Willowbrook Saga: Through the Generations

By Shannon Muir

The personal mysteries of four women over multiple generations converge until working together to reveal their individual hidden truths collectively brings a twisted town to its knees in this alternate history crime story. This book collects the two prequels, along with the first two books in THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA, released as individual books into a single e-book exclusive set.

The disappearance of a lawyer in the 1940s plants the seed to expose the town's secrets through the generations to expose a town where dubious consent has become a cultural norm not everyone agrees with. Everything comes to a head in the 1990s when a genealogy essay assigned by English teacher Esther Rawlins starts to unravel hidden mysteries and turns some of her students into sleuths seeking to learn what happened to a teenage girl who also went missing in the 1940s.

Willowbrook, Washington, existed as a small community in the Inland Northwest influenced by the arrival of outsiders looking to live a different lifestyle, and constructed an economy taking advantage of women while allowing them to hide in plain sight. The disappearance of a lawyer in the 1940s plants the seed to ultimately expose the town's secrets through the generations. Everything starts to unravel in the 1990s when a genealogy essay assigned by their English teacher Esther Rawlins starts to crack open hidden mysteries and turns some of her students into amateur sleuths of a sort, seeking to learn what happened to the teenage girl who also went missing in the 1940s, and setting events in motion to change the destiny of the town into modern day, and possibly forever in this rural, small town, twisted coming of age saga. In addition to bringing BY THE WILLOW BROOK, BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK, EVERYTHING CHANGES, and DOWN TO THE ROOTS into a single book, plus several Willowbrook short stories only previously available in e-book anthologies - "Blurring Lines," "Built to Be," "Call to Family, "Enough is Enough," "New Beginnings," and "The Lazy D".

Although this is billed as a contemporary alternative history crime tale, the theme is about human trafficking and exploitation, which is all too real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon Muir
• Release date: Dec 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310712999

Shannon Muir

SHANNON MUIR's short stories include suspense and mystery elements such as those found in her first full-length story from Pro Se Press, CHARLES BOECKMAN PRESENTS DOC AND SALLY IN "THE DEATH OF BUDDY TURNER". Additionally, she's written short stories for Pro Se Press such as “Tragic Like a Torch Song” in THE DAME DID IT from Pro Se Press, "Pretty as a Picture" in the anthology NEWSHOUNDS, “Tropical Terror” in CRIME DOWN ISLAND and “Hidden History” in EXPLORER PULP. She’s also written the Single Shot New Pulp tale “Ghost of the Airwaves,” a short story offered in electronic format only from Pro Se Press.From her personal self-published projects, her best known titles in this area include the rural crime series THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA.In other genres, Shannon's published short stories include “Meeting the Monster” in the Emby Press anthology SUPERHERO MONSTER HUNTER: THE GOOD FIGHT and "Cover Story" in ARIA KALSAN: MYSTERIES OF THE FUTURE.Shannon holds a BA in Radio-TV and English from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, which she considers to be her hometown. She also holds an MA in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, along with additional education in screenwriting, project management, library technician studies, and most recently a certificate earned with distinction in General Business with Emphasis in Marketing from UCLA Extension. Currently, she is working on a Masters of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University.She is married to FLYING GLORY AND THE HOUNDS OF GLORY collaborator and fellow author Kevin Paul Shaw Broden. They live in California in the United States.She is a member of Sisters in Crime (national, Guppies, and Los Angeles, where she also served on the Los Angeles board for a two terms beginning in 2018), as well as the Toastmasters4Writers Chapter of Toastmasters International (where she serves as chapter Secretary), Women in Animation, and a Professional member of ASIFA-Hollywood.

Book preview

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COPYRIGHT

THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA COLLECTION, BOOK 1

WILLOWBROOK SAGA: THROUGH THE GENERATIONS:

THE PREQUELS THROUGH BOOK 2 OF THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA

By Shannon Muir

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015 Shannon Muir.

First Smashwords publication December 2015.

Originally released as:

BY THE WILLOW BROOK – Copyright 2014 Shannon Muir.

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - Copyright 2015 Shannon Muir.

EVERYTHING CHANGES – Copyright 2012 Shannon Muir.

DOWN TO THE ROOTS – Copyright 2012 Shannon Muir.

Short stories originally appeared in these anthologies:

SEARCH FOR A WOMAN –Copyright 2011 Shannon Muir.

AT THE END OF INNOCENCE'S ROAD –Copyright 2011 Shannon Muir.

LIVES REFLECTED – Copyright 2014 Shannon Muir.

This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be given away or resold to others. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy from Smashwords or a vendor partner. If you want to share this work with others please purchase a copy for each person. Thank you for respecting the hard work of artists and creators.

Cover art by Kevin Paul Shaw Broden.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COPYRIGHT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – AUTHOR'S NOTE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - DEDICATION

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - AUTHOR’S NOTE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - PROLOGUE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER ONE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TWO

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER THREE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FOUR

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FIVE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK -CHAPTER SIX

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER SEVEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER EIGHT

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER NINE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER ELEVEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TWELVE

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FOURTEEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FIFTEEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER SIXTEEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - EPILOGUE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - DEDICATION

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - AUTHOR’S NOTE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - PROLOGUE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER ONE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TWO

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER THREE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FOUR

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FIVE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER SIX

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER SEVEN

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER EIGHT

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER NINE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TEN

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER ELEVEN

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TWELVE

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

BEYOND THE WILLOW BROOK - EPILOGUE

EVERYTHING CHANGES

EVERYTHING CHANGES - DEDICATION

EVERYTHING CHANGES - AUTHOR'S NOTE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - PROLOGUE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER ONE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER TWO

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER THREE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER FOUR

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER FIVE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER SIX

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER SEVEN

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER EIGHT

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER NINE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER TEN

