Chapter Text
May 1942
Evie
Her thighs were beginning to ache. Evie shifted carefully in her seat, her pants riding up just a bit. She knew better than to be out there early in the morning; for what seemed like the fifth day in a row. But still, Evie found herself sat above her beloved horse, Estrella. The horse didn’t actually belong to Evie, Estrella actually belonged to a rich family who owned the ranch. But every so often, her father sneaked her into the stables which he tended and let her ride.
This had started when she was just a girl and Estrella was no more than a foal, and the older she got, Evie had developed a habit of sneaking out on her own. Estrella and Evie were two kindred souls, both tucked safely away when they should be free. Free. That was a foreign concept to Evie. But when she was out riding Estrella in the open fields, she could swear that she could taste it. She could picture another life, another version of herself.
Evie closed her eyes and felt the spray of saltwater on her face. She’d managed to ride out all the way to cliffs again. The ocean waves crashed into the rocks below, her hair a wild mess as the wind began to pick up speed. Evie knew if she opened her eyes she would be greeted by the sun peeking out over the horizon. She would be late if she didn’t leave soon, but she found herself rooted to her spot.
Estrella began to trot in place as if to let her know their time was finished. With a heavy sigh, Evie leaned down and gave a gentle pat to Estrella’s mane.
“Alright then,” Evie sighed, “Back to the world we go.”
The ride back to the stables had to be quick. Evie had managed to glance at her wristwatch and noticed how late she actually was. The last thing she wanted was to be caught by another stable hand - or worse by the family who lived there. Evie would never want to put her father’s job in jeopardy.
Dismounting Estrella, Evie quietly led her back to the stables. She’d learned years ago to make quick work of cleaning up Estrella. Deft and careful hands gently brushed her coat and removed the saddle.
“You know how sorry I am for leaving you here, right?” Evie whispered to the horse.
Estrella’s only response was a soft shake of her head.
“Well, if I had a choice I’d steal you away.” Evie paused her motions, “Or maybe I’d just set you free.” That, Evie thought, would be a true kindness. It’s what she would want. “Do you even want to be set free? Or have you just been humoring me this whole time?” Evie let out a soft laugh.
Maybe she was just losing her mind. After years of projecting herself onto the horse, she’d finally lost it. Letting out an exasperated breath, Evie turned around. She had just managed to lock Estrella’s door when she backed into someone.
“Evie,” her father called out to her sternly. Evie froze in place, her back going rigid.
“Papá,” Evie choked out. Somehow, Evie always managed to become a child again in her father’s presence, even if she was a child no longer.
“How many times do I have to tell you?” Her father had his arms crossed over his chest. His hat was hung low on his weathered face, accentuating the worn look in his eyes. Evie had lost count of the times she felt guilty for sneaking out. Her father’s face had enough wrinkles and worry lines from years of hard labor- the last thing she wanted to do was add to it.
“Nunca ser atrapada,” they both managed to say in unison. Never get caught . He had ingrained that in Evie, but the older she caught, the more restless, the more reckless she became. If Evie looked carefully enough she could probably see another worry line developing on her father’s face as they spoke.
“Evie-”
“I’m sorry Papá. It won’t happen again, I promise. I just lost track of time-”
“Ya, Evie.” Her father’s voice was firm, hard. She’d learned long ago when she’d pushed too far and run out of excuses. So Evie did the best thing she could, she clamped her mouth shut. Her father stepped closer to her. He cradled her head in his hands. If Evie was taken aback she didn’t give an inclination.
“Ya sé,” he smiled at her, “You are a grown woman now. Necesitas vivir tu vida.”
Live her life. Evie clung to her fathers’ words. If only she knew how.
Placing a gentle kiss on her father’s cheek, she wished him goodbye. She managed to give him a small smile before running towards the back of the building. If she sprinted all the way down to the mission, she might just be able to make it in time.
Oh , she was out of breath.
Evie put a hand against her ribcage trying to steady her shallow breathing. She managed to round the corner, her shoes slapping against the pavement.
“Not again!”
