Chaos Before Freedom

Chapter 4 - Long weekend, freedom teaser

The week was a sluggish one, Vira was not able to go to the ladies social. Even lucky to go to the market because his anger got the best of him. As usual she would cook and clean daily, some sewing before he got home. Doris slipped by after her salon appointment to show off what she called her Jean Harlow blond style. It was such a drastic change from her normal brunet marcel waves style she normally sported. She was so excited about her new doo, how it made her hazel eyes look lighter even. Yes, Doris was always in a cheerful upbeat mood not to the point it was mind numbing. Up to date in the ladies’ trends and in love with the silver screen movies. Tom never complained about her experimenting with the latest trends as long as they could afford it. He had a job that paid well, Doris did some side work still at the solan since her marriage, so they still gave her a discount. Deep down Vira hoped that Doris would be gone before Freddie arrived. Because he would rant at her to not even think about it, or he wanted her to change it cheaply. Making statements like “Get rid of those long mousy locks.” Or “Just my luck to have a wife that is never in fashion. Luckily Vira would not get to hear that persnickety lecture, as Doris left to start diner for Tom.

Every day the same, Vira would wake up before Freddie to make breakfast. Being the last down for the night cleaning up after dinner and planning the next day’s meals. Her sleeping in the sewing room had not changed, something she didn’t mind all that much other than lack of a bed. Freddie told her that she could buy a cot, but it had to come out of her earnings from sewing. Or she could learn to be a wife and come to the bedroom. She knew no matter what she wouldn’t be close to his definition of a wife. Friday rolled round marking another drunken night poker with his co-worker friends. Freddie came home in the mood for his pleasure. Much to her relief he passed out instead, an overjoyed feeling came over her when his hand went limp. This meant she didn’t have to bear his touch, or voice tonight. The obligation of being married regardless of if a woman wanted to make lover or not, men like him didn’t care. He would force her if she would refuse.

She crept down to the sewing room looking forward to the long four-day weekend he would be off with his buddies at some cabin in the boondocks’. It would be a small release for her, planning on purchasing the cot or single sized bed for herself while he was away. That would be easier on her back, her little nest wasn’t horrible but nothing like an actual bed.

Freddie was up surprisingly early that Saturday morning, giving her instructions to not have men over without their wives present while he was gone. The only man that would visit other than the preacher was Tom, and he was the one driving them on this trip. Which lead up to his next order that her and Doris better behave. Inside she was metaphorically rolling her eyes on the outside she looked like she was intensively listening to every word, like a good little wife.

It was a full hour after their departure, when she made her way to the furniture store. Dressed in her dark blue skirt and blazer with a simple white shirt. She added a pair of white lace gloves and her almost black hat that had a small vail on it so she could hide the darkened under eye circles created from sleepless nights crying. Also, a bit of yellow left from the black eye Freddie gave her last week.

On her walk there she went over in her head what she would say for why she needed the extra bed. Freddie had eyes and ears it seemed all over town, annoyingly she couldn’t do much without him finding out eventually. She figured if asked she would say it was so if she was feeling ill, she could stay on the lower floor. Being known as a sickly wife it would be a creditable excuse, and Freddie would come out smelling like roses. Those who have met Freddie think he is a good guy always a charmer. Only Vira knew his true nature and it was anything but charming. Talk is cheap and the main source of entertainment in the neighborhood. Scandal being the favored subject.

The salesman of course tried to sell her a regular sized bed, she had to insist on the size or options that she could say yes too. Once he figured it out there was no changing her mind on the subject, he showed her the options available. There were many different options most of which was out of her price range others not even worth it. But one of them was perfectly in the budget all because it was bent on the headboard a little during the shipping. Being too busy to notice, she did not even see Arthur come in trying to get a chance to talk to her. Finely dressed in a charcoal black suit, flat hat and a black trench coat, his shoes shining as usual. He definitely would call the ladies attention looking like that. Thankfully the salesmen went to help a couple who just walked in, leaving her to think on what mattress she would like with the single bed.

“You never answered the question, are you still happy?” In a hushed voice Arthur asked.

She said in a bit of annoyance, this annoyance came out of fear that somehow Freddie would find out and she would pay for it “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same, is marriage going well enough to have a little one on the way?” He chuckled but not in a happy I am glad for you way. In a way that he was praying that was not the case.

“No… I mean no I am not pregnant.” Embarrassed even at the thought she stumbled upon her words.

“Well, that is good news to me anyways.” A bit nervous himself he put a hand on the back of his neck and rubbed it.

“Are you trying to make things harder for me?” Her annoyance grew into irritation, to many people talk something she didn’t need.

