Hope from the Ocean: (The Prequel to Fireflies )

by P. S. Bartlett

  Dell looked back over his shoulder, glaring at Rachel.

  “Well ye hid yer bitch well now didn’t ya? Ye’ll not show her that. Ye said yerself ye wouldn’t do anythin’; ta break her heart.”

  “Oh yer right, I wouldn’t but then again, I wouldn’t be the one breakin’ it now would I?”

  “I fount your hat Mischter Doyle,” said Raina, entering the kitchen from the den.

  Upon entering the room, Raina’s eyes opened as far as they could. There was no possible way for her to avoid seeing their contemptuous expressions and she felt the thick tension in the air. She stood still with her hands outstretched holding the hat. Dell turned and stepped back towards her without a word, took the hat and left.

  “My goodness what on earth is happenin’ this mornin’?” Kathryn asked entering the kitchen. “I just passed Dell on his way out and he barely said goodbye!”

  “I believe he was runnin’ late is all. He couldn’t find his hat,” Rachel remarked, popping the earring back into the match box inconspicuously and setting it back on the shelf.

  “Well, if ye’re feelin’ up to it today, we really need to go to the market dear,” Kathryn asked, retrieving her bag from the kitchen cabinet. She reached into it and thumbed through her money as Rachel looked on.

  “Kathryn, why’s yer bag in there?” Rachel inquired.

  “Oh, no reason, that’s just where I keep it,” Kathryn answered, turning and bouncing from the room.

  “Raina, is there anythin’ ye’d like from the market? I been meanin’ to pick up a few things fer Christmas fer Owen and since I’m there…”

  “Oh no Mum, I hafe all I neet, tank you,” Raina answered, with her hands folded in front of her and her head down.

  “So how much a that exchange earlier did ye overhear love?”

  “I heart nossing,” Raina answered, looking at the floor.

  “We’ll chat when I return then.”

  Rachel knew Raina heard at least the end of her conversation with Dell. She wasn’t the least bit concerned however that Raina would ever mention it. She may even be relieved, if in fact she understood what Dell Doyle was up to when he left the house each day, as well as when he toyed with her in the evening. Rachel prayed Kathryn was wise enough to never leave the girl home alone with him. There was a tragedy there in the making and unless Kathryn was completely blind, she had to be aware of the disastrous possibilities.

  It wasn’t that Rachel believed her sister to be a fool but she was wide awake to Kathryn’s pretense and feared her need to appear unaffected and her life immaculately clean would cloud her ability to see a stain in her home the size of a pig. It would take a mighty big leap to step over a stain of that size and eventually, you’d grow weary of leaping over it and finally just remove it once and for all.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Owen Whelan isn’t it?” a man’s voice came from behind Owen, as he sat at his favorite table in the Central High School Library. He looked up from his book to find a distinguished and well-dressed gentleman whom he’d never seen before. He knew there were more teachers and staff than he would ever meet and yet this man somehow didn’t appear to fit in. Owen stood immediately and greeted the man properly and shook his hand. “Aye, sir.”

  “Your Science instructor suggested I’d find you here. Are you at work? We can chat later if…”

  “Oh, no, sir—I mean aye, I am at work but I’ve been needin’ a break. Have a seat,” Owen said, pulling out a chair for him.

  “Your Science instructor is a very dear friend of mine. We attended grade school and high school together. We parted ways in college when he chose teaching and I went into medicine. However, we do keep in touch quite often, especially when he has a recommendation for me.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. What did ye say yer name was?”

  “Well, I haven’t yet. I apologize. Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Doctor Forrester, Charles Forrester. I’m a physician and professor at the University of Pennsylvania.”

  “Ye’re a doctor?”

  “Why, yes. Yes I am, and it sometimes feels as if I’ve been one for my entire life,” Forrester said with a smile.

  “So, why are ye lookin’ fer me? Is someone sick?”

  “Oh, heavens no, son. My dear friend, Doctor Spencer, your Science instructor, contacted me. He believes you may be an excellent candidate for our research department. You’ll be graduating this spring, correct?

  “Aye sir, I will. I’ve already skipped two grades and I’m very interested in medicine. I’ve finished with all the medical books here, though. Do ye have a library at the University?”

