What is in a Name?

What is in a Name?

December 24th 1840-212 Dickens’ St. Appleburg, Ferdern

There was a light layer of snow on the streets of Appleburg and the wooden shops and stone houses, as carolers, waving their bells and singing their hearts out, were walking from door to door, people, with bags full of food, bustled by and children ran around squealing and giggling. Horse drawn carriages trotted down the freshly cobbled streets that were lit by the new electric lights invented by the Korens. A few police officers walked down the street, but even they were in a merry mood and would often tip their hats at smiling ladies and merry gentlemen who would wish them a wonderful Barismas. The only thing that dampened the Barismas spirit was a number of protests on the street corners trying to rally support for the Black Forest War. So far it was only a Snake concern, but there were some who felt they should help the Snakes reclaim that land. Most average citizens ignored the protestors, but there was widespread fear that the government might step in on the Snake’s behalf. In the middle of all this hustle and bustle, was a heavily bundled tall and lean male with crisp brown hair sticking out of his hand knit hat. His cheery green eyes peered from his wool scarf that was wrapped around his thin and slightly scarred face. His long and thin hands were chapped and rough and they were wrapped around a two freshly caught fish and a sack of potatoes. His thick, frozen, dirty boots crunched through the snow. He had just left the office and had considered stopping by the lumberyard, but remembered that Jessica’s father had let out all of the workers early for Barismas Eve. He had been in the attorney’s office all day going through the paperwork to ensure that they would transfer the office to him. It was strange to think that next year he would be his own attorney with his own office. Jessica had told him that he had done a great job as an attorney and had impressed many people with his prosecution of, not only Jimmy ‘Two Face’ Farloni, but also the prosecution of Senator Warren. There were even rumors of people wanting him to run for office. He had not thought he had done anything worthwhile. He had only done his job. In fact, he had been nervous simply because he was still struggling to read and even write. There was that one time he had nearly died of embarrassment because he had misspelt associate. Thankfully no one noticed. He smiled as he passed by two girls who had their ribboned hair flowing behind them. He could not wait until he and Jessica had children. He knew it was a little soon to think of such things, especially since he and Jessica had only recently been married, but he could not help himself. He loved Jessica so much and they had talked about it. She often laughed at him, but he had been serious. He carefully stepped over an icy patch as he walked up the stone steps that led to Ms. Cox’s house. With great difficulty, he took out his keys and opened the door, while nearly being run over by her million cats. He heard Ms. Cox shouting something from the steaming and smelly kitchen, but he could not make out what it was nor did he really care. Not everything about his new life was perfect-Ms. Cox being one minor annoyance. He could not wait until they could buy their own home. He had originally wanted to use the money he had made from his work on a new house, but Jessica had told him it was more important to grow his business. Jessica’s father had offered to house them momentarily, but he had too much pride for that. Even though her father had allowed them to marry, Robert knew that he still had his doubts about Robert and was starting to regret letting them get married in the first place. He hoped he would be able to live up to his expectations.

Robert walked down the steps to the basement and saw Jessica standing over a steaming pot of water. She was a little shorter than he was, but not by much, and she had the body of someone who had lived in comfort but was not overweight. She had long blonde hair tied in a makeshift ponytail and lively blue eyes. She had a full smile and small nimble fingers. The basement was one room with their rickety bed in the left hand corner, a makeshift stove in the right hand corner, and a wooden table with three chairs in the center of the room. There was only one light and it was a candle-the electric lights being too expensive for Ms. Cox and the Phillips. There was not even a fireplace. If they wanted to stay warm they had to turn on the stove and pray it did not set the entire room on fire. In the far corner was a small wardrobe and in the wardrobe was his uniform from the Ignis Desert. He had wanted to sell it as soon as possible, but Jessica had persuaded him to keep it for posterity’s sake. Personally, he wanted to rid of all reminders of his time in the desert. It was not a place worth remembering. Jessica sighed as she heard Robert come down the stairs and looked like she was ready to stab someone.
“I swear to God, Ms. Cox, you come down here one more time-Oh! Robert, it’s good to see you.”
“Is she causing you trouble?” smiled Robert.
“You have no idea, the old toad,” grumbled Jessica, throwing lettuce into a bowl, “Is that the fish?”
“Yes, sorry they are small, but it is all we could afford,” he said, placing it on the counter.
“No, it is perfect. It is only the two of us after all and the left overs should be enough for lunch for a week or so.”
“Thank God I love fish,” smirked Robert, placing the sack of potatoes on the floor.
