Love and Misfortune

by Kitty Parker

  "They sound precious," Julia said from beside Ben, who was playing with the applesauce, his ten year old mind unable to engage in the current conversation.

  "So perhaps I am asking the question, how can I help them without being intrusive?"

  "Do you think Tessa would like a book to read? She may have one of mine," Lizzy said quietly from her seat. "And I think I still have a book for children that you could give to Emma."

  Audra gasped from her seat, "That is very thoughtful Lizzy; I'm proud of you. I'm sure Tessa would love to have something to read, and Emma too."

  "How about you Dillon, Ben, do you have anything for the Evans'?" Eli asked.

  "Lucas can have one or two of my old cars, I don't play with them anymore," Dillon answered.

  "But I like to play with your cars!" Ben whined, suddenly paying attention.

  "Benjamin, you have your own cars to play with, and I have a feeling Lucas doesn't have anything to play with. If your brother is willing to part with a couple of his cars, then he will have permission to do so. In fact, I think it would be nice for you to think of something as well." Eli said with authority.

  "He can have my yo-yo," Ben said quietly.

  "That's very kind of you Ben, Lucas will enjoy your yo-yo, and you don't use it anymore."

  "I think I have an old box of crayons in my room that Sadie and Emma might like, I may even have an old doll or two," Julia spoke up again. "I'd like to do something for Tessa..."

  "How about a dress?" Audra said from her seat, an excited glimmer in her eyes.

  "They don't have much by way of clothes. Lucas' shirt clearly didn't fit him, and his pants were a bit short too. Tessa's dress fit, but was so worn. She told me that they didn't have the money for night clothes, so I sent her home with some of the hand me downs from the office."

  "How big would you say Lucas is?" Audra asked seriously.

  "I don't know, a few inches shorter than Ben, thinner too."

  "And the girls? How about the girls?"

  Parker explained their sizes to the best of his ability, and was amazed at the excitement his mother and sisters were showing. Audra insisted that some of their older clothes could be spared for this family that had so little, and even talked to Eli about buying a bit of fabric to make a brand new dress for Tessa. They spouted about all of their ideas for the Evans family and Parker couldn't help but smile at every person in his family.

  The depression had hit this area just as hard as the rest of the country, but with both medical practices, their family had been spared some of the trauma these times brought. Though not always paid with money, and in fact, not always paid at all, Eli and Parker made enough to keep their family well supplied with the necessaries of life. It helped that both houses in which they lived had been paid off long ago, but even in the depression people needed medical care.

  After dinner, the family spent the remainder of the evening putting together a basket for the Evans family. Parker explained that he didn't want them to be overwhelmed with too much at once, and was sure he would see them again after he went to extract Parker's stitches the following day. Each family member put one or two things in the basket, Audra contributing the most.

  When they were finished they had a basket filled with special treats. A doll, box of crayons, paper, sweater, and dress for Emma and another box of crayons, book, stuffed bear, sweater, and dress for Sadie. Lucas would be receiving two small cars, a toy train with a broken caboose, a yo-yo, two pairs of pants and three shirts. Tessa would have two books, an old Bible, three spools of thread and a pack of needles, two of Julia's old dresses and the brand new one her mother had just made, a sweater, and an old barrette that Audra hadn't worn in years. Finally they gathered a few vegetables from their garden, a tin of butterscotch, a bundle of tea bags, several quilts and blankets, and some scented soap.

  Parker didn't know he could love his family any more than he already did. He had known them to be giving, but this was incredible. They had more than most, but it was not as much as they had years before. With a rub through Ben and Dillon's hair, thanking them for their willingness to part with their old toys, and a kiss for each of the girls, he left the house with the laden basket in his arms, hardly knowing how he would wait to find the shanty that sat off of Spruce Street. But it would have to wait until tomorrow, tonight, he would dream about how their faces would light up at the very sight of what was inside the basket.

