Waking in Time

by Angie Stanton

  “If his father learned he married before graduation, Walter wouldn’t get the plot of land promised to him. We’re counting on it to live on.”

  I admire her steadfast trust in Walter. But I don’t see how Ruby can hide her pregnancy much longer.

  “How far along are you?”

  She rubs her belly. “I’m not sure.”

  I try to guess, but I have no experience in this department. “What does the doctor say?”

  She gasps. “I couldn’t possibly go to the doctor until I’m married.”

  “Ruby, you have to get prenatal care. There must be vitamins you should be taking and things like that.”

  “I didn’t realize I was pregnant until two months ago. I was so afraid to tell Walter, but of course he figured it out, and he’s been so wonderful.”

  I pace, trying to think of any possible solution. “Have you told your father you want to marry Walter?”

  “Goodness, no! Walter’s Lutheran and I’m Presbyterian. My father would never allow us to marry. And my stepmother, I can’t imagine what she’d do, but it would be horrible.” Ruby twists the fabric of her dress. “We have to marry without them knowing.”

  “What can I do?” I need to be useful. Standing by and doing nothing is like watching a train crash in slow motion over and over.

  “If you could help me keep it a secret, that would be more than enough. If the head resident finds out, I’ll be expelled and sent home.”

  I nod. We won’t let that happen. I try to control my anger at the idea that a girl could get expelled from college just because she’s pregnant.

  “But suddenly, my stomach is too big to hide.” The sadness in her eyes breaks my heart. “May I tell you something?”

  “Of course.”

  Her face lights up for the first time since she walked into the room. “Sometimes I feel the baby move.”

  “Really? What does it feel like?”

  “Little kicks from the inside.” She rubs her hand over her baby bump and smiles. “At first I thought nothing of it, but they keep getting stronger.”

  Ruby grabs my hand. “Oh, Abbi, I can’t wait to be a mother!”

  I hug her tightly and wish, just this one time, that I could jump into the future to find out what happens to Ruby’s beloved baby. I’m positive she doesn’t raise it, but then it occurs to me that maybe the infant doesn’t survive very long, and I worry even more for her.

  Without warning, the door flies open and Mildred appears. She stares at Ruby’s stomach. Ruby pales and yanks her coat shut. Mildred glares at Ruby as if she’s tainted. “You’ve ruined yourself!”

  I step between them. “Mildred, this is none of your business. You aren’t to say a word to anyone.”

  But Mildred ignores me and goes after Ruby. “And you’ve been parading around campus in that condition all this time? You’re a disgrace!”

  “Hey, back off.” I get in Mildred’s face. “They’re getting married.”

  “Is that so? Where’s her engagement ring?” Mildred says in a snotty tone.

  “Walter is saving up for my hospital bill when the baby comes,” Ruby says softly.

  “This is what getting married looks like.” Mildred shoves her hand in Ruby’s face. She has a tiny diamond on her left ring finger. “Howard just asked me to marry him.”

  Ruby lowers her head, more miserable than ever, and I really want to smack Mildred. “Well, good for you, but it doesn’t take a ring to make a family.”

  “Yes. It does. It takes a ring, a ceremony, and a husband. You have none of that. You don’t belong here.”

  “Mildred, stay out of it. This is none of your business.”

  “I’m on the dormitory judicial council. I’m bound by my oath of office to report her.”

  “No. You can’t!” Ruby begs, jumping to her feet.

  Mildred beelines it out of our room. I go after her, but Ruby grabs my arm.

  “Don’t bother. You’ll never stop her. Everyone will know soon.”

  “You haven’t done anything wrong. It was a mistake, but you can handle this.”

  “Abbi, she’s off to tell Miss Peabody. I will be booted out. What am I to do?”

  “Let’s hide you.” My mind races for a way to save her.

  “And where would we possibly do that? The broom closet?”

