Out of the Ashes I: Surviving the Storm

chapter 4

After picking up my stationary from the store, Mrs. Berkovich decided to walk me home.

"So ,Juliana, who was that boy you where talking to at the cafe?" Mrs. B wasted no time asking, after we left the store. Uh-oh... it's not that we were ashamed of each other, it's just we're young and we don't think our parents would like us together so young. And not to mention our communicating is sort of against the law, hence the wall. I don't even know how he made it to the cafe, but I'm sure it required breaking several laws too.

"Umm, I'm not sure I know what you're talking about Mrs. B." I replied hoping like crazy she'd drop it... she didn't... of course.

  "I was not born yesterday, my dear child. You were with someone at the diner, then saw me coming and shooed him away. I'm a mother too, remember." Double uh- oh. I stopped walking.

  "Mrs. Berkovich, please do not tell my mother, or father. He lives in the house behind mine. We've found  away to communicate, despite the wall. Through the letters we've sent, we've gotten to know each other, and well, fallen in love." I looked Mrs. Berkovich in the eyes pleading her to understand, and keep my secret.

  "Juliana, why are you keeping him a secret, it's obvious you have a strong attraction to him. Your mother will be hurt that you didn't tell her."

She said, standing up from the bench we'd been resting on. "I'll tell you what dear. You tell her when we get there, and I'll stay, and help you, okay? I'll make sure she understands." Did I even have another choice? If I didn't tell her, Mrs. B would. Either way I was betting momma would be upset.

  Sighing I stood up, and started walking towards my house. We were only about 2 blocks away when Mrs. Berkovich slowed our pace.

  "Juliana why don't you want your parents to know?" Sighing I knew it was time  to spill the beans.

  "He's only half Jewish. Even though he's taken his vows and such, I'm afraid they won't approve, Pappa especially." I said. Out of the corner of my eye I gauged her reaction. She looked a bit upset, but quickly smiled.

  "Dear if that's all, then you will be fine. You really care for each other then it doesn't matter."

  I felt a little better, now that Mrs. B would help if my parents needed convincing. We walked up the walk to my house and the door flew open revealing a worried looking mamma... crud.

  "Juliana!! We're where you! I was so worried about you. Don't EVER do that to me again. I was worried sick. Promise me, child, that won't ever do that again! Promise me!" Momma said grabbing my arms and shaking me slightly.

  " Momma calm down, I'm fine. Most of the time I was gone I was with Mrs. B." I said  looking at Mrs. B for back up.

  "Yes Miriam, most of the she was with me. We took our time walking here, so my old bones could keep up." Mrs. B said, then she cleared her throat, "Isn't there something you wanted to tell your mother, dear?"

  Nervously I spoke " Momma, can Mrs. Berkovich stay for tea? I have something  to tell you. Well show you too." Mom's, although confused, obliged and took Mrs. B to the kitchen while I ran upstairs.

  About five minutes later, I into the kitchen where momma was pouring  the tea. I sat the tin box on the table, and opened the lid, where my letters from Isaac were.

"Mother, I-"

"I know." My mother said with a knowing smirk.

"What I have- wait what did you say?" I asked.

"I know all about your letters."