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER ELEVEN

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER TWELVE

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER FOURTEEN

EVERYTHING CHANGES - CHAPTER FIFTEEN

EVERYTHING CHANGES - EPILOGUE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - DEDICATION

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - AUTHOR’S NOTE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - PROLOGUE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER ONE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER TWO

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER THREE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER FOUR

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER FIVE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER SIX

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER SEVEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER EIGHT

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER NINE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER TEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER ELEVEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER TWELVE

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER FIFTEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER SIXTEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER NINETEEN

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - CHAPTER TWENTY

DOWN TO THE ROOTS - EPILOGUE

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – AUTHOR'S NOTE

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – BLURRING LINES

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – BUILT TO BE

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – CALL TO FAMILY

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – NEW BEGINNINGS

SHORT STORIES THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – THE LAZY D

ALSO BY SHANNON MUIR THE PHOENIX COLLECTION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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THROUGH THE GENERATIONS – AUTHOR'S NOTE

THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA began as a single story I wrote in high school, a teen pregnancy issue novel of the 1980s called A ONCE SIMPLE WINTER. Years later, shaped fortunately less by personal experience but more by a better understanding of the world, I revisited the characters as part of a series of National Novel Writing Month projects. In so doing, I discovered the world beneath to be darker than I'd originally imagined, coupled with the fact certain matters only hinted at are now widely discussed. Each time I thought I kept raising the bar, news stories would come out of things more fantastical than my fiction. The deeper I dug, the stronger the issues I felt needed to be addressed. Lighthearted love triangles suddenly were for much greater stakes. In the end, I chose to follow the story where it wished to go, even though I could not envision the road ahead, and clearly the result was an alternate history that somewhat resembles our timeline but with some very drastic differences.

This collection brings together Book 1 and 2 of the main saga, plus two prequels I wrote later as I gained a better understanding of the story's path. They are presented here in the chronological order they should be read, not in the order of release. Other than edits to fix spelling, grammar, or formatting, few other alterations have occurred to the text, though as I read in chronological order I found a couple to be required for clarity and made them. Also included are a handful of short stories that I released in other collections that take place in Willowbrook, and before each story an explanation will appear of where it fits in the timeframe and any interesting insight I would like to share. Several of them actually appeared in advance of EVERYTHING CHANGES, and were based on events I knew from my background notes took place. I expanded on them to better understand characters before the release of Book 1.

I don't regret getting into where these stories have gone. Ultimately there's a bigger theme of women and personal rights and identity, the crimes that can be committed towards them, and how cultures can shape that. This first collection sets up the timeline of the main women who will be followed throughout the entire saga. These women are Mona Williams, Esther Rawlins, Cherie Daniels, Angie Harrison, and hints at one more who will be met in the next collection along with Lisa Allen, who first appears in Book 3, FILL THE INNER CIRCLE.

Originally envisioned as loosely based on the area where I grew up, as the geography and world grew I had to alter that stance a little. If you're trying to place where Willowbrook, Washington, fits in now, imagine if you will that the portion of Spokane County below the Turnbull Wildlife Refuge became more populated and history took a slightly different turn. That said, I'm personally very happy with and proud of the area I was able to call my home for so long.

My hope is that THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA can, in some way, help people think about female self-identity and exploitation, and the fine line between the two. For me, it has been an incredible learning experience.

Shannon Muir

Glendale, CA

December, 2015

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BY THE WILLOW BROOK - DEDICATION

To those who survive setbacks and hardship of all types. We endure.

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BY THE WILLOW BROOK - AUTHOR’S NOTE

Having a year pass between WILLOWBROOK SAGA books wasn't in the original plan. However, as I worked hard on editing the first draft of Book 4 – which I wrote for National Novel Writing Month years earlier – I began to discover that changes brought about by the earlier parts of the saga would mean some heavy rewrites. As those rewrites unfolded, I started to see that more and more of a certain character's backstory needed to be told in order for where Book 4 was going to make sense. However, she wasn't the lead character and I didn't want her to dominate the book.

Also, as real life events unfolded around me such as more and more news stories unfolding of women who endured situations I until that point only believed to be fiction, I realized that perhaps the series as a whole might be taking too long to reach some of its points. The strongest of these involve the treatment and exploitation of women. At the same time, certain books with themes such as bondage entered the popular eye. I wrestled with how to keep my theme and mission in focus without being perceived as just another one of a different genre of book.

The goal of the series always lay in how my two young leads grew up and got involved in breaking the cycle. However, the impression can easily be made that Willowbrook only recently succumbed to these issues and that no one ever successfully broke away in the past. Neither of these points proves true. This prequel attempts to address them.

If you haven't started the series yet, I actually recommend you start with this book to experience WILLOWBROOK SAGA in a chronological order of the town and its evolution. There are also little references to the lead character of this story in the other books that will seem richer to you the first time you read them. However, the WILLOWBROOK SAGA will still be readable for those who start at Book 1 and go forward; this prequel saves me bogging those books down with the lead character's full tale but making it available for those who might want to know.

A last note: though this series has elements about the use and exploitation of women, contrasting with how the women think about their situations, I usually just allude to things and avoid being terribly explicit because that's not the story I want to tell. However, there is a section late in the book that has previously been alluded to in dialogue from someone else's viewpoint. The setup and execution of that same sequence from the lead character's viewpoint requires me to describe a bit more than I otherwise might as I need to get into her mind about the same situation. Again, as I mentioned earlier, my first goal is not to write books primarily of that nature and I apologize in advance for anyone who may be disturbed by it, but please know it disturbs me too. Maybe that's the point.

I hope this book enhances your understanding and enjoyment of THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA.

Shannon Muir

Glendale, California

February 2014

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BY THE WILLOW BROOK - PROLOGUE

In the pioneer era of the Pacific and Inland Northwest, a small band of people came looking for a new life. There were certain ways they wanted to live that didn't quite sit well with the folks back home. So together they traveled, looking for a new place to fit in.

