by Mercy Levy
Chapter 9 – The Blizzard
Jasmine tried to think of ways to win Albert back over, but it seemed the damage was done. No matter how hard she tried, he was distant and didn't seem to want to open back up again.
She hadn’t said a word about her conversation with Frank, but she wished there was a way she could say something. She wanted to let him know she understood what he was going through, and to assure him she was there for him.
She remembered how hard it was when her mother had passed. Though her father had been a much kinder man when her mother was alive, she had never enjoyed a close relationship with the man. She knew what it felt like to lose the one person you were closer to than anyone else, but she didn’t think Albert would want to discuss such things.
There has to be something I can do… it seemed to work so well when I showed him I wasn’t afraid to try using a hammer, perhaps if I were to show him that I could do other things.
Frank seemed to think part of the reason Albert likes me so much is because I’m ambitious like Sadie was… why not keep that ambition going?
Jasmine looked around the house for things she could do, but it seemed everything was where it should be. Sighing, she walked back out to the kitchen. Eddie was in the barn, but Frank and Albert had gone into town to pick up supplies.
Suddenly, two horses came running out of the barn, with Eddie chasing after them. Jasmine laughed to herself and threw on a shawl. Eddie was always having trouble with the horses getting out. She hurried outside, asking him if he needed any help.
"That durned bay lets himself out again, then Blackie got loose, too! You go for Blackie; I'll grab the bay." Eddie pointed at the coal black horse that was running toward the back field as he pursued the one running toward town. Jasmine agreed and hurried after the horse.
She liked Blackie. He was an old gelding that would tolerate anything. But, when he got the chance to run free, he would take it, every time. He was walking ahead of her now, following the fence line toward the back pasture. Jasmine remembered what Albert had said about her being up there herself, but she wanted to prove to him that she could help with the horses.
Picking up her pace, she followed him into the field. The wind was gently blowing back there, and the air felt chilly. Blackie had stopped a good distance from the fence, and was now grazing where he could find grass. Jasmine thought she saw an odd cloud in the distance, and worried snow might be coming, so she hurried to catch up with the horse.
Though Blackie was one of the friendlier horses in the barn, it took her nearly an hour before he let her grab the rope hanging from his halter. She shushed him and gently patted his nose, looking into his brown eyes. Suddenly, he snorted and tried to pull away from her.
Startled, Jasmine fought to keep control. She then turned to see what the horse was looking at. Something she had never seen before was coming right at her, and fast. It looked like a wall made out of pure white. Suddenly, Jasmine realized what it was.
“A blizzard!” She shouted, and yanked on the horse’s rope. The horse whinnied and fought her, scared and confused.
“Come on, Blackie! Come on!” Jasmine tried to yank on the halter, but the horse was much stronger than she. Then, all at once, they were engulfed in the wind and snow. Ice pellets stung her eyes, and the wind came from all directions, making it impossible for her to know which direction she was facing.
Jasmine tried to look around, but the ice stung and she couldn’t see where she was going. She buried her face in the horse’s neck, trying not to panic. The temperature was dropping quickly, and Jasmine realized she wasn’t dressed to be out in this kind of weather.
“Blackie, we have to get back to the house, we just have to.” She pleaded with the animal, the horse had his head down, trying to get out of the stinging wind, but Jasmine couldn’t offer any relief.
She pulled her shawl off her shoulders, feeling the sting of more cold air. She then tied it around the horse’s eyes and did her best to lead him back home. But she had no idea where home was. The snow came from all directions, stinging her hands and face and causing her to close her eyes.
Jasmine suddenly realized she couldn't feel her feet. It was getting harder to walk, and her hands were going numb. Blackie also gave up and laid down, turning his head to face his body. Jasmine knew it would be futile to go on without the horse, and laid down next to him, shielding her face with his body.
She didn't know what was happening to her. Everything felt so hot and cold at the same time. She couldn't look up, and her shouts were drowned out by the screams of the blizzard, so she just huddled against the horse, praying that God would somehow see her through.
Chapter 10 – Happily Ever After
Heat. Uncomfortable heat no matter which way she moved. Jasmine tried to open her eyes and tried to get away from the sweltering heat, but no matter what she did, she felt trapped.
Suddenly, ice came through the heat and slid across her chest. She tried to say something, but nothing came out.
“Is she going to be ok, doctor?” Jasmine recognized Albert’s voice.
“She’s got a terrible fever, Albert. She’s lucky she didn’t lose her hands or feet in that. What was she doing out there anyway?”
“She’d gone after a horse I’m told. You know how the blizzards are up here. They come out of nowhere.” Albert’s voice shook, and Jasmine could hear the doctor sigh.
"Well, she best is staying in the house from now on, if you ask me. I think she'll be ok, but we have to break this fever. Keep a cloth on her forehead, and let it run its course, with time, things should look up."
Jasmine tried to listen to more of the conversation, but the men were walking into the next room, and she was too weak to move. She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Her hands and feet felt as though they were on fire, and her entire body ached.
