Falling In Love

By Kathy Murphy

A collection of short stories about falling in love through the decades from the 1930's to 2020.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragonfly Books
• Release date: Feb 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215688342

Kathy Murphy

Born and raised in Jackson Heights, NY, Kathy now lives in Knoxville TN.  She has had many jobs, including retail, clerical, CNA, and activity director at an assisted living. Her spare time is spent enjoying family, crocheting, learning to knit, watching old episodes of The West Wing, and of course writing. ​

Book preview

1937

Katie 

The car raced down the main highway, when it suddenly veered off, tires screeching onto a dirt road between two fields.  One of the men in the car looked out the small back window. 

Yeah, they’re definitely following us. He stated the fact without emotion.  The other car was still far enough behind them that he decided to toss the bag out the window into the field, noting the location was near a weather-beaten old barn.  They couldn’t be sure who was following them, if it was the cops then throwing out the bag might save them.  If it was anyone else, nothing would save them. 

They sped away and the other car followed suit.  The chase continued down the back roads of upstate New York until the car chasing them inexplicably slowed to a stop.  As they sped away they saw the steam rising from the other car’s engine and there was raucous laughter when they realized they were getting away.   

Frank, keep going, we’ll spend the night somewhere up ahead and ditch the car.  He pulled out a flask and took a long swallow before passing it to the driver.  He took the flask, and drained it, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. 

Joe continued  We’ll go back for the money in the morning. 

It was May 14, 1937, when seventeen-year-old Katherine Ryan found the bag full of cash.  She was taking a shortcut home from school, avoiding the other kids who were always making fun of her.  She’d only lived in the small town of Holly Springs, NY for the last ten months. 

Her parents died in a house fire while she was at summer camp and she got shipped off to live with her aunt and uncle in a town named for springs that didn’t exist.  There was no mistaking the fact that she was an unwelcome addition to their household, already crowded with their six kids.  Nobody was happy to have her, and God knows she wasn’t happy to be there.  Everything about living in this tiny backward town was miserable.   

Katie was still grieving for her parents and she felt completely alone in the world.  Her cousins were among the kids who tormented her at school, and they continued the abuse at home. They made fun of her bright red hair, which was curly and had to be tied down at the back of her head with an old ribbon.  She was tall, skinny and awkward.  The kids all told her she was ugly, a fact she was acutely aware of.  She wanted nothing more than to run away so when she found the satchel, she knew exactly what she was going to do. 

It was just laying there in the field off a back road.  There was nothing in it but money.  No form of identification to complicate her decision.  If she knew who it belonged to, she would have to give it back, but happily, this was just found money. 

Katie wrapped it in her jacket and when she got to the house, she ran into the bathroom, the only room where she could lock the door and be alone.  Sitting on the floor she dumped the cash out and for the first time, she realized just how much she had.  There were ten bundles of hundred-dollar bills when she counted the first bundle, she was shocked to find it contained ten bills.  She was sitting there on the bathroom floor with $10,000.00.   

Katie gasped when her fifteen-year-old cousin Bill banged on the door.  Hey Raggedy Anne, get out of there! 

She jumped up and started stuffing the currency back into the bag.   

Bill yelled Mom, she’s been in there for fifteen minutes and she won’t come out.  I gotta go! 

Katie heard her aunt’s heavy shuffling feet headed her way as she got the last of the money back into the bag, she wrapped the bag up in her jacket and flushed the toilet.  Opening the bathroom door, she was met with the angry scowls of mother and son.   

Sorry she muttered and slid by them.  When she got to the room she shared with two other cousins, she was relieved to see it was empty.  Quickly crossing the bare wooden floor to her cot by the wall, she pulled her small suitcase out from underneath it.  It already contained all her clothes; she had never even been given a dresser drawer or a closet.  She put the satchel in and covered it with her dresses.  Closing the suitcase, she barely had it back under the cot when Ellen and Mary came in.  Katie sat on her bed and opened her book bag, pulling out her history book she began to read.   

