A Fiddlehead becomes a Fern

By Colleen M. Clark

A Fiddlehead Becomes a Fern is a book you will not want to put down. A mixture of sadness, confusion, joy, happiness, and hard decisions by all of the characters will keep you turning the pages with anticipation.It takes you on a journey of two families and their struggles starting right from coming to America and the family tree they will make. Peeking into the lives of the characters and the decisions they made will bring you to love Fern, the final character.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685262457

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A Fiddlehead becomes a Fern

Colleen M. Clark

ISBN 978-1-68526-244-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68526-245-7 (Digital)

Copyright © 2022 Colleen M. Clark

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

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Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

James and Sally

Matthew and Eve

Philip and Patty

Olivia and Fern

James and Sally

James Manifesto (he preferred Jim) practically grew up in the city of Red Rock. All the city locals called it the Rock. It was a booming city, and it looked like it promised to provide jobs and commerce to the many families that were arriving daily. Some came to make a new start, some came to escape their unbearable country, and some came thinking they could become rich. All in all, Red Rock was becoming a diversified city.

Jim just about raised himself along with his younger brothers and sister. Their parents worked two jobs just to make ends meet for the large family they created. They were the second generation of Sicilians and lived in the community of immigrants from Sicily; the Italians lived four blocks down. Since they all worked very hard and gave up so much to come to America, the Sicilians and the Italians always looked out for each other.

Each nationality had their own block, moving in at an accelerated rate of numbers every day. They were sick and poor and had big dreams of coming to America. Unfortunately, a large number of them lived in filth and squalor which led to sickness and many deaths of the dreamers who died after making the long journey to a country that promised nothing but a whole new start. Those who made it to America stepped off at Ellis Island, only to be harassed by those who worked on the island intake positions. Prejudice was running rampant among the workers as they lost their tempers dealing with these immigrants. Most of the incoming didn’t even speak English, which made it overwhelming to everyone involved.

Thankfully, the Manifesto family was lucky enough to get through Ellis Island without any issues. They went through the whole process and were hustled on their way for the next family to be subjected to all the Manifesto family had gone through. With very little, they were able to get through the island and catch the boat going to the mainland of America. With all that behind them, the Manifesto family proceeded to look for shelter and food for the whole family. The Sicilian community was way overrun, but they still welcomed anyone from their home country. Loyalty was not for the country they left; it was for their fellow man who made the horrific journey they themselves made, if they made it at all.

The communities of different immigrants were very territorial. Once in America, they felt they had to fight for everything—food, clothing, medical attention, and a small place they could call home. When their own kind made it to America, their doors were open even if crowding existed. Sometimes, there was confusion on where to go upon arrival in America, and their fears were lessened once with their own kind, and that made the Manifesto family feel the horrific journey was worth all they went through. It was time for them to move forward now that they were in the Promised Land.

Jim Manifesto found the voyage from Sicily to America one he never wanted to experience again. When he and his family got to America, he, at age eighteen, made a promise to himself that he never would be poor again. After his family was crammed into four rooms with two other families, he decided it was time to fulfill his promise to himself. He packed up all his worldly possessions, which didn’t amount to much; tidied up his small space in the area that was his at the small flat; kissed his parents and siblings; and walked out the door. He had $8 in his pocket and no thought-out plan as to what he was chasing in life. With Red Rock booming, Jim knew he wanted to be a part of it.

Jim kept his promise to himself. After living on the streets for weeks and making friends with other homeless poor immigrants, he realized a change for the good had to happen for him and he was the only one who could make that change. So many people, Jim thought; why some of them came to America for a better life and didn’t have any opportunities or skills was a mystery to Jim. It was the same mystery to ponder about his family. In his culture, the family does what the head of the house decides without question. Jim reflected on his interaction with his father, and there was nothing his father forbade him to do. Losing another mouth to feed relieved his father.

All of the homeless had a story to tell why they came to America, and Jim was appalled at some of the stories the incoming immigrants would tell him. When he was alone curled up under a bridge, he would replay in his head some of the horror stories they had to endure before and after getting passage to come to America no matter what was required to get there. He was so thankful that he and his family didn’t have to endure such unspeakable conditions.

Living on the streets, Jim saw all kinds of things. It made him sad to think that people who made the journey came to a land where life would be just as hard. He knew in his heart that he wanted to make his mark in the world by doing something special. Back home, Jim did some carpentry on small projects that people didn’t know what to do. Coming here and wandering around and sleeping in different places on the streets, he had enough of that life.

