Bertie's Place

By Edie Goodwin

Twenty-two-year-old Molly Parsons has just graduated from college when she lands a job teaching fifth grade in Winslow, a small farming community in northeastern Ohio. Just as she and her friend Eva are preparing to move into their new apartment, Eva backs out, leaving Molly without a place to live—until she finds Bertie’s Place.

As she arrives at the boardinghouse operating out of a beautiful Victorian home, she is greeted by the owner, Bertie Evans, a spry, older woman who immediately welcomes her with open arms. Grateful for a place to live, Molly settles into her teaching role while making her share of bonehead mistakes. Thankfully, Molly is tough and resilient. More than anything, she has a loving heart and forgives others. But when she encounters more troubles and challenges, will Molly become a wiser, more loving woman who can forgive herself too?

Bertie's Place is the heartfelt story of a young teacher as she attempts to navigate through her first year out of college while wading through love, loss, heartache, and betrayal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385020997

Edie Goodwin

Edie Goodwin is a lover of the Lord, her family, and anything related to kids and fun. She worked as a pediatric physical therapist for forty-four years, serving children in their homes, schools, and institutions. Edie has two undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree. After a lifetime of writing medical reports, she is now happily penning fiction. This is her first novel.

Book preview

Bertie’s Place

EDIE GOODWIN

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Copyright © 2024 Edith (Edie) S. Goodwin, PT, LLC Federal ID# (EIN #) 84-2967061

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-2100-0 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-2101-7 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-2099-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024904908

WestBow Press rev. date: 04/09/2024

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

To all the parents, caregivers, and teachers who nurture

our children. Godspeed in your endeavors.

Bertie’s Place

EDIE GOODWIN

CHAPTER 1

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

"I think I’m dead!" Molly fell backward, her curly auburn hair splayed out on the living room rug. She had just taped her umpteenth moving box.

Eva laughed, tossing her straight blonde locks in amusement.

Molly Parsons and Eva Blake were exact opposites. Eva came from money; her family owned Blake Custom Builders. Molly’s family was middle class; her mother had been a bank teller, and her father had worked in construction. Eva’s parents were healthy seventy-year-olds. Molly’s mother died of cancer when Molly was sixteen; her dad had a fatal heart attack when Molly was a college freshman. Eva socialized with friends, ate in restaurants, and went to movies and rock concerts. Molly worked thirty hours per week in addition to being a full-time student. Even with the scholarships she had received from Ohio State, Molly had a mountain of student loans to pay back. Eva, of course, was debt-free.

Molly’s white T-shirt was drenched in sweat, her old, faded jeans were covered with dust, and her feet were filthy. Eva still looked fresh in her tailored chinos and multicolored polo shirt. How does she do that? Molly wondered.

Hey, Moll, what do you say to dinner tonight at Garrison’s? Celebrate our graduation?

I say, I can barely afford a cup of coffee there.

My treat!

You don’t have to do that! Molly protested.

My graduation present to you. I’ll make a reservation for seven.

You’re too good to me!

Well, sometimes. Eva pulled out her cell phone and dialed Garrison’s.

It was remarkable that two elementary schools in the same town had openings for both women! Eva would teach second graders at Kimball Elementary, and Molly would take on fifth graders across town at Garfield Elementary. The schools were in Winslow, a small farming community in northeastern Ohio. They had traveled there two weeks before and secured a two-bedroom apartment. Eva was accompanying Molly to set up their living space and then returning home to Canton for a leisurely summer. Molly would stay on to teach a summer Reading Enrichment class. She wasn’t envious of Eva’s wealth, but Molly was looking forward to a time when every decision she made wasn’t based on money.

After a wonderful dinner, Eva and Molly sat with an after-dinner drink.

Thanks, Eva. Wonderful food, good company. Nice to relax for a bit. Plenty to do before heading out Friday.

Yeah, about that, Eva said. I won’t be going with you.