  Chapter 4

  The clothes hung neatly on the line and Tessa had just given Lucas and Sadie much needed hair cuts. They probably would have been more fashionable if her scissors had been sharp. She would have to remember to ask Jerry to sharpen them. She scrubbed their hair with soap afterward, thankful that she didn't find any trace of lice on their scalps. Humming softly, she was now sweeping the inside of the shanty, something she did daily. There was so much dust on the streets of the shanty town that the children were always tracking it inside. When that was finished there would be dusting to do, and beating out their sleeping blankets. Tessa didn't mind the routine, in fact, she was glad she had something to keep her mind on.

  A soft knock on the door pulled her from her current chore, and she went to it, thinking she would find one of Lucas' small friends. She was surprised when she opened the door and found Dr. Sullivan standing before her.

  "Hello, Dr. Sullivan. How, why are you here?" she stuttered.

  "I came to take Lucas' stitches out."

  "Oh, we were going to come to your office tomorrow. I thought you said he needed to keep them in for two weeks."

  "Tomorrow would be two weeks, you're right, but I had some time today and thought they might be ready to come out now," he smiled kindly.

  "Well come in, I'll see if I can find him."

  He ducked his head and entered the room. She motioned to a chair and he sat down with a smile. Tessa snuck back out of the door and gave a call to Lucas and Sadie. She then walked through to the other side of the room and exited what would be called a back door. Emma was bundled in her arms as she re-entered, and the small, curly haired girl bobbled toward Parker, a huge smile on her face. Without hesitation, she reached up with her hands, and Dr. Sullivan pulled her up onto his lap, smiling as she snuggled against his chest.

  "She certainly makes friends easily," he laughed, tickling her under the chin.

  "I think she's used to so many people being around that she takes to everyone easily. I find that I wish I had her courage. Can I get you a cup of tea?"

  "No, thank you."

  Tessa sunk into the chair beside him, her face level with his own, "You showed us so much hospitality, can't I please do something for you?"

  Dr. Sullivan smiled at her and relented, "Tea sounds wonderful."

  She shot out of her chair as if her skirt was on fire, busying herself at the small single stove. She heated water and placed a pre-used tea bag in one cup for several minutes, then transferred it to the next. Without adding or offering cream and sugar, she sat the stronger cup in front of Dr. Sullivan. He brought it to his lips dutifully and took a sip. She refused to watch him, afraid that he would set it aside and not finish, unable to drink the weak, unsweetened concoction in front of him.

  Thankfully, Lucas entered the room only a moment later, and Tessa was saved from conversation with the young doctor. She took Emma and watched as the doctor spoke to her brother. He carefully inspected his stitches and decided that they were very ready to come out. Assuring Lucas that he had slept through the most painful part, he readied his instruments.

  Dr. Sullivan began, cleaning the wound then raising scissors to the tiny strings that seemed to be holding Lucas' head together. In the middle of the procedure, he advised Tessa to go find Sadie. Knowing exactly where she was, Tessa went to get her from the shanty that sat beside their own and was back with her in a minute. Only two stitches remained, and when they were all out, a bandage was placed over Lucas' wound, which would be taken off in only two days, leaving him as good as new.
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  "The reason I wanted you to get Sadie, is because I have a surprise," Dr. Sullivan said calmly, still sitting. "I wanted you all to see it together."

  "What?" Tessa said, almost defeated.

  "I don't want you to be upset; I want you to listen to all I have to say."

  "Alright..."

  "I had dinner with my family last night, and told them about you all. They were all smiling as I described each and every one of you. While we were eating, my brothers and sisters decided they wanted to give you each something of theirs."

  "How many brothers and sisters do you have?" Sadie asked suddenly.

  "Sadie! Don't interrupt!" Tessa all but shouted. After she spoke, she felt badly for her tone and placed a gentle hand on Sadie's shoulder. She was frazzled by the kindness she was being shown by Dr. Sullivan, and now his family. Before the stock market crashed, she had known kindness from her neighbors and friends. In the past three years, that kindness had become a distant memory. The only person she received any form of kindness from now was Jerry Poteck, and she didn't completely trust him.

