Love and Misfortune

by Kitty Parker

  "How many?" the man at the table asked.

  "Four," Tessa said quickly, hoping to keep the line moving.

  "Ah, are you counting the little one?"

  "Yes sir, she's part of the family."

  "Well, she's small, so I'll only give you half a loaf for her."

  "Please, sir, we could really use the extra half, she might look small, but she eats as much as the rest of us, she's growing."

  "Henry!" a man shouted from down further in the tent.

  "What?" the man screamed back.

  "Give the lady four whole loaves,"

  Henry growled and threw the four loaves in Tessa's sack grudgingly. Tessa thanked him sincerely, hoping that he might remember her next time. As they walked back past the others in line, she waved to the man who had come to her aid. "Thanks, Tom," she smiled sweetly.

  "Oh, you're welcome sugar, if anyone else gives you trouble, you just tell them to check with me."

  "Thank you, see you Monday." Tessa returned to the street and walked home as quickly as was able with Emma on her hip. The walk into Shantytown was pleasant enough. They saw a variety of neighbors outside doing chores. The small shanties turned into saunas during the hot summer days, so most everyone worked outside. Laundry was being clipped to makeshift lines, and women sat on buckets, sewing with scrutiny. There were half dressed children scurrying around, some laughing, others squealing. It seemed that somehow, every day was the same in the small town of wilted homes. The most depressing part of it all, was the lack of hope for change.

  With no jobs to be had, no one could get out of this horrid place, least of all Tessa with three children to look after. She was lucky to have sewing clients and laundry to do, despite being paid very little for the finger cramping work. When they neared their own shanty, she focused again on the children, and the things that needed tending at home. As they got closer, she noticed someone that was very out of place. It took a moment for her to realize that Julia Sullivan was waiting on what would have been her porch, if her shanty wasn't such a scrap of a thing.

  "Tessa! There you are!" Julia said with a relieved sigh. "I followed my brother's directions as best I could, but somehow I still managed to get lost. A few very friendly people pointed me in the right direction again, but when I found you all not home I got a little disappointed. I was just about to give up on you, but, here you are!"

  "Julia, it's so nice to see you again; was there something you needed?"

  "Me?" Julia shrieked in an unladylike manner that made both women laugh. "I don't need a thing, but I admit I was hoping for some company."

  "In the shanty town?" Tessa asked, not quite understanding.

  "Yes, silly, that is where you live, isn't it?" Julia laughed, swatting at her arm playfully.

  "Well, yes, but, why do you want my company?"

  "Because I like you so well! All of you in fact. I thought that life might be a little boring out here, and that you could use a companion every so often. I've come to volunteer. Not to make you sound so desperate, because I'm sure you have plenty of friends. Truth is, I don't have many myself. Parker is my best friend, but he spends so much time at the practice now days that I hardly see him! I wish my great grandparents hadn't gone and left him their house; life would be a whole lot easier if he still lived down the hall from me. But that's not really the point is it. I've come because I'd like to be your friend, and help you with whatever you need. So if you've got cooking, cleaning or laundry to do, just lead the way and I'd be happy to help."

  A single laugh jumped from Tessa's throat and she shook her head in disbelief, "I think I would like to meet your parents some day, they have certainly raised some fine children."

  "I wouldn't go saying something like that until you've met my younger brothers. I'm not sure they're from quite the same mold."

  "I'm sure you underestimate them. Besides, you've not been acquainted with most of the men in our little town; I'm sure they would appear saints standing next to some of these guys."

  "Well, perhaps you're right; I suppose they just irritate me because they're my brothers. Honestly, I don't know how you manage with taking care of your siblings. I feel as though I'd be at my wits end taking care of any one of my siblings, let alone all of them."

  Tessa smiled warmly, laying a blanket out for them to sit. "I don't really have a choice, and neither do they. I think the age gap helps it a bit. I'm twelve years older than Sadie, and I doubt I have to mention that I could very easily be Emma's mother myself. Our mother has been gone for what feels like such a long time, that I think they see me more as a mother than a sister, which breaks my heart." She sniffed roughly, amazed that she was letting herself cry in front of this girl that was almost a perfect stranger. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that."

