The Distance Between Us

Chapter 1

It was one of those evenings when you just couldn't stay inside. It was early October, the leaves were just beginning to change colors and there was a lovely breeze blowing. Evelyn had always had a love for these evenings.
It was nineteen twenty-six, jazz music was filling the streets in New Orleans. She was sixteen years old and she loved to walk down the streets near her home. There were many beautiful things to see in her neighborhood, from beautiful homes to hundred year old magnolia trees. She loved the feeling of the cooling fall air in her wavy brown locks. She was nearing downtown when she heard the lively sound of a saxophone playing nearby. She followed the sound, mesmerized by its music. She found the source on the corner by where Thomas Levitt shined shoes for a nickel a pair.

"You play beautifully." She said softly.

"Thank you ma'am." The young musician replied.

"I'm Evelyn Jacobs, its lovely to make your acquaintance." She said, holding her hand out.

The young musican took her hand and shook it, a bit surprised by her gesture.

"Alexander Williams, it's a pleasure to meet you." He said with a smile.

Evelyn took the young man in. He appeared to be around her age. His blonde hair that hung at just above his bright blue eyes, he was fairly tall and quite skinny. His clothes were a bit dirty and plain, but they weren't in disrepair. She was very fascinated by him. She reached into a small pouch in her dress pocket pulled out a dollar coin and placed it in his case which had around fifteen cents in it.

"Would you like to come to my house for supper? My mother is a wonderful cook, but she always makes a bit too much food. I'm quite sure we would have a place for you if you'd come." She says with a smile.

"Oh, that's very kind, but I don't want to impose." He said, moved by this strange girls proposal.

"It's alright, really. Although I'm not going to press the matter, it's your choice." She said, it was apparent in her voice though that she was indeed going to press the matter.

Alexander thought for a moment and then answered, "As long as you are sure that it's okay."

Evelyn smiled and insisted that it was okay.

"Do you need any help carrying your things?" She said with a smile.

"Oh, no ma'am. I've got it, really." He was surprised by her notion. Most women would never talk to him, let alone invite him to supper and offer to help carry his things. She was unlike anyone he had ever met.

She frowned slightly, "Oh, alright. Well, follow me I suppose."

He looked at her, so very fascinated.

"Miss Evelyn," He called after her.

"Yes, Mr. Williams?"

"Could you carry my music? I would very much appreciate it."

She nodded and smiled, "Yes, of course."

He handed her his music and gathered the coins from the case and placed them in a pouch. He put his saxophone away and picked up his case.

"Lead the way, ma'am." He said with a small smile.

She smiled and began slowly walking towards her home, "Tell me about yourself, Mr. Williams."

He walked alongside her, unsure of where to begin.

"Well, I ain't quite sure where to start. My mother passed away when I was only four years old, leaving my dad to take care of my sister and I. I've lived in Ms. Evers' house in the French Quarter since then. She's taught me everything I know. She's like a mother to me y'know."

Evelyn slowed her pace a bit.

"You're from the French Quarter? Mother and Father have always told me that it's dangerous and not to get too close to that part of town."

He thought for a moment before replying.

"It isn't a good place to live, but at least I have a home. Ms. Evers is good to us. She gave me my saxophone. It was Mr. Evers. God rest his soul." Alexander paused for a moment. "Music is what has been my escape all these years."

"I've never learned to play. It's lovely though, my mother plays piano. She's never had time to teach me, she's a nurse. There are clouds to watch and flowers to pick instead."

Alexander looked over at her as they walked, completely fascinated by this strange and beautiful girl. Her hair was the color of darkening autumn leaves, the slight curl to it caused it to bounce as she walked and her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of blue that resembled the color of the sky. She was not anywhere near as skinny as himself, but she had beautiful curves. She was so different from every other girl in New Orleans, she commanded respect with every step and he had never had a greater desire to be near someone.

Evelyn blushed softly, "What are you looking at, Mr. Williams?" She said in an embarrassed tone.

"Oh, I apologize ma'am. I've just never met a girl like yourself."

"Well I sure hope that's a good thing." She said, stopping in front of a fair sized house. "Here we are."

He took it all in, the house was a crisp white with navy blue trim, it was one story, but it was rather large. A white pickett fence with slight discoloration created a border around the home and yard, which was filled with beautiful and colorful flowers. There was a large open field next to the home that was filled with daisies and dandilions.

"Well are you gonna stand out here all day or are you coming?" Evelyn called out with a soft giggle.

"Oh, I apologize. I'm coming." Alexander pushed opened the gate and walked up the short pathway to the home. He began climblimg the steps of the small screened in porch, which consisted of a large wooden swing and ornate wooden railing around the outer edges.

Evelyn smiled and held the screen door of the porch opened for Alexander and stepped inside. The smell of roast chicken and potatoes filled the air. Alexander set his things on the bench next to the door and Evelyn took his hat and coat, placing them on a beautiful oak coat rack.

"Mother, I'm home." She called out, heading towards the kitchen.