Freshly Cut Grass

By Bonnie Downard

Aleia Neville is a famous Christian music artist with a secreted past. Her dysfunctional, adoptive family presents her with enough troubles that she wishes to keep her distance from them except they hold the keys to unlock her past. As she delves in to uncover the truth about her biological parents and who they are, new possibilities for love and trust open up to her. But as she continues to uncover the secrets of her past her world becomes treacherous. Those whom she has included in her circle of trust may be the ones she should have never let in. The safety of her body, mind and even her soul will be threatened by malice like none she has ever known. Someone wants Aleia’s life, someone wants her soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bonnie Downard
• Release date: Sep 6, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465943897

Bonnie Downard

I am Bonnie Downard, the author of Freshly Cut Grass a newly published Christain/Mystery/Romance e-novel about Aleia who finds her body and soul in danger when she begins to unlock the secrets of her past. I live in Washington in the Tri-Cities. I'll give you a little info about where I live since it is the setting for Freshly Cut Grass. The Columbia River is our jewel as it passes through our three cities. It cools us off, provides recreation and gives our eyes a reprieve from the scorched hills during the summer months. Writing is my passion and I've been writing since I was in 5th grade. I started with poetry and later short stories. When I got married and became a very busy mom, I still squeezed in time to write. It helps be breathe. I began what I thought was a short story but it didn't end. It sort of swelled a bit more each day until I finally realized it was a Novel. The thought of a story that long (Novel length) was a bit daunting. But I pecked away at it; or rather it pecked at me. Of course, I had to receive my first novel when I was sooo busy. When I say received, I mean that I consider my writing, my God thing. It’s the way God connects to me and my spirit. So I thank God for the depth and wisdom he adds to my writing endeavors. I’m glad he chooses me again and again to share who he is and how he interacts with us. Every good book needs an interesting setting. I tried a few far and away places before I discovered that the Tri-Cities had lots of stories just waiting for my voice. So I brought my writing home. My writing has a strange inspiration, its interior design. I can spend a few hours shopping house wares to feed my hungry stories. I know, it just sounds like an excuse to go to Pier 1. But for real, it helps. I think it’s all the creativity that goes into putting comfort, style and color in living spaces that gets my artsy side revved up. Of course I get inspiration from people. And hey, there are people at Pier 1 and TJ Max and in all those cute little antique stores that dot the Tri-Cities. Actually there are people all over that give me a wide range of interaction to serve as a palate for my characters. My characters are never one person that I have seen, met or know. They are like quilts, with swatches of what I see and experience stitched together with what I imagine them to be like or look like. In my life I have been fortunate to have my parents root for me all along the way and they still are. They have always encouraged me to use my gifts and talents that God has given me. They’ve listened to and read my Poetry, short stories and novels with great enthusiasm. My siblings have been good to me in the way of spurring me on too – thanks I need that! Loved and cherished, are my Husband and children (yes that includes the dog.) They are my life. They have been great at cheering me on in my writing. Publishing a book is something they consider to be “finishing strong.” And I have to admit that finishing strong is my advice in the shape of a boomerang. So here goes family, I’m publishing a novel. I consider this a brave step on my part. May you also be courageous enough to give your dreams a stage. Just remember I didn’t do it alone. This novel got to this stage because of you and all my supporters. My friends also hold a very special place in my life as they have given me much in the way of support and encouragement with my writing. They’ve been saying that I should publish my work. So now they can curl up with my story and settle in for an entertaining journey. For recreation, I water ski. Yes the Columbia is COLD! There are these things called wet suits, I don't usually get out of mine till August. The water being cold is my only complaint. The rest of it is pure joy. I also enjoy SCUBA. I recently became PADI certified for open water and so did the rest of my family. We experienced our first diving expeditions together in beautiful Maui where we swam with Green Sea Turtles and a plethora of other sea life. This blog is an avenue to sharing my journeys of writing and publishing.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Startled from sleep and faced with an exasperated cab driver, Aleia Neville squinted against the piercing July sun invading her sleepy retinas. In spite of her frequent travel, she waded through the muddy wake of jet lag. She wished for a cool shower and a nap. Fishing around in her purse, she found the wad of bills she had readied for the cabbie, stuffed them into his outstretched palm and slid out of the taxi.

