Anahera

By D.C. Smith

Mary Davis, a young woman shunned and called a deformed freak, is told by her only true friend about a house for sale in a distant secluded town. He assures her that a better life awaits her there. Compelled by the town's beauty and the kindness of its people, Mary doesn't hesitate buying the house. It isn't long before a handsome man comes into her life. She is terrified he will reject her if he finds out about her deformity, but he is determined to win her heart. Mystified by strange things she sees in the town, she is told that when the time is right she will know.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.C. Smith
• Release date: Mar 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301778706

D.C. Smith

From the moment I learned to read, I loved books.The emotions and thoughts of the characters in a book can be expressedso much better that it puts you in the mindframe of the characters.I am fascinated by angels and like to look at pictures of them as well ascollect figurines of them. I also collect dolls.I've always wanted to write, and finally decided to go after my dream.Those things that I love inspired me to write my first novel, The Descended.I am currently working on my fifth novel.

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Anahera

by D.C. Smith

Copyright © 2013 by D.C. Smith

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

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Chapter 1

It was an extremely hot and humid day for the month of June. Mary could feel her back sweating under the long shirt she wore over her tank top. She turned the car’s air conditioning to max as she drove to her job as a housekeeper. That cold air feels so good! She thought as she grabbed her long, blond hair with one hand to lift it off her neck while she kept her other hand on the steering wheel. She parked her car in front of the small light gray brick rectory house. There was a sticky note on the front door from Father Duffy stating that he was at the hospital visiting a sick friend and for her to let herself in. Mary found the spare key that Father Duffy had given her on her key chain and opened up the front door. She felt the stale, hot air as soon as she walked in. Oh yeah, that’s right, the central air-conditioning needs replacing this year. Hopefully I can find some fans to move the air around. She thought as she rummaged around in her purse until she found her small hairbrush and a soft ponytail holder. She put her purse down on the kitchen counter and walked to the bathroom. She looked in the mirror as she brushed and tied her hair up in a high ponytail. The back of her hair was still damp from sweating earlier. She decided to take off her long shirt since Father Duffy wasn’t there. She glanced in the mirror as she turned sideways and pulled off her shirt. Immediately she saw the lumps of bone protruding from her upper back. Why? Why was I born with this horrible deformity? She thought as she felt on-coming tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. She took out a clean washcloth from the bathroom closet and ran it under cold water to wipe her face and neck with. She took a couple of deep breaths to compose herself and grabbed her long shirt to put it by her purse. She smiled as she read another sticky note attached to a plastic container on the kitchen counter telling her to help herself to some delicious homemade brownies that a parishioner had made. Father Duffy has got such a good heart. He is always looking out for me, like a father figure. She thought as she walked into the laundry room to start a load of laundry. She took out the vacuum and decided to listen to music while she cleaned. She went into her purse and took out her small mp3 player and put the ear buds in her ear. She enjoyed listening to music; the songs made her feel good and it seemed like it made doing housework not so boring. The faster the beat of the music, the faster I move. Mary laughed at the thought. She finished the laundry and all the cleaning she needed to do and went into the kitchen. Let’s see what I can whip up for Father’s lunch today. Something that I can refrigerate in case he comes back later than his normal lunchtime. She thought as she looked in the cupboards. I’ll make a batch of tuna fish salad. That’ll work. She got all the ingredients together and stood by the counter preparing it. She turned and jumped when she seen Father Duffy standing in the kitchen doorway. Oh my God! He has seen my deformed back! She thought as she felt her face turn red and tears welling up in her eyes. She quickly took the lettuce out of the refrigerator and pulled the ear buds out of her ears.

I…I…I’m sorry, Father. I didn’t hear you come in. I had my headphones in my ears listening to music. She stammered as she looked down. She turned her head sideways to see how far away her long shirt was placed on the counter. Oh good, I can reach it without turning my back to him. She thought as she grabbed the shirt and put it on.

There’s nothing to be sorry about, Mary. I’m sorry I scared you. I didn’t realize you couldn’t hear me when I came in and said hi.

