Evelyn barely slept that night. Between Penny's tossing and turning and Evelyn's own thoughts, there wasn't much rest to be had. By the dim light from the full moon coming through the window, Evelyn checked her watch for the umpteenth time. It was half past five. Slowly Evelyn got out of bed, careful not to jostle Penny. She quickly changed into her uniform, folding her nightdress and putting it into her suitcase. Once she decided she was ready, Evelyn jotted down a note for Penny, telling her little sister that she loved her and that she'd write as soon as she could so they could stay in contact while she was away.
As slowly and silently as she could, Evelyn snuck out of her room, careful not to step on Lucy, and tip toed down the stairs. She grabbed a bread roll from last night's dinner and put it in her coat pocket. Giving one last look around her childhood home, Evelyn left her key on the dining room table and left. There was a familiar car parked across the street from the house. A man stepped out as Evelyn made her way to the icy sidewalk.
"Hey, doll face, you need a ride?"
Evelyn smiled and crossed the street.
"Thomas, what are you doing here?" She asked when she approached him.
"Your father called me last night, asked me to drive you and a Miss Lena Manning to the train station this morning. He didn't say why though." Evelyn's sweetheart, Thomas Harkins, explained and leant in to kiss Evelyn on the cheek.
"Well I promise I will explain everything to you on the way." Eve said as Thomas put her suitcase in the trunk.
He held the passenger door open while Evelyn climbed in, thankful to not have to walk in the frigid air.
On the short drive over to Lena's house, Evelyn told her story to Thomas, who stayed silent and kept his eyes forward. He was still silent when they had pulled up out front of Lena's home and parked the car.
"I'll just run in and get her," Evelyn said and got out.
As she reached her hand up to knock on the front door, it swung open to reveal a teary eyed Lena, also dressed in her uniform, and her teary eyed parents.
"Oh, Evelyn! You sweet, sweet girl!" Mrs Manning exclaimed, throwing her arms around Evelyn's neck, pulling her in to a bone crushing hug. "You girls promise me you'll look out for one another, and write me always, and please stay out of trouble."
Evelyn was released and gasped for air.
"We promise, Ma. We'll be just fine." Lena said, putting her arm around Evelyn's shoulders.
"Evie, tell your boyfriend we really appreciate him givin' our Lena a ride. And thank you for volunteering to go with her. If anyone can keep her in line, I know it's you." Lena's father said, shaking Evelyn's hand.
"It's no trouble, Mr Manning." Evelyn replied with a smile.
Mr and Mrs Manning stood on the front porch and watched as the girls walked back down to Tommy's car. He got out and put Lena's suitcase into the trunk with Eveie's and, again, held the door open for the girls to climb in, and then they were off.
The car was silent for a few minutes before Thomas spoke up.
"Evie, you know I love you, but I can see where Martha's coming from." He began. Lena made a shocked sound from the back seat, but Eve gave her a look, and she stayed quiet. "You're the only one who does anything in that house. Margaret's moved out, Penny's too young, Gran is too old, and your mother thinks she's too privileged to have to do any house work or upkeep. I swear to God, if it weren't for you always picking up after everyone, that house would be a disaster. However, I understand why you want to go. Yes it's to do your duty as a proud American citizen, and hell, I'd be right there with you if I could, but somewhere in your head you've gotta know that you're leaving because you know you're not your mother's daughter; you're her maid."
The car was silent again.
"Christ, Tommy, that was beautiful. Evie, can I borrow a hankie?" Lena said, voice thick with tears from the back.
Evelyn unrolled her bread from her handkerchief and handed it to Lena, putting the bread back into her pocket.
"Thanks, Tom." She said quietly, reaching across the seat to hold his hand, while Lena dabbed her eyes.
When they got to the train station, Thomas unloaded their suitcases from the car.
"Write me when you can. Promise." He said to Evelyn, holding her hands in his.
Lena had gone off to buy the train tickets, giving the couple some privacy.
"I will." Eve replied, and Thomas pulled her into a deep kiss.
A group of passersby whistled at the sight.
When they pulled away from each other, Lena came up brandishing the tickets.
"Alright, the next train to New York leaves in fifteen minutes and we are on it. Thank you so much for the ride, Tommy, I'll take her from here." She said, linking her arms with Evelyn's and guiding her to the gate.
"That was some kiss, huh?" Lena teased once the girls were settled on the train, poking Evelyn's leg with the toe of her shoe.
"Oh stop," Evelyn said, swatting her friend's foot away. "Who knows when we'll see each other again, he had to make it a good one."
Lena looked pleased with Evelyn's smug answer.
"Oh I wish I could have a love like yours." She said, closing her eyes and leaning back in her seat. "We'll have to take the ferry across the Hudson when we get there, then it should be a quick walk to Church Street." Lena continued with her eyes closed.
Evelyn nodded and leaned back in her seat as well, choosing to look at the frozen landscape whipping by instead of catching up on her much needed sleep. Her nerves wouldn't let her sleep, even if she had wanted to. When Lena's soft breathing indicated she had dozed off, Evelyn took the dinner roll from her pocket, picked off a bit of lint, and ate it. The bread sat like a rock in her belly for the duration of the ride, but butterflies began fluttering in her stomach when the conductor called their stop.
"Lena, wake up, we gotta go." Evelyn said, reaching over to shake Lena awake, before standing up.
"Huh? I'm up." Lena mumbled and stretched. She looked around seeming to have forgotten where she was. "I thought I was dreaming"
Evelyn smiled and passed Lena her suitcase from the overhead.
When the train came to a full stop, the girls filed off along with the other passengers. The conductor tipped his hat to them as they passed and a platform guard helped them maneuver onto the platform.
"Hey, maybe one of them can be my Tommy." Lena said, throwing a kiss to the guard, who winked back.
Evelyn roller her eyes and linked her arm with Lena's.
"Let's just go find this ferry." She said, dragging Lena beside her.
Hello everyone and thanks so much for reading. Just a question though, should these chapters be longer? You can let me know in a review or find my tumblr through my profile. Thanks again!