Aleia felt diminutive, standing on the sidewalk, peering nervously at the lofty colonial house as the cab sped away. She ran her fingers through her pallid hair and applied some lip gloss while peering into a compact mirror she kept in her purse. She couldn’t help but feel exasperated by the garishly eclectic display before her. The tall columns of the front porch were barely visible because of the sprawling potted flowers and hanging baskets. Each arrangement was embellished with multiple American flags. Statues of angels and fairies peered out from every corner and sat on each step. The lawn boasted a large fountain depicting three cherubs. Blue water sprang from the cluster of flowers that enthroned the angelic toddlers. Aleia’s eyes were on sensory overload and she’d not even entered the house. Of course, her eyes would be the least of her discomforts as her emotions would soon be etched, granulated and pulverized.

What am I doing here? She asked herself. Surely there’s another way to get what I need. She assured herself of this as she started walking down the sidewalk away from the home. The stop sign at the end of the road did its job. Aleia stood there for a moment contemplating and weighing her choices as to leaving or staying for the barbeque.

Trudging back to the large home with the gaudy frontage, Aleia noticed that the basin of the fountain had patriotic flowers afloat. She rolled her eyes and a deep sigh escaped her as anxiety made her muscles tighten and her pulse speed up. She glanced at her watch and winced at the time, quarter past one. The Fourth of July festivities at her sister’s house had started over an hour ago and no matter that her flight was late getting in; her family loyalties would be questioned. It had been several years, since Aleia had been to any family gatherings. She’d come a very long way both physically and emotionally tounveil the secrets about her past so it was time to put her endurance level into high gear.

The sound of voices from the direction of the backyard led Aleia around the side of the house to a tall white gate and she let herself in. If it hadn’t been for the painful groan of the old hinge, she might have gone unnoticed a few more minutes. Instead her sister Sheila raised her head abruptly from where she was sitting and chatting. When she saw Aleia, she drew her face into a taunt frown that allowed her disapproval to be seen even from behind her white, bug eyed sunglasses.

Oh, no you don’t. She scolded making a shooing motion with both arms in Aleia’s direction.

There’s this thingy by the front door called a door bell. Go ring it like the guest you are, and I’ll come answer my door like the good hostess I am. Sheila got up and marched toward the back door as Aleia quickly scurried around to the front door. She pushed the Cherub shaped door bell and Sheila opened it immediately, still scowling.

You know I always have something special in the foray that everybody just loves. In fact the whole house is decorated; didn’t you notice the beautiful red white and blue theme in the front lawn and veranda area? Sheila said switching her voice over to a silken artificial tone.

Oh, ugh, yeah, of course I did. I think the blue water is pretty clever. How'd you do that? Aleia asked nervously through the screen door, as if she hoped she’d gotten the entry pass word correct.

Her comment generated smile from her sister’s face. Sheila pranced out onto the porch and began an official tour of every basket, statue and flag. She made a point to tell Aleia where she had cleverly purchased her plants and how she’d arranged each basket herself. Sheila explained the antique stores and boutiques where she’d bought every statue.

Aleia melted in the sun’s continuous offerings. She slung her black duffle from shoulder to shoulder, hoping her sister would soon allow her to go inside and give it a resting place. She felt relieved that at least her sister hadn’t mentioned her choice of clothing. She wore loose chocolate Bermudas with a gold tidied T-shirt and leather flip flops. Sheila wore a glittering, fitted, red blouse and a white shimmering thigh length skirt. A blue, rhinestone studded belt threaded its loops. Aleia got sympathy pain in her feet watching Sheila teetering on four inch, red, patent leather sandals. Her strawberry, chin length bob had been perfectly styled to frame her brilliantly, painted face.

Finally invited into the house, Aleia was greeted by a six pound, Maltese. The tiny dog snarled ferociously mistaking itself for a Rottweiler. Aleia laughed at the dog’s rendition of being a guard dog while dressed like a human in a ruffled, patriotic dress.