  "It's quite alright; I knew you needed someone to talk to. Anytime you'd like to talk about your parents, feel quite free to do so. I don't mind tears, believe me Dillon cries on me all the time."

  Tessa laughed again, feeling her tears melt away for the moment. Julia had an easy way with people that rivaled her brother's. While Tessa certainly felt more safe with Parker around, she certainly felt safer with Julia despite their short acquaintance. The two sat outside for an hour, talking about the most nonsensical things while Julia helped Tessa sew patches onto a few of Lucas' pants. The children had immediately begged for the brownies that Mrs. Bruner sent home, and Tessa allowed them to enjoy the sweet treat. She was very impressed when both Sadie and Lucas shared with Julia. The sun began to set, and when Tessa heard the sound of her brother's stomach growl, her heart leapt.

  "Oh I've not started anything for dinner! Jerry said he'd bring something by for us, but he's not come yet, and I can't really expect the children to wait much longer. I'm sorry Julia, but I've got to go in. You don't have to, it's incredibly hot inside. You're welcome to stay for supper though."

  "Thank you, I'd like that if you have enough," Julia said sincerely.

  "Of course, I'll just throw something together quickly. Would you mind watching them while I'm inside? I'd hate to make them come in."

  "I'd be happy to."

  Tessa rushed into the shanty and pulled out the loaves of bread from the line. She cut them each into thin pieces and found the jar of jam that they still had from the Sullivan's wonderful basket. Carefully, she spread a bit of jam on each slice of bread. She then cut up some apples that they had found on the ground in a nearby orchard. She cut out all of the worm holes, hoping that Julia would think them perfectly acceptable to eat. After assembling a field green and dandelion salad that would finish the meal, she placed all of the prepared plates onto a tray. Tessa balanced them as she walked out the short door. After delivering them to Julia, she went back into the shanty and poured milk for everyone into old tin soup cans they had managed to find in the garbage months earlier. Luckily she had been smart enough to grab two extras so she had one for Julia as well.

  The family and their guest sat down to eat, and they laughed as Lucas told Julia the most incredible stories while they ate. Of course they were all fictional, which Tessa made sure Julia knew, but Julia laughed in between each and every bite. Tessa had just taken her last bite when she spotted Jerry Poteck skulking up the street; he looked angry even from afar. She stood quickly, and put all of the plates into a neat pile.

  "Julia, you're going to think me terribly rude, but I really think you should be going now. I'm sorry, the time has gotten away from me, and it's not safe for you to be here this late."

  "If it's not safe for me, how is it safe for you?" Julia asked, confused and worried.

  "Because I have made friends here, and they look out for me and the kids. You're a stranger, and you look like a wealthy lady at that. You've got to go before the sun goes down completely. I've so enjoyed your visit, perhaps we could continue it another day."

  Julia let her head fall to the side, her eyebrows arched in confusion, "Okay, if you're sure everything is alright."

  "Of co
urse it is; I just can't repay your brothers kindness by getting his sister injured on my account. Thank you so much for coming. Children, say goodbye to Miss Sullivan."

  "Goodbye!" her siblings called enthusiastically.

  "Just straight down the path, and then make a left when you come to the dead end. That puts you on the main road, you should find it easy to get home from there. Good bye, Julia."

  Tessa still had her eyes on Julia when she felt Jerry's hot breath on her neck. He grabbed her by the arm and spun her around forcefully. "And who was that?" he snarled.

  "A friend," Tessa spluttered, not sure why he was so irritated.

  "By the looks of it, she's a rich friend. Think you're better than the rest of us, do you Tessa Evans? Well you're not. You're father was a lousy unemployed drunk like the rest of us and you've no reason to think you're any better."

