Chapter 23 Chapter Twenty-Three

It was because of Kendall that Julia had decided to go to Boston.One day, on her way home from lunch, Julia passed a clothing store that displayed Kendall's original designs in the window.Julia looked at it for a long time.It was my sister's work, Julia thought.I can't blame my mother for what happened to her.I can't blame my brother either.A great desire suddenly arose in her: I had to see them, talk to them, I had to have a home. As soon as Julia returned to her office, she told Max Tolkien that she was going away for a few days.She said shyly, "I don't know if you can advance my salary?"

Tolkien smiled. "Of course. You're about to go on vacation too. Here you go, have fun." Can I play as hard as I can?Julia asked herself secretly.Or maybe I'm making a terrible mistake? ※※※ Sally hadn't come back when Julia got home.I can't wait for her, Julia makes up her mind.If I don't do it now, I'll never be there.She packed her bags and left a note for Sally. ※※※ On the way to the bus station, Julia thought about her decision again.What am I doing?Why did I suddenly make such a decision?Then, she thought stubbornly, suddenly?This decision has been on my mind for twenty years!She was very excited.What should her family be like?She knew that one of her brothers was a judge, another was a famous polo player, and her sister was a famous fashion designer.They were all successful in their careers, Julia thought.And what about me?I hope they don't look down on me.Just thinking about how the trip turned out was enough to make her heart palpitate.She boarded a bus of the "Greyhound" company and embarked on a journey.

※※※ When the bus arrived at Boston's South Station, Julia hailed a taxi. "Where are you going, ma'am?" asked the driver. Julia was completely bewildered.She was going to say "Go to Rose Hill", but instead she said "I don't know". The taxi driver looked back at her. "Oh, I don't know either." "Can you go for a drive? I've never been to Boston before." He nodded. "certainly." They drove west along St. Muller Street as far as Boston Common. The driver said: "This is the oldest park in the United States. This place used to be a hanging ground."

Julia seemed to hear her mother's voice. "I used to take the kids ice skating in the park in the winter. Woody was a natural athlete. You wish you had met him, Julia. He was a very handsome lad. I've often thought he'd be the only accomplished one in the family people.” It was as if her mother was there with her, sharing the moment. They came to Charles Street, which was the entrance to the public park.The driver said, "See those bronze ducklings? Can you believe it? They all have names." We used to go to this park a lot for picnics.There are cute and funny bronze ducklings at the entrance.They all have names: Jack, Kuck, Rack, Mac, Knuckle, Pike, Quark.Julia thought it was so funny, and she made her mother repeat the names over and over again.

Julia looked at the meter.The numbers on the meter are getting bigger and bigger. "Can you recommend me a cheap hotel?" "Of course. How about the Copley Square Hotel?" "Please take me there." "Row." Five minutes later they stopped in front of the hotel. "I hope you enjoy Boston, ma'am." "Thank you." Would I like Boston?Or is it a disaster that destroys my hopes?Julia paid the fare, went into the hotel, and came up to the receptionist. "Hi," said the receptionist. "Do you need help?" "I want a room."

"Single?" "yes." "How long do you intend to live here?" She hesitated.One hour?ten years? "I have no idea." "Okay." He checked the key hanger. "A nice single room on the fourth floor for you." "Thank you." She neatly signed the boarding book: Julia Stanford. The receptionist handed her the key: "Here you are. Have a nice stay here." ※※※ The room is a bit small, but neat and clean.After unpacking, she called Sally. "Julia? My God! Where are you?" "I'm in Boston." "Are you okay?" Her voice sounded hysterical.

"It's okay. What's the matter?" "Someone came to the apartment for you. I think he's going to kill you!" "what are you talking about?" "He's got a knife, and...you didn't see that look on his face..." she gasped. "As soon as he realized that I was not you, he ran away!" "I can not believe it!" "He said he was from Nelson Athletic Club, but I called their office and they said they'd never heard of this guy! Do you know anyone trying to hurt you?" "Of course I don't, Sally! Don't guess! Did you call the police?"

"I did. But they only told me to be careful, and nothing was done." "Okay, I'm really fine, don't worry." She heard Sally take a deep breath. "Well, as long as you're all right. Julia?" "Ok." "Be careful, okay?" "Of course." Sally loves to be suspicious!Who will kill me? "Do you know when you'll be back?" The receptionist asked her the same question over and over. "have no idea." "Are you here to see your family?" "yes." "good luck." "Thanks, Sally."

"keep in touch." "I will." Julia put the phone down.She stood there, not knowing what to do next.If I had any sense, I should take the bus back.I've been killing time here.Am I here for sightseeing in Boston?No.I'm here to meet my family.Will I meet them?won't...will... She sat on the edge of the bed, in a state of confusion.What if they hate me?I shouldn't think so.They will love me, and I will love them too.She looked at the phone and thought maybe I'd better call them first.No.They probably don't want to see me.She went to the closet and picked out the best clothes.If I don't do it now, I never will, Julia decided.

Half an hour later, she took a taxi to Rose Hill to reunite with her family.