One night in Eastern Washington, they made camp near one of the local bodies of water, where willows grew in abundance. In the distance, lights could be seen at a nearby farmhouse.

The traveling group's wagons formed around a campfire. While many slept, the most influential of the group huddled and chatted over recent events.

That family over yonder at that farmhouse thinks you're a miracle worker, Rufus Pryor, the animal doctor, told self-proclaimed doctor Grover Wallingford. Saving the troublesome births of both the woman of the house and their maid. Interesting they were giving birth at the same time though. And the maid didn't seem to be wed.

The doctor slapped his animal treating counterpart across the backside.

You tell me you aren't seeing the obvious? That family's some of our kind of folks. The man of the house enjoys his wife and his servant. Would you notice more if his interests included his horses?

Surely you jest. We may have interests different from most, but no one among our group holds those tastes. I didn't sense that of him.

They looked over at Micah Travers, a defrocked priest traveling with them along with two members of his congregation and the children he'd fathered with the young ladies. The group still looked to him at their nearest compass to questions of spirituality and morality.

Are we going to burn for such statements, Father Travers? asked Grover Wallingford.

Please, stop calling me Father, he insisted. I am just Micah Travers now. I've come to terms with following my calling to God is to bring souls into his world, not to preach from the pulpit.

You failed to answer the question, noted Rufus.

In the end God will be the one to judge us all, Micah Travers replied.

Have you decided which one of the young women to wed and which shall work as your servant? Grover Wallingford pried.

We have an agreement. Whichever is with child next I shall marry. Needless to say, the competition has been heavy and enjoyable.

Travers winked at the other two men.

Grover Wallingford turned to Rufus Pryor.

I expect you to treat my daughter Hazel with the utmost respect now that's she is your wife. She may never be the only woman in your life, but she better be the first and foremost.

Never doubt it, Grover, he reassured his traveling companion and now father-in-law. As for the next generation of Pryors your nurse-midwife has assured us to expect.

Not just my nurse-midwife but my wife in the eyes of the law as well, reminded Grover. Which of course took years in coming. However, there are a few loose ends to take care of.

Grover squinted into the distance.

I believe we may be about to make progress in getting those solved.

Just then, Alice Lindicutt joined them at the fire, her belly just starting to show from her own adventures.

You called for me, Father? Alice said meekly. Though Grover Wallingford really was her stepfather through her mother's recent marriage, she still used the courtesy to address him with parental authority. Her own father drowned years ago, with many whispers that he'd taken his own life because Mr. Lindicutt could not accept the lifestyle his then wife wanted to lead. Verna Lindicutt worked as Grover Wallingford's nurse as well as a midwife and became very close to him, and many speculated became involved years before he became available to marry again. Grover Wallingford's wife passed away more recently, leaving behind not only her husband as widow, but their children Eustace and Hazel. The complication came in that Eustace and Alice took a liking to one another before his mother's untimely and unexpected passing, and complicated that passion. Now she carried his child, while their parents married almost immediately after Eustace's mother's death.

Yes, I know it is late but we wanted to speak to you in relative private. As you know, I am well aware of the bond you share with my son. Perhaps it would have been wiser for you to know the full truth about your mother and myself before I allowed this to proceed as far as it did. You do realize, now that your mother and I are together, you can never be with Eustace.

But this is his child! protested Alice. What are we to do?

Great fortune has come our way, Grover Wallingford told his stepdaughter. The family I helped on the farm is grateful enough that the man of the household has given me a portion of his land for me to build a practice and stay here. It's a very generous allotment. It also turns out this same man has a brother with a love for the drink, named Jebediah Powell. You shall marry this Jebediah Powell as a token of our thanks and gratitude for the family's generosity.

Never! protested Alice.

You know better than to fight the power of a Wallingford, a commanding female voice spoke. From out of the darkness stepped a well-dressed woman.

Especially you, Miss Wallingford, Rufus Pryor said, as he got up and bowed to the new arrival.

Indeed, my sister, Grover responded. I regret we have not a proper seat for you.

I shall stand, towering above you as it should be, she replied haughtily. Then she continued on. I have finished scouring the area farms and finding out more about the locals. There are more people here like us, dear brother. Perhaps this land that we have been given to found a home and clinic shall give rise to a common place for people with our interests to meet and live the life we wish.

And left our old familiar stomping grounds about because no one understood us, pointed out a man who entered behind the woman.

Ah, Perry McGinty, our master of supplies, greeted Grover Wallingford. Thank you for seeing my sister out and about to scout the area.

Always a privilege. And it gave me ample opportunity to scout resources.

Not to mention to get a lay from the stunning Brook Wallingford herself, chuckled Rufus Pryor.

Silence! commanded Brook again.

Have you ever stopped to think, noted Perry McGinty. If we keep like this over the generations, we'll just keep intermarrying amongst ourselves.

And that is why we need to form a permanent settlement, Brook pointed out to the others. Attract others who are lost and wandering into a single location. Yet we must be discreet. On the outside, we must present an illusion of another mission.

After what your brother and the nurse-midwife did, maybe that's the ticket, Rufus spoke up. Make medicine the attraction. After all, the fellow already gave us land to build a clinic.

You understand my vision perfectly, Rufus, Brook responded, quite pleased. And I will set up a saloon and inn for weary travels to take respite. Of course, below ground I would continue to offer the services in which I excel best.

She petted her brother on the head, perhaps much like an obedient dog.

With your charm and charisma, and my insight, we will build the most incredible town, dear brother.

A snake oil salesman and a brothel queen as our salvation. Who would have thought it? reflected Micah Travers.

Grover Wallingford looked over at his sister, Brook.

So do you have a name for this town you envision, dear sister?

A sly smile slowly formed on her face.

I do indeed. We shall call it Willowbrook.

