Title: Cuts Like A Knife
Author: Stress
First written: May 12, 2002
Edited and replaced: January 21, 2005
Summary: Part I of the Soul Mates Series; She thought that life couldn't get any better. She had friends and a family that loved her – she was taken care of and had no complaints. But that was before he came into her life. And, no matter how hard she tries to escape his grasp, he'll never let her go.
The Next Morning
The next morning, Mr. O'Connor woke Jess up even earlier than his wife normally would if she was going to the distribution center. After Mr. O'Connor woke up his wife and Grace so they could say good-bye, Grace helped her pack a few of her things: a couple of skirts, a few blouses, her stuffed bear and a hairbrush. Then, one last time together, they ate a quick breakfast, before Mr. O'Connor took her and put her on a trolley heading towards Manhattan.
"Goodbye, dear. Take care of yourself. Don't talk to strangers and find a nice, clean girls' lodging house to stay. I don't want you wandering around that city all by yourself. I want you to write us often and once you have an address, we'll send you letters telling you about what is going on up here. Here is some money to get yourself situated." he said as he handed Jess a few dollars, most of his monthly earnings.
Jess threw her left arm over his neck, still hiding the fact that her right shoulder was hurt, and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you Mr. O'Connor. I'll be a good girl, trust me. I'll write you a letter once I settle down. Don't forget to tell Mrs. O'Connor that I love her and thank Grace for me. Don't worry," she added when she noted the expression on his face, "I'll be back home before you know it."
Mr. O'Connor smiled as he looked down at the young lady he had known for the past seven years. "I'm not worried, Jess. Just so surprised at how you've grown. I'll see you soon, my dear." He gave her a kiss on her cheek and told one of his fellow trolley conductors, the one whose trolley was en route to Manhattan, to keep an eye on her and make sure she gets to her destination safely.
He stood on the corner of the street as he watched a major part of his life ride a trolley away from him and his wife and the life they had known ever since they had arrived in America seven years ago. "Goodbye, wee one. Good luck in Manhattan. I hope it treats you better than Queens." he said wistfully as he waved goodbye, wondering when he would ever see her again. As tears welled up in his eyes, Mr. O'Connor was glad he had insisted on leaving his wife at home. Women were always too emotional.