Chapter 11

Dear Diary,

Well, so far things have gotten better. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to me when Stanford brought Nurse Barbara to help out. But as it turns out, he was trying to help me deal with what had happened.

Crazy, right? I was just about to be rid of him and then he does something that really surprised me.

Not only is this Nurse taking care of me, but Standford got on the phone one day and I overheard him arguing with someone who I believe was that scum who hurt me.

“Listen, if you ever get near her again, I swear I will go and hurt you with my bare hands again!”

I had never heard Standford get that angry. Plus, he has become so attentive to me.

“Look, darling, I am here for you and I want you to know that I am so sorry for what happened.”

I want so much to believe in him but he has also hurt me.

“I need time, Standford.”

“Take all the time you need.”

So this is where I am at right now. I am taking some time to think about what it is I want for myself. The best part is Nurse Barbara has become my confidant. I feel like I can really trust her.

Maybe I am dumb for buying into it, but I have to say she has really let me just be me.

The best part is I was able to tell her about my life at the farm.

I never thought I would be able to share so much of that with her.

Heck, not even Standford asked me or seemed interested in knowing about Eliza Clark.

“I think Eliza is lovely, “ she said.

I cried. “Thank you!”

Nurse Barbara has encouraged me to go back home and make peace with my family.

I’m not sure if I want to go yet.

I mean the thought of going back and admitting that they were right? And by they, I mean my Ma and Pa.

I am not sure I want to do that. I know it has been rough as of late but I have really enjoyed the finer things in life.

Besides, Standford wants to help me and he did defend me after all.

I am just so confused.

I have thought of the possibility of being hurt again.

I couldn’t handle it.

Okay Eliza, take a deep breath.

It will be okay.

“Darling I have big news.”

I can’t believe what Standford just told me.

I am stunned. I also see he is not calling me doll anymore.

“I have a lead in a Broadway show?”

“This is with me, Darling.”

Nurse Barbara lowers her head.

“Are you sure this is what you want Eliza?”

“I don’t know.”

The truth was... I did know.

“Standford, I am ready for this role.”

So there you have it diary. I am not ready to let stardom slip away.

I have come too far to quit now. When I close my eyes all is well.

That’s all for now.

Eliza (Rosaline Starr)