Her cousins whispered to each other and giggled but Katie ignored them.  Her plan had already been formed and she knew she was leaving before morning.   If she started walking after everyone was in bed, she should be able to make it to the main highway by dawn, from there she could hitchhike to Buffalo and get a bus.  All she had to do was figure out where she wanted to go.  New York City, yeah, that’s it!  New York City, she’d get a job and an apartment.  She could live on this money forever!   

Supper! her aunt bellowed from the kitchen.  Her uncle had already had his dinner and was sitting out on the porch reading the evening paper.  The sun was beginning to set but there was still enough light for him to sit there away from the noise of his family. 

Supper was Poor Man’s Meal, a dish comprised of potatoes and sliced up hot dogs.  Aunt Maude told them that the boys would go fishing over the weekend so it was possible there would be fish for dinner on Sunday. 

All the other kids were served first and Katie got what was left, which was never a whole lot.  The family made no bones about the fact that she was lucky to get anything at all.  They had been forced to take her in since there were no other relatives and the people at church would think badly of them if they hadn’t. 

Every Sunday, Katie had to listen to all those strangers talk about how fortunate she was to have a family to care for her.  Nobody seemed to notice that she wore the same dress every week or that she had lost weight since she came to live there.  Nobody really cared about her at all, but it didn’t matter anymore, she was getting out of there.  The thought made it hard for her to sit still.  

You’re awfully fidgety over there, Katherine.  I guess you have a lot of energy tonight.  Why don’t you clear the table and do the dishes?  Aunt Maude made it sound as if there was ever a night when Katie didn’t clear the table and do the dishes.  She almost laughed out loud, and she struggled to look her usual somber self. 

Once the dishes were done and the floor was swept, Katie heard her uncle come inside and announce it was bedtime.  All the kids kissed their parents’ goodnight and headed off to bed.  Katie said nothing just went to her room, where her cousins were getting ready for bed.  Katie got into her nightgown and slipped under the covers to wait for everyone to go to sleep. 

An hour later, Katie slid out of bed and quietly got dressed, there was a full moon and she was grateful it would make it a little easier to see.  She pushed the window open and lowered the suitcase to the ground.  Holding her hat, she climbed over the sill and dropped down.  Standing on her tiptoes she was able to lower the window.  Katie let out the breath she’d been holding, picked up the suitcase and started running. 

Her cousins found her bed empty and her suitcase gone when they woke for school in the morning. They told their mother, who just shrugged.  Well that’s that, she said without emotion and went about her daily chores as the kids left for school.    

By noon the next day, after hitching two rides, she entered the bus terminal in Buffalo.  Katie hadn’t thought about taking any money out of the suitcase until it was time to buy her ticket.  She went into the ladies’ room and sat with the suitcase on her lap.  After pulling out one bill she closed it and left the stall. 

Checking her appearance in the mirror, she noted that she looked presentable.  The dress was old but clean.  Her old gray jacket and white, wide-brimmed hat looked okay too.  She pulled off her gloves and stuffed them into her jacket pocket.  Retying her hair she once again wished it was anything but the red, wildly curly hair that she had gotten from her mother.  Her mother was beautiful though and she was just plain homely.  She smiled at her reflection, But at least I’m rich! She thought as she pulled her gloves back on and left the restroom. 

At the ticket window, the clerk raised an eyebrow studying her suspiciously.  Where’d you get a one hunnerd dollar bill, little lady? 

Katie had her story ready.  I closed my savings account.  I should have asked for smaller bills, but I thought it would be easier to hang onto just the one. She smiled. I’m going to New York City, I just turned eighteen and I need to get a job, I don’t want to be a burden to my aunt and uncle anymore they already have so many kids. 

The old man nodded his approval.  One way to New York huh? 

Katie’s eyes filled with tears.  Yes, please.  She had no idea why she was crying but it helped. 

