***Disclaimers***
Even though I have used names and map locations of actual American cities, the rest of the details, including descriptions of cities and other locations, in these stories are 100% fictional.
This first part of the first story is heavy on introduction and setting the stage for future parts and stories. Therefore moves a little slow. Future parts and stories will move much faster. So stayed tuned! Thanks!
Story 1: Moving to Philadelphia, Part 1
The day she was born
, Rebecca was left at Minneapolis City Hospital. That same day, Doris, a devout church lady from Ellendale was there volunteering with The Lord's Ladies, her church group. Doris decided meeting Rebecca was a sign from God. HE wanted Doris to take Rebecca home.
It was Rebecca's 18th Birthday
and Doris could not think of a better way to celebrate than attending church. Rebecca overheard Doris talking to Betty.
"She is going to Ellendale Bible College in September," Doris whispered proudly.
"You want her stuck in this small town?" Betty asked.
"What's wrong with Ellendale Bible College," Doris asked, surprised by her friend's objection.
"She's a young woman ready to explore the world," Betty explained. "She can't do
that
, stuck here. Don't you remember when
we
were her age?"
"Hmm," Doris said, recalling herself as a young woman, exploring the world, before settling in Ellendale. "I didn't think about it like that. But where can I send her? She's never been out of Ellendale before."
"I have a nephew, Jacob," Betty suggested. "He's a teacher in Philadelphia."
"Philadelphia is huge! Much too big." Doris exclaimed.
"He teaches at a Christian School in a suburb of Philadelphia," Betty replied.
Doris thought for a minute then said, "I guess that would be okay. At least she'll have a nice Christian man to start her out right."
Rebecca felt a rush of excitement. She hadn't wanted to stay in Ellendale, but didn't have money or a job. She had decided to come up with a plan once she finished high school, but this was an unexpected gift.
The last Monday in August
, Rebecca stood in front of the full-length mirror at the entrance of Doris' tiny house. She had tied her black hair back into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Doris did not let her wear makeup. Luckily, she was attractive enough without it. Her face was clear with soft white porcelain skin; big grey-blue eyes; and pink slightly plump lips.
"You look great!" Doris chirped excitedly.
As it was such a scorching hot day, Rebecca had decided wear one of her summer dresses Doris had made her. It was a simple cotton one-piece with a once-bright floral pattern that had faded into shades of grey. The elastic waist had also completely stretched out so the dress hung in a straight line to her knees. The dress made her body look shapeless, not one distinguishable feminine features visible. But it would be comfortable for the long drive ahead. Plus, Rebecca planned to update her wardrobe as soon as she could once she reached Philadelphia.
Rebecca heard a car pull up. She grabbed her homemade Hobo Bag purse slinging over her shoulder. She then picked up the flowered suitcase Doris had given her as a parting gift. It had noticeable wear and looked like it was from the 1960s. However, it was one of the few material things Doris had ever given her. Doris believed materialism corrupted the soul. Therefore, most of Rebecca's clothes were homemade and she had few material possessions to her name. Rebecca, herself, did not share Doris' opinion and she was looking forward experiencing some materialism.
Rebecca opened the front door to see a slightly beat up red compact car parked at the end of Doris' front walk. A man in his mid-40s jumped out of the driver's side and walked around the car then up the walk towards Rebecca. He had short brown hair and wore a white golf shirt, freshly pressed, and a pair of beige khaki shorts, secured with a belt under a slight tummy roll. His arms and legs were moderately fit and tanned. He had a warm smile that made his brown eyes twinkle. Rebecca was surprised to find him somewhat handsome, a guy-next-door type.
"Hi, I'm Jacob, but my friends call me Jake," he smiled warmly as he extended his hand for a friendly handshake. Rebecca felt herself blushing.
"May I?" he asked as he took the suitcase out of her hand. Then he walked to the passenger side and opened the door for her.
"Thank you," Rebecca said shyly as she sat on the seat. Once she was seated, Jake shut her door then walked around to throw her suitcase in the trunk before getting in the driver seat.
"Say goodbye to your small town life, Rebecca," he said as he buckled up and started the car.
Rebecca turned to see Doris standing at the window waving her off. Rebecca waved back as they pulled away.
As they drove out town, Jake turned to her and said, "I got you a job in the school cafeteria where I work. They are always looking for people and you don't need any experience."
"Does it cover the rent? I don't have any money." Rebecca asked, stiffly. According to Doris, God will provide her with what she needs and will show her the way. Which turned out to mean, Doris wasn't giving her any money.
"I'm not going to lie," Jake replied. "The pay is minimum wage, but I have an extra room so you don't need to pay rent. We'll work out the rest later."
"Thank you, " Rebecca replied. Her attention shifted to the scenery as they pulled out of town. She was mesmerized by the rolling hills and pastures.
"You look like you've never left Ellendale." Jake commented.
"I haven't," Rebecca replied. "Doris doesn't drive so the only way she leaves town is when her ladies' church group goes to Minneapolis to do charity work."
"You don't go with her?" Jake asked.
"No, church stuff bores me," Rebecca replied.
"I see," Jake chuckled. "And Doris was okay letting you stay home alone?"
"When I was young, I stayed with people from church," explained Rebecca.
"And when you were older?" Jake inquired.
"I could stay by myself," Rebecca answered, rigidly.
"No parties?" Jake teased.
"No," Rebecca replied. "All the people I knew were from church and they didn't party."
"Friends?" Jake asked.