They arrived with nothing but two suitcases when moving to Boston. It was only five years ago, but felt like a lifetime. Rose was holding her little brother, then no older than 4 in her arms as they looked up at their new place. Their mother had arranged everything in secret. The journey, the apartment and even their new jobs. She knew a woman Mrs. Adams from when she was a child herself and had always stayed in touch with her. When things got too much out of hand, Mrs. Adams was their only hope. Rose arrived from a long day of wondering through the streets of Philadelphia. She'd do this almost every day just to be able to escape from the agony of home and at times only got back when it was deep in the night. Like that night. Before she could properly walk through the door, her mother grabbed her by the arm and dragged her back outside. She was holding those two suitcase and her brother. Standing underneath the light of the lamppost she could see both the panic as well as the determination in her mother's eyes. She had fresh bruises on her face, more severe than others.
"I want you to take a suitcase, follow me and don't look back." Was all her mother said. Rose did what was asked, yet still had no idea they were running to their new lives.
Mrs. Adams welcomed them after their long and exhausting journey. She was slightly older than Mrs. Smith. Had long black hair, was rather short and radiated such kindness through her green eyes. Up to this present day Rose was thankful to have this kindred spirited woman in her life.
"I think I'll be done early today," Rose said as she dropped her brother off for his daily lessons. "Their will only be a final fitting and perhaps some finishing touches."
"That's alright, darling." Mrs. Adams reassured her that she didn't need to make haste. "What about I make you dinner tonight? My son is coming over with his new fiancee."
"That would be lovely, Sara." She kissed her brother on the forehead and headed off.
She made a quick stop at Mrs. Woodbridge's to pick up some supplies. Walking in she noticed she had returned from her absence. Grumpy as ever she sat in her big old chair, fanning her face like it was the middle of summer. Mrs. Woodbridge stared at her, confused by her presence.
"Good morning, Mrs. Woodbridge. I am glad you are feeling better."
"Do I look like I feel any better, miss Smith? Anyway what are you doing here? I thought you had everything finished."
"Kind of, ma'am. Mrs. Spencer has asked me for some extra service."
"Spencer you say? Mrs. Cecilia Spencer?"
Rose nodded. Then there was that look again. A look of which you could not see if it was a look of anger, disappointment, or perhaps happiness. She decided to ignore it, take her stuff and go.
Cecilia waited in the same robe as the first time she welcomed Rose. She was allowed back into the drawing room, after having worked downstairs for the past week. The room was filled with sweet desserts and sandwiches, pots of tea and coffee. Although Rose realised she hadn't had any breakfast yet and was allowed to take as much as she wanted, she wouldn't dare. Cecilia took off her dressing gown, now only standing in her undergarments. Her complexion was pale, a bit too pale.
"Are you okay, ma'am? You seem a bit faint." Rose was truly concerned about her wellbeing.
"I am totally fine, only this child will be the death of me." She placed her hands on her stomach. "I was beautiful once, until this thing came along and decided to take it all away from me. Isn't it cruel what babies can do to our bodies, miss Smith?"
"I wouldn't know, ma'am. But I always find the idea of new life wonderful."
"I don't see a ring on your finger. You aren't married?"
Rose shook her head.
"Courting anyone?"
"Also no, ma'am. I am only twenty and right now my work takes up most of my time."
"Well I understand that, but let me give you some advise. The sooner you get married, the better. You will have a husband who can provide for you. You'll only have to sit back and relax. But always keep him satisfied."
It would be best not to respond to her advise. Besides, Mrs. Spencer grew up in a completely different world and probably didn't know any better. Having a husband didn't automatically mean you'd be set for the rest of your life. It didn't mean you'd be loved or cared for. What Rose had experienced in her life, it meant the complete opposite. Again, the seamstress thought, it wasn't her place to judge her. Especially not someone who was in everything more superior to herself. Mrs. Spencer was a gorgeous woman. Even when pregnant her body looked perfectly proportioned with all the curves on the right places. Her skin looked radiant. You could compare her complexion to a porcelain doll. Every bachelor in this part of the country had fought for her hand when she became of age, or so she had told Rose. But the only man she had her eyes on, did not seem a bit interested in her. God knows what changed the man's mind, because they have been happily married for six years. And now, with their first baby on its way, they really did resemble the perfect couple.
