Along Waters of Sunshine and Shadow

by Ava Miles

  He lowered his arm, biting back the request that she not ask him those questions ever. Rather than speak, he put the car in second as the car in front of him sped up again.

  “We have traffic,” she said absently, as though she didn’t know what to say just now.

  He had made her feel that way. “We have it where I’m from too,” he told her. “Anna, I’m sorry I was cross. I haven’t been decent company since the war started, and I’ve been around mostly men for the past couple years. Most of us only growled and barked at each other.” Or yelled “incoming” or “snipers.”

  “I don’t think you’re rough around the edges,” she said. “How about I show you my school?”

  He wondered if she was concerned about how her mother would react to seeing him again. Anna had mentioned Mrs. Sims worked five days a week from eight until three, but that left a lot of time in between. “I’d love that.”

  They headed back toward South Side, and he did his best to catalogue the landmarks they passed. Some hadn’t been on the map he’d studied. “How is it your neighborhood seems so nice? I mean…Billie got your neighborhood wrong, didn’t he?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, we don’t live in Irving Park like he figured, but I didn’t feel the need to correct you.”

  “Why not?”

  She worried her lip. “Well, some people in Chicago have strong opinions about other people’s neighborhoods. I worried Billie might have a chip on his shoulder about my neighborhood, and I didn’t want him to influence you.”

  “Influence me how?”

  She looked away. “I know he’s your friend and all, but people in Chicago sometimes talk badly about each other. Like real bad. Racial slurs and such. The war has helped that, I think, but…”

  “Okay, I see where you’re going with this,” he said, and she exhaled harshly in response.

  She wasn’t wrong. Billie had strong opinions about a lot of things, from the shit quality of cold coffee to the staleness of an old cigarette. Noah usually ignored him when he got his juices going since it hadn’t happened too often. They’d been too focused on the push into France and later Germany to have much time or energy to get bent out of shape about trivialities.

  If the war ended soon like everyone hoped, Billie would be in Chicago soon too. His friend had suggested they could work together, although he hadn’t elaborated on the details. They’d have to talk that out thoroughly before Noah committed to anything. Billie had a way of talking pie in the sky sometimes, and Noah wanted something he could wrap his mind around, if not his hands.

  “If Martin told me about the different neighborhoods and the…strong opinions, I can’t say I remember. But Billie did seem to think South Side is a pretty tough place. That’s not your neighborhood.”

  “No, we’re in a more…upscale part of South Side now,” she said. “My dad saw to that. He and my mom grew up in that part and didn’t want it for Martin and me.”

  “So Billie was right about some of South Side?” he asked.

  “Partly, but there’s a lot of hatred in Chicago, and I’m here to tell you I don’t like it. No, not one bit. You see, there’s prejudice between North Side and South Side, and every neighborhood in between. You have the Polish and the Irish and the blacks and the Jews, and the Italians, of course. Despite what the papers say, they aren’t all in the mob. Of course, ask nearly any Irish and they’ll tell you differently. I guess I’m a little touchy about that.”

  “I’m not fond of prejudice either,” he said. “Washington has a lot of blacks, and they aren’t any better or worse than white people, if you ask me.”

  She made a rude sound. “Some people just like to think they’re better than others. Well, my father taught Martin and me not to judge a man—or woman—that way. He worked with a lot of different people when he was a railroad man, as he liked to call it. It was because he was good with people that he got promoted.”

  Noah wasn’t surprised. Martin had possessed that same ability to charm people.

  “He made a good living, and so he moved our family to a nicer neighborhood when Marty and I were five. Like I said before, he wanted a newer house away from some of the more…unsavory elements. Not people who were simply different from us, mind you, but gangsters and criminals. Goodness, if you voted for a candidate who wasn’t a Democrat, you wouldn’t have your garbage picked up for six months.”

  “Seriously?” he asked, tucking that tidbit away. He wasn’t overtly political, but he voted as a citizen.

