Martha's Destiny

By Jeanne Linton

The story, Martha’s Destiny, is about Martha Semple, her bond with her lifetime friend, Madge, her family and friends. The adventure in this book alludes to Martha’s discovery of an alien race who has been involved with the planet Earth. Over the millennium the aliens have helped our people develop and survive. This book only touches on the encounter Madge experiences. The following book, Enigmatic Encounter described in detail Martha’s full experience with an alien woman and her part in raising the child of the alien woman and Spanish explorer.
Come; join the first book in the adventure and finds where it leads.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanne Linton
• Release date: May 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215031780

Jeanne Linton

I was born in Vancouver, B.C. Married when I was 22 and moved to the midwest with my husband. While living in Michigan I had four children. Although I liked living in the U.S. after I was divorced, I returned to B.C. with two of my children where I have lived ever since, only returning to visit my family still in the U.S. I am retired now, enjoying my life, and continuing to write stories.I have written three young adult novels, a book where the main character is a chicken, but mostly science fiction novels. The science fiction novels ;'Seeds of the Galaxy' deals with the roots of humanity as they are forced from their world because of a changing environment and migrate across the cosmos.My books are listed on Smashwords under Jeannelinton.

Book preview

MARTHA’S DESTINY

By

Jeanne Linton

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Copyright 2023 Jeanne Linton

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. It remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed for any commercial or non-commercial use without permission from the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are products of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

Prologue

Martha’s Destiny is the story of a dynamic woman, her life, family and close friends. Listed as a science fiction novel, this book alludes to Martha’s encounter with aliens who lived on our planet and influenced our world over the centuries. However, the purpose of this book is to follow the time sequence of Martha’s experiences: her youthful marriage to David, her tragic divorce, and her connection to a professor who helps her join an archaeological team in Bolivia where she meets her second husband, the birth of her surrogate daughter, and her surprising destiny. The drama, excitement, and Martha’s mysterious rescue by an alien woman still living in an alien stronghold in Bolivia partially destroyed in antiquity in the following book, Enigmatic Encounter parallels the first book’s timeline and explains in detail her life and story. The adventure leads us into a third book which will follow in about a year.

All their lives Martha and Madge have been the best of friends in spite of their differences. Martha always gets the brunt of the girls various disasters until she learns how to protect herself against Madge’s controlling mother, Clarissa. Instead of playing the blame game, Martha accepts responsibility for things she didn’t do in order to keep peace. Although their families are polar opposites, with different goals, and everything else about them, the girls have a bond that transcends the differences. During one of her temper tantrums, Clarissa finds her way to reality and makes peace with her family.

Come and join the adventure and learn where it takes us.

NICHOLS STREET TEENS

~ 1 ~

Locks of golden hair jut out from beneath the snow-white bedspread outlining the body of a small woman. Shards of sunlight creep through the venetian blinds and casts shadows on the wall as the soft voice of Nat King Cole, singing ‘Mona Lisa’ fills the room. She hits the snooze button, grabs her pillow and pulls it over her head. There’s a pause and then reality hits her, she doesn’t have time for this. She drags herself into the bathroom.

The alarm buzzes again as the annoying ring rises above the running water. Shut up, she shouts in frustration as she runs to turn the alarm off and place it back on the nightstand.

Upon entering the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the room as her mother curtly asks, What happened last night, Martha; I expect an explanation! Lily sets the newspaper down and looks up with questioning eyes.

I couldn’t help it, Mom, she pleads. The math final is today and I’m running behind. I’ll explain what happened when I get home this afternoon.

Martha pours coffee into a cup, takes a few sips, and grabs a donut from the box on the table. As she devours the donut, she picks up her books, gulps the last few drops of coffee and rushes out the front door. See you later, Mom, as she hastily runs up the street to catch her friends.

Madge, wait for me! she calls.