Suddenly, there was another icy blast as Albert laid a cloth filled with snow on her forehead. She wished she was strong enough to open her eyes and say something, but even breathing felt as though it was too much right now.
Albert took a seat next to the bed, and Jasmine could hear him talking.
“Why did you go after that silly old horse? Why? Don’t you know you could have been killed out there? It was just a horse.” His voice trailed off. She didn’t know if he had left, or if he was still sitting there, when suddenly, his voice broke into her thoughts once more.
“I love you, Jasmine. Ever since you came into my life, things have never been the same. I can’t let you go, especially not like this. I’m sorry for what happened out in the barn, and I want you to know that I didn’t mean it. You are more important to me than any old doll, and I need you here. I need you with me.” He was crying now, and Jasmine felt him put his hand over hers.
It felt nice. She could feel his love through his hand and wished she could let him know that she heard what he said. She felt him lean over the bed, and move the cloth out of the way so he could kiss her forehead.
“Please be ok,” he whispered.
Jasmine's eyes suddenly flew open. She thought she had heard something, but it was dark. She took a deep breath and looked around the room. Something was different.
Lifting her hands, she suddenly realized she didn’t feel nearly as hot as she had, and her hands and feet weren’t burning. Jasmine reached up and pulled the damp washcloth off her forehead. It was warm, but her forehead wasn’t hot.
“Fever’s broken.” She whispered to herself. Suddenly, she heard the sound again. It was the sound of voices out in the other room. Voices mixed with the sound of something large being moved. She tried to sit up, but she was still weak, so she laid back in bed once more.
She closed her eyes and hadn't realized she fell asleep until she suddenly heard Albert's voice in the room once more.
“Fever’s broken!” He fairly shouted. She opened her eyes, and Albert laughed.
“You crazy beautiful girl! You’re going to be ok!” He leaned down and kis
sed her on the forehead, then scooped her up in his arms.
Jasmine cried out in surprise, and he laughed again.
“What are you doing?” She gasped, and he winked at her.
"I have a surprise for you." He kicked open the door, and they ducked into the living room. Jasmine gasped. There, in the corner of the room, was the most beautiful Christmas tree she had ever seen. It was decorated with bulbs and a red streamer, but it was what was at the top that took her breath away.
“The angel!” She exclaimed, and Albert nodded.
“I thought she could stay up there for a few days, and when we take the tree down, you could keep her.” He set her down gently on her feet, helping her stay steady. Jasmine looked up at him.
“It’s… perfect.” She breathed, and Albert looked relieved. He cupped her face in his hands and gently brushed her cheeks with his thumbs.
"I am so sorry for the way I've treated you, Jasmine. You are the best thing that has happened to me since…" His voice trailed off, and there were tears in his eyes. Jasmine put her finger up to his lips, and gently shushed him.
He leaned down and their lips met in a passionate kiss. Finally, he pulled back and looked her in the eyes.
“I love you.” He said, and Jasmine felt her heart melt.
"I love you, too." She whispered, and they kissed once more. At last, she pulled back, and the two of them admired the tree together. Finally, Albert spoke.
“I think this may be the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” He said, and Jasmine nodded.
“Me too.” And she meant it, with all her heart.
THE END
Betty’s Journey West
Chapter 1
The Life of the Theater
“Run! Run far from here! And whatever you do, do not come back!” Betty theatrically threw her hands in the air, making wild gestures and trying to draw as much emotion as she could from the judges. But, when she looked down to see what their reactions were, her heart sank.
Each of the three men sat stone faced and silent, watching her performance with the most critical eyes she had ever seen. Though she felt her confidence start to wane, Betty did what she always did, and gathered as much courage as she could to keep performing.
She continued for a few more minutes before one of the judges rose and held up his hand.
“Ms. Brown, I think we have seen enough. We thank you for your interest in this position, and ask that you check back at the door in a few days when we announce the cast.” He gave her an emotionless smile, then sat back down in his seat. Betty stood for a moment, trying to decide what to say. She didn’t know if she had impressed them or not, but she didn’t think him ending her performance early was a good sign.
“Can you give me any indication as to what my chances are?” she asked, and one of the other men cleared his throat.
“Unfortunately, Ms. Brown, we are unable to do so, as there are several others who are waiting to try out for the very same part. Thank you for your interest in the position, but as Mr. Meyer has just stated, you are going to have to check back with us later. Next!” He motioned for her to walk off the stage with one hand, while with the other he waived one of the other actresses onto the set.
Betty stood for a moment, looking helplessly from one judge to the next, but she could see that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with them, and with a sigh, she bent over and picked up her hat, then walked off the stage.
“Well I thought that I did a fine job. That part is a difficult one to master and I played it beautifully,” Betty said aloud to herself as she walked out of the theater. The sunlight momentarily blinded her as she stepped out of the dark hall, but she was used to that.
