“The baby complicates everything.” Eloise didn’t know how she could support Nora and the baby. “I’ll eventually have to quit work. Oh, Nora, I don’t want you to worry about this.” Eloise figured she’d work it out some way. This was the main reason she wanted to see Lisa; she needed her point of view.

“Can’t we stay with Lisa again?”

“I wish it were that simple. Sam wants this baby. I’m going to see if I can get him to quit drinking; anything to help. I’m sorry Nora. You’re too young to have to go through this.”

“I’m fourteen. I know more than you think I do. You could stop this and not have the baby.” The stricken look on her mother’s face made Nora wish she could take the words back.

“Don’t ever say such a thing. Shame on you! This is a little brother or sister you’re talking about.”

“Mama, I’m sorry. I’m just worried.” Nora knew she had stepped over the line.

“We’ll work this out somehow. Please don’t worry.” Eloise hugged her daughter.

***

Nora heard footsteps. It was getting dark. Tense, she sat up straight. She knew she shouldn’t have run out on her mother, but Mama should try and understand her better. The footsteps quickened. They had a familiar sound. She smiled when she saw her mother off in the distance.

Chapter 47: February 1970

Chapter 47

February 1970

Eloise spotted Nora on the bench. She cried out, “You had me worried sick! It’s almost dark. Where were you going?”

The tension in Nora’s shoulder’s eased when she heard her mother’s voice. Relief came, but then she remembered she was supposed to be mad. “Nowhere. I just needed time to think.”

Eloise looked down and saw the dried blood on Nora’s leg. “What happened?” Eloise kneeled down to check the scrape.

Nora shrugged. “It’s nothing. I slipped on the stairs.”

“Let’s go home and clean up your knee. It’s after six o’clock. Lisa will arrive soon.”

“Do I have to go? I like Lisa, but I don’t feel like seeing anyone tonight.” Nora pushed up off the bench and grabbed her bag.

“Come on, Honey. Please don’t argue with me. The car’s about a block away.” Eloise grabbed Nora’s unresisting hand.

Nora didn’t utter a word in the car as her train of thought continued to drift back in time. It was ironic she was going to be with Lisa tonight, just like the morning in Mender’s Flea Market last July.

***

Previous Year, July 1969

“Thanks for coming.” Eloise hugged Lisa.