Mary kept her head down as she wiped away the tears she felt that were ready to spill out of her eyes.

Are you okay, Mary? You’ve been working so hard in this stuffy hot house for hours. Why don’t you sit down and let me get you something to drink.

Mary stood there quietly for a while. I’ve got to get myself together. Father Duffy would never think less of me because of what I look like. I’ll be okay, Father, you just startled me. She glanced quickly up at the priest.

Good, I’m glad you’re not getting sick or feeling faint from the heat. He smiled with his kindly hazel eyes as he walked up to her and touched her arm lightly.

I’ve made tuna salad for your lunch today. Would you like some tomato soup to go with it? Mary asked as she headed to the sink to rinse some lettuce leaves under the faucet.

No dear, it’s too hot for soup. The sandwich will do fine. I would like it if you would join me for lunch. It has been a while since we had a good conversation together.

I…ummm...sure. I can join you for lunch. She said as she assembled the sandwiches.

Good. I really enjoy your company, child. He said as he started to sit down and then stood up right away. I almost forgot. I’ve got a fan in my bedroom closet. I’ll be right back.

Father Duffy put the fan in the kitchen and turned it on. Well this should help a little, I hope. It looks like I’ll have to stop putting it off and make that phone call to have new central air installed!

Mary laughed as she placed their lunch on the table and sat down. Father, I am writing out a check to the church to pay for the best central air conditioning unit money can buy and anything else you may need or see to use it on.

I’m really surprised that you still come here to do my housekeeping now that you have won the lottery. Have you thought about things that you can do now that you couldn’t afford to do before?

Well I owe you a lot, Father. You gave me this job when I turned eighteen and found me a place to live right away. If you didn’t help me then I’d probably be out on the street. Auntie Fran always made it clear to me that she would not let me stay even one more day by her once I turned eighteen. Mary said softly.

You don’t owe me anything. As far as your Aunt Fran goes, she never took the time to find out what a joy you are to know and have around.

Well on my eighteenth birthday she also told me that not only did I have to leave but that she hoped never to see me again. Mary sighed and started to bite her bottom lip. I guess I can’t blame her. She was already raising two daughters herself when my mother died. She didn’t have to take me in then. I can’t blame her daughters for not liking me either since they had to share their mother with me and I just made more of a burden on them.

Nonsense, Mary. That is just plain cruelty. I’m sure that if she knew you won the lottery now she would be kind to you. She seems like that type of person, more material than spiritual.

Probably, but you are the only one who knows. Please don’t let it get out to anyone else, Father. I plan on sending her a large amount of money anonymously. Even though she was mean to me she did give me a place to stay for seven years.

I won’t. Oh, I meant to tell you that a close friend of mine contacted me last week regarding a house for sale. It is in a secluded, peaceful town called Anahera. He wanted to know if I knew of anyone who might be interested in it. I thought I’d run it by you. What do you think?

Are you trying to get rid of me, Father? Mary laughed.

Absolutely not. He chuckled as he shook his head. I just know the town the house is in and I think you would be impressed not only with the house but also with the town and its people.

I’m so used to living out here; I haven’t given any thought to moving elsewhere. I think I would feel out of place not knowing anyone. Mary said as she chewed on a fingernail. But then again, the only true friend I have is you.

I’m sure you’ll make a lot of friends wherever you might live. You’re just very shy.

Yes, I’ll admit that I am shy and… Mary sighed as she hesitated.

And what?

And afraid. Mary said quietly as she kept her eyes downward.

What are you afraid of? You can tell me child, maybe I can help.

I’m afraid of…afraid of… Mary stuttered as an uncontrollable tear slid down her face. People. People shunning me.

Why would they do that?

You know why, Father. I’m sure you’ve seen my deformed back. The kids at school shunned me; some even called me a freak among other things. My cousins didn’t want me to even walk near them. She whispered as more tears made their way down her face.

I’ve never looked at you as deformed, Mary. I knew you since you were a little baby and I’ve always thought you were beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Father Duffy said as he patted her hand. Now I can say for certain that I think you need a new start in life. I think this house is a perfect opportunity for you to move to this town. You’ll see for yourself what I am talking about.