  “Yes,” she said, shaking her head earnestly. “Dad used to say moving us out of his old neighborhood was one of the best decisions of his life. Other than marrying my mom.” She paused, then added, “Don’t be fooled by where we live, though. My dad worked hard, and so do my mother and I. I mean, we have the insurance money and his pension to support us, but we wanted to carry our own water, so to speak.”

  He’d wondered about the status of their finances, especially given Martin’s passing. “Thanks for telling me all that. I know it’s not polite to talk about things like money.”

  “It’s important for us to talk about such things, what with us being together and all. But that’s not for now.”

  Funny how they were getting to know each other better on what he’d thought would be an easy car ride. She was showing him the same strong and heartfelt woman he’d fallen in love with in her letters.

  “Go ahead and take the next left, but be careful. It’s a blind curve up ahead.”

  She guided him the rest of the way, and finally he pulled to a stop in front of St. Patrick’s. The church was a building of red brick with large stained glass windows, two belfries, and a cascade of stairs leading up to a set of thick double doors. It was larger than Noah had expected, but he wasn’t exactly an expert on churches. The school was to the side, across a perfectly cut lawn, and also had red brick siding. It stood two stories high with large louver windows gleaming in the sunlight.

  “How many places are named St. Patrick’s in Chicago?” he asked dryly.

  She shrugged as he shut off the engine. “Probably bunches, but this is the only one that matters to me. I made my First Communion here. Ducked through a window and climbed onto the school roof when Kelly Kincaid dared me. Danced with my first boy here in the parish hall. Paddy O’Shea.”

  He found himself smiling as they left the car. It seemed natural to take her hand. “I’m not going to have to fight him for you, am I?”

  “Heavens no,” she said, her eyes darkening. “He died in France.”

  He wanted to curse. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t think.”

  She got teary-eyed. “So many of the boys in the neighborhood have been killed. It makes me sad when I think about it, but then I pray for them and try to let it go. I think about being happy instead. Still, I’m really glad I was the first girl Paddy danced with.”

  “You keep those memories, Anna Sims,” he told her, raising her hand to his lips. “They’re important.”

  “Anna!” someone called, and he looked over to see a white-haired priest walking toward them.

  “Father!” she said, her entire demeanor transformed. “Come meet Noah.”

  The older man hustled forward, a welcoming smile on his round face. “Why do you think I’m running this way? I don’t do that for everyone, you know. It’s hot in these black garments. Noah, it’s so good to finally meet you. I’m Father Shaughnessy.”

  Noah took his hand when he held it out and pumped it warmly. Maybe he wasn’t one for religion, but he’d heard quite a bit about the priest from Anna. He’d figured prominently in her letters, much more so than anyone else save Martin and her mother.

  “We’re all so glad you made it through the war unscathed. You’ve been a blessing to our Anna here. Made her smile when times were tough. Not an easy task. I struggle with it every Mass.”

  “Oh, no you don’t, Father. No one gives a better homily than you do.”

  The priest’s wink was downright cheeky. �
�It’s important to start the homily with a joke or a good story. Reels people right in.”

  Anne kissed his cheek, and he put his hand around her shoulders. Their affection was palpable, which caught Noah off guard despite all the praise Anna had heaped on the man. He’d thought a priest would be more formal with the people in his church.

  “I’d heard you arrived yesterday,” Father said. “I was planning on coming over tonight to pay my respects. How’s your mother taking it?”

  Anna shrugged.

  “That great, eh?” he asked, rocking her in place. “What did she do? Give you a cold shoulder like she’s been giving me since our little talk?”

  “No, Father,” Anna said, meeting his gaze. “She said Noah couldn’t stay with us.”

  Noah shifted on his feet, uncomfortable with being discussed as if he weren’t there.

  “No! She wouldn’t…”

  When Anna didn’t respond, he clucked his tongue. “Well, she’s a work in progress like the rest of us. I’ll keep praying for her, but in the meantime, Noah, I want you to stay with us at the rectory. We have a few spare rooms and a wonderful cook when you’re not eating at Anna’s.”

