Twelve

“Cassandra, time for breakfast.”

Silence answered the words. Josie tiptoed down the hall to Cassandra’s small room. Cassandra lay on her side, curled around her doll, tears streaming down her cheeks. Josie watched a moment, unsure what to do but knowing she wanted to comfort the poor child. She eased into the room and knelt beside the bed. She stroked the child’s tangled curls. “Sweetie. I’m so sorry.”

Cassandra’s silent tears turned to sobs that wracked her small frame. “I want my mum.”

“I know, darling. I so wish you could be with her.” Josie struggled for words as tears threatened to overflow her eyes. “You must miss her.”

“Awfully.” The word shuddered from Cassandra. She scrubbed her face and tried to sit up. “Sorry, ma’am. I’ll stop crying.” Tears continued to stream, and Josie reached out to swipe one away but stilled when the child flinched.

Josie cleared her throat. “Should we write her a letter today? Let her know how you are?”

The little girl nodded. “I’d like that.”

“Let’s get you some breakfast. Then we’ll get out some paper and pencils. I know she’d love to get mail from you.”

“But the post won’t deliver it for ever so long.”

“Maybe. But we can keep sending letters, knowing she’ll read them eventually. And with each letter, she’ll be so happy to know what you’re doing and that you’re safe.”

Cassandra frowned. “I haven’t done much.”

“Then we’ll change that.”

The conversation played through Josie’s mind during breakfast, chores, and the balance of the day. She and Art needed to do something to give the child plenty to fill letters. Even simple outings would fit the bill. When Art arrived home and Cassandra was settled for the night, Josie sat on the couch next to him, ready to plan their attack.

“We really need to do something to occupy her mind. The child is focused almost exclusively on what’s happening at home.”

“That’s natural, I’d imagine.”

“Probably true, but it will be easier for her if we can give her things to anticipate.”

“Okay.” Art pulled at his pockets playfully. “Remember, we aren’t made of money.”

“I know, but maybe your family would help, especially since Cassandra is part of the family.”

“I’d rather not ask.”

Josie snuggled closer to his side. “Okay. I’ll keep the outings inexpensive.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Things like the Sunlite Pool, movies, ice cream. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. The library every day won’t satisfy her. She told me she hadn’t done anything that she could tell her mom about.”

Art laughed as he wrapped an arm around Josie. “Not everyone takes pleasure in libraries like you, darling.”

“Definitely their loss.”

“Maybe. These other options sound good as long as we spread them out with things like picnics or outings to the parks.”

“Then we’ll start this weekend. A movie and some ice cream. Maybe we can even find Pinocchio playing somewhere.” Josie tipped her head and kissed his cheek. He turned and claimed her lips. Josie relaxed into his kiss.

❧

Saturday morning Art woke slowly. It felt good to relax without the pressures of work weighing on him. Mr. Fine continued to put pressure on the white-collar employees to see into the future. If Art could do that, he wouldn’t be working for a small company like this. He rubbed hands across his face, trying to brush the vestiges of sleep away.

Josie didn’t lie next to him. He’d hoped to hold her for a moment, but she’d bounded out of bed before he could. He turned on his side and considered getting up. A soft sound reached his ears. It was muffled, but clear.

Was this what Josie had dealt with most of the week?

He cringed at the thought of comforting a crying child. What did he know about girls? He waited, hoping Josie would take care of Cassandra, but her footsteps didn’t pad toward the door. He gulped and pushed out of the bed. After grabbing his robe, he faltered outside her room. Wails replaced the quiet cries.

Surely she would stop. Without his intervention. She had to. Right?

Tears baffled him.

And there’d been so many in this apartment. He barely knew what to do with Josie’s. What on earth was he supposed to do with a little girl he barely knew? Promise her a pony? Give her his car? He considered doing both, then slapped himself on the forehead.

“You’re a well-educated man. You can handle an eight-year-old.” The pep talk did little to get him out of the doorway.

Cassandra looked up, her face blotchy from the crying.

“Can I get you anything?” The words sounded inane even as they slipped by him. He cleared his throat. “How about I get you a drink of water?”

Her face crumpled. She whimpered, and he looked around her room, desperate for something that would comfort. There. Her doll had fallen under the bed. He knelt before her and picked up the doll. “Were you missing her?”

Cassandra frowned but swallowed hard against her tears. “No, sir. Missing me brother and da.”

“Tell me why.”

“On Saturdays, we’d always do something together. Hike across a park. Splash in a pool. Play rugby or football.”

Art straightened. This he could do. “Josie and I have planned some outings for you, too. How would you like to go to an amusement park today?”

“Sir?”

“You know. A place with rides and roller coasters.”

“I don’t know about that.” She shrunk back into herself.

Art backpedaled. “How about we go to the pool there and you can watch the rides. See if it’s something you’d like to try in the future. Think that might work?”

She nodded. “I’d like to try.”

“All right. Let’s get up then. Josie probably has a good breakfast ready. Then we can prepare for our adventure.”

The morning passed quickly as Josie prepared a picnic for them, and they climbed into the Packard. Cassandra remained quiet but took an interest in their surroundings as they drove.

He glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “How’s Cincinnati compare to England?”

“It’s not as crowded. The folks seem stand-offish.”

Josie turned around to look over the seat. “Stand-offish? Who?”

“That Miss Adelaide hasn’t warmed to me yet.”

“It’s your charming personality, Cassie. All that rushing about at the library keeps her on edge.”

The banter continued until he reached the park. After paying the entry fee, they ventured into the area around the pool. It was supposed to be one of the largest pools in the country, and looking at its size of two hundred by four hundred feet, Art believed it. If Cassandra wandered off, they might lose her amid the crowd.

