“I’ve never stopped.” It was only his hope in God that was getting him through this matter.
“I’m so excited to come and spend the week with you, Addie,” Bertha said, putting down the small bag she’d brought.
“So am I.” Mary put her coat over the back of a nearby chair. “I love my roommates, but this will be so cozy. Just us three gals.”
Addie smiled. “I’m thankful that you agreed. I want so much to live in my house again, but being here alone was just too daunting.”
Mary was more than accommodating. “Of course it was. You’re only human. After having someone ransack the place, I don’t blame you for feeling overwhelmed.”
“Maybe if you stay with me this week, folks will see that there’s more than one person here and not think they can impose on me.” Addie had given it a great deal of thought and was relieved to find Mary and Bertha happy to help her out.
Addie turned on a couple of lamps. It seemed she craved the light to make her feel safe. “I bought some roast beef sandwiches for our supper. The shop was just about to close, but I managed to get there in time.”
“Oh, did you get them from Michael’s on the Pay Streak?” Bertha asked, eyes wide.
“I did.”
“Oh, I’ve wanted to try them, but they were much too expensive for me to buy. My family has needed every cent that I could bring home.”
“Well, then this is your reward for being a good sister and daughter.” Addie laughed and motioned to the kitchen. “Come, I have them warming in the oven.”
A short time later, they sat down at the little kitchen tableto eat. Besides the sandwiches, Addie had purchased some pineapple for them to have as a sort of dessert.
“My parents have been so impressed with the money I’ve made working for Mr. Fisher,” Bertha said. “They were worried at first that most of our salary was dependent upon camera sales. They told me that if I wasn’t making a decent and reliable salary by the end of two weeks, I’d have to quit and take another job. They need my help to be regular.”
Addie dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “I knew the cameras would be popular. For so long now, people have wanted to have the ability to take their own photographs. It’s becoming easier and easier for folks to take trips, even if they aren’t rich, and having photographs allows them permanent memories.”
“I’ve enjoyed getting to spend some time looking at the exhibits too,” Mary said between bites. “I never imagined the world held so many wonders.”
“I knew there were a great many wonders,” Bertha declared, “but I never thought I’d have a chance to see any of them. I’m so glad they decided to have the exposition in Seattle.”
“It has done wonders for the city,” Addie said, slicing into some of the pineapple. “The university is benefitting tremendously. When the expo leaves, they will have gained several permanent buildings for college classes, not to mention all the beautiful landscaping.”
They chatted about the city and college for nearly twenty minutes while lingering over their supper. Addie loved the relaxed feeling that came from being with friends.
“The only thing bad about working for the Fishers is that we have to work with Esther,” Bertha said, suddenly changing the subject. “She has been nothing but troublesome. She’sopinionated and harsh, and constantly picks on the people she knows won’t stand up to her.”
“Like me?” Mary murmured.
Addie could see the situation was embarrassing to the young woman. “We don’t have to talk about it, but it would do you good to learn how to stand up to her.”
“My father used to tell me to keep my mouth shut and let my actions defend me. I suppose that’s why I’m not quick to get after her when she starts in.”
“I believe our actions are a good defense, but I see no harm in putting Esther in her place when she’s out of line,” Addie said. “I’m not talking about a big argument, but I certainly wouldn’t allow her to tell lies about you.”
“And she will,” Bertha said, pointing her index finger at Mary. “I’ve told you some of the things she’s said about you and the others. She makes up all of that stuff to get attention and put herself in a position above everyone. She thinks she’s better than all of us.”
“But God knows the truth,” Mary said, reaching for her water. “I trust God to defend me.”
Addie thought on that for a moment. Trusting God to defend her from the past was something that sounded most appealing. But she didn’t believe it was possible. Too many people could speak to the things that had happened to her. Too many people could point a finger and speak the truth. Surely God wouldn’t defend someone from the truth.
She was still thinking about that as she crawled into bed that night. Jesus said that the truth would set her free, but the truth of her life in Dawson City seemed far more likely to bury her alive.
“But isn’t it already doing that?” she whispered to herself.
15
Iwant you girls to sell a lot of cameras today. Remember, families are most likely to purchase them, so focus your sales pitches on the man of the family. Point out the importance of having the photographs as something tangible to keep over the years. Remind them how quickly everything changes, and those little ones grow up fast. Play on the heartstrings of the mothers,” Otis suggested as the Camera Girls readied themselves to go out on the exposition grounds.