Rose let out a sigh of relief when the dress gracefully fell down over Mrs. Spencer's body. It was completely as she had imagined it. The details were on the right places, the silk and velvet complimented each other perfectly.
"You have really outdone yourself, miss Smith. I can finally show up tomorrow eveningt."
"Good." She now realised how tired she was. Having worked almost day and night for the past week did take a toll on her. But the customer was happy and that was all that mattered for now. Cecelia Spencer quickly put on her day dress, scared something terrible would happen to the garment again. She let Rose out of the door. At the exact same time a car raced down the street and stopped in front of the house. The two women watched as a young man jumped out of the vehicle.
"I've come to take you out for lunch, dear sister." The man spoke to Cecelia.
"My goodness, Jack. Is that yours?"
"Of course it's mine. Picked it up yesterday so I thought I'd take you out for a stroll."
"You should really spend your money more useful."
"I earned it so I can spend it however I want."
Rose quickly said her last goodbye and removed herself from the situation. When she walked away from the two siblings she could feel eyes burning in the back of her neck. An intriguing feeling rushed through her body, but she did not dare to look back.
The atmosphere was already set at the apartment of Mrs. Adams. Her son Walter and his fiancee Daisy had arrived in Boston earlier this day. Walter was just as goodhearted as his mother. Yet the truth is that Walter isn't Mrs. Adams biological child. Mr. Adams was married to another Mrs. Adams. She died in childbirth, leaving the two man behind. Almost a year after her passing, they met Sara on the train station where she had lost her luggage, therefor most of her belongings. Mr. Adams took her in for a while until she had everything sorted out. She never left. Walter didn't know any better than to have Sara in his life for over thirty years. They adored each other like a real mother and son.
They say history repeats itself. When Walter headed off to college he met Daisy in the train.
"Excuse me, sir. Is this seat taken?" She had asked him
Walter heavily shook his head and removed his luggage. They talked the whole journey long. Daisy was off to work as a nanny, had to take care of four children all by herself. But she loved her job and couldn't imagine giving it up any time soon. Years passed and they always kept in touch through letters.
I promise I will marry you some day. He had written. When I become a doctor I will be able to give you a good life.
And there, the two lovers sat next to each other on the sofa.
"Look at you!" Walter shot up and made his way over to Rose, "You have grown to become a beautiful young woman, Rose."
"I try my best." She laughed it off.
"May I introduce you to Daisy Williams, my fiancee."
"Nice to meet you, Rose." They shook hands. She wasn't anything like Rose had thought she would be. She was tiny, had the most sweet round face with curls as red as hers. Her full figure had something elegant about it.
"You look tired, Rose." Mrs. Adams said.
"I am to be honest. Had to create a whole new gown for a pregnant woman within a week."
"A week?" Walter looked rather surprised, "why the haste?"
"The annual Vanderbilt's ball. All of the east side's society will be there. You don't know how crazy it has been."
"But I thought you had a few days off." Sara handed her a glass of water.
"Well yes, but I heard from another girl who works at another atelier that she got paid more for the extra service she had given a customer. Kind of like what I did. I can always use the extra money."
They enjoyed each other's company for the rest of the night. Mrs. Adams had prepared a lovely dinner of both roasted vegetables and beef. They played games, sang songs on the piano. It had been a long time since Rose felt at ease and liked being around other people. When everything had settled and the three of them started picking up their new lives in Boston they would have dinner together with Mrs. Adams every Friday. Her mother was the best singer she knew, her voice calmed down even the the most of men. She could hear her voice still at times. Breezes of wind blowing through the window, made a singing sound that had the tone of her voice behind it. Even now, as Mrs. Adams was sitting behind her piano, she could see her mother right next to her. She would laugh, probably tap her feet to the melody and hold Oliver right on top of her lap.
Come Josephine in her flying machine and it's up she goes, up she goes.
Oliver was lifted up in the air, his then still babylike laugh filled the room.
Balance yourself like a bird on a beam. In the air she goes, there she goes!
Rose wished she would have been able to freeze that moment. Live in it forever. No sadness, no pain, no fear. Only joy. It was only a year after that when her mother's health began to worsen. And eventually Mrs. Smith was no longer able to move. She could only stay in bed and hold the hands of her children. Rose was only sixteen when she had to start taking care of the family. Eighteen when her mother died.
"I will take care of Olly, I promise." Was the last thing she said to her, "And I will also make sure he doesn't find us. And whenever I promise something, I will not let go of that promise."