Evie gave the Sister a wide smile. ¡Qué lástima!, she thought. Caught twice in one today. If she was about to be fired, she might as well go with a smile.
“Good morning Sister!” Evie replied brightly. She tried to control her breathing, Evie would be in enough trouble as it was. She didn’t need to add to it.
“You! You are going to have to do at least 10 Hail Mary’s and-”
“Evie! I've been looking all over for you!”
Evie turned to see Penny frantically making her way over. Penny’s almond hair was swaying behind her as she came closer, her heels loudly clapping against the pavement. Penny had her hands behind her back, as she began to nervously chew her lip. When Penny finally managed to approach them, she subtly handed Evie her nurse clothes while she addressed Sister Katherine.
“Sister Katherine, I apologize for Evie. I sent her out on an errand, and she must have lost track of time trying to help out a poor lost soul.” Penny’s voice only wavered slightly as she spoke. But Evie knew she’d be able to get away with it, nervous was Penny’s general disposition.
Sister Katherine turned to Evie, a hard look of disbelief in her voice. “Is this true?” She said. Sister Katherine’s tone was challenging with little room for argument.
“Well-” Evie started before she let out a huff of breath as Penny kicked her. “Ye-Yes. It was tragic. But, with some help from,” Evie pointed at the sky, her face morphing into a sincere expression, “Everything was alright again.” Evie quickly did the sign of the cross and added an “Amen” to sell her story. Evie didn’t dare break eye contact with Sister Katherine, let alone chance a glance at Penny.
The Sister wasn’t buying what she was selling, but she begrudgingly accepted it anyways. Without another word, Sister Katherine made her way towards the opposite side of the grounds. Before Evie even had a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, she let out a yelp. Her arm now stinging from a slap Penny had just given her.
“What was that for?” Evie grumbled. Her right hand automatically moved to soothe her left arm.
“I can’t keep making excuses for you!” Penny huffed. Her brown eyes were wide with concern. Penny tugged at Evie’s arm, practically dragging her inside the building. “Go,” she said firmly, “Get changed. We have some Marines who were injured today down the hall.”
Penny began walking down the opposite side of the hallway. The sound of her heels clicking against the tile drowning out the silence and accentuating Evie’s guilt.
“Penny?” Evie said softly. Penny’s stride stopped. Evie waited until Penny turned fully around to say something more. “Thank you.” Penny merely waved her hand, but Evie noticed a smile begin to tug at her lips anyways.
Clutching her clothes, Evie walked into an empty storage closet to change. Wrapping her hair in a bandana, Evie changed into her nurse’s uniform. She’d only managed to knock her head and elbow twice, which she considered to be a success. Shoving her clothes into a nearby shelf, Evie took a second to steady herself before walking out the door. Her hands paused at the doorknob, a strange uneasiness enveloped Evie. She felt anxious but calm. She closed her eyes and swallowed. For a moment she was back on Estrella riding through the fields, the sun beaming brightly down upon her. Evie opened her eyes, she needed to stop daydreaming. That wasn’t her life, this was. Squaring her shoulders, Evie opened the door.
Making her way down the hallway, Evie was surrounded by the hum of nurses and doctors reading off patient charts. The accident at the Marine base seemed like it was going to be an all-day endeavor. Ever since the attack on Ellwood this past February, everyone had been on high alert. Evie couldn’t blame them, not really. No one had expected the Japanese to target American soil, let alone somewhere they lived. It all hit too close for Evie. She almost wished she could do something, anything other than bandaging a garden scrape or tending to an overzealous mother and her child.
Evie felt restless, maybe if she put her hands to work her mind might finally go silent. Grabbing the nearest clipboard, Evie began her walk towards the medical ward. Rounding the corner Evie paused, there were new forms all over the announcement board. Normally, Evie wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but its big red bold letters noticed the call to action.
Nurses, serve your men overseas! Do your part and enlist in the nurse’s U.S Airborne division. Became a part of the paratroopers. Be a part of history!