He started to make contact with some of the people he encountered. One of the men at the food bank told Jim he should go apply at Red Rock Carpentry. Since the city was booming, there were many buildings to be built for businesses and many poorly built homes to be built for the immigrants that had no money.

In his satchel that he carried out the door when he left home was his only good outfit. So he found a diner and ordered a cup of coffee. Asking the waitress where the restroom was, he left his seat at the counter with steaming hot coffee and proceeded to the men’s room to change into his only good outfit. He looked at himself in the mirror and couldn’t believe how he had changed. He was much thinner, his face was drawn, and his eyes had dark circles around them. Thankfully, he had a haircut before he left home, so his hair looked acceptable.

Using the paper towels that were provided in the men’s room for cleaning up hands, Jim took the bar of soap on the sink and some paper towels and tried to wash up as best as he could to look acceptable. He combed his hair back and shaved his face with the rusty razor that lay in the bottom of his satchel. Walking out of the restroom, he felt like a new man. Walking toward his seat where his coffee was, he sat down and started to think.

He had no tool of any trade that he knew, so he thought that would limit his possibilities of employment. So many places required a carpenter to have their own tools to perform any job that was available. Jim thought at this point, he would have to start at the very bottom with his very limited trade. Walking out of the diner after finishing his coffee, he decided to walk up to the more affluent neighborhoods. Because he was dressed appropriately and didn’t look like a poor immigrant, he made his trek to the area he had seen prior while scoping out the city on his many prior walks.

Coming upon an area where Jim could see that they were building new homes, he approached a man who he thought was a supervisor because he wore a white hard hat. The workers wore yellow hard hats, and that is the way one could tell who was in charge and who was a worker. Politely, Jim inquired to the man with the white hard hat where he should go to possibly apply for a position. The man’s shirt said Red Rock City Construction. He felt that because the man had the city name on his shirt and sported a white hard hat, maybe this was a man who could help him.

A wave of hope came across him, followed by a wave of fear that took over. What if I can’t find a job? Jim thought. What would I do, and how would I survive? He was firm in his stance of not going back home. He made sure in his mind that going back home would never be an option for him again. He loved his family, but he couldn’t stay within the community and be happy with very little. He was starting to have big dreams and knew that big dreams took money. He had no money and swore that as each day passed, that he would never again be poor. His drive for this accomplishment pushed him to want to seek employment to start out his life.

On the pocket of the man’s shirt with the white hat had his name sewn on it. His name just stated Tony. After looking up and down Jim’s frame, the man rubbed his cheek and seemed to go into deep thought. Jim’s heart began to sink because he thought Tony was taking his time to think of a way to tell Jim he wasn’t hiring.

Approaching him gingerly, Jim looked straight in the man’s eyes and asked if there was any employment available.

Well, do you know how to run power tools? Do you even know how to read a tape measure?

Jim felt like Tony was insulting him, but he kept his cool because he was desperate to gain employment. The $8 he left home with was just about gone, and his stomach needed a good hot meal.

We don’t run a day care here, kid. These jobs aren’t easy and require a lot of muscle and speed. The city wants this group of buildings done in a big hurry, so we don’t hire slackers.

What’s your name, kid, and how old are you?

Jim responded, My name is Jim Manifesto, and I’m twenty years old. I work hard, and I’m willing to do anything right now as I am not employed at the time. You would find me dependable, and I know I would be here to work and not make friends.

Tony let out a belly laugh and said, Well said, Jim! I do believe we could ding something for you to do here. You got yourself a job Jim Manifesto, but if you screw off or don’t follow the rules, you are gone. I am starting you out as a carpenter’s helper, and you do whatever they tell you to do. At this point, we are in need of some fresh meat around here. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why I am not getting men who say they can do something and then when it comes time, they don’t know a damn thing.

I would not let you down, sir. I work hard, follow directions, and learn very fast. If given the chance, I will demonstrate this to you. I am certainly not a ‘slacker’ and don’t mind being a helper, Jim responded with vigor.

Do you have any tools? By looking at you, I don’t imagine you would. I’m going to give you a chance, Jim Manifesto. I am going to have you work with Kevin. He has tools and needs a ‘grunt.’

After Tony said that, Jim would find out a grunt was someone who got stuck with all the tasks no one else wanted to do. Being a grunt was the lowest position one could have. Jim accepted the position with determination that he wasn’t going to be a grunt for long.

Tony looked hard at Jim’s clothing and said, "I hope you have some clothing that will take a beating, because this is no tea party. Jim, all of a sudden, felt self-conscious dressed in his only good clothing because he wanted to look nice looking for a job. He never dreamed that this good outfit would only be worn for just dates, visiting, or further job hunting. The only subject left was his wages. Jim did not know how to approach this, as he had no experience or knowledge about talking money for his survival and future dreams.