# # #

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER ONE

The young woman that the former Father Travers did not wed, Birdie Williams, bore him several sons. Despite their father's fall from grace as a priest, and their life as children of his servant and mistress, Birdie continued to raise her sons on reading the Bible and the ways of the Lord. In a possibly misguided way, she saw herself in a role much as Hagar played to Abraham, even though such passages came from the Old Testament and not that of the New. One of her sons would marry and have children from which Micah Travers' descendant Jacob Williams and his wife Miriam would give birth to a daughter, Mona Birdie Williams, in 1925.

Mona acquired all the best traits. Not only did she end up with an amazing academic aptitude, she'd also ended up with physical characteristics that made her highly desirable to young men at a very young age. Mona knew of her family's past (as did most of the town though it was rarely talked about) as well has how the generations since tried to move away from it and back to a more normal existence. Even her father Jacob tried joining the military and moving away, but for reasons Mona never fully understood he'd ended up back in the town of his birth working for his father.

So Mona came of age in town that expected her to be either wed or expecting a child by some lover as soon as possible. Many of the unmarried girls ended up at a facility on the outskirts of town still going by its founding name of the Farmhouse, when it served as Willowbrook's original inn and saloon under the ownership of Brook Wallingford. Though Brook never married, it was common knowledge that the richest farmer in the area – one Cecil Hudson – took quite a shine to her despite being married, though he and his wife did not have children. When after years of avoiding a lifestyle Brook encouraged on other women, she grew heavy with child, the whole town knew it to be Hudson's doing. Alas, falling in love would be Brook's undoing as she died giving birth to his son; Cecil and his wife took the boy in and named him Walling Ford Hudson. A grieving Grover Wallingford left Brook's trusted assistant Collette LaCroix in charge of the Farmhouse until Brook's son came of age to inherit and take over after which his son and descendants would run it for generations. In time the inn and saloon changed to a home for unwed expecting girls as Willowbrook began to expand. This climate, as well as the emerging threat of World War II, shaped the times in which Mona Williams came of age.

Though Mona proved to be both sharp of with and beautiful of body, she remained very naïve to the social world around her. While aware of the town's history, she didn't seem to perceive of the social expectations everyone had for the women of the town. More importantly, Mona didn't see how others perceived her specifically, some as a hope and still others as a threat. Many saw in Mona Williams the potential to be the next Brook Wallingford, something some longed to come to pass and others would do everything to prevent.

Mona made it to her senior year in high school before the twists and turns in her life that set her face down a course whose direction could not be changed. The driving force came through the influence of one Albert Rawlins, the high school senior English teacher for whom Mona held a great deal of respect.

Who knows the answer to this question?

A couple of hands shot up around the room. Mona quickly looked around and saw it was just her and a couple of the other boys. She so eagerly wanted Mr. Rawlins to call on her that she jumped up and down slightly in her seat, not conscious of how it made her chest bounce until picking up on some snickers and giggles in the background. Mona resented being large chested naturally and tried everything to hide it. She wanted to be loved for her personality and brains, not her body.

Whatever the reason, Albert Rawlins called on Mona.

Miss Williams? he said.

He always calls on her, Mona heard someone whisper.

She's the only one who ever gets it right, she overheard another whisper.

Yes? Mona responded nervously. She didn't understand why getting attention from Albert Rawlins always made her feel so nervous.

I thought you had the answer to the question I just asked.

Mona became embarrassed. She'd let the two gossiping students distract her and rather forgot why she'd tried to answer.

Can you repeat the question please?

Albert scratched his head.

That is rather unusual for you, Mona. You normally have the answer right away. Are you sure you're all right?

Sorry, Mr. Rawlins. There's a lot going on in the world right now. It's easy to be distracted.

Mr. Rawlins nodded in agreement.

Yes this new set of battles underway due to the recent tragedy in Pearl Harbor. You are right that it is a challenging time, with much going on to consider. Well, then, is there anyone in class who does remember the question and wants to guess at the answer? If you guess wrong, maybe then Miss Williams will recall the right answer.

Albert Rawlins winked at Mona Williams. She tried not to blush.

After school, Mona Williams returned home to find both her parents waiting. She wasn't used to this; her father usually worked late.

Is everything all right? she asked nervously.

Mona, listen to me, her father Jacob explained. I've taken a new job that will take me far away.

How long will you be gone? A few days? A couple weeks?

Jacob sighed sadly.

I wish I could tell you. No one knows just yet.

What are you doing that will have you traveling?

Mona looked over nervously at her mother. Clearly, Miriam already knew the answer by the way she stood and watched father and daughter. Mona guessed that her mother felt this information should only come from Mona's father.

Remember many years ago when you were little? I was in the Navy and I worked out on the ships?

Mona nodded.

I'm working out on ships again, but this time as part of a merchant fleet. They really need people with my expertise and experience, with all the younger men off in the armed forces. I can do real good out there, and not continue to struggle with working for my father. I left because I knew I didn't have the gift for the kind of work he does. This is what's best for all of us, Mona. Please understand.

Jacob picked up a shoebox from nearby and handed it to Mona.

I know gifts should never make up for a parent going away, and I'm not intending that too. But I saw that you definitely needed a new pair of shoes so I made sure to pick these up on the way home.

Jacob took off the lid and showed the shoes to Mona. She gasped and her face lit up in a smile.

I've watched you staring at the sample ones in the window of Miller's Clothing and Crafts. So I went in to talk to Mr. Miller the shoemaker about getting a pair made for you just like them. Just something to remind you that your father does love you, very very much.

Mona hugged her father tight.

Thank you, Daddy. I do love you so. And please come back soon! There are scary things going on in the world.

Jacob pulled back and looked at his daughter. Mona thought her father's expression to be rather sad, almost as if he thought he might never see her again. She dismissed the thought from her mind as ridiculous.

I just want to see you happy, Mona, he said.

After that, Mona wore her new shoes to school every day. They reminded her of her missing father, but in a happy way. They reminded her of all the care and love he put into getting the shoes.

