Cinderella Dialectical Journal

Early the next morning, the Nell and Emma sailed to Harker’s Island to deliver engine parts for the hardware store. Since the recent spring rains made the roads impassable, they used the spritsail to get to the island that was located fifteen miles east of Beaufort by land. On the return trip, Nell dodged the sailboats and engine-powered watercraft that filled the Back Sound. Over the long winter months, Nell looked toward shore for warmth when she oystered in the bitter north wind with her daddy. But earlier that week, the wind has shifted to the south and now she inhaled the delicate balminess that traveled from the Caribbean. As they approached the inlet, Nell became restless when Beaufort came into view. She turned to her friend and said,

All you’ve ever known is Asa,” said Emma. “The Bible says that when you look at someone with lust you’ve already committed adultery in your heart.” “Yes, well, I think you’re safe from condemnation. I’m not so sure the men who wrote the bible always had the welfare of women in mind. Like when it says “Wives, submit yourself to your husband at you do to the Lord.’ ” Emma sniffed. “I don’ think so.” Nell jerked her head away from the water to stare at her friend. Aghast that Emma could be so casual about eternal damnation, Nell cried, “Emma – you’re being sacrilegious,” Although Emma’s Mama Beatrice insisted the family attend every Sunday, Nell knew that Emma had turned her heart away from the church after Harrison died. Emma sighed. “You’re being silly about Jake. There are bigger things to worry about.” Nell felt her throat go dry as she fought tears. “Oh, Nell, I’m sorry,” Emma said. She reached over and squeezed her friend’s hand. “Look, once you’ve nursed a child with a fever through the night, you get an idea about what’s important in this life. So you poured your heart out to him and he comforted you. Now you know you can’t do it

The family owned a telephone, a large wireless radio, and a record phonograph that connected her mother to the world, but they had parted with many valuables in recent years to pay for her mother’s doctors’ bills. Feeling like the cat’s meow, Nell crossed the room to her mother, who was in her wheelchair listening to the wireless. Her mother put her hand to her throat when she saw her daughter. “Oh, Nell how lovely you look. You look like you just stepped out of Vogue magazine.” Beaming at her, Nell asked, “How are you getting on, Mama?” “I was a little stiff today, but Sweet Bessie was a help.” Alice Guthrie began life as an active girl and woman with a strong love for music. After her second child was born, the doctors diagnosed her with chronic infectious arthritis. She continued to teach piano to children for several years, but when her only son died and was buried on foreign soil, her limbs curled up and she lost her ability to walk. As Nell settled the cloche on top of her hair, she said, “I forgot to tell you. The Inlet Inn hired The Bees Knees to play tomorrow. They had a cancellation and they called Winston.