“Harder? Why are you buying this ridiculous single? Doesn’t Fredrick make enough money to provide for you? Or is he that hardened of heart towards you.” He started to get the jest that there was far more then what meets the eye on the subject. And worry rose higher in his heart along with angry towards Freddie.

“He makes enough.” Tears welling up in her eyes, all she wanted was peace. And even though she knew his intentions where good it angered her. Sourly she added “Why is my happiness such a concern to you anymore?”

“You know I had to leave; Your happiness has always been more important to me. I would have taken you with me if I could have.” His voice sounded that of heartbreak, her tone stung him.

Remorseful on her harshness towards him she mumbled to herself “Yes I know all of that, I wished you did for now I reside in Hell.”

“What was that?” His voice becoming more of concern. But she didn’t answer him only walked to the clerk to tell him that she would take the bent single and which mattress she preferred. Giving him the payment and the delivery address, before hurrying out of the store.

Arthur chased right after her through the store front doors, grabbing her arm to stop her from running away. Causing her to let out a moan of pain and her body to flinch from his touch. It was just two nights ago that Freddie had a fit and that side still ached from it. As soon as he heard her cry out, he asked “What has he done to you?! I wished you never married that… Him!”

“It’s too late for that now, let go of me. If others tell him that they seen, you near me I will pay for it dearly!” Spatting through her tears now running down her cheeks. Stunned he let her go, angered by what this brute has done to her. When he arrived back at the hotel, he quickly called her father. Explaining everything that he believed to be happening. He didn’t do this just to tell on her but as her father’s request. After three months into the marriage, all contact from her was cut off. Arthur did however keep contact with her parents. Hoping he would have better luck then they did in the search. They requested his help to find her, he was planning on looking for her anyways to make everything was alright.

The last time he seen her was just for a moment before going onto his next tour of duty. The meeting tore him in two, knowing where he needed to be and where he was expected to be; were two very different subjects. She wanted answers to why he would break her heart and sneaked away from Freddie to do so. He explained to her that he didn’t send that letter, she understood but it was too late she was already married. But he wondered did Freddie found out she did, and her punishment was removing her from her family. Now he wanted to help her escape, possibly wouldn’t matter if his theory was correct. He might just kill a man instead if he had too. Her father told him to somehow get a message to Vira, “Remind her of the gift I gave her, tell her this will give you strength.” He didn’t understand it, but it didn’t matter she would.

The bed arrived right as promised, the delivery man offered to put it together for her. However, she refused and put it together herself. It felt great to have that little bit of independence and a little bit that was just hers. An accomplishment done on her own other than sewing it was something Freddie didn’t take over. She had silence and peace at least for the moment longing for it to last. It allowed her mind to drift off into what ifs. Whishing she still had the steam to tell him off, “to go to hell.” They were past the point of straighten out or I am leaving now. But she knew it wouldn’t happen even if she tried the price for such an action would be hers to pay. In bruises or worse, he would deal it out harshly.

In the papers the stories of women standing up for themselves was a rarity. Only the ones that rid themselves of their abusers in a lethal way. That wasn’t her she just wanted out, her freedom and killing him would not equal freedom. More often were the small articles of men putting their wives in asylums because they were supposedly crazy, blaming it all on the woman of course. That she already lived through, not as harshly as it could have been. No matter what he would not let her keep one red cent from her dress making or mending work. Divorce was out of the question, abuse wasn’t grounds for a divorce in the court’s eyes. She longed for one, but Freddie wouldn’t let her have one. Especially with it looked down upon in society and that could ruin his image. To her knowledge he had not strayed even with his loose morals. And if she did or just put on as if she did out is what she’d get alright but by death, along with an innocent man.

There was a knock on the door, probably Doris board without Tom home. Doris was lucky Tom was a loving and attentive husband. Sure, enough it was and oddly she had a flowerpot in her hand, a simple house pot that looked like the one from Vira’s own window seal.

“I was coming over to see if you wanted to join me for dinner. Oh, and I found this on your steps” Doris announced.

“I thought it looked familiar, wonder how it got there?” When she took the plant from Doris, she noticed a white paper sticking out of the soil. “Umm let me put this back, and yes, I will join you for dinner. Thank you for the invitation.” Vira pulled out the paper and quickly read it.

“I know you are not happy, and I fear you are not safe. Remember the gift the one that would give you strength. I am staying at the Hotel Blakeman if you need me.” It was in Arthur’s handwriting, to her knowledge he knew nothing about the gift from father. So, they have been searching for her all this time, and Arthur being skilled was able to do just that they enlisted him for help. She could feel her heart jump a little with excitement. She missed them so very much… all of them. Quickly she stuffed it in her pocket out of habit and went to join Doris.

