31 — Cri De Coeur
October 31, 1938
Ruby had stayed with her father since the party. She had seen plenty of atrocious things in her life, but the horror of the party at the Tamburo home had been just a step too far for her. When Nola had called around yesterday, Ruby had clung to her for hours, shaking — Nola had been shaking too — until they both slept for a while.
Now, Pop was calling up the stairs. Nola was back. Joyfully, Ruby got up and hurried down, wanting the comfort of the other woman's presence.
"I can't stay long tonight," Nola said.
"I've arrangements to make."
"Oh?"
Nodding grimly, Nola looked to Mr. Carr for a moment, then led Ruby through into the sitting room. They half-collapsed together in the window seat, and Nola held Ruby's hands firmly.
"I've thought a lot about what happened. What we saw and went through at the party."
"Please," Ruby begged, "don't let's talk about that."
"I am sorry, dear. Sorry. It's only that I must let you know... Well, I know that was not a common occurrence, not something I'm liable to run into again, but... Well, dear, I can't bear the thought of stayin' here. Not after all that. Not after..."
The words trailed off, and Nola looked shattered. Ruby broke from her grip and hugged her.
"Oh, honey, I wish it'd never happened. Something so awful, all those hurt people..."
"I know. And I know it was going to happen no matter what. I'm a great believer in the hand of fate. And I feel fate today compels me to say what I must to you."
The breath Nola took was deep, but broken.
"Dear, I won't, can't, stay in this city much longer. I just... I can't."
"What... What do you mean?"
"I mean I'll be leaving to go see my family in a week, rather than in a month. I've... That's why I won't be long with you tonight. I've some arrangements to make."
Ruby felt something in her chest shudder, and she pulled away from Nola. So, this was how her fairy tale of a month would end.
"I see. You... Well, then, I suppose you'd better be on your way."
"I don't need to go for two hours yet, Ruby. And I came here to talk to you about this matter, and to talk about us."
"What us? We had a fun month together, but that doesn't have to mean anything else, does it."
Leaving Nola to sit in silence, Ruby went and poured herself a drink. When she turned back toward the window, Nola was standing, hands shoved roughly in her pockets.
"Look here, Ruby, I... I didn't come here to hurt you, or to break off our... Our connection."
"Why not? I mean, you're running scared. It's understandable."
"I'm not runnin' scared. I'm not... I'm only changin' my itinerary slightly because I'd feel a little better right now back home, in the bosom of family. And damn it, I mean to ask you to go with me!"
Ruby froze, her drink nearly at her lips.
"Go... Go with you? Now?"
"In a week, yes? Why shouldn't you? You'd said you'd like to go to California with me after Christmas. Might as well start the trip a bit early."
"I... Nola, you... Oh, honey, you're just about the sweetest person. But I can't... I mean, if I go... Well, what about Rebecca?"
"What about her? She'd come along too. I don't mean to separate a child from her mother. Just as much as we were gonna take her along to California... Well, my family'd adore Becky. And I just know she'd take to them."
"You mean it? Honestly? You want Becky and I to go along?"
"Only if you wish it, my dear. I won't try an' force anythin', but... Oh, Ruby, I've come to care for you very much. I'd do just about anythin' for you, and I... Well, I don't relish the idea of bein' away from you for a month, or even really a day."
"My father..."
"He and I spoke when I arrived. He's a little leary of sending Becky along, but he knows you'll look after her, and I think he trusts me to look after you."
Quickly, Nola stepped toward Ruby, falling to her knees.
"My dear, I am not a beggin' person. I've got too much damn pride. But right now, I ask you, please at least say you'll think the matter over?"
Ruby set her drink aside and found herself kneeling as well, grabbing Nola's hands.
"Nola, I... If you mean all you say..."
"I do, Ruby. Truly, I do."
"I'll need a day or two to think."
"Of course. Of course."
Nola was smiling slightly, barely a tilt of the lips, but Ruby thought it was the most beautiful smile she'd ever seen.
Posted Oct 31, 2019, 11:23 AM UTC