Cinderella's Shoes

by Shonna Slayton

  “What about this Johnny? With him is it love?”

  Johnny’s easy grin popped into her mind. He was both serious and playful. Fun-loving and businesslike. He was going to help her find her dad, no matter how much of a long shot it was. How could it not be love?

  Lidka pointed at her. “I see already the dreamy eyes. If not in love yet, you are going that way soon. I suppose now is a safe time to be in love.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing.”

  They continued down a cobblestoned road until they reached the shop Lidka was looking for. “Still here,” she said. “Best chocolate in the town.” They placed their order and sat at a small table outside.

  Lidka ate her dessert in silence, switching from watching Kate to watching the pigeons waiting for scraps.

  “Are you okay?” Kate asked. “I mean, after all that happened to you?”

  “What, the torture? The starvation? The betrayal? Which of these things do you ask about?” Lidka’s expression turned as cold as her gelato.

  “Sorry, I shouldn’t pry.” Lidka could be direct, but she didn’t like others to corner her, apparently.

  “I know you Americans are curious about us animals over here. I am, what is the word you use? Okay. I learned great skills, which helped me survive after the war. But now it is hard for me to do regular job. I am used to working in black market. It was fun. A challenge to find things that no one else could find. I was good at it. What I am good at now I do not know. Running away, maybe.”

  Kate was surprised at her honesty. She waited for Lidka to explain further. When Lidka didn’t say anything else, Kate pulled her own necklace out from under her blouse. “I have one, too. Are they common in Poland?”

  Lidka raised her eyebrows but made no comment. She reached over and compared the two necklaces. “Amber is common. Poland is famous for the amber. I never really liked it, but there is something nice about this necklace.” She leaned back in her chair. “To answer your question, I do not know how popular this design is. Where did you get yours?”

  “It’s a family heirloom.”

  Lidka looked puzzled at the term “heirloom.”

  “A family treasure, or souvenir,” Kate suggested.

  Lidka nodded. “I know your babcia and dziadek came from Poland. It is good you have a treasure from where you come.”

  “Yes. It helps to feel connected.”

  “I am sorry your papa went missing. Tell me about him.”

  Without intending to, Kate let out all that she had been holding back with Nessa. “And since they never found a body, I have to believe that he was injured and hasn’t been able to get in touch with us for some reason. Do you think I’m hopeless?”

  Lidka’s hard eyes softened. “Hopeful. Nothing is worse than losing hope. Why not should a daughter know what happened to her papa? You should do everything you can to find him.”

  Kate bit her lip. If Lidka was from the stepsister side of the family, she might help where the Kolodenkos refused. “Do you know who Malwinka is?”

  Lidka’s expression didn’t change. “I know a family member with this name, but I do not know if she is the Malwinka you ask. What is the last name?”

  Kate’s heart skipped a beat. “I don’t know. I was only given Malwinka, but I’m sure she is the same one.”

  “And what can Malwinka do for you?”

  Oh boy. This she couldn’t tell. “She has something that I think will help me find my father.”

  “Sounds a mystery. I see what I can learn for you,” Lidka said. “But it seems to me your papa would be in Italy, and the Malwinka I know is in Poland. Poland is not an easy country to get into or out of. Malwinka would need to come to you, which she does not do, or you would need to get an entry permit. Are you not scared to think of going into such a place where not even the Kolodenkos dare go?”

  Deep down, a fear was taking root, but Kate didn’t know if that was coming from her intuition or from Lidka trying to scare her. The war was over; how bad could travel in Poland be?

  “I reading your face,” Lidka said. “You already ask the Kolodenkos about a trip to Poland and they have said no, nie? It is a different country now, than before the war. Poland is not a bad country for you to visit if you have someone to help you.” She held her arms out wide. “Don’t I look fine to you? I coming from there and I am in one piece.” She stood, adding a final punctuation to their discussion. “You bring your camera. Let us find pretty things to take pictures.”