  “To answer your question, yes we do and you could take every book in this building and only fill one tenth of shelves at the University; perhaps even more.” Doctor Forrester paused and cleared his throat before saying, “ Owen, based on Doctor Spencer’s recommendation and my own observation, I’d be thrilled to have you excused to graduate immediately and simply take you back to the university with me.”

  “I’m sure it costs a good bit a money though, aye?”

  “We will provide you with everything you need, including room and board, in order to bring you in.”

  Owen attempted to speak but when his mouth opened, not a single word could escape. Dumbfounded, he stared at Dr. Forrester until he answered. “So, you’ll join us in the spring? You may come in the fall if you like, but…”

  “I’d come today if they’d allow it,” Owen shouted.

  “Shhhhhhhhhh!” the young man at the next table hissed.

  Owen slammed his book shut, threw the boy an evil look and turned back to Doctor Forrester with a smile.

  “If I can arrange it,” Dr. Forrester said, “would you truly be willing to come to the University and start right after the Christmas holiday?”

  “Oh, would I!”

  “Perhaps we should step outside and finish our conversation,” Forrester suggested over a chuckle.

  “What’s ta continue? Yer goin’ to get me outta here and then yer goin’ ta come to me Aunt Kathryn’s house and speak to me Ma.” Owen tucked his books under his arm.

  “It’s settled then. Shall we shake hands on the agreement?”

  Owen shook Dr. Forrester’s hand hard. “Ye won’t regret this, Doctor Forrester. I’ll earn it, I promise.”

  “I’m sure you will, son. I’ll stop and arrange a meeting with the school president on my way out. Enjoy the rest of your day and welcome to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School son.”

  Owen dashed from the table, dropped his books, scooped them up in his arms again and raced out the door. He couldn’t wait to reach home and tell his ma the wonderful news. He was going to college and on a scholarship at that. He rushed to the trolley stop and noticed his friend Vernon waiting as well.

  “Vernon!”

  “Hello, Owen. Heading home?”

  “Aye, and ye?”

  “Yes. I had to stay late and make up an assignment. I’ve been working in the evenings and Professor Mead has been allowing me to stay after to catch things up.”

  “Vernon, what do ye think ye’ll do once we graduate?”

  “I’ve decided to explore my options for a bit.”

  “I’m goin’ to be a doctor. It’s all settled, too.”

  “A doctor? Have you chosen a school? I’ve heard Johns Hopkins in Baltimore is a fine one.”

  “I’ll be goin’ here in Philadelphia to the University of Pennsylvania. They picked me.”

  * * *

  Upon returning from the market, Rachel and Kathryn carried their parcels into the kitchen and unpacked them. Raina joined in while she waited on the day’s bread to finish baking.

  “It’s a mighty chilly one out there today, Raina. I certainly hope ye wore yer heavy coat this mornin’. By this evening that wind will bite yer nose clean off.” Kathryn remarked.

  Raina reached up and touched her nose.

  “Where exactly do ye live?” Rachel asked, as she han
ded her a sack of sugar.

  “Oh, my house is dat vay,” she answered, pointing east from the Doyle’s.

  “Raina, I’m sure my sister meant which house. It’s the dark gray one with the white shutters. It’s quite lovely.”

  Raina glared at Rachel, who smiled and shook her head.

  “Raina, go and check the post, please,” Kathryn stated.

  “Expecting a letter?” Rachel inquired.

  “Hopefully, yes! I’ve been keepin’ in touch my friend Elizabeth Jameson from Dublin. Do ye remember her? She was formerly Elizabeth Dunne.”

  “Is she the same Elizabeth from Swords when we were girls?”

  “Letters Mum,” Raina smiled, handing them to Kathryn and then heading back to her work.

  “It’s come! Yes, the same. Don’t ye remember? Her family moved up to Dublin when we were just girls and oh, I missed her so! Out of the blue a few years ago she tracked me down here in America and I received the first of at least three letters per year. Lovely woman she turned out ta be.”

  “How wonderful to hear from home.”

  “Well, she married a lawyer from Dublin, Mr. Jameson, and she longed for the country life again. He bought her a beautiful estate and they have a lovely daughter named Sarah. Oh, Rachel will ye excuse me while I go read this?” Kathryn asked, pulling the letter to her chest.