There, there sweetheart, you’ll be okay.  Here I tell you what, you just sit up front near the driver, you’ll be just fine. 

Katie understood the man thought she was afraid, heck, maybe she was.  She took the ticket and her change and went to sit on the bench.  Her bus wouldn’t leave for almost an hour. Now she had several smaller bills.  Discarding the idea of putting them in her jacket for fear of losing them, she folded the bills and slid them inside her glove, grateful that a woman always wore gloves!  She kept one dollar and the coins out and put those in the pocket of her jacket.  When she got to New York, she was going to buy a new dress, shoes, a real pocketbook and new white gloves. Oh and a beautiful new hat.  

Looking around the terminal she saw a woman selling muffins. Her stomach growled, she suddenly realized it was lunchtime and she’d never had breakfast.  She purchased a muffin with a couple of the coins and by the time she finished eating it, the bus was there. 

The bus driver told her there was a compartment under the bus for baggage, but Katie shook her head. Thank you, I’ll just hold it.  

Climbing onto the bus, she sat in the very first seat, just behind the driver.  She wished she’d brought a book to read, but the only ones she had were schoolbooks and they didn’t belong to her. 

She slid over to the window seat just as the driver closed the door and started the engine.  It was really happening; she was on her way to New York City.  She looked out the window and watched as the bus traveled through the streets of Buffalo.  Before they passed the city limits, she was asleep, holding onto her suitcase with both hands.   

As the bus Katie was on headed toward New York, the two men returned to the field and were searching through the high grass looking for the satchel.  After searching the field for hours, the men took a break and headed to the small drug store in Holly Springs. 

The kids had just gotten out of school and were hanging around outside the store.  Picking up bits and pieces of the conversations they understood that some teenager had run away from home the night before.   

Frank signaled to Joe and they went back to the car.  That kid has our money, Joe.   

Joe started the car, Well what now? 

Head for Buffalo, the bus terminal.  Only way a kid can get out of town.  Joe nodded and sped off toward Buffalo. 

Katie woke an hour later as the bus stopped to pick up passengers.  There was no bus terminal here, people were waiting at a bench on a street corner. An elderly woman took the seat next to Katie. Hello dear. She smiled sweetly. Where are you headed? 

Katie cleared her throat, Manhattan she said softly. 

I’m Mrs. Miller.  What’s your name? 

Katie, Katie Sullivan.  She lied.  She had no idea why she would lie about her name, but she had and now she was stuck with it. 

Are you going to visit family in the city, dear?  Mrs. Miller shifted in her seat trying to get comfortable.   

Yes. Again, Katie lied.  My sister is having a baby; I’m going to stay with her and help for a while. 

Oh, how lovely.  Mrs. Miller eyed the suitcase on Katie’s lap.  You can have the driver stow that for you. 

No thank you.  I want to keep it with me. Katie decided she’d answered enough questions, so she’d have to ask some of her own.  Where are you headed, Mrs. Miller? 

Syracuse.  I’ll be visiting my daughter’s family for my birthday.  She grinned I have seven grandchildren.  Four boys and three girls. 

Mrs. Miller chatted all the way to Syracuse and Katie was relieved to say goodbye.  

Frank and Joe entered the Buffalo bus terminal, After a quick glance around the room, Joe went outside to the buses hoping to find the girl, while Frank approached the man at the ticket window. 

Excuse me, sir, I’m looking for a girl who probably bought a bus ticket sometime this morning.  She would have paid with a hundred dollar bill.   

The old man frowned.  That red-haired girl? Yeah, she bought a ticket to New York City, got on the bus a few hours ago.  Said she closed her savings. 

Frank’s fist came down on the counter hard. Damn it! She stole that money from my poor old mother.  Mama wasn’t able to give me much of a description.  Can you tell me what she looks like?  I’ll call and have her stopped at the other end, maybe I can get some of Mama’s money back. 

