Emerald

I will always remember my first job, or at least it was my first job in a few years. And it was taken now out of necessity. I had recently separated from my husband. But what I will always remember, is my friend Emerald.

My life, and my new job at Kerrville Power Company, unlike the upheaval in my life, was pretty standard. My day started with a coffee, a shower, and breakfast with my 6 year old son Dustan, before taking him to school. All this was done, prior to my punching in at 8 am. I worked the customer service line. As for socializing at work, that was just about nonexistent. My coworkers appeared to enjoy lives, which were a normal that I did not experience. My life had been like that up until a few months ago. What happened to change that. Did I miss the warning signs. Apparently I had, since the events that happened, took me completely by surprise. Perhaps they had been there all along, but I was too ignorant to see. Unfortunately, the answers to those questions still eluded me. The answer to my dilemma was now survival.

If I were honest with myself, I would have listened to those who whispered behind my back, all those 8 years ago. What did I know. I was a happy young bride. I had bright hopes for the future. My mother simply sighed and said things like: "I hope you know what you're doing. " I had heard the stories of Brad being the "man about town", or "how the ladies loved him". What did I care. I was in love, and thought I could change him. Now, those voices still whispered behind my back, "about how I should have known better." That was another reason I kept my interactions at work to a minimum. I hated being the girl that everyone felt sorry for. Was my dislike for them, or myself for being in this humiliating place. This was my life now.

One morning a few days later, I saw him. He was in the convertible he came home with, prior to our separation. And he wasn't alone. In the passenger seat next to him, was Debbie from the Curbside Cafe in town. She was one of the waitresses there. As much as I didn't want to notice the looks they gave one another or the way her hand "accidentally" brushed his shoulder the last couple of months we dined there before our separation, I shouldn't have been surprised. Perhaps the signs were there after all. The choice not to see them, had been mine. Now her red hair flew out like a flag of triumph, as they passed me and our son. It was all I could do to distract Dustan from seeing them. As it was, he still had questions to which I had no answer at the ready. What do I tell his earnest little look when he asks me if "Daddy loves us anymore. And where did he go?" Grateful he hadn't seen his father with Debbie, I got Dustan to school as quickly as I could. I didn't want him to see my sadness.

Fortunately though, I was able to pull it together enough to make it through the first couple of hours of work, if you could call that fortunate. It was during my break on my little corner of the patio, that I gave vent to my grief. Why did I have to see what I did, and with our son in the car at that. Did Richard not care about taking that chance. He still lived in the same small town we did after all. Did he at least care, that others might see it. I only cared about that, because I didn't want it getting back to Dustan somehow. I must have sat like I did for a few minutes, before I smelled a light fragrance reminiscent of my grandmother. Where most of my coworkers wore the fragrance du jour of now, this was almost refreshing. I looked up in time, to see a cotton handkerchief with eyelet around the edge. "You look like you need this", came from a voice that sounded slightly musical. "Thank you", I said as I took it. It smelled like lavender like she did. I got a closer look at her. She was dressed in a long skirt and jacket the color of navy, with a lacy blouse up to her neck. Her hat was the color of the rest of her outfit. Her hair was pinned up under her hat, with strawberry blonde tendrils that escaped. Her eyes were bright blue and inquisitive. She wore lace gloves, the white of her handkerchief. She looked like she easily stepped from out of a Victorian painting from my grandmother's living room. She held out her hand. "Emerald", she said Emerald Deveraux". I took her hand. She also had manners. That was also refreshing for this place. "Taylor McCall." I said. I invited her to sit. She appeared to scrutinize my attire as I did hers. "You may want to cover up, "she said to the skirt and short-sleeved blouse that I wore. "The sun is bright out here," she said to my reaction. I was told I had no poker face at all. "It could make you freckle", she said. That was a word I had not heard before, at least as an action word. Maybe she was unaware of sunscreen. That might explain her desire to cover up like she did. I looked at my cell phone, and discovered I had to be back to work. She seemed as captivated by that, as I had with her handkerchief. I held out my hand. "have to get back." I said. "Nice meeting you, and thanks." I held up the article she lent me. She nodded. I figured I better wash it before giving it back to her.

