Jonathon approached Billy's bedroom door through the bathroom that connected their two rooms.

"Let's go!" he shouted, knocking on it.

"Hold your horses! I'm still changing!" The door opened a minute later and Billy was in his swim trunks. "What's the rush?" he said, going to his bed to get a shirt.

"It's almost time for people to arrive," Jonathon said, walking through his brother's room and opening the door. "I don't want to be late."

"What's the big deal? They'll wait for us if we're a few minutes late," Billy grumbled, but Jonathon didn't bother answering and headed for the stairs. He wanted to be outside when Helen arrived, not after.

When he stepped outside, two cars were coming down the drive to the house. The first car had Kitty, Billy's sweetheart, and her two friends driven by her father. The second one was filled with his best friends, Leonard Melleville, Stan White, and Joe Baker. He was surprised to see Walt Dwyer climb out of the back seat. Billy must have invited him and he'd bummed a ride.

As he passed the first car, Kitty's two friends smiled encouragingly at Jonathon, but he ignored them. He would prefer not to have freshman attend their bonfire, especially freshman girls. They were far too silly in his opinion, but Billy was smitten with the small dark haired girl, and she was too young to be allowed to attend alone.

He shook hands and joked with his friends, but the whole time he kept an eye on the spot where cars were appearing from out of the trees. When Helen appeared riding a bike with Annie riding beside her, his heart skipped a beat. He didn't hesitate to step away from the fellows to go meet her.

"Welcome!" he said as they pulled up and got off their bikes.

"Hi, Johnny. Thanks again for asking us," Annie gushed, wiping sweat off her forehead, but Jonathon's attention was on Helen.

"Yes, thanks," Helen said in a more subdued voice.

"I'm glad you could make it," Jonathon said, watching her push the blonde curls off her face that had escaped her hair pin. She tucked them behind her ears, but they were too short and fell back. His hand twitched with the urge to brush them back for her. He could tell they were natural curls, not the pin curls all the other girls had.  Noticing him watching her, she averted her eyes, her pale skin reddening, and he realized his mistake.

"I meant, I'm glad both of you could make it," he said, taking a step back. He was making a darn fool out of himself, and he was embarrassed he'd been caught staring at her again. "Why don't you set those against the garage?" he said, indicating the bikes, and they wheeled them over. It was then he realized they hadn't brought towels or bags. Were they wearing their swimsuits under their dresses?

"If you gals need to change into your swimming clothes, there's a cabin on the way to the pond."

Annie cast a worried expression in Helen's direction. "We don't own swim suits," Helen said, lifting her chin defiantly, and he knew he'd made another misstep. Annie's people were poor, so it was no wonder she didn't own one. Helen had probably left her suit at home so Annie wouldn't feel left out.

"That's alright," he said, meeting Helen's challenging gaze with an easy smile. "Not everyone swims."

By now, it appeared everyone had arrived and he and Billy led the way to the path behind the garage. Once they were in the woods, Jonathon glanced over his shoulder. Annie and Helen were at the rear of the group, the only ones not carrying towels or bags with blankets and badminton rackets sticking out.  Jonathon faced forward. As long as Annie was tagging along with Helen, he was going to have to be more careful about what he said. It would make Helen mad if he kept saying things that pointed out how little Annie had.

When they reached the pond, people spread out blankets or pulled off their wraps, eager to get in the water. Jonathon joined those who chose to swim, deciding to let Helen and Annie explore on their own. He'd join them later once they were settled.

The heat of the day still lingered, and it wasn't long before most of the boys and girls were in the water, laughing and splashing each other. Helen and Annie stood near the shore, watching them. It was clear from the look on Helen's face she wished she could join them. Jonathon kept stealing glances at her, wishing she'd brought her suit anyway, then Helen said something to Annie and Annie smiled.

They lifted their skirts above their knees and Jonathon froze, transfixed by the view of Helen's bare legs. They were shapely and perfect, just like the rest of her. His heart pounded in his chest while he watched her wade into the water. She splashed Annie, who shrieked and splashed her back, and Jonathon turned away swimming to the opposite side of the pond.  You need to get a grip over your emotions or you're going to blow it with her, he thought angrily.

He'd been attracted to Helen the instant he saw her. It was a rainy October Monday, and she'd walked into one of his classes, trailing the school secretary. She was pale and the way her eyes darted around the room without resting on anyone, it was clear she was nervous. Being a new student, that was to be expected, but her vulnerability made him take notice – and she was pretty. He couldn't stop staring at her, even though they were in the middle of an exam.