As she approaches, Madge reaches for Martha’s hand, Martha, we’re really in for it! Mom caught me coming in. I mean, there I was drenched to the skin, no shoes, struggling to stop gagging and I smelled awful. I was trapped. I had to tell the truth.

What did you tell her? Martha shouts.

The truth, of course, what else could I do. Madge hangs her head knowing she didn’t uphold her end of the bargain.

NUTS. Madge, you promised, she says angrily as they continue along the street.

"What did you do with your clothes? Your mother’s going to ask.

Sarcastically, Martha responds, Honestly, Madge, you need to think ahead so you don’t keep getting caught. I threw my clothes in the washer and I lost the shoes in the neighbor’s trash. I was going to use the excuse we ran out of gas but that’s out the window. Well, I can’t worry about it. What I’m worried about is if I don’t maintain a B average in math I can kiss my career goodbye. Everything went off the rails, and Russ’s idea of going to Coleman’s was stupid.

In a loud voice, Hey, Bimbo, how in the hell am I supposed to get the smell out of my car. Martha recognizes Russ Fraser’s voice and his souped-up Ford.

Yelling back, What’s your problem Russ; it wasn’t my fault and I was an innocent bystander. Not waiting for Martha’s response, he peels away.

In a soft almost whispering voice, Madge asks, Do you think he’ll ever get the smell out … you know, after I threw up.

By the way, how are you this morning? You downed the orange juice awfully fast. Did my dad’s vodka happen to fall into it?

Furrowing her brow, I thought it’d taste better than it did. Actually, the vodka made the orange juice taste sour. Did you know some of the world’s greatest artists did their best work when they were high?

Madge, Van Gough you’re not.

The girls have reached the school entrance and are lost in a sea of students.

* * *

Finishes with the newspaper, Lily reaches for her coffee. She enjoys the few minutes of peace and quiet after Charles leaves for work and Martha’s off to school. As she sits quietly with her thoughts the phone rings. Hello, in her usual cheery tone.

In a stern and accusing tone, Lily Semple, this is Clarissa. Do you know what your daughter got into last night?

Lily’s voice echoing concern, What now?

Your Martha got my Madge, Colleen Fisher and Russ Fraser to take a boat and row out to one of the shacks at Coleman Resources. With the vodka I assume Martha stole from Charles’s liquor cabinet and the orange juice they got from who knows where, they all had a few. With her twisted sense of humor, Martha decides to play Paul Bunyan and dances across the logs with the whole group following. Madge fell into the Fraser River. It was only by the grace of God; they were able to pull her out. Can you imagine if she had gone under the boom? You have to do something about that brat of yours, Lily, Clarissa screams.

Clarissa, I don’t know what to say.

Accusingly, I’m telling you the truth before Martha twists things around and makes it Madge’s fault. What a drunken condition for Madge to come home in! I had a terrible time getting her up. Her future is at stake because the math finals are today. Didn’t you see Martha come in?

I heard her but she went straight up to bed. She said she was going to the Fraser’s to study. You know how good Russ is at math.

Lily, you have to keep better tabs on your girl. You should have stayed up until she came home because that’s how I caught Madge.

Thanks for letting me know. After hanging up, a knot lies in the pit of her stomach. Over the years, Martha has been a handful; her mind is going all the time and she keeps getting into trouble. Walking into the living room, Lily sits on the couch. Martha takes everything she has for granted. And what a career choice she’s made … Anthropology. What good is that? She should get into medicine which is far more practical.

* * *

Charles makes the turn onto Nichols and ambles slowly along the shaded street, past several neat homes and into his driveway. Entering through the garage, Lily… Lily … I’m home, as he lifts the pot lid to see what’s for dinner. Lily enters. What’s up? he asks.

Trying to hold back the tears, Clarissa called. She told me the kids went to Coleman Resources last night, stole a boat and rowed out to one of the shacks. The four of them got drunk and decided to play on the booms. Madge fell in. It was all Martha and Russ could do to pull her out. Can you imagine? They could have drowned?

