Chapter 1: On My Own

JUNE 1932:

It was dinnertime when Jack finally walked through the door. Everyone was seated at the dining table with the exception of Rose, who was doing her best to set the table and keep everyone under control. Ruth had come over earlier that day, like she always did these days.

"I'm home!" Jack announced as he took off his coat and hat and walked into the dining room, which was very chaotic at the moment. "Hi honey. How ya doin'?" He said as he gave Rose a kiss on the cheek and started to make his way around the table, giving everyone a hug.

"Well, I'm quite tired but fine as usual. How was your day?"

"Oh, fantastic! I found out that the latest book we did is a hit so far and they want another one right away!"

"Well that's good to hear. Katherine, please stop doing that to your brother."

"Yes, Mother." Katherine said as she rolled her eyes and went back to looking through her magazine.

"I saw that." Rose said casually as she set a plate down in front of Matthew and went back into the kitchen.

Jack sat at the head of the table near Matthew and looked across the table at Ruth, who was lecturing Emily for not sitting up straight. Jack just smiled to himself at how Emily was reacting. She sat up a little bit, but as soon as Ruth looked away, she slumped back down. Ruth turned back to Emily, to see her slouching and playing with her food.

"Goodness Emily! Sit up. It's unattractive as well as bad for the spine when you slouch. You remind me of your mother at your age. She was so very uncooperative then. Still is a little now. She's a very stubborn woman."

Just then Rose entered the dining room, caring a bowl of mashed potatoes. "What's that you were saying Mother?"

"Oh, nothing dear. This looks wonderful Rose."

"Thank you." Rose said as she took off her apron and finally sat down. During dinner, the usual conversations went on and everyone was enjoying themselves. The kids talked about how anxious they were that school was nearly over.

"I can't wait 'til next week when school's over. Then I get three GLORIOUS months off just to sit back and relax!" Matthew proudly announced.

"Oh that's right. My, the year is just flying by, isn't it? Say Emily, what will you be doing this summer, since you'll be out of school for good? Kaitlyn was wondering if you'd be interested in helping in the different charities that she's booked for this summer. You know they could really use some volunteers and it'd be a great way to give back to the community." Rose said as she tried to think of what else Kaitlyn had told her to mention.

Emily shifted in her seat as though she were a bit uncomfortable then meekly said, "Well, I was kinda hoping that I might be able to go to college. Like an art school. You know how much I enjoy art. I've loved it since I was little and I just think that this would really be a great opportunity for me. You see, they sent me this brochure about their school and well, it looks fantastic. I mean, they've got the best classes and teachers and the latest supplies."

Rose smiled warmly and looked at Jack who smiled back at her. "Well, I think it's a possibility. After dinner, why don't we take a look at this brochure and look into it a bit more, shall we?"

Emily smiled and quickly replied, "Oh that's just fine! It's sounds like a really great school. It really does."

"I'm sure it is dear. But where exactly is this school?"

"Um… it's in…New York. But don't let that determine everything. New York's not that far away."

"New York?! You better study your geography Emily. New York's on the other side of the country. You sure you want to go all the way to New York?"

"Mom, going to this school would mean the world to me. I truly want to go."

"Well, if you truly want to go- no hesitations- I guess that it'd be alright with me. But like I said, after dinner we'll take a look at that brochure and decide from there."

LATE AUGUST 1932:
"Now you're sure you've got everything?"

"Yes, Mother."

"You sure? I don't want you to forget anything that might be important."

"Don't worry. I've got everything. I'll be fine Mom, you'll see."

"Oh I know you will. It's just going to be so lonely here without you."

"You've got Dad, Katherine, Matt and even Grandma Ruth. It won't be lonesome at all! Listen, I'll be fine and I'll make sure to write whenever I can. I can come home during the holidays. When I get there, I'll know more about when I can come back to visit."

"Ok. Oh, we're going to miss you so much!" Rose cried as she threw her arms around Emily and tried to hold back the tears that were forming in her eyes. "I remember when you were just a little baby. You were so sweet and innocent then. Then you got older and whew! The years just flew by."

"Well, I'm not exactly a little baby anymore. I have to get out there and find my place in the world. I want to travel around Europe and see the sites. Take it all in. Discover the meaning of life. Doesn't it sound spectacular?"

Rose thought back to when she was Emily's age. She remembered saying the exact same things, having the same hopes, the same dreams. "Absolutely wonderful. You just keep your mind on that and you'll do it. I know you will. You be proud of who you are. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking that you're not good enough or smart enough. You'll go to those places and you'll see the different sites- if you really set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."

"I will. Thank you. I'm going to miss you guys so much. You take care everyone." And with that, Emily gave everyone a final hug and kiss, then stepped onto the train and journeyed into the unknown.



Chapter 2
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