Chaos Before Freedom

Chapter 9 - The burning

Vira’s Narrative

Freddie was busy making plans for his trip on November sixteenth, as I was also making my own plans of escape. He was so excited, nothing out of the ordinary about that. He would spend every day with a buzz in his step and a tune on his lips. I stopped wondering why a long time ago, besides the less pissy he was the less likelihood I would get another beating for whatever reason he saw fit. Every day started out the same breakfast and coffee on the table, Freddie shoveling his food in his face and out the door he would dart. Doris would then come over and we would chat or worked on things for the local community events. Being a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving anything that could be prepped by freezing or canning. Especially after Tom’s special delivery was installed, now we were also experimenting.

The day they delivered her brand new Frigidaire refrigerator Tom had purchased, she came right over to drag me into her yellow kitchen. In her voice you could tell how ecstatic she was about it, “I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving now.” She was a bit high pitched as she squealed. “My sister will be speechless.” Doris wasn’t one to be spiteful nor did she really talk about her sister too much.

“Oh?”

“She is always bragging about everything she has, and what her husband gives her. Down grading things that the other siblings and I have. She even comments about Tom and I not having children yet. Not all of us wanted to have children right after walking down the aisle.”

“Sounds like a pugnacious woman.”

“For sure, she is the one who volunteered me for this year. After pitching one hell of a fit to be the host of Thanksgiving. I think it was her way of trying to pressure me, or just show that my life isn’t full. Always bossing everyone around. The number one reason why we normally go to Tom’s family for the holiday. To top it off Tom can barely stand her husband either.” I knew that Doris wanted children, but she wanted to enjoy married life for awhile before popping out babies. I couldn’t blame her, it was the norm for women to become breeding poles as soon as the I do’s are over. It was ridiculous for such demands were coming from her sister.

“I am sorry I will be missing it, sounds like you might need some help on the actual day in here.”

“Knowing you are safe and free is more important. Plus, I will have the other women in the family to help me… well other than my sister she will either try taking over or pouting.”

“Pouting, really? Is she that hard up for attention?”

“That is putting it lightly, but after the correspondence with my mother and family she won’t be here as early as the others will be. We have it timed out that we will have everything prepared and ready before she even hits the door. Matter of fact she might be late. “ Doris giggled a little “Mother, suggested that they will be here around two, with dinner set at six. Now knowing her she will be here at five and expecting a mess for her to come in for a rescue.” I couldn’t help it I started to laugh right along with her. If things were different I would be here to see all of this but the way Freddie planned his next trip. I would have to take advantage of that time; he would be too far away, and it would buy me travel time. “Are you excited? It will be your first Thanksgiving free since before Freddie.”

I answered her still focusing on the green beans we were cleaning and preparing to can “I am. I am not sure how the holiday will be. I am aware I won’t be able to join my parents, I told Arthur not to tell them the dates just in case and I am sure that Arthur has other plans.”

“Are you sure he has moved on, it doesn’t seem like he has?” Doris squinted an eye and raised her brow. “I am sure he would invite you over for a meal at least, even if he did.” She said in a concerned voice as she patted my forearm with her hand. She was one of those types that had firm belief that no one should be alone on a major holiday.

“I don’t know if he has anyone to say for certain we haven’t discussed that. But I am not going to crash his family dinner either, it just seems like asking for too much. All this is more than enough for any wife to have to understand. I am appreciative for him being near for the saving. I can only imagine the hurt it might cause her… that is if there is anyone. Seeming like I am looking for a handout might just be too much. The last thing I want to do is cause Arthur his happiness.” Finished with the beans I moved them closer to the jars, beginning the canning process. While Doris was working on some dough for rolls, her big plan to make things easier. In truth it was ingenious to get things like the rolls mixed, frozen only to rise while thawing before baking them. Next up she was going to make a pumpkin pie and mixed berry pie.

