Dawn of a New Day by Gilbert Morris Page A

expectancy. “Why, yes, Mark,” she breathed, moving over closer to him. “What is it?”
    Mark had his mind on other things, or he would have noticed that Debbie was waiting for him so expectantly that it could only mean she was thinking that he might be about to propose. But Mark said, “I’ve got to tell you something that I haven’t told anyone else—not even my parents.”
    â€œYes?” Debbie’s lips were parted as she moved even closer and reached out to hold his hand. “What is it, Mark?”
    â€œWell, I know everyone’s expectin’ me to go to college, and I could go on a scholarship, but that’s not what I want.”
    Debbie sat absolutely still. This was not what she had expected. “What are you talking about? Of course you’re going to college!”
    â€œDebbie, listen to me. College is right for some people. It’s probably right for you, but I want to be a writer, and I’ve come to the conclusion that you don’t learn to write in college. Not the kind of writing I want to do.”
    â€œOf course writers go to college! What’s the matter with you, Mark? Everyone’s depending on you. I’m going to be there, and we’re going to have a wonderful time.” She spoke earnestly, and Mark sat silently, listening, but when she ended, his voice was stern.
    â€œI may go to college after a year, but I’m taking a year out to travel this country; I hope I can get a job with somebody as a reporter. Even if I can’t, I can write, and after it’s over I’ll know whether I’m fit to be a writer or not.”
    Debbie was furious. She, her mother, and her father had made careful plans. Both of her parents were planners, and Debbie had inherited their inclination to take over where others were concerned. At first she pleaded with Mark to listen to reason, telling him why it was foolish to waste a year. The scholarships wouldn’t be there a year later; he wouldn’t have any money. Even if he did come, she’d be a sophomore, and he would be only a freshman. On and on she went, and finally she said, “So, Mark, you see it’s impossible, don’t you?”
    Mark turned to her, and there was a determination in him as he said, “I’m sorry, Debbie, but my mind’s made up. I’m going to do this. It may mean we’ll have to postpone our plans for a while, but—”
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me this before?” Debbie pulled away and sat glaring at him. “It’s not fair, and you’re being totally selfish!” She went on for some time, expecting him to change his mind. She had always been able to sway Mark. This time, however, she saw that her attempts were hopeless. She drew back from him and stepped outside the car, saying, “I’m not going to take this as your final answer! We’ve got our lives planned, and you can’t just break those plans! You have to think about other people!” She turned and walked away, leaving Mark to stare after her feeling defeated and frustrated.
    For the next week a state of unarmed warfare existed between Mark and Debbie. She was totally determined that he would go through with what she had considered the best plan, and Mark was just as determined not to do it. At one point he was dragged into the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Peters, who threw their weight behind Debbie, and all he could do was sit with his head half bowed and his teeth clenched. But he had finally said, “I am sorry if it disturbs you all, but I feel this would be the best thing for me, and the best for Debbie too, in the long run. I need to find out who I am. Can’t you see that?”
    The Peters could not see that, and at the end of the week when Debbie encountered Mark in the hall at school, she said briefly, “I’m sorry that you’ve been so stubborn, Mark, but until you come to your senses, I think it’s