Do you have any pictures of the house and town that I could look at?

I might, but let me contact my friend Sam Hamilton who is selling it. I can do that right after lunch.

Have you known Mr. Hamilton a long time?

Yes. We’ve been friends for over twenty years now. He and his wife, Ursula, have always invited me to stay at their house at least twice a year. It never fails to amaze me just how beautiful and peaceful it is out there.

Sounds like it. You’ve got my interest peaked now. Mary smiled as she got up and collected the dirty dishes from the table. Let me do these dishes and then if you want you can give him a call.

Lunch was good. It was the perfect meal for such a hot day. I’ll help do the dishes. Father Duffy slowly got up from his chair.

I can get them, Father. Why don’t you just relax? Mary turned on the faucet and rinsed the plates.

No. No more sitting for me. I have to move around otherwise this arthritis seems to get worse. He put his hands on his lower back and stretched.

Do you take any medicine to help with your arthritis? She had noticed the old priest squeeze his eyes shut when he stretched.

I just take over the counter pain medicine. I’ll be fine. Its old age too that adds to it. Father Duffy laughed as he grabbed a dish-drying towel. They finished the dishes quickly since there weren’t that many to do.

Let’s go into the den where my computer is. I’m hoping Sam can email me pictures right away. I’ll call him and see. Father Duffy excitedly said as he turned on his computer. Oh, Mary, can you do me a favor and go down to the basement? I think there might be a shoebox that holds a bunch of photos in it. I’m pretty sure there might be some of Sam’s house and the town that I took before. The shoebox would be in one of those big plastic storage containers.

Sure, no problem, Father.

Father Duffy immediately called Sam Hamilton on his cell phone when he heard Mary close the basement door. I hope Sam answers now that Mary can’t hear our phone conversation.

Well hello, Father Duffy! Sam answered when he noticed the priest’s phone number on his phone.

Hi, Sam! Hey look, I’m going to make this quick. Mary is interested in buying the house. She is hesitant because of what she thinks is a deformity of her back and is afraid that people won’t accept her. I’ve convinced her to take a look at it. Right now I have her looking in the basement for a box of pictures for me so she can’t hear our conversation. She asked if I could have you email me pictures of the house and of the town. Can you do that?

No problem. Let me upload them on my computer and then I’ll email you. Call me back if she wants to see the house and we’ll make plans for the visit.

Okay. Thanks my friend. I am so excited about this!

You’re welcome, Father. I am excited as well, as you know the reason. Talk to you soon.

Father Duffy hung up the phone. He walked over and opened the basement door. Mary! He shouted. Mary!

Mary came to the bottom of the basement stairs. What is it, Father?

Come on up. You don’t have to look for that box of pictures. I was able to talk to Sam and he’ll be emailing me pictures.

Good, because I still haven’t found that box. Let me just restack the containers I went through and I’ll be right up.

Mary walked back upstairs into the den when she finished. Father Duffy was watching his computer screen when she walked in the room.

Perfect timing, Mary. Sam’s email just came through. Let’s open it and see the pictures he sent. He clicked on the first attached picture.

Ooooo! Is that the house for sale? It looks like something out of a fairy tale!

Yes. I take it the house appeals to your liking. Am I correct? He turned sideways in his chair to look at Mary’s expression.

I…I think it’s just so cute! I love the yellow colored stone on it with all those beautiful pink and red flowers on the front walkway. Is that a thatched roof?

I believe it is. It’s just like an old English cottage. The whole town has houses like this one. They take pride in beautifying it. Everywhere you look is a delight for your eyes. He clicked on the second attached picture.

Oh my, what a beautiful town! That is such an enormous fountain! It even has real swans swimming in it!

That’s part of the center of town. The town itself is pretty self-sufficient. They grow all their own food. They have schools, a hospital, tons of stores where you can find just about anything you may need. So what do you think? Would you be interested?

Ummm…well I am attracted to what I see. I…ummm…I’m just afraid that I won’t fit in. Mary softly said.