  The girls made their way uphill through the small town, until they came to a stone cathedral at the base of the mountain.

  “The original cathedral is destroyed in an earthquake centuries ago,” Lidka said. “Are you Catholic?” she asked as she entered the cathedral and paused at a shrine to make the sign of the cross.

  “Protestant,” Kate said. The cathedral was dimly lit with several candles, giving the room a cozy atmosphere.

  “During the war in Poland, even the Jews hiding in the open were Catholic. They were taught to cross themselves at each shrine—and there are many in Poland—so they would blend in and not look Jewish.”

  “The Jews could live out in the open? I thought they all went into hiding if they could.”

  “Not all Jews look Jewish. These, they needed lessons in acting Catholic and would meet at Catholic cafés. They could go to beauty parlors to learn how to do their hair a different way, and get lessons on how to behave. The people helped.”

  “I hadn’t heard this,” Kate said.

  “The stories will come out,” Lidka said. “A professor of art your papa is, nie? Sent here to protect history and religious culture. Come and see what is saved thanks to men like him.” She led Kate to the front of the cathedral where candles surrounded an ornate altar. The gold trimmings shone prettily in the glow. A crucifix depicting the suffering Savior was centered on the wall. Kate was used to seeing the empty cross at her church in New York. A pretty statue of Mary was to the left. As they walked closer, Kate could smell the melting wax.

  “Many paintings and altarpieces like these were stolen for Hitler’s art museum, the Führermuseum. Strange how a man who hated God could love the artwork depicting the things of God,” Lidka whispered.

  “It doesn’t make sense, does it? So much of the war didn’t make sense.”

  “Contradictions are life. I have seen people, hurting by their loved one’s death, take revenge on strangers, often innocents themselves, with little care to those peoples or their families.”

  “I don’t understand it,” Kate said. It made sense to her that if the war was over, everyone should stop fighting. Her views felt childish and simplistic compared to Lidka’s. But Lidka was hard-hearted. Kate wouldn’t want to be that way, either.

  “Maybe if you had been here, you would understand. The people get angry and they do not think about any things other than their anger. It is a terrible thing. But what else can we do? It is the human nature.”

  Kate didn’t know if she shared Lidka’s assessment of the futility of human nature. As they were leaving, she glanced back at the crucifix. A symbol of what some would say was their only hope of true peace.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  As the sun was setting, Johnny appeared with a telescope under one arm and a big food basket in the other, packed with help from Mr. De Luca.

  He held out his elbow for Kate to loop her arm through. “M’lady,” he said with a slight bow.

  Nessa, who had been hovering, grinned and waved as they left the villa.

  “I can’t believe we’ve finally found time to be alone,” Johnny said. “What with my dad and work and those girls pulling you in different directions, I never thought it would happen. We owe Mr. De Luca. He’s promised to keep my dad busy and his mind off the movie for the night. Did you enjoy your trip to Sora?”

  “I did. The town pulls you in with its cheery buildings. They’re these lovely shades of white and yellow and rust, and the
Italian gardeners have decorated them with flowerpots filled with red geraniums. When you go, bring your sketchbook. We stood on the bridge and watched the Liri River. The water flows by in sheets, deceptively slow, but when you throw a stick in, you can see how fast it is truly moving. And then we went inside the cathedral. I’d been to Catholic church once with Josie, but their building was nothing like this.”

  “I had a rush trip into Sora yesterday to pick up some supplies. You’re right. Next time I’ll have to bring my sketchbook and take my time.”

  He led her out to the hilltop overlooking the valley where they could watch the sunset shine on the fields, turning them golden. Kate spread out a gray wool blanket, while Johnny set up the tripod and telescope.

  “Movie still ahead of schedule?” She tugged at the corners of the blanket so they were smooth.

  “We ran into a snag yesterday. Something to do with the costumes, but they’re working on it. We’re having to swap out our scenes—hence my quick trip to town.” He yawned. “We started early, and even though we finished early, it was still a long day.” He stood with hands on hips, watching her straighten the blanket.

