Hill House

The station platform was busy and crowded, but it isn’t hard to be alone in a crowd. Karen
felt terribly alone as she stepped off the train. It was raining, but she didn’t bothe
r to replace her scarf. Somehow the rain seemed familiar and she clung to it like an old friend.

She took a deep breath, shoved her hands deep into her pockets and started toward the station.

“Excuse me,” a hand touched her on the shoulder. “Is your name Karen Jeferson?”

“Why, yes.” Karen turned to meet a pair of gentle eyes.

“I’m Marlene Roberts from Hill House.” The eyes were joined by a bright smile. “Let’s get in out of the rain. I’ve got your luggage in the car. It’s right over her.”

She propelled Karen through the crowd to a dilapidated sedan. “It isn’t much but it runs. Hop in.”

Marlene was a tall beautiful girl of about twenty-two. Her eyes were her best feature, they were dark brown in color and extremely expressive, though quiet. Her smile was nice too and her hair, though she wore it plain, was of an uncommonly rich chestnut.

Karen liked this girl and felt a little less alone.

“We’ll be home soon, it isn’t far. Did you enjoy the train ride?” Marlene started the car.

“Yes. It was very nice. It sounds funny to hear you say we’ll be home soon. It’s hard for me to think of this as going home.” Karen buttoned and unbuttoned the top button on her coat nervously.

“I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I came. That was almost eight years ago. I was just about your age. Hill House had just opened then. Don’t worry it won’t be long before you feel right at home.”

“Hill House is a wonderful place. You’re really very lucky to be coming here,” she fell thoughtful for a moment. “My parents both died when I was very small. If you could have seen some of the places I’ve lived you would know what I mean.” She was quiet again.

Karen saw that they were leaving town. The highway wound up into a range of small foothills dotted with houses and farms. What’s it like, living at Hill House. Karen wondered. Probably nothing like living with Grandmother in the little white house in Millvale. She closed her eyes for a second trying to remember it, but instead of the farm she saw in her mind black hearses and the very long funeral procession to the South Hills cemetery.

The car turned into a long drive and stopped in front of a large white house.

Marlene blew the horn, “Ray, oh, Raymond.” She called. “He’ll be here in a sec to get your bags. Com’ on.”

Karen started up the wide front steps and nearly collided with a tall boy who was running down.

“Opps, excuse me,” He blushed and brushed the hair out of his eyes.

Marlene put her arm around Karen’s shoulder. “Karen meet Raymond Drake, Ray this is Karen Jefferson. Ray is our right arm around here. He lives next door.”

“Hi, Ray.” Karen took his hand and he shook it vigorously.”

“Welcome to Hill House. See ya’ around.”

The front door opened and light flooded the porch. “They’re here” someone inside shouted.

“Come in and be at home,” a blonde with a Danish accent took her arm. “I’m Katrine. You’ll get used to this. Kate will be down in a second.” She took Karen’s free hand and led her inside to a warm living room. The room was filled with girls, all kinds of girls.

A tall nice looking woman of about thirty-five kissed Karen warmly on the cheek. “I’m Katherine Rand, sort of the mother around here. Please call me Kate.” She turned, “Girls this is Karen Jefferson. Karen I’d like you to meet meet Bee, Beatrice by name” a tall girl with short blond hair smiled.

“You know Marlene and Katrine. Meet Sandra.” A lovely girl with soft brown hair smiled sincerely. “And here is Maybee So.” A small Japanese girl smiled warmly.

“Name is really Mai-So.” She bowed a small short bow from the waist.

The sea of faces and list of names seemed a little unreal. Someone took her coat. A lovely blonde girl about her own age showed her to a chair and offered her a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.

A tall girl named Casy settled herself next to Karen. “I’m going to be your roommate for a while. So is Rose. We’re quite a pair. I hope you won’t mind us too much.”

“Oh, I’m sure I won’t.” Karen glanced at the girl named Rose. She was an extremely beautiful girl in a different sort of way. Her features were small and perfect. Her beauty was cold though and she gave the impression of being carved of solid stone.

Kate said, “You must be awfully tired. Come on in and eat your supper.”

The next morning was a typically November day the snow had stopped falling but it covered the whole outdoor world.

Karen got up and pressed her nose against the window. Far below she could see Raymond shoveling the path to the front door. Casy and Rose still slept even though the clock said 8:30.