I’ll tell you what. How about if I go with you to see the house? Sam has already invited me out there to spend a week or so with him and his wife. I’m sure he’ll let you live in the house while we’re out there. If you decide you want it or if you need a little more time to think about it, I’m sure it would be no problem. He is not going to pressure you at all. I know these people, trust me.

How far away is this town?

It’s quite a distance. I’d say we should make it there within seven hours; it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s very secluded so it is hard to find. I’ll ride with you. If you decide to stay, I’m sure Sam will drive me back. He’s always driven to pick me up and take me back home when I visit. The apartment you’re renting now came already furnished, right?

Yes. I only have some clothes and a few personal items. The apartment was complete with even the dishes.

Well the house is like that too. It comes with all the furniture, dishes, sheets, towels, etc. It would just be the food, paper goods, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, stuff like that that you would need to buy.

Okay, you talked me into it, Father. I can’t promise that I’ll buy the house though. How soon would you be able to go with me?

Father Duffy put his hand up to his chin as he thought. Hmmm, Father Conley is due to be back later this afternoon and I know he doesn’t have any plans to be away for a while. How about if I talk it over with him and see if we can leave early tomorrow morning? I don’t want to wait too long in case someone else decides to look at the house and buys it. It’s really rare that a house goes up for sale there.

Call me after you talk to Father Conley. You have my cell phone number, right? Should I pack enough clothes for a week’s stay?

Yes, I have your cell phone number and you will need to plan on at least a week’s stay. Well, unless you decide to leave beforehand.

That’s fine. I’m going to get going now. You’ve gotten me very excited about that house and town. I want to go through my apartment and assess everything that is mine. In case I do move I can decide what I want to take with that would fit in the trunk and back seat of my car and the rest I can donate or sell. You did say that they have stores out there, right? Do you know if they have clothing stores too?

Yes. You’ll see for yourself just how self-sufficient the town is.

Good. I look forward to your phone call later today. Thank you for thinking about me, Father. Mary hugged the priest and grabbed her purse off the counter.

You’re welcome, Mary. I am thrilled to be the bearer of what I hope to be good news for a happy future for you. Father Duffy smiled as he returned the hug.

Mary returned to her small apartment. I hope Father Duffy is right about the town and its people being so peaceful. That house was so adorable looking, like something out of a fairy tale. I’m excited and anxious at the same time. Oh well, it doesn’t hurt to dream in the meantime and to drive out and take a look. Give me a little vacation away from this place. It’s so nice of Father Duffy to go with me; I don’t think I’d be able to just go on my own. I’m way too afraid of going to new places and meeting new people.

She lived in a small garden apartment for nine years now, which was made from half of the basement of the building. There were two full sized apartments above hers. The living room contained one chocolate colored faux leather couch, coffee table and TV on a stand. You could see straight into the kitchen since there was no divider separating the two rooms. The kitchen contained just a few cabinets, a sink, a small refrigerator and stove. There was a small round wooden kitchen table with two chairs. You could touch the back of the couch when you sat at the kitchen table. The bedroom had room only for the small twin-sized bed and dresser. The small clothes closet had a curtain instead of a door on it. She could barely walk around between the bed and dresser. Lastly was the bathroom, which wasn’t too bad. At least she had a bathtub, a sink built into a vanity cabinet and toilet. The back door of her apartment led out to the rest of the basement, which had a washer and dryer that she and the other tenants were allowed to use. Her apartment came already furnished and was so small that she really couldn’t buy much since there was hardly any room to store things. Mary laughed and shook her head as she looked around. Here I am, I’ve been a lottery millionaire for months now and I still live in this tiny place. Father Duffy has asked me what my plans are. It looks like he is making the plans for me. I’d probably just go about with my normal daily routines, not giving thought to any possibilities for a brighter future for myself. I am so grateful that I have Father Duffy in my life. I don’t even want to think of where I’d be now without his help and support.