As Tony started to walk away, Jim said, Excuse me, sir, we have not discussed my wages.

Tony turned around and looked at Jim and said, Don’t think you are going to get rich here, kid. This is hard work, and we are on a strict deadline. You will receive the same wages as the rest of the grunts, and don’t think this is negotiable. It is what it is. Tony threw out a wage figure and told Jim where he could find Kevin and started to walk away. Jim had a job.

Just before Tony completely turned around, Jim had one more question.

Do I start tomorrow? I need to take care of a couple of things today to get settled, as I just got a place. Jim felt his face get flushed as he lied about having a new place. Living on the streets isn’t something an employer would want to hear. I will be here tomorrow with more appropriate clothing.

A word of caution, Jim, wear the s——ttiest clothes you own. You won’t regret it.

After these last words, Tony said, I guess you better go with me so I can introduce you to your boss. Who knows where he will be with all the responsibilities I have given him? Kevin is a good man, and I trust him explicitly. You will find that you will learn a lot about this business and how it runs from him. Keep your nose clean, and follow directions. If you can do that, then there just might be a future for you here.

Tony kept talking in a low voice like someone might hear him.

Yes, you can start tomorrow, and I insist on punctuality because of our time frames of this contract. You will be working long days and sometimes into night. I’m telling you this because if you can’t deal with that, I will have to bid you goodbye.

Tony was a blunt man, which led Jim to believe he really meant what he said. No beating around the bush with this guy, leading Jim to notice this must be the way to excel to a better position and more pay; but for now, Jim knew he had to start out being a grunt.

Jim was elated and very proud of himself. He left home with very little money and slept on the streets or under bridges with other homeless people. Now he had to look for a place to lay his head now that he had a job. He hesitated to contact his parents, but then he might be pulled back to a poverty-stricken way of life, like all the new immigrants coming in daily at an alarmingly heavy pace. The thought was fleeting, as he just wanted a better life, and knew he wouldn’t if he went back home. He felt no contact at this point was better for now; he would consider it another time.

Jim got up and followed Tony to go find his new boss, Kevin. As he towed behind Tony, he was in total awe. The enormously large building project was a little overwhelming, to say the least. There were men all over the vast area looking like every one of them was working hard. Jim saw more power tools than he could ever imagine in his wildest dreams. There were bulldozers, backhoes, earthmovers, and dump trucks coming and going at a heavy pace.

Jim then realized that he never thought about a career; he was just concentrating on just getting a job. Maybe this kind of work could make a career of consideration. He knew a white-collar job was not for him. As he looked all around amazed at all the hustle and bustle, he was set in his mind now that this kind of work/atmosphere would be his calling. A desk job seemed boring. Jim wanted to be a blue-collar man.

It seemed like Tony was almost at a running pace through all the construction going on. Jim could tell Tony seemed to be oblivious to everything, but he could see that Tony was still keeping an eye on things by just glancing at the whole project as he kept at a hurried pace.

Climbing a huge pile of fresh dirt and getting to the other side trying not to get his only good outfit a wreck, Tony stopped at the bottom where another man was standing watching a crew move lumber. Jim finally caught up with Tony waiting for him to tell Jim what to do next.

As Jim awkwardly approached the men, Tony’s voice became louder due to all the construction noise.

Jim, this is Kevin, your new boss. If you recall, I told you that anything you are told to do, you do it. No complaining, talking back, or screwing around. Just remember, someone is always watching and waiting to take your job in today’s bad times.

Jim wasn’t sure if Tony was trying to scare him or make him change his mind of working at Red Rock Construction. Jim was unable to read Tony yet, but in time, Jim would develop a close friend in Tony.

If you need anything else and Kevin can’t be found, you come to me and no one else. If you can’t find me, you make one hell of an attempt to see where I am. I don’t ever leave this job, and you don’t either during work hours. Sometimes, I send Kevin errands which takes him off the site. If you follow the rules, then you will have no problems. Do you understand? Jim shook his head in acknowledgment of what Tony said.

Tony made his point, and Jim knew he wasn’t messing around and meant everything he said. He was ready to follow through on everything he was instructed to do no matter what. He just couldn’t lose this job; it was going to make his dreams come true for a better future. He had his foot in the door, and he resolved that he would not do anything to mess it up.

Kevin was a cool guy. He was patient with Jim and was a great guy to have as a boss as he found out in time. Since Kevin was going to be his mentor, Jim made sure to pay attention to everything he said and do the task exactly as instructed. He was a grunt now, but he would show those keeping an eye on him that he could prove an asset to the company.

