MAKING IT COUNT
Chapter One
Departure and Arrival
July 15, 1913
Once Rose got settled in her compartment, she
sat down on the small bed with Hope on her lap. "Are you still tired,
honey?" They had gotten up rather early this morning, and Rose could sense
Hope’s tiredness.
"How about you get some sleep,
hmm?" The railway Rose was traveling with was kind enough to provide her
with a crib, and she was thankful. She didn’t want to leave Hope on the bed
without anything preventing her from falling. Especially on a moving train.
Once Hope was settled in her crib, Rose
pulled out the letter that Lynn had given her. She flipped it over in her
hands, almost afraid to open it. It had already been a very emotional day. This
was sure to bring more emotions flooding in.
She finally found the courage to open the
letter.
Dear Rose,
I can hardly find the words to describe my
emotions. It has been such a year, hasn’t it? You’ve been just like a sister to
me. There are so many things that I want to thank you for. You were always
there for me when I needed someone to talk to. You were there with me every
step of the way. I know this is not the last time we will see each other, but
it sure feels like it.
I’m going to miss you so much, Rose.
You’ve been such a big part of my life. You gave me strength even when Jack
could not. And if it weren't for you, Jack and I would have probably not found
our love. You urged me to express my feelings for him, and I did. Now we are
married.
Please, make sure to keep in touch.
Love always,
Lynn Leif Zigfield Tigges
1127 Pennsylvania Avenue
Denver Colorado, 80203
Rose sighed deeply. She just hated leaving
Lynn and Molly like this. But she knew it was for the best. She was extremely
nervous and tense about living on her own, but it was what she needed to do.
Molly, as promised, had arranged for Rose to
stay with her friend Roger in New York. Rose still had the money from Cal, so
she could live off of that until she was able to find a job, and more
importantly, a very trustworthy baby-sitter. Oh, how Rose hated the idea of
leaving Hope during the day while she was working. Maybe she could even find a
job where she would be able to take Hope with her. Who knew what the future
held...
July 21, 1913
A New York Train Station
"Hello again, Rose," Roger greeted
her. "It’s so nice to see you well. And this must be your darling daughter
Margaret was talking about," he said with a smile, looking at Hope.
"Yes, indeed. This is Hope Lynn Dawson.
I don’t want to appear rude, Mr. Phillips--"
"Roger, please."
"Roger…but I’ve had an awfully long
trip, and I--"
"Say no more. We’ll head right on home
and get you settled in. I think you and my wife will get along just great.
Here, let me carry that for you." Roger picked up Rose’s suitcase and led
her away from the terminal. Outside the train station awaited Roger Phillips’
brand new car.
"Isn’t she a beauty?" Rose just
smiled. She had seen enough nice cars in her lifetime.
Roger helped Rose and Hope into the car. He
walked around to the other side of the car and climbed into the driver’s seat.
"The ride isn’t too long. We’ll be there
soon. Then I’m sure you’ll be wanting to sleep some. You look like you could
use it."
He started the car and started to drive off.
"Yes, quite," she replied. She stared out the window, pressing her
cheek against the cool windowpane. The sun had set long ago, and the stars
shone above. The moon hung in its brilliance, a bright orange glow to it.
A combination of the beautiful sky and the
rhythmic sounds of the wind passing by the car slowly lulled Rose to sleep. The
next thing she knew, Rose was awakened by a hand on her shoulder.
"Rose...Rose…"
"Mmm." Rose opened her eyes and saw
Roger standing beside her.
"We’re here, Rose."
"Oh, all right." Rose carefully
stood, cradling Hope in her arms, not wanting to wake the small child.
Roger led Rose into a large but not quite
ornate house. Through the darkness, Rose was able to distinguish that the house
was an off shade of white. They walked down a hallway to the left and into the
guestroom.
"Well, here you are." Roger turned
on the lamp. "I had a crib set up over there," he said, pointing to
the corner. "The bathroom is right across the hall. I’ll introduce you to
Diane in the morning. I know you want to get to sleep now." He put her
suitcase down near the bed while Rose placed Hope in the crib.
"Can I get you something to eat before
you go to sleep?"
"No. No, thank you."
"Very well, then. Good night."
"Good night," Rose replied. Roger
softly closed the door behind him as he left.
Rose sat on the bed and removed her shoes and
stockings. She was too tired to change into her nightclothes. She just lay down
on the bed and closed her eyes. She had a busy week ahead of her.