Ever since that day, his attraction had only grown. He wanted her, desperately, and he was having a hard time keeping his need for her under control. Soon he'd be taking her out, he reasoned.  Then things would calm down.

When he looked back over at them, they were still playing in the water, and he frowned, thinking about Annie.  She was Helen's best friend, always sticking by her side. They were probably going to spend the whole bonfire together too, and that was a problem. How was he supposed ask Helen for a date if he couldn't talk to her alone?

Maybe he should ask Leonard or Stan to get Annie away, take her for a long walk. And then he realized what a bad idea that was. Annie was just the type to misinterpret something like that. She'd probably think they were interested in her. He couldn't saddle one of his friends with that. Then he saw his brother and got an even better idea.

"Billy!" he said, beckoning him, and Billy swam away from Kitty and her friends.

"What is it?" Billy said when he reached him.

"I'm worried Annie and Helen are feeling left out since they can't swim." Billy glanced over in their direction. "Would you invite Annie to – I don't know, go for a walk with you and Kitty, or play badminton or something?"

"Why shouldn't I ask both of them?" Billy said, turning back to Jonathon, and then a grin spread across his face. "Now it's all starting to make sense."

"Shut up," Jonathon grumbled. "Just do me a favor and ask Annie to go do something with you."

"Now?" he said, casting another look in their direction.

"Don't look at them!" Jonathon hissed, and Billy rolled his eyes. "It'll be too obvious if you do it now since you're swimming. Do it later when everyone is out of the water."

"Alright," Billy said, and headed back to Kitty.

Careful to keep his happiness from showing, Jonathon swam towards the shore, and Helen. By tonight he'd have his first date with her set up. He tried to be nonchalant, merely giving them a nod as he went to get his towel.

While he was drying, he saw Mother on the path, carrying a basket. James lumbered behind her with a scowl, a folding table under one arm and carrying an even bigger basket with his free hand. The housekeeper, Ingrid was too frail to walk the distance from the house to the pond and it was clear James wasn't happy to have been pressed into service. He was a tough fellow, and seeing him being forced to carry ice cream for Mother was funny, but Jonathon worked hard to hide his amusement.

James had come from Northern Ireland as a boy, younger than Jonathon was now. He'd hinted to Jonathon that he'd lied about his age to get a job on a steamship, wanting to escape the bloody civil war going on in his country. Growing up during such harsh times had made him good with his fists and not afraid of a fight. He'd soon gained a reputation in his new country and found work as a bouncer in speakeasies, but it wasn't an easy job. The clubs were constantly being raided by the police.  As each one was closed, he was forced to move on.

He was working in the capital not far from the Blackwell's when his luck ran out and Prohibition was ended. By this time, the country was in the midst of a terrible economic depression and there wasn't work for anyone. James did what he could to scrape a few coins together, staying this side of starvation when his luck turned again.

It was six years ago that the prominent adult son of a brewing company magnate was kidnapped by former bootleggers who had a grudge against his father. Hearing the news, Mother's old fears that Jonathon and Billy might be kidnapped for ransom, or worse, were rekindled and she insisted Father hire a bodyguard for them. When Father asked around for someone to fill the job, James' name was mentioned several times and he was hired.

"Let me carry that for you, Mother," Jonathon said, taking her basket from her.

"You have a good crowd today," she said, surveying the young people while she fanned her face with her handkerchief.

"I told you we asked a few more."

James set up the table and he and Jonathon unpacked the ice cream dishes and silverware for Mother. Then the two of them stepped aside and Mother stood behind the table while the boys and girls crowded around her.

"Thanks, Mrs. Blackwell!" many of them said, and she beamed with delight.

"That's quite alright," she said. "It's been so hot, I wanted you youngsters to have something cool to eat."

While she dished up ice cream and handed it out. Jonathon noticed Helen and Annie standing off to the side and went to them.

"You don't want to miss out on the ice cream," he said with a smile.

"O-kay," Annie said hesitantly, looking at Helen, but she didn't move.

"Come on," he encouraged, moving towards the table, and Helen finally came with him.

When it was their turn, Mother handed a dish to Helen and then straightened with surprise, examining her and Annie more closely. "I don't believe I've seen you two here before," she said with a polite smile.

Jonathon stepped forward. "This is Helen Anderson, Mother. She's living with Mr. and Mrs. Moore. Helen, this is my mother, Mrs. Blackwell."

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Blackwell," Helen said.

Mother's brow furrowed. "Mr. Charles Moore who owns the bank?"