He put his budding personal dreams and goals aside for now as this job was going to be his ticket to a better life.

After Tony walked away, Kevin did a look over at Jim not saying a word. He felt self-conscious about himself and his attire.

Kevin broke out in a grin and said, I think you should go home, get your worst clothes out, and get a good night’s sleep. We work long and hard, son. If you can handle that, then there is room here for advancement. Keep your nose clean. Don’t listen to gossip or get involved in others’ business. If you can do that, then you will do just fine here.

Is this your first job, and do you know anything about construction? Kevin asked him with a softer face. Jim felt like this wasn’t the first time Kevin gave his speech to.

He stood firmly and lied on both questions with a guilty conscience.

I have worked on many jobs back home, and I do know a little about everything, but I am willing to learn at a fast.

Kevin continued on like he didn’t hear Jim’s response again.

"These men are territorial, and like you, they need to eat and or take care of a family. They will feel threatened by you, at first thinking you may take their position and leave them penniless and homeless on the street. Don’t kiss their ass or let them bully you. All of you need your jobs for one reason or another, so try to make your day a good one by just doing your job, and stay out of any drama that might come your way. Sometimes, men can be worse than women!"

It was a kind of warning Tony impressed on him earlier.

Kevin reached out and offered his hand to Jim. He took it and made sure it was a firm grip, as a handshake means many things. In this case, Jim made sure Kevin knew he was not fooling around—just looking to work hard.

Kevin turned on his heel and walked away. Jim realized that this is a man’s world and he must act like it—no more childish actions or boyish pranks and tricks.

Jim heeded Kevin’s warning about wearing old clothes. That was a good thing, as that is only what he had to sport in his wardrobe. He had that requirement down well, but now finding a roof over his head besides a bridge or park bench was going to be a problem. He decided to walk to the section of Sicilians where he was from and see if there was a room to rent available for him. He didn’t want to go back to this section of the world as he had no choice for now. He didn’t have to walk far, and there was a building that looked like it was about to cave in that had a tom sign on the door that stated, Rooms for Rent.

Knocking gingerly, Jim was met by a well-endowed older woman with a grungy shirt that had an apron tied around her large waist. She looked at him and could see that this young man needed help. He looked at her and could see she needed money. So all in all, it would be a beneficial arrangement if there was a room for him.

"I’m looking for a room to rent as I just got a job at Red Rock Construction today. I’m afraid I am going to implore you that the room would have to be paid after the week is up. I have no money now but will have wages to pay you then."

Jim was up front with this tired older woman as he was just telling her the truth.

I will pay for a week in advance after my workweek ends and I have money coming in. Jim was seeing if she would go for that arrangement.

Well, since you have employment, let’s give you a chance. I have so many that don’t have work, and I can’t take them in. I have to eat and keep a roof over my head and the ones who live here that pay. This is not a favor for a young man. If you don’t stand by your word, then I will put you out in the street so fast your head will spin.

You can rest assured that I stand by my word, and you will find me a model border. I am aware of the dire situation in these communities by the day, and I have been very fortunate to have found solid employment. I will not make you sorry you have helped me. I even do have some skills as a carpenter, and if something needs to be done around here, you may call on me for help.

Jim was glad he stuck in that he would help out if needed because it made him look like a good investment for a border.

The only room I have right now is very small. I provide you with a bed and a dresser with a small window. My rules are strict so I don’t get any riffraff borders who feel they can just live here and do what they want. I only provide one meal a day, and that is supper, which consists of very little taste or quantity. Do you know what time you are able to take supper here?

Jim wasn’t quite sure how to answer that, as he would never really know what his new job had in mind for him, but if he was asked to work overtime, then he would grab that chance.

I don’t really know, as this is a new position for me and it may entail overtime at some point and I can’t give you a time. If you only have meals at a certain time and your kitchen ‘closes’ at a designated time, then I am all right in missing the meal.

The answer he gave was true even though Jim didn’t want to miss a chance to eat a hot meal for his ever-shrinking stomach.

Well, I guess I could keep a plate in the warmer, only if there is enough for you, and you may take your meal here at the kitchen table. I do not, however, allow any cooking in the rooms! You may bring in snacks or dry food, but no hotplates are allowed under any circumstances! I will not run the risk of a border burning my house down.

The woman was very firm about this, and Jim had no ideas of breaking any of the house rules.

You may call me Ms. Anna. I will not tolerate any interruptions by my borders after 7:00 p.m., as that is when I take time for myself as a person and not as a landlady.

