Thirteen Short Summers: Chapter VII

It was Saturday. Liz, Aunt Jennipher and I were going to Seattle...Washington. Jerry said his cousin could fill in for me Sunday.
    We were on a bus to Seattle, Washington to move into my new house. Dad had already picked out a house and brought it. But now, Liz was going to buy an oven and a refrigerator. She wanted to clean it up and move some things in. I wasn't too excited about being in Seattle. It wasn't like I expected.

Our new house was brick. The window panes were deep blue, the big double front doors matched the window panes.

"Is this it?" I asked.

"Yes, 1503 East Grip Street." Liz replied. I opened the gate. The grass was so green! Aunt Jennipher unlocked the door. It was beautiful! Already furnished, there it was. Looking perfectly perfect, there were pictures of me, pictures of my dad, my mother and I, and a picture of dad before he went off to war. It was two story and really spacious. I opened a few doors, and found a few rooms. I climbed the stairs and opened the first door I laid eyes on.
    Pink.  All pink, pink, pink! My entire room was covered in pink. I liked it, since my dad did it just for me. I wasn't crazy about the color pink, but i would make it work.

"Very nice." Aunt Jennipher said poking her head into the room. "Your dad thought it would make you happier."

"Yeah...I guess." I replied. "How did  Dad buy a house this nice?"

"He saved money, Virginia." Maybe I'll like Seattle.

"You'll love Seattle." Liz said who had just walked in. The school you'll attend in the fall is in walking distance, so is a library, a park, and a few stores. Look out the window."

I opened the window and gasped. The backyard was the most beautiful backyard i had ever laid eyes on! it had rose bushes. My mother's favorite. "Liz, who did this?"

"When your father was stationed in Seattle, he did all of this. Now, how about some dinner?"
    Liz toke us to a local diner. It was pretty good, nothing I had ever had in Monterey though.

"I decided we only need to stay in Monterey until Tuesday. There's not much to fix up, girls." Liz said.

"Good," I replied. "I need to get back to Monterey as soon as possible. It's too wet and foggy here."
     Liz and Aunt Jennipher eyed each other. "Maybe Dad'll come back in November so we won't have to come back to Seattle so soon." I suggested.

"Wather your father comes home now or in November, you're moving to Seattle at the end of the summer." Liz objected. "You and Jennipher can take care of yourselves. Besides- you need to be in school on time."

My heart sank. Aunt Jennipher and I all alone in Seattle? No Liz? No Dad?
    I laid on my pink quilt. Nothing would be right in Seattle. I rolled over and opened my journal. I beagn to write as if my Dad had replied to my last letter.

Dear Dad,                                                                                           May 23, 1941 Seattle Washington
    I'm so glad that you're having a good time in Germany, thanks for asking about my job, it's going just fine.
    Washington is a different kind of place, not as pretty as Monterey though. Thank you for making my bedroom a lovely pink as you did. The whole house is just a piece of art!
    Liz says we only need to stay until Tuesday because you cleaned everything up so very well when you were in Seattle. We might just look around and shop, I'm not quite sure yet though.
I'll always be here.
                                                                                                                         Love you till Nigera Falls,
                                                                                                                                                    Virginia
I really hope Dad changes his mind.
   

Thirteen Short Summers: Chapter VI

I rode my bike proudly across the street. My first job. I wasn't nervous at all.

"Hello." Jerry said.

"Hi." I replied walking up to the desk.

"Alright, since you're already here I can show you around and all."

Half an hour later I was set. I sat at the front desk. Jerry was upstairs cleaning and unpacking. He was going to turn the whole upstairs into a room for rent so he could make some extra cash off the place. Where someone could live! With everything they would need, even an oven.

It was 10:30, about seven customers had come in already. Mostly boys and girls my age and older, not wanting to buy anything, just sit around in the air conditioning.

Jerry told me when there weren't any customers to unpack new shells, mail business letters, stamp journals, and bracelets, stuff like that.
I had NEVER stamped so many MONTEREY and VACTION bracelets in my life! The stamper in the back room was big and clumsy, and hard to operate too.

