An Elderberry Fall by Ruth P. Watson

Author:Ruth P. Watson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Strebor Books

Chapter 16

The school was just like I’d imagined. Mainly young girls like me desiring to get into a classroom and teach colored children how to read, write and count. A lot of people from Jefferson never attended school or had quit as soon as they started because they had to work in the tobacco field. Signing a deed was sometimes left up to the white landowner who didn’t care at all about them. Many times they were overcharged and even sometimes tricked into giving up their earnings.

Things were going to change when it came to my community. I knew education would be how I’d free myself and my friends. I couldn’t help thinking about the letter I’d received from Hester. She said, “This is what you always wanted to do. Do your best.”

On the way home on the train, I smiled to myself, knowing a week of studies had been completed and I’d earned my stay at the boarding house. I had with me a leather book and a writing pad.

The weather was changing rapidly. It was chilly and the wind still. It smelled of moisture, and I wondered if snow was ahead. I walked straight over to Adam Murphy’s house. It was something I’d looked forward to all week.

Adam was waiting. “I didn’t know if you’d be on the early or late train, but I’ve been waiting for you.”

I threw my arms around his shoulders. “School is wonderful, Adam. I’ve met a lot of friends and new people,” I told him, elated about the experience.

“I know you can’t wait to see your baby and husband.”

“My baby is waiting for me, but my husband is still with the team.”

“You will have a lot to catch up on when you get home. Do you have any bags I need to carry for you?”

“I left everything back in Petersburg. There was not a need to drag them home with me, when I’ll be heading right back in a few days.”

He got on the trolley with me. I filled him in on the week’s activities.

As we got off the trolley, Adam tightened up the scarf around his neck. He and I walked down Broad Street past the government buildings toward Jackson Heights. When we came to the bar Ms. Pearl sang in, I convinced Adam to go in with me to find her. She was there, sitting in the empty room with her pianist. She immediately recognized me when I walked through the door.

“Hey, girl, why are you here so early? The show doesn’t start until sundown.” Her pianist got up and walked over to the bar.

“Who is the fellow with you?” she asked.

“Oh, this is Adam, a friend from school.”

She grinned. She was without the heavy makeup, and even appeared younger than when she was all made up. “Your husband was in here last night. He said he was headed back on the road again,” she said between sips of something that looked like water.

“It must have been someone else, Ms. Pearl. Simon is still out of town,” I said as I sat down in the empty seat beside the piano.

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