  “A course! A course! Ye go read yer letter and I’ll keep meself busy,” Rachel replied, tying on an apron to finish what she started earlier with Raina.

  Kathryn rushed to the parlor and anxiously opened the letter from her fiend:

  My Dearest Kathryn,

  I hope this letter finds you and Dell in good health. We’ve been enjoying the mild winter but with the holidays now upon us, an occasional snowflake would be a welcome sight.

  Mr. Jameson has brought on a man to work with Sarah, teaching her to ride horses. She finally got her wish and is becoming quite the accomplished rider. Of course my approval is not required. However, she is the happiest I’ve seen her in quite a while and she still plays the piano. To tell the truth, her playing has become more impassioned and accomplished since she first sat in the saddle. Perhaps this will be a good hobby and won’t ruin her.

  I worry only that suitable gentlemen may find her too masculine and the riding will take from her any gentleness she possesses. William believes her joy in the riding and outdoors will only increase her beauty and make her more attractive to men of sport.

  Mother is well and has had no bouts of sickness. I have no complaints but for William’s absences to Dublin for work. I’ve been thinking of a visit in the future. It may be some time off yet but as long as your letters continue their voyages to me, I will hold onto my hope of seeing you again and visiting your fine America.

  With love,

  Your Friend, Elizabeth

  “Ma?” Owen shouted as he flung open the front door.

  “Owen, for goodness sakes!” Kathryn cried out. “Ye’ve turned me heart sideways!”

  “I’m sorry, Aunt Kathryn. Is me Mother in the house?” he said, setting his stack of books down on the corner table.

  “Owen? What is it dear?” Rachel asked, rushing into the parlor.

  “Ye simply won’t believe what’s happened! A doctor from the University came to visit me at school today.”

  “A doctor? Are ye ill, son?” Rachel placed her frail hand on his forehead. “Well, ye’ve no fever. That’s a blessin’. Sit down. Sit.”

  “No, Ma, I’m not sick. He came to speak ta me about comin’ to University.”

  “But yer just a child,” Rachel cried.

  “Ma, I’m sixteen years old. I’m not a child and I’ve already skipped ahead as far as I can go in this school. He asked if I’d like to start right after the Christmas break.” Owen’s voice softened when he turned to Rachel for her blessing.

  “How can ye go to University so young? Don’t they have rules?” Kathryn inquired.

  “Well, he wants me to start in the research department. Research, Ma! He said I was recommended by me Science instructor. Oh and Ma, the best part I’ve left out.”

  “What best part might that be?” Rachel asked.

  “It won’t cost ye anythin’. I’ve been invited ta come. It’ll all be paid for.”

  “Who ever heard a such a thing?” Kathryn said.

  “Honest, Aunt Kathryn, totally free. It’s a scholarship.”

  “Nothin’ is free, Owen. Not in this world,” Kathryn said, walking off into the kitchen to call for Raina.

  “Ma, I swear it to ye. His name is Doctor Forrester. He wants to come and speak with ye. I told him I’d ask ye first a course but Ma, I didn’t even realize that’s what I wanted ta do. It’s as if someone was watchin’ over me, pointin’ me in the right direction and pavin’ the way there.”

  “Tell yer doctor he can come around next Tuesday in the afternoon. Make sure to tell him the afternoon. I won’t have him comin’ here when yer uncle is at home and embarassin’ ye,” Rachel whispered.

  “Ma? I been meanin’ ta ask ye when we can move away from here. We’ve been here for months and things haven’t gotten any better. If I need ta work and go ta school I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes not ta have to see him every day.”

  “Don’t ye worry. If it’s that hard on ye bein’ here, after Christmas I’ll look into somethin’ close to the University. Would ye like that?”

  “Would I like that? I’d do anythin’ fer that!”

  “Well, alrighty then. Now, go and get at yer studies. I’ll be helpin’ Raina in the kitchen if ye need me.”

  Rachel took Owen’s face in her hands and kissed his cheek hard. He helped her to her feet and walked her arm in arm to the kitchen on his way to the den to study. Raina glanced over at him when he entered the room and her eyes sparkled almost as much as her big, white smile.