I looked for my new friend at lunch. But I didn't see her. Maybe she went at a different time than I did. I was happy just to have made a friend here. I was at my usual spot at morning break. She returned. Today, she had on a purple blouse to her neck, with a cameo brooch that contrasted well with it. I greeted her, and complimented her on it. "Thank you", she said as she as she touched it. "My ma gave this to me, for becoming a teacher". She was so proud of me too." She stopped, and I could see tears in her eyes, this time. She dabbed at them with one of her handkerchiefs, while she spoke. "If she saw what I do now, it would kill her". Unsure of what to say at first, I took her hand. Granted, working at Kerrville Electric was not my own mother's idea of a dream job for me. And the road to divorce, made the cherry on top of my sad sundae even more pathetic. But she would hardly disown me over any of that. But then again, parents could be tough, according to some stories I had heard. "Look," I said, "You never know. Your mother loves you. I'm sure she will understand. Teaching is tough. My hat goes off to you for wanting to do that anyway". She nodded. "I don't know. Ma has some pretty strong beliefs though" She waved her hand. " I have to leave this time" she said. "See you tomorrow", I called after her. I hoped I would.

I looked for her at the usual time the next day. But she wasn't there. And she wasn't there the following day either. I began to worry. She seemed so upset the day I saw her last. I hoped she was ok. I had an idea when I got home tonight.

Tonight, Dustan had an overnight with his father. I think Brad was mildly surprised that I was actually happy when he came to the door. I kissed Dustan goodbye, and made sure he had his favorite superhero backpack that held pajamas, toothbrush, storybook, and clothes for school tomorrow. With a microwave dinner on the coffee table and my laptop in front of me, I set to work. In the search bar, I typed in Emerald's name. It was borderline stalker, I know. But this may be the closest avenue I had to find out if she was in trouble. Did she have an abusive mate at home. Was there more to her story than she let on. A minute later, her name popped up. What stopped me in my tracks though, was a black and white photo of her with a group of schoolchildren, in front of a one room schoolhouse. She smiled at the camera. It was evident she loved her job. So why had she left teaching anyway. The school she taught at was, the Kerrville Schoolhouse. The photo appeared to be taken circa 1887. I was stunned. Pardon the pun, but was I being "ghosted" by a ghost. I had lots of questions. I picked up her handkerchief from the pile of clean laundry. I could see what looked like her initials on it. ED. I wondered who had stitched it there so carefully. Each letter was a work of art. I hoped I would see her tomorrow.

The next day came and went. She still hadn't shown up. When the following day came and went, I had an idea. At my lunch time I went to the patio, even though I probably wouldn't see her. Something occurred to me I knew next to nothing about the supernatural world, except for the random urban legends like Bloody Mary, and things of that sort as a kid. But any desire to do more, stopped there. Despite being a ghost, Emerald looked and smelled like a live person. There was nothing ghostly or ethereal about her. Maybe our visits were through a time portal of sorts. I had seen this in a movie before. Besides it being make believe, and me not sure what I was doing, it may be a bust anyway. But it was still worth a try.