  "I don't, I assure you; I'm as hungry as everyone else here. But I certainly don't think myself too good to turn down the offer of friendship in such a bleak time. I have no idea why you're so offended by who I choose to spend my time with," she said, feeling a burst of courage.

  Jerry snorted, he clearly didn't have a reply, "I just don't like it. You know I'm just looking out for you, like I promised your daddy."

  Tessa whimpered as he tightened his grip. His eyes scanned the blanket and took in the dirty plates and filled cups. "You had dinner! I told you I'd bring something!"

  "I'm sorry," Tessa cried, "Lucas was starving; I couldn't keep him waiting any longer."

  Jerry threw her away harshly. "I guess I'll just have this chicken dinner by myself. You had better watch your step girly, you need my kindness and don't you forget it." He stalked off, not allowing her any form of a reply. She rubbed her arms gently; surely she would be bruised in the morning. It was obvious that he was drunk again, though perhaps not as badly as the last time he had assaulted her. Her life had turned into something quite frightening. If things continued to worsen with Jerry, she wasn't sure how she would keep herself or her siblings safe.

  Chapter 7

  Tessa woke with a start, the knock on their feeble door echoing through the house. She pulled the worn housecoat over her shoulders and fought with the lock that kept them safe in the night. When she finally released the door from its latch, she opened it to find Jerry Poteck in front of the door. She shrank back inside the shanty, her eyes darting to her sleeping brother and sisters.

  "I deserve that," he whispered.

  "What?"

  "Your reaction to me, I deserve it. Tessa, I don't even know how to begin to apologize for the way I've acted these last two times you've seen me. There was no reason for me to get upset that you had a friend here. It was a terrible day, I didn't get picked for work again, and I found a guy with some strong stuff on my way through town. I think I was a little jealous too. I've lost so much; I can't stand to think I might lose you and the kids too. I don't expect you to invite me in, or forgive me, but I wanted you to know that I'll keep my distance for a while."

  Tessa, feeling safe for the first time around him in weeks, stepped outside the shanty and closed the door behind her. Bugs still chirped around them, and early fires were snapping in the distance. The morning looked almost hazy; it was already apparent that it was going to be a very hot day. "I forgive you, Jerry."

  He looked startled by her admission, but smiled, "Thank you, Tess, that means a great deal to me."

  "I know it's a horrible time for everyone, and I expect some days to be more difficult than others. I am just trying to do what is best for my family."

  "I know, and you're doing an excellent job. Now, I have to go get in the lines, who knows, they might need an older, stocky, bald man for a very specific job today."

  Tessa laughed, "They just might, and if they don't, come straight back here and I'll make us both some coffee."

  "Well, hopefully I won't be back until dinner time, but, thank you, Tessa."

  "Have a good day, Jerry."

  Suddenly, Tessa felt better than she had in weeks, perhaps tonight she would be able to get a good nights sleep. Her uncertainty about Jerry had left her very restless, her sleep had been very light, waking at any unfamiliar or sudden sound. Weariness seemed to be a common trend, and she decided to go back into the house, snuggle beside Emma, and go back to sleep.

  * * *

  "Good morning, Park!" Julia said happily, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you here this early in the morning; I've missed our breakfast conversations."

  "So you've said."

  "I have not!"

  "Oh, forgive me, you told me you've missed our dinner conversations and our lunch conversations, I suppose we haven't gotten to breakfast yet. Thank you, I've missed them too."

  "Well you don't have to come and stay if you don't want to be with us!" she pouted.

  "That's not what I'm saying, I just think you're being a little dramatic, it's not as if you never see me. I live two blocks from here, and you know you may visit me any time."

  "I know, I guess I am being a little dramatic, but I really wanted to talk with you about something in particular. And, I didn't want anyone else to hear."

  "Oh? Are you in love, Julia?" Parker teased.

  "Me? Heavens no! I wanted to talk to you about Tessa."

  Parker sighed, "I already know that you think I should marry her, what else could you possibly have to say about it?"