“It’s Saturday,” thought Karen. “I guess they sleep late.” Karen had never slept late on Saturday. There had always been the chickens to feed and the dog to walk.

She sniffled back a tear and put on her bath robe. Quietly she began to unpack.

When she had emptied her last bag she began to dress. She chose a light blue shirt to go with her jeans and then she tied up her golden hair with a navy ribbon. She felt pleased with the effect in the mirror.

She could hear someone in the kitchen downstairs and she could hear voices in the room next to her. She wasn’t sure whether to go downstairs or not.

Someone rapped sharply on the door. “Up in there,” It said. “Breakfast is waffles to the first girls.”

Casy jumped up and began to dress with energizing speed.

“I’ve a headache.” Rose rolled over to face Karen. “Would you be so kind as to send for an aspirin.”

“Certainly,” Karen went right away in the hall she met Katrine. “It’s a fire?” the latter asked, “You go so fast up the stairs.”

“Oh” Karen was out of breath. “Rose has a headache. I just got her an aspirin.”

“Oh, I see. Yes, I expected it soon as Rose is due for a headache. Every week she has one. When somebody does not give attention to her. I’ve got to hurry and I’ll save you a waffle.”

Karen gave Rose the aspirin and hurried down to join Katrine.

“I do wish you would cut that horrid hair.” Beatrice remarked.

“No,” said Katrine. “My hair. It stays long.” She tossed one golden braid over her shoulder and turned to Karen. “Last summer Bee had hair longer than mine and everybody they gave her lots of attention. Ya. So she cuts her hair. Ya. Now she is like everybody else and she wants us all to cut our own hair. I don’t know how she was so silly in the first place.”

Beatrice was of small stature, and her hair the golden color of honey. Her features were very small. Karen could well imagine that she had been much more beautiful with long hair even though she was lovely with it cropped short.

Katrine, on the other hand, was a typical Danish beauty. Her hair was of pale yellow and it hung in two thick braids which reached nearly to her waist.

It was easy to see why Beatrice would covet Katrine’s hair.

The waffles were Marlene’s specialty, light and crunchy. Karen had never eaten so many in one meal.

The dinning room was huge and spacious with 10 tables each 10 ft long and 3 ft wide. It wasn’t even half full but there was an air of busy-ness about it. Each girl had a daily turn at K.P. and house work. Roommates pitched in and cleaned their own room. Daily inspection made sure beds were made and clothes put away.

Marlene was ahead of it all. She had it worked out to a T.

Karen’s job was keeping the front hall neat. Next week she’d be on kitchen squad.

Casy began to brief her on the daily routine of Hill House.

“Week day breakfast at 7:30. Sat 8:30. Sun 8:30. School starts at 8:40. We take the bus in. It comes at 8:00. After school we come home and do our chores and homework. Supper is at 7:00 and bed at 9:30. On Friday night midnight’s the limit if we have a date or a party or something. Sat. we do our chores early, go on hikes, have picnics, go to the movies, do lessons, anything. Sunday we go to church. There are 6 in town, you can have your pick. After church, we watch T.V., read, make doughnuts, that sort of thing.”

“Sounds wonderful,” said Karen.

“It is. We have parties too and dances. I think you’ll like it here.”

“Oh I will.” Karen felt suddenly glad that she was at Hill House.

Casy went on “This afternoon after we get our work done, some of use are going into town to shop, some to the movies and some of us are going to stay here. We have a sewing project on and we’re all making dresses. Take your pick.”

“Heavens, how do you decide?” Karen thought of the fun ahead of her.

“Oh yes I almost forgot. We’re having a bobsled party tonight. We’ve invited some kids from school besides us.”

The morning passed quickly and Karen rubbed the mirror in the front hall till it shone. After her work was done Katrine took Karen out to see the grounds.

In an ancient stable, Hill House kept 2 mares rather ancient but very useful as a team. In the triple garage a bob sled was being polished for the night’s use.

The grounds were huge. Directly behind the house was a lovely garden. Karen notice that the huge veranda was surrounded by roses, not blooming now but ready for spring.

To the right lay a huge lawn and to the left a small forest with a creek and a pond on the other side.

On the way back to the House, the girls met Ray. Katrine grew suddenly silent. Her cheeks took on a ruddy color and her eyes shone with a far brighter sparkle than before.

“Hi Katrine and Karen. Been running into any more boys?” to Karen.

“No, not quite. How about you?”

“Just you.” He smiled and Karen realized just how charming he was.