"Yes, that's right. He's my uncle."

"Oh," Mother said, her face relaxing, and Jonathon smiled. He knew Mother would approve. "It's lovely to meet you too."

"I'm Annie Montgomery, Mrs. Blackwell," Annie said, getting Mother's attention.

"Montgomery?" Mother said, and then realization came into her eyes. "I believe I know your mother," she said, her voice noticeably cooler as she handed Annie a dish of ice cream.

"That's right, Mrs. Blackwell," Annie said cheerily. "My mother made pies for your last Christmas party."

Why did she say that? Didn't she know she was making it worse?

Mother gave Jonathon his ice cream, and when her eyes met his, his stomach sank. She wasn't happy Annie had been invited.

"Let's go sit under the willow tree," he suggested, hoping to separate the girls from his mother before Annie said something else.

"Thank you for the ice cream, Mrs. Blackwell," Annie said, and Helen echoed, "Thank you," more quietly.

"I hope you enjoy," Mother said, her tight smile not meeting her eyes.

When they were sitting under the tree, it was quiet while they ate and Jonathon peeked at Helen. He wondered if she'd noticed his mother's reaction to Annie, but she had her eyes on her ice cream.

"It's really good, Johnny!" Annie said, breaking the silence. "It's been so long since I've had ice cream, I've almost forgotten what it tastes like."

Jonathon studied Annie with surprise. He and Billy didn't have ice cream all the time, but at least once a month they went to the soda fountain at Dwyer's, or Ingrid made it for dessert. It was another example of how tough it was in the Montgomery home, and he felt a pang of sympathy for her.

He glanced at Helen. She was concentrating on her dish of ice cream, but from her expression, he knew she felt bad for Annie too.

"Hi, Annie," Billy said, coming through the willow branches when they were finished. "We're playing badminton, and we need another partner. Wanna play?"

"Sure thing, Billy!" Annie said, jumping up. Helen opened her mouth as if she was going to say something, then closed it. "Since I'm up, I'll take your dishes," Annie offered, and after they handed them over, she left with Billy.

Helen watched them longingly, and Jonathon wondered if she felt uncomfortable being left alone with him.

"I hope you're having a good time," he said.

"Yes, I am," Helen said, looking out at the water. "It's lovely here."

"Billy and I like it. I hope you'll come back when we have another bonfire. We have them quite often."

"Perhaps," she said, running her fingers through her curls to push them off her face, but she wouldn't meet his eyes.

He wasn't sure if she was shy, or what was going on that made her hold back with him, but it was becoming obvious he was going to have to do all the pursuing. He wasn't used to that.  Girls were always throwing themselves at him, but he was willing to make an exception in Helen's case. She was worth it.

"I'd like for you to come back," he continued. "In fact, I'd like – I'd like to see you more often," he said stumbling over the words. He hated how that had come out. It made him sound unsure of himself.

Helen hadn't missed it either.  She frowned at him for a long moment. "What do you mean exactly?"

"I would like very much if I could have a date with you, Helen."

Her eyes narrowed, and he knew he was mucking this up. "Is that why you invited me here?"

"Well... yeah," he said, deciding honesty was the best answer. "I thought if you had a chance to get to know me a little better, you might–"

"I'm just very suspicious, Johnny," she said loudly, interrupting him. "Especially since all the other fellows are staying away from me."

Jonathon looked at the pond to avoid her eyes as a heat rushed through him. He could feel his face flush and he hoped she didn't notice. It wouldn't be good if she suspected he had something to do with that.  But it wasn't like he had any other choice.

In a small town where everyone went to the same school, a new girl, especially one as good looking as Helen didn't stay unattached long. By noon the first day she was attending his high school, word had spread through the entire class about her. That's how Jonathon had learned she was the banker's niece.

At the time, he was seeing Mary Shaw, but he was bored with her, just as he was with all the other girls at his school. He would have gladly broken things off with Mary so he could be with Helen, but something like that had to be done diplomatically. Mary was the mayor's daughter and it wouldn't do to make a prominent family like that angry with the Blackwell's. But that put him in a terrible bind. By the time he was free from Mary, Helen would most likely be seeing someone else, and he was determined not to let that happen. He quietly put the word out that Helen was off limits.

Things had worked out exactly as he'd hoped, he was finally rid of Mary and Helen was still available, but instead of pursuing him, she didn't seem to know he existed. The longer he waited for her to take notice of him, the more impatient he became, until he'd finally decided he'd have to go after her. That's when he'd put together his latest plan. Only now he realized that telling the other fellows to leave her alone had somehow thrown a wrench in things.

