Newborn Nazi

by Rhoda D'Ettore

  Richard had been correct, they were sent to lunch at different times, so Jane found a spot on a bench to eat her lunch. There was an open field next to the tower, lined by a few trees and a walkway to the riverfront. A few of the ladies sprawled out on blankets, chatting about their husbands and children. Most of them were older, though. In fact, as she looked around, she realized that all of them were older, she seemed to be the youngest in the bunch. Once again, she felt alone and different. Some of the men were playing some sort of contact sport with which Jane was not familiar. They tossed a ball around, and ran around, banging into each other, looking more like children than men.

  As she bit into her sandwich, a ball came hurling toward her and she released a startled cry. "Sorry ma'am, I meant no harm. We didn't hurt ya none, did we?" The man looked to be in his thirties, an attractive man who should be acting the man, rather than the child.

  "No, no harm done," Jane said, embarrassed she had screamed out in fear of a child's toy. The man sat next to her, and although he seemed to be interested in her, he was a gentleman in his approach.

  "So, what be yer name, Miss?" His bright smile and cheerful demeanor were his weapons of choice when wooing the ladies. "My name is Wayne McDermott, and I'm plenty pleased to meet ya."

  She was flattered, but in all her years, a man had never flirted with her. She was raised with Thomas at her side, and no one dared approach her at home before they were married. After they were married, the villagers knew it to be a mortal sin to covet a neighbor's wife. This was different from Mr. Landon's arrogant and demanding advances however. This man knew not that she was married, and he was respectful. "My name, sir, is Mrs. Thomas McClusky. I'm plenty pleased to meet ya too, Mr. McDermott."

  "Aye, should've known you'd be married, a sweet looking rose such as yerself. Well, good day to ya, Mrs. Thomas McClusky. Should yer name e'er change, be sure to contact me!" He tipped his hat and went back to his game with the ball. Some of the other men approached him asking of the new woman on the bench. She heard him yell to them, "She's married, best look elsewhere boys!" She smiled as she heard some of the men groan. There were real men, and there were beasts. She would soon learn which Mr. Landon truly was.

  She looked out onto the water, wondering how many ships were arriving, filled with people, just like the one on which she sailed. How many other women were feeling lost and alone as she had. Although Ireland was an island, she spent the whole of her life in her small village which was inland, well away from the water. She had never seen the sea until she embarked on her long journey. She wondered if the blue waters of the ocean were the same everywhere. She had quickly learned that people and customs certainly were not.

  The rest of the day went by slowly. The work was easy to learn, but it was very hot, and the employees were too far apart to speak to one another. Jane began to wonder how long she would have to work these long days before Thomas would be able to arrive, and she could return to a normal life. If she could endure losing two children, and crossing the world with one (or rather, one and a half!), then she could endure this for a bit. She just hoped this bit was smaller, rather than larger, and she would not have to find the limits of her endurance.

  Mrs. Poole came by to check on her progress, "Hello there, Mrs. McClusky. How ya making do?" She was a loud woman, seeming to yell a lot, but she was genuinely kind. Jane felt an almost motherly or grandmotherly feeling emanate from her.

  "I'm doing it proper, I should think. Look here, what say you?" Jane held out her work and Mrs. Poole analyzed the polishing and file job. She was properly impressed by the quality of work on the woman's first day.

  Mrs. Poole smiled, "Look at that! A natural born Leadwoman! Bet ya didn't think ya had it in ya." She ran the shot through her fingers, "Here's a technique to smooth out this type of imperfection." She showed Jane a quick method of filing then went on her way.

  The end of the work day was announced by Mrs. Poole letting out an incredibly shrill cry. Jane looked about confused as everyone around her dropped what was in their hands and headed out the door. It looked like a mob running from a fire, so she followed. Outside as promised, Richard waited. He approached her with a hopeful smile, "I see you made it out alive, and Mrs. Poole didn't make you run screaming from horror?"