  “No, but we’ll think of something.” But every thought I have is no good. In 1930, with no credit cards or cash, there aren’t many options for a single, young, pregnant girl. And other than Will, I don’t actually know anyone in this time who might help us.

  “It’s no use. I’m going to have to face my father, and then he’ll disown me.” Her shoulders slump. The fight has gone out of her.

  I rush to her side. “No, he would never do that.”

  “Of course he will. He has no other choice. Mildred is right. I’ve disgraced him.”

  “There she is!” Mildred stands in the doorway pointing at Ruby.

  Miss Peabody enters, her expression severe. “Miss Phelps, please open your coat.”

  Ruby looks at me in agony but obeys the head resident’s command.

  I hear the sharp intake of Miss Peabody’s breath. “I see. Come along to my office.”

  “I’ll come with you.” I move to Ruby’s side.

  “No, Miss Thorp, you will not. Miss Phelps will be in my office while some difficult phone calls are made, and she will be staying in my suite of rooms so as not to upset the other residents with her condition.”

  “Are you kidding me? You’re going to lock her up and hide her?”

  Miss Peabody arches a sharply drawn eyebrow at me as if I’m an annoying gnat. “Come along, Miss Phelps.”

  Hanging her head, Ruby follows, leaving me alone with Mildred.

  I turn on her. “You witch! How could you do that to her?”

  Mildred snorts in reply.

  “We’re women. We’re supposed to stick together, not throw each other under the bus!”

  “Why would you want to associate with a girl like her? Perhaps there are flaws in your own character. I know you stay up late at night. What are you up to in the wee hours?”

  If I don’t watch myself, she’ll be turning me in next. “I have insomnia, all right? No big deal. Sorry if I disturbed your beauty sleep.”

  “After tomorrow, it won’t matter. I’m going home to plan my wedding.”

  “You’re dropping out of school?”

  “No, I’m getting married. I found my husband—that’s what I came here to do.” She holds out her hand and admires her engagement ring.

  “Oh my God, you are so messed up.” I raise my hands in the air.

  “You shouldn’t call the kettle black.”

  I storm out, so mad I could swear up a storm like these girls have never heard, but instead I escape to meet Will. I don’t know if he can help, but at least he can be a shoulder to lean on.

  * * *

  I arrive at the library earlier than we had planned to meet and wait outside. Will rounds the corner with a blade of grass in his mouth and a smile on his lips, but the smile disappears the moment he sees my distraught face.

  “What’s wrong?” He rushes forward and takes hold of my shoulders.

  “Everything. Walter has left and Ruby is definitely pregnant. Worse, she’s been found out and the head resident is calling her father.”

  He pulls me away from the entrance to a spot where no one can overhear. “They’re going to send her home,” he says, matter of fact.

  “Yes, and Walter isn’t here to stand up for her. He’s hours away in Sheboygan.”

  “He left?” Now Will is as shocked as I am.

  I nod and explain why Walter had to leave.

  Will tosses the blade of grass to the ground. “That’s awful timing.”

&nbs
p; “I’m so worried. I’m sure all of this plays into what happens to Ruby’s missing baby. Will, I have a very bad feeling.”

  “Come here.” He pulls me into his embrace. His arms fold around me, and my head fits perfectly in the nook of his shoulder, providing a safe haven from the chaos around us. “It’s going to be all right,” he murmurs in my ear. I hope he’s right, but I can’t imagine how.

  Still, I sigh and relax against him, my arms wrapped around his waist. He rubs my back and leans his cheek against my forehead. The closeness feels so good. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so safe in my life. I never want this moment to end, but after a few minutes he slowly releases me. “You going to be okay?” he asks, pushing a fallen lock of hair off my face.

  I nod.

  Instead of trying to study, we walk until we end up at the Union. I lead the way upstairs to the grand rooms filled with fancy sofas and chairs, the place where I told Smitty that I’m a time traveler. It feels like so long ago.

  Other students linger about, but we find a quiet spot in the corner that overlooks the terrace. We brainstorm ways of helping Ruby and Walter, but nothing seems possible.