One day after school, someone bumped Mona from behind as she made her way through the halls. She teetered on her new shoes, and her pencil fell from her grasp on to the floor. It rolled down a side corridor towards the janitor's closet.

Mona walked over then leaned down to get her dropped pencil, very consciously aware of gravity's effect on her breasts despite them being fairly well contained. At that moment, she felt something being poked into her backside.

Make that someone.

I think you're reaching for the wrong pointy thing, she heard Horace Caldwell, the captain of the Willowbrook High football team, say.

Leave me alone, Mona said as she quickly grabbed for the dropped pencil and tried to get back up. However, before she could, Horace Caldwell's best friend Forrest Travers grabbed her at the front and reached down underneath, cupping her breasts in his hands. She noticed that Forrest's trousers seemed to be in an awkward position as she stared at them from eye level.

That's no way to talk to people who are so happy to see you, Mona, Forrest Travers said, squeezing her breasts tight until they hurt.

Now Mona dropped her pencil and books from the weight of gravity.

No, please, Mona begged. She knew what they intended to do. Secretly in the halls people whispered of it as a sort of senior initiation. Willowbrook, privately if not publicly, expected its citizens to be sexually active by the age of majority. Many young women found themselves married or in trouble as the saying went. History continuing to repeat itself through the generations and a history Mona wanted to buck so desperately. However, as a general pass of history also tended to show, those who buck history more often than not end up getting swallowed by it.

And what do you young men think you're doing?

Mona heard an authoritative voice from behind and a comforting familiar one as well.

Albert Rawlins.

The two boys ran away before Mr. Rawlins could get another word in.

Albert approached Mona.

Mona? What's wrong?

Mona turned and looked at Mr. Rawlins, and began to realize a burning sensation came over her face, and that she yearned to be touched. Mona craved to be touched the way the boys wanted to touch her, but not by them. She thought of Mr. Rawlins, holding her close and caressing places the boys only started to explore when he arrived. Embarrassed, Mona tried to drive the thoughts from her mind.

I see how the boys stare at you in class.

Mona covered her chest up.

Don't be ashamed of how God made you, Mona. He gave you both a beautiful mind and body.

Albert slowly removed Mona's arms from her chest, revealing her large breasts still aroused by Forrest Travers' touch with the nipples clearly apparent.

Oh Mona, he said with a sigh of pity. It's too late. You need a man now.

Albert reached over and tried the janitor's closet. It opened.

Fortunately our janitor seems to be forgetful about locking doors, eh?

Mona didn't believe what Mr. Rawlins said. She figured that this happened all over the high school campus, on purpose, just for such a reason.

Can we lock it, from the inside? she begged before she realized what she said. Mona knew how wrong this was in so many ways. For one thing, Mr. Rawlins was married. Yet she realized that never stood in the way of some of literature's women in getting the men they wanted.

Of course, Albert said as he pulled her in and did just that.

Albert Rawlins started to loosen his trousers. As the reality of what would happen sunk in, Mona's fears grew.

No, please, Mr. Rawlins. There must be some other way.

Albert didn't stop.

But there's not. You are an intelligent girl and you know it to be true. You care for me a lot, Mona. I can see it in your eyes. Why do you think I keep calling on you in class? I love to hear your voice.

Only this once, breathed Mona as she sighed with pleasure. Just this once, but please, never again.

# # #

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER TWO

Mona came home hoping her mother would not smell the sweat or see the glow from her encounter with Albert Rawlins. He'd treated her so incredibly gently, and with so much compassion. She ached to be with him again, and yet knew with every thought how wrong it was. Albert already had someone to whom he'd pledged eternity. Mona needed to make sure that they never got together again. Yet she also knew her bloodline descended from the mistress of a minister. Perhaps, Mona wondered, she would be destined to fall from grace.

She knew her mother would be disappointed once Mona got pregnant and likely would not say a word to Mona's father for as long as possible. Then Mona thought about how a new baby coming might give her tired and sad mother something else to focus on besides Mona's father always being missing. Perhaps it might make things better. Maybe Mona's mother could get over her disappointment, she hoped.

With a newfound desire to become pregnant in mind, Mona started to actively date boys. She hoped one or more of them and before the night ended hoped to roll in the sheets. However, Mona did not know the art of subtlety and scared boys off with her approach.

On Valentine's Day, Albert Rawlins found Mona crying in the alcove by the janitor's closet.

Mona? he asked her. What's wrong?

I can't get any boys to like me.

You can't make boys like you, dear.

But if boys don't like me, how am I supposed to have a baby?

Albert Rawlins put his hands on Mona's shoulders, firmly but gently.

Mona, look at me, please.

Mona did as her teacher asked.

When we talked before, I didn't think you had any interest in going that path.

He gestured to the janitor's closet.

We can talk more privately in there.

They entered and Albert locked the door from the inside.

What's changed for you, Mona?

Mr. Rawlins, I'm looking at what's going on. More and more fighting goes on every day. Young men are being asked to go join the conflicts. Right now, there aren't many opportunities for women here, and those who do advanced studies here go into nursing. They'll be spending time taking care of men that hurt and return.

Which you don't want to do, I take it, he asked.

No. I don't have it in me for that kind of work. If I could get a boy interested in me that loved me, maybe I could be married before he would be asked to the war front, but I don't have it in me to trick a boy just to be married. Given no one is interested in me that is what it would take to be married.

Albert reached for Mona and held her to his chest.

So tell me, Mona, it sounds like you've thought quite a bit about this. What is it that you believe having a baby would solve for you?

It would give me something to focus on, and my mother too, now that my father is gone doing this important job and could be gone a long time.

Albert stroked her hair.

And you're not ashamed of being an unmarried mother?

No. I won't be alone. There will be other young girls, desperate to get soldiers to marry them before they go, that will be left with a baby but no ring. There will even be some that won't know who the fathers are, they're so desperate. I can blend in and be part of the statistics.

Albert started to undo Mona's clothing.