Evie’s eyes bore into the poster. Her feet rooted in place, she reached out with her hand and gently touched it. This was it , she thought, her chance to finally make a real difference . To be free - to live her life. Tearing the poster from the wall, Evie examined it closer. Her eyes scanning the document, she made a quick note that there were no exclusions in the requirements. She’d be allowed to enlist. The problem was, Evie realized, was convincing her family.
Evie’s mind wandered back to her father’s words this morning. She knew he’d be on her side. Her sister’s and brother supported her no matter what - her mother would be the only one who would stand against her.
But this was her chance. Evie wasn’t going to let it pass her by. No matter where this path took her, she needed to take it. Evie just needed the courage to do it.
Maggie
Sometimes Maggie wished she lived in a world without noise. It wasn’t that she hated being around so many people, her life was filled with nothing but people, but she just wished that there were more moments where she could get away from it all.
Maggie loved her life, she did. She loved getting up before the crack of dawn to begin prepping for her family's bakery. This was her happy place. Perhaps that’s why she loved it so much, it was the only moment where she could be alone with her thoughts. Just Maggie, her dough, and her thoughts. Peace.
Softly, Maggie began to sing. This was never something she would have attempted had she not been alone, but here in the dimly lit bakery, Maggie got to truly enjoy herself. Maggie didn’t think her voice was anything particularly special, she was no Doris Day, but that never stopped her from enjoying her music. With the utmost care, Maggie placed her buns neatly on the tray before placing them in the oven. She knew she was over baking, ever since things had gotten worse overseas, business had been slowing down. Still, Maggie liked to bake a few extras to give out to those who needed it.
Wiping her forehead with her forearm, Maggie got to work cleaning up the kitchen. They would be opening in a few hours, and the bakery looked like it had seen better days. Humming an Artie Shaw song under her breath, Maggie got to work sweeping the floors. She used to be able to count on her brother Jimmy to help out, but ever since joined up and became a pilot, she’d been left to help their parents out on her own. She didn’t mind, not really. Maggie knew one of them would end running the shop one day, and Maggie always knew deep down it would be her.
Jimmy was smart, charismatic, and limitless - all the things Maggie wasn’t. Jimmy was meant to live a life of travel and adventure, and Maggie? Well, she was happy at home. Maggie glanced at the clock hanging on the wall, shocked Maggie dropped her broom. She’d spent over an hour cleaning up. Her buns were most likely burned.
Maggie ran into the kitchen, opening the oven she let out a sigh of relief. Her buns were miraculously safe. Luck was on her side today. A small jingle alerted her to Mei, one of her neighbors that helped to work the bakery.
“Daydreaming again Mags?” Mei asked, letting out a laugh at Maggie’s frantic state.
“I wasn’t daydreaming,” Maggie said defensively. Placing the tray of buns on the counter, Maggie waved her hand over the buns to cool them down a bit.
“There’s no harm in wanting more than this, you know. You have a history as a nurse! You could get a job in Chinatown, even better, out of Chinatown ! There’s a whole world out there Mags, don’t you want to see it?”
Maggie took a second to think about Mei’s question. She was comfortable in her home - in Chinatown. It was all she had ever known. Jimmy was the one who couldn’t wait to get out and see what else the world had in store. Maggie felt a sudden wave of excitement wash over her, if she really let herself think about it, she would admit that there are places she’d always wanted to see. She didn’t spend her time looking across the bay just to admire the view.
“I can’t leave my family, Mei. They need me. Who’s going to help them run the shop if I’m gone? Jimmy’s off fighting a war, they don’t need to be worrying about me too.”
“So Jimmy gets to go off and live his life, and you’re supposed to be stuck here?” Mei had crossed her arms and developed a scowl on her face. Her cool brown eyes boring into Maggie’s in a way that would have intimidated anyone else. Mei was short, even shorter than Maggie, but that never stopped her from scaring the living daylights out of anyone that crossed her path.
“Mei-”
The jingle from the door alerted them both to customers. Mr. and Mrs. Gee gave Maggie and Mei a respectful nod before walking up to the counter. Mei let out an exasperated sigh before walking behind the counter.
“This conversation isn’t over by a long shot, Maggie. Our parents didn’t come all the way over here for you to stay in one place your entire life. This is America, right? The land of opportunity.”