When he left Karen turned to Katrine.

“Oh isn’t he nice? I think he is the prettiest boy I ever saw,” Katrine said.

“Yes, he is.” Karen realized that sensible Katrine had a crush on Ray. It gave her a funny feeling.

“But, he don’t even know that I’m here. He only can see Casy.” Katrine sighed.

“Oh, does he like Casy?”

The evening was crisp and clear. Karen wore a green jacket and shirt that did strange things to her eyes. The green reflection distracted from their startling blue and gave them a soft green tone.

Her blonde hair blew in wisps about her face.

Katrine wore a Danish snow suit and had kept her braids tied back with a red ribbon.

Casy wore a brown coat which fit her character completely. Ray had eyes for no one but her.

Introductions over. The crowd piled into the big three seat sleigh and began to have fun. A dashing blonde boy named Kim Redford kept Karen company.

He had taken Katrine by the hand and said, “Madame would you kindly introduce me to this sweet girl beside you.”

Katrine had laughed and simply said, “Karen, Kim, Kim, Karen.”

“Sounds nice,” the boy laughed.

Karen thought so too.

Monday morning was a hard day for Karen. She was put in a homeroom away from Katrine and she felt rather lonely and frightened. On the way to lunch she was surprised by a familiar voice.

“Mind if I come along?” Kim took her arm without waiting for an answer but Karen didn’t mind.

Kim ushered her to a table, sat her down, left and came back with a tray full of lunch.

“Mmm. Mushroom soup, my favorite.”

Karen smiled.

“Aha, I thought you were the mushroom type.”

Karen laughed. She liked Kim. A lot.

After lunch Kim led her to her fourth period class and said goodbye.

Casy was in this class and she greeted Karen as she came in. Getting kinda high aren’t you. He is the Vice Pres of the student body you know.”

“He is,” Karen was really surprised.

That night Karen fell into her bed, exhausted. She had finished all her homework and written out her forms for school.

Name. Karen Davenport, Age 16, Date of birth Feb. 19, 1938.

Rose broke into her thoughts.

“Karen, Casy, I simply must have a drink of water. And I’m so comfy. Would you mind so very much Karen?”

“No not at all.” Karen lied.

Rose’s silly attention getters were getting her down a little.

Two or three times every night it was something. Another blanket, a drink of water, an aspirin, or a number of other things.

Karen wouldn’t have minded but there really was no reason why Rose couldn’t help herself.

Once back in bed Karen began to think about her dates on Sat. She was going to the movies with Kim. Fri, but Sat she was going to dinner with a boy named Lou Denton. She didn’t really feel right about it because she didn’t know him very well. He was a Senior, she knew that and he was the best looking boy she had ever seen. His hair was black and curly and his eyes were blue like summer sky and he had a new Cadillac.

He must be nice.

Friday night came with amazing speed and Karen readied herself for her date with Kim.

He came to the door and with a sweep of Grandeur he swept her out to his 39 Buick.

“Karen meet Sophie, Sophie meet Karen.”

Sophie rattled them into town and conveniently stopped in front of the neighborhood theatre.

The move “Moonlight and Tear Drops,” starred Sandra Crane and Ronald Peal. Romantic Ronald Peal reminded her of Lou and her forthcoming date.

After a soda Kim and Sophie took Karen home.

On the way Kim said something which angered Karen slightly.

“Karen, I hear that your going with Lou Benton Saturday night.”

“Why yes, Kim, do you mind very much?” she laughed.

“Seriously, I do. I mean I wish you’d asked be before you agreed to.”

“Do I have to ask you whenever I make a date? Who gave you the right on my time?”

“No, I.”—

“I know you were just looking out for my welfare. Well it just so happens that I like Lou, and I’m glad I have a date with him.”

“I know Karen, all the girls do, I guess you’ll just have to find out for yourself like all the rest.”

Kim was silent the rest of the way home.

On the door step he shook her hand. “See you Monday.”

He turned and walked away.

Karen felt guilty for some reason.

Karen wore a cotton dropped waist print. The wide neckline was accented by small pert bows on her shoulders.

Ray whistled, “Gee, Karen who’s the lucky boy?”

“Lou Benton,” she replied.

“Oh,” Ray turned away and talked with Casy.

Lou took Karen to the El Pasa for dinner and dancing and about ten he suggested that he show Karen the sights of the town.

“I know a hill,” he said. “And from its top you can see the whole town and the surrounding county.”