OK. Someone up there can help me unload the heavy stuff.

"No, I mean that I’m not going to Winslow at all."

Very funny! You signed a contract to teach there, remember? Molly laughed.

"I got out of that last week. Signed a contract at Roberts Academy in Canton for next year. Much better pay, a social life, friends. Couldn’t ‘slum it’ on the amount I’d be paid in Winslow."

Molly exploded. But we have an apartment! I can’t afford to live there on my own! When were you planning to tell me?

I’m telling you now, Eva said nonchalantly.

I can’t believe this! I thought we were friends!

We are. We just come from different worlds, Moll. You’re used to working hard, watching every penny. I’m not. It’s as simple as that.

"I get that, Eva, but we’re talking about a promise to a friend here. That has nothing to do with money!"

Sorry, Moll … I put the clothes and books I’ll need in my car. Heading home to Canton tonight. Remember Mark Albers? He just graduated from Yale Law. We have a date Saturday night! Anyway, you’ll find somebody to help you out.

"What about the rest of your stuff?"

Keep it or pitch it. Getting late. Better hit the road. Eva stood up and threw some money on the table for the meal and tip and gave Molly a brief hug. Good luck in Winslow, Moll. Write sometime, OK?

Molly couldn’t even squeak out a goodbye. She sat alone at the table, her head in her hands, and started to cry. The mountain of packing, driving a U-Haul across the state, starting a new job … all on my own!

The waiter approached. Do you need anything, ma’am?

Molly sobbed. Coffee please. Thank you.

CHAPTER 2

M olly packed boxes until midnight. She called the Winslow Arms Apartments first thing on Thursday, and the manager answered. He grudgingly agreed to return her money; she could pick it up on Friday. Molly punched in Winslow, Ohio rentals on her cell phone. Please God, let there be something that I can afford! Almost all two-bedroom apartments. Wait! Here’s a boardinghouse!

Molly dialed, and a cheery voice answered after two rings. Bertie’s Place. Molly explained her dilemma; Ms. Bertie Evans said she had a room available. After discussing the cost, Molly rented the room, sight unseen.

Ms. Evans provided directions. When will you arrive, dear?

About six o’clock on Friday evening, Molly said.

I’ll expect you then. Just call if you get delayed. Supper will be ready! Oh, I almost forgot! The price I quoted to you is for the room, but you can cook here also. And I have laundry facilities available.

Terrific. Thanks so much, Ms. Evans!

Just call me Bertie. Everyone else does. See you soon.

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Molly thoroughly cleaned the apartment. After the landlord’s inspection, she collected the deposit. Should I split the money with Eva? Don’t think so! I’ve done all the cleaning! Andy and Max, college friends, hauled Eva’s leftovers to Goodwill and then loaded Molly’s belongings into the U-Haul. The men hitched Molly’s 2000 Honda Civic to the truck. After an emotional farewell with her good friends, Molly headed for a motel.

On Friday morning at 9 a.m., armed with snacks and strong black coffee, Molly left Ohio State, heading for Winslow. Driving a truck with a car hitched behind was a bit tricky.

Feeling more confident after half an hour of driving, Molly’s thoughts wandered to Eva. Should I have seen this coming? They’d met as freshmen at Canton High, Molly moving up from the middle school and Eva transferring from Saint Luke’s Catholic. Why did Eva transfer? The Blakes are a strong Saint Luke’s family. Was Eva kicked out?

Friendship with Eva has always had its ups and downs. Our last official making up came after Mom passed away. I was a sophomore. Eva and her mom came by with a home-cooked meal—no doubt made by their kitchen staff. Shortly afterward, Eva and I renewed our friendship. Shouldn’t be surprised that Eva backed out of this job. She rarely followed through with anything. With class projects and team assignments, she’d start out full of enthusiasm and then leave others to finish the work. Why did we put up with that?