Sheila scooped up the long haired fluff ball and began cooing at her. Aleia noticed her tiny scarlet nails and snowy hair between her ears that sagged in a glittering red bow. She rubbed her hand across her mouth stifling a snicker.

Mummy might mistake her for the boogie man too Snoockie Wookims, if she wasn’t expecting her. Sheila said to her pet before introducing the dog as Princess. Aleia thought she probably could have guessed the dog’s name; no chance the dog would be named Queenie; that was Sheila’s position.

As soon as the dog was quiet, tucked under one arm and Sheila was done bragging her up; she began the guided tour of the foyer. She did this in the same manner as she had in the front yard. Sheila continued through the living, dinning room and kitchen, careful not to miss showing her a single item in her spectacular décor. Aleia had to avoid rolling her eyes as Sheila reminded her that she would have seen Sheila’s design choices sooner, if she’d come to visit more.

Aleia was diligent to meet the constant requirement for compliments. She passed them out like cookies to kindergartners, while she endured the expedition. Careful not to appear distracted from what Sheila was showing her, lest she start over, Aleia glanced occasionally, through the windows. She noticed her other family members in the back yard visiting. They knew better than to interrupt Sheila’s introduction of fine things. Along the way, Aleia had dumped her duffle bag beside the couch and until now, it hadn’t been a problem.

Oh, my goodness, don’t tell me you cluttered up the place with that dreadful looking, black bag? Shelia asked now, looking for it.

Well, um, I did for a moment, but I’ll take it with me to the restroom. Aleia said, darting over to it and retrieving it. Of course, there was no use of the powder room, until she saw the decor. Sheila pointed out the designer shower curtain, towels and coordinating window valance. She reminded Aleia of a game show host as she made sweeping motions with her arms.

Finally, Aleia made it to the back patio and into the July heat, where she sucked in the dry air. She bit her bottom lip thinking of what was to come.

Everyone, Sheila yelled, as she snapped her fingers, This is Aleia Suzette Neville, in case you’ve forgotten!

Aleia sat down quickly on the steps, slid her sunglasses off of her head to cover eyes and forced a smile. She was glad that no one could see her ears pinking up under her hair.

Of course, Sheila continued in an announcer’s voice, She’s not patriotic enough to put on a single of her country’s colors. She's far too mod to wear anything that might give away her enthusiasm for any given holiday. I’ll go ahead and offer up an apology for her because she sure won't do it. She's sorry for being one hour and twenty minutes late for our family celebration .

Aleia’s dad was nearest where she had plunked herself down. He leaned over the arm of his lawn chair and tousled her hair.

Where ya been stranger? He asked, his blue eyes beaming with joy.

On tour with the band and I meant-

Oh yeah, that’s right, Sheila interrupted.

Aleia’s a peacock in a chicken coop, and she doesn’t have the time for regular people any more. Sheila said tauntingly.

Aleia noticed Sheila looking frantically between Aleia and their dad. Keeping her insignificant place, Aleia chose not to finish her sentence about how she'd planned to get home for Christmas. She and her band performed in England. Foul weather had kept them there causing flight cancellations.

Dad we really should move you into the shade you’re starting to burn. Shelia stated, marching over to her father and motioning for him to stand up. Then she promptly took his chair and moved it as far away from Aleia as possible. He now sat on the other side of the patio; arms and the side of his face, still in the sun.

Aleia’s mother gave her a bland smile, Aleia, nice of you to take a break from your juvenile pursuits and join us. She reached over as far as she could without getting up and patted Aleia’s thigh. With one glossy nail, she drew her sunglasses down on her nose and peered over them. You should be ashamed of yourself dear, there’s no excuse for your lack of family interaction. Sheila’s absolutely right the least you could do would have been to come on time today. Now go and get yourself a cold drink from the cooler and join us. She chided.