Jessica glared at him as she cut up cucumbers for the salad. He grinned as he took off his jacket, scarf, and hat. He hung them on poorly installed hooks that were threatening to fall off the wall any minute now. Robert could not wait until they could buy a house. Jessica cursed slightly as a small tomato she was trying to cut escaped from her. Robert grinned and pulled out a small box from his pocket. He was almost ashamed at how small this present was, but it was all he could afford and he knew she would appreciate it. He walked towards Jessica who was tossing the salad. Once she was done, Robert wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a gentle kiss on the neck. Jessica let out a surprised ooo before threatening through a smile, “If you are not careful you might be contributing to tonight’s dinner.”
“Love you too,” he laughed.
She turned around in his arms and pursed her lips.
“I am sorry,” Robert grinned like an eager schoolboy, “but I could not wait.”
He handed a skeptical Jessica the small box.
“Forgive me, darling, if I have more self-control,” she said, taking the box from him.
“Just open it.”
She warily unwrapped it, opened the box, and gasped.
“Oh, Robert, it is beautiful,” she said, taking out the jeweled dragonfly hair pin.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She broke the kiss with a small laugh and slipped the clip into her hair. Robert gave her another kiss before she gently pushed him away and said, “Now get out of here before I set the house on fire.”
He gave her one more kiss before sitting down at the wobbly table they had bought from a neighbor.
“How was work?” she asked, unwrapping the fish.
“It was fine. All the paperwork has been filed so Thursday morning when I open up shop, it will officially be my office.”
“That is fantastic, darling,” smiled Jessica, placing the fish in a frying pan
“Yes, I am quite pleased. We still need to change the name over the office, but that can be taken care of on Thursday.”
“And you will probably want to get a secretary,” said Jessica
“Eventually,” frowned Robert, “But I really want to focus on getting a house, or at least a nicer room to rent.”
“That will come, Robert, that will come. We are in no hurry,” said Jessica, absentmindedly running a hand over her stomach.
She frowned as someone banged on the ceiling with what sounded like a hammer. Robert rolled his eyes as Jessica muttered under her breath and flipped the fish over.
“No hurry?” he smirked.
“Oh, I can deal with her. Besides, if we sacrifice a little now it will benefit us more in the end and then we can get as many houses as we want.”
“I guess you’re right,” he sighed.
Jessica lowered the temperature of the stove before wiping her hands and walking over. She sat in his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He rubbed her arm and smiled.
“Now stop being so droopy, it is Barismas after all.”
“I know and I am sorry,” he said as they heard Ms. Cox stomping around, “I just want what is best for you.”
“What’s best for me is living with you and seeing you happy and successful.”
He smiled and gently kissed her lips before she walked towards the stove. She took the fish out of the frying pan and opened the sack of potatoes.
“Speaking of being successful, how is the journalism going?”
“Oh, I did not get a chance to tell you,” she smiled, as she pulled out a large potato, “I have a job interview on the 29th.”
“Really? With who?”
“The Ferdarian Gazette,” she said, peeling the potato, “It is for a secretarial position, but I am confident I could work my way up.”
“I’m sure you could,” grinned Robert, “That’s great. Do you have anything to wear to the interview?”
“Oh, I am sure I could find something. Mother has plenty of clothes.”
“Does your father know about the interview?”
“No, you know he would not approve,” she said, slicing the potatoes, “He was already quizzing me on when we were going to have children.”
“And what did you tell him?” asked, Robert, trying to keep an amused tone, although he was a little worried.
“I told him we would have children when God deemed it time,” she grinned warmly, “And it might occur sooner than he thought.”
Robert furrowed his eyebrows at the last part, but did not say anything. Instead, he smiled, “And what did he say to that?”
“Oh, you know father. He hmmmed and hahed but he really could not argue against a statement like that,” she said, putting the sliced potatoes into a pot of water.
Robert nodded his head and ran a finger over a burnt mark on the table. He knew Jessica’s father meant well, but the man could be pushy at times. He still did not understand why Robert wanted to start his own business instead of taking over the lumberyard. Robert was his own man and he wanted to make his own way in life. He had seen what happened when people took and borrowed from other people and he did not want to be like that. Whatever he had was going to be something he had earned on his own.
“He did mention something though that might be of some use to us,” said Jessica.
“Hm? What is that?”
Jessica checked the floating potatoes and sat down across from Robert. She bit her lip and took his hand.
“Now do not get angry. He was just trying to be helpful.”
Robert looked at her guardedly.
