A FATHER'S RESCUE
Chapter Three

Rose stood perfectly still, watching as her father turned his chair to face her. "Hello, darling. I know you've been missing me terribly, and I'm sorry. There is something I must tell you. I know your mother believes I simply left you both, that I wanted to leave you. That isn't true Rose. I loved you, I wanted to stay. I hope you know that. But I couldn't. I had no choice but to go."

"No choice? What are you talking about?" Rose advanced on her father, but he remained frustratingly silent. "Answer me! We waited for you for months and months. We thought you were dead! Mother's changed, she's not herself anymore..."

"Please, my Rosebud, you must understand." His eyes were tired, sad. For the first time, he looked very old. "I couldn't stay with you, knowing what I know."

"What is it?" Rose whispered. "What is this big secret?" But before he could tell her, the door flew open behind her and in marched Ruth, with Cal trailing at her heels.

As soon as Rose saw them enter, she knew what was going to happen. She would be rushed out of the room, not leaving her father time to explain. Just as she was being forced out of the room, away from her father...

Rose at last woke up.

At least she hadn't fallen out of bed again. She was crying, though, and began to fear she had awakened someone.

She wiped her eyes and huddled on the bed, trying to plan her next move. She'd heard of premonitions, and although she normally didn't believe in such hocus-pocus, she felt that the dream she'd just had was one. Now, if only her father told her where he was. Whatever could have forced him to leave his family so abruptly?

She didn't have much time to ponder this question. There was a sudden, rapid tapping at the door.

"Not again," she moaned. She had no patience for her vulgar landlady. "I'm coming!" she yelled, and, smoothing her hands in an attempt to straighten out the wrinkles in her dress, made her way to the door.

When she opened it, she was surprised to see David, her neighbor. He smiled. "Just wanted to make sure you don't miss lunch," he said.

"Thank you, David. I'll be downstairs in just a few minutes."

He nodded and went downstairs, while Rose sat back down on her bed, still trying to completely compose herself. She didn't feel like dealing with all the loud people at the table this afternoon, but knew she must put in an appearance. So, she reluctantly descended the stairs, and took the same seat as she had that morning. As quickly and quietly as possible, Rose filled her plate and began to eat. The food tasted horrible but she ate anyway.

She only paused when she realized most of the others were staring at her. Even they could tell something was wrong.

Rose had finally had it. "What's the matter with you people?" she demanded. "Haven't you ever seen someone with manners eat?"

She instantly regretted her outburst. It wasn't these people she was upset with, after all. But they didn't mind; in fact, they all shared in a hearty laugh at her expense. To her surprise even David chuckled.

Rose was flustered. "Ah, what I meant was--"

"You meant what you said," the one gentleman whose name she didn't know said dismissively from across the table. He wiped his mouth with a filthy napkin and stood. "I've got to go to work. Who's going to walk Roosevelt for me?"

"Don't look at me," grunted Louie. "You didn't pay me the last couple times I walked 'im for ya."

"Aw, I gave you a bottle, that shoulda been enough." The man turned to Frances, who was casually lighting a cigarette. "What about you, hon?"

"Don't look at me," she said. "You know that mutt can't stand me. Besides, I have to work."

Next the man faced David, who held up his hands. "All right, I guess it's my turn," David said. "Come on, Roosevelt. Let's go out." The dog started wagging his tail furiously at the sound of the word 'out', and would barely hold still as David put the leash on.

Before stepping outside, David called back into the kitchen. "Rose, would you like to come with us? It looks like a wonderful day out."

Rose hesitated, part of her wanting to answer yes and part wanting to refuse. In the end she said, "All right, David. For just a few minutes."

Strangely, Rose was not uncomfortable with the idea of going out of doors alone with this man, in spite of the fact that she really barely knew him. There was something kind and sincere about David, and she was terrified of living alone without an ally in this nut house. She stood and followed him and the dog to the door, while the others watched curiously.

The air was brisk and they walked quickly, pausing every few seconds to let Roosevelt relieve himself. David was very quiet and appeared lost in thought, so Rose summoned the courage to strike up a conversation. "Who is that man, and why did he name his dog after the President?"

David smiled. "His name's Lincoln," he said by way of explanation.

"Oh." Rose still didn't quite understand, but she didn't want to appear rude--or worse, stupid--so she asked a new question. "Do you all take turns walking him?"

"Well, he belongs to all of us, you see," David offered. "He used to beg for scraps and we felt sorry him. Poor fella, we could see his ribcage. Lincoln convinced the old hag to let us keep him."

They stopped once again, but this time Roosevelt was only interested in sniffing at a flower bed.

"She's a little...forceful, but she doesn't seem that bad. At least she lets me stay."