Aleia’s brother, Remington nodded at her and smiled. He was bouncing his three year old daughter, Caroline on his knee. She pointed at Aleia and looked at her daddy expectantly. She's your aunt Aleia, Baby. Remington informed her. His six year old, twin boys, were wearing Darth Vader masks and having an intense light saber war out in the grass. They came running when they heard Sheila’s loud introduction.

Auntie, Aleia, they cried as they dropped their weapons. They sprinted towards her and threw their little wet bodies against her in a four armed hug. Aleia giggled while hugging them. She seated them, soggy swimming suits and all, on each of her knees. She was glad to have Cameron and Cayden to hide behind. She hadn’t seen them, since they were four, but she had sent them little presents and notes in the mail, to stay connected.

Suddenly, Aleia startled as something iced cold touched her arm. She looked up to see her mother standing over her with a soda in her outstretched hand.

Oh, thank you Mother. Aleia said, and she received it.

Sure, I know you like to be served like the star you’re pretending to be. I’ll fall into line here, since you’re obviously not going to help yourself.

Aleia took the drink and sat it on the step next to her, pretending not to feel the sting of her mother’s sarcasm.

I wanna sip the twins started in when they saw the soda.

Alia peered out from behind them. Is it okay if they have some? she asked her brother.

Oh sure, was all he said, as he battled to get his soda back from Caroline. She had her pudgy hands wrapped tightly around his can of pop, dead set on finishing the whole thing by herself.

Aren’t you going to ask where Andrew and Peyton are? Sheila asked Aleia.

Ugh yes, Aleia stammered. I was wondering that.

I'm sure you were. Sheila let a long sigh to draw more emphasis to what she was saying. They’ve gone to pick up, Ryder Kimura from his hotel. Andrew is thinking about giving him a position at Chem Guard. He’s here for an interview, and he came early to celebrate with us. Andrew thinks he shows some potential as the new Branch Manager. Of course, Andrew’s having a hard time filling his own shoes after he steps out of them. He outgrows them quickly as he climbs the ladder of success. I keep telling him he should own the place for all he’s done.

Aleia just nodded because she wasn’t sure what her sister expected her to say.

I know your fame complex makes it hard for you to ask about mine and my husband’s success, Aleia. Sheila removed her sunglasses before continuing so she could glare at Aleia while she spoke. Andrew has moved up again in the company and is doing the hiring and firing. There’s a real advantage in marrying a mature man.

Sheila had married a man almost twelve years older than her and Aleia didn’t have a problem with it. It didn’t matter what she thought about whom Sheila married, none of her thoughts mattered and neither did she. So she wondered why Sheila still needed to comment on Andrew’s age? Aleia hoped that marrying Andrew hadn’t been some sort of ploy for financial gain.

Oh, I see. Aleia responded.

As for Peyton, our little prodigy, he finished up the top of his second grade class this year. He really should skip a couple of grades. He's so smart, not to mention; he was the best player on his Little League team. Aleia always wondered why people said, not to mention, right before they went ahead and mentioned it anyway. You really should have seen Peyton. He would have loved for his Auntie to support him like his other family members did.

Aleia had to smile at the thought of her little nephew, Peyton in his baseball uniform, swinging a bat. She couldn’t resist the warmth the thought gave her. Just as chilling was the knowledge of how Sheila must have acted at his games. She probably embarrassed the poor kid by yelling at his coaches and constantly straightening his uniform. That would have made it hard for Aleia to attend and the fact that Sheila would not have settled for her showing up at an occasional game. She would have expected her to be at every game and attend Peyton’s practices too.

Sheila hadn't managed to keep many friends and Aleia thought she knew why. It was because Sheila always expected an enormous show of allegiance from them. She rarely took notice of the things going on in other people’s lives, unless of course she felt the need to criticize them for their choices. Sheila’s compliments were few and wielded only as a means of manipulation.

Surely, his arrival would occupy Sheila for a while as Ryder received the tour of the museum of flowers and nick-knacks. Sheila leaned down as she passed Aleia, and whispered, We won’t be needing a performance from you today.