So many boxes of shells arrived from the ocean. Divers got them. Jerry paid them to deliver them to the shop everyday.
I had to clean, polish, and wax the shells. Then sort them into colors, sizes, and shapes, THEN decide rather we need more necklaces, bracelets, picture frames, and things like that, or shells in the buckets.

At twelve Jerry had me go get his lunch while he worked the cash register. I walked slowly down the coast, Dave's was two streets over, it wouldn't take too long.
Once at Dave's I got Jerry's food and quickly made my way back.

Jerry sat at the cash register talking to...Aunt Jennipher?

"Aunt Jennipher?" I asked as I walked into the store.

"Virginia." She smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"Visit Jerry-my friend, we have been talking."

"Alright." I said with suspiciously, handing Jerry his lunch. "I'll be behind the store on the sand.

"Ten minutes." Jerry advised.

The day went by smoothly. Jerry payed me $1.75! I couldn't believe it! I told Jerry it was too much, but he insisted. "You worked very hard today and did a very good job."

I felt overwhembled. "See ya Thursday." I waved to Jerry as I rode home.

Liz And Aunt Jennipher were working in the garden. I told them all about my first day at Shell Heaven.

"Save your money, Virginia." Liz advised. "Don't spend it all on candy. Put a dollar in a jar for savings and the rest is your spending money." I did as I was told.

I couldn't believe I'd have to leave this perfect place soon. Dad would come back, take Aunt Jennipher and I to Seattle and I'd start school.

I got up to my bedroom I went straight to to my table. I opened my began to write.

Dear Dad, May 19, 1941 Monterey, California

Things here are just fine. Aunt Jennipher has a new friend, my boss Jerry. I have a new job now. At Shell Heaven, on the coast. I made $1.75. I like it at Shell Heaven, Jerry is real nice. What is Germany like? Do you like living there?

I have to go to bed,

Love you till Nigera Falls,

Viginia

Thirteen Short Summers: Dictionary

You might not understand all the words Aunt Jennipher, Virginia and other charterers say, so here's a dictionary of all the Chinese words. It will be updated regularly.

Beach: Hǎitān
Birthday: Shēngrì
Love: Ài
Daughter: De nǚ'ér
Friend: Hǎo you
Job: Zuòyè

Thirteen Short Summers: Chapter V

Close to four o'clock I began to head home. I visited so many little souvenir stores and got gifts for each Liz and Aunt Jennipher.

"The beach?" Aunt Jennipher asked when I got home. She sat in the living room knitting.

"Yes. Hǎitān." I replied " I got you a gift today."

"Oh. Well what is gift?"

I sat down next to Aunt Jennipher on the couch. I put the painted picture frame in her lap. "This is a gift, some call it a present. Lǐpǐn, what you might give to someone on their Shēngrì."

"Oh." Aunt Jennipher smiled. "Thank you, Virginia. Your Chinese is very good."

"Your welcome. I've been studying very hard before we came to Monterey. Where is Liz?"

"Friends? That is how you say?"

"Yes. Ugh, I wish she would come home soon."

I sat knitting with Aunt Jennipher for an hour. Still, no Liz. I decided to make us some Spam and provolone sandwiches for dinner.

"This is very good, Virginia." Aunt Jennipher said, taking a second bite into her sandwich. "Did Jacob show you this recipe?"

"No." I replied, referring to my father Jacob. He is Aunt Jennipher's old brother. He is in Germany right now though. He is going to move Aunt Jennipher and I to Seattle, Washington at the end of the month, rather he's back or not. I'm not quite sure I'll be glad to move to Seattle though.

Before I knew it, it was eight. Aunt Jennipher had already gone to bed. I sat all by myself at the kitchen table with a cup of ice cold water, a ink pen, and my journal- opened to the very first page.

