One day recently, I found myself sitting opposite Jennifer Robles, better known to Rowena as Jenny, to hear about one very terrifying afternoon.
Scott: Can you set the stage for me Jenny…what was happening?
Jenny: It was during the Summer of 1899 and we were on a church sponsored weekend outing. “Although America, at least its rural segments, had yet to enshrine Summer Camp, church or otherwise,” these types of events “were regularly enjoyed by both youths and adults. Simple affairs, they entailed moving the rudiments of home to the less comfortable, but more exhilarating domain of nature.”
Scott: And you were about to go exploring?
Jenny: Yes. “Two of the teachers brought together a group, including Rowena and” I, “for a nature walk. Empty coffee cans, and the promise of a berry hunt, added a touch of extra excitement” for all of us.
Scott: Then what happened?
Jenny: I remember Mrs. Hauenstein, the third grade teacher, saying, “All right, children; the berry bushes are just ahead.” Rowena and I, “faithfully adhering to Mrs. Hauenstein’s admonition to” keep her in sight, “had stayed close— for awhile.” Then we headed off on our own. “Not to such a degree as to have forsaken the security of hearing” her voice, “but far enough to feel…excitingly, covertly, and wickedly alone.”
Scott: And how did your decision to distance yourself from the leader work out?
Jenny: Well, “true to Mrs. Hauenstein’s word, berry bushes were plentiful, but their offerings were meager” and our interest was beginning to lag. Suddenly, I squealed with joy. “Ween, look!”, I said and “pointed to a cluster of berry-laden bushes atop a slight rise, just beyond an outcropping of rock.”
With a joyous shout, we rushed forward. “Racing ahead, Rowena clambered on a rock, the first step, of what seemed a natural stairway leading to the berries. Leaning forward, she grasped the next jagged edge, and launched herself.”
Scott: Jenny, are you OK?
Jenny: Yeah…no, not really.
Scott: Should we stop for a while?
Jenny: No, it’s something I need to share…it’s just hard because sometimes I still blame myself for showing her that batch of berries.
“For an instant both feet were airborne, as she soared toward her destination. Then, in coming to rest on the rock’s face, her right foot settled on a cluster of pebbles. The foot skewed sideways, throwing her off balance. In a frantic effort to find support, her left foot became wedged in a crevice between the rocks. Arms flaying wildly, she pitched to one side, and the captive leg twisted ominously. Upon reaching the limit of its flexibility, the bones parted with a sickening pop, and Rowena crumpled to earth. There was a moment of near silence, then a piercing scream, as she saw the blood soaked stocking stretched taught over shards of protruding bone.”
Scott: What happened then?
Jenny: I ran?
Scott: You left her there alone?
Jenny: No! I ran back to my teacher to tell her Rowena had hurt herself.
Scott: That was smart. And I know from reading two other books by my dad, that she made it out OK and grew up to be a pretty great lady and your best friend.
Jenny: Yep…I don’t think she ever blamed me a bit for what happened.
Scott: Jenny, thank you for being so open and sharing this difficult story. I hope it gives some people the encouragement to read more about you and Rowena.
Jenny: That would be so great. I really want to see her book do well. Was that too obvious a plug for the novel?
Scott: Well I don’t think anyone missed it but that’s what this blog is all about anyway, so I don’t see any harm done.
Jenny: Then, could you add a link after our interview, so people could download “Rowena” and get to know us both better?
Scott: I think that’s a great idea Jenny. Thanks again for agreeing to be interviewed and for the great story you shared. I’ll hide the link right here so it won’t be too obvious.
Jenny: Very clever Scott and thanks for asking me to be part of your Character Confessions series. I read the one you did with Rowena and really liked it, especially the ‘potty mouth’ part.
Scott: One last question Jenny. If people want to read about that Summer day, do you know what page in the book they should visit?
Jenny: Of course! Have them start near the top of Page 69.
Scott: Thanks Jenny! Well, that’s today’s Character Confession. Hope you’ll find my next interview as exciting as I did this one.