Chapter Two.
Albert was a student she’d meet at college, and he is currently attending agricultural university. His father owns the biggest farm in PEI. Of course, he wants her to become a farmer’s wife, which is diametrically opposed to what Julie wants. So right from the start there was dissension, but this was a match made in heaven. They loved one another very much, and both parents were very happy. As everyone knew, Julie was winging it through university the outcome was assured. As the years passed it became obvious she wanted to be a professor in literature. By the same token Albert was succeeding in his studies and would graduate with honors.
It was the weekend and the children were home for the annual dance.
Julie and Albert had taken a pack lunch and gone for a drive along the coastline. They found a quiet nook and sat down to relax, “So how are your studies going?” asked Albert. “O, not bad. I was talking to my professor the other day and he told me there’s a real need for a literature professor at the university, and I would have no trouble getting a position when I graduate.” “That’s great, but where does that leave us. You living in Nova Scotia and me in PEI, what a kettle of fish.” “Well, I can always come home at the weekend or you can come to my place.” “I wouldn’t mind if it was just for six months or a year, I could live with it. But this is for the duration.” “So, what do you want me to do, give up an opportunity of a lifetime?
“I don’t know what to tell you, I certainly don’t want you to give up on your professorship.” “Well, it’s another six months before I write my dissertation, so let’s leave it for now. Let’s have something to eat.” The discussion always ended in deadlock.
After dinner it was pandemonium at the Barthalomew’s home as everyone prepared for the evening dance, including mom and dad all vying for the bathrooms. This was a real get together for the community, a night of country and western music. Three bands graced the stage. Everybody and their granny would be present. At eight o’clock both families occupied two tables with a good view of the bandstand. There was no scarcity of conversation.
The men went to the bar and bought a round of beer for everyone. The music was just beautiful and with a couple of beers, everyone was on their feet. Julie and Albert where on their feet snuggled up to one another under the watchful eye of both parents who were only too aware of the problems they faced and wondered how they would ever resolve them. Both parents took the opportunity to dance with their children and hear the latest gossip. At night’s end, singles were jockeying for the last dance.
When this was concluded there was a lot of hugging and kissing and single guys trying to take a lady home or get a date.
Sunday was spent visiting Albert’s parents for dinner who were always interested in Julie’s thoughts, especially when you considered the fact that after Julie and Albert got married, they would be living at their place. “So how’s school coming along Julie?” asked mother at the dinner table. “I have another six months and then I write my dissertation.” “And what do you think mom, she has already been offered a professorship.” barked Albert. “There’s a position with a lot of prestige, son, I think you’ve done well for yourself.” said dad. “Dad, I know I’ve done well, but it’s how we’re going to resolve living together after we get married, god forbid I ever stand in her way.” “Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. It’s not as if I’ll be working at the other side of the country.” cried Julie. “Julie’s right, leave it for now, son, you’re getting yourself worked up over nothing.” cried mom.
After dinner it was time for the children to get back to Nova Scotia. After kisses and hugs they both jumped into their separate cars and drove off.