  “Do you realize it might be best to let this play out however it’s supposed to?” Will asks, locking eyes.

  “You’re right. It’s just so difficult to stand by and watch Ruby be treated so badly. She and Walter want to get married, but their families won’t allow it.”

  “But they do end up married, and they have your grandmother, so all is not lost.” Leave it to Will to remind me of the positive.

  “I hate to know that Ruby has such a hard time ahead of her. Did I tell you that her mother died when she was only two years old?”

  Will shakes his head sadly.

  “She was shuffled around to different family members until her father remarried a truly evil woman. I wish I could bring Ruby some comfort in all of this turmoil.”

  “You have. In the short time you’ve known her, you’ve made a wonderful connection. Maybe you’ll get to see her again after she leaves.”

  “I hope I do, but since I only seem to travel back in time, I don’t think it’s likely.”

  Will takes both my hands in his. I can’t imagine being here without him.

  We head back to the dorm so I won’t miss curfew. “You know there’s nothing you can do.” Will looks at me through his long lashes.

  I force a sad smile. “I know. Thank you for being with me tonight.”

  “My pleasure.” He’s so sweet, and I find myself wishing we didn’t have to part.

  “See you at the Carillon Tower at noon?”

  “See you then.”

  * * *

  Come morning Mildred is banging around making it impossible for me to get my normal dawn-till-eleven nap. Last night was horrible. All I could think about was poor Ruby being ostracized. Because she was on lockdown, I was afraid to walk the halls in case Miss Peabody was on high alert. I stayed stuck in my room, struggling to stay awake while nasty Mildred snored peacefully, dreaming of wedding cake and tea towels.

  Mildred wasn’t kidding when she said she was leaving school. Not only didn’t she go to classes this morning, she’s packing all her belongings for her trip home. She’s not wasting another second at school now that she’s achieved what she came for—her MRS degree.

  Annoyed, I stomp out of the room to brush my teeth. On the way back, I take a detour to the third floor to see if Ruby might possibly be there. Her door is open and Miss Peabody and another woman are watching over her like prison guards. Other girls look on curiously, but the head resident shoos them away.

  As I walk by, I see Ruby inside packing her things.

  “Move along, Miss Thorp,” the head resident says in her nasal voice, as if I’m as tainted as she thinks Ruby is. Ruby glances up with red eyes. The prune-faced woman at Miss Peabody’s side stares down her pointy nose at me.

  But I can’t abandon Ruby to these horrible women, so I slip past them into the room.

  “Miss Thorp, I said move along!” Miss Peabody is outraged, but I couldn’t care less.

  “Don’t you think someone should help her? She’s pregnant, not a leper.” I turn my back on the women and join Ruby, helping her fold her clothes.

  “Why, I never!” hisses the narrow-eyed stranger.

  “Thank you,” Ruby whispers under her breath.

  “Anytime. I take it that’s the evil stepmonster?” I mutter just loud enough for Ruby, which gets a giggle from her.

  “Less talking and more packing,” Miss Peabody chides.

  “Ignore the ole battle-ax,” I say. “What’s she going to do? Kick you out?” Ruby smiles gratefully, and I’m so glad I can bring her a moment of relief. “Where are you going?” I ask.

  “Back home to Lodi. I have to face my father.” She frowns.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” This helplessness is frustrating as hell.

  “If you hear from Walter, let him know I’ve gone home,” she whispers as she places a snapshot of him in the suitcase. “I’ve written him a letter, but in case he comes back before he receives it, I don’t want him to worry about where I’ve gone.”

  “Maybe your father will force him to marry you. You know, shotgun wedding?”

  Ruby sighs. “That would be wonderful, but Father will never permit it. We’ll still have to elope. It’s the only way.”

  “And you will be married. I’m positive,” I say. It’s one thing I know for sure. But I also know Ruby is facing a tough road ahead.

  She places the last items in the suitcase, closes it, and looks around the room. “I’ll miss this place,” she says sadly.