Maggie let out a snort that had Mr. and Mrs. Gee looking over at her in confusion. Maggie whispered to Mei while placing the Gee’s order in a bag. “I’d say our opportunities are pretty limited, Mei.”
Maggie and Mei both nodded their heads in unison as they wished the Gee’s goodbye. Mei quickly turned around and swatted at Maggie, “Don’t start with that!”
“What-” Maggie almost cursed at the damned bell for interrupting them once more. But Maggie clamped her mouth shut when she saw that it was William Chin, the man that every grandmother wanted them to marry, had entered the bakery. Maggie smiled, no other girl in Chinatown stood a chance - William had only ever had eyes for Mei.
“Hello, William,” Maggie teased, “What brings you by today? It wouldn’t be a certain-” Maggie gritted her teeth. Mei had stamped on her foot so hard she knew there would be a mark later.
William became bashful, his hands crumpling up the stacks of paper he had in his hands. “Oh,” he let out a breathy laugh. William caught himself from further damaging the paper in his hands. He held them out to Maggie, who took them with a smile. William’s eyes never left Mei’s and Maggie warmed to know that Mei was just as transfixed.
“William?” Maggie giggled.
“Oh! Yes! These are flyers for the U.S Airborne, they’re recruiting. I know how proud your parents were of having Jimmy join, and I thought they would be okay with hanging them up on the wall.” William pointed at the corner of the room where her parents liked to hang up local advertisements and announcements.
“Of course, William!” Maggie grinned. “I’ll hang them up right now.”
Mei cleared her throat and took the papers from Maggie’s hands. “What are they recruiting for?” Mei asked, her eyes quickly scanning the paper. Mei took hold of Maggie’s hand, and let out a gasp.
“Maggie! This is your chance!” Mei thrust the paper back at her. Maggie didn’t even have time to read it over herself before Mei started again. “They need nurses! You have training! You can get out of here and do something with your life!” Mei began pacing back and forth, Maggie and William both following her with their eyes.
“Oh! Think of it, Mags! Think of how many doors this might open for you!” Mei stopped and clutched onto Maggie’s arms. “You have to do this.”
Maggie looked back down at the flyer. They didn’t have any special requirements, and better, they didn’t exclude Maggie because she was Chinese-American. But she couldn’t? Could she?
“What about my parents?” Maggie started and Mei rolled her eyes. “I don’t even know what a paratrooper is!”
“I’ll look after your parents, don’t you worry about them.” Mei started. William stood next to her shaking his head in agreement.
“Mei and I will look after them, Maggie. They’ll be okay,” William said softly.
“Jimmy’s already gone. I don’t need them worrying about another child. What if something were to happen? What if I died? Or Jimmy? What would that do to them?”
Maggie was becoming frantic now. Her heart racing in her chest. She had a never-ending list of excuses. She could easily fire one after another. What scared her wasn’t the thought of her dying - it was that she might die without ever having really experienced anything. That she would live a life of regrets. Maggie didn’t want to die without truly living, but what scared her more than that is what it might cost her.
Mei and William patiently watched Maggie. Maggie stared at them with a resolute expression. One that had both Mei and William smiling.
“But how will I tell them?” Maggie finally said.
Mei rushed over and hugged her. She clung to her like a lifeline. “You look them in the eyes and say there is no other choice. It’s time for you to live for you, Maggie. You can’t keep living your life for others. You’ll come back, I know you will.”
Maggie clung to Mei’s sweater, she squeezed her eyes shut. When Maggie had gotten that training in nursing she had dreamt of going somewhere new, somewhere she could help. Somewhere everyone didn’t know her name and her whole history. This was a chance. A crazy chance that she might come to regret later. One that might bring pain, maybe even death. But she had to try.
Taking a breath, she thought of her brother and what he might say to her. Jimmy would point to the sky and tell her to follow the stars.
Maggie took a deep breath, becoming resolute in her choice. She would walk down to the recruitment office this afternoon and sign up. She would tell her parents after the fact. Maggie had never felt more fearful or excited in her life. This was a beginning.