The man was happy to oblige, giving Frank a full description of Katie.  Frank thanked him and joined Joe who was already in the car, they headed to the city, hoping to get there before she did. 

Katie hoped nobody else would sit next to her and she got her wish until they stopped in Binghamton.  A good-looking young man got on and immediately took the seat next to her.  He smelled like a barber shop and he was wearing a suit that looked a bit worn in spots but was clean and pressed.  His shoes were shined.  Her father always said you could tell a lot about a man if his shoes were shined.  The thought made her smile because he never could explain to her what it was you could tell about a man with shined shoes.  The smile slipped and her eyes filled with tears as the pain of losing her parents once again filled her heart.  Katie turned to the window and watched the countryside passing by as her tears kept falling. 

Johnny had taken the seat next to the cute girl and realized too late that she was just a kid. He had to laugh at himself, it had been that kind of day.  He’d come to Binghamton in hopes of landing a good job, even had references with him but it turned out the job had already been filled and the trip was a waste of time and bus fare.  Thinking he’d at least amuse himself flirting with the girl, he discovered he’d come to another dead end.  The day had been full of disappointments.   

He heard the soft sob from the girl next to him and groaned inwardly.  Just my luck, and now here she is crying, I hate it when girls get to crying!  Well, I’ll just mind my own business.  I’ll just sit here, close my eyes and ignore it. Oh damn!  He thought, giving in to the urge to comfort the poor thing. 

Hey, are you okay? his voice was soft and deep.   

Katie rubbed at her eyes, without looking at him she responded, I’m fine thank you. But her voice was choked and hitched 

Well no, you’re not.  Here it’s clean, never used. He handed her a handkerchief.  She took it and dried her eyes, she tried to give it back, but he refused to take it. I’ve a feeling you’ll be needing it more than me. He smiled and she found herself looking into the bluest eyes she had ever seen.  Running away from home, are you? he asked gently. 

No, just going to visit... she paused, for some reason, she didn’t want to lie to him, maybe she was just too tired to keep it up but whatever the reason she told him the truth. Yes, sort of. 

He laughed How do you sort of run away from home? 

It was never really my home, I was living with my aunt, uncle and their six stinking kids.  They didn’t want me there and I didn’t want to be there, so I left. 

Uh-huh, did you leave by the front door or out a window?  he raised an eyebrow. 

She laughed How did you know it was out the window? 

Just a hunch, how old are you? 

She hesitated then lied Eighteen  

Liar!  You’re no more than sixteen. 

Oh yeah? I’ll have you know I’m seventeen and a half. 

He smiled smugly.  Not quite eighteen then.  What’s your name? 

Katie Ryan. What’s yours? 

Johnny O’Leary, nice to meet you, Katie Ryan.  He smiled at her and winked.  She felt her cheeks flush and looked away. Johnny didn’t say anything more and Katie went back to looking out the window.  After a while, she could hear Johnny softly snoring next to her and the sound lulled her to sleep as well. 

Frank and Joe got to the terminal a half hour before the bus was scheduled to arrive.  They stood inside the terminal where they’d have a clear view of the passengers getting off the bus.  She wouldn’t be hard to find with that bright red hair.  They planned to follow her out onto the street and at the first opportunity, they would overpower her and get their money.  This was going to be a piece of cake. 

Opening her eyes, Katie was surprised to see it was dark outside but there were streetlights and buildings on either side of the bus and she knew they were in New York.  She sat up almost knocking the suitcase off her lap, she was excited and terrified.  She was really here, but now what?  She hadn’t thought this far ahead.   

Johnny was awake and shifting in his seat.  Well Katie, we’re here. He looked at his watch. And right on time too.  The bus pulled into the terminal and the driver opened the door.  People were getting their things together and some were already getting off the bus.  Katie just sat there, frozen in fear. 

This morning this was the best idea ever, but now she was alone in a big city and she had no idea where to go or what to do.  She thought about just staying on the bus, she wondered where it would go next, maybe that would be a better place.   