The spot was everything Lou said it was and more so. It was far off the highway in a desolate forest.

He stopped the car and put his arm around Karen.

“Isn’t it romantic up here?” he said.

“Oh yes,” Karen had a strange impulse to get out of the car and walk home, but Lou’s eyes held hers. She felt him cast a strange spell over her.

Suddenly he was kissing her violently.

Karen struggled free. “Let go of me, you.”

“Oh Karen com’ on live a little.”

“Take me home, this minute.”

Lou threw back his head and laughed. “Come on Karen you got to pay me back for the dinner.”

“Take me home Lou.”

“Nuts.”

Karen felt tears in her eyes. She climbed out of the car and watched until Lou had driven away.

A fine kettle of fish for her to get into.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Karen had never been so angry before. She started down the lonely lane at a fast clip. In relief she saw a pair of headlights up ahead. Maybe it was someone who would take her into town. Fear clutched at her throat. Maybe it was Lou coming back. It could be anyone.

Karen’s heart began to pound. She stepped into the shadow of the trees but too late. The car stopped in front of her hiding place.

“Karen,” a familiar voice called. “Get in.” Karen obeyed.

“Oh, Kim. I’m so glad you came.”

“Forget it.” His tone was acid. He swung the car round and began down the lane at break neck speed.

“I’m awfully sorry,” Karen dried her tears.

“Ya sure. I know.” He swung onto the highway.

“Aren’t you going kinda fast.”

“So. What.” His jaw was set hard.

“Please Kim. I’m really sorry,” Karen meant it.

“I know.” Kim’s voice was soft, a little ashamed. “So am I.” He slowed down a little.

“How did you know?” Karen asked. “How did you know were I was?”

“Lou called. He said I’d better come and fetch you home.”

“Oh.” Karen settled back in silence.

Kim went on. “Almost every girl in town’s had the same experience with the same boy. I guess you just had to learn the hard way.” He began to step on the gas again.

Karen sighed her relief when the city’s traffic forced him to slow down. Both of them remained silent until they reached Hill House.

“Well, thanks for rescuing me.” Karen smiled weakly.

“Sure,” Kim broke into a smile. “Glad to do it. It’s only eleven want to take in a soda?”

“No! You com’ on in and we’ll watch T.V. or make fudge.”

“Sounds good.”

Karen said goodbye to Kim on the stroke of midnight. At first he thought he was going to kiss her but instead he shook her hand and said. “Call if you need rescuing again.”

“O.K.” She watched Sophie rumble away and then went inside full of a new wonderful feeling.

“What’s with you?” Casy asked as she came in.

“Just call me twinkly toes. I feel wonderful.”

“Oh,” Casy groaned and went back to sleep.

Feb. 19^th dawned a glorious dawn on Saturday morning. Karen opened her sleepy eyes to the rhythm of Casy’s birthday spankings.

“Go away.” Karen kicked wildly laughing.

Mai So held her arms down. Penny sat on her back, Katrine and Beatrice each held a leg and Casy continued her merciless whacking. “Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, and one to grow on. There.”

Karen sat up. “Oh” she moaned.

“Happy Birthday!” they chorus.

“Oh ya.” Karen felt her sore spot.

“Com’ on Karen sit up we’re doing this up right.”

The door opened and Rose entered. Looking like a Rose. She carried a tray which smelled wonderfully of ham and eggs. Casy winked at Karen.

Rose said, “Here’s your breakfast. Is there anything else you’d like?”

“No, thanks. It was real nice of you to get my breakfast.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I liked it.”

Kim came for Karen at six on the dot. Sophie had been scrubbed for the occasion and Kim brought her a bunch of violets.

“Wish I could take you to the country club but I’m afraid the amusement park will have to do.”

Sophie rattled along under the deepening sky.

When they arrived. “What first, merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, spook ally, your choice.”

“Oh, Kim I don’t know let’s try the Fun House.”

The evening went quickly and at eleven sharp. Sophie putted back home.

At the door Karen said goodnight and extended her hand for the usual hand shake.

Kim laughed. “Karen,” he pulled her close to him. Softly sweetly he kissed her.

“Happy birthday Karen.”

“Thank you Kim. Goodnight.”

Karen opened the door and waltzed up stairs.

“O’boy. Here comes twinkle toes.” Casy turned over and moaned.

Karen sat by the window and gazed at the stars.

“What a wonderful feeling I have,” she breathed.

THE END