  “But you’re smiling, so it must have been a good day.” She sat back on her heels.

  “It was a good day, but that’s not why I’m smiling.”

  “Oh?”

  He held out a hand to help her up. “I’m smiling because I’m out with my girl.”

  “Oh.” Kate lost her breath as Johnny pulled her in for a hug. “Smooth move,” she said.

  “I picked it up on set. You’ll recognize the move when you see it on film. I understand it was effective, Miss Allen?”

  Kate laughed as she pulled away. “Yes. Now let me finish laying out this basket of goodies while I still have some light.”

  Mr. De Luca had sent along a cheese plate, a fruit plate, and some crackers. A carafe of lemonade and two glasses completed the picnic snack. Johnny waited for her to arrange everything before sitting beside her and digging in. “They do know how to eat here,” he said between bites. “You know this is just the appetizer—they’re expecting us back at the villa for a late dinner. Now, tell me how things have been going at the villa. Do they have you sweeping out the chimney yet?”

  “Stop. You know they sent me out to sightsee with Lidka today.”

  “Yes. And you told me all about the town. Did you two get along?”

  Kate twisted her lips while she thought. “She was surprisingly open with me.”

  “Blunt, you mean?”

  “Yes, that’s her way. But the big news is that I think she might be the one to help me.”

  “Lidka?” Johnny ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know about her. She seems a little, I don’t know. Hard. Do you think you can trust her?”

  “I don’t have to tell her about the Cinderella connection. She knows of a family member named Malwinka in Poland and is going to ask if the woman can help me find my dad. She doesn’t have to know how. Besides, she’s got street smarts we don’t. Connections that she made during the war.” Kate lowered her voice. “She used to trade in black market goods.”

  Johnny’s eyes opened wide in mock fear. He pushed up his glasses. “All the more reason to be cautious. You don’t know the types of people she’s involved with.” He reached for her hand. “I don’t want you getting hurt.” He helped her to her feet. “The stars are coming out. Let’s see what I can find with this telescope.”

  Kate wasn’t finished talking. “Nessa doesn’t want me to do anything with Lidka. Today, we had a perfectly fine day, but Nessa was in fits that I would go out without her, and especially with Lidka. You saw her hovering back at the house? She hasn’t left me alone since I got back. She was sure Lidka wanted to get me by myself so she could ask about the diamond we found in the castle wall.”

  Johnny turned away from the telescope. “You found another diamond? It’s like they grow on trees in Italy.”

  “Didn’t I tell you? A blue diamond was wedged in the fresco at the castle.” She shook her head. “We really haven’t had any time alone, have we?”

  He slid his fingers down her arm until he was holding her hand. “Forces have been conspiring against us, but Mr. De Luca, our very own Fairy Godfather, has intervened. Let’s forget about everyone else for now and just look at the stars.” He pulled her to the telescope.

  But Kate’s mind was still churning. “Funny thing is, the diamond never came up. Lidka didn’t even hint for me to tell her more.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. They have some sort of rivalry going on. You don’t need to get pulled into it.”

  “You still think I let Nessa tell me what to do, don’t you?”

  “A little.” He took off his glasses and squinted into the eyepiece.

  “I’m only trying to figure out where I fit in this fairy tale. What I’m supposed to do. How much I’m supposed to push back when she does something I don’t agree with. And I suppose it’s the same for her. But I don’t think she realizes what she’s saying sometimes. She’s not mean about it, but she’s used to getting her way.”

  “I thought that was a girl trait. Seems like all the females in my life get what they want.” He pulled her in for a kiss.

  She pushed him back. “I’m serious. She even tried to keep the dresses in her room.”

  Johnny shrugged. “That’s logical. They are her dresses.” He went back to adjusting the telescope. “I can’t find a star. Let me aim for a bigger target.”

  Kate’s frustration continued to build. “But that’s not the way it’s supposed to work. I’m supposed to keep them for her. Otherwise, what’s the point in my being the Keeper?”