Jim was prepared to accept any conditions she would lay down because finding this room was a Godsend for him.

Yes, Ms. Anna, I understand and will follow the rules as a good border.

Since Jim didn’t have any furniture, linens, or a requirement of a closet, he offered up if he could move in immediately.

I guess you may move in tonight, but I want no disruptions of noise or inquiries after 7:00 p.m. If you can follow these simple rules of my home, then I see no problem with you. Of course, money is a concern, and I firmly require payment exactly one week after you move in. After that, I will require a week’s rent in advance, and if you intend to move on, I ask that you give me a week advance notice. I know during these hard times things happen, but if I don’t set down rules that are easy to abide by, then there will be no issues of you and I having unwanted confrontations. I would ‘win,’ anyway, as this is my home.

You will have no problems with me, Ms. Anna. I just want to get my life started off on the right foot. I don’t burn bridges behind me.

Anna had a good feeling about Jim and his outlook on his life. He seemed like a nice young man, and she was always right with her gut feelings. Her gut was telling her that Jim was a sincere person and would keep his word. She felt that there would be no issues with him.

Jim was on his way now. He had a job, a place to stay, and a very good look toward his future. He knew he mustn’t mess up on either blessing, as this would lead him to disaster if he did.

The satchel he carried with him were all his worldly goods he possessed. Following behind Ms. Anna as she lumbered up a flight of stairs that were narrow and well worn, Jim had a feeling that he finally had life going in the right direction. Walking down a hall that looked very narrow, Ms. Anna stopped at one of the rooms and showed him where the community bath was.

I don’t recommend you leave any personal items in here. Whatever you use for your own cleanliness must follow you back to your room. I don’t need to hear that tenants are missing items or that others are using your toiletries. Once you have used this room, I expect you to clean up after yourself for the next person. You must clean the tub and sink thoroughly after each use and, of course, that includes the pull chain toilet.

Ms. Anna seemed very stern about this, but it made Jim happy that he would not be entering a bathroom that was filthy from the last person. He was a very clean man when facilities were provided for his hygiene.

After the lecture of bathroom etiquette, she continued down the hall to the end; and on the left was a small room with a bed, dresser, and window, just as she had said that were available. Jim just stood there looking into the room thinking that this was his and his alone. No sharing with anyone and no messes to work around from family members or other immigrants.

Here is the key to your room. I only provide one key, and I caution you not to lose it. No one else can enter your room unless you permit so be vigilant about this key and who you let enter. I want no drama, and if I feel there is trouble brewing, then all will be asked to leave. You best be on guard to stay to yourself and not mingle with the other tenets to avoid issues. I will not tolerate any dissension among those who live in my house.

Jim could see that she ran a tight ship, and he was thankful for that as he did not want any drama in his living space.

You will not get any trouble from me Ms. Anna and I thank you very much for this opportunity.

He wanted to make a good impression right off the start by thanking her for this opportunity. It was foremost in his mind to make sure his rent was paid as required first even if it meant going without essentials. The rules seemed simple enough, and he intended to follow them all to the letter.

I will now let you get settled. And since you have missed suppertime, which I can see you had good reason for, I will fix you a plate and will be in the warmer oven. It is now time for me to retire for the night. So please be quiet and get yourself familiar with your room, eat some food, and get some sleep. Lord knows you look like you could use it!

Ms. Anna was right—Jim could use some downtime and get settled in his room after a quick washup from the day’s excitement. He wasn’t really hungry, but he went downstairs to find the kitchen. The house seemed eerily quiet, which was all right with him. Finding the kitchen, he looked around at all the large pots and pans that hung from the walls in order of size. Pulling the oven warmer open was a plate of food that consisted of fried everything: fried chicken, fried potatoes, and fried beans. It wasn’t the most-appealing-looking dinner, but since he was hungry, it looked to be a feast. There was a place setting already out for him at the long pine table that looked like it was decades old with scratches and dings. Jim wondered how many thousand meals were served at this aging piece of furniture.

The meal looked greasy but tasted good as he had not eaten in a day. Now he could eat a meal every night now and have a bed to sleep in. The day was a success for him—a job and a place to live. He was on his way.

Climbing into the crisp sheets after a quick washup, he laid his head on the provided pillow that sported stains from long ago. Jim didn’t realize how tired he was after lying there for a couple of minutes, reflecting on his day. He had to depend on his inner clock to get up in time to start his first day at Red Rock City Carpentry. He was used to not having a clock, but he must make sure to not be late for his first day on the job. Everything seemed to be moving so fast. He let his mind clear and fell asleep quickly under the