I sat real still, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I'm not sure if I lost consciousness or not. But I no longer heard the distant sound of coworkers Instead, heard what I thought were horses hooves. And the Kerrville I knew, had not one form of livestock around. I opened my eyes. Instead of the garden center plastic patio chair I was sitting in, I was in a wrought iron chair of ornate design. I stood up, and walked toward the sounds I heard. The air smelled of cooking. I was in a garden of some sort. I continued walking. A two storied white house stood before me. It was clear, I was in another world. Was this where I would find Emerald. Was this her house. I moved closer. Should I knock on the door. The sounds of a piano came from within. I heard the sound of voices talking and laughing. This must be Emerald's family. The front door was open. There was a screen door that stood closed. Beside the young man at the piano, stood a couple of women in various stages of dress or undress. They both had their hair up like Emerald wore, but in a more loose form. One wore a robe over matching peignoir. The other woman wore what resembled old fashioned bloomers with a camisole. I knew I had walked into a time warp of some sort. But was this house the sort of a house I thought it was. It would certainly explain a few things. Where was Emerald. I knocked on the door. The girls at the piano looked up. The taller one sauntered to the door. She looked me up and down before she spoke. "We're full right now", She looked me up and down, standing languidly against the door. It took me a minute to process what she was telling me. I guess this was what I thought it was. I regained my composure and stammered, I. Um.. "I'm looking for Emerald. "Who are you, may I ask?" Her shorter companion said out loud, "Em is taking a nap right now. Who shall I tell her you came by?" "Thanks" , I said. "She knows where to find me." And I left.

That night I went back to my computer. I needed more answers. I looked up the geographical area around my job site. I know the building was about 10 years old. I remember around the time it was built. But what was there before that, I couldn't say. I worked here, but lived in the next town over, as did a few of my coworkers. I typed the address and surrounding addresses in the space bar. The information that came up, told me some things. And there it was, the same white house I had been to earlier today. I read on. Apparently, this area had been part of a red light district, between the years of 1800 and 1935. The house in the picture had been one of the better known and frequented "houses". Many of the clientele included prominent men in the town, including businessmen, and politicians to name a few. When a deadly flu epidemic hit the town in 1890, the house had been turned into a temporary hospital. The house closed around 1935, due to pressure by the local women's league, and local churches. On top of that, the Depression affected patronage in general. The house eventually became abandoned, and remains so even to this day. I closed my computer. A lot of things made sense to me now.

The next day, I was not on the patio for long, before Emerald appeared. She was not her usual calm self. In fact. her eyes had a wild look about them. "I know you were there yesterday. How on earth did you ever find me. I thought I was the only one who knew the secret here. You could have gotten me into so much trouble. Virginia and Samantha told me a strangely dressed woman came to see me yesterday. They both had questions, I had to make something up to tell them. Had I told them the real story, Sam would have used that to have me committed to the state lunatic asylum in a heartbeat. She wants to get rid of me as it is. And I need the job. I've thought about it. And there is no way I can return home. And now that you know my situation, you understand. I invited her to sit down. I had to hear this. If I were late back to work today, they would have to get over it. Made up "female trouble" should do the trick. She folded her hands, took a breath, and began. I'm from a very small farming town in Minnesota. You've probably not heard of it. We had a farm, that my pa and my brothers worked. My ma was the local midwife. And I helped her when I was old enough. Besides helping women fold have their babies, she did some doctoring here and there. A lot of people couldn't afford the doctor in town, or didn't want to go all that way to be treated for things. They knew Ma was good, and not a gossip. She could carry a secret to the grave, it was told. I loved helping her. But I knew her work was not for me. I wanted to get out of that town, and see things in other places. So I did real good in school, and took the teacher's exam. My Ma and Pa were so proud of me when I passed, and got my teaching position here. With money they saved up, Ma had some clothes made up for me in town, and stitched some handkerchiefs special for me. And she gave me the cameo. I was so happy, and loved my children. Then one day. the district superintendent of our district, came through to see how the school was doing. His name was Miles Brandon. Well, he was so handsome and charming, and wanted to know more about the school. He invited me to supper that night. He was so easy to talk to. It was like we knew each other forever. And as I hadn't been sweet on anyone before, this left me with a feeling I never had before. He came and took me to supper every two weeks or so. I knew he lived a couple of towns over. I knew he must have those feelings too. I wouldn't have been surprised if a marriage proposal were just around the corner. Was I in for a surprise, and a bad one at that. I found out he was married. One of the mothers of my students told me. Before I had the chance to confront Miles, I was called before the school board. They discharged me from my position, without being willing to hear my side. I know it was because Miles's wife herself was on the board. Celia Clarke Brandon came from money. Her family owned the largest bank in the state. And she was going to make me pay for her husband's wandering eye. I was unable to get another teaching position at all. My reputation as an "adulteress proceeded me. Mrs. Clarke Brandon saw to that. At least in a fancy house, they don't care if you have a "past" . I liked to think Miles loved me. But l didn't need to have things spelled out for me. What man would walk away from all of that money, for a schoolteacher who only has the salary she draws on, to call her own. I learned at my ma's knee that life is seldom fair. And the unfair thing is, that my accusers didn't care that I was brought up right. I would never lay with a man without his ring on my finger. And I certainly would not dally with another woman's husband had I known he was married." She drew a breath and sat back. "Now you know my story", she said. I thought for a moment. Was this going to be the only story for her. I had the advantage of living in the future, along with the tools at my disposal, for finding out the past. I hugged her. "See me in a couple of days time." Maybe I can find out some things. "

