Anna's Story

Chapter Three

He stood in the shadows of the front porch, smoking a cigarette, watching the girls walk by the house. Normally, Stephen would not be home this time of day. Today was his day of independence, he was becoming a citizen of the United States. This past year since arriving has left him very little time to be social. He came to this country, leaving everything behind after the War. There wasn't much left and he wanted more for himself than he'd have gotten there. He had been living with friends of his parents for the past year, working on the railroad during the day and going to school at night. He was ready to bust with want to get out from this house.
He never saw her before, or at least never noticed her before today. She was beautiful. A tiny little thing with dark brown hair that shined like chestnuts. She wore it in the flapper bob that was so popular. Her eyes were as dark as a doe's and had the same look of innocence. Her cheeks were blushed with the kiss of the wind and Stephen could hear her laughing with her friend. It sounded like glass wind chimes, delicate as it filled the air. He knew he was not ready to settle down yet but this girl stirred something in him that he hadn't felt since coming to America. He knew that he would be taking the time to get to know her very soon.

A few weeks later, there was a community dance at Sacred Heart. Stephen decided to attend but did not bring a date. He was hoping not only to get a glimpse of the young woman that he saw walk by his home, but to meet her as well. He had been late to work a couple of times, waiting, wanting to see her and her friend go by. He knew her name was Anna, he had asked around the neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood knew Anna. She was very popular with young and old. She was a good catholic girl from a good family. The more he heard the more he wanted. And tonight he was going to be introduced. He'd been planning over a week for this night.

The basement of the church was decorated for the Spring Dance. Left over flowers from Easter were used as the table centerpieces. The tables covered with a white linen cloth sprinkled with petals. Streamers were hung from the ceiling looking like maypoles to be danced around. Mr. Stueben, carpenter by trade and neighborhood handy man, created a gazebo that was the dance floor for those who chose to dance. Streamers and flowers sprayed the gazebo. Pastel Chinese lanterns were hung from the ceiling among the streamers, giving the impression of a soft, warm spring day in a country meadow. Spring was cold and wet, cabin fever had set in over the winter and the neighborhood was ready to venture outdoors to see their friends.

Stephen had become friends with one of Anna's neighbors so he would have a proper introduction to her.

"Stephen, my boy", Mr. Drawert was doing his best to be discreet with his introductions, something he was not an expert at. "Please meet Anna Barren, she is the daughter of my good friends, Andrew and Mary. I'm sure she will be happy to introduce you to the other young people here at the dance."

"Anna, the pleasure is all mine", said Stephen as he took Anna's hand in his, kissing it softly. "It would please me very much if I could be your escort this evening. Unless, of course, you are here with someone." He knew that she was not here with anyone else, he had done his research. Several young men had asked Anna but she had turned them all down.

Anna replied, "Of course, I would be happy to introduce you to anyone here. I see the Bloombergs and the Sonnenfelds over there. Both very prominent families here. Both have lovely daughters. I am assuming that is the reason for the introductions?"

"No", Stephen said, leaning toward her. "The reason for the introduction to you was to meet you. I could think of no other way".

"Humft, maybe coming up to me and saying 'Hello, My name is Stephen Zakutansky'. Oh", she gasped. Forgetting that Mr. Drawert did not mention his last name. A blush came to her cheeks. He smiled down at her, knowing then that she was just as interested in him as he was of her. She had also done her research. She was outspoken and that only drew him to her more.

He spent the rest of that evening, holding her in his arms as they danced. She came only to his chest and he had to bend down to hear her. Others tried to cut in but Stephen had not allowed that. It was clear that he had placed a claim on her, and she was more than willing to be claimed.

As the night began to wind down, Stephen asked Anna's parents if he could walk her home from the dance. Andrew looked questioningly at Mary who nodded slightly. He looked from his wife's face to his daughter's and found that this was an argument that would be lost if he tried. He felt as if Anna was slipping through his fingers, but also felt the need to let go of her. He took Stephen's hand in his own and said, "Fine, bring her home safe", as his eyes began to water.

Once outside, Stephen placed his coat around Anna's shoulders and kept his arm there a bit longer than he needed. He ran his right hand down her left arm, slowly and took her hand in his, her fingers curled around his. They walked hand in hand unhurriedly to her home. As they walked, she gave a small history of who lived in this house or who owned that store. He could have listened to her for hours. Her voice as sweet as a lullaby.

They came to her house, the walk ending much faster than he wanted it to. As they reached her front door, he turned her to face him. They stood there, Anna looking up at him, her eyes searching his as if she had looked into his soul. Maybe she had. Stephen cupped her face in his hands and brought his mouth down over hers. He kissed her gently, not once but twice. As he began to pull away, Anna reached her hands behind his neck and brought him back down to her. He kissed her again, deeper, with more passion and longing this time. As he pulled away from her, Stephen saw in Anna's eyes the same longing.

Tonight he knew that he found the woman he would spend the rest of his life with. Walking backward toward the street, he asked if he could call on her the next day.

"No, I'm afraid I have to help with the spring cleaning." She saw the hurt expression on his face, even in the shadows, and quickly added, "But, please, come to dinner on Sunday after Mass. About one o'clock."

Smiling, he whispered back, "Nothing would please me more. Until then." Anna turned to go into the house. Stephen turned and found he was walking with a bounce in his step and he could still taste her sweet lips on his as he whistled on his way home.