  Dr. Sullivan laughed, shaking his head, "It's alright, I have two sisters, Julia is seventeen and Lizzy is sixteen, then there are my two brothers, Dillon is twelve and Ben is ten. They each put a few things for you all in a basket, and I brought it with me. I would like very much for you to accept the things in the basket. Believe me when I tell you they were not being used at our home, and my mother and father agree that they can be put to better use by you."

  "Dr. Sullivan, we are already in your debt, I really don't think we can take anything else from you," Tessa sighed. Deep inside, her heart was telling her to accept the gifts. Who knew what wonderful things the family had packed for them. Even if there was just a little toy in there for Lucas, or a few pieces of fruit, it would be a wonderful lift for all of their spirits. But how would she ever pay him back. One look at her younger siblings told her that she couldn't say no, Dr. Sullivan had already gotten their hopes up.

  "Please Miss Evans, it is a gift, no money was spent. They are all things that might as well be thrown away from lack of use," his warm brown eyes pleaded with her.

  "Alright, Dr. Sullivan," Tessa said in a near whisper. She watched as Dr. Sullivan's face lit up and he swept out of the front door. She hadn't noticed the large object covered with the sheet outside, and gasped when he walked through the door with it. When he settled it on the floor in front of them, Lucas ripped the sheet off the top with excitement. Dr. Sullivan stepped in as he cleared his throat. Lucas took a step back, and looked up respectfully.

  "I know you're excited Lucas, but I think your sister should go through the basket. She will give you everything that is yours."

  Tessa stepped forward, her heart beating in her chest. Staring down into its contents, she felt tears fill her eyes. Clothing that looked like it would fit everyone, toy cars, a doll, crayons, needles and thread, blankets, books, vegetables, and even a Bible. The children were gathered around her, anxious for her to pass out the goodies. After gaining control of her emotions she was about to do so, but decided to speak with them first.

  "Luke, Sadie, Emma," she started, looking at each in turn, "these things are very special. They are things that we would never have been able to have if it weren't for Dr. Sullivan. When I hand you some of these things, you need to promise that you will take care of everything you receive. Once they are gone, there will be no replacement. Do you understand me?"

  The children nodded, and Tessa dug in. Wows and oohs fell out of the children's mouths as she pressed new things into their hands. Holding up the clothing to each of their frames, she felt herself tremble with joy. The clothes would certainly fit Lucas, something she had been worrying about just weeks ago. There were sweaters for the girls; they might not be cold for the first winter in years! Sadie sat right down at the table with the crayons and paper and began to draw a picture. Tessa had forgotten how much her sister liked to draw. When the basket was emptied of all the things for the children, Tessa settled it under the table and looked up at Dr. Sullivan, who was beaming at them all.

  "Luke, Sadie, Emma, I believe you all have something to say."

  The three children burst toward Dr. Sullivan all hugging him heartily in thanks. He smiled, and then turned his attention toward Tessa. "I believe the rest of those things are for you Miss Evans, aren't you going to look at them?"

  "I think I'm too overwhelmed, I'm going to look when you leave, I hope that's alright."

  He smiled, understanding in his eyes, the color reminding her of chocolate, "That's just fine Miss Evans. I think I'll be on my way to leave you with your new things. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me. And don't be surprised if you find me knocking again."

  "Please, call me Tessa, or Tess, but after everything you've done Miss Evans certainly isn't necessary."

  "And I'm Parker," he grinned.

  "Thank you Parker, and please, tell your family we will never forget their kindness." She popped up on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek before returning fully to the ground.

  "I'll be certain to do that; they will be pleased to hear that you liked everything. Enjoy the rest of your day Tessa, and thank you for the tea."

