Gertie's Choice by Carol Colbert Page B

She
wondered what special powers it had. With that thought, along with
John’s next words, her world came tumbling down.

Chapter 11
     

    “What did you just say,
John?” Gertie asked, her hands trembling. “
    “I said we can go today to
get our blood tests and then I would very much like to meet your
family and ask your parents for your hand in marriage. We will need
to get your birth certificate as well.” John said, still smiling so
wide that he did not see the look on his would-be future bride’s
face. “We can marry right away. You have made me so
happy!”
    Little Ophelia started
tugging on her mother’s skirt as if telling her that she wanted to
go home. Gertie took her daughter’s hand and they walked to a park
bench and sat down. John studied the look on Gertie’s face. “You
looked so happy and now you look sad. Tell me what I can do to put
that smile back on your face? I would have asked you much sooner to
be my bride, only I did not know how you would react to the news
about my son Donald. But knowing you have this beautiful little
girl makes everything perfect. We are a ready-made family, Gertie.
What is your hesitation?”
    So many emotions were
playing out inside Gertie’s head that she did not know what to tell
him. Just last month the Sometimes Pass was opened in part to allow
visitors to The Spa and the bakery, restaurant and department
store. The hill and the beyond were totally shut off from anyone’s
vision. Janet had been helping at The Spa, in fact, she was doing
almost all of the work since Gertie had been spending so much time
with John. She loved John and did not want to lose him, but she had
many obligations and many secretes.
    She could not tell him
about her true self. Janet had warned her many times that the
military in this world could be compared to the hunters in the old
country. Not evil, but seeking out to dissect or destroy what they
did not understand. Gertie knew that the government on this side of
the mountain was more powerful than any king had been in the old
country in her time there. She was just about to burst into tears
when John spoke.
    “You do not have to answer
me today, Gertie. I know that I surprised you with my request and
that you need time to process that. I know how hard it must be for
you to be raising your daughter alone and now I am asking you to
add another child to raise. But I can help you, we can do this
together.” John said.
    “We don’t need him,
mother.” Ophelia said, shocking John. “Did Ophelia just speak?” He
asked, staring at the child who looked to be not more than a year
old.
    Oh great! “No, I do not believe so, she is very young and
has not formed words yet.” Gertie answered. “You have given me a
great deal to think about, John Ellis. Would you mind very much if
I request you take your leave now so that my daughter and I can
have some time alone?”
    John was hurt and confused,
but he nodded and bent down to kiss Gertie on her cheek. When he
did, Ophelia let out a howl. “Until next time then.” John
said.
    Gertie sat for a long time
watching John until she could no longer see him. She then looked
down at her daughter. “Do I have to ask you what you think about
all of this my sweet daughter?”
    “No! No John Ellis and no
Donald!” Ophelia said. ”I want to go back home now mommy!” Gertie
looked down the long street towards the mountains. She suddenly
felt drained of any energy she might have had before their
conversation with John. She took Ophelia’s hand and they walked
deeper into the park. Making sure no one was around, Gertie picked
up her daughter and spun around while chanting and if anyone had
been walking by that area of the park, they might have wondered
where the blue fog came from.
    Ophelia ran up the steps to
the swing that Thelma and Luna were sitting on. “That John Ellis
man asked mommy to leave here and come live with him and marry
her!” Ophelia said angrily.
    Thelma and Luna both
stopped