Wasn’t Colleen Fisher with them? Looking directly into Lily’s eyes, Colleen Fisher is far too responsible to get involved in something that bizarre. There has to be more to it. Charles checks the cupboard, THE VODKA’S MISSING, he shouts. Maybe Clarissa’s right this time. His mind runs wild … wait till she gets home! I don’t know how I can build a successful business from nothing and yet I can’t manage one pint-sized teenager."

* * *

It’s past six when Martha gets home. Her mind retracing the events of the past evening, what am I going to tell them? No matter what I say I’ll be grounded. Maybe I can plead insanity? She snickers quietly as she attempts to sneak up to her room.

Martha, she freezes as she recognizes Charles’s voice. Martha, come here.

She sucks in a deep breath, slaps on a big smile, walks into the kitchen, and in a cheery voice declares, I’m sure I did well on the math test today. Well worth the studying last night.

Don’t give me that, his voice stern and cold, I know what you did. What possessed you, Martha? Someone could have been drowned.

It wasn’t my fault, Daddy, she pleads. I didn’t tell her to guzzle the orange juice and I had no idea it was laced it with your vodka. On the way home, she threw up in Russ’s car. What a mess, as she rolls her eyes. He’s pissed at me like it’s my fault. Her sorrowful eyes plead, Please don’t be mad. I’ll make it up to you.

Martha, it’s always, I’ll make it up to you or I’ll never do it again. Maybe you don’t do that precise thing again but you come up with something equally as dumb. One day you’re going to get yourself into something you can’t talk your way out of. Can’t you see that? his voice appealing to her common sense.

I’m sorry Daddy. Things got out of hand.

I hope you’re sorry. Except for the graduation party, you’re grounded until schools out.

* * *

She stands in front of the full-length mirror feeling very much like a grown woman. She checks her bag for her ticket and money knowing this will be a fantastic night. She’s glad Russ is over his mad because it was such fun making up.

As she strolls down the staircase, Charles and Lily beam. Charles’s friends have commented on how beautiful Martha is and what trouble he’s going to have with her suitors. Little do they know the trouble he already has trying to keep her out of trouble?

Let’s get some pictures, Lily says.

With everyone on the patio, she hears the unmistakable roar of Russ’s Ford. Lily hands the camera to Charles, I’ll get the door while you get Martha by herself.

Upon opening the door, We’re taking pictures. Can we get one of you and Martha and maybe a group picture?

Great, can I have a few copies? Russ asks.

After Charles snaps a few pictures, Russ hurries her out the door. Let’s go, baby. Tonight is certain to be memorable.

He parks the Ford in the school lot. When Martha steps out, he’s bursting with pride as he takes her arm and they promenade toward the auditorium. When they reach the building, Hey Russ, is that a girl? Could it be a lumberjack in disguise? several boys taunt.

Giving them a dirty look ...word gets around but who told them because only the four of us knew about it.

The meal’s eatable but far from good. After a few dreary speeches, the graduates are ushered into the gym for the dance. Russ takes her in his arms as the song ‘A White Sports Coat and a Pink Carnation’ transports them to another world. He gazes into her winsome blue eyes. How can it be? This beautiful flower I’m holding in my arms was once the little pixie I played with in the sandbox so long ago. Now we’re entering the adult world and she is my woman.

When they leave the dance floor, Ken Dolmen grabs her. I believe the next dance is ours.

Russ grabs Ken’s jacket, I don’t think so, as he pulls Martha from Dolmen’s arms. From the anger in both boys’ eyes, it’s Martha’s cue to disappear into the washroom before there’s trouble.

Later, after the dance is over, Madge and Fred join Russ and Martha for the ride to Ted’s Place where everyone’s going for a late snack.

You got the smell out Russ, Madge comments as she gets into the back seat.

Not without considerable effort, Madge, thank you.

I’m sorry, Russ, her voice apologetic.

Fred whispers, I heard about that little episode. It’s all over the school.