  With that he was gone and Tessa was left standing in the door frame in awe. Everything about him was unusual. In this time of difficulty, most were not willing to help others, and when they were, it wasn't nearly as much as all this. She walked slowly back into the house and smiled at the kids who were now completely occupied with their new things. Lucas was racing his cars, Sadie was coloring and Emma was snuggling her new doll. Tessa was glad they were busy. She sat in the corner of the small room and pulled the basket toward her; she was going to savor every treasure the Sullivans had given her.

  Tears filled her eyes as she pulled out the pale blue sweater that was both elegant and functional, hugging it to her chest, she even memorized the smell. She found three dresses, one of which looked as if it had never been worn, it took all of her strength not to try them on right away. There was soap, a tin of butterscotch, needles and thread, books, and blankets. Tessa almost cried at the sight of the blankets and sheets. She wouldn't be cold at night anymore, and when the nights got hot and sticky, they could lie on the blankets and sleep under the sheets, preventing the bugs that often plagued them at night.

  She was so excited over the things in the basket she felt as though she could dance! The children were sharing and laughing with each other and Tessa's heart was lighter than it had been in years. Lucas had a whole wardrobe now that was not only big enough, but too big. With the needle and thread she would be able to hem them all and they would last a while, despite how quickly he was growing.

  "Sadie, could you go get us some milk?" Tessa asked, joining her siblings in the center of the room.

  "Milk, really? I thought you said we couldn't have milk for a while."

  "Well, that was before Dr. Sullivan brought us clothes and food! Now go on Sadie and I'll make us a special dinner."

  Sadie took the money from Tessa and skipped out the door. Tessa smiled and set to chopping tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, and carrots, a little of everything from the basket sent by the Sullivan's. She would mix it all with a bit of water to make a broth and simmer it for the rest of the day, leaving them with a hearty soup.

  With dinner going, Tessa knew it would grow warm in the shanty, so she pushed Lucas and Emma into the back yard. Before following them, she decided to change into one of the new dresses. When she slipped into the one that was the most worn, she felt, clean. Then she brought a chair, Lucas' new clothes, and the needles and thread out into the sunshine, getting to work immediately on hemming the new clothes. The sleeves had at least three inches to be hemmed under, and the pants, five. They might not look very stylish with such a large hem, but they would last, and she didn't have to pay for them.

  "Tessa!" a male voice yelled from inside the shanty.
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  She had been working so carefully on her stitches that she nearly dropped the needle. Her concentration was so focused that she had not heard the knock on the door. Getting right to her feet, she peered inside the door to find Jerry pacing around the small room. His hand was on the lid of the small tin pot in which their dinner was cooking. When his eyes moved through the rest of the room, finally falling on her in the new dress, she could tell he was angry.

  "Jerry, how are you?"

  "What is all this!" he screamed, his eyes glassy.

  "A friend brought them to us today," Tessa said quietly, not really wanting to speak to him when he was in such a state.

  "A friend? Last I checked, I was your only friend! From the look of this stuff, you've been a great deal more friendly with this friend than me," he snarled.

  "Not at all," she answered truthfully.

  "Get rid of it! All of it!"

  Tessa felt as though she had been smacked, "I will do no such thing Jerry Poteck! I could never afford these things, and they were given to us by a family that is gracious and kind." She raised her chin, defiance in her eyes, this man did not own her. Before she realized, his hand was upon her face in a fierce slap. Tears filled her eyes immediately, and her own hand went to her cheek that felt on fire.

  "Get out!" she screamed, through the tears. She turned for a moment and reached for the sturdy piece of wood that leaned beside the door. Raising it at a threatening angle, she watched as Jerry backed out of the small house. Shaking, Tessa locked the door, and slid down to the ground once it was done. Letting her head fall into her hands, she sobbed until there were no more tears. How had such a wonderful day turned into one that left her feeling threatened and afraid?

  Chapter 5

  "Jules, how many more appointments do I have today?" Parker asked from his desk chair.