  “And I’m going to miss you. I wish we had more time together.”

  I’ll never know her later in life, and she dies so young. I fight back a tear and hug her, feeling her pregnant belly between us. “Would you write and let me know what happens?” I don’t know if I’ll be here to receive a letter, or if I will have traveled through time again, but I can hope.

  She hugs me back. “Of course I will.”

  “And don’t let those bullies get you down,” I say loud enough to make sure they hear.

  “Come along, Ruby,” her stepmother snaps, taking one of the suitcases.

  Ruby lifts the other, offers me a wistful smile, and is gone.

  CHAPTER 19

  With Ruby gone, life sucks. On the bright side, I’ve got a lot more time to spend with Will.

  The end of the semester is growing closer, and we don’t know what we’ll do when we’re expected to move out of our dorms. Neither of us has ever been here during summer break.

  We’re sitting on the shore one Sunday afternoon. Will throws a stone into the lake, creating a ripple effect. “It’s a shame we’re both up all night, trying to stay here for each other, and yet we have to spend the whole night apart.”

  “Right? It’d be a lot more fun if we could be together. All I do is roam the halls, worrying about Ruby and hoping she sends me a letter soon.”

  Will stares out across the water. “And I worry about a future where I won’t know a soul and everything will be so different.” He flings another stone, this time farther out into the lake.

  I understand his fear. I feel it too. Being alone again in some other time is terrifying. “Will, what if I sneak you into my room? Mildred’s gone, and I won’t be getting a new roommate this late in the year. You can spend the night with me, and we can help each other stay awake.”

  A playful smile crosses his lips. “Spending the night in a girls’ dormitory? Why didn’t you think of it sooner?”

  That night I wait a full hour past lights-out before tiptoeing down the back stairs. I push open the door, spilling light onto the walkway.

  Within seconds Will appears out of the darkness, a blade of grass between his teeth and a grin on his face
. “You realize if we get caught, I’ll likely be expelled or arrested.”

  “Then be quiet,” I whisper.

  We sneak up the steps like burglars. My heart is pounding a million beats a minute. After I double-check that no one’s around, we dart across to my room. Once inside I lock the door, lean against it, and giggle nervously.

  “Shh!” Will puts his fingers to my lips to shush me, which makes my heart pound even harder. I notice the curve of his mouth and the laughter in his eyes. I press my lips together to control myself.

  “Well, that was easy peasy,” he says, glancing around the room at the dresses in my closet and the hairbrush and makeup on my dresser. “So this is a ladies’ dorm room.”

  “Yup.”

  “It’s larger than my room and definitely smells nicer.” He steps to my bed and touches the corner of the quilt. “Your grandmother made this?”

  I nod, suddenly nervous to have Will here in my space, touching my few sacred belongings. It’s one thing to see and talk to him every day, but with him here in the privacy of my dorm and a long night ahead of us, things just got a lot more intimate.

  “And this is the magic—or should I say cursed—bed that you travel in? It seems rather ordinary, just like mine.” He runs his hand along the headboard.

  “It’s nothing like a DeLorean,” I say, though of course he doesn’t get my Back to the Future reference. “I have wondered, though, if it’s just this spot in the room, or if I moved the bed away from the wall, would I still travel?”

  “Ever tried it?” He looks up.

  “Nope. We could try, but I’m afraid it could somehow make matters worse.”

  Will indicates Mildred’s empty bed. “May I?”

  “Of course.”

  He sits on the edge, his long legs stretched out toward me, leaning back on his hands. “If it’s okay, I’d like to stay with you in this time as long as possible. I’m not ready to face the future yet.”

  “I don’t want to travel again either.” I pause to gather my courage. “I won’t see you after I leave this time.” My eyes connect with his, pleading with him to understand how much I need him. “I’ll be alone again.” My voice trails off. I look away and pull my knees up into a hug. Every day that passes, I’m more terrified of what’s next.