  She gave a smile. "No, Mrs. Poole was very nice, indeed." They walked slowly back home as Jane expressed her concerns for Liam. This was the first day in the boy's short life they had ever been separated. "I'm not sure how well Liam will adjust though. The sights of the city are strange enough for me, and he will miss family and friends back home. I hope he finds his place here."

  "Aye, understood. But keep in mind, we have other children in the home. He was playing just fine while you were sleeping. Children adjust better than adults." While he spoke, she looked at him realizing he was quite handsome. Had she known any good women, she would have played matchmaker. Had she not been married, nor been his cousin, she might have had some interest.

  They discussed Liam some more, "All he talks about is school and animals. I do believe he sees school as a place where the older children go, therefore he wants to be like them. He loved the animals on the farm, and I have yet to see any here but the horses pulling the carts and carriages."

  "Aye, that be true. Perhaps after you are both settled in, we can take a trip to a farm and allow him to feel a bit of home. What say you?" He was trying to ease her worries, and she appreciated it.

  She laughed, "I say, dear sir, that not even a farm would allow me to feel a bit of home. This world is all too different, and too complex. I fear I shall never understand it." He hoped that in two short days she had not already regretted her decision to come to America. He was enjoying getting to know her. She had a calming way about her, a pleasant smile, and a kindness that beamed without her even doing anything to cause it.

  The blue skies above were darkening slightly, and the purple and gray shades from the morning seemed to be returning. It almost appeared as though the sun had decided to take a rest from a long day at work. It tucked itself neatly into a bed of purple and pink, then faded away.

  They arrived home, and found the children at play, just as Richard said they would. Katie's eldest, Mary Catherine, had really taken a liking to Liam. It helped ease Jane's mind that he would adjust well, even better than she could.

  "Mamai! Mamai! My new friends taught me so much!" Liam leapt to Jane, throwing his arms around her neck. She was tired, and her arms hurt from the constant filing. Her fingers felt numb, and she wondered how long she need do such a thing. After one day, she already felt the formation of callouses on her fingertips.

  Mary Catherine corrected Liam again, "Mommy, Liam. Mommy. She is not Mamai here, but Mommy." Eventually he would understand, but for now, he was adjusting to enough changes. His vocabulary was something that could be tackled later.

  Jane kissed Liam on the cheek, "Were you a good child for our family today? Did you mind well by cousin Katie?"

  He shook his head, "Yes! I was good boy!" He always said he was good boy, even when he was "bad boy".

  Dinner had to be eaten in shifts to accommodate the five children and three adults. Katie was a wizard in the kitchen and served the most delicious meat pies Jane had ever tasted. She tried to discern the ingredients and spices used but could not. Eventually, she just enjoyed the food, not caring how it was made.

  Jane asked Katie, "Have you heard word from your mother? I would like an audience with her when convenient. She has been so kind in her letters over the years, I should like to match a face to the hand."

  Katie and Richard looked at each other, then Richard said, "Are you sure? After meeting her, you might regret it! Sometimes I want to ship her and Katie both back to Ireland." He laughed and Katie threw a rag at him. It was nice to see this playful interaction between siblings. It made Jane long for her brother, Michael. He was truly her best friend.

  They ate, then retired to bed. This was not quite the kind of life of which sh
e dreamed, but she would make the best of it for now.

  Tower of Tears Chapter 8

  Breaking the News

  Soon Jane knew she needed to tell Katie and Richard about the bundle of joy that would be arriving in the coming months. She was unsure how they would react. Because she was getting to know Richard during their walks to and from work, she knew him much better than Katie. She decided to address him about the pregnancy first, before talking to Katie.

  After a few more of weeks, she finally found the courage to approach the matter. While walking home from work one evening she stated, "Richard, you have been so cordial and kind to me this past fortnight, and I greatly appreciate it so. Because of your good nature, I wanted to confide in you about something which I am not sure how to present to Katie. After embarking on my journey, I soon realized I would be expecting a child."