She went from room to room with a spiral notebook and wrote down anything that belonged to her. Everything I own should fit in a couple of boxes. I definitely have room in my car to haul it. I am going to think positive and just pack all my belongings so I won’t have to come back if I decide to buy that cute house. Mary thought as she sat down on the couch going over her list. She caught herself yawning. I feel so tired. I think the extreme heat and the excitement have caught up to me. Maybe I’ll just lie down on the couch and watch TV for a while. Mary leaned forward and grabbed the TV remote. She found one of her favorite comedy movies had just started. She lied down and found out she couldn’t keep her eyes open and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

She was jolted out of sleep by her phone ringing. I must have slept for quite some time since the sun is setting. Mary sat up and picked up her cell phone on the table. She noticed it was Father Duffy calling.

Hi, Father Duffy! Her voice cracked. She walked into the kitchen and filled a glass with water and quickly gulped some down.

Hi, Mary. Were you sleeping?

Yes, but I’m glad you called and woke me up. I had only planned on taking a short nap and ended up sleeping a couple of hours. I probably would have been wide-awake in the middle of the night if I kept on sleeping. Mary laughed.

Well I just wanted to let you know that I talked to Father Conley. My schedule is free for the next 10 days and Father Conley can hold down the fort until I come back. Father Duffy chuckled. So I’m free to go with you to Anahera tomorrow morning. I called Sam and he is very excited and looks forward to our visit and showing you the house.

Fantastic! What time do you want me to pick you up?

Be here by 7:00 a.m. It’s going to be a long drive to get out there.

Okay, Father. I’m going to pack and go fill my car’s gas tank so I’ll be ready to go in the morning.

Get to bed early tonight.

I’ll try. It’s going to be hard because I’m so excited!

Father Duffy chuckled. I’m happy to hear you’re feeling that way. I am excited too! Good-bye, I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.

Good-bye, Father.

Mary hung up the phone and started pacing. I need to start packing. I think I’ll go gas up the car and see if the grocery store has any empty boxes they can give me. She put her shoes on and grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

She was able to get some perfect sized boxes for packing that she put aside by the front door. She got out the broom and started sweeping the floor in her front room, pushing the couch to clean under it. She grabbed a box and walked into her bedroom and started packing all her clothes; leaving out a nightgown, clean underwear and an outfit to wear in the morning. She checked all the drawers and cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom and packed anything that belonged to her, leaving a couple of things that she would need to use in the morning. She carried the boxes and put them in the trunk of her car. Wow, it’s amazing how little I own. That’s a good thing right now, less to move. Mary laughed at the thought as she went back into her apartment.

It was getting late by the time she was done. She sat down at the kitchen table and made out a list of things she needed to do in the morning so she wouldn’t forget. I better try to get some sleep. Yeah right, I’m wide-awake. Maybe a warm bath will make me sleepy. Mary thought as she picked up her clean nightgown and underwear and started the bath water.

The bath did seem to make her tired, at least her body felt tired. She shut off the lights and went to bed. The pictures of the cute fairy tale house and town kept going through her mind. She fantasized about living a perfect life in that perfect fairy tale house. Oh well, there is nothing wrong with fantasizing. My life may not be any better moving out there, but it couldn’t possibly be any worse than it has been.

Chapter 2

The loud beeping of the alarm jolted Mary awake. She quickly jumped out of bed and shut it off. Oh yeah, I’m driving out to see the house with Father Duffy today. Mary thought as the sleepy fog started clearing from her mind. She went in the kitchen and filled the teakettle with water and went to the bathroom while it heated on the stove. She splashed cold water on her face and changed into a pair of soft pink shorts and a long, baggy short-sleeved dark gray t-shirt. She turned sideways in the mirror. I think this should be alright. The extra bone lumps aren’t really noticeable with this shirt being so baggy. I’ll wear my hair down and that will help cover it up too.

She walked into the kitchen and shut off the burner under the teakettle and made herself a cup of tea and some toast. She sat down at the kitchen table and went over her list. Yep, I can feel those butterflies having a party in my stomach right now. I just got to remember that I am not being forced to go see the house. I am driving my own car, so if I want to leave earlier I can. Heck, I have to remember that I’m a millionaire now. I can probably buy my own island if I wanted to. Oh yeah, speaking of money,