelings away as Lauren approached, ìPerfect timing, Mrs. Atherson was ready to call campus security for me.î
: ìYour father doesnít trust you to drive?î
: ìOh, he does, but not his car,î grinning, ìMineís being borrowed by one of my brothers.î
: ìYour brothers?î
: ìMy twin older brothers. They just got in last night from Princeton.î
: ìI see,î as helped her into his car.
: As he pulled up to her house a while later, Lauren turned to him and said, ìThanks.î
: ìSure thing,î as Lauren got out of the car and the said, ìDo you want something to drink? Coffee? Hot chocolate?î
: Why not? He thought as he parked the car and followed Lauren in. She called out, ìEric, Mike. Where are ya?î
: ìMiss Laurie,î said the maid coming in.
: ìHi, Marcia,î Lauren said, ìWhere are my brothers?î
: ìEric and Michael had dates. I was just leaving for the day.î
: ìThanks,î smiling, ìSee you Monday.î
: As the maid left, Raleigh looked at Lauren, gulped, and wondered what heíd gotten himself into.

: Chapter 8
: ìSo Professor,î Lauren said with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, ìwhere did you study archeology?î
: Raleigh looked at his student with a smile. They were talking for about an hour about archeology, current events, and how they first got into archeology. And Iím actually enjoying myself; he mused as the phone rang. Lauren set her cup down and said, 
: ìIíll be back. Feel free to look around.î
: Lauren went into the other room to answer the phone as Raleigh put down his cup and looked around the house. He opened the door and saw that it was Professor Jonesís study. He noticed several pictures on the desk and picked one of them up. He saw a picture of Jones as a young man with a blonde woman at his side. They were smiling at each other broadly. Raleigh smiled a bit and picked up another picture, this one of the blonde woman holding an infant in the picture. Lauren peered in and said, ìProfessor?î
: Raleigh jumped a bit, still holding the picture as Lauren asked, 
: ìSomething wrong?î
: ìUh, no,î he stammered, ìJust looking at the pictures.î
: Lauren looked at the one he was holding and said, ìThatís me as a baby and my mother.î
: ìYour mother?î looking at her, ìHer face looks awfully familiar.î
: Lauren smiled a bit and went to a far wall of the study. She pulled out a book, opened it, and said,
: ìHere, take a look.î
: Raleigh took the book and looked at the page Lauren had turned to. It was a newspaper clipping with the blonde woman wearing a suit and the headline, ìHeiress moves from Chicago to New York.î And it was dated August 4, 1949.
: He turned the page and saw a magazine article, ìThe Most Eligible Bachelorette in New York,î with the same blonde woman with her name at the bottom, ìKatherine A.S. Tyler, vice president of Tyler Musicals.î
: ìTyler Musicals?î Raleigh questioned, ìThe company in New York City?î
: ìItís my mother, well, technically itsí Dad until Michael finishes school in a couple of years.î
: ìWhy Michael?î
: ìHeís the music history genius. Heís the only person who cares about it.î
: ìWhat about you or your other brother?î
: ìEric doesnít care much about it. And me? I do to a point, but Mom knew I wanted more out of life than to sit behind a desk all day. She understood.î
: ìI see,î Raleigh said as Lauren turned to a wall with a heavy curtain. 
: ìClose your eyes.î
: ìWhy?î
: ìJust do it.î
: Raleigh closed his eyes as Lauren tugged at the cord and revealed a picture. She turned to Raleigh and said, ìOpen them.î
: He did and was astonished at what he saw. He saw a picture of Laurenís mother and father, taken when they were much younger. He turned to Lauren, who said,
: ìIt was taken when they were in college, right before my mom and dad spilt up the first time. Mom held onto it in hopes they would be together again someday. It took them 26 years, but they did.î
: Laurenís eyes started to water as Raleigh held her in his arms. She looked at him and said, ìIím sorry. I usually donít act like thisÖî
: Raleigh put a finger to her lips, and kissed her. She was shocked a bit, but then continued the kiss. They didnít even hear her father walk in, who said,
: ìLauren, whoís car is in the drive?î as he peered in and saw the two of them kissing. His face reddened a bit as Lauren looked up and stammered, ìDad!î
: Raleigh turned around and stammered, ìDr. JonesÖI didnít mean toÖî
: Indy was staring at the picture. He went to it and cover it and yelled,
: ìHow could you see my private picture?î
: ìDad,î Lauren said, ìI wanted toÖî
: Indy slapped her hard in the face. Lauren covered her cheek as Raleigh stammered, ìDr. Jones, that was out of line.î
: ìStay out of this,î Indy roared.
: Lauren had tears in her eyes and said, ìYouíre living in the past, Dad. Mom would have wanted you to live. But youíve become a bitter, selfish person since she died,î as she walked out of the room.