Betty spent as much time as she could at the theater. She loved performing in front of audiences and hearing them react to her scenes. She loved the sound of the applause at the close of the play, and she loved the eager chatter from all the different cast members as they made ready to get on with the show. Yet, in spite of how much she loved the theater and performing arts, she found it increasingly difficult to land any positions in a cast.
Sure, she had held positions before, but with more and more people becoming involved in the theater, competition for positions in the play had become much tighter, and Betty had never had the privilege of being taught how to act in any formal schools.
She was an orphan, and had been since she was only nine years old. Though she had spent much of her life growing up on the streets and living off the kindness of strangers, she had not let her situation stop her from going into the theater as much as she could. She had gotten her first position in a play at fourteen years of age, then another position later that same year.
But that was three years ago. Now, many other young men and women were trying their hand at the theater, and many of them were coming from backgrounds that were more privileged than Betty’s. Though she did her best to master the parts she tried out for, she simply did not have the same level of training or experience that others did, and time and time again she was looked over in favor of someone else.
Betty put her wide brimmed hat on her head and placed her hands in the pockets of her skirt. She felt dust creep into her shoe through the hole that was in the toe, and she kicked her foot to try to get it out, but to no avail. She sighed as she continued to walk up the street, looking for somewhere she could stay for the night.
Betty didn’t mind the fact that she had to spend most nights on the street. New York offered plenty of porches and staircases she could hide under, and if she was lucky, a stranger may take pity on her and give her something to eat. Betty disliked stealing, but she did have to admit that there were times that the went through with it when she had to.
There were times when she simply did not have the money to pay for what she needed, and she felt she had no choice. After all, a girl does have to eat, and when no one would hire her for a position in the theater or cast her in the play itself, she would grow desperate in her decisions. Betty finally chose a staircase leading up to an old restaurant.
Sliding under the wooden panels, she watched the feet of men and women who were walking up and down the stairs coming in and out of the restaurant. For a minute, Betty closed her eyes and imagined what it would be like to have enough money to eat in such a fine place if one chose, but she quickly shook her head to get the thought out of her mind.
Thinking about food would make her hungry.
Chapter 2
The Moment of Truth
Betty lifted her skirts as she ran through the dusty streets, doing her best not to trip over herself. The dress she wore was too long for her petite and slender frame, and when she let it fall to its full length it dragged on the ground. Normally, she didn’t mind this but when she was in a hurry, it was very inconvenient.
She could feel dust slip into her shoe once again, and though she sighed in exasperation, she ignored the feeling as best as she could. She had found bits of cloth beneath the staircase she had been sleeping under the previous few nights, and had done her best to patch up the hole in her shoe, but without anything to really hold it in place, it kept coming loose.
Eventually, Betty gave up and simply let the hole be. She hoped one day she would be able to find another pair of shoes, or perhaps that someone would be kind enough to give her some out of the goodness of their heart. Betty could see the crowd gathered at the door of the theater before she reached it herself, but it didn’t deter her.
She pushed her way through the crowd, apologizing as she bumped into people of all shapes and sizes. Betty felt confident she had gotten the part, and she was eager to see her name on the list of cast members. After all, of all the young women gathered in front of the door, Betty was the only one with truly red hair, meaning she wouldn’t have to wear a wig to play the part of the princess.
She knew that the theater had wigs, but she also knew that it was not uncommon to have an advantage over others trying out for the position based on having natural looks
alone. She tried to reach the door, but in spite of her pushing and pulling her way through the crowd, she found that those gathered at the door itself simply would not get out of her way.
“Excuse me! Excuse me! Betty Brown! I’m trying to see if my name is on the list! Excuse me!” she shouted as she tried to pry her way through, but no one in the crowd would listen, as each person was eagerly checking for their own name among the cast. Betty finally sighed and crossed her arms, waiting for her turn to get closer to the door with the paper posted on it.
She could see men and women check the list, and some looked happy and triumphant as they walked way, while others shook their heads in anger or disappointment. At long last, a path cleared enough for Betty to push her way through, and she could see the list for herself.
“Is this in any kind of order?” she asked the man who was standing next to her. He looked down at her with an inquisitive look on his face, and she tried to explain further.
“You know, like who got the lead parts or based on how our names are spelled. Never mind.” She gave up when she could see that the man had no idea what she was talking about, and she turned her focus back to the paper itself. Immediately, she could see that it was just a list of names and that there was no true order to it, so she set her jaw and dutifully read her way through the list.
Betty then realized why so many people took so long to see whether they got the part. Not only where the names listed randomly, but the judge’s handwriting was difficult to decipher, making it even harder for her to tell for sure if her name was on the list or not. As she made her way down the page, Betty could feel her heart sinking inside her. When she read the name of the girl who got the part she had auditioned for, Betty turned away and shook her head.
She didn’t bother reading the rest of the list, knowing that she wouldn’t have been given a secondary part in the play. She shoved her hands in her pockets, letting her lengthy skirts drag on the ground. She stepped on them every now and then, but she didn’t care. She didn’t have anyone to impress anymore, so let them get dirty.