Aleia wished she could disappear. She hadn’t planned on singing if that what Sheila meant by performance. The only place she had sung as a kid was in the basement the back yard or her room. Her talent had always been closeted due to Sheila’s and her mother’s hatred for it. She was glad when the twins got up and began pulling on her arms and begging her to play on the slip-slide with them. She gladly followed them out into the soggy grass.

Approximately, twenty minutes after the doorbell rang; Sheila appeared at the back door with her guest. She beamed from ear to ear and used a much higher tone of voice.

Everyone, I’d like you to meet Ryder Kimura. She broadcasted, as Ryder turned crimson. As if publicizing wasn’t enough, Sheila took very short steps and used dramatic gestures while introducing Ryder to each person on the patio. Aleia busied herself with filling water balloons for the boys and kept her back to the group. She knew her sister would only embarrass her if she approached so she pretended to be deaf.

Once Aleia had refereed two water balloon fights and un-wrinkled the slip-n-slide about ninety five times, Sheila called everyone for dinner. Nearly soaking wet, she turned off the hose and headed to the table with a boy holding each of her hands. As she approached she noticed Ryder smiling at her. Sheila noticed too and a scowl crossed her face.

I think the boys soaked you to help you realize you need to change out of your hippie clothes. Go ahead, Sheila said motioning to the door. We’ll wait five minutes while you get presentable. Of course I can hope you’ll clue in and put on something that demonstrates respect for your country, but I won’t hold my breath.

Not knowing what to say, as usual, Aleia just scurried into the house, but before the door closed behind her she heard Cameron ask Cayden, Did you know Auntie Aleia’s a hippie?

Aleia retrieved her bag from the guest room closet and went to change. Once inside the bathroom she began to fume. Why should she even come home at all? Her mom and sister constantly berated her while the rest of her family stood by. She’d never fit in. She'd always come at the wrong time, wear the wrong thing and say something stupid each time she spoke. As she pulled her shirt over her head and looked in the mirror at her new outfit. She knew her sister would have a blast of criticism on the tip of her forked tongue, as soon as she saw her. She wore tan Bermudas, and orange, hooded t-shirt. It was her only change of clothes, so her sister would just have to put up with it. Finding her brush, she quickly ran in through her long, blonde hair and rushed out to the back yard again.

Sheila was busy setting things on the table and nearly cooing over refilling Ryder’s drink so she didn’t notice Aleia come out of the house. Aleia seated herself at the far side of the table where the twins had saved her a spot right in between them. When Sheila caught sight of Aleia, she paused mid sentence, took off her sun glasses. I had to take off my shades to be sure I wasn’t mistaken. However, I’m not mistaken; it is orange, not red. She shook her head and looked at their mother, who kicked in her thoughts on cue.

I’m not sure where you get your taste in clothing, but it certainly isn’t from me. After her mother said it, she turned her head towards Aleia’s father and seared him with her glance. The heat from her eyes didn’t stop at her sunglass lenses. Aleia’s dad squirmed in his chair like he’d been stung.

I think you’re ’posed to dress up like a flag, Auntie Aleia, Cayden informed her. But don’t worry, me and Cameron still love you, even if you are a hippie.

Out of the mouths of babes, Sheila exclaimed, chuckling slyly.

Aleia's dad nudged her under the table. She bristled at his feeble heroism. It was so lame. Aleia couldn’t see Ryder, and she was glad for that. Remington sat between them. Weighing in at about two twenty and standing six foot two, he served as a make shift wall.

Aleia noticed that Peyton, barley smiled at her as he quickly sat down next to his dad. When Sheila started in on Aleia, Peyton’s face turned pink and he concentrated on his plate in front of him. It made Aleia sad that she would never get to be close to Peyton due to his mother’s disapproval of her. After all, she couldn’t even dress right. Peyton and his father each wore striped polo shirts. Peyton’s was red and white while his dad wore blue and white.

Aleia fumbled through dinner hardly able to eat because she was so on edge. When she started to get up to clear her plate, Sheila opened her mouth to speak and Aleia imagined maggots rushing out.