Rose was sure she could see a faint smile on her face before she closed her eyes forever.
It was now past midnight. Walter held Oliver, who had already fallen asleep, and walked him down the stairs back into their own apartment.
"You are a very lucky man, Walter." Referring to Daisy, "I wish you two all the happiness in the world."
"Thank you, Rose. It was good seeing yo again. But will you promise you'll come to our wedding?"
Rose smiled at him. "I promise."
"We really did outshine ourselves, girls." Mrs. Woodbridge could almost cry out of excitement. "We even did get mentioned four times in the papers. Meaning we really have to step up our game. Become greater, faster, more luxurious!" It was now Monday, two days after the VanderBilt's ball. Which, once again, was a great success. The news papers were full of it. Pictures of women, shining in their new gowns took up most space on the pages. A sense of true pride could be felt inside the atelier. But that feeling didn't last long. Mrs. Woodbridge walked over to Rose's place and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Mrs. Spencer has written to us. Wanted to express her gratitude one last time."
Rose smiled at her. "Thank you, ma'am."
"She even gave us something extra. I am also very thankful to you, miss Smith. Now with the extra money I can finally start redoing the place.
That smile completely faded. "What do you mean?"
"Like I said. This place has been in the need of restoration and I can now finally start doing it. All thanks to you."
Julie, who had heard the whole conversation shot up from her seat, helping her friend who was completely lost for word.
"But Rose has done the extra work, therefore she earned the extra money." "I don't know what you are talking about, missie. You all work under a contract and get paid by the hour. Like your contract says. Now all get back to work!"
Furious. It truly felt as if it was possible to have steam coming out of your ears. She ran, going faster by the minute. A dynamo of anger had started within her. Rose didn't know where she was going, only that she had to go as far from everything as possible. It was raining, cold and misty. But even tho the weather was seemingly unpleasant, if was as if the whole of the city had decided to come outside. People were rushing around, cars hocking to carriage and other vehicles. She even bumped into a few men as she ran down the street. They called after her, but she didn't listen. As Rose stopped, now completely out of breath, she let her back lean against the brick wall and lit up a cigarette. Her head had fallen down, sticking to her face because of the rain. She looked a fright, but she couldn't care less. It didn't matter. Everything didn't matter anymore. Hard work doesn't pay off after all.
Her gaze wondered off to a woman. The way she walked and presented herself between everyone else. It was like she glowed. Rose stared at her for a little longer. Something about the woman's look in her eyes seemed off. It was like she didn't know where she was, making her instantly walk onto the busy road.
"Ma'am watch out!" Rose shouted. But as soon as she noticed the woman did not listen to her, she found herself running onto the street pulling her by the arm. She felt the car move closely behind her back, honking at them. The woman was old, had to be over eighty and looked Rose deeply into her eyes.
"Are you alright, ma'am?" Rose asked.
"You saved my life child."
"Here let's get you to sit down." Adrenalin was still rushing through her body as she escorted the old lady to a bench next to a bakery.
"I swore I could cross the street. It's like that motor came out of nowhere. Those vehicles are the devil's work, too dangerous!" The woman cried.
"I am glad you are alright, ma'am. Can I get you anything?"
"I don't know where my grandson is, miss."
The two women kept waiting, enjoying each others company for a short while before a voice called from the other side of the road. A man, exactly as described`; tall, blonde, around Rose's age ran towards them. Rose helped the woman up and looked at him sternly.
"I have been looking for you anywhere, gran. You look distraught, are you alright?"
"She is now," Rose answered for her, "she almost got run over. What does a woman of her age do here all by herself during this time of the day?"
The man straightened his tie and cleared his throat. He was clearly taken aback by this young woman scolding him like a schoolboy. Telling her he had gotten distracted, making him lose sight of her did not seem to please her one bit.
"Don't let it happen again."
His eyes were still on her, making Rose feel utterly uncomfortable. A deep stare that he did not break. There was something about him she recognised, but couldn't quite place it.
"You really saved me, girl." The elder then said, "In all the hectic, I forgot to ask your name."
"Rose, Rose Smith. I hope you are back in good hands now, ma'am. I have to get back to work." They bid their final goodbyes. Later that afternoon as all the events of the day played over and over again in Rose's head, she remembered why that man looked so familiar. It was Mrs. Spencer's brother.