  His eyes sparkled at first, he loved children so much. He squeezed her hand, "Congratulations, cousin dear!" Then he realized her situation, "I'm sure that Thomas will be pleased, and will make a great effort to get here sooner than expected." His enthusiasm began to wane as he realized she would need to work while pregnant, and return to work soon after the delivery. How would she feed and care for the child while working? Would Mr. Landon allow her to return after the child's delivery, or would he give the job to someone else? A man perhaps.

  She appreciated his sentiments. "I have not yet written to Thomas, but I need to do so soon. I hope he is as pleasantly surprised as you are." She smiled, then decided to tackle the real issue. "I'm fearful about Katie's reaction, she may not be as supportive as you have been."

  He pondered for a moment before answering, "Katie is indeed a unique woman. I do believe that she is jealous of you already, and hearing of the expected child may be something to give her pause."

  Jane was not expecting the word "jealous" to escape his lips. "Pardon? Jealous? Please explain this to me." A sudden clap of thunder erupted in the air, as if emphasizing her concern. "Oh, my. Perhaps we should walk more briskly before the rains come." They did so as the still air became a slight breeze.

  Richard slowed his walk, looking directly into Jane's eyes as he spoke. "Do you know what happened to Katie's husband? Do you know he worked in the mines?"

  Jane was intrigued. She had not thought about Katie's husband in all this time. She had clearly been worried about her own problems. Working twelve hour days and caring for Liam the rest of the time occupied her mind completely. She had not entertained the thoughts of others much. "Well, I know that he went off to the west, to work in the mines. It was about a year ago that Katie last wrote regarding him. I thought it best not to question."

  Richard's face was now serious and sad, "It was about a year ago, indeed. He had been working in the mines for a couple of years, coming home for a few months at a time. He always sent money, and was a good husband and father. Last year he did not return and stopped writing. No one seems to know why." Concern and pain draped across Richard's face. He truly cared for the man, and he wanted his sister to be happy and provided with the best of life's offerings. He even wondered how he himself would ever marry and have his own family, if he was going to have to support hers.

  Jane was shocked. "How curious! What do you mean, no one knows? Do you think he was injured? Or perhaps found another love interest?" The slight breeze was becoming more of a wind, and the bottom of her skirt swayed from it.

  Speculating made no sense. All they knew was that Katie's husband used to send money regularly and come home every few months. Now he does not. "I honestly believe anything is possible. It is a four day horse ride from the mines to the city. It is possible he became ill, was accosted by bandits, or worse. Regrettably, it is also possible he found a younger woman, one without children to support. Anything is possible, and most things are probable."

  Jane was beginning to feel sorry for her cousin, Katie. She had never considered Thomas would not meet her in America, and now she realized it was a possibility, although unlikely. Richard then continued, "I think Katie is jealous of you because you know where your husband is. You know he will come here when he is able. Seeing you pregnant will reaffirm the commitment of your marriage. Most likely, Katie will never know what happened to her husband. She will never know if he truly loved them. Or if he cared for them not and left." He was quiet for some time, then added, "Another of her worries is the house. The house is her husband's. Our laws do not permit a wife to inherit, therefore, she has much weighing on her mind. We could all be displaced if he never returns, and someone else realizes it. The house could be taken from her." A light rain started in the distance, as the winds continued.

  They could all be displaced from the house? Never did Jane imagine such a thing. Where would they go? She realized she needed to cement her relationship with both Katie and Richard quickly. If they were evicted, she would need their help to find other lodgings for the entire family.

  "Do you have any suggestions on broaching the topic with her? I do not wish her any anguish. But this is not something I can hide from her either. What is the best way to handle the predicament?" Jane was sympathetic to Katie. Not only was this poor woman without a husband, and without his income, but recently nursed her ailing mother, and took in a boarder from another land. After all of these obstacles, she was in jeopardy of losing her home as well.

