Chapter 1: Good News

Abby Winters was called into the principal’s office just as she was starting her afternoon class. She had received her teaching credentials for the elementary and junior high level less than a year ago. A substitute took over her class, as she walked to his office she thought to herself; what could have I done, the school year is only two months old?

When she entered the principal’s outer office, his secretary informed Abby to go right in. Mr. James Clark was sitting at his desk reading her file.

“Please take a seat and relax, your not in trouble. On the contrary I am quite satisfied with your work performance.”

“This concerns a new teacher transfer program. The school board has made an agreement with another state, one of our newer teachers will spend five years living and teaching in one of their smaller private villages, as they will send us one. In short, its about experiencing other cultures first hand. Your records show you spent some time in Europe after graduation. Do you speak the language?”

“Just enough to get from place to place; like to the airport, train, hotel, and get something to eat. A few times I got it wrong it was very embarrassing. Luckily most were kind and corrected me.”

“Well that’s a plus in your favor, here’s your contract, read it. You are to initial each page and sign the last. The mayor of this small village where you will be working sent us a brief history. The town is called Lakeside, its located in the South Western part of Florida. This community has seceded from the United States. They have their own government, laws, power-plant, using the 24 hour clock.

This small village was originally founded in Germany in 1195, a large number immigrated to the U.S. Settling in Pennsylvania in 1668, then about one thousand settled in Florida in 1895. A counsel was elected, deciding to use the laws and punishments of 1500 Europe. There are no prisons, but use corporal punishment as a deterrent, there are very few repeat offenders.

Here are your train tickets, they have a strict dress-code, I suggest you pack lightly, you will have to purchase the clothing required by their culture. If you wish, I’d be happy to drive you to the station tomorrow. Your train leaves exactly at 0600. Do you have any questions?”

“Not at the moment, is there anything else I need to know? I’d like to take you up on the offer for a ride. I wouldn’t want to disturb my parents that early. May I also say goodbye to my students, I think it would be better if I told them I was leaving.”

Mr. Clark agreed and to two educators talked and made arrangements for tomorrows trip to the train depot. He informed her what he found out talking to the mayor:-

“When you arrive at Sarasota, a representative will meet you. She will escort you to your new home, then on to meet the mayor and the principal. On the ride she will fill you in on the laws and customs of the village. Lakeside does have electricity, television, internet, and phones. There are no motor vehicles, but there is a trolley, electric carts, bikes, horses, and carriages; so it isn’t as backward as you could imagine.”

After their chat, Mr. Clark and Abby went back to her classroom. She told her students the news, telling them she will sent them some post cards and a letter when she gets settled. Her students were sorry to see her leave, but wished her luck.

Then Abby went to the car her parents lent her until she got on her feet. As she sat behind the wheel, she cried for twenty minutes, what would her father think of her going away on her second new adventure without his permission in her life.

After she composed herself she stopped at the bank to close out her account, then go home to pack and tell her parents the news. She parked the car in the driveway, her parents were not home yet, so she removed her clothes in her room.