As they turn into Ted’s, I can’t be late tonight. I’m already in trouble, Russ, Madge announces.

Don’t worry, Madge, you’ll be home at a reasonable hour.

A group of teens is just leaving when they enter and Russ rushes over to grab their table before someone else gets it. That’s when a voice sneers, Look, its Paul Bunyan and Blue.

Take a hike, Dolmen, Russ responds. It’s not my fault you can’t get a decent date so stop bugging me.

What are you talking about, decent date! You’re out with the lunatic of the school. She’s always getting you into trouble. Like the time you were caught passing notes about McKinnon. He may look like a frog but nobody put it on paper before … two days detention was it? Shall I go on? Russ doesn’t want a fight so he lets the slur go.

The waitress offers menus but they already decided on pizza, which they order immediately. When the waitress returns with their drinks, Dolmen shouts, What, no orange juice?

Piss off, Dolmen.

Don’t tell me to piss off, Dolmen challenges.

Look, leave us alone or is that too much to ask?

Dolmen grumbles under his breath but leaves them alone until he’s about to leave. Unable to control himself, he approaches their table, You know, Russ, if you had any balls you’d put the bitch in her place. You’re a whipped pup.

The problem with you Dolmen is your date’s a fat zit face and you’re jealous. Russ looks around, Oh, where is she? Don’t tell me she ditched you.

Dolmen’s face turns red. Unable to control his temper, he takes a swing at Russ but Russ ducks and Dolmen’s fist connects with the back of the head of the young man who just sat at the table Dolmen vacated.

What the hell are you doing, the young man screams. You want a fight, you got it. The young man comes out of the booth and the fights on. Martha and Madge try to get out of the way but they aren’t fast enough. A misplaced swing hits Madge in the side of the head. Another man, trying to stop a spin, grabs Martha’s dress and rips it off her shoulder. With a few well-placed kicks and shoves, Martha manages to drag a dazed Madge out of Ted’s just in time to see the police going in.

The girls watch from outside the restaurant until a police officer emerges dragging Russ to the police car. As Russ passes her, he hands Martha his suit coat because her sweaters still locked in his car. The policeman grabs the coat, searches the pockets and hands it back. He gives her such a look.

The girls make their way to the bus stop. Let me look at your eye, as they stop under a streetlight. Oh, Oh, Madge, that looks like a shiner.

Martha, I promised Mom I wouldn’t hang out with you tonight. What am I going to tell her?

I’m sorry, Madge. I guess we’re both in trouble because my dress is ruined. But there is a bright side to our dilemma ...at least we’re not on our way to the police station.

Once she’s home, Martha sneaks in the back door and creeps upstairs. I’ll be down in a second Mom.

Lily asks, How did it go, dear? as Martha enters the den.

Well, we had a problem. Martha grimaces as she begins to explain. Charles turns off the TV with the ‘Oh God’ look on his face. Martha continues, We went to Ted’s. There was a fight and unfortunately, Russ was taken to the police station. Madge and I took the bus home.

Does trouble follow you everywhere you go? I expect we’ll be hearing from Clarissa again.

I’m sorry, Daddy. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from Clarissa because one of the guys accidentally hit Madge in the side of the head. She’ll have a shiner for the party Clarissa planned for tomorrow. She hesitates, I hope it’s doesn’t make the papers.

How big was this fight?

Ted’s was trashed and the police had to break it up. But it wasn’t our fault, Daddy. Ken Dolmen started it.

I’ll call Frank. Charles dials the number. Hello, Evelyn, it’s Charles. Is Russ home yet? There’s silence, Okay. Turning to her, Frank is at the police station picking up Russ. Shaking his head, There’s nothing we can do tonight. Go to bed, Martha.

Martha knows there’s going to be trouble and it’ll be her fault again because it always is.

As Charles sits on the couch beside Lily, "Lily, she has no sense of responsibility, she’s always in trouble, and according to her it’s always fate and definitely not her fault. I’m not giving her a summer job this year; she’s on her own. I’ll talk to her in the morning and tell her what I expect from now on.

