Survivors

Chapter 6

Ruth arrived in Chippewa Falls in the afternoon the next day. Rose came alone to the train station, since she hadn't told her mother about Jack in the telegram. Rose smiled nervously as her mother disembarked from the train. She was more than a little surprised when her mother drew her into a gentle hug.

"Rose, it's so good to see you." They drew apart, and Ruth kissed Rose's cheek. "You're looking well. How have you been?"

"Fine, Mother, Have you been all right?"

"I've been lonely, to be honest. I'm getting used to that. I'm glad to be here."

They paused as a porter brought only two bags, sitting them down next to Ruth. He tipped his cap and wished both ladies a nice day before walking away.

"This is all you've brought?" The surprise was plain in Rose's voice. Ruth chuckled softly. "Yes. I wasn't planning to stay long, and I did plan this trip quickly. Do we have far to walk with my things?"

"Not far. I didn't have a carriage to borrow, I hope that's all right. I can carry the bags."

"we'll manage, thank you, dear."

The walk to the boarding house was a bit dusty and warm, since it was still August. Ruth didn't complain, and was simply glad to be at the end of her journey. Jack was at work and Cora was at the Sullivan's house playing with her friends. This gave Ruth and Rose more time to discuss things in private. Once Ruth was checked into her own room and her bags were unpacked, the pair sat down. Ruth wasted no time in getting to the point.

"Rose, your wire said you wish to get married, but you sent no other details. Who is your intended?"

Rose's face flushed a bit from nerves, but she didn't look away from her mother's gaze. "Jack is." Rose rushed ahead, hoping her mother wasn't about to interrupt. "I know how you hated him, but I hope you'll agree to let us marry. I wouldn't be asking your permission if I didn't have to."

"I know that." Ruth frowned slightly as she went on. "That's why I came… I wasn't sure if you'd even agree to see me in person. I had to try. I know your place isn't back home in Philadelphia. I'm glad to know the boy survived as you did, Rose. All I really want is for you to be happy. Even if that means living this far from me."

"Actually, soon after the ceremony, we're hoping to move on to California. You'll be welcome once we're settled, if you ever want to visit."

Ruth shifted in her chair uncomfortably. "If you think Jack would welcome me, I'd be happy to. Is he upset I was coming here from a visit?"

"Of course not. He bears you no grudge, you'll see. We'd like to have the ceremony in just a couple of days, if that's all right with you. Nothing fancy, as you might imagine. Some friends are allowing us to have the gathering with the justice of the peace at their house. There will only be a handful of us there."

"But Rose, you don't even have a wedding dress, do you?"

For the first time, annoyance crept into Rose's voice. "No, there wasn't time. I don't mind, Mother. I have a dress that's formal enough. It will do."

Ruth sighed, but nodded her head. It was hard to accept Rose having expectations that differed from hers. There was no choice but to accept that Rose really was no longer a child. She was moving on, and needed nothing of her old life. Ruth counted her blessings that she'd still be welcome in Rose's life, despite past mistakes.

The wedding took place three days later rather than two, after a postponement due to rare August rain. Rose wore a dress of light green. Jack wore the suit he'd been given aboard the rescue ship. He'd had it altered by a tailor so it fit him better. Ruth, Cora and their few friends looked on. The couple had, at least, been able to get a pair of very simple rings for the exchange of vows.

As the day went on, it was clear Ruth was displeased with the simplicity of the ceremony and the celebration that followed. It was obvious, though, that 'simple' was normal for the people of Chippewa Falls. Ruth did her best to smile and enjoy the post-ceremony supper and the cake that was served for dessert. Mrs .Sullivan and her daughter had spent a whole day in their kitchen baking it, and were proud of how it turned out.

Ruth remained in Wisconsin for only a few days following the ceremony. She had some events she was obligated to attend back in Philadelphia. Among these was an engagement party for Cal and his new intended, a woman by the name of Grace Foster. Ruth had been surprised by the invitation and was sure that if she and the Hockleys didn't still move in the same social circle, she wouldn't have been on the guest list. Cal made no secret of his disdain for Ruth these days. For her part, Ruth wasted no time worrying what he thought of her, and was happy he was no longer to be her son-in-law.

For their part, Jack and Rose spent the several days following their marriage packing for the trip west. Jack felt sad to already be leaving his hometown, as he enjoyed his job, and seeing familiar faces. Similar to the tension-filled situation with Cora's grandmother, Rose had been the driving force behind the outcomes. Jack disagreed with her only to a point, settling for personal unhappiness rather than risking confrontation.

On the last day of August, Ruth departed for Philadelphia early. Later the same day, Jack, Rose and Cora boarded their train to California. Their journey would take nearly two weeks and was sure to be exhausting. At least Jack had been able to wire ahead to some people he knew and had secured a job. They would need to do a bit of house-hunting, but hoped for quick results. Rose was filled with anticipation, while Jack wasn't so sure they should be moving on so quickly. He and young Cora ended up passing as much of the trip as they could in sleep. Rose was much more interested in the scenery. For her, the miles seemed to fly by. Therefore, Rose was in great spirits when they at last arrived in southern California in mid-September. In contrast, Jack's mood was gloomy. This was added to by physical pain, which he was sure had more to do with his narrow escape from death back in April than the present voyage. For his companions' sake, he tried to smile. It was a comfort that at least for tonight, they would have a place to sleep. A friend of Jack's had agreed to take them in.

Since they now carried the unexpected responsibility of caring for a small child, Jack felt stressed that they had no place to call home permanently. He already missed the days when he hadn't worried where he would sleep. He'd always been able to earn enough with his art to keep himself fed, as well. Now, he had an instant family. His brand new art supplies, which he'd been so eager to start using, were likely to remain in the suitcase they were packed in. While he hadn't expected to be as carefree now that he had a wife, Jack knew deep down that there would be no time for his art, maybe for a long time. Earning a wage and making a home were his responsibility now. Rose still saw their lives as an adventure, Jack knew. It was Jack's place to be the realist now.