“I was talking to my parents today, you know to pay my respects and to wish them a Merry Barismas, and they mentioned that they were planning on selling the old house.”
Robert started to grumble, but Jessica persisted.
“Now I know the Meadowlane is quite big and we probably would have no need for all the space-right now-but they are getting old and have no use for it,” she said, rubbing his hand, “They do not have any intentions of expanding, but we do and it has been under the family name for decades. I would hate to see a stranger take it over.”
“Jessie, we have been through this already,” he frowned, taking his hand away from her, “I will not take anything from your parents.”
“For free,” she corrected, folding her arms across her chest.
“What?’
“You won’t take anything from them for free, which is what I told father,” she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “So he said he would be willing to discuss a payment plan with you based on your salary.”
Robert looked at Jessica surprised.
“But, Jessie, I do not make anywhere near enough money to afford a house, even with a payment plan, especially the Meadowlane.”
“I am sure you and father could work something out, besides your business is going to start booming by the end of next year. You have already created quite a reputation with the Farloni and Warren cases.”
“I don’t know…”
“Of course, we would have to make sure the payments did not interfere with growing your business,” she said sharply, “That is another thing I told my father. Our main focus was the business and it did not matter what happened or who else might join us.”
“Join us?”
“Besides, certain circumstances might force us to move out by the end of next year,” she said, looking down partly pleased and partly embarrassed as her hands rested contently on her stomach.
Robert raised an eyebrow and said, “Jessie, what is going on?”
She looked up dead serious and said, “Robert, before I tell you, you have to promise me this won’t change a thing. You are still going to focus on building that law firm you have been dreaming about and you will let me continue trying to find work.”
“Jessica.”
“You also have to promise that, if I can find a way to make all that work, plus buying a house in a way that makes it easier for us and satisfies your pride, you will agree to do it my way.”
“That is a lot to ask of a man.”
“Not if he trusts his wife.”
Robert looked at her shrewdly while Jessica stared at him expectantly.
“I did not realize I had married a politician.”
“Oh, Robert, do not be angry with me,” she said, one hand reaching for his while the other continued to rest on her stomach, “I did it because I saw how stressed you were about living here and because well…I found something out today that could change everything.”
“What?”
“First, you have to promise.”
Robert looked at her deeply annoyed while Jessica stared at him stubbornly persistent. He knew that he would never win when she was like this and sighed, “I promise.”
She grinned and scooted closer to him. She took his hand and rested it on her stomach, holding it there. He looked at her confused before it slowly dawned on him. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.
“It is true,” she smiled, “I am six weeks pregnant.”
“What? Are….are you sure?”
“Positive. I went to see the doctor this morning.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her into a hug as they kept one hand each on her stomach.
“I did not want to distract you at work, besides I had to work things out with my father first.”
“Does he know?”
She looked at him annoyed.
“Do you really think I would tell him before I told you?”
“Oh, Jessie, this is fantastic,” he said, kissing her on top of the head.
“Merry Barismas,” she said, closing her eyes as they wrapped each other in a hug.
“It is the best present I have ever received.”
Jessica looked up and kissed him. Robert smiled and rested his hand on her cheek.
“God, we have so much to do. I will have to see your father. We cannot raise a child here and work…dear God work.”
“You let me worry about preparing for the baby and you focus on growing your business. We are going to need the money,” she grinned.
“I still…I cannot believe it. Our first child…What do you think it is.”
“Robert,” she laughed, “We will not know until it arrives.”
“I know, but…what do you feel?”
She looked up at him and kissed him before grinning, “I think I better check on the potatoes before the water boils.”
Robert smiled as she rose and stirred the potatoes.
“We will have to start thinking about names.”
“Yes, dear,” said Jessica, painfully draining the potatoes.
“And I want him to read and write as soon as possible,” said Robert, knowing the pains of being uneducated all too well.
“Or her,” Jessica gently corrected as she took out a large bowl.
“Of course. Oh!” he said, jumping up excitedly, “Do you think we could be having twins?!”
“Dear God, I hope not!” said Jessica aghast, “I have to carry them after all!”
“Only for a few months.”
Jessica looked at him annoyed and brutally mashed the potatoes. Robert could not keep the ridiculously excited grin from his face as he thought about his coming child. He secretly hoped it was a boy. He could understand boys better than girls and he would not feel so bad messing up a few times on the first male than the first female because males were supposed to be tougher. Oh, he could not wait until his baby boy came. Maybe they would have twins-even though Jessica seemed to dislike the idea. Maybe it would be a boy and girl. That would probably be the best compromise because he knew that Jessica wanted a girl. Little Ethan and Samantha Phillips. He looked up as Jessica set the table. She sat down with a smile as Robert gently grabbed Jessica’s hand and gave her a loving kiss on the lips.