“You never know maybe he has been pining away for you these last few years.” She said in an upbeat voice I know she was trying to cheer me up. Because she knew I really did not like the idea of destroying other people’s lives or relationships for the sake of my own. I was relieved when the subject was changed to regular talk, Doris was always the one to keep up in the latest gossip. She loved the little stories, unlike others however didn’t believe every word of it. And other than telling me the he said she said details she wasn’t one to spread them either. But of course most of the ones to share the gossip in the first place was there at the social events. It was the ones about Freddie and I that stirred her pot, she would stop them in their tracks whenever they started to say something negative about me.

Before we knew it the time became three pm, it was time for me to start Freddie’s dinner in order for it to be done by four. The smell in the air was filled with a mixture of coal and wood burning dispersed by the furnaces on the block. It had become cold lately, winter was surely on its way. A breeze snatched open my coat, quickly I tried to close it and keep my hat on my head all at the same time. Freddie bought a gas furnace and had it installed the first year we moved in. He didn’t want to have to go down constantly to add coal in the broiler. Admittedly I too was glad not to have to do that, of course I would have been punished if I was covered in coal sot.

Tonight, we were having meat loaf, mashed potatoes with brown gravy seasoned cooked carrots. And to butter him up and keep him happy a butter cake for dessert. The wind was like a fan switching on and off that evening, I swore I seen a few white flakes sporadically falling. As I added the caramel drizzle to the butter cake I could see the lights of Tom’s nash pull up into their drive way. He waved at me knowing I was in the kitchen, I returned it before turning to gather the plates for dinner. Knowing I didn’t have long before Freddie would pull up also. With the meal plates on the warmer, I started in on putting the leftovers away. Finally sitting down to eat my own meal there in the kitchen to better see the driveway for Freddie. Just as I am finishing my last bite of butter cake, the clunker model A pulls in.

He didn’t say much when he walked into the house, putting his hat and coat away before sitting down to take off his shoes to put on his house slippers. I could hear him let out a heavy sigh as he sunk down into the chair. Grabbing his cup and coffee thermos first taking it out to him. When I was going to go back and retrieve the rest, he grabbed my wrists. I could feel myself starting to stiffen up preparing for the blow I was about to receive. Instead, he looked up at me and asked “Vira, what is that wonderful, sweet smell?”

“I made butter cake with caramel drizzle for dessert.” I said with a smile.

His eyes lit up, he even smiled widely “I can’t wait.” He said excitedly, finally letting go of my wrist with a gentle squeeze of approval. I made it a quick trip back into the kitchen gathering up his plates. He was like a kid, it almost looked like his mouth was salivating. He loved his Italian, but he also loved my meat loaf and butter cake. It took him no time at all to clean every crumb off his plate, I think he even licked the dessert plate clean. He looked up at me with a huge smile on his face “If there is any cake left in the morning I think it should be apart of breakfast.” He gave me a wink as he handed the plates to me.

It wasn’t until I started to wash the dishes that an odd glowing light started to dance around in the yard. While trying to find it’s source I looked toward the window door facing the street, even the glow from behind the shut curtain was eerie. A strange smell even seemed to seep into the house, it was woody with almost a musty undertone. I was about to reach the door to look out when all of a sudden Freddie yelled out to me “Vira, are you seeing what I am?” Instead of looking out of the kitchen door I joined him in the living room. Drawling back a panel each, down the street was a horrific sight. We were in a state of shock, just a few houses down was engulfed in flames. It was known that there were small children living within the home. For the first time Freddie and I had the same thought, to rush to their aid. And we were not alone in our thoughts as many came running out of their homes to help the family put out the flames. Among the crowd I could hear a man yell out “The fire department is on its way!”

Three of their children were gathered around their mother as she frantically searched for the youngest daughter. The mother screaming for her missing child, I went to console her. The mother stated as the tears streaming down her cheeks “She was out of the house, where could she be?”