That night, I had my laptop in in bed with me again. Dustan lay beside me. Since the split, he had times that he preferred to sleep with me. He told me he had bad dreams sometimes. I was typing, while he asked me, "what are you typing mommy?" "Mmm, I'm trying to find something to help a friend." He yawned and asked," like I helped my friend Stephen find his ball today outside?" I thought for a minute, and ruffled his curls. "Yeah. It is something like that." Where to go from here. I thought for a minute, and went back to the house in Kerrville. I reread the article about it. Influenza, in 1890. I looked up more. By now, Dustan's breathing had become a light snore. My hand continued to stroke his hair every so often. Then I found it. The person responsible for turning the house into the temporary hospital, was Emerald herself. Why hadn't she told me this. Or did she even know. This led me to believe more and more, there may be a portal. If she were a spirit, she would have known the life she had here. I read more.

I did read more. My friend not only made the house available for overflow influenza patients. But she also took an active role in their care. By the accounts that I saw, the town physician Dr. Lev Goldstein depended on her for the efficient way this makeshift hospital was run. She even trained a few women of the town to assist with the nursing that went on. Of the patients who survived the epidemic, many loved her for her calm demeanor and gentle touch. At the close of the epidemic, she and Dr. Goldstein were married in 1891. I saw the wedding portrait. Her looked every inch, the happy bride. Her wedding gown was high to the neck, with what looked like the brooch her mother gave her. Her calm and delicate demeanor, was the perfect foil for the tall, dark, passionate young doctor at her side. I hoped marriage would at least treat her better than it had done me. Obviously, her past did not appear to be an issue for him. As I closed my computer, I was overjoyed to know there would be happier times to her story.

I tried to sleep, but I couldn't. I wrestled with my own internal dialogue most of the night. I wanted to tell her, she would not be working as a pro for the rest of her life, and she would find love. But doing it without being a complete spoiler alert, would be the challenge for me. As I fell asleep close to the time it would be to get up, an idea came to me.

I could not wait for my break the next morning. If you were to ask me the conversation with my last customer, I couldn't tell you. I told her I would have an answer for her in a couple of days time. Still, I hoped she would show today. It wasn't long before I smelled the familiar lavender scent. She took both of my hands in hers. "I had to see you my friend. I realize you may not know anything yet. But it's all right." I squeezed her hands. "But I do. " Now it was time. At her expectant look, I dove right in. " It will be good for you eventually," I said. I drew my breath. "But I have to warn you. There will be a bad influenza epidemic in this town in about three years. But you will be fine. "You mean a plague," she asked. I nodded. "Yes. But all you need to know is this. Remember everything you learned from helping your mother. Your present house where you live, will make a great hospital. Follow your instincts. And good things will come to you." There. I hoped I had told her enough to encourage her to the path she should go. I know she wanted to hear more. But I couldn't ruin the excitement of the good things to come. As we parted, I hugged her and knew we would have other opportunities to visit. I even hoped I would receive an invitation to the wedding when that took place