~ 2 ~

What a day! The sun is shining and everything is right with the world.

She bounds out of bed, showers, dresses, goes to the kitchen, and looks for the morning paper. With the world at her feet, she can’t wait to start her job search. Humming as she pours a cup of coffee, she opens the paper to the Want Ads. As her eyes move to the factory/warehouse section, ‘Wanted. Male, Female, packing plant, $3.50 per hour, apply Columbus Fishing Company, Waterfront Plant, June 26 to 28th, 9 am to 4 pm.’ Why apply for a job paying $.80 an hour when I can get that kind of money? As her eyes retrace the other ads the 5 to 10 store is only a few blocks away. Oh well, I’ll try them all. That’s when she does a rethink, why would I work for peanuts when I have huge education fees looming over my head?

It’s the 26th of June. Filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation, she walks in the direction of the docks. Please ... please let me land this job. Checking her watch, I’m early. She crosses the tracks and strides up the gravel road to where a group of people huddle in front of what appears to be the main entrance of the plant. There must be 150 people standing in line and not one of them is wearing a suit. She looks up at the sign on the building, Columbus Fishing Company ...this is it! She asks a young native woman, Is this the line to get applications for summer work?

Yes, but it’ll be another 20 minutes before they open the doors.

Martha feels small and vulnerable as the young woman looks her up and down. Are you applying for office work? Her eyes fixed on Martha’s expensive tailored suit and high heels.

No, she replies quietly as though offended.

The girl sheepishly turns away.

Well I guess this is another occasion that demands creative thinking, Martha muses.

After what seems like eternity, the line begins to move. She takes the application and follows the others into a large room where rows of tables and chairs are placed. Scanning the application, the usual questions are asked. Under experience she lists school cafeteria prep work and describes what she did one day when she was being punished for one of her little escapades. Under length of service ...let’s see, I was in grade eleven for a year. That should do it. She hands the application in and exits the building through a side door. She’s surprised to find herself on the dock at the side of the building where a strong acidic smell almost overwhelms her. She wanders down the pier peeking into the empty boats tied to a floating gangway. She dodges a forklift and cautiously approaches the end of the dock to look down at the boat being unloaded. The sound of the pump is deafening as a man hoses off the deck. He’s tall and muscular with jet-black curly hair. As she watches him, another man comes out of the hold. He pokes the fellow on the hose and points to her. A grin creeps across the man’s handsome face as the second man makes a comment and they both laugh. They’re making fun of me. She abruptly walks away to the sound of hooting ... who wants to work here anyway?

Sitting on the bus, she reflects on the morning’s events. She’s amused that she’s been so daring as to apply for factory work. It serves Daddy right. I should be spending my last summer at Grandmas in White Rock, working part-time, and I shouldn’t have to pay for my tuition.

She applies at several businesses along Broadway including the 5 to 10 store and even drops a resume at the drug store at the corner of Nichols and Oak.

The next few days are uneventful. Wednesday morning Lily picks up the mail, Martha, there’s a letter here for you.

Martha thunders down the stairs and takes the letter from her mother’s hand. Bouncing up and down, she reads it. I’m going for orientation on Monday at the Cannery.

Martha, you can’t work there, it’s dangerous.

I need the money, Martha pleads. It’s not a career choice. It’s a summer job.

Those people are different and the work is hard. You can’t handle it.

Maybe not, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

Wait till your father gets home.

That evening, Lily tells Charles of Martha’s plan to accept the job at the cannery. Charles chuckles, Lily, there’s no way she’s going to last so let her try it. Finally our little bird meets her reckoning and it’ll be good for her. She’ll appreciate what she has when she’s up to her elbows in fish guts.

The days dragged by as Martha fills her time by going to the beach with Madge and Colleen, and evenings with Russ. But her mind keeps drifting to her new-found job.

