The Great Grapes of Gatsby

Prairie Dogs

Author's Note: Hey everyone :) for your (and my) convenience I will be pretending that whole barn thing at the end of GOW did not happen because it does not serve this story line and it's very gross to me. We're just going to pretend the Joads found them and helped them out somehow. I named the dad Russell and the little boy Andrew. Thanks!!

"But Pa! We don't want to leave you!" Rosasharn sobbed.

"I understand that, sweetheart," Pa Joad replied gently. "But it's for the best. We'll miss y'all everyday."

"She's right," Ma Joad chimed in. "Maybe there's some other way we can make it out East. We've been making it work for the past year. We can keep on making it work."

"No, honey," Pa said softly, wiping away her tears. "You've done so much for this family. Now, I have to do this for y'all."

"We'll write to y'all as much as we can," Uncle John added. "And keep sending y'all money monthly. Just take care of yourselves, alright?"

"Ok, Uncle John," Rosasharn cried, giving him a big hug. "We'll do our very best."

"And please," Russell began softly, "take care of Andrew. Let him know his papa is thinking about him everyday."

"Of course, Russell," Ma reassured him. "Don't you worry 'bout a thing."

The train whistled loudly as the engines began to whir.

"I guess that means y'all better get going," Pa said, fighting back tears.

"We love you, Pa!" Ruthie and Winfield chirped in unison.

"I'll miss you, Papa," Andrew cried quietly.

"Stay strong, my boy," Russell responded, hugging him tightly.

"I love you all," Pa exclaimed.

Ma kissed him goodbye, loaded everyone on the train, and cried silently as she watched Pa, John, and Russell get smaller and smaller until she lost them in the fast-moving landscape.

"Hey Rosie," Ma called. "Could you come over here, please?"

"Of course, Ma. Is something wrong?" Rosasharn replied softly.

"Well, I just need a favor from you is all."

"Of course, Ma. What do you need?"

"Well, I'm of course gonna need you to look after the little ones while we figure out our accommodations." 

"Sure! But didn't Pa work out a deal with his friend to get us that apartment for a little while?"

"Yes, sweetie," Ma began. "But that's only for a month or two. We're gonna need a more...permanent living situation eventually. And that's where I need your help."

"What is it, Ma? Do you need me to ask around or something like that?"

"Well," Ma said nervously, "I know you're still probably heartbroken about Connie and the baby and all that, but I think it would be really nice if you found a fella out East. Ya know, a well-to-do fella that could help us out a bit." Rosasharn stared out the window silently. "Well, I understand that's a huge thing to ask and I-"

"No, Ma," Rosasharn sighed. "I understand. But do you really think I would be able to find someone? I hear New York is a lot different from home. A lot flashier too. And I clearly don't look the part right now," she explained, pointing to her dusty dress.

"Well we can worry about all that later," Ma replied, holding her hand. "Also, I'm not asking you to marry prince, although that would be nice," Ma laughed. "Just someone well-off enough to make sure we stay on our feet."

"I don't know how I'll do it, but yes, Ma. I'll do all I can."

"Thank you so much, sweetheart," Ma said, squeezing her hand. "I love you so so so much."

"I love you too, Ma."

The rest of the journey was filled with rolling hills, train whistles, and daydreams. How am I supposed to find a suitable suitor, Rosasharn thought. Hopefully the Big City isn't too big for this small town girl.