chronicles of narnia fanfiction
Title: In His Hands
Rating: G (K)
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Narnia, all characters, places, and related terms belong to C.S. Lewis.
Summary: About to embark on a new journey, Polly is overwhelmed.
~~~
The voices seeking her attention make her dizzy -- so many, whirling around her. They match the hustle and bustle of the train station. She clutches her hands together tightly, nodding, shaking her head, smiling, "Thank you" passing her lips again and again. It is difficult for her to savor these last few minutes with her family and friends, when each goodbye brings to her mind a new responsibility, an unthought-of concern.
"I expect you shall do as well as your cousin, Molly," Great-aunt Plummer murmurs.
"Do tell me about the boys you meet!" Cynthia whispers, eyes bright, cheeks flushed at the thought of possible youthful romance.
"Remember you're going to study, not run wild," Grandmother Dashwood admonishes, eyes peering sternly over her spectacles first at Cynthia, then Polly, in turn.
"It shall be an adjustment. There will be a lot of girls coming to boarding school for the first time. You will not be alone," Mr. Darling assures.
"You will do fine. We love you," Mother says kindly.
"Talk to your teachers if you have any troubles. And you can always write," Uncle Samuel reminds.
"You know how to conduct yourself with propriety..."
"I'm sure you will make some good friends..."
"Just be yourself. You can do it..."
The girl swallows hard, the hundreds of butterflies fluttering in her stomach increasing in number and force. She is not as smart as Molly, and she hopes not for the first time she will manage the school work. And as for boys... She is not in the least interested in them, far too young to be. Will she find some good friends there? Will any of them know--
A short sharp whistle sounds from the waiting engine. "All aboard!" the conductor's call fills the air.
Her family and friends fall silent and look at her. Her gaze moves over each person. She tries to smile bravely. "Goodbye."
They nod, echoing her farewell, some offering quick hugs and kisses.
Taking a deep breath, Polly turns away and starts to walk through the crowd towards the train. As she is trying not to bump into anyone, it takes her a minute to realize her coat sleeve is intentionally being pulled. Looking back, she discovers Digory at her side. He holds her gaze, seeming to see deep down inside her to all her uncertainties and fears. His mouth is in a straight line, his eyes lacking that teasing sparkle. Never has she seen him appear so serious.
"Do not forget, Polly. He will be there through it all. Provide what you need. Remember," the boy urges her.
Before she can speak, he gives her a small yet not light package and quickly kisses her cheek. "Goodbye, Polly." And then he is gone.
"Goodbye, Digory," she whispers to the air, stunned.
Hurriedly she boards the train and finds a seat. It is not until the train pulls out of the station and she blinks back tears after she waves to those on the platform, that she tears open Digorys package to discover a book. Slowly her thumb traces the letters on the cover. Her heart quickens. Oh. Carefully she opens it, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Remember. The butterflies fade away, replaced by an unexplainable peace, and for a moment Polly feels a warm breath on her forehead as memories wash over her. "Father...," she whispers.
I have you in my hands. Always.
THE END
Rating: G (K)
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Narnia, all characters, places, and related terms belong to C.S. Lewis.
Summary: About to embark on a new journey, Polly is overwhelmed.
~~~
The voices seeking her attention make her dizzy -- so many, whirling around her. They match the hustle and bustle of the train station. She clutches her hands together tightly, nodding, shaking her head, smiling, "Thank you" passing her lips again and again. It is difficult for her to savor these last few minutes with her family and friends, when each goodbye brings to her mind a new responsibility, an unthought-of concern.
"I expect you shall do as well as your cousin, Molly," Great-aunt Plummer murmurs.
"Do tell me about the boys you meet!" Cynthia whispers, eyes bright, cheeks flushed at the thought of possible youthful romance.
"Remember you're going to study, not run wild," Grandmother Dashwood admonishes, eyes peering sternly over her spectacles first at Cynthia, then Polly, in turn.
"It shall be an adjustment. There will be a lot of girls coming to boarding school for the first time. You will not be alone," Mr. Darling assures.
"You will do fine. We love you," Mother says kindly.
"Talk to your teachers if you have any troubles. And you can always write," Uncle Samuel reminds.
"You know how to conduct yourself with propriety..."
"I'm sure you will make some good friends..."
"Just be yourself. You can do it..."
The girl swallows hard, the hundreds of butterflies fluttering in her stomach increasing in number and force. She is not as smart as Molly, and she hopes not for the first time she will manage the school work. And as for boys... She is not in the least interested in them, far too young to be. Will she find some good friends there? Will any of them know--
A short sharp whistle sounds from the waiting engine. "All aboard!" the conductor's call fills the air.
Her family and friends fall silent and look at her. Her gaze moves over each person. She tries to smile bravely. "Goodbye."
They nod, echoing her farewell, some offering quick hugs and kisses.
Taking a deep breath, Polly turns away and starts to walk through the crowd towards the train. As she is trying not to bump into anyone, it takes her a minute to realize her coat sleeve is intentionally being pulled. Looking back, she discovers Digory at her side. He holds her gaze, seeming to see deep down inside her to all her uncertainties and fears. His mouth is in a straight line, his eyes lacking that teasing sparkle. Never has she seen him appear so serious.
"Do not forget, Polly. He will be there through it all. Provide what you need. Remember," the boy urges her.
Before she can speak, he gives her a small yet not light package and quickly kisses her cheek. "Goodbye, Polly." And then he is gone.
"Goodbye, Digory," she whispers to the air, stunned.
Hurriedly she boards the train and finds a seat. It is not until the train pulls out of the station and she blinks back tears after she waves to those on the platform, that she tears open Digorys package to discover a book. Slowly her thumb traces the letters on the cover. Her heart quickens. Oh. Carefully she opens it, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Remember. The butterflies fade away, replaced by an unexplainable peace, and for a moment Polly feels a warm breath on her forehead as memories wash over her. "Father...," she whispers.
I have you in my hands. Always.
THE END