That evening, Russ waves his hand in her face, Martha, if I wanted to spend the evening alone I’d have come to the beach by myself.

I’m sorry, Russ, but everything’s so exciting.

Martha, get a grip.

Monday arrives. Wearing blue jeans, her hair in a French braid, she walks to Oak Street to catch the bus. Upon reaching the plant, she makes her way into the lunchroom and sits with the other applicants. It’s awkward, but she patiently waits. Suddenly, a stocky man enters. Welcome everyone. My name’s George Feller, director of plant operations. You were selected from among two hundred applicants for this seasons processing. We’ve chosen you based on previous work experience and availability. We work long hours and there’s shift work. The shifts, when we run two crews, are 8:00 to 7:30, am or pm, single crews is 8:00 am to whenever. There are no call-ins and no excuse for not working overtime. If you can’t meet these requirements, please don’t waste our time and yours. We expect you to be on time and ready to work. You’ll obey all rules, most of which are in place to protect you and the public. You’ll wear hairnets and you will not take your aprons into the washroom. Your rubber gloves and rubber aprons will remain at your workstation when you go for breaks. When you return, you’ll rinse your aprons and gloves in the sterilizing solution and then let the solution run down onto your boots. Any questions?

There’s a deafening silence.

Regarding safety issues, when you move in any direction, look before you move. I don’t want any of you run over by a forklift or falling into the machinery. Nobody and I mean NOBODY, goes up to the second floor where the packing is done. The people who work on the second floor are specially trained. This is a restricted area and clearly marked as such. Please don’t get curious. If we catch unauthorized personnel up there, it’s an instant firing. Every year we have casualties, most are minor but some are life threatening. We don’t want to add you to the statistics. Any questions?

Again the room is silent. A hand goes up.

George acknowledges the man.

When do we start?

You’ll get a call from Payroll when we have fish. Another hand goes up.

What do we need to buy in the way of gear?

You’ll need gumboots. You’ll be given hairnets, gloves and an apron. You’ll also receive a knife. Any other questions? he asks. Looking around the room and seeing no raised hands, Okay, remember to pack a good lunch. We provide coffee, microwaves, and warming bins. There are several fridges scattered around the lunchroom which are cleaned out every Sunday night. We show no mercy, so if you leave something in the fridge Sunday, it’ll be gone Monday. That you can count on. If there are no other questions, then that’s it for today. I’ll see you when we have fish.

Martha starts for the door when something gently touches her arm. As she turns, it’s the young woman she met the first day. So you made it.

I was lucky. I’m Martha, as she offers her hand.

Liz, as the pretty young woman with long straight dark hair returns her smile.

Well, Liz, I hope we get to work soon. Which way are you going?

I go to the Loop and then take the Dollarton bus.

"Isn’t that going to be rough in the morning?

Not really, she replies, my brother’s regular crew. I can get a ride with him. If not, there’s my cousin. I’ll work it out.

The girls leave the building and begin the three-block walk to Hastings Street past the run-down buildings. Martha comments, "I wouldn’t like to be walking here in the early morning hours.

You got it, as Liz shakes her head in agreement.

As the days pass, she turns down the job at the 5 to 10 store.

* * *

The following Tuesday, she stands patiently in front of Madge’s front door waiting for an answer. As Clarissa opens the door, Madge is at work. I’m sorry you haven’t found anything yet.

I’m holding out for the Cannery.

Martha, that’s a terrible place. You could fall into bad company.

I’ll be careful.

Well, Martha, I wish you the best. Oh by the way, Madge has her classes set up for the fall semester. How are you doing?

I registered but I haven’t paid yet. Please have Madge give me a call when she gets home. Martha strolls back to her house, flops on the couch in despair, and feeling left out, slips into misery.

Suddenly, the phone rings. As she picks it up she recognizes Russ’s voice. I’m calling from work, Martha. Will you go to the movies with me tonight? I know it’s only Tuesday but I want to see the movie playing at the Odeon.