Dear Dad, May 18, 1941 Monterey, California

I hope you are safe. Aunt Jennipher and I are on our second day in Monterey at Liz's(Grandma's). Don't worry, I've been good. I like it here alot. It feels like home. I want to spend most of my time in the water while I'm here.
I have my own room, I think it was Mother's room as a child. The walls are blue, her favorite color. I even have my own table, by the window, overlooking the ocean.
I have learned even more Chinese. Now I can help Aunt Jennipher understand more English. I think Aunt Jennipher likes it here. With the beach, and all the great places to go.
I like Liz. She reminds me of Mother. Her eyes, and the way she walks. She is visiting friends tonight, I hope she gets home soon though.

I miss you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!
Please stay safe ,Daddy.

I'll love you until Nigera Falls,
Virginia

I couldn't help but cry. I missed my Dad alot.

Liz walked in on me crying. "What's the matter?" She asked.

I sat up straight. "I miss Dad so much. I can't help but cry. He's been gone for so long, I can barely remember what he looked like."

Liz sat down next to me. "Everyone these days has someone over seas they miss, but as a nation we have to be strong."

After all the tears were gone I told Liz about the job.

"Well..." Liz said." I guess you can. Let me write a note for Jerry." She handed me the note. "Now, go straight to bed. Leave the house at eight. Jerry opens at nine. Take a sandwich and mind your manners."

"Thank you, Liz!" I cried, I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight. "Goodnight." I called as I ran up the steps.

"Goodnight." Liz replied.

My own job. Wait till' I tell Aunt Jennipher. I can't wait!

Thirteen Short Summers: Chapter IV

About an half past eleven I left the beach. I looked like a drowned rat on a bicycle as I rode along the sidewalk.
I didn't bother putting my dress back on, I forgot a towel so I decided to just dry in my bathing suit. Liz wouldn't allow it, but Liz wasn't here. My hair was all over my face in a big mass of curls, I didn't have a comb or a brush, so I decided to leave it as is.

Even for a sunny Monday in the summer, not many people were outside. I rode a little ways, down by the small store on the coast. I chained up my bike again and walked inside a store called Shell Heaven.
Shells everywhere! Buckets and jars filled to the rim, jewelry and picture frames.

"Hello, miss." Greeted the cashier. "Let me know if you need anything."

I walked around the store, examining the overpriced souvenirs. Everything seemed the same. Shells.
There was something that caught my eye. A clearance crate, shoved in a corner. I looked through it, carefully not to miss anything worth finding. Shells, half price. Then I found it. Under broken and old sandy shells, just waiting for me to find.

A journal. Leather bound. I flipped through the journal. Brand new. It was only ten cents. Sold.

"This'll be it for ya?" The cashier asked.

"Yes, sir." I replied. Handing him the money.

"Would you like it stamped?"

"Stamped?" I asked.

"Yes." He chuckled. "Just like it sounds. Up to ten characters."

I thought for a moment. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted it to say, but then I decided.

"May I please have My Summer stamped right on the cover?" I asked.

"Yes, ma'am. Give me a second and I'll have that ready for ya."

I sat in a chair by the window waiting for my journal. A few minutes later the cashier came out.

"Here you go." He said. "Vacationing here?"

"For the summer." I replied, admiring the beautiful journal.

"Well, I was looking for someone to run the store while I'm busy unpacking new supplies in the attic this summer. Are you interested?"

"Yes. Oh, I'd love to- I mean- after I ask Liz, but I'm sure she'll say yes."

"Alright, I'll need you Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays- Wait Liz Thompson?"

"Yes, she's my grandmother."

"I live down the street from Liz, on the end of Sixth."

"Oh." I replied, not sure what else to say.

"Well, just bring a note of approval from your grandmother tomorrow and I'll walk you through the job." He smiled.

"Okay." I replied, getting up from the chair.

"By the way, I'm Jerry Lee."

"I'm Virgina."

I walked out with my journal close at hand. I walked a little farther and got a soda to go with my sandwich. I sat on the sand, munching away.

I sure hope Liz says yes.