Eva’s existence was about money, fashion, and life on the edge. Remember Mark Albers? Eva was a freshman and Mark a senior when they started steady dating. Mark’s family was also wealthy. Eva was obsessed with Mark until she needed something… like a roommate at Ohio State. I was the lucky pick. Eva insisted on apartment versus dorm living; I couldn’t afford that! Suddenly, an apartment becomes available with a reasonable rent. Seems that Eva’s daddy pulled some strings with a guy he knew in Columbus. Yup, Eva always gets what she wants!

Molly vividly remembered December 15 of their freshman year. The phone was ringing as she opened the apartment door. Who calls at ten thirty at night? Molly answered. It was Mr. Blake, and he was angry. Hi, Molly. May I speak to Eva?

I just got in from work. Let me check her room. Hold on, OK? She looked inside Eva’s room. Mr. Blake? Sorry, she’s not here. I can put a message on her door.

Please tell her to call her father immediately! Thanks. A question … has Eva been attending classes?

Molly paused, carefully wording her response. "I’m on campus all day, either in class or studying, and then I go to work at five. When I get home at ten thirty, Eva’s usually gone. So … I don’t know what Eva’s doing."

"Weren’t you scheduled together in some classes?"

Yes, but there are several sections of each class. I assumed Eva had switched sections.

I just got a letter from the university. Eva is now on ‘probationary status’ due to poor grades. Mr. Blake sighed. Thanks for leaving the note. Sorry for calling so late.

No problem. Good night, Mr. Blake.

Good night.

Molly posted the note on Eva’s door.

The truth came out later. Eva was skipping most of her classes. Too much late-night partying. She had shown up to take her finals, receiving passing grades, two C’s and one C–, in three of her classes. She got an F in her other three courses, which meant probationary status for the next semester. She would have to show significant improvement or be expelled.

When they finally connected, Molly sat Eva down for a serious talk. "This isn’t high school, Eva. Goodbye, degree—goodbye, teaching career. And another thing … I realize you’ve been raised with maids, but I’m not your maid! You need to do your half of the cleaning!"

Eva seemed contrite, but the pattern continued. Bad grades, a talk, short-term improvement, and then backsliding. Eva received her degree, but by tenths of a grade point. What does Eva think of me? Was I just the one chosen to poke and prod her so she would complete college? Of course, I was! Just a pawn in Eva’s plan. Lord, I’m so angry at that woman!

Molly tried to put the situation with Eva out of her mind. She needed the energy for this trip.

The route from Columbus to Winslow was a straightforward one. The great thing about towing a vehicle is that you can’t go the speed limit. Ohio was a lovely state: urban and rural, big-city sights and rambling farmland, and a lot of diversity as well as Midwest personality. Four hours into the trip, Molly needed some decent food. She pulled into a truck stop in Heywood and ate a grilled cheese sandwich and some of the best fries she had ever tasted.

At five p.m., Molly called Bertie to say she was running late. This cell phone … what a great graduation gift from Aunt Lou and Uncle Roscoe!

Bertie said, No problem. Just be safe.

At six forty-five, a sign greeted her: Welcome to Winslow, OH (Pop. 15,003), Home of the Fighting Cardinals. Molly headed for the Winslow Arms Apartments and retrieved her deposit and first month’s rent, minus a twenty percent handling fee. Molly suspected this was illegal, but she was too tired to dispute it. She followed Bertie’s directions to 202 Maple Street and discovered that it was just four blocks from Garfield Elementary!

Molly eased the U-Haul truck, car in tow, to a beautiful old Victorian home. It was gorgeous! She parked her vehicle in front of the house, trudged up the steps to Bertie’s door, and rang the doorbell. A spry gray-haired woman with a welcoming smile opened the huge oak door and said, You must be Molly! Oh my, you must be exhausted!

Hello, Molly said, extending her hand. And you’re Bertie?