“Stay with one of us. No wandering.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes as only an exasperated eight-year-old can. “Yes, sir.”

“I’m serious, Cassandra. I’ve heard it holds ten thousand people. I’d hate to lose you so soon after you arrive.”

“I’m not an infant.” Indignation filled her voice.

“I know. But stay close.”

“We’re fine, Art. There aren’t nearly that many people here.” Josie grabbed Cassandra’s hand. “Let’s explore a bit. Find the best spot to settle down.”

Art followed as the girls picked their way through the crowd. He gladly dropped the towels and toys when the gals chose a spot. From here, he could see a wide stretch of the pool. Enough to give Cassandra some freedom.

Cassandra pulled off her blouse and skirt and rushed in her swimsuit into the water.

“I hope she can swim.” Josie’s voice held a tinge of concern. “Why don’t you go with her? Make sure she’s okay.”

Art nodded. Probably a good idea while they determined her skill level. In no time, Cassandra had talked him into the deeper areas of the pool, and he was roughhousing with her. The girl’s giggles reverberated across the water. He could get used to days like this.

❧

The days slid from the calendar, Josie trying to keep up with Cassandra and Art. Those two had settled into an easy relationship since their time at the pool. She was almost as active as Kat, and Josie looked for ways to get her involved in sports or other activities. Josie toyed with the idea of signing up Cassandra for a basketball team at the YWCA. What would Cassandra’s mother think if her daughter went home a tomboy? Probably not much, since Cassandra had indicated she played sports like rugby and football. Or was this a way of protesting her placement? Josie was at a loss to know, so did the only thing she could.

“Cassie, how’d you like to join a basketball team?”

Cassandra looked up from the book in her lap. “Basketball?”

“It’s an American sport. You run up and down a court and throw a ball into baskets on the wall. My sister likes to play it, and there’s a place near here with teams.”

“I don’t know.”

“Kat enjoys it, but she plays baseball, too.”

“I’ll give it a go.”

Josie took Cassandra to the YWCA. After her first practice, the drive passed in silence. When they’d about reached the house, Josie cleared her throat. “What did you think?”

“There’s an awful lot of running and throwing the ball.”

Josie laughed. “That’s right. It’s integral to the game.”

“I’m not sure if it’s for me, but I’ll try again if you like.”

“I think I do. In fact, I think I’ll take a fitness class at the same time.”

They’d barely reached the house when Annabelle stopped by. Cassandra had hopped in the bathtub, so Josie led Annabelle to the living room. Once Annabelle had settled on the couch with a Coke, she grilled Josie on how the transition had gone.

“Is Cassandra settled?”

“I think she’s adjusting. We’re doing all we can to help her.” Josie chewed on the jagged edge of a fingernail.

“How?”

“The child never stops moving, so I’m looking for activities for her. We’re trying a basketball team at the YWCA. We walk to the library and places like that. Anything I can think of to get us out of the apartment often. I knew the apartment was small but had no idea how one added body, especially one so small, would make it seem tiny.”

“The activity is good for her. Should keep her healthy and her mind occupied.”

“It does seem to help. While she loved the trip to the Sunlite Pool, we can’t afford to do that as often as she’d like.”

“Let’s find some alternatives then.”

The two shared ideas for a bit, and Josie took satisfaction in the fact that Annabelle’s list didn’t contain anything she hadn’t already considered.

“Maybe take walks to Eden Park as a family.”

“I don’t know that Art will want to walk back through there each night.”

“You could meet him on his way home.”

“That’s a great idea.” Josie sipped her Coke. “From her reading and letter writing, I can tell she’ll do fine in school.” She clasped her hands around the glass and sighed. “She’s starting to relax, but still tends toward formality. Thanking us for every little thing we do.”

Annabelle considered her words. “Any flashes of frustration or tears? I’m seeing a lot of that with the children. It’s as if they’ve been trained to be very polite. But the strain eventually burdens them. Their emotions bounce all over.”

“There are tears, but not any more than you’d expect for a child who’s been separated from her family. Is there anything we can do to help her?”

“Give her time and love. She’ll calm.”

Josie considered the words after Annabelle left. She just needed to stay the course. But it felt like she should do something more to ease Cassandra’s transition. Especially considering there was no planned end date. It could be a long war if Cassandra couldn’t settle into their home. If only other evacuated children lived near. She made a note to ask Annabelle the next time they talked.

Regardless of those concerns, she had to get Cassandra registered for school. In fact, the pattern of school coupled with the chance to meet American kids might help immensely. After a morning at the library, Josie and Cassandra walked to the neighborhood school. While Cassandra had attended a private school at home, there was no way Art and Josie could afford to send her to one. No, she would experience the fullness of American life by attending the public school. Cassandra trudged after her, a frown tipping the corners of her mouth down.

“Must I go to school?”

Josie laughed. “Yes, miss. I know your folks would think your education is critical. Parents are funny that way.”

“I don’t know they’ll like me learning American history.”

“Sorry but that’s your option here. Guess you’ll be ahead of your classmates in that area when you go home.”

Cassandra tucked her small, gloved hand in Josie’s. “Thank you for all the effort for me.”

“Happy to. You’re good practice for the day I have children of my own.” Pain squeezed through her, but she shoved it to the side. “Besides, it will be good for you to meet some children. Make some friends while you’re here.”

“But I won’t be here long enough.”

“I hope that’s true. Even if it is, think of it as developing pen pals.”

Cassandra’s grimace made it clear she wasn’t buying that argument. “Maybe.”

“Stiff upper lip and all that.” Cassandra’s surprised look rewarded Josie. “I’m learning a thing or two by listening to you.”

“Right.”

Josie squeezed Cassandra’s hand. “Now let’s get you squared away. You’ll love it.”