Doris made a simple meal, but it was quite enjoyable. While helping clean up Doris accidentally bumped into her. Pain filled her side once more and while soothing it Vira exposed the dark bruise on her upper arm. The charade was up, “What is that?!” Doris questioned in shock. Vira trying to straighten out her sleeve and hide it, but Doris stopped her. “No let me see! Tom and I suspected but never hand any proof of it. Why are you still with him? Did you know how he was before you married?”

Vira thinking it over in her head. He once was sweet to her even making her laugh. If she would’ve known, it was all a front she would have ran. Responding “You know how the courts work, and if I could get a big enough savings up I would. But if I don’t keep it where he wants it, he gets angry then proceeds to tear up the house looking for it. He takes what he wants from it, whenever he wants.”

“That’s a shame, how about this you can store some of it here just enough, so he won’t notice. I am sure after you have enough for a good start Tom would agree to take you anywhere you wish.”

Vira agreed to that plan. Doris then began to ask about the details as if she was an investigator from a crime novel. And for once in a long time Vira spilled the beans alright, it was a sweat release to finally get it off her chest.

“I have a question that has been burning in my mind. That Sunday we took you and Freddie over to Ruby’s café, that man you know the handsome one who picked up a note and gave it to you. Do you know him? To be honest I didn’t see that you dropped anything I was right behind you when you would have.”

Vira started to blush “That was Arthur we were to be married before Freddie came along. While he was on his first tour of duty a miscommunication happened that tore us apart.”

The romantic in Doris came out in full force “Did he come to rescue you? Does he still love you? Is he married now?”

Vira could not help but laugh at this question line up as she tried to answer them. She actually didn’t know any of the answers. “I don’t know.” Is the only thing she could say.

“It seems odd that he would come to find you, doesn’t it?”

“Doris, I am not sure I am sure my parents asked him to find me. I have this note, so I know they are aware of Arthur’s whereabouts.” Vira pulled out the note and let Doris read it. She could tell that Doris was having one of those awe that is so romantic thoughts. In away Doris was right it did kind of seem romantic that it was her ex-fiancé trying to find her and to make contact with her. A hour passed by with them talking, more like Doris asking questions about Arthur and her. That is until the yawns started in and the grandfather clock announced it was midnight. That is when Vira took her leave to her prison of a home. It would be a little bit better without the warden there.

Now back in her own kitchen, she started to look closer at the bible. Nothing unusual about it just leather bounded until the bookmark fell to the floor. It had done this several times before and she never noticed the thud it makes. But then again, she was never in search for something odd about it. She just assumed it had a metal center covered in leather. Cutting just enough of the stitching on the marker to look inside. Low and behold there was a key and a letter from her father inside.

“Dear Vira

This will set you free, I just prey it is not too late. The box that this key goes too is in the United Bank in Arlington Nebraska. I hope we will see you again, I know if I don’t hear from you, I will be searching for you.

With Love,

Father”

It made since now, why the flowerpot and the note. Arthur’s reasons for being here was confirmed now. Somehow, she would have to get there but how? If she searched Arthur out at the hotel, he mentioned in his note. The town would talk, and she might not be able to get to this treasure that would unlock the gate to freedom.

“Doris!” She said loudly. Deciding that she would ask in the morning, tonight she would sleep on a full-sized bed in the guest room. Even with him gone she refused to go into the master bedroom other than to clean it if needed. She seemed incapable to fall to sleep leading her to pace the space between the wall and the bed.

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Vira’s Narrative

I couldn’t sleep, I wanted to just to go and get it this started. I even tried to sew a little bit to get my mind on something else so I could at least attempt to get some sleep. The thought of going over there now even popped in my head, it was dark who would notice. I shouldn’t ask Doris to do my dirty work for me, I really didn’t want her getting a bad reputation either. Walking was out of question, driving the model T was possible. I used to drive my father’s Model A truck sometimes I am sure it is not much different.

Getting dressed in the least flashy dress I had, pairing it with my scarf to hide my hair. Once I get there, I would put on my sunglasses to disguise myself as much as possible. The keys would be another question if Freddie left them here or took them with him. I looked every place he normally keeps it but found nothing. If phone records were not checkable, I would call the hotel instead. I guess I was in for a long walk then. Locking the door behind me, at least I was allowed to have a house key. I was a bit creeped out walking in the dark here in Omaha, nevertheless I was determined to make it there.

Finally making it to a more populated area near the diner Freddie likes to take me or bring home food when he is feeling generous. Thank fully there was a taxi dropping off some young people, and I was able to catch it before he left.

A grandpa type of man, I couldn’t quite make out all of his features due to the darkness. But his voice was kindly when he asked, “where can I take you Mam?”

“The Blakeman hotel please.”