Sure, I’ll expect you around six.

Later that afternoon she gets a call from the Cannery telling her to be in by seven that evening. Oh no, what am I going to do about Russ. I know, I’ll ask Madge to fill in for me. She’ll be home by five so I’ll call her then.

It’s after five when she dials Madge’s number. Hi, Madge how was your day?

I’m going cross-eyed. You wouldn’t believe how many cheques a bank processes in one day. It’s unbelievable. So what’s up?

Actually Madge, I need you to do something for me. I have a date with Russ but I have to work tonight. Will you stand in for me?

Sure.

Okay, be here before six so I can show you my outfit? It’s a trip, she giggles. It’ll give us a chance to talk about your new job, too.

It’s almost six when Martha answers the door. I’m tired so I hope Russ doesn’t want to be out late.

I couldn’t reach him but I’m sure he won’t mind. ‘Splendor in the Grass’ is playing at the Odeon. It’s a fabulous movie. Martha whirls around, What do you think of my outfit?

Madge chuckles at Martha’s fashion statement; blue jeans, dad’s oversize sweatshirt with elastic bands holding the sleeves up so that they don’t fall over her hands, long work socks reaching up to her knees and sneakers.

You aren’t letting people see you like that!

It gets worse. Add to this, gum boots, hair net, and rubber apron and gloves. The boots go on at work for health reasons, and the other stuff I get later. This is going to be an experience of the finest order, she smirks.

I can see that.

Oh, oh, look at the time. I have to run. Please tell Russ I’m sorry. He’ll understand. Grabbing a large bag, Martha rushes to the bus stop. As she boards the bus, her heart racing, she checks her watch. I’ll be there by six-thirty, and then go to payroll.

She and a group of new hires are met in Payroll by the supervisor. Martha’s directed to her workstation, second from the end on the wash table. Once at her station, another supervisor shows her what’s expected hands her a knife and is gone in a total of about three minutes.

She waits in silence. As she views the line, she counts the women; sixteen, eight on either side of the table. The whistle blows and the conveyor belt moves. The fish flop onto the belt through a machine called the coastline, which chops the heads off, guts the fish and carries them to the women on the wash table. The women clean the fish, cut off bruised spots, look for disease and then push the fish to a lower belt. Once on the lower belt the fish are carried to the packing tables. The noise is deafening even with earplugs. The water on the conveyor belt is so cold it numbs her fingers, but she doesn’t care. All she’s thinking about is payday.

The first few hours are uneventful. Suddenly they’re unable to keep up with the flow of fish coming down the conveyor belt. WHOOPS, there goes one onto the floor. Should she keep cleaning fish or should she try to stop the fish from piling up on the floor.

The supervisor blows a whistle and the coastline halts. People come running from other tables to join their line. In a feeding frenzy, hysteria builds. Although she’d like to burst out laughing, no one else seems to think it’s funny. Working furiously, with water splashing everywhere, she’s sure a piece of fish gut is somewhere on her clothing but she doesn’t have time to worry about it. Within ten minutes there’s not one fish left on the table. The supervisor blows the whistle again, the other workers return to their line, and the whole process begins again. Nobody said a word; everyone moved as though they were lemmings.

Finally, lunch time arrives. So far no one has spoken to her except the supervisor and she’s feeling a little left out as others seem to gather in groups. When she reaches the lunchroom, she spots Liz across the crowded room. A group of ladies smile as she walks past but continue rattling on in another language.

Liz, she calls.

Liz furrows her brow, Did you look in the mirror?

How ...how can I look in a mirror? The lineup for the john is backed-up and if I don’t pee soon I’m going to explode.

Come, as Liz takes her briskly into the plant, up a flight of stairs and into a locker room where there’s a small washroom.

Why don’t others use these stalls? Martha asks.

By now, the washroom downstairs is empty. Since we only get thirty minutes, nobody wastes time. I brought you here so you know where it is.

