They met as adolescents. Ruby’s family moved next door to Jesse’s on an idyllic Saturday afternoon in the summer of ’38. It became apparent immediately that they were attracted to each other. The families thought it was sweet that Jesse, although large for his age, was so caring of Ruby. By the time they were teenagers Jesse had grown big and strong, while Ruby remained petite and dainty. Ruby was smitten by Jesse’s athletic skills and his “take-charge” attitude, and Jesse was just downright dopey over Ruby’s sweet nature, her innocence, and her glowing red hair.
Other than each family’s separate vacations and holiday trips, Ruby and Jesse were seldom apart and it was only natural that the romance would become physical. Ruby submitted to an afternoon of passionate sex. Once–and once only—but the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, nor more dreadful.
Later, noticing that Ruby had begun gaining weight, an appointment was made with Dr. Morgan who confirmed she was pregnant. They lashed out at poor Jesse who was told he would never again be welcome in their home, nor on their property, and he was cast-out forthwith. A Pariah!
Ruby endured her pregnancy alone. Each time Jesse made an attempt to see her, he was shunned and turned away. His family was difficult as well, for the day Ruby’s pregnancy was discovered, the former good neighbors ceased speaking to one another.
Jesse must have sensed that her due date was near, for he began to hover near their home endlessly, only to have the door opened and epithets hurled at him from all members of the family until he slunk away pitying himself and questioning “how could they not know the depth of my love?”
On a moonlit, star dazzled evening, Jesse noticed a car ease up in front of Ruby’s house, and an important-looking man dressed in a dark suit embellished with a bright red bow-tie emerged, carrying a battered black bag. Walking up the front steps he rang the doorbell. They hurried him in, as Jesse rushed over only to have the door once again flung shut. He refused to leave and patiently sat on their porch for hours, head lowered, all the while listening to Ruby’s moans from within.
Dr. Morgan explained to the family in hushed tones: “I may as well tell you quite frankly–because Ruby is small, her delivery is going to be extremely difficult. I only wish I had better news for you, but I think you should be prepared for the worst.”
Later, the door opened and surprisingly, Jesse was allowed to enter. There was Ruby lying there, motionless. Jesse inched closer, never taking his eyes off her. When realization set in, he bolted for the door and ran wild over the grassy lawn in grief–never noticing the headlights of the car headed toward him.
Occasionally, the embittered find compassion; the maligned are vindicated; for in the end, Ruby and Jesse were buried together. The only acknowledgement of their love? On a cloud-truffled morn, upon the standard atop the grave, their entwined dog collars swayed gently in the breeze.
Jan Chapman
November, 2010
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