Author's Note: Okay I have a new idea , and I hope you like it.
Sometimes when I look at my life so far and all of the things in my life–like my daughter, my new apartment, Robert–I think about how life can be so cruel, turning and changing, without ever giving you a chance to realize it or adjust. Well, that's how life was with me. Life didn't change the way I thought. And I'm starting to wonder if this was ever a good change.
It was April 15, 1920, and I spent the entire day thinking about that a lot. I didn't go anywhere that day; I never do on April 15th. I just spent all day inside my lovely apartment thinking about how much had changed from last year, and the year before, and the year before.
I spent so much time thinking that year, that I completely ignored my daughter and I wasn't even thinking about Robert, which is a bad idea, because they both need to be watched, especially Robert, even though he's a grown man.
My thoughts were interrupted though, later that night, as Robert Ashley opened the door and ran into the living room, with his lovely blond hair messed up, and his brilliant blue eyes showing anxiety.
"Rose," he said panting, "If someone comes in here asking for me, tell them I'm out of town...no wait! Tell them they have the wrong address. Okay? Thanks."
As he ran into his bedroom and locked the door, I sighed, exasperated. He was in some kind of trouble again, as usual. But then, when wasn't he in trouble?
At that moment, I heard tiny footsteps behind me, and I turned around. Behind me, my daughter, with my green-blue eyes and her father's blond hair, was standing in her thin nightgown, holding a glass of water.
"Ruby," I said softly, "What are you doing? You're supposed to be in bed. It's a school night, you know."
" I know mother," she said in her baby voice, "But I couldn't sleep. Can I have another glass of water?"
Before I could answer her, there was a knock on the door. Knowing exactly who it was, I went over and opened it.
"Hello miss," said an old, but very well-dressed man. "Is there a Mister Robert Ashley here?"
"No sir, you have the wrong address," I said quietly.
His smile faded. He probably knew I was lying. "I'm sorry for inconveniencing you, miss." He walked away.
I closed the door then, quietly, and walked back into the living room. I was going to tell Ruby she was allowed to stay up a little longer, but then, I heard Robert coughing and then I heard him struggling at the door. I changed my mind then, and told Ruby to go straight to bed. I didn't like Ruby being around Robert during his "drunk moments" and those moments were often.
After placing my daughter into bed, I went to bed myself. I had more to think about. Now I had to worry about Robert, again. Someone was looking for him again! Robert was probably going to hide in his bedroom for weeks–or maybe more than that. Or, we were going to have to run away and go someplace else–again.
I had to worry about my life turning again, for the hundredth time.