Going Home

Hello future readers,

Well, I'm going back to Springfield today. After Betta and Evelyn went home this morning, I got dressed and packed. I didn't bring many clothes, because I was sharing with Vivienne all week, but I did want to bring home some stuff to remember my trip.

I've collected so much stuff this week, I could hardly get my suitcase closed.

My doll Vivian is gonna have to keep me company on the plane, 'cos there isn't any room for her in my suitcase. That's OK, we can look out the window together.

Mrs. Walton made a special breakfast for me for my last day in West Virginia; waffles, bacon, fruit, and hot cocoa with marshmallows.. She's so nice. I'm really gonna miss her.

After breakfast it was time to go to the airport. Mr. Walton picked me up into a big bear hug. He told me I could come back any time I wanted to be part of their family. He has to be the nicest daddy I have ever met. Mrs. Walton was driving me to the airport and Vivienne was coming along too. I asked if we were gonna get to ride in Mr. Hansen's groovy Buick again. Vivienne's mom said that Mr. Hansen had to work today, so we'd just be driving in the station wagon. Oh well...maybe I can see that car again on my next visit. When we got outside, Kevin, C.J., Betta and Evelyn were all waiting to say good-bye. Mrs. Walton wanted to get one last group picture of all us kids together.

 Then all us girls hugged each other, too. I was gonna miss my new friends. But you know it felt kinda weird...having friends in another state who don't know my other friends. It would be groovy if one day we could all get together. We'd have a ball!

"Friends forever?", I asked
"Friends forever!", they all answered back.
"Hey Betta, say good-bye to your mom and Little G for me, OK?"
"Sure Julie."

Then we turned around and saw goofball Kevin hugging C.J. and saying in a high "trying to sound like a girl" voice,
"Oh C.J., will you be my friend forever?"
"Oh yes, Kevin, we will always be best friends", C.J. answered in a squeaky voice. Boys!

"Hey you 2 turkeys...I'm even gonna miss YOU!", I said to them, and then slapped them some five.

"See ya, Julie", Kevin said. "Tell Danny, Jason and Kyle Hi for me."
"Say Hi for me, too", C.J. added. "Bye Julie."
"Bye guys."

Then Vivienne and I got in her mom's car, and waved to everybody.
"Bye everybody! I'll try and come back and visit sometime soon!", I called out as we drove away.
"Bye Julie!" "Have a good trip!" "We'll miss you!" they all called back.

Vivienne and I settled back for the hour and a half drive back to the airport. We rapped, we played some more hand jives. "I Think I Love You", by the Partridge Family came on the car radio, and we were singing at the top of our lungs! Even Mrs. Walton was singing! But the time just flew by, and pretty soon, we pulled up to Dulles International Airport.

Mrs. Walton took my suitcase out of the trunk, and she and Vivienne walked me to my gate and waited with me until it was time to get on the plane.  Vivienne looked like she was gonna cry.

"I'm gonna really miss you, Julie. Having you stay with us was almost like having a sister."
"I know what you mean", I answered. "Maybe you can come to Springfield like Kevin did last summer."
She tried to smile. "Yeah, that would be groovy."
"We can still write and call each other sometimes."
"Yeah", Vivienne sniffled. "But it won't be the same."

A voice over the loudspeaker said that my flight was now boarding. We gave each other one last hug before I got on the plane.

 "Friends forever?", Vivienne asked.
"Forever and ever", I answered.

Then I got on the plane and the stewardess helped me find my seat.

And now I'm on my way back to Springfield. I'll really miss Vivienne and her family, and all the kids, but it'll be good to see my mom, Boomer, my teachers, and all my friends.  West Virginia was groovy, but my mom always says the best part of any vacation is coming home.

Until next time, future readers,
Your friend,
Julie Newman