  Stay at a church? “That’s very kind of you, Father, but I’m staying at the YMCA downtown.”

  He waved his hand. “That’s quite a ways, and you don’t have a car, I would imagine. Gas ration cards are hard to come by. If you stay here, you can walk to Anna’s house in five minutes or less. Please, Noah, it would be a treat. Anna tells me you are well read in the classics, and that’s one of my passions. Besides, Father Wilson is a good man, but he’s literally as quiet as a church mouse. Spends all his spare time in prayer or in his room. Not that I have a problem with that, but being a priest is about being with the people.”

  Anna’s mouth twitched. “Father Wilson is new to our church, Noah, and he’s been a little hard to get to know.”

  The priest jostled Anna playfully. “Turns down family dinners with parishioners, which I would never do. Right, Anna?”

  “You do love a good meal,” she teased.

  “Forgive my ramblings. Noah, I would really love for you to stay here. You’d have plenty of privacy, I promise. Besides, some say I have the best whiskey in the neighborhood.”

  Noah could sense the steely determination under the man’s easygoing demeanor. That meant something. Like maybe that he’d try to get Noah to come around to his way of thinking. He wasn’t sure staying with a priest, even one Anna seemed to like so much, was a good idea.

  “You know I’m not Catholic, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “Should that bother me? I don’t ask people what church they go to when I offer help. Do you have something against Catholics, Noah?”

  The man would be a good debater, Noah imagined. No wonder he and Anna were as thick as thieves. “No. Like I was telling Anna earlier, I figure people are people. Some good. Some bad.”

  Father nodded. “Exactly. Could I persuade you with the use of our private library? I used to lend my books out to anyone who asked. But after a few books weren’t returned and others were handed back with dog-eared pages and ruined spines, I found myself having very uncharitable thoughts. I had to prescribe some serious penance for myself. A couple years ago, I decided to stop that nonsense and save the books for those who could appreciate them. But you look like a man I could trust with a rare book of Thomas Aquinas’ sermons.”

  The glint in his eye had Noah smiling finally. “You drive a hard bargain, Father.”

  Calling another man Father felt odd on his tongue, even if the man looked to be in his fifties. He’d never had a father—or a priest—in his life. He looked at Anna, and he appreciated that she didn’t try to offer any persuasion of her own. He caught the conspiratorial glance between the pair and decided to play along. This man wasn’t at all what Noah had expected.

  “I can’t turn down a rare book,” he said. “Thank you for the offer, Father. I’d be happy to stay with you for a while.”

  But as soon as he said it, he wanted to take back his consent. What would happen if he had a nightmare?

  Father suddenly put his hand on Noah’s shoulder and looked him straight in the eye. “It’s going to be fine, Noah. Who knows? You might even have some fun. I might be a priest, but that doesn’t stop me from having a good time. Every day is a gift. I figure the war has taught us that if nothing else.”

  “Can you see why we all love him so much?” Anna said, kissing the man’s ruddy cheek.

  “Well, I need to get in for lunch or Mrs. Hughes is going to tan my hide. She hates to see us eat cold food and hems and haws about keeping it warm for us. It dries out, you see. Noah, come over with your things any time. I’ll tell Mrs. Hughes to look out for you.”

  “Thank you, Father,” Anna said. “You can’t know how much this means to me.”

  “Oh, hush now, lass, it will be fine. Be good for both of us, I expect. And this way you won’t worry as much.”

  Anna’s eyes widened.

  “Haven’t I known you since before your First Communion? Our Anna here has one of the biggest hearts in the whole parish, and she needs to let others help her more. I’ll talk to your mother again when I feel the time is right. We’ll bring her around, don’t you worry. Looks like there’s more than letter writing in your future. It will be fun having a ringside seat. Okay, I’m off.”

  He hustled across the lawn, his black outfit billowing behind him, and then disappeared into a large two-story red brick house on the opposite side of the church from the school.