  "First, you should know that my opinion hasn't changed. I still think she is absolutely perfect for you. That's not what I wanted to talk to you about either. I want for us to help her. I enjoyed my time with her so much, but they have so little. When I got there, the children shared their brownies with me, brownies, something they probably never get, and they gave me some!" Parker watched in amazement as Julia's eyes filled with tears.

  "They are pretty incredible," he said softly. Julia took a seat at the dining room table, and Parker sat beside her. He could remember so many days when they had occupied these exact spots. Julia had always been his sounding board. Someone to talk to about anything and everything. It was strange, sitting there today, talking about such a serious topic. Julia had grown up. As Parker watched her concern for the Evan's it was quite clear, she had become an amazing young woman, and he was proud of her.

  "We have to get them out of that house! I think something terrible is happening there."

  "What do you mean?" Parker asked, instantly alert, thoughts of Julia's maturity pushed aside in his mind.

  "The day I was there, we were having such a lovely time. We had all just finished dinner, and Tessa rushed me out. She said that it was getting dark, and that I wouldn't be safe in the dark. How could she be safe in the dark if I'm not? It was almost as if she was panicked. I don't know what she could have possibly been so concerned about, because I didn't encounter anything unusual or frightening on my way home."

  "Well certainly she must have a greater knowledge of what goes on around her shanty than you do. Perhaps she was genuinely concerned for your safety, and nothing more."

  "Park! You have to remember that horrible bruise on her face when she came to your house. I know you haven't forgotten about it that quickly."

  "She promised that she would come to me if she was having any problems." Parker wanted to believe that she had been truthful, but he knew she was hesitant to accept help. He remembered the look on her face when he had suggested she stay for dinner the day she brought Lucas. If Lucas' wound hadn't been so deep, she probably would have doctored him to the best of her ability at the shanty.

  Julia sighed, "What if she's too proud for that?" taking the words right from Parker's thoughts.

  Parker sat contemplative; it wasn't as if he hadn't thought about the possibility of her being in trouble. In fact, whenever he wasn't working with a patient, he thought about Tessa Evans and her siblings. Something about them had touched his heart. It didn't surprise him that Julia was also invested in the disadvantaged family;
she was, after all, his mother's daughter.

  "Don't you think Momma would love to have them for dinner?" Julia asked.

  "Of course she would, that's a great idea. Perhaps she wouldn't be as hesitant to come for dinner. I'll go and ask her, and I'll make sure to ask when the kids are there. She is easily swayed by the pitiful looks they give her," he laughed.

  "I think Lucas would have fun with Dillon and Ben, and you know Momma will love Emma."

  "Jules, I think it's a great idea; of course, we'll have to ask Momma first."

  "You know she'll say yes, in fact, I think she might insist they come tonight." Julia laughed. "Hey, what if I go and invite her and also invite her to clean up. I know she feels uncomfortable when she's not presentable; she told me that the other day. Momma and I can watch the kids while she relaxes for a bit!"

  "What about me? I can help with the kids."

  "No, Parker, you can either do something with Daddy, or you can stay at your house until dinner time. I think she'll be a little self conscious to take a bath while you're wandering around the house, and the point is for her to relax."

  "She was fine to take a bath at my house when I gave Lucas his stitches."

  Julia laughed, "Park! She was desperate, and exhausted! Now, finish your breakfast and go home. I'm going to go ask Momma and go straight to Tessa's."

  Parker loved his sister's enthusiasm, and knew she meant to do exactly what she said. He took a large bite of the scrambled eggs on his plate to show that he would do exactly what she asked. It only took a moment for her to skip out of the room, calling through the large expanse of the house for their mother. Parker was a little disappointed at not being the one to invite Tessa. The way uncertainty initially passed over her face, followed by the humble acceptance of whatever he had offered, touched him every time. Hopefully her face would be full of that same joy when he got home for dinner. Wouldn't his mother be surprised that he would be joining them two nights in a row for dinner. He was almost certain that she would have questions for him later that night.