“Alright mam, I will get you there safely. Are you going to the restaurant there for dinner? That sure is a fancy place.”

“Yes, I am some old friends came to town late, decided to stay there and invite me to join them.”

“That must be exciting for you.”

“It is indeed, I haven’t seen them in ages. It should be quite fun.”

Once we arrived at my destination I paid the man before sliding out of the taxi. Confident that I the harder part of my task was finished. I went up to the front desk to ask for Arthur’s room to be rang. The tiny framed brunette receptionist barely even looked at me. But she still did as I requested, “I am sorry mam there was not answer but he maybe in the restaurant” Pointing me in the right direction I began to scan the busy room for Arthur. Just perfect I found him in a brightly lit table, pondering just for a moment I asked one of the waitstaff to take a juice cocktail over to his table. Followed by setting in a dark corner booth. The conversation between the waiter and Arthur was short and he looked my direction so I gestured to him to come over. I could see that he nodded to the waiter before getting up to walk my way.

“Miss thank you for the drink but…”

“Here I thought you would like some fruit juice with your dinner.”

“Vira? Is that really you?”

“It is. I got your message.”

“How did you get here? Does Freddie know you are gone?”

“Walked about a quarter of the way, the rest by taxi and no he does not. I am lucky right now he is not home.”

“Really? You could have called, I would have came and got you.” He sat down across from me in the booth.

“No, I couldn’t Arthur, phone records could have been an issue later down the line.”

“Is he really that bad?” I could hear the quiver of a strange mix of anger and fear in his voice.”

“Some things are best left unsaid until later, when things are clear and less ears to hear.” I said in a hushed voice as the waiter arrived at the table.

“Excuse me sir will the young lady be joining you for dinner?” He had a wispy like voice for such a scrawny man. More like boy even with his red hair and freckles he looked quite young. Arthurs was of such a voice when he was much younger. But deeper now a bit like a storyteller voice, soothing and sexy like.

“Yes, she will be joining me for dinner, if you would be so kind to bring my meal to this table instead, please.”

“Will do Sir. Miss what would you like?” I hadn’t even looked at the menu so I know I appeared to be unprepared to answer him and to help me out he stated “The specials tonight is duck or a pasta with either a white alfredo sauce or a traditional red marinara sauce. The duck comes with choice of potato and a vegetable. While the pasta comes with garlic bread and salad.”

“Thank you, I will take the pasta with red sauce.”

“Would you like the house dressing with the salad or the Italian?”

“I think I will go with the house dressing… It isn’t blue cheese, is it?”

“No miss it isn’t.” He giggled at my response. “You would be surprised how many times tonight I have been asked that.”

“I believe it.” I responded with a slight laugh in my voice.

“I will have this right out to you, thank you.”

Leaving us alone at the table we were now free to speak to each other. Arthur wasted not time “How can I help you, Vira?”

“I need a ride to Arlington Nebraska. My father put something in a lock box there for me. And I need to do this without Freddie near.”

I perked his interest “Oh? I can supply that for you. Do I have to bring you back?” He asked with his sly voice, the one that he would us when he was up to something.

With a raised eye brow “ Yes I would appreciate it that, and yes you have to bring me back.”

“So you are planning on staying with him then?” His voice dropped down into sadness and he held his head so to hide his face. That was until I reached across the table gently touching his rough cheek to bring his eyes back to mine. Those damn eyes of his, I could see the sorrow in them, and they melt right through me as usual.

“No, I am going to leave. I am going to need help to do so, but first I have to get things in order. I will have to disappear or he will come, just like all the times before. I can’t risk just up and leaving because I have before, and he found me so easily.” I put my hand on his as I spoke.

“Alright Vira, we will do it your way… But” I knew there would be a but. “No matter what you will be leaving him… alive.”

“Deal.” I offered him my hand in gesture for a handshake. He took it then bent it to kiss my knuckles then repeated the word “Deal.”

After the meal, Arthur tried to get me to stay as it was much to late to walk back. But I could not do that, neighbors talk to much. With some resistant he drove me home, under agreement that he would be there around nine in the morning. I was finally able to sleep, but it seemed like only moments when my alarm went off at seven am. I needed to get one more person involved in this trip to make the strange man driving over look proper. Doris was very happy to help if it helped her friend, she was all in. He didn’t hesitate in a plan to get them to Arlington. Two women driven by a hired driver for a shopping day, or at least that is what it would look like him as the driver. Doris and Vira made a lunch for three. No matter fake or not they would need to eat.

The introductions went well between Doris and Arthur, she giggled and a little to loud for comfort whispered. “Vira you weren’t kidding, he is handsome” I blushed big time while Arthur only had a side smile, the kind that stirs things inside of a gal. He opened the doors for us beginning the hunt for freedom.