Then what are we waiting for?

Wait, Mr. Rawlins. What are you doing? I could have your baby, she said in a panic, and then suddenly realized the thought wasn't offensive to her. No one would have to find out.

I know, Albert replied, reaching down and moving her clothing aside. I want you to have a child with me. You're such a special student.

Mona loved the thought of sharing such a beautiful secret with Albert Rawlins. She did like his eyes. Her baby would be beautiful with Mr. Rawlins' eyes.

The encounters went on long past Valentine's Day. Mona kept telling herself this would be just to have a baby. No one in town need know who fathered it, and Mr. Rawlins and his wife need never take responsibility. Yet she wondered if she could ever give up Mr. Rawlins' touch once they met their goal. She loved being with him.

We can't do this anymore, Mr. Rawlins, Mona told him after they finished an encounter in early March. I don't mind having your baby, but what if we get caught?

I've told you before, Mona. Call me Albert when it's just us.

Albert, Mona questioned her teacher as he started to remove her clothing. In the Bible, they say that such things are for a man and woman who have pledged themselves before God. For all others it is forbidden fruit.

Have you forgotten the story of Abraham? His wife's handmaiden bore him a son because his wife could not have children.

But I'm not your slave.

Not yet.

Mona tried to logically fight the emotions consuming her.

Do you love me, Mona?

Yes.

Then show your devotion by carrying a child for myself and my childless wife. You will bring me great joy.

Albert kissed her, his tongue probing deep into her mouth. Mona enjoyed the sensations Albert created throughout her body.

For you and your wife? Mona asked puzzled as Albert stopped kissing her. I thought I would get to raise this baby.

Mona, think about it. How will you and your mother afford to raise a baby? Also, you wanted a job. If you carry a child for my wife and I, then that can be your job.

But then everyone in town will know! Mona responded with a panic.

Not if we make you disappear, Albert reassured her. I've been talking to my wife and we're figuring everything out.

Your wife? Why would you tell your wife about us?

Because I care about you and love her. This seems best for everyone.

As Albert kissed Mona again, she let all these new facts absorb into her. This wasn't the goal she had, but Albert made some good points. She hadn't thought it all the way through about taking care of the baby afterwards. Maybe she should put a stop to this now.

However, being early March, Mother Nature may already have dealt a hand that made it much too late.

# # #

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER THREE

Mona noticed not much longer after Albert's revelations that her breasts stayed heavy weeks after she'd spent time with Albert. Also, nearly everything she ate refused to stay down. Based on things she'd heard from other women about their symptoms, Mona felt sure Albert's efforts paid off and she carried his child. Any thoughts Mona had about stopping this affair needed to be abandoned; there was no turning back now.

At first, the thought that she carried the child of a married man shocked and shamed Mona. It flew completely in the face of what her parents, especially her father, tried to instill in her. The Bible spoke of honoring Father and Mother. Mona struggled with the idea she wasn't doing that.

Then she thought of her ancestor Birdie Williams and the legendary Brook Wallingford. Both embraced motherhood and love without the conventions of an expected union. They were strong women, and in Brook's case, powerful and respected. Suddenly she felt better and hopeful for her future.

The love she felt for Albert overwhelmed her. Their strong shared passion for literature could not be denied. She also couldn't believe how he physically made her feel. Mona knew nothing like it before and doubted anyone else could ever make her feel the same way. If she didn't love Albert, she would never have agreed to let him do this and risk his marriage.

Now Mona walked around school every day, wondering how to break the news to Albert. She thought about if she would be able to hide being pregnant until the end of school and slip away, or if the absence would become more noticeable. Then they'd break the news to her mother together.

Mona became pulled out of her thoughts one day by a hallway dispute between two boys.

I've heard rumors that merchant sailors are helping out with the battles, one boy said.

Merchant sailors don't fight battles, silly. That's what our military is for! the other said.

Hah! said the first young man in response. Clearly you haven't heard of the U.S. Merchant Marines.

This lingered with Mona. Her father said before he left he'd gotten an opportunity with merchant marines.

Mom, is Daddy off fighting the war? Mona asked over dinner that night.

What makes you ask that?

Mona noticed how her mother tensed up at the very mention.

Some kids at school were talking about how sailors not in the military are off fighting the war. I told them that didn't make sense. But the more I'm thinking about it, the more it makes sense. When Dad left, they said that his skills and expertise were needed. Is that why?

Mona's mother looked down and went back to her food.

I don't know, sweetheart. I just know that your father went where he needed to be. Just trust in that and enjoy your dinner.

But I'm really not hungry, Mona admitted.

Actually, Mona didn't want to eat because she struggled to keep down food. With the rationing, she didn't want to waste. More importantly, she wasn't ready for her mother to suspect before she told Albert. Mona still struggled to figure out the right way.

I know there's a lot of stress with the end of the school year nearing, dear, but no need to be sick with worry over it.

Mona breathed a sigh of relief. Her mother suspected nothing.

I'm not hungry, Mona responded to her mother. Besides with the rationing going on we shouldn't be wasteful of food.

Honey, are you sure you're all right? her mother asked, concerned. I know things have been tough since your father left. It's easy to worry about him. Also, I know so many of your childhood friends are rushing into getting married and some are expecting babies. It must be so hard.

Maybe Mom did suspect something after all and wanted to bait her into admitting it herself. Mona began to tense up again.

What must be hard?

Mona's mother sat down at the table with her.

For you to figure out what sort of life choices to make in such tough times. The world will present itself with all sorts of opportunities, not all of them good. You need to be cautious. You must resist these temptations no matter the pressure.

Mona's mother sighed.

I really wish your father were here for this conversation. He knew how much I dreaded it.

You knew what he headed off to do. You could have stopped him.

That's not what I mean, sweetheart. There are things you need to know about Willowbrook to stay safe here. You've been so wrapped up in your studies that you really haven't noticed. But the way things are changing you need to be aware and make smart choices.