Oh, Aleia I’m sure you need to rush off to the powder room to tickle your uvula since you’ve probably eaten a whole bite or two. Before you go to make sure your ribs can still be counted tomorrow, will you bring out the cake off of the kitchen counter? I know it’s a lot to ask of you. Since it’s the only finger you will have lifted to help me today, I didn’t think you’d mind.

Aleia barely made it into the house without tears streaming down her face. She went directly to the bedroom, snatched her bag and purse and sped out of the house. Without looking back, she jogged down the street, called a cab from her cell phone. She told the cabbie to meet her a block away then she sprinted around the corner. Once in the cab, she peered out the window and reminded herself of her mission and the reasons she’d come back. She thought that her absence would have somehow made things better. She considered traveling with her band members while on her concert tour, a real job. She had hoped her independence would bring her some respect but it had become a new point of contention.

Aleia rubbed her arm and thought of the impenetrable shield of an armadillo. She needed to be that tough if she was going to get information about her past. Her life as lead singer in her Christian rock band had allowed her to be sincere with people. Living a life with Jesus in it meant being compassionate and tender hearted towards others. Her band members had become her closest friends and she thought of them as family. Aleia’s kind heartedness was perceived as weakness therefore making her prey to her mom and sister. She just didn’t know how she’d get the hard exterior, she needed. A silent prayer escaped her heart as she pushed back the tears that had started down her cheeks.

Chapter 2

The couch pillow was nearly soaked through but Aleia still had plenty of tears. She sobbed with her face stuffed into a pillow while her giant, black Schnauzer licked her arm and whined worriedly.

Finally she nodded toward her bedroom and said, Bring me the tissue box, Justice.

The large dog turned her head to the side and perked her ears.

Aleia thought it was as good a time as any, to teach her a new trick. There were no tricks that Justice had failed after only one or two tries at it. She led her into the bedroom and picked up the tissue box from her bedside table.

Tissue, She said as she let the dog sniff it. Then she set it back down went to the other side of the bedroom and gave the command.

Justice, bring me the tissue.

Justice perked her ears and her eyes followed where her master pointed. Then, as if she’d retrieved tissue a hundred times before, went to the box and gently picked it up in her jaw, crossed the room and placed it in Aleia’s waiting hand.

Good Girl. Aleia confirmed as she hugged her.

Let’s go get a treat. She said as she went towards the kitchen blowing her nose.

Aleia had sent her mother and father a card a couple weeks ago, informing them that she’d moved back into town. What she hadn’t told them was that she’d moved into her newly built home. She’d always dreamed of moving far away from Tri-Cities, Washington as soon as she was grown and never looking back. But since she had been away traveling with her band; Gethsemane, she had developed a need to go back to her roots and she needed her family in order to do that. Her sudden fame in the Christian rock world had catapulted her into a world where people would wait in line for an hour or more, just to have a few words with her and get her autograph. Her band members were the people in her life whom she claimed as her family because they loved her for who she was. To Aleia, being a family meant love and acceptance. Her band members knew her fears, strengths, weaknesses and triumphs and she knew theirs. Best of all they were knit together by their faith in Jesus. That gave them the ability to be filled with love instead of the hatred and jealousy she got from her sister and mother.

Wanting to rinse out her mind and heart of all the muddy water that had just been dumped there, Aleia gazed across the great room from the kitchen to her piano. It was a black Baby Grand and it called her like an old friend.

She sat on the piano bench, looking out at the city lights and stars. As the lavender sky gave way to indigo, it was splattered with electrifying colors as the locals began setting off fireworks at neighborhood parties. She ran her fingers up and down the key board and played through a couple of her favorite songs. Like the healing balm it had been her whole life, the music began to heal her. She imagined it came from deeper than even her soul. It poured over her vocal chords and filled the room like a fresh breeze carrying the smell of early blooms in spring. Words lined up like waves and rolled into shore. She paused only to push the record button on her stereo then returned to her new song.

So many times her songs were born of her pain. She marveled at how God could take something ugly and make it shine brilliantly.

