He didn't come back. I breathed a sigh or relief, gathering my strength and resolve.
The snow fell thick and heavy as I made my way to the train station with the bare minimums. Make it look like a short trip. I would go south transfer in Lancaster. The snow didn't let up as I entered the train station, many came in dusted and looking to warm themselves. I waited in the short line among few others, they stood there trying to keep the chill out when the doors opened, but I was radiating warmth within, a sense of freedom on the horizon.
"Mrs. Evenson." the gentleman behind the counter looked up smiling
"Good evening Jim" I smiled politely back. The horizon a line that disappears as you approach it.
"What ever can I do for you this evening?" He was genuinely curious. What ever I said would be relayed to Charles verbatim. Jim was a poker partner for many years, he knew nothing of our home life. Charles was still a charming man on the outside. He wore a wonderful façade.
"One ticket to Lancaster please."
Jim raised one eyebrow in silent query.
My aunt is ill." I said sympathetically, lying "She needs someone to help her."
"Would that be round trip?" He asked with implication.
My brain worked fast.
"Can that be used that at any time?"
"Within a frame, yes. Are you not staying in Lancaster?"
He was filling out paper work as he questioned me.
"She's closer to Geneva, I know there's a transfer."
"Would you like a ticket to Geneva as well?"
I wondered if he was trying to be helpful or invasive. I pretended innocence.
"Oh, I thought I has to wait until Lancaster to purchase my next fare. Well this saves me time in a line. Yes I would."
I smiled happily at my little scam. Yes I would go to Lancaster, barring any hindrance I would go west from there to Wisconsin.
I took my tickets and sat waiting for the train to arrive. Every so often I would catch Jim looking in my direction with an odd look on his face, I only smiled back, trying my best not to give him reason to think anything was amiss. I patted my small bag and played with my wedding ring trying to look like I missed my husband. I was grateful when the train came to a steaming stop. Through the commotion and noise I managed to find my seat, and breath. The slow start made my heart beat faster as I looked around to see happy families, smiling children a beautiful little girl, blonde and contented with her doll. She sat next to her mother brushing the dolls hair while her mother played with her long blond hair. I could hear them chatting back and forth. The thought of the two gave me hope. I took my wedding ring off and set it on the seat next to me. I stared at the little ring that bound me, and made a decision.
We stopped in Lancaster a little over an hour later. I got out looking for anyone who might recognize me. I was clear. I took my small bag under my arm, and headed for a booth. I purchased my ticket, and was surprised to see I would have a little over and hour to wait. I asked for directions to the local shops before heading back into the crowd. I searched out a restaurant, wanting a piece of pie. As I sat eating, I scanned the stores for what I was looking for. What I needed a jewelry resale shop only half a block away. After I had finished eating I made my way through the snow filled street, sloshing as I crossed, splattering my legs. I heard the tinkling bells as I opened the door, a heavyset man stood behind the counter writing in a book. He looked up at me over his rimmed glasses, assessing me.
"How can I help you young lady" He asked sounding spiritless
"Sorry to bother you sir. I had something I would like to … unload" I said trying to sound like it was nothing.
"Hard times?" he said again looking at my attire.
"Something along those lines" I handed him my thin gold band and little stone like it was nothing important.
He took it in his sausage fingers turning it appraising it's value. He wasn't looking to cut me a deal.
"Ten dollars"
"Deal" I agreed quickly needing to get to my train. His eyes went wide with the deal he knew he'd made. The ring was worth much more.
"Uhh maybe I could go to twelve." he recanted.
"Thank you that is very generous."
I walked the two blocks back to the train station proud and feeling relief for the moment. I stopped before I'd even reached the platform. A cold chill of fear broke down my spine. Across the street, close enough to call to stood Charlie. His arm was wrapped around a woman, he was laughing with a group of men, he didn't see me. Had he looked up, there was no doubt that he'd know me immediately. I turned, hiding my face, and continued on my path. Tried to blend in. My train was hurdling toward the platform, much to my relief. I stepped up and quickly found my seat.
It seemed like the train was never going to move. What was only ten minutes felt like hours. The engines began to chug finally slowly putting the iron horse in motion.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Charles approaching the platform, looking after another young woman. He turned to enter the building, never seeing me. I could breath again.
He told me he was headed to Elyria, the opposite direction. I smiled realizing he wasn't the only one who could play that game. I was now on my way west to Wisconsin. There would be two more stops before I would begin my new life.
Our new life.
It was late in the evening when I arrived in Milwaukee. My cousin Miriam was there with a smile for me and open arms. She was my angel. She graciously welcomed me and made me feel at home. I did all I could to make right, but she would have none of it. We were grateful for each other in more ways than one. Slowly my wounds and soul began to heal. She was a wonderful light at the end of the dark tunnel I'd escaped from. One afternoon that light seemed dimmed. Her mood was nervous, anxious and concern filled her features.
"My dear, we have a problem" she confided to me.
"What could it be, we can figure it out." I offered trying my best to remain optimistic.
"I think not. Esme, your mother has the inclination that you are here"
My heart dropped, everything we worked for.
"She's planning on 'visiting' me shortly." Miriam continued "do not despair my dear cousin. I have an answer. It just came to me."
*Note: I wrote this a while ago. It wasn't cut up into distinct chapters. So if it's a little a little out of sorts that's why. I've gone through everything in this with a fine tooth comb, I promise you it's how I meant it. Thanks for the comments, I do appreciate them.