Christmastime 1945 by Linda Mahkovec

Author:Linda Mahkovec
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bublish, Inc.
Published: 2019-03-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Kate and Ursula finished packing a basket of molasses cookies and a tray of Christmas sugar cookies for the refreshment table at the American Legion Hall.

Kate tossed a glance over her shoulder at the boxes Eugene and Jessica were stacking next to the kitchen door. “How we managed to make up four boxes of clothes and blankets is beyond me,” she said. “Feels good to clean out things that are just taking up room.”

Jessica and Ursula exchanged glances. They knew it had been hard for their mother to part with Francis’s clothes, shoes, boots, and his good overcoat.

“At the rate you’re going, our closets will be empty by spring,” Eugene said, adding the last box.

“Nonsense,” Kate answered with a laugh. “But if we can help those poor people in Europe, then we must do what it takes.”

“All the same, I’m keeping my flight jacket close at hand.”

Kate gave a grocery list to Ursula. “Here’s what I need for the pantry.”

Ursula tended to avoid going into town and now she had second thoughts. Perhaps it was better to stay home. “Are you sure you don’t want to go, Mom? I can stay and watch Frankie.”

“No. You need to get out a little more. I was just in town. And I want you children to have lunch while you’re there,” she added, pressing a few bills into Ursula’s hand.

When they arrived in town, they saw that the Red Cross drive was going to be a huge success. The American Legion Hall was already crowded.

“You girls go on in with the food,” said Eugene.” I’ll bring in the boxes.”

Jessica and Ursula were greeted by the Bloomfields. “Over here!” Shirley called out, waving them over. Mrs. Bloomfield and Sue Ellen made room for the cookies.

“It’s quite a turnout,” said Mrs. Bloomfield. “I think everyone feels particularly generous this Christmas.”

“It’s a good thing we made extra coffee and hot chocolate,” added Shirley.

Sue Ellen picked up a molasses cookie and bit into it. “Oh, my word! I need your recipe, Jessica. Mine never turn out like this.”

While they compared recipes, Ursula looked out over the hall and saw different labels above the tables. She saw Eugene stacking their boxes by the tables for clothes.

“I’ll go help Eugene unpack,” said Ursula. “It looks like they want things sorted by category.”

Mrs. Arnold from the dry-goods store directed the flow of items being carried in. “Men’s clothing over at those tables, blankets on the corner table, and women’s clothing here. And there’s a station for children’s clothing...”

While Eugene went to get another box, Ursula began to unpack a box of men’s clothing – most of which had belonged to Francis. At the table next to her, Ursula saw three of her old schoolmates. Trudy Trumble had been fiercely jealous of Ursula all through high school. Though Trudy had primped and flirted and strutted, the boys had always favored Ursula, and Trudy was not one to forget it.

“Why hello, Ursula,” Trudy said, sidling next to her. “We don’t see

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