Thirteen Short Summer: Chapter III

I sat up in bed, I had spent the whole night up planning the perfect beach day. I'd leave at 8:20 and head for the beach after I got some toast and jam. I'd swim until 10:00 then walk along the shore, maybe getting some shells to make a necklace. Liz told me last night that there was a blue bike in the garage I could use to ride around.

I pulled on my bathing suit and put on my violet flower sundress. My sandals were too small, but who would be buying new ones these days?

When I came downstairs Liz stood stirring a big pot and Aunt Jennipher sat at the table drinking coffee.

"Good morning, Virgina." Aunt Jennipher greeted sleepily.

"Hey," I said, putting a slice of bread into the toaster.

"What has you up so early?" Liz asked.

"You said I could go to the beach today, you know-swim." I replied, smothering grape jam all over my toast.

"Oh, well take a sandwich in case you get hungry. And the bike is in the closet by the backdoor." Liz replied.

"Bye!" I said, pulling out the bike from the closet, and putting the sandwich that Liz made me in my nap sack.

I was finally out. Free from Liz's house. Yesterday Liz made Aunt Jennipher and I walk with her to run errands to places like Johnson's Grocery and Walker's Hardware. It seemed as if Liz talked with everyone she saw. When she was at the grocery she talked to Mrs. Johnson for half an hour!
And finally when we got home from errands came gardening...not very fun. I got dirt, mud, and all kinds of things under my nails, and on my face. I took a hot bath that night to get all that dirt off. I had to srcub hard, I'm saying so hard my skin turned bright red.

It took me about half an hour to get to the shore. I chained up my bike on a near by bike post. The sand was hot, it burned my feet, but I dug my toes into the sand. I took of my dress and ran straight into the water.
I was in the water. It was cool and refreshing. The last time I had been to the beach was two years ago, even though I had lived by the shore. I began to swim, farther and farther. I felt like a mermaid, swimming thourgh the ocean.

If this was what my summer was going to be, I was ready.

Thirteen Short Summers: Chapter II

The bus let us off right in front of grandma's house, which was on the corner of Sloat Avenue and Sixth Street. Grandma's house was big and red, with green shudders, and a big yellow door.
Grandma sat on the porch rocking chair, crocheting. She stood up when she saw the bus and walked down the porch. I'd never met my grandmother. She was tall...for a grandmother, not frail at all like the grandmothers in storybooks. She looked rather young for a grandmother actually.


"Hello Jennipher, Virgina." She said, wiping her hands on her apron. She shook my hand, then Jennipher's. "You two can take your bags up stairs in the two bedrooms. Put your things away, then come eat lunch."

I was surprised that grandma didn't hug me, or kiss me on the cheek, she just shook my hand.

Grandma's house was pretty. Lots of glass, which isn't good because I'm very clumsy. It got hotter as Aunt Jennipher and I climbed the stairs. The bed in the first room was big, so Aunt Jennipher took that bedroom. I headed farther down the hall to the last door. The bedroom was smaller, and there was a small metal bed pushed up against a wall.
The walls were a faded light blue and the floors were wood. I could hear everything down stairs, outside, and down the hall in Aunt Jennipher's bedroom where she was singing a Chinese tune.
There was a old picture of a young girl, I figured it was my mother. She had blond hair and beuatiful blue eyes. She was on the beach, building a sand castle with a big grin on her face. I put it on the table by the window, where I could see it when i wake up.
I put away my dresses in the wardrobe, and folded my other clothes and put them in the dresser.

I hurried down the stairs for lunch. "No running." Grandma said, as i eneter this kitchen.

"Oh yeah." I replied. I plopped down at the table.

Grandma put a plate of with a sandwich and a glass of milk in front of me.

"Grandma, how far is the beach?" I asked, bitting into my sandwich.

"About half a mile. You may call me Liz." She replied.

"Alright, Liz. Can we go to the beach today?"

"No, but maybe tomorrow."

I tried not to show how upset I was, but i didn't do a very good job.

"We have to run errands today though, and some garden work." Liz said.

I made a face. I had to do alot of garden wrok every single day when I lived in the orphange.