Survivors

Chapter 9

Author's Note: I am slowing the pace of this story considerably. The story prompt requires it. The character development will hopefully be enjoyable. Reviews appreciated. Thanks.

Over the next few days, Cora got ready to start school. She was nervous to go to an all-new school with no friends, but did her best not to show it. When the first day of school arrived, Cora got herself up and ready, then came out of her room. The little girl found Rose in the kitchen making breakfast.

"I don't want any breakfast. Will you walk me to school?"

Rose turned from the stove, frowning. "Are you sure? It won't take long. You won't be late."

Cora shook her head. "I'm too nervous. I'll take my lunch, that's enough."

Rose took Cora's lunch bag from the top of the icebox and handed it to the child. Before they headed out the door, Rose carefully extinguished the coals in the stove. Moments later, they were out the door, squinting against the early morning sun. They walked along slowly, since the school was so close it was nearly in sight from the house. When they reached the small school building, Cora hesitated, but said nothing. Rose knelt carefully in front of the little girl, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

"Everything will be fine, Cora. Before you know it, it will be time to come back home. I can even meet you here this afternoon if you'd like me to."

"Okay. I'll see you later. I wish I could have seen Jack this morning before he left for work. He left too early."

"I know, I'm sorry. You'll see him tonight when he gets home, all right? He knows you were starting school today. I'm sure he can't wait to hear all about it. I'll see you later, sweetheart." Cora waved quickly and went inside the school as Rose turned back toward home.

Jack arrived home after five. Dinner was warming in the oven, and Cora had her completed homework to show him. When he sat down, Cora climbed into his lap. They each chatted about their day, then Cora moved to her own chair as Rose brought dinner to the table. By the end of the meal, Jack had Cora giggling and truly smiling for the first time in weeks.

Cora then played in the living room for a while before bed. Jack and Rose got all the dinner dishes ready to wash. While they stood at the sink, Jack spoke up about an unexpected subject. "A couple of guys at the factory told me about the pier that burned down earlier this month. They're looking for as many people as they can get to help rebuild it. I'd like to go ask the foreman if I can have a spot. Even though the hours will be longer, the pay is very good. What do you think?"

"If you feel like you can do it, and you really want to help, I think you should. Cora will be disappointed you'll be away more."

Jack frowned. "I thought of that. I can talk to her about it. Won't you be upset? I mean, we haven't been married long, and we hardly see each other." Rose set the last dish aside and took one of Jack's hands before she replied.

"Jack, I don't think things will be like this forever. You're meant to be an artist, and I know you will be again. I still have a good bit of the money left from selling my engagement ring. We can use the rest of that to help us get a house, don't you think?"

"Yeah, sure." Jack was clearly at ease with this idea. He continued quickly. "But the two of you are my responsibility now. I have to take care of you. Can you understand that?"

"Jack, of course I can. You should go talk to that construction foreman tomorrow. We'll take the rest one step at a time. I'm simply happy to be here with you."

"So am I, Rose. I should go to bed soon. Henry and I both have to get up early. I'll talk to Cora first." They shared a long kiss before Jack turned and left the kitchen. He joined Cora in the living room, where he made up the couch for her to sleep on before asking her to sit down beside him.

Cora frowned but nodded, taking a seat. "I heard you talking, but I didn't really listen. Nana says listening in is naughty. Is it bad news?"

"Not really, little mouse. I want to tell you that I'm going to try and get a different job. If I get it, it will mean we'll mostly see each other on the weekends. It will help us get our own house sooner."

Cora sighed, but nodded. "I understand. It's okay. I miss my house in Boston."

"And I miss Wisconsin. I wish we could have gotten a house there. But…" Jack stopped himself. Completing his thought wouldn't help anyone.

"But we came here because Rose wanted to." Cora whispered. Jack nodded, his face full of surprise. Cora continued. "She likes it here. I'm trying to like it too."

Jack gave Cora a quick kiss on one cheek. "Trying is good enough." Cora tried to stifle a yawn and failed. "Okay, time for bed. Why don't you go get your pajamas on and everything, then come back here, and I'll tuck you in."

In just a few moments, Cora got herself ready for bed, closing herself up in the bathroom until she had changed clothes and brushed her teeth. When the little girl returned to the living room, Jack and Rose were both waiting for her. Rose waited quietly for her turn to say good night. Jack tucked Cora in as promised, then kissed her forehead. "Good night, little mouse. If you need anything, just call us, or come knock on our door, okay?"

"Okay. Night, Jack."

Rose hesitated, unsure Cora would welcome any affection from her. Ultimately, she chose to simply tell the little girl good night, without any hug or kiss. Jack frowned to see this. It was late, though, everyone was tired. Any discussion could wait until tomorrow.