Justice, being the faithful audience that she was; sat with her ears perked turning her head from side to side while she watched Aleia. Eventually she lay down, still keeping her eyes fixed on her master. Aleia knew she’d been at it a very long time when she heard Justice snoring on the rug where she’d sat listening to Aleia.

Making what she thought might be her last run through her new song, Aleia listened for her heart to tell her the name of it. When she was nearly at the end, her door bell sounded. Aleia startled as Justice barked and a low growl settled in her throat.

Glancing at her watch, Aleia noticed it was nearly 10:30pm. The drummer of her band, Rachael and her husband, Nigel lived the next block over so Aleia thought maybe they had stopped by after arriving back in town.

Justice was relentless with her growling as Aleia peered through the peephole. To her surprise, there on her front porch, stood her sister, brother-in-law and Ryder Kimura. Aleia quickly checked her face in a mirror, glad that she’d hung one in the entry hall. She was relieved all the red blotches from crying had disappeared. She ran back into the great room and fluffed the pillows on the couch stuffing the wet one in a storage ottoman in front of the couch. She gave Justice the stay, command and patted her large head. The bell rang again just as she was opening the door. The opening Aleia allowed was only wide enough for her to stand in. She absolutely did not want to invite Sheila in.

Sheila, you surprised me coming unexpectedly at this time of night. She nodded at Ryder who looked rather embarrassed to be standing there.

We came by on our way to take Ryder back to his room. You left suddenly and we thought we’d come by for a proper goodbye.

Ryder was standing behind Sheila and Andrew but Aleia noticed that he rolled his eyes and directed his gaze to his feet.

Are you going to invite us in or what? Sheila said expectantly.

Once inside the house Sheila let out a scream when she saw Justice standing exactly where Aleia had told her to stay. The dog gave a low growl in response to Sheila’s outburst.

Oh, this is Justice, Aleia said as she went to her, stifling a giggle and stroked her head.

Is he the owner’s dog or something? Sheila asked.

The owner of what? Aleia asked, thoroughly confused.

This home your house sitting for?

Oh, actually this is my new home and Justice, who is a girl, has been my dog for the last two years now. Aleia had commissioned the house to be built mostly by way of email exchanges due to her busy travel schedule. She had managed to fly in for an inspection of the progress of her home and make any necessary changes once or twice a month during its ten months of construction. Of course none of this could have been pulled off so smoothly if it weren’t for her designer and project manager who was on site daily. There had been months when Aleia just couldn’t make it home at all.

Sheila gazed in amazement turning around to take it all in. The house was what Aleia referred to as Urban, Contemporary. It had slate and wood floors throughout and the sunken great room had exposed wood beams. The fireplace surround was a wall of stainless steel round tiles with a rustic, dark, wood mantel. The elevated stage was at the top of the rounded great room. There sat the piano flanked by a wall of windows that overlooked the Tri-Cities. The kitchen could be viewed from the foray and sported quartz countertops with a granite island, espresso cabinets, with sliding, frosted glass doors and stainless steel appliances and range hood. Some of the ductwork was strategically left exposed to give the home an industrial flare. Woven rugs were scattered to give the rooms a warm welcoming feeling. Aleia had, had such fun shopping for her eclectic mixture of furniture. She loved the artsy out of the box feeling her new house gave her.

Wow, this is nice. Ryder said in awe of the place. Love that view too.

For a moment Aleia thought by the look on her sister’s face just maybe she would say something kind but instead she cut Aleia off. She had been mid-sentence offering her thanks to Ryder for the compliment he had given her home. In the fraction of a second before she spoke, Aleia saw her cover the look of approval with the mask of jealousy.

When are you going to have it finished? She asked with feigned dumbness. Before Aleia could answer, she rushed on with more insults.

Don’t tell me you ran out of money before you got it done? That’s what happens when people don’t budget and they just have to have what they only wish they could afford. I see you couldn’t afford an interior designer either. When you really make it big, or get a real job, maybe someone can help you fix the place up with a central theme and furnishings that match, like our home has. Sheila looked to Andrew for support but he only shrugged and said, "I wouldn’t know