Yes, my, my, where are my manners? Welcome to Winslow! Do come in! Would you like something cold to drink?

Yes, that sounds wonderful, but could we settle the finances first? Then may I see my room? I need to round up a couple of men to help get things unloaded before dark. Do you know of anyone? Molly paused. Sorry to run on so!

I hope you don’t mind, but I called Tom Miller, the sheriff, and said you were arriving late. He said to just leave the U-Haul on the street for the night. He and his deputy, Ned Harmon, will keep an eye on it. They’ll help you unload in the morning. OK with you?

It sounds terrific! Does the Sheriff’s Department always help newcomers unload their U-Hauls?

No. Bertie chuckled. Tom’s my son-in-law. It’ll give the men something to do. Not much crime in Winslow!

Molly laughed. Let me grab my overnight bag.

With the finances settled and room key in hand, Molly was directed upstairs. Top of the steps, end of the hallway, Bertie said.

Molly turned the key, opened the door to her room, and let out a little yelp. It was perfect! Her new home consisted of a huge living room, a bedroom area, and a bath. There was plenty of closet space and comfortable furniture. The room was papered in a medium blue flowered print. The bedspread and curtains carried out the sky blue theme. Molly deposited her things and joined Bertie in the kitchen.

Bertie Evans had homemade vegetable soup and corn bread ready with that cold drink she had promised. They chatted and laughed. Bertie’s gray hair was piled high into a bun, and soft waves surrounded her face. She wore a colorful housedress topped with a worn cobbler’s apron, heavy support hose—rolled at the thigh—and the sensible shoes of someone who had spent a lifetime on her feet. Bertie was energetic and bubbly; she was fast becoming a good friend.

I love the room! Please tell me about the meal arrangements, Molly said.

Breakfast and lunch are on your own. My kitchen is yours—just clean up your mess. That second refrigerator and shelving in the pantry are for boarders’ food. I have two male lodgers downstairs, so just label your containers. The supper menu is posted on the chalkboard a day early. Just sign up to eat here. Supper is two dollars, and it’s served at six. If you have meetings or something, just let me know. I’ll save some for you to warm up.

Molly nodded her appreciation. This soup is wonderful! You’ll be seeing a lot of me for meals! Oh, I owe you for tonight’s supper.

No, my dear. A boarder’s first meal is on the house, Bertie said. I’d sure be glad to have you as a regular supper guest. I love to cook, but mostly, I really enjoy the company. Harry passed on seven years ago; I was so lonesome. Turning our home into a boardinghouse was probably the smartest decision I’ve ever made.

Molly felt herself fading. She excused herself and made her way upstairs. Sleep came easily.

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Bertie’s men, Tom and Ned, arrived at ten o’clock on Saturday morning. Molly had minimal furniture, but she did have bookcases and lots of books. After numerous trips, everything was unloaded. Molly’s car was unhitched, and the U-Haul truck was returned. Everything was done by noon. When the men refused any pay, Molly asked if they had time for lunch—her treat.

Ned replied, What do you think, Tom?

"I think we need to introduce Molly to the best sandwich place in town."

Terrific, Molly said. I’ll follow in my car.

The trio motored to Winslow’s town square, parking down the block from Betty’s Burgers. The restaurant was packed. Tom took the orders, along with Molly’s money, inside; Ned and Molly nabbed a table outside.

Is this a family-owned business? Molly asked.

Yeah, Betty’s parents, Marge and Hal Mason, started it in the seventies. It was named ‘Betty’s Burgers’ even then, after Marge’s mother Betty. Their oldest daughter, Betty, named after her grandma, spent four years at Ohio State getting a business degree, then came home to help her aging parents run the restaurant. When both passed on, the business went to Betty.

Tom arrived with three baskets.

This is fantastic! Molly exclaimed. What are the other hot spots in Winslow?

There’s a great Carnegie Library, two movie theaters—one downtown and one in nearby Palisades—some good sit-down restaurants, great shopping, and a community theater, Tom remarked.

