Ivy Lee's Rue

By Valerie Wade

This story follows Ivy Lee, a warm, compassionate, joyous woman from her childhood in rural North Carolina. The circumstances of her life were not ideal. When a life altering "condition" consumed her, she reached a crossroad. Family secrets and hushed decisions kept the one thing she loved out of reach. She held hope at the cliff of the psychological madness, which consumed her life as she longed for peace, clarity, and joy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Wade
• Release date: Jul 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986410708

Book preview

Prologue–Anson County

Ivy Lee and Mabel strolled in the blaring heat of the summer sun. They picked up groceries from the general store with the list their Mother, Tommie made. Her cryptic shopping list, because of her lack of education, showed letters missing from about every word. The two sisters traveled this dusty country road many times. Flowering dogwood trees permeated the air and lined the path with white and pale-yellow blooms, creating a full bouquet.

They once loved this routine, but since they reached their teens, they garnered unwanted stares from boys and men. Every time they went into town, they ran into a group of older boys. It was the same group of rude, rowdy boys they tried to ignore. Ivy Lee liked the attention, but Mabel knew not all attention was good. Mabel, tasked with keeping Ivy Lee focused on their chore, was three years older than Ivy Lee. She didn't seek their attention; if Ivy Lee got into trouble, they both were in trouble.

Ivy Lee was a curious wanderer. She was a happy child, not quite a teenager. Her body developed at age nine, appearing older than other girls her age. She was also quite immature for her age, and distracted by boys. Tommie wouldn't let Ivy Lee go anywhere without Mabel or their older brother, Frank. Mabel knew Ivy Lee couldn't understand the consequences.

When they arrived back at home, Tommie, with a furrowed brow, was standing in the doorway, tapping her foot. They hurried their gait because they knew it was much too long.

What took you two so long? It shouldn't have taken that long!

Ivy Lee turned her gaze away from Mabel's angry stare as she stomped into the house. Mabel let the door slam into Ivy Lee's face. Tommie swatted Ivy Lee on her behind as she tried to explain.

Mabel tried to leave me. I'm sorry, Mama.

It wasn't me, Mama! She was taking her time, and I didn't want to leave her behind. The next time I'll go by myself! She pushed past Ivy Lee, heading to set the table.

Although living with meager means, dinner was an important gathering time for the Harris family. Mabel unfolded the lace-worn tablecloth and spread it across the scratched oak table. It was Ivy Lee's job. Mabel followed her around, rearranging the forks and mason jar glasses. She was used to Mabel's annoying habit and ignored her.

After they were done, they hurried outside. Frank was swaying on the makeshift swing behind the house. Frank, being the only boy, ignored the regular banter between his sisters, never getting between them. Sometimes, he would take up for Ivy Lee when he thought Mabel was getting too bossy.

Mabel, you're jealous I'm getting more attention than you. Ivy Lee shouted.

I'm not jealous. You're a silly little girl, and you don't understand. Watch out for those boys!

Frank didn't see Mabel standing near the swing. He dreamed of becoming a pilot. The roar of a plane's engine overhead distracted him. His outstretched legs hit her straight in the stomach, knocking her backward. She came close to hitting her head and scraped her knuckles on the gravel beneath the swing.

Mama! Ivy Lee screamed.

Frank leaped out of the swing, grabbing Mabel by the arm. He helped her up and brushed the dirt and grass from her dress. I'm sorry, I didn't see you!

Mabel never liked to show weakness, so she blinked away the tears. Noticing the torn hem at the bottom of her favorite blue dress, she limped back to the house. Throwing Frank an angry glance, she made an exaggerated hobble up the steps.

She ain't hurt bad, Frank thought as he returned to swinging. Even with the way Mabel treated Ivy Lee, she rushed behind Tommie, taking Mabel's other arm to help guide her into the house.

1 - A New Blessing

It was clear Tommie missed Mabel's help while she was away, even though Ivy Lee helped as much as she could. She was so glad her Mother let her stay for a few weeks with Daddy's sister in Charlotte before Mabel returned home. Tommie told Ivy Lee she would have a little brother or sister. Ivy Lee never noticed her mother was expecting. Their father pulled out the old cradle, and Tommie gathered some clothes she made and others the Green family gave her. Ivy Lee was so excited. She didn't care whether it was a brother or sister. She loved babies and couldn't wait.

When Ivy Lee returned from Charlotte, she was excited to meet her new little sister, Georgia. She was beautiful, like a little doll with hazel eyes. Ivy Lee marveled at her small size and eye color. Her hair was fine, sandy, and straight, and her she had a light complexion. She couldn't wait to hold her, but now bossy Mabel was back; She felt she wouldn't get the chance. Mabel seemed happier than before Ivy Lee left for Charlotte.

Ivy Lee stared down at Baby Georgia in the knotty walnut crib, swaddled on her back in a pink blanket with both arms up. Her chubby fingers curled into little fists. Her hair outlined her forehead as if painted on. Ivy Lee adored her. She couldn't stay away.

Mabel ran to tell Tommie she was hovering over Baby Georgia again. Tommie, tired from work, too exhausted to engage Mabel, and waved her away. 

Now Mabel, let dat chile be. You know she loves her. Mabel, fuming, left the kitchen and stood watching Ivy Lee before Tommie called for Ivy Lee's help with dinner.