  "Just be honest. Katie admires directness. She will see any sort of hesitation as either a weakness on your part, or an attempt to obscure the truth. All will be well, I promise." As Jane looked at Richard, she again realized that he would someday make a good husband for some lucky woman. He seemed caring, but strong. He was analytical, yet warm. He was observant, and comforting. These were all of the qualities her husband, Thomas, possessed. The husband back in Ireland whom she missed so much.

  "So what ails you? Why have you not married?" Jane asked.

  He smirked, "I have not the time, nor the inclination to marry as of yet. I work long and hard, and unless the Lord drops a woman on me lap, I'm not likely to find one soon." It was hard for the men in his neighborhood to find someone to marry. Most men chose a woman with whom they attended school and had known their wholes lives. Otherwise, the responsibilities of adulthood interceded, thrusting the workforce upon them. The long days at work prevented any type of potential courtships. As he said, who had time?

  As they approached the house, Jane could feel her throat begin to tighten. She hoped cousin Katie would be understanding of her condition. She took a deep breath as she climbed the entry steps and Richard pushed open the strong, solid oak door. Strength, she thought, this is what I require. The door represented great strength, and she needed some of that now. The rain then came pouring down and thunder roared. The two cousins escaped the storm by minutes.

  As Richard and Jane entered the living area, they viewed a much needed sight, bringing smiles to both of them. After a long day at work, it was soothing to see the children at play. The world was cruel, and they would soon enough be introduced to it. Watching them gave Jane pleasure knowing that Mr. Cruel World did not yet reside in this house. The children did not even seem to comprehend that their father had not returned this past year, but perhaps that was due to their childish inability to recognize time.

  Katie's children were running around flapping their arms in the air. Liam was aligned with them, as if he had known them all his life. He was happy. Perhaps, she could make this life work, and the new child would be flapping his arms one day with them.

  "Mamai! I learned a new game! Come!" Liam was always so pleasant and happy, it gave Jane strength to work her days at the factory.

  "Liam, go play with the children. I will play later, as now is the time I need to help Katie set the table for dinner."

  Katie greeted both Jane and Richard, prodding them to wash before the family meal. The smaller children ate earlier, but Katie and her older children always waited to eat with Richard and Jane. As the family discussed their day, the smaller children played
within a few steps. Jane was nervous as she tried to find the correct time to drop her news, but it began to feel as though the appropriate time would never come. Once they were finished with dinner, the children rose from the table to collect the plates. Richard cleared his throat, then said, "Cousin Jane, do you not have some news for my sister?"

  "Well, I, uhm," Jane could not find the words. She was concerned that she and Liam would be immediately ejected onto the street without provisions.

  "Well, come on now! Out with it, ya got time to sit and 'uhm' all day?" Katie respected directness, like her own personality. A mother of four does not have the time to waste.

  Jane reached down into herself to find the courage, then noticed the strong looking oak shelving along the walls. The mighty oak was a symbol of strength, and Jane needed to learn to be strong in unfamiliar surroundings. Back home, Jane was often seen as the strong one in the family, but she was insecure and self conscious in this peculiar new world. And she was surrounded every day by strange people. "Cousin Katie, I recently have come to realize I am expecting. What I thought was illness of the sea was actually the illness of being with child."

  Before Jane could say another word, Katie jumped out of her chair and exclaimed, "Good God in heaven! Blessed be, child!" Then Katie threw her arms around Jane and kissed her cheek. "Did you tell Liam yet? What about Thomas? Did you write him?" As abrupt as Katie could often be, she was full of acceptance and compassion for others.

  "You've come to the right place to have a child, cousin! I have not only children's clothes, but also dresses you can wear during your term. I have previously loaned them to our neighbor who is now with child, but you will not need those items for quite some time. The ladies of the church also loan out items for the children, a swap of sorts. Never you mind, no worries my dear!" Katie loved children, and she saw the innocence and joy that children exude as a blessing bestowed by God Almighty.