After using the toilet and washing her hands, she looks into the mirror. Oh my goodness, as she sees the piece of fish gut stuck in her hairnet. Why didn’t you say something?

I thought you liked it ...sort of a trophy.

Three weeks go by without so much as a day off but as the days fly by, Martha enters a whole new world. When she gets home she’s so tired she only calls Madge and Russ a few times. She knows packing season is short and with little seniority, she wouldn’t be working long. One day, on her way to the lunchroom, a shift schedule is posted. Employee #13 to #159 to work 8:00 am Tuesday, all others are off.

Sitting at their regular table eating lunch, I hope that’s not it for the season.

We may get a few more days, but as far as I see, the Sockeye are done. The next run is Coho and that’s at the end of September. Listen, Martha, you’re free during the day so why not come to my house and we’ll use my family’s boat. We’ll spend the day in Deep Cove, and if you feel like it, we can go up the Indian Arm. If we go early, you’ll be home by five and you can call your friends.

That sounds like fun.

The following morning Martha takes the bus to Dollarton. When she gets off the bus, she follows the numbers until she spots Liz’s house. She walks up the front steps and rings the doorbell. As the door swung open, her heart stops. The electric black eyes of the young man she saw on her first day at the plant look directly into hers. Taken by surprise, she tries desperately to regain her composure when Liz suddenly appears.

Well, it’s about time, as she pushes the young man aside. She grabs Martha’s arm and literally drags her into the house. See you later guys. We’re taking the boat. As they dart past the men sitting in the kitchen, Liz takes several bags, Hurry up or they’ll take the boat. The girls rush down the steep hill behind the house to a small pier. Liz unties the back of the boat, Get in, Martha. Obeying, Martha gets in. Liz unties the front and pushing the boat away from the pier and jumps in. As the boat drifts, she starts the motor. Liz laughs out loud, pleased, very pleased with herself.

The boat soars across the water blowing Martha’s long sun-bleached hair straight behind her. Ten minutes down the inlet, she recognizes the Deep Cove pier. As they tie up, What on earth is going on? Martha asks.

For years the guys go fishing and hunting at least five times a year, and no matter how I beg, they’ll never take me. Today it’s payback. The day you applied at the cannery David saw you. He went on and on about how he thought you were the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. I wanted to get even and today I did.

Is that why you made friends with me? hurt intoned in her voice.

At first it was. I’m sorry, Martha, I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

Actually, I do have a boyfriend but your cousin makes me CRAZY.

Furrowing her brow, David’s too old for you. My aunt had an Italian boyfriend before she married my uncle and that’s why he’s a little different with curly hair and all, but he’s a womanizer and not likely to settle down.

It’s flattering just the same. The reason I came to work at the cannery is because I got in trouble just before school ended. Russ’s brother came home with his girlfriend one night when we were studying. He told us to get lost. Russ said he knew a place where we could study. Darrell, his brother, works on the booms part-time while he’s in university. Russ suggested we go to the shack and study using a lantern. I thought it’d be exciting and kind of spooky if you know what I mean. I suggested we take snacks. When my friends met at my house, Madge pleaded to bring my dad’s vodka with us. I said NO because Daddy would miss it. Anyway, Madge poured the vodka into the half-empty carton of orange juice and hid the empty bottle. When we got to the shack, she downed the orange juice so fast she got sick. Knowing she was going to throw up, she went outside. That’s when she slipped on the catwalk and fell into the river. I ran out when I heard the splash. When I saw Madge in the river, I took one of the boom poles to pull her out and that’s when I slipped and fell in. Russ pulled us both out. Everyone blamed me for what happened but I didn’t make anyone do anything they didn’t want to do.

So why didn’t you defend yourself?

That never works.

It’s easy to be the fall guy, Martha. You need to learn how to stick up for yourself.

The girls spend the rest of the afternoon looking through the shops in Deep Cove and touring the Indian Arm. Later, they wander along the beach picking up shells and watch the water skiers ...perfect day.

When she gets home, she calls