This is my very first "Mandie" fanfic, and also my first Fanfiction in quite a long time. I haven't written one for at least two years now, so bear with me. I started reading "Mandie" when I was around seven or eight, almost ten years ago. Now that I'm seventeen, I think most people find it weird that I still love reading them, but…I really don't care! They're funny, happy, enjoyable, and the best part: light reads, for when you just want to settle down and not have to worry about anything. I've collected several since I first started the series, and I still look for them at used book sales and library sales.

This fanfic will take place after Lois Gladys Leppard's last "Mandie" book (Her College Years: New Horizons), which I think is the norm for most "Mandie" fanfics. The story will just be a regular, old "Mandie" mystery—nothing too different or changed. (And I just want to say: thank you, Lois Gladys Leppard, for such a lovely series. It's inspired countless young girls since you first started writing them. We all miss you very much!)

Before you start reading, you should know that my goal(s) for writing fanfictions are: (one), to create a believable story expounding on the original book/story, using my own creativity/originality, while still staying true to the heart of the original. I never want to write a Fanfiction that goes astray from the original point, characters, or focus, because I feel like that just ruins it for the readers. They are expecting characters and plots they know well, and I can't take that away from them. (two), I always try to write my fanfic in the style of the original writer, whether they're children's book writers, teen, or adult. I think this is very good practice in learning to write in all different sorts of ways, and in expanding your own writing style. That being said, I am doing my best to write in Lois Gladys Leppard's style. It's different than any ones I've ever done, because while I tend to stick in the "teen" genre, the "Mandie" books were written for younger children, which makes the writing style very easy to read, simple, and sweet.

So, now that I've probably bored you to tears with that lengthy introduction…

**NOTE: This is NOT a romance story. It will not feature a developing romance between Mandie/Joe or Celia/Jonathan. This is a "Mandie" mystery fanfic. Of course, to stay true to the style of the "Mandie" books, I'm sure there will be some Mandie/Joe moments…

Mandie Shaw waited anxiously at the crowded train station with her best friend, Celia Hamilton. The two girls were heading to Mandie's home in Franklin, North Carolina, for the start of their summer holidays, and Mandie couldn't wait to get home to see all of her friends and family again.

"Mandie, do you suppose we got the times mixed up?" asked Celia worriedly, pushing her long auburn curls away from her face.

Mandie frowned. "No, the telegram specifically said that Uncle John would meet us here at twelve sharp. He'll be here."

"I hope so. I hate waiting around on our own like this with so many strangers," Celia replied.

"We'll be fine" Mandie assured her. "I'm sure—"

"Hey! Mandie!" someone called her name. She looked around, startled. Celia nudged her.

"Over there, Mandie," she said, pointing back in the direction of the college. George Stuart, a friend of theirs, was hurrying towards them.

"Oh," said Mandie, a bit annoyed, watching him near them. George was a very nice friend, but his attentions got tiring after a while.

"Mandie!" he said again, stopping in front of her and smiling. "Thank goodness I caught you! I wanted to say good-bye before you headed off to Franklin."

"Hello, George," said Mandie, faking a smile. "You're just in time, I guess. Uncle John will be here any minute."

"Of course," he replied, "and I need to get back. I'm leaving too, but not until this evening." He took her hand. "I'll miss you very much this summer. Both of you," he said, turning to Celia and shaking her hand.

Mandie self-consciously rubbed her hand, but he didn't notice.

"Have a wonderful summer," he said. "I'll be thinking of you. I'll try and write, if that's okay with you?"

Mandie ignored Celia's grin and forced a kind smile. "That would be very nice, George, thank you."

He beamed, said goodbye again, and, flashing Mandie another dazzling smile, he turned and hurried off.

"Bye!" Mandie and Celia called after him.

As soon as he was out of sight, Celia turned to Mandie and smirked.

"What?" asked Mandie warily, noting her friend's mischievous expression.

"Have a lovely summer," Celia crooned. "Keep that brilliant sparkle in you beautiful blue eyes! My heart will ache all the seconds I spend away from you—"

"Oh, stop it!" Mandie huffed. "It's not very funny!"

"Hmm," said a familiar voice behind her. "Not funny at all—and just who is that dashing, lovesick young man?"

"Uncle John!" Mandie cried, spinning around and running into his waiting arms.

"Hello, blue eyes," he said, smiling down at her. "Why, you're even prettier than when I last saw you! No wonder poor George was stricken."

"Uncle John, really!" she said, playfully swatting him. He laughed and kissed the top of her head.

"And hello, Celia, good to see you," he said, turning to shake Celia's hand.

"Hello, Mr. Shaw," said Celia.

"Do you girls have your luggage?" Uncle John asked, looking around.

"Yes, it's already on the train," Mandie said. "We wanted to be ready to leave as soon as you showed up."

"Well, well, aren't we in a hurry," he said. "I suppose we should board the train then, since you're so anxious to get home." He led them over to the train and handed their tickets in.

"Of course I'm anxious!" Mandie said feelingly. "Celia and I have been dying to see everyone again, right, Celia?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Shaw," agreed Celia, "I've barely been able to keep Mandie on her feet. She keeps slipping off to dream-land."

Uncle John laughed and ushered them through the train to their seats. "I hope you can manage to wait the entire train ride," he said as they sat down.

"I'll be fine, knowing I'm heading home," Mandie said. She and Celia settled side-by-side onto their seat and peppered her uncle with questions while they waited for the train to start.

"Is everyone there already?" Mandie asked. Uncle John thought for a moment.

"Let's see… when I left I believe that the only ones there were Uncle Ned, Morning Star, Sallie, and Jonathan. And your grandmother, of course."

"Dimar couldn't come?" Mandie asked, disappointed. Uncle John shook his head.

"No, he couldn't, but maybe we'll be able to visit him in a few weeks."

"And what about Joe?" Mandie asked, almost fearfully. "He promised he would make it back this summer! Why isn't he there?"

Her uncle smiled at her. "Don't you worry, blue eyes. I believe the Woodards were supposed to arrive today, after I had already left."

"Oh, good!" said Mandie in relief, settling back in her seat.

"When will my mother be there?" Celia asked.

"Either today or tomorrow," Uncle John told her.

"How is Snowball?" Mandie questioned. "Has he missed me?"

Uncle John laughed. "Snowball is fine, even if he is pining for you. He eats a lot, I suppose to avoid depression."

Mandie smiled. "I still wish the college would just let me keep him."

"Oh, Mandie, you know he'd escape and get lost almost immediately!" Celia protested.

"I suppose so," said Mandie dejectedly. At that moment, the train started up, and the girls, caught up in the excitement of heading home, ceased their questioning.

Mandie stared out the window, watching the land go flying by. She and Celia discussed all their plans for the summer, with Uncle John putting in a few thoughts occasionally, and, in almost no time at all, it seemed to Mandie, they were pulling into the Franklin train station.

Mandie and Celia rushed out, nearly colliding with Mr. Bond who was waiting in the rig.

"Whoa there, Miss Amanda!" said Mr. Jason, steadying them.

"Mr. Bond!" said Mandie, hugging him. "It's so good to see you."

"You too, Miss," Mr. Bond said, grinning at her. "We sure are glad to have you girls back."

He helped Uncle John load their luggage into the rig while the girls climbed in and sat down.

Before she knew it, Uncle John's house was looming in front of them. Mandie smiled and grasped Celia's hand.

"Home at last," she said. Celia smiled back.

"I can't wait to see everyone," she said.

"I know," Mandie agreed. "I hope Joe's here by now."

As soon as the rig stopped, Mandie hopped down and rushed towards the house, followed by Celia.