Rachel's Hope by Shelly Sanders Read Free Book Online Page B

as the elevator plunged downwards. What if the ropes attaching the elevator to the building break? What if there are too many people in it?
    Rachel dug her hands into Marty’s shoulders until the elevator stopped abruptly. The doors opened and Rachel relaxed her grip. Marty twisted his neck and gave her a perplexed look.
    â€œWere you scared?” he asked Rachel.
    They stepped out of the elevator.
    â€œOh, no,” she replied, feigning self-assurance. “I just wanted to make sure you knew I was right behind you.”
    They waited at the foot of the stairs for Jacob and Nucia.
    â€œAre you all right, Rachel?” asked Nucia when they appeared. “Your face is a bit pale.”
    â€œI’m fine,” she replied. “Just excited about the baths.”
    Together again, they merged with the flock of people moving past a café to the promenade overlooking six saltwater pools—five small and one large. A massive glass roof let in light, leaving the pool area bright and airy. Bleachers surrounded the pools; hundreds of spectators lounged in swimming trunks and towels, watching the bathers and chatting. Shrieks of joy pierced the briny air.
    â€œIt’s so big,” said Jacob.
    â€œUnbelievable,” Nucia responded.
    Rachel counted seven slides and thirty swinging rings, mobbed by swimmers of all ages. There were several dressing rooms on the pool level and two sets of stairs at opposite ends. Her heart leapt with anticipation.
    â€œI don’t know if I dare to go in,” murmured Nucia. “The pools are so crowded, and there are so many men.”
    â€œI haven’t come all this way to turn around,” said Rachel. “At the baths, all are equal. Remember, Nucia? That’s what Father used to say.”
    â€œLet’s go!” Marty scampered over to the stairs at the corner of the pavilion, followed by Rachel.
    â€œWait for me,” called out Jacob. He grabbed Nucia’s hand and ran after them.
    After changing into a one-piece black swimsuit, provided by staff in the female dressing room, Rachel plunged into the nearest pool. The warm salt water stung her eyes. She raised her head above the surface and spat out the water.
    Nucia, sitting on the deck with her feet dangling in the water, laughed. Rachel splashed her sister’s face until Nucia jumped in and flapped her arms, splattering Rachel back.
    For a little while, Rachel felt as carefree as a child. She wished she could feel this way every day, or at least once a week.
    â€œSome day, when I make money as a journalist, I’ll bring us here often,” she said to Nucia, as they swam beside one another.
    Nucia stood in the chest-deep water. “I envy you for your big dreams. All I ever think about is Jacob making enough money, so that I don’t have to clean the Haas home anymore. Then I can take care of all of you the way Mother did.”
    â€œThere’s nothing wrong with that,” said Rachel, also standing. “As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters. Sometimes, I wish that I didn’t have such huge dreams. What if I fail?”
    â€œYou mustn’t think that way,” said Nucia. “I know you’ll get what you want. Don’t give up.”
    â€œI won’t. I can’t.”
    Rachel noticed that the pool was empty all the way to the other side. “Race you,” she called out to Nucia. “The winner doesn’t have to do dishes for a week.” She lunged forward and swam as hard as she could. When her hand touched the side of the pool, she stood and cleared her eyes. Nucia reached the side thirty seconds later.
    â€œNo fair,” said Nucia. “You started before me.”
    They grabbed white, fluffy towels from a pool attendant and headed to the bleachers.
    â€œAll right. Fine. You win,” said Nucia with resignation.
    â€œIt’s only dishes for a week. Besides, I have a lot of assignments.” Rachel had