I like the parks, the hiking and bike trails just outside of town, and the camping, hunting, and fishing, Ned added.

A lot to do, Molly said. Sounds like a great place to live. Once I get this new job figured out, I’ll have to start exploring. Tomorrow’s Sunday. Could you direct me to a Lutheran church?

The men provided directions to the two local Lutheran congregations, and Ned added that Saint Paul Lutheran had a very active singles’ group.

After unloading groceries at Bertie’s, Molly made her way upstairs. She was greeted by mountains of boxes. Three o’clock. I’m exhausted. Maybe a short nap and then more unpacking before supper, she thought. She kicked off her shoes and laid down.

At six o’clock, there was a gentle knock on the door. It was Bertie. Molly, did you want to come down for supper?

Molly rolled over and looked at her alarm clock. Sorry, Bertie! Be right down! Looking in the mirror, she quickly brushed her hair and decided against applying makeup. Downstairs, Bertie and two men, one apparently in his seventies and the other, a very handsome thirtyish, were already eating. I should have taken time for the makeup!

Hello, my dear. Sit down while the food’s hot. Molly, these are my other boarders, Ralph Watson and Joe Stuart. Gentlemen, this is Molly Parsons.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries, and Molly sat down next to Bertie.

Ralph is retired and helps me out with the minor repairs around here.

Ralph smiled, nodded, and continued eating.

And Joe … I’ll let you introduce yourself.

Hi, Molly! He offered his hand, and they shook. I teach language arts at the middle school, but I’ve been hired as the summer school principal. Just started work on my specialist’s degree online through Ohio State; the university’s counting this as a short-term practicum. I guess that makes me your boss. Just like you, I’ll find out my duties on Monday.

Molly immediately liked Joe. Besides being easy on the eyes, he was warm, funny, and apparently liked kids. It’ll be great seeing a familiar face every day. Molly looked over the feast of roast beef and vegetables, salad, and fruit. Bertie, if I eat here every night, I’m gonna gain twenty pounds my first year of teaching!

Bertie said, I’m sure your students will run it off you. Save some room for pie.

Supper was a congenial gathering, and Bertie and Molly lingered over coffee after the men left. Want help with the dishes? Molly asked.

Nope. The dishwasher takes care of that. Help with clearing the table is welcome. That done, Molly excused herself and headed upstairs to unpack.

Saint Paul Lutheran was located at the edge of Winslow. It was an old church with a handsome new addition. The greeters asked if Molly was new in town. She said she had just arrived on Friday. Ned Harmon mentioned there might be a newcomer this Sunday. Word travels fast, Molly thought.

The service was meaningful and heartfelt. Molly’s last church had been the Lutheran Campus Ministry, consisting of all college-age students. It was nice to be a part of a multigenerational congregation again. Memories flooded back—sitting with Mom and Dad in the pew and singing in Kids’ Chorus—and Molly wiped away a tear. She glanced at the bulletin; the Seekers Young Adult Group met Wednesdays at six o’clock. On her way out, Sheriff and Mrs. Miller and Ned all greeted her. Molly couldn’t help smiling all the way to her car.

Molly spent Sunday afternoon unpacking and organizing. She pulled out her packet of materials from the Winslow Community Schools. Monday was an orientation to the school and her classroom and a review of the job expectations.

After supper, Molly said to Joe, I guess I should start calling you Mr. Stuart.

And you, Miss Parsons, Joe replied. Seems kinda stilted. I guess we can handle it at school. Otherwise, strictly Joe and Molly, OK?

Works for me. What happens tomorrow?

I’ll find out at the same time as the staff. Todd Collins was hired as the summer principal. He became ill and couldn’t fulfill his contract. I just got the go-ahead last week. Tim Rogers, my principal at the middle school, will be my mentor and boss this summer. As I understand it, I’ll be doing the day-to-day stuff like classroom visits and observations, and Tim will be doing the staff evaluations.

