Sisterhood Of Lake Alice

by Mari M. Osmon

One night her mother sat with her at the kitchen table and told her that perhaps it was best that the girls were all leaving. Now she could start accepting her lot in life and find some ordinary happiness. Grace knew in her heart that she would never settle for ordinary. She was determined to hold onto her dreams. Ordinary was simply not an option for Grace O’Malley.

  Chapter Three

  Lindy Pulaski

  Lindy arrived in this world full of noise, surrounded by a family that knew from the start that she was special. Loretta and Lenny Pulaski had been happily married for twenty-five years. As Loretta told everyone, this baby was her change-of-life surprise. Lindy was warmly welcomed by big brother, Lenny Jr., who was seventeen and graduating from high school the next year. He planned to join the air force the day after graduation. Also in the bedroom was a very mature twelve-year-old Lana, named after the movie star Lana Turner. Next to Lana stood Grandma Flo, who lived with them. She did all the cooking for the family.

  Everyone seemed to be talking at once. All of them were thinking about how life would be changing because of the tiny baby girl with a full head of black hair. Dr. Beal filled out all the paperwork and returned to the bedroom asking the baby’s name. Loretta and Lenny both said at the same time, “Lindy,” as they started to laugh. They told Dr. Beal that the Lindy dance was their favorite dance and they had decided to use the name whether it was a boy or a girl.

  The Pulaski family owned and ran the Fresh Daisy Dry Cleaners and Laundry. The business occupied the first floor. They lived in the apartment upstairs. Everyone in the family worked in the business. Lenny Sr. was up each morning at four o’clock cleaning the laundry and starting up the presses. Loretta and the kids were up by five o’clock helping to get the dry cleaning ready for the customers. By seven o’clock, they all came back upstairs for Grandma’s morning breakfast before the kids went off to school.

  It was a simple and good life. There was enough money for the basics, though not much left over for anything else. The one thing they all had in common was they were all “big size” people, as Loretta liked to say. Rather than trying to hide her 250 pounds, Loretta chose to advertise it with brightly colored clothes that always seemed to sparkle. Everything about Loretta was big—her coal-black hair, her earrings and jewelry, and her laugh. She told anyone who stopped to listen that she was a big lady with a big love of life. In Fergus Falls, some people called her a character. Almost everyone grew to love the family.

  Within a few days after her birth, Lindy arrived in the laundry, sleeping in a wicker wash basket with Grandma Flo’s homemade quilt wrapped around her. Loretta set her on the counter for everyone to see. She already had her tiny ears pierced and was dressed in a frilly pink outfit. All day, the customers came to pick up their clothes and coo over the pretty baby girl. Grandma Flo even made some of her special cookies to celebrate the arrival of Lindy.

  *

  One day turned into another, always the same routine. Grandma Flo grew older and slower. Lenny Jr. enlisted in the air force and was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. He came home twice a year, which always meant big parties and lots of food. Lana was now a senior in high school and planning on going to beauty school in Fargo, North Dakota, in September with her two best friends.

  Grandma Flo often got Lindy dressed up and would take her shopping downtown. She showed Lindy off to anyone she could stop. Grandma Flo adored her spirited granddaughter. She spoiled her with ribbons, bows, and special clothes that she sewed just for her. Grandma would cuddle with Lindy after her bath, sprinkling her with special lavender talcum powder. She would lie on Lindy’s bed and tell her stories about the old country. By the time Lindy was four years old, she was singing songs in Polish. Grandma and Lindy often danced to folk songs from the old country, laughing as they spun around in circles. On Lindy’s fifth birthday, Grandma Flo had a stroke and never came home from the hospital.

  A few weeks after the funeral, Lindy came home from kindergarten to find a bright pink bedroom that was now hers. At first, she jumped with joy. Then she felt guilty about being happy to have Grandma’s old room. Lindy decided that she would share the room with Grandma’s spirit. Many nights, Lindy lay in bed talking to Grandma about her day. She always felt the warm presence of her loving Grandma in that room. It was her secret.