“I will help look.” I told her as I patted her back shoulder blade. Doris soon came and joined me, looking on the opposite side of the home. Deciding that we would both meet up in the back yard and trade spots as maybe we missed something that the other would pick up on. Other women that were not on the fire lines started searching the surrounding yards. Thinking she was scared and running as fast as the toddler could. She might have wound up going to a different yard.

Scanning the area back and forth I walked towards the back, that is when I noticed a small barn shaped shed. It was forebodingly dark; I almost didn’t want to enter it as it resembled something from a nightmare this night. With the glow from the flames against the darkness of night. In my gut I knew I had to go in and look. I had no time to waste it too would be soon in flames, making my way to it I could already feel the heat from the fire. Picking up speed, I swung open the door to enter it. Even though it was hot already I still felt the chill of fear prickling up my spine. I called out the toddler’s name, with no response other than the creaking from the weakened structure reacting to the outside environment. The small whimpering cry became clearer the deeper I walked into the building. Balled up in the back corner was the small girl. Cooing to the child like you would a scared dog getting closer before kneeling and stretching an arm out to her. “It will be alright; I won’t hurt you.” Her little face was tear stained through the dirt and ash that was present all over her. She looked up at me nodding before jumping into my arms. Softly brushing my hand over her hair, keeping her tightly held in my embrace, I rose to my feet. “Let’s get you back to your mother alright.”

The sound of a wood beam falling blocking the path out caused us both to jump. My heart was beating fast as I am sure hers was also. I heard someone from outside scream “Oh god, someone is trapped in the shed!” Shortly followed by man running to the entry, he tried to reach through to help us both out. With the flames on the fallen wood the way they were only the child would be able to be lifted through. “Take the child I will find another way out.” I told him, he looked at me with sorrow but did as I directed. I doubted my escape but thought there must be a back door even though I had not seen one yet. Not like I was looking for one at first. The man came back to try to help me but before he could put the little girl down the flames consumed the visual space between us.

It almost felt like being embraced by the sun while I searched for a door or a window. Becoming unbearable due to the heat, strangely the thought of “well I guess I will be free one way or another.”

Suddenly a shelf started to bang against the wall before finally falling forward to the floor. I see a man’s silhouette cut into the smoke coming from the inferno surrounding me. He offered me his hand and I took it, pulling me out of the flames into the darkness behind the fiery scene. To move much faster the man swung his arms under my back and legs to carry me bridal style. He began to sprint to the other side of the block. Due to me breathing in so much smoke I was a bit disoriented. But I knew I was safe and I knew who this man was even without seeing his face. Safe and sound in the arms of the second man I knew would never harm me… “Arthur” I gasped out in a whisper leaning my head against his chest.

Since the doctor’s visit I knew he had been ever so watchful, visiting the street often. I had seen him multiple times as of late, he also had been leaving notes trying to encourage me to leave earlier. But that is Arthur for you always thinking on his feet. There was no denying it this fire was the perfect opportunity. He had been among the men helping put out the fire with a bandana covering his face. Until he seen the nightmare of the shed unfolding, he decided to run to the back and search for away in. To everyone that were witnesses it appeared that she did not come out at all and probably burned up in it.

Once we got to his car, he gently sat me in the passenger seat. Arthur drove all night while she slept in the passenger seat, only stopping for fuel when needed. I fell asleep exhausted I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. I could feel him check on me from time to time as we traveled to make sure I was still alive. Trying to get me to drink some water from his cantina. He had his car stocked up like a police car out on a stakeout.

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Doris’s Narrative

The aftermath of the fire left the family safe but without a home. It was still smoldering with the shed completely burned down. The firemen concluded that the fire came from the wood burning boiler system. It looked like the bottom of it had a hold big enough to let cinder escape down to the floor, probably caused by a wood poker. The remainders of a child’s doll were also present. It didn’t take long to put two and two together, it was an all too common accident. When the father arrived home after his late dinner shift, he was shocked to see his home was gone. But he was relieved to see his family alive. He wanted to thank the savior of his toddler; he was disappointed when alerted that she had not been found yet. The family was going to stay with the father’s parents until a new home could be purchased or built on the spot.