David glanced sidelong and frowned at Rose's expression. "It looks like you really need the place to stay. Haven't you got family, somewhere? I'm sorry to be so direct, but you are so young, there must still be someone."

"No, there isn't." Rose had to steer him away from this line of questioning, and fast. "S-so if you all felt so sorry for Roosevelt, why is it that no one but you seemed terribly anxious to walk him? I mean, Louie was demanding money."

David shrugged. "Aw, well, you know how it is with pets. Eventually, the novelty wears off." He suddenly stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and looked Rose directly in the eye. "You're hiding something," he said, and she looked away, unable to bear that intense, knowing gaze.

"But it's none of my business," he added. "We're all hiding here. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

"It's all right," Rose whispered, but she still couldn't bring herself to look at him again.

David gave Roosevelt's leash a gentle tug and they turned back to the boarding house. They walked the first block in silence, then Rose asked daringly, "What are you hiding from, David?"

He only blushed and refused to answer. Rose knew better than to pursue this line of questioning, but she couldn't resist. "Aren't you the piano player? I've heard your melodies, and they're quite haunting."

David blushed more deeply. "Yes, that is me. Sometimes the others tease me, but after being at work all day, I find that pastime very relaxing. Do you play?"

"No. I haven't got talent for music, especially not like you. I love to listen, though."

"You're welcome to, anytime." There was a pause in conversation as David led the dog inside and removed its leash. Then he and Rose returned to the kitchen and resumed their talk.

"Yes, I'd like that, thank you. I'm sorry if I seemed...evasive before, but being here is stressful and I..."

"There's no need to apologize, Rose. Like I said, everyone here has their secrets. Ones they wish to keep. You're no different, no one will pry it out of you. Except for Mrs. Wallace. She may try her very best. I think she supposes it is her right to know everything about us, since we pay to live here. But after a while she will give up, don't worry."

He smiled at her and unleashed Roosevelt, who sprinted up the stairs. Then he turned back to Rose, as if an idea had just occurred to him. "Rose, are you in need of a job?"

Rose was startled. That was certainly an option she hadn't given any thought to! But it wouldn't be realistic to live in this city without any means of support, and the money stuffed in the coat pockets would only take her so far...

"Yes," she found herself replying. "I do."

"Well, I think I can help you. I've lived here a while, I have friends in the neighborhood. We could start today if you'd like...but honestly you look as if it would be best for you to go back to bed. Are you feeling all right?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. I just don't sleep very well, as you've heard. I'm sorry if I keep you up. I can't seem to sleep quietly these days."

"That's all right, I'm sure it will pass. Why don't you nap, then we can go out looking this afternoon."

Rose shook her head vehemently. "I'm afraid napping wouldn't be the best idea right now. My dreams are--well, most unpleasant."

"Well, perhaps we can go on that job search right now?" David looked overly eager. Rose didn't know what to think. This was happening entirely too fast! She couldn't possibly find employment. She had no skills.

"David," she began, not sure what to say. "I don't know about this. I--I just arrived here in the city, and I don't know my way around that well..." Her voice trailed off, and he finished the thought for her.

"And you've never had a job before, have you?" he asked, not unkindly.

"No," Rose said.

"That's all right." He smiled again. "Everyone begins somewhere. It might not be easy, that's true, but I'm sure if we give it a good try we can find you something."

Rose was grateful for David's willingness to help, but even though she knew she could not rest, Rose also did not feel up to being out anymore today.

"Thank you for the offer, David. Perhaps tomorrow. I'd really like to stay here today."

He nodded. "I understand completely. Well, you get your rest." He made a broad sweeping gesture with one hand. "After you, madame."

Rose laughed as she climbed the stairs, David following closely in her wake. Once in the safety of her locked room, Rose could not sleep. Instead her mind traveled in a hundred directions, and each train of thought led to the same conclusion: she had no idea what she would do next, or whom she could trust to help her. But soon, a new thought took hold. There was one person she could trust now. Maybe.

And if she couldn't put her faith in David, why did she reveal so much of herself to him today?

Rose pondered this for some time but could not arrive at a conclusion. She did decide to try being more careful how much she revealed, even to David. With this thought in mind, Rose surrendered to sleep, even though she wanted very much to stay awake. She knew what happened when she slept. And there was no way to stop it.

The pounding on her door wouldn't stop. It was beginning to give her a headache. Rose rushed to answer it, but as her hand began to turn the knob it ceased. She threw the door open, and found the hallway deserted. But just as she was about to close the door, she happened to glance downward and spotted a small white envelope addressed to her on the floor. She knelt, looked around furtively to see if anyone was lurking in a doorway watching her, and seeing no one, picked it up. She tore it open and found a little card that bore one word: HOSPITAL. Rose gasped...

And sat up in the narrow bed.

Chapter Four
Stories