  *

  By the time Lindy was in grade school, she knew the words to many of the popular country-western songs that she heard on the radio. The radio was turned on from early morning to late at night. It was funny to see this seven-year-old girl with long, curly black hair singing as though she was on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. She entertained the customers on a daily basis. It never crossed her mind to worry about being shy or embarrassed. She loved to sing more than anything else. She had already developed her own style in clothes, which was just as bright and sparkling as her mom’s wardrobe. The customers were truly impressed with her talents and told her so on a regular basis. Soon, the customers started requesting a favorite song while they waited for their clothes. Lindy felt loved and totally accepted at Fresh Daisy Dry Cleaners and Laundry.

  *

  Before too long, Loretta was making western style costumes for her daughter. They even saved enough money to purchase bright red cowgirl boots for her. Lindy began to sing at summer concerts. She entered the contest at the state fair when she was eight years old, coming in third place. From then on, each year she won first place as she worked on perfecting her style. She was a mini version of Dolly Parton, except her hair was black instead of blonde. Lindy was a talented and fiery little girl. Each year her hair got bigger and more rhinestones appeared on her outfits.

  By the time she entered high school, everyone knew Lindy, her talents and her wacky personality. It did not come as a surprise when the choral director asked her to join a girl’s quartet. What did surprise Lindy was the lecture she received on being a team player. It was made very clear to her that this quartet would be a place where all the girls would showcase their talents. It took Lindy a little while to adjust to not being the star of the show.

  She quickly discovered that the friendships of Emily, Grace, and Rebecca were far more important than the spotlight. It was the first time she had close girlfriends, and she enjoyed every minute of it. On their sleepovers at Emily’s house, Lindy would bring her bags filled with makeup and hair supplies. By the end of the night, all four girls had Lindy’s big hair, bright blue eye shadow, and rings on every finger. They would dance around Emily’s bedroom, singing and laughing.

  *

  The girls of SOLA had grown to be such good friends that when they started dating, they promised to get an okay from the other girls before going out. They all agreed that Friday night was their sleepover girls’ night and Saturday was date night. They often would go out with their dates as a group. Most Sunday afternoons, they talked about their dates while they studied and practiced their songs.

  Lindy told the girls all about the facts of life. She gave them graphic details about her dates, which sent them all into fits of giggles. Lindy dated a few boys but found that most of them were too afraid of her wild style to ask her out. She preferred to have many good friends that were boys instead of boyfriends. Anyway, she knew that she was destined for fame and did not want to be attached to anyone that she might have to leave behind.

  *

  Lindy surprised everyone by being an A+ student. She excelled in math and science classes. She knew that money was always tight around the laundry and had given up any hopes of going to college. Just before Thanksgiving of her senior year, the principal called her to his office. When she arrived, Loretta and Lenny were already there. At first, she thought something had happened to her brother. However, when she saw her mom wink at her, Lindy knew it was good news.

  The principal stood up, shook Lindy’s hand, and informed her that she had received a full scholarship to Mankato State University. The Pul
askis beamed with pride as they hugged each other. Lindy would be the first Pulaski to go to college. They knew that she would succeed at whatever she put her mind to. Lindy was excited about the promise of a new adventure. There would be no stopping her now. Mankato be warned, Lindy was on the way!

  Chapter Four

  Rebecca DuPree

  People often described Monica DuPree as quiet, hard working, and a good student. She had a contagious laugh, gentle smile, and easygoing nature. She lived at home with her mother, Ruby, who had been widowed for many years.

  Tim Meyer came from one of the most influential families in Fergus Falls. They owned most of the apartment buildings in town and had recently built a large apartment complex for senior citizens. Tim was the star quarterback on the Otters’ football team. Monica and Tim had been a couple for more than a year. They had become inseparable. During their senior prom, they had sex for the first and only time. Monica considered herself a “good girl” with high morals. However, after a few drinks of rum and cola, they gave into their strong desires for each other. They truly believed that they were in love. Monica knew that Tim would soon be going away to school. She was going to Fergus Falls Junior College for two years. Then she hoped to join Tim in Minneapolis at the university.