  He stepped back from the telescope, his expression hard to read in the dark. “Frankly, I don’t know the point either. Those dresses cause more trouble than they’re worth.”

  Kate was stunned. “Is that how you really feel?”

  “Yes. Yes, that’s how I really feel right now.” He raised his voice. “I brought you up here to get away from everyone. The dresses. Away from your problems. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m trying to have some fun with you.” He lifted his hands in exasperation and then let them fall, hitting his thighs.

  Kate bit her lip and stared at her feet. This didn’t feel like fun.

  “You can’t let this legacy consume your life or you’ll end up pushing everyone away.”

  “I’m not trying to push you away,” she said, looking up. Why couldn’t he understand?

  “You might not be trying to, but you are.”

  “Look, can we just start over?” There was still time to rescue the date. She forced a smile and pointed to the telescope. “Did you find anything?”

  He took in a deep breath, then pushed it out. “Sure.” He cracked his knuckles like he was trying to ease the tension. “Come look at this. See if viewing the craters on the moon doesn’t change your perspective of life on earth.”

  She put her eye to the eyepiece. Johnny slipped up behind her and put his hands on her waist.

  “Tell me what you see,” he said.

  “Incoming!” Nessa called from down the hill.

  Kate stood, and Johnny buried his forehead in her shoulder. “She has the worst timing.”

  Nessa marched over the rise with Lidka at her heels. “Babcia sent us up here to bring you a light to find your way home, but really, she’s making sure you have chaperones. Dziadek made us wait before letting us go. He said young people need time to fall in love under the Mediterranean stars.”

  “I like the way he thinks,” Johnny said, draping his arm around Kate.

  “At what are you looking?” Lidka asked before she put her eye to the telescope.

  “The moon. It was the easiest to find,” Johnny answered. “The light that rules the night.”

  “Lidka doesn’t like rules,” Nessa said. “Or rulers.”

  “Do not be petty, Nessa. The peoples are in charge now. Like the stars scattered. Everyone is equal.”

/>   “But they’re not,” Nessa said. “That’s the problem. Everyone is equally oppressed.”

  Kate and Johnny exchanged a look.

  “You only think so because the rich have been brought down. You have never felt poverty before and you not like it.”

  “People like you made sure we did. We were targeted.”

  “It made things right. Restored the balance.” When she noticed Kate’s expression, she added, “You are not knowing. You were not there.”

  Nessa looked into the telescope. “And you don’t want to know what she was involved with.”

  “At least I do something. You ran away. Your whole family ran away.”

  “Yes, and you ran to us and we took you in. You endangered us all with your activities. We still had children to protect.”

  “Anyone hungry?” Johnny interrupted. He started to pack up the telescope, and Kate folded the blanket.

  “Starving,” Nessa said, glaring in the lamplight at Lidka. “Just like the people in Poland.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Dinner was tense, no matter how many silly jokes Mr. De Luca told. Nessa and Lidka sat as far away from each other as possible, and neither spoke unless directly asked a question.

  “Lidka, your favorite,” Mr. De Luca said, holding up a forkful of risotto like a toast to her. She smiled but didn’t engage.

  After dessert, both girls immediately went their separate ways. Kate started to follow, but Johnny held her back. “Let them cool off,” he said. “Besides, you need to walk me halfway to the guesthouse.”

  They held hands and wandered through the rose garden, taking the long way. “Thank you for tonight,” Kate said. “It was quite romantic.”

  “Quite,” Johnny said, squeezing her hand. “Although I may have shot myself in the foot, as far as dates go.”

  “What? Why?” Because we fought?

  “How am I going to top a picnic overlooking an Italian meadow while we gaze at the moon and eat cheese?”

  Kate laughed. “I dare you to top it.”

  “Oh, you don’t think I can? All right, Kate Allen. You’re on. I’ll start working on it now. So you best turn yourself around right here and go back to the villa. I’ve got some thinking to do.” He spun her and gave her a little push.