Mona wondered what could go on in Willowbrook right under her nose that would worry her parents.

There's a lot of local history that goes untold. You know who the Wallingfords are right?

Yes, the founding family of Willowbrook.

I'm sure you learned in school that the first Mayor and founder of Willowbrook married twice. His first wife died in childbirth, so then he married a woman named Millicent Lindicutt who had a daughter named Alice. Alice got pregnant out of wedlock and married Jedidiah Powell, the town drunk. But what few talk about is that the Mayor also came with an unmarried sister, Brook, known for having wild physical desires. As the story goes, the town founded by pioneer doctors began to get an idea. Lonely men headed west would be seeking comfort. We seem to always have more single women than men in our youth's ranks. They decided amongst themselves that the women least marriage suitable would serve the town in a secretly city sanctioned brothel and their offspring be sold to families wanting babies. And the person chosen to run it was the Mayor's own sister, Brook Wallingford.

And their parents allowed this? Mona reacted horrified.

In some cases even encouraged, especially in the larger families. Of course, at points this meant a whole brothel of expectant girls.

And who ran this establishment?

Brook Wallingford at first. After she passed on, her son from an affair now owned the place. He hired one of the Mayor's daughters to step in as manager, and turned it into a home for wayward girls with her husband – though in reality a very similar business went on. Local families would bring their daughters who willingly slept with married men to the home, with everything prearranged for the couples to adopt the babies, while not saying publicly they already knew the fathers. The home still operates that way to this day. So if a married man approaches you, I want you to know what you're getting into.

Mona thought about the child he felt certain growing in her. Albert never mentioned anything about a home. In fact, he never talked about what would happen as she started to show. Perhaps that was the plan and he presumed she knew. He did tell her that they would make her disappear. However, a known home on the outskirts of town didn't quite seem like disappearing.

Mother, are you saying you want me to do that? I don't quite understand.

Mona's mother took her daughter's hand in hers.

No, Mona. I don't wish it on you. But if your father doesn't come back from what he's doing I don't know how we'll survive. I'm just saying that if you do so, I'll be hurt and disappointed but I'll understand.

Mom, remind me how you met.

What brought all this up?

I know you miss him and that you love him a lot. I want to be reminded how such a great love came to be.

Mona's mother Miriam settled into the sofa.

Well, I'll admit it didn't start out as romantic. I grew up in one of the towns just outside a Navy base, where my parents worked at businesses that supported the needs of the servicemen. Like a lot of people my age, I dreamed of far off exotic places. Seeing all the sailor boys come and go always kept our young imaginations active. We wondered where they came from, or where they might head to. In some cases, we found out, by marrying them and tagging along.

That's what you did with Dad, right? You married him while he worked at the base.

Mona's mother nodded.

You remember correctly. Your father's interest in me proved more than a man wanting to sow his oats and sail on the next ship. That made him different than the rest, and that's why I took his offer.

You didn't love him?

Honestly, not then. Then he sailed out on a ship for a six month tour of duty.

Weren't you lonely?

Of course, Miriam laughed nervously.

Mona started to get something that she never quite understood in the past.

You mean as in lonely enough to see other men? You said you hadn't fallen in love yet, though apparently he'd fallen pretty hard for you.

Exactly on all counts. Being a married woman gave me a roof over my head, independence from my family, and an income. It didn't mean I handled all aspects of my life wisely.

Mona didn't expect such words from her mother. It contradicted all previous images she'd held of her mother as pure and strong.

Why are you telling me this now?

I'm hoping you're old enough to understand and that you can think about my story to make some good life choices.

Mona put a hand over her abdomen without thinking, realizing her mother's good intentions came far too late. However, she encouraged the story to continue.

When Jacob returned, he found a wife just starting to show being pregnant with a child that could not possibly be his own.

And yet he stayed married to you?

That's when I found out more about Jacob Williams, and it made me truly fall in love with him. He finally explained why he'd run away from home and joined the military. His friends pressured him to sleep with and get girls pregnant in high school when he didn't want to. Jacob strongly wanted one woman for life. Yet that sentiment apparently wasn't common where he grew up and Jacob found himself ostracized. His family tried to help as best they could, but the peer pressure was just too much and Jacob decided to run away and join the service once he reached the correct age.

That still doesn't explain why he stayed with you, Mom.

Jacob truly understood the pressure I felt while he went away. He'd seen it play out here in Willowbrook all of his teenage life. The times back then during the 1920s also filled with parties and excess and I lost my sorrows in it. It also didn't help that my parents encouraged my behavior, and rejoiced when I got pregnant from my affairs. They did not like Jacob at all and hoped he'd divorce me.

So what happened after that?

I gave birth to a baby girl that we handed over to my parents, and then the Navy stationed us elsewhere. Jacob got out not long after that, not wanting to leave me alone to risk my being tempted again.

And were you?

Oh, often. I even carried two more babies before he got out of the service, neither of which I made with Jacob. Yet he continued to believe in me. That's why we came to Willowbrook. He wanted to support my lifestyle, because he realized he loved me but couldn't change me. Also, I think he felt somewhat responsible. But the funny thing is, after my first illegitimate child in Willowbrook, things ceased to be exciting for me. Surprising Jacob with my size proved more thrilling than his being there day by day.

Wait? Does that child born in Willowbrook live here?

Miriam nodded.

I saw her yesterday, big with her own baby. She just turned twenty. It hurts to know you're going to a grandmother only from a distance. At least she's married to a good man.

Are you saying her father wasn't a good man?

Most people don't think of politicians as good men. The Mayor only proved good in bed.

Mona tried to digest what her mother said.

Wait. You had an affair with the Mayor of Willowbrook?

Oh yes. Your father was asked to travel a lot to promote his father's business, intentionally to allow me time to pursue my desires. So I decided to shoot for the top and see if the Mayor could be corrupted, especially being the latest generation in a long line of Wallingfords. Indeed he could.