  Two months later, on Monica’s eighteenth birthday, the family doctor confirmed what she already knew. She was pregnant. Tim had left for early enrollment at the University of Minnesota, where he had a full scholarship for football. He left without knowing about the baby. After weeks of torment, Monica finally broke down and told her mom her secret. Monica was quickly sent to Fargo to live with her Aunt Trudy until the baby was born. Plans were made to give the baby up for adoption.

  In a few short months, Monica’s calm world was turned upside down. Her plans for college and to become a teacher were gone. Her boyfriend, whom she thought she loved, had just sent her a letter telling her that he would probably not be back home all year and wishing her well in her future pursuits. She was alone and terrified. As she grew larger with the baby, she started to love this little person growing inside her. By the time Monica went into labor, she knew that she would be keeping the baby. She was determined to love and provide a good life for her child.

  Rebecca was born six weeks early. Her first few days were touch and go. The doctors did not offer much hope because of the baby’s serious heart and lung problems. Monica’s mother, Ruby, and Aunt Trudy both tried to tell Monica that it might be best if the baby did not survive. Monica could then resume her life, and no one would ever know about the disgrace to the family name.

  Monica prayed for her tiny daughter to fight and live. She promised God that she would dedicate herself to this child if she survived. Each day, the baby grew stronger. Her cheeks grew a little pinker every day. Finally, after three weeks, a nurse asked Monica what the baby’s name was so they could put it on her tiny crib. Without a second thought, Monica named her daughter Rebecca Ann DuPree. She wanted her daughter to have a strong, noble name. She was convinced that Rebecca would survive. She also knew that God would make her keep her promise to become a caring mother to this fragile child.

  *

  After several emotionally charged arguments, Monica and her mother took Rebecca home to Fergus Falls. At first, Ruby insisted that they make up a story about Monica marrying a boy just before he left for Vietnam. After a proper period of time, they would tell everyone that her husband had been killed in the war; however, Monica refused to lie. She decided that the truth would just have to be good enough. If people were going to judge her, she would accept their harsh remarks and move on. Ruby, Monica, and Rebecca settled into their new life in the tiny little house on Bancroft Street.

  The day they came home, the neighbors surprised Monica with a baby shower. Once the gifts were opened and the cake and coffee served, Monica knew in her heart that she had made the right decision. That evening after everyone was in bed, she wrote a letter to Tim. She told him about the baby and how much she loved her. She enclosed a photo of herself and Rebecca in the hospital. Monica told Tim that he was under no obligation to them, but that she hoped he would come and visit soon.

  Two weeks later, she received a large envelope from a lawyer’s office in Minneapolis. The letter stated that they represented Mr. Timothy Meyer. There was an offer for a payment of $40,000 if the enclosed papers were signed, which would release all parental rights of Mr. Meyers to the child named Rebecca DuPree. It further stated that if Monica agreed to this payment, there would be no future contact with Mr. Meyer under any circumstances. As Monica read the documents, it was apparent that she should take the money and sign the papers. Rebecca’s life would be far better off with the two women who had grown to adore her.

  The next day, she mailed back the signed papers and put copies in her little metal box for safekeeping. A few weeks later, the cashier’s check arrived. Monica took the check to the bank and opened two accounts. Half the money went for an educational account so Rebecca would be able to go to college. The other half would take care of them until Monica could find a job to support the DuPree women. As she walked home, she knew that life was going to be okay.

  *

  Life turned into a simple kind of happiness for the DuPree women. Their neighbors, the Newtons, adored little Rebecca and spoiled her with surprise gifts and lots of attention. She was the little girl they never had. Rebecca grew into a younger version of Monica, with long, pale blonde hair and dark green eyes. She was often sick. By the age of five, she had been hospitalized several times with severe asthma attacks. Because of her health problems, she spent most of her time in the house. She was not able to keep up playing with the neighborhood kids. She could not ride a bike or run any distance without becoming winded and needing to rest.