  Anna turned to him, her eyes scanning his face. “He’s wonderful, isn’t he? I hope he didn’t put you on the spot. I mean, staying here would be closer, and he’s right. I wouldn’t worry as much.”

  He didn’t know why she would worry. It wasn’t like he was fighting in the war anymore. But he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “I’m sure it will be fine.” And if it wasn’t, he would make a polite excuse and go back to the YMCA.

  “Father is one of those rare people who’s good with everyone. He can soften an old battle-axe or open up a kid with a chip on his shoulder. He tells the best stories. Oh, and his jokes…”

  He did want to get to know the man Anna valued so much. Plus, it wouldn’t be bad to have an ally when it came to Mrs. Sims. That dream he’d had still gave him a chill when he thought of it.

  “I suppose I should check out of the YMCA then,” he said. “How about you show me the school and your classroom first and then we can grab a bite to eat before heading back downtown?”

  She hugged him briefly, and he savored both the spontaneity and sweetness of her affection. “Sounds like a plan.”

  She took his hand, and together they set off.

  Chapter 6

  The dining room table was covered with baking dishes and cakes and pies when Anna walked in after returning from downtown. She felt Noah still behind her, his hand coming to rest on her waist.

  “Oh, my goodness!” she breathed, putting her hands to her cheeks.

  “There’s more in the kitchen,” she heard her mother say. “The neighborhood seems to think there’s something to celebrate. I’ve been greeting people all day, and it’s given me a headache.”

  The pocket doors were open, and she could see her mother’s black shoes crossed at the ankles on a footstool. She walked to the parlor doorway. Her mother was knitting a blue scarf for her Victory Knitting group.

  “How nice of everyone,” Anna said, trying to keep her tone light. Her mother had always loved their neighbors’ generosity in the past.

  “They’re acting like Noah is part of this family.” Her mom said it like it was a bad thing.

  Anna glanced back to check on Noah. He was standing by the dining room table, staring at his uniform hat in his hands with a dejected look on his face. Anger rolled over her.

  “Mom, Noah is more than a friend. He was like a brother to Martin, and now he’s officially my beau.” There, she’d s
aid it.

  “Well, isn’t that nice? That makes you like every other rash girl out there, Anna. I expected better of you.”

  The words seemed to pummel her in the midsection. “I’m not being rash. Neither is Noah. We’ve been writing each other over a year and half now. But that’s not something we should discuss right now.” She would explode and say things she would regret. Besides, it was easier to catch flies with honey. “I’m going to spread the news that we’re having a party tonight to welcome Noah.” She’d planned as much anyway. Better to do it with the food fresh.

  “Seems the neighborhood has already issued the invitation,” her mother said. “Mrs. Flynn used up her ration cards to make her special buttermilk chocolate cake, and she’s as tight as they come.”

  Usually the woman had a demeanor as sour as her buttermilk, and yet she’d done more to welcome Noah than Anna’s own mother had. “How kind of her. It’s kind of all of them,” she said pointedly.

  “If you say so,” her mother said. “I’m going upstairs.”

  “You’re really going to turn your back on our neighbors when they come to this house?”

  “No, I’ll come down and make an appearance even though my head hurts,” she said, rising from the couch. “But I still think you’re moving way too fast, young lady.”

  Anna clenched her hands at her side. She was old enough to make decisions for herself. Other people saw that—why couldn’t her mother?

  “Father Shaughnessy has asked Noah to stay with him and Father Wilson at the rectory.”

  Her mother had to know what an honor that invitation was. The rest of the neighborhood surely would. And Father wouldn’t have invited Noah to stay so close to Anna if he hadn’t also approved of their courtship. Take that, Mom.

  Her mother stooped to pick up her knitting and tucked it under her arm. “He’s a big-mouthed meddling fool. Keeping those bees must have addled his brain.”

  “Mother! He’s been good to this family as long as I can remember.”