Mona looked at the clock. Despite the lateness of the hour, she needed to know everything from her mother.

How would the two of you even meet?

With your father gone for about two months on a trip, I took up finding work outside the house hoping a new focus would help. I'd done all right in school, but had no specialized training. So I became a filing clerk at City Hall for a short time. Once I did get pregnant working at City Hall, I quit due to the long hours on my feet and the strain of my ever growing belly. Originally there were two inside me, but one girl died at birth. Very heartbreaking.

But how did you actually get together with the Mayor?

Interesting story. The Mayor's secretary was off having a baby – a beautiful, gullible unmarried thing we felt sure the Mayor had an affair with – and he needed some files. They sent me to his office, since most of the girls I worked with weren't married; they felt it safe to send me. Our department knew the Mayor's appetite and didn't want anyone from that team to become young unmarried mothers. They thought he'd have no interest in me.

Clearly they were wrong.

Very. Especially when I went out of my way to tempt him. He became captivated by my spunk and we began a torrid affair. He'd even specifically make requests for unneeded files for us to see one another, even after I got pregnant. The two of us pulled together with a strong lustful bond.

What about Daddy?

I told him the minute he returned. Jacob just hugged me and congratulated me. It pleased him I was happy. At that moment, I realized it wasn't the response I'd hoped for. Here, where what I did became less shocking to others, it also became less interesting to me. For the first time in my life I felt guilt and shame, but I could do nothing. I thought about sneaking away to get an abortion, but I couldn't muster the courage to take that risk. I cared strongly for Jacob though he couldn't meet all my needs, and the Mayor fulfilled me in ways no man ever had. So I continued to work and see my lover for several months, but things became obvious rather fast. In fact, because of my size, the mayor thought I really carried Jacob's child and lied to him, so he stopped sending for me. Then I stopped working and went back to Jacob, who cared for my every need, even when we started to realize from the kicks and movements there must be two children and not one. That period of time was when I turned my life around for good.

Mona started to become very flustered.

But everyone in town would have to know? Why would no one have told me?

Most of these things do happen out of the public eye. But when they do, Willowbrook works hard to hide its secrets. In this case, things worked out where we could hide it. I gave birth to my children at home with the help of a midwife loyal to the Mayor. When he found out what happened, the Mayor genuinely felt guilty for the pain and humiliation he caused me and realized the girls must be his own. So we arranged a deal. The stillborn girl would be buried as a Williams, leading the town to believe Jacob and I lost a daughter. Meanwhile, the other baby would be taken in at the Mayor's home and adopted as part of a political campaign to show the town the Mayor's love of family. As to why you wouldn't know, I'm sure people would just think it too painful to bring up, or figure it was your parents' place to tell you when we thought it right.

Mona did know of the grave at the Wallingford Cemetery for a baby Williams named Gloria with a matching birth and death date, but always feared asking her mother about it. She just figured it only further accentuated why they protected her so as an only child.

So the gravesite for Gloria Williams, that's the baby you mean?

Now Miriam looked surprised.

I didn't realize you'd ever noticed that on our visits to the cemetery.

I always feared asking. I thought maybe one of the other relatives lost a child but never imagined it might be you.

I guess our family's just good at keeping secrets, Mona.

Mona swallowed hard. She couldn't agree more but didn't dare say so, at least not yet.

# # #

BY THE WILLOW BROOK - CHAPTER FOUR

Mona regurgitated up her meal behind some tall bushes near the school building, hoping no one would notice such an unladylike move. Now into early April, Mona still hadn't told Albert that she likely expected his child. She didn't dare go to a doctor before going to him. Maybe Albert already knew of someone who could handle it discreetly since he and his wife now made plans for her. Mona wasn't really comfortable with that.

She remained so lost in her thoughts trying to recompose herself after not being able to keep down a meal that a rustle of the bushes startled Mona. She turned to find Albert standing there.

So we did make a life inside you. With your figure I started to wonder.

Mona put a finger to her lips in a shushing motion.

Please don't let anyone hear. And is it really that obvious? I mean, eventually I do want the whole world to know how much I love you. But I'm not sure I'm ready yet.

Albert Rawlins grabbed Mona's hand that she'd just moved away from her face. Mona noticed the motion wasn't a tender one, but rather more forceful.

Let no one know, he said, flatly and harshly. My teaching job would be at stake if anyone knew. Being with you while you're still a student is against the rules.

Then why take that risk? Mona whispered, starting to get scared.

Because I couldn't let you get away. I care for you so deeply, Mona.

Mona started to realize that Albert never used the word love when talking about her.

Keep it quiet, Mona, even to your mother, Albert said. I do not know when it will be safe. But I do know this. When you absolutely cannot hide another minute, come to me. I will see to it our child is born in safety, and that you will be taken care of. But you must absolutely never, ever tell. The consequences for us and our child would be dire.

Albert squeezed her hand tight, forcefully.

Do you understand me?

Mona nodded quickly and firmly, as she felt her heart race in fear and thrill.

What about a doctor? Won't I need to see one during the pregnancy?

Albert let go of Mona's hand.

I will give you a contact name soon to go to. This doctor works with the utmost discretion. When you need to deliver, he will come to you. But yes you need to go meet him soon.

But how can I afford him?

I will see to it that it is taken care of.

Albert waved Mona towards the building.

Now we both need to go back inside. I am sure break is ending soon and we will be missed.

As promised, a few days later after class Albert slipped her a piece of paper with a name, address, as well as an appointment date and time. Fortunately it wasn't long after school, so hopefully she could get home at a reasonable time before her mother suspected anything. Also to her benefit, the location wasn't far from school since she didn't have her own means of transportation.

Mona arrived that afternoon in front of a large rambling home that she immediately recognized once she arrived. The home originally belonged to Grover Wallingford, and since then descendants of his lived in it generation after generation. She knocked on the door, and an older man answered.

Hello? he said. Then he looked Mona over. "Oh you must be