  During one of her hospital stays, a nurse suggested to Monica that when Rebecca started having an asthma attack, she should take her into the bathroom and turn on a hot shower to produce steam, and then start singing songs that Rebecca knew. Many times, this could get the child’s mind off the breathing struggles and get her back into a stable breathing pattern.

  Monica took the nurse’s advice. Much to her surprise, it worked. Soon the Newtons listened as Monica and Rebecca sang at the top of their voices. Rebecca connected singing with feeling better. For Rebecca’s seventh birthday, Lee and Sylvia Newton gave her singing lessons with the choir director from their church. Once a week, little Rebecca went for her lesson and enjoyed every minute of it. It was the one thing she discovered that she did well.

  *

  By the time she was ready for high school, she was singing in two choirs and was often the soloist at several of the local churches. People were always amazed at the strong and beautiful voice that came out of the tiny little girl with the soulful green eyes. Although Rebecca was comfortable singing in front of anyone, she was terribly shy when it came to any other kind of social situation. She did well in school, but never raised her hand. She often had to stay in during recess, which meant that she never made friends.

  At home, from the time she could remember, Rebecca was treated more like an adult than a child. Her grandmother, Ruby, often remarked that she was an old spirit trapped in a little girl’s body. She was mature beyond her years. Each year she became more shy and reserved. She even dressed different from the other girls in her class. Instead of the latest fashions, she often wore her mother’s sweaters, which were many sizes too big for her, and long skirts that sometimes touched the floor. Her dull colored clothes made it seem as though she simply was not even there—invisible and a loner.

  Rebecca dreaded going to Fergus Falls High School. She had been happy to sit in her classes at Adams Grade School, where she could fade into the corner, unnoticed by the world. She knew that would be more difficult in high school. She was so nervous about going to high school that she had a serious asthma attack. Monica rushed her to the hospital for breathin
g treatments. The attack was so serious that Rebecca missed her entire first week of school. To make matters worse, because she had missed school orientation, she always seemed to be lost and was often late to class. She was miserable.

  Monica finally had a heart-to-heart talk with Rebecca. She encouraged Rebecca to audition for the school choral group and told her that it was time for her to make some friends. Rebecca was quickly welcomed into the choral group. At last, she felt as though she had found a place where she could belong. Every day, she came out of her shell of shyness a little more. Within a month, the choral director invited Rebecca to consider joining the girls’ quartet that was being formed. That was the turning point—the day life changed for Rebecca.

  For the first time in her life, Rebecca had girlfriends—friends who taught her how to laugh at herself, how to be silly, how to have fun, and how to share. The girls of SOLA bonded together in song. Quickly they became each other’s best friends. Rebecca shared her secrets with Lindy, Emily, and Grace. She became the closest to Grace. She loved going over to Grace’s house, which was filled with people and noise. Grace and Rebecca often slept over at Emily’s house, in a bedroom that looked as though it was decorated from a magazine. Often, when they walked home the next morning, Grace and Rebecca compared their own tiny bedrooms with the beauty of Emily’s and Lindy’s.

  Rebecca never felt poor, just not rich. Grace would often complain about her father and his constant bouts with depression. Rebecca would tell her that she often fantasized about what her father looked like. She dreamed that some day he would come to see her. He would shower her with gifts and take her on expensive vacations, while constantly apologizing for being such a jerk to her and her mother.

  Emily passed her clothes on to Rebecca after she had outgrown them. They all teased Rebecca about her tiny size 4 clothes and the little shoes that she wore. Rebecca sang her heart out with the girls. She had finally found some happiness. Both her mother and grandmother felt relieved that Rebecca had learned how to laugh and be silly. Her grades were great, her singing grew stronger, and they were optimistic for Rebecca.