Mabel spends a lot of time with her. Ivy Lee pouted as she put away groceries Tommie brought home. She glanced into the living room, seeing Mabel coo and cradle Baby Georgia.

Tommie let Ivy Lee peel the potatoes while the water was boiling for mashed potatoes. The aroma of fried chicken permeated the modest house. Ivy Lee enjoyed cooking. She mastered Tommie's sweet potato pies. She complimented Ivy Lee's cooking and told her she looked forward to Ivy Lee taking over one day. Ivy Lee would make her way to the kitchen every chance she got to shadow her Mother. Tommie let her take over so she could rest her swollen feet and ankles, supporting her full-figured frame. She was big-boned, dark-skinned, and stood six feet tall. An attractive woman, but she appeared weary, bags and dark circles under her eyes now. She would arrive home at dusk each evening stiff and exhausted, creeping over to her chair.

Ivy Lee was a daddy's girl. Johnny, a sharecropper, arrived home tired from tending the fields each night. He worked their small, rented plot of fertile land to provide for the family, the only option available during this time. Their crop comprised soybeans and corn. All the tools used belonged to the landowners, including the old mule. The landowner would seek Johnny to cut down trees on other properties he owned.

Johnny stood over six feet tall. His dark brown weather worn skin deeply embedded with deep lines and wrinkles. Aged by toiling in the torrid heat of the south. As a young boy, he labored alongside his father until leaving rural Georgia. He held odd jobs until making his way to North Carolina. His love for carpentry came from his uncle, but he appeared to have a natural ability. He loved the smell of the wood and it made him happy to create something. Johnny was so proud of the family crib he designed, which was used by all his children, and now Baby Georgia.

Johnny called on Ivy Lee to sing him a song. Ivy Lee's melodious soprano notes filled the room. She waited by the door daily with Johnny's worn slippers and a cool glass of lemonade. His cigarette smoke circling his head as it balanced on his chapped bottom lip. He kicked off his tattered work boots and plopped down in the chair with an enormous sigh. This was the best part of Ivy Lee's day. 

Ivy Lee fell asleep nestled in her father Johnny's lap most nights. This night was no different. He guided a sleepy Ivy Lee to her bed. Mabel hovered over baby Georgia while swaddling her in the crib. Tommie and Frank were already in bed. The house was so small, they could hear any cry from Baby Georgia throughout the house, and Mabel would have Baby Georgia in her arms before Tommie could reach her.

Johnny smiling. Get you some sleep, girl. 

I know, Daddy, I can't stop looking at her. She is so beautiful. Mabel gave her dad a kiss on his bearded cheek. She headed towards the bedroom, glancing back at Baby Georgia.

Baby Georgia shifted all the family's attention upon her arrival. Her crying kept the entire family awake many nights. Tommie was back working for the Green family with no break. Mabel doted on Baby Georgia, feeding her, rocking her, and washing the endless amount of dirty diapers.

Johnny ambled over to Georgia's crib and watched her for a moment while she slept. She appeared so tiny in this crib that each of his children used; It was the little one's turn.

Lord, bless this surprise child—bless all of them.

***

Besides singing, Ivy Lee wrote poetry. She kept her poetry hidden in an old notebook given to her by her favorite teacher, Miss Miller. Miss Miller, Ivy Lee's fifth-grade teacher, took time with a shy Ivy Lee.

Ivy Lee mustered up the courage to share her poetry with Miss Miller. All the class left the classroom, except Ivy Lee. She weaved her way through the desks left in disarray by the rushing students. Ivy Lee's thick black hair pulled back in a ponytail. Beads of sweat formed under the big bangs covering her forehead. She walked towards the front of the room. Books in arm, and carrying a wrinkled piece of paper in her trembling hand. Miss Miller stood behind the desk, overflowing with textbooks and papers, erasing the blackboard. Startled by Ivy Lee, she turned around. Ivy Lee, head down, and whispering.

Here is a poem I wrote. Ivy Lee, never lifting her eyes from the floor.

She took the paper from Ivy Lee. Thank you, Ivy Lee. I love poetry! Miss Miller read each line of the poem about rain. This is a lovely poem! I like rain too! Miss Miller reached out and hugged a beaming Ivy Lee. She thanked Miss Miller and shoved the paper into her notebook and ran out of the classroom. Miss Miller stood there smiling. She never saw Ivy Lee this candid before.

Ivy Lee could read well. Miss Miller would often call on her to select a book and lead the class reading. She was nervous the first time she stood in front of the class. Miss Miller encouraged Ivy Lee and chastised the students, who giggled or whispered as she went to the front of the room. Ivy Lee surveyed the class and noticed two girls whispering to each other, and Miss Miller came over and put her arm around Ivy Lee to reassure her. When Ivy Lee began reading, Miss Miller stood in the back of the classroom and cleared her throat. The girls who whispered about Ivy Lee turned around, sat up in their chair, and focused their attention on her. Ivy Lee's nervousness subsided, and each time after, it became easier. Miss Miller let Ivy Lee select books to take home and gave her a special notebook. Ivy Lee only shared her poetry with Miss Miller, who made her feel important.

As usual, both Johnny and Tommie rose early each morning