Johnny looked at the frightened girl sitting next to him.  He was all of twenty years old but he’d been on his own for five years and he remembered what it felt like when he got to the city.  This girl was pitiful.  Her bright red, curly hair was coming out of the ribbon she had used to try and tame it, her green eyes glittered with fear and she had the cutest run of freckles across her nose. 

Well, he didn’t have time to get involved in her drama, he had more than enough of his own to deal with.  He got to his feet. Well Katie, it was nice meeting you.  Maybe we’ll run into each other sometime.  Good luck in the big city.  As he went down the steps, he glanced at her. She was still sitting there very still, eyes staring straight ahead, it appeared she hadn’t even heard him.  Her expression hadn’t changed and she made no move to get off the bus.  Not my problem. He chided himself as he started for the door to the terminal. 

Passing through the doors, he looked back to see her still sitting there. He forced himself to keep walking.  Oh damn it! he said aloud as he turned and headed back to the bus.   

He got on the now empty bus and she looked up at him, big fat tears falling down her cheeks.   

Come on then. He said and reached out his hand to her.  She got up and took hold of his hand and he led her out through the terminal and onto the street.  It was after nine o’clock, but the streets were still busy and filled with people. 

Hold tight to that suitcase Katie, this isn’t the safest place to be. Someone might be after stealing it right out of your hand.  

Katie moved closer to him as he led her through the streets.  Do you have any money? he asked her gruffly. 

No she stopped walking and let go of his hand, afraid he was going to rob her. 

I’m not looking to steal anything, Katie, just wondered if you had money to get a room. 

No, I have nothing but don’t worry about me, I’ll make out okay.  You can go on about your business.  Thanks for helping me get this far, I’ll be alright now. 

Confused Johnny shook his head.  Okay, whatever you say, watch yourself out here though, it’s not the best neighborhood.  See you around. 

You’re just going to leave me here? she said accusingly. 

You just told me to go, are you daft? he turned to walk away. 

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. Please don’t just leave me here, I don’t know where I am. 

Johnny rolled his eyes and sighed Come on then, you can stay in my room, but just for tonight.  Tomorrow you need to find your own way.  I don’t have time to be babysitting you. 

Fine, she was indignant, babysitter indeed. I’ll be fine in the daylight; I’ll find work and a place to stay in the morning. 

He didn’t reach for her hand this time, just started walking and she had to hurry to keep up.   

They came to a building with a sign on it that said Rooms to Let, Vacancy. Hush now, my landlady will toss us both out if she sees me sneaking a girl into my room. 

They went quietly up the stairs to the second floor and Johnny unlocked the door to his room.  He switched on the light to reveal a small room with a double bed and a small table with a straight back chair.  The room was clean, and the bed was made.  Johnny closed the door. 

I need to use the bathroom. Katie was bursting, she hadn’t been to the bathroom since she left Buffalo.   

It's at the end of the hallway.  Don’t let anyone see you. He whispered. 

Katie hurried to the bathroom, still carrying her suitcase and after taking care of business she caught sight of herself in the mirror.  Her face was blotchy from crying, her eyes were red, her hair was wild and her clothes were rumpled.  She took off her gloves and took the money she’d hidden in the glove and stuffed it into her bra.  Stuffing the gloves in the pocket of her jacket, she turned her attention to her hair.  It was hopeless and she gave up. 

Picking up the suitcase she slowly opened the door and panicked when she couldn’t remember which room was Johnny’s.  Just then he looked out the door at her and she hurried inside. He’d changed into pajamas while she was gone. 

I’m going to bed, you’re welcome to share it with me, it’s big enough.  He walked to the side of the bed and sat down.  Katie looked around the room frantically searching for an alternative place to sleep. 

Katie, there aren’t any options, it’s the bed or the floor. 

She stuck out her chin The floor will do; may I have a blanket? 

Sure, he answered but made no move to get her one, "Just mind the rats,