I’m so nervous! What if I can’t cut it as a teacher? Guess I’ll see you at Garfield Elementary at eight o’clock with bells on! Good night.

Yup. See you in the morning. Joe watched as Molly made her way upstairs. She’s really appealing—her energy, her love of kids—and really cute too. Too bad she’s my employee for the summer! Joe sighed. He was thirty years old. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a relationship. I guess it’s going to be a while longer.

CHAPTER 3

O n Monday morning, Molly rose at the first sound of the alarm. She had barely slept, anticipating her first day on the job. She would walk to school today. When she had a passel of papers to grade or the weather was inclement, she would drive. Today, she needed the walk to steady her nerves.

Molly’s fifth grade class was at Garfield, and she hoped some of the summer school teachers would be her cohorts in the fall. Molly was excited to learn from them. She was a confident person, but she knew how inexperienced she was as a teacher.

Entering the building, Molly was greeted by a smiling Joe and another gentleman. Hi, Molly, er, Miss Parsons. I’d like to introduce Principal Tim Rogers.

They shook hands.

Pleased to meet you! Molly said.

Principal Rogers replied, Thanks for signing on.

The meeting is down the hall, last door on the right, Joe said. Here’s your packet of materials. It has the morning’s agenda, your summer class list, and other basic information. After the meeting, you’ll have time in your classroom. We’ll be down in ten minutes or so.

Molly thanked both men and headed down the hall. A woman at the door, whose name tag read, Estelle Lundy, Sec., said, You must be Molly. Estelle handed her a name tag with Miss Molly Parsons, Gr. 4–6 Remedial Reading on it. I’m not qualified to teach Remedial Reading! Must be a misprint. Better review my contract anyway.

Grab some coffee and a Danish if you wish. The others are eager to meet you! Estelle said.

Several women and a man stood and introduced themselves when they caught sight of Molly. As the new kid, she had apparently created quite a stir. She grabbed some refreshments and found a seat. To her left was Judy Walters, Gr. 1–3 Remedial Reading. She appeared to be in her thirties or early forties, with a no-nonsense haircut and a quick smile. She greeted Molly and pulled out her chair. Let me grab some of that, she said as Molly tried to juggle her coffee, roll, purse, notebook, and packet.

Thanks, Molly replied. She quickly learned that Judy Walters, Garfield’s regular second grade teacher, was a certified Remedial Reading teacher.

The gray-haired woman to Molly’s right was sixth-grade teacher, Marge Dailey. She would have fourth-to-sixth graders for remedial math classes.

I may be leaning on both of you quite a bit … just so you’re prepared, Molly said with a smile.

Glad to help, Marge replied.

Judy nodded. My door’s always open.

Thank you, Molly said with heartfelt gratitude. And the rest of the group?

Judy replied, They’re teachers of English as a Second Language—ESL—for grades one through twelve and middle school and senior high Remedial Reading and Remedial Math Instructors.

Joe and Principal Rogers entered, and the group quieted.

Welcome to everyone and thank you for agreeing to teach this summer! Tim Rogers smiled. Most of you know Joe Stuart as the language arts teacher at the middle school. Due to Mr. Collins’s recent cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments, he had to step down. Joe agreed to fill in when we offered him some credit on his specialist’s degree.

The crowd chuckled.

Joe will handle the daily issues; I’ll be available by phone and come by every day or so to support and mentor Joe. He’ll do classroom observations, and I’ll complete your evaluations. Please show your professional courtesy to Joe, as he learns the ropes of being a principal. Joe, take it away!

The crowd applauded.

Thank you, Principal Rogers, and everyone. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. Please don’t hesitate to come to me with questions or concerns. I’ll do my best to help you or call Principal Rogers for further advice. Let’s get down to business. The first item on the agenda …

The