  “Hello there, Miss Raina! Are ye makin’ me some of that delicious chicken pie tonight?” Owen asked, walking up behind her and peeking over her shoulder.

  Raina only giggled and her cheeks turned bright pink under his warm breath on her face.

  “O’en, you are alvays so silly to me,” Raina answered. “But so sorry, not today. I make ham and cabbage today for you. I mean to say, for ze family.”

  “I have somethin’ important to tell ye. Come see me in the den when ye can find a minute,” Owen whispered before snatching a slice of raw potato from the cutting board.

  “Oh, you!”

  “What is it with that boy and those raw potatoes, Rachel? I think they’re positively awful!”

  “I’m not sure meself, Kathryn. I’d figured he’d eaten so many of them on the ship he’d never touch one again.”

  “Raw?”

  “Aye, raw. He didn’t trust the food and fer good reason. The only thing he’d touch was the potatoes…” Rachel’s voice suddenly fell silent.

  “Rachel, are ye alright dear?” Kathryn asked, taking her by the arm. “Raina, finish this up. I’m takin’ me sister to sit a while.” She led Rachel from the kitchen into the parlor and poured her a glass of water.

  “I must have had another spell, Kathryn. I’m sorry to worry ye so.”

  “Rachel, ye’ll have to eat more and get more rest. When I took yer arm there was nothin’ under yer sleeve but skin and bone. Yer too thin, love. No wonder ye keep feelin’ faint.”

  “I’ll be fine and I promise to eat me whole supper and even have a piece of pie this evenin’. Will that do?” Rachel smiled.

  “Only if ye promise to do it every night.” Kathryn sighed and then looked directly into her sister’s eyes. “Rachel, will ye ever tell me what happened to ye on that ship? It seems each time it comes up ye go blank and fade away.”

  “It was a long journey, full of sickness, and if it weren’t fer Owen, I may not be sittin’ here with ye now.” Rachel sighed.

  “Why? What does that mean?” Kathryn asked with a furrowed brow.

  “It means he saved us both from what may ha
ve been the end of us. His love, his strength and courage made those weeks bearable under the worst conditions ye can imagine.”

  “Well, me own voyage wasn’t pleasant either, dear, so I understand. Perhaps with time ye’ll mend whatever pains ye brought ashore.” She leaned in and took her sister in a gentle embrace, pulling Rachel’s cheek to her chest and patting her protruding shoulder blade through the cotton fabric of her day dress. They sat this way for several minutes, until Rachel excused herself to retire to her room for an afternoon nap.

  * * *

  Raina leaned in the doorway of the den, her hands behind her back. She rocked slightly to and fro until Owen acknowledged her and invited her into the room.

  “I’m goin’ to medical school, Raina.”

  “Medical school?”

  “Aye, I’m goin’ to be a doctor.”

  Raina chuckled, pulling her hand over her mouth to hide her teeth.

  “Why do ye do that thing with yer hand?”

  “Mr. Doyle told me I look like zee horse ven I smile.”

  “Mr. Doyle’s an old fool and ye shouldn’t put any stock in anythin’ he tells ye.”

  “Ven?”

  “After Christmas break, I hope.” Owen set down his book and stood to face her.

  “You be leaving zen?”

  “Well, yes, but I’ll only be downtown. Ye could come and visit me and I could show ye the town! Well, once I know me own way around and all.”

  Raina suddenly turned away from him.

  “Where ye goin’? Do ye need to tend ta dinner? I can help ye if ye want?” he rambled.

  Raina turned back and took her long pale fingers and placed them over his mouth to hush him. “You not show me zee town and I not come visit you.”

  Owen was caught off guard by her touch. An unfamiliar warmth came over him that he wasn’t sure was due to the excitement of the day or Raina’s touch on his mouth and he was taken completely by surprise. Whether out of guilt or some spontaneous need to reassure her of his intentions, Owen reached up and took her fingers in his hand, peeling them away from his lips and exposed her rough palm. Without a second thought, he leaned in and pressed a kiss into her calloused flesh. This wasn’t a moment or two moments but a true and heartfelt embrace of lips to skin that made Raina buckle and shudder before pulling her hand away.