Shavlan: A Woman's Journey to Independence by Eunice E. Blecker

Author:Eunice E. Blecker [Blecker, Eunice E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Newbridge Press, Inc.
Published: 2018-04-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18 – Crossing the Atlantic

18 September 1913 – North Sea

Ruchel heard Raisa and Feige moving about.

“Are you girls going to breakfast?” she whispered. Becky was still asleep.

“Yes,” answered Raisa. “Can you peak into the hallway to catch the steward’s attention. We need fresh towels and water.”

Ruchel opened the door slightly and looked out.

“May I come in?” the steward asked. “I’ll be refreshing the water and towels every day, usually around this time in the morning.”

With all the commotion, Becky had awakened. Four young women sharing a small cabin was a situation that would challenge anyone’s good intentions, but they realized they were lucky to be in a private room. There were those who were less fortunate on the ship.

Before leaving for breakfast, Ruchel related to Becky and Feige the unpleasant encounter she and Raisa had had last night.

Becky turned around and placed her hand on Ruchel’s shoulder.

“My G-d. Are you and Raisa all right?” she asked.

“We’re both fine.” Ruchel replied. “I think the attacker may have been hurt. We punched him so hard that he may have gone to the clinic to tend to his injuries. Anyway, may I suggest if you girls have any valuables, you wrap them in a handkerchief, tie it in a knot and pin it onto your undergarment.”

The girls looked at each other and laughed.

“We know about that trick,” they said.

They had learned about this Eastern European practice early on from their mothers and grandmothers. In the old country, this was the usual way for women to conceal their money and jewelry.

“Please remember,” Ruchel added, “you have to be on guard at all times. And when you move about, try to go with at least one other person for your own protection. Are we all ready for breakfast?”

“Yes. We’re starving,” said Raisa and Feige.

“I’m going to wait and visit my brother,” Becky replied.

While the girls made their way down the dimly lit hallway, they kept a firm grip on their purses, especially after the experience two of them had had the night before.

After breakfast, Ruchel, Raisa and Feige decided it would be a good time to explore the ship.

It was a warm September morning and the sea was without wind. Not surprisingly, the deck was crowded with others seeking to escape their tight quarters. There were people from Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Russia, White Russia and Germany and some were dressed in their traditional ethnic garments, displaying their own distinctive character. Many looked as though they had spent their last dime in order to make that final leap, hoping to seek a better life.

The smell of the fresh ocean air was invigorating. The girls continued to stroll up and down the teak wood deck and, after a while, found a row of empty chairs, quickly plopping themselves down.

“I can’t wait to see my fiancé,” Raisa said. “I miss him so much.”

“How did you meet him?” Feige asked.

“We’ve been friends since we were children. A few years ago our friendship became serious and we got engaged. It was then Alfred decided to come to America.

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