: Chapter 9
: ìLauren Marie, get back in here,î Indy roared as Raleigh followed her out the door.
: ìLauren!î Raleigh said, as she walked out into the snow.
: Lauren turned to him and said, ìDrive me somewhere, please.î
: ìCome on,î as he led her to the car and sped off in the car. After a few blocks, he stopped the car and held her.
: ìLauren, Iím sorry.î
: ìNo, I am,î looking at him, ìI knew how much Dad cherished that picture and I broke his trust.î
: ìLauren, you were right about letting go. But you do understand itsí hard sometimes, right?î
: ìI do,î remembering how hard it was letting go her motherís memory the first time, ìDo you?î
: He nodded, touched her face, and said, ìMy fiancÈe was like you. She died in a car accident a few years back.î
: ìIím sorry. I didnít know,î Lauren said.
: ìYour father didnít even know,î smiling weakly.
: Lauren looked in Raleighís eyes, a mirrored blue as her own. She smiled a bit and said, ìProfessorÖî
: ìTom.î
: ìTom?î
: ìMy Christian name,î he replied.
: Lauren smiled and said, ìTom, I think IímÖî
: Raleigh kissed her gently and said, ìI am too.î

: Chapter 10 
: Lauren smiled a bit and said, ìIs this crazy? Iím your student.î
: ìTechnically youíre not,î smiling at her, ìYou took your finals remember?î
: ìSo I did,î as he kissed her again, ìIím falling in love with you, Lauren Jones.î
: ìI am too with you,î grinning.
: ìWhat do we tell your father?î looking at her.
: ìNothing yet,î as she had a faraway look in her eyes, ìHeís still pretty mad at me.î
: ìYour mother must have had an impact on him,î he commented.
: ìShe did. She was the only one to have left my father by choice.î
: ìWhen was this?î
: ìWhen they were students. She broke up with him after their graduation.î
: ìBut why?î
: ìI only discovered that a few months ago myself,î Lauren admitted, ìMy mom was pregnant by Dad. But she didnít tell him until they met again.î
: ìWhat happened to the baby?î
: ìShe miscarried it in her fourth month,î somberly, ìand lost her own parents a few weeks later.î
: ìYour poor mother,î he said somberly.
: ìI know, especially since she loved Dad so much. I still donít understand why she did it.î
: ìWhy donít you ask your father?î
: ìHeís still suffering from her death.î
: ìBut that was two years ago.î
: ìI know, but it still hurts for him. Dad really loved her.î
: Raleigh looked at Lauren. Her long brown hair, blue eyes, and peaches and cream complexion was a sight for sore eyes. He tipped her chin and gave her a kiss. Lauren responded warmly to him as she said,
: ìDo you really love me?î
: ìSince the first day I saw you,î he replied, ìbut I was afraid to act on it since youíre my student.î

: Chapter 11
: Lauren woke up the next morning in Raleighís townhouse on the other side of town. She stretched her arms as he came in with a tray,
: ìMorning.î
: ìMorning,î smiling a bit, ìYou didnít have to make me breakfast.î
: ìBut youíre my guest,î smiling at her, ìAnd you slept in my bed.î
: ìI did say I would sleep on the couch,î looking at him.
: ìBut I couldnít do that to you,î as he set the tray down and sat down next to her on the bed.
: ìI wonder what Dad is thinking right now,î Lauren wondered out loud.
: ìHe might be worried about you,î looking at her.
: ìMaybe, but who knows?î

: Ok, it's openended, but what do you think?

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