Freddie being Freddie bellowed orders, yelling at anyone who would be considered in charge to find Vira. The law enforcement and the firemen told him to go back to his daily life while they looked. Assuring him they would let him know if they found any sign of her. Even with all the hubbub he was giving there was no real distress vibe from her missing. Only seeming angry that she wasn’t anywhere to be found and not where he wanted her to be. All her things were still in her room, nothing out of place, so it did not appear she just up and left. He grabbed some of the cash in her sewing money stash before heading to work, for lunch. A normal husband would have stayed home, and searched the area for her. But not him, I guess I could understand trying to keep his mind off from it all.

Tom left leaving me in tears at home, he didn’t have a choice, he had to go to work. A few hours later the phone started to ring, still sobbing I picked it up shakenly tried to say hello, “Well I think this is the first time I have ever heard a different tone other than a chipper one from you.”

“Vira?! You are alive? Thank God! The police and firemen are still looking for any sign of you. They searched through the ashes of the shed. They so far believe you burned right along with it. Freddie is so angry; he is demanding they go back through it. I overheard the police talking amongst themselves that they thinking he is bad news. They actually suspect him of killing you and using the fire as a diversion, or that you did to run a way.”

“Oh, my that is almost fantastic really. I am alright I promise Arthur came in the Knick of time, breaking down the back door.”

“I am so glad to hear that. I guess the plan just had some added kinks in it huh?”

“I know you were looking forward to doing my hair and everything but when opportunity knocks you take it right?”

“Oh, that is okay. You know what I could still so you don’t have to cover up so much, until things blow over you will be on the hotwire for a while. Tom and I can go out for a weekend getaway, I will ask if we can go the sixteenth.”

“That sounds good… Humm you can call Arthur the phone here is under his name, if Tom agrees. The cottage’s number is Battle Creek 445 and Arthur’s apartment is just one less four.”

“Got it, Thank you.”

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Vira’s Narrative

Doris and I were saying their goodbyes as Arthur walked in with his arms full of groceries and other necessities. Startling me just a little, I was still jumpy from the underlying thought that Freddie could bust open the door any moment followed by him apologizing for scaring me. Shortly after we took care of the groceries together. He also brought some of his own belongings from the cottage since I asked him that morning if he would stay at the cottage for at least until I was settled and felt safer. I felt horrible for even asking and told him that if he couldn’t that would be completely understandable. I did not want his life ruined over me or for me. But he agreed without hesitance, promising me that it would have no effect on his life. But I still felt as if I did to the point the second, he came in with his luggage I asked once more “Are you sure this will not affect your personal life?”

With a smile, almost laughing in his tone he replied with his back turned to me as he was setting down the bags “You have not disturbed anything for me Vira.” Turning to me he took my hands into his, looking me in the eyes “and that I am sure of, you are fine.” Nodding that I understood, he seemed satisfied with this as an answer. Letting go of my hands to gather up his things to the second room. There was no bed in there currently but it would still work as a dressing and storage room for him. I swear I could see a smile on his face the whole time he carried them away. Probably trying not to laugh at my childlike behavior. A child away from its parents for the first time, that is what I felt like. Unsure of what to do or say in this arrangement. This is a whole new world for me, and an escape plan I actually had faith in. Faith yes but still the fear that Freddie would find me and put me into an asylum for punishment of running away.

I didn’t hear Arthur come back into the kitchen, but he did his level best not to make me jump once more by tapping me on the shoulder before speaking. “I do have to make a trip back Omaha, or make arrangements for my belongings to be shipped from the hotel sometime.”

“Oh, Doris is planning to make a trip up here on the sixteenth if Tom agrees. I can ask her if they would stop by to pick them up for you.”

“No I think I will just make a phone call up there and have them shipped here. If that is, okay?”

“I don’t see an issue with that.”