“Merry Barismas darling.”
They bowed their heads and muttered a quick prayer before starting their meal.
“I have already thought of names,” said Robert, putting some mashed potatoes on his plate.
“Already?!” said Jessica surprised.
“Well…I have had them for a while,” grinned Robert sheepishly.
“I am almost afraid to hear them,” she smirked, about to pour herself a glass of wine.
He stopped her and she looked at him alarmed.
“I do not want him to have wine before he is eighteen.”
She stared at him aghast and he was fairly certain she was going to kill him.
“I am beginning to regret telling you.”
“Do you want to hear the names or not?” he said, putting the bottle far from her reach.
“All right,” she said, rising to pour herself some water from the pitcher, “What are the names?”
“Well if it’s a boy Ethan and if it is a girl Samantha.”
“I like Samantha, but I am not naming our son Ethan,” she said sitting down.
“Why not?” he said.
“Because it is an obnoxious name. You do not want him to be one of those rich doctors who run around and look down on people because they make less than they do.”
“Our son would not be like that even if he had an obnoxious rich name.”
“I have had bad experiences with Ethans, so no,” she said, eating mashed potatoes
Robert frowned slightly, “Lewis?”
“Do you want to raise a fag?!”
“Kenneth?” he asked, buttering a roll.
“So now he is going to be a bore.”
“Well, what name do you have in mind?” asked Robert annoyed.
“Ellis,” she said, buttering an ear of corn.
“And you had a problem with Lewis?” said Robert dead pan.
Jessica folded her arms in front of her chest and threw him a deadly glare.
“Next.”
“What about….Gene.”
“Too…well it is too much like Ellis,” he said, taking a sip from his wine.
“Jack?”
“Do we want him to be ordinary?”
“He’s your son, Robert, there’s no way in Hell he is ever going to be ‘ordinary’,” she said, eating a piece of fish.
He pursed his lips in annoyance.
“Well that is it. That is all I have got.”
“We still have time I guess,” said Robert, wiping his mouth.
“At this rate let us hope it is a girl.”
Robert threw her a glare as she ate a roll. They both sighed as Ms. Cox hammered at the floor again.
“We are not even being that loud,” he groaned.
“You really want to drive her crazy?” asked Jessica rising.
“Not if it is going to get us kicked out.”
“She hates it when I read out loud,” said Jessica, picking up the Holy Scriptures from their bed.
Robert smiled, “And I love it.”
She grinned and sat down.
“What should I read? Amal’s sacrifice?”
“No, that is too depressing. Read about their decision to build the church in Amal’s name,” said Robert, getting comfortable in his chair.
Jessica opened the book and searched for the chapter. She gave a light aha when she found it and began to read:

“It was the third night after Amal’s great sacrifice and his followers sat in tears. They tore their hair and ripped their clothing. The rain lashed at them as crops died and flowers failed to bloom. Amal’s body rested beneath a mound of dirt and out of this mound grew a single white tulip. Ari, the most faithful of Amal’s servants, rose and plucked the flower.
‘Rise ye followers of Baris. Rise my brothers of Amal. Why do we weep? Why do we mourn God’s grace and love? Rise and be as this flower. Have hope and rejoice for the world has been reborn.’
But no one listened.
‘Do you turn deaf now? Do you turn blind? What of you, Christopher? Ye who spoke loudest before the fatal hour? What of you, Nicholas, who struck the last blow? Rise and cast off your shame.’
Then Alexander the lawmaker rose and proclaimed, ‘Brother Ari is right. Let us rise and fulfill our promise. Let us build a house worthy of the Lord’.”

“Jessica!” Robert exclaimed.
“What?” she asked aghast.
“I found the name, the perfect name.”
“What is it?”
Robert smiled, “Alexander.”
She looked at him surprised, but quickly smiled, “I love it.”
She rested one hand on her stomach and said, “Alexander Phillips.”
“Alexander Ethan Phillips”
Jessica narrowed her eyes in slight annoyance before rolling her eyes and said, “Fine. Alexander Ethan Phillips.”
Robert smiled and kissed Jessica. She closed the book and they cleaned off the table. After putting the food away, they climbed into bed together and took turns reading to each other while they thought about their baby.