"Oh, come on, Johnny!" Helen said, putting her hands on her hips. "You must have heard the same things they did."

"Heard what?" he said faintly, the ice cream churning in his stomach. What didn't he know about her?

"Annie's family may not have money to buy ice cream," she said, her eyes flashing with anger. "But at least her mother makes enough to feed all of them. My parents weren't even able to manage that! That's why they sent me to live with my aunt and uncle. They sent my sisters away to other family members too. It was either that or the orphanage for us – because otherwise we'd starve." She took a breath to continue, but closed her mouth as a look of anguish crossed her face. She turned away from him to hide it.

"I'm sorry, Helen. I didn't know," he said sincerely, his heart hurting for her. How awful it must be to be sent away and lose your family like that.

"Well, now you do," she muttered, still turned away. He watched her wipe her eyes, wishing he could do something to make her feel better. Then she stood.

"No, don't go yet," he said, hopping to his feet.

"There's no reason for me to stay."

As she stepped away from him, a desperation took over. He couldn't lose her now, not when he was so close. "Yes, there is. I still want to see you," he said, putting his hand on her arm to stop her, but she wrenched it away.

"I'm not interested in being a notch on your belt!"

Jonathon was shocked. "Is that what you think I want?"

"Isn't it?" she spat. "What am I supposed to think, Johnny? I saw how you tried your best to make sure your mother had a good impression of me. Once she knows the truth, I hardly think she'll approve of you seeing me. So what other reason would you have for wanting it so bad? I see how you are with the girls at school. I may be poor, but I'm not dumb!"

"I promise you, that wasn't my intention!" She scoffed, and he rushed to convince her. "I honestly didn't know why you'd moved here, but that doesn't matter to me! Yes, my mother has certain ideas, but I can convince her to be more accepting. I really like you, Helen," he said, taking a step closer. "I'm just asking for you to give me a chance. Let me show you my feelings are sincere."

She didn't reply, but he could tell she hadn't rejected what he'd said outright, and it gave him hope.

"Spend more time with me, not on dates," he added quickly. "Just as friends. Give yourself a chance to get to know me. You won't say no to just being friends, will you?"

Her shoulders slumped and she looked away, but he knew he'd hooked her. "Okay," she said with a sigh. "But if your mother–"

"Don't worry about her. Mother will want me to be happy," he said, giving her his best convincing smile.

"Don't be so sure I can make you happy."

"I'm not worried about that," he said, smiling more broadly. There was a shift in her eyes, and he could tell he'd said too much. "Let's go find Annie, alright? It's almost time to light the fire."

"Alright." She seemed relieved the conversation was over, and he was too. It hadn't been easy, but he'd successfully gotten her to the next step.

He held the willow branches aside for her and after she'd passed through, he followed. While they walked to the field where Annie and Billy were playing badminton with the others, he thought how things hadn't turned out quite the way he'd planned. It certainly was a shock to learn her circumstances were so desperate, but it didn't change how he felt about her one bit. If anything, it made him want her more. He was filled with a desire to protect her and keep her safe from anything else that might hurt her.

But the road ahead was going to be bumpy. Helen was partially right, Mother was going to object to him seeing her, but so was Father. However, convincing Mother that Helen was alright even if she was from a poor family would be a breeze. He'd changed Mother's mind lots of times before, and she would work on Father for him. The hardest part was going to be convincing Helen. He would have to be careful how he went about it. If he pushed her too hard, he'd drive her away.

When Annie saw them approaching, she waved and ran to Helen. Taking her hand, she started to lead Helen back to the group, but Helen looked over her shoulder to see if Jonathon was coming with them.

"You go on ahead," he said, waving them on.

It was dusk and fireflies hovered over the grass, winking around the girls as they walked away. Watching Helen, Jonathon suddenly imagined many more evenings spent with her, perfect nights like this where it was just the two of them, and his confidence soared.

Somehow, someway it would happen. She was going to be his girl.

****

Thank you so much for reading!  I hope you enjoyed learning more about Helen, and also more about James.  It may be shocking to learn that times were so desperate during the Great Depression that families would give up their children, but it was a sad truth.  Helen and her sisters were lucky there were family members that could take them.  A lot of children wound up in orphanages, or worse, homeless as teen 'hobo's'.  I can't wait to hear what you think about this chapter, and what you think may happen!  If you'd like to support this story with a vote, I will be super appreciative!

Take care,

Katherine