“I just didn’t want you to be surprised by the deliveryman if there will be one. I didn’t take much down there with me so they might be able to send it by the post office.”

I went back to preparing lunch as he went into the living room to make his call to the hotel. They apparently had no issue sending his belongings by train to Battle Creek.

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Tom’s Narrative

Doris made herself scarce, making sure to stay out of Freddie’s sight. I explained it was because of the loss of her friend. With no one able to find any trace of Vira; the law enforcement posted up missing notices without any real hope of finding her for several days they searched for her. Believing she was dead in fact, many seen her trapped in the shed issuing a presumed dead death certificate was the obvious next step. This angered Freddie that his “property” would never be returned to him with them refusing to continue to find her. It still did not stop him from going to Chicago on the sixteenth. I don’t know what he did but when he came back he seemed indifferent to it. He seemed really happy actually at least for a couple of days.

She was a hero in the eyes of many which angered him more since she out shone him. He refused to even put up a head stone in the local cemetery “No body, no need” he would respond to any who asked. In truth he would not have even spared a dime for the cheapest of markers for her if there was a body.

The local community and church did put on a benefit dinner in her honor. They included a memorial service for her during that time. Freddie at least let them have a photo to set on the table for it. At the event it was surrounded by flowers. Those who attended enjoyed the last words the preacher stated “Vira may be gone from this world or only gone from our community, but she will remain in our hearts and minds. Tonight, we dine and celebrate as if she was right her beside us. She is free now either way, if she is only missing may her new life be long and happy filled with good moments. Here is to Vira hero of Oak Street.” Doris and I looked at each other in shock, maybe he was just speaking in general or maybe he had suspicions of his own.

The proceeds went to the family that lost their home. That also pissed off Freddie that he was not going to get one red cent of the money. He complained to the church, they only stood by the benefit committee’s decision. Freddie also demanded the names of the committee members the request was declined. The committee was made up of the local housewives including Doris. The preacher told him repeatedly that it was what Vira would have wanted. Freddie didn’t even show up, deciding to get drunk instead.

At home we knew better, and we knew she was safe. The first day after the fire I hated leaving Doris in the state she was in. But due to the meeting I was to attend that day I had no choice but to go to work. When I arrived home her tears were dried and she was happy. Like the, Doris we all knew and loved a chirper little bird. When I asked her about what happened to make her change her mood. She simply stated “Don’t make plans for the sixteenth we have plans. We will be going to Battle Creek to see Vira and Arthur.” Well, I have my answer now.

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Arthur

Of course, I agreed to give her peace of mind but also my own. Just being close in town is still far enough that could be disastrous. Her repeatedly asking me if she is disturbing my life, I actually find kind of funny. I haven’t had time to start a life outside of the military, much less do anything else. With the correspondence between her parents and I this was the plan. It was my idea not to rest until I was ensured she was fine. I can’t even say I was looking at other women during my tour of duties. I, however, can say that last kiss at the train station before I left again was on my mind often. But I will admit it was cute how she would twiddle her fingers like a child when she asked.

She was in for a surprise for Thanksgiving, I was going to cook her a meal here in the cottage. I would be trying at least, I am sure I will need her help. I have been alone myself over the holidays other then the other men in my unit that is. And after awhile they do seem like family, but it isn’t the same. I guess I wanted to do this not just for her but myself. I thought about inviting her parents to it also, but they had already gone to their older son’s for the holiday. Besides everything was to go quietly until things cooled down after her disappearance. Vira thought about everyone’s safety. I didn’t think Freddie would do anything to them but she knew him better, so I decided to respect her wishes. Other than I did send a telegram asking them to call me at the cottage as soon as they arrived home. I knew the train station master would make sure they would get it the second they walked into the station house. I also knew he would not say a damn thing if Freddie came around looking. He was a good friend of mine, we even spent the first tour in the same unit. Chuckling a little of the thought of him, he use to bust my balls about Vira. Along with how crazy I was about her, those were some of the happiest days of my life.