The Girl in Black

By Marcia Ward

Fifteen year old Willa Lonberg used to be one of lucky ones. She had a close-knit family, a mother who was admired by her friends because she was welcoming and a lot of fun. Her father, also liked by her friends, was an engineer who would be going to China to help set up a company there. She had an older brother, Danny, who was a freshman at West Point, and a younger sister, Addie, who looked a lot like Willa, with the same blond hair.

So what happened to her idyllic life? Willa was numb when she arrived in Milwaukee near the end of her sophomore year in high school. She refused to think beyond staying a week with her Grandmother, even though she knew deep down that the family circumstances were not good.

Addie had finally succumbed to cancer. Everyone was devastated. All of their energies in the last year had been devoted to her care and well-being. Willa had been so sure she would recover. A week after sweet Addie died, her mother had a stroke, and had to go to a rehabilitation facility when she left the hospital.

One week later Willa’s father had to be off to China, and Willa also left Logan Airport in Boston several hours later for the unknown life ahead of her in Milwaukee. She had decided to be in official mourning for Addie, and had on her mother’s black leather jacket as a start to her period of mourning. Her father had given her money, although she didn’t tell him her gloomy wardrobe plans.

The girl in black had a rough road ahead. Would she be tough enough? She felt so alone. What would her Grandmother be like? She had never come out to visit Addie when she was sick. Why? Willa missed Danny and her friends already.

She would just have to quit crying and make the best of it. Her Dad was right: no matter how difficult it might be she owed it to her mother and Addie to make it work. She struggles, but finds help from her family and new friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcia Ward
• Release date: Jan 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781941536803

Marcia Ward

Marcia and her husband live in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. They have three children and five grandsons.

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The Girl In Black

by

Marcia Ward

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

THE GIRL IN BLACK

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Copyright © 2015 Marcia Ward. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

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ISBN: 978-1-941536-80-3 (eBook)

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Version 2015.01.07

Dedication

To my husband, Dan Ward

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

About the Author

The Girl In Black

Chapter 1

The airport limo was turning carefully between the huge pillars marking the entrance to Willa’s grandmothers’ house. Mansion was a better word for it. It was constructed of stone and even had several turrets. It looked just as big and foreboding as she remembered it from years ago. Danny always referred to it as The Pile, since he said it was just a pile of limestone, not a home. A tennis court was off to the side.

The May day was chilly and Willa shivered as the driver opened the door for her. She hugged herself, finding comfort in the smoothness of her mother’s black leather jacket. She was surprised as the driver went up to the door and rang the bell as she got out. He nodded at her, it looked like in sympathy, as he went to get her luggage.

Finally the door opened. Mrs. Werner stood there in her same black and white uniform. Willa didn’t think she’d changed a bit in years. It must be six years since she’d last been here.

Hello, Mrs. Werner. I bet you don’t recognize me, but I’m Willa.

No, Miss Willa. I wouldn’t have recognized you. You’re twice as tall, and have grown into a beautiful young woman. Such stunning blond hair! Your grandmother will be down in a minute. She’s getting dressed for her bridge luncheon. Come on in! We’re happy to have you.

Her happy expression changed abruptly. You have had such terrible sadness in the last few weeks. How are you doing?

Willa felt her whole body tighten up, and then it just seemed as everything in her body became very heavy. The sympathy was welcome, though. Mrs. Werner must be a friend. She hoped it would help. She was dreading living in this house and refused to think of any timetable that went longer than a few days. Even though she knew that was totally impossible, it was the only way she could cope at the moment.

I don’t know how I’m doing. I’m feeling so sad that I’m not able to think very well. So mostly I don’t think at all.

Mrs. Werner looked sad. You poor dear. I hope we can help.

The driver had carried Willa’s two large cases into the front hall. Front hall didn’t quite fit here, Willa thought. It was a giant slate-covered corridor going straight to the back of the house with doors to various rooms. There were even little sitting areas going all the way to the back. She could see the large pool through the windows.

Mrs. Werner seemed surprised. That’s all of your luggage? Aren’t you going to be with us for a while?

Since Willa refused to think about that possibility, she bypassed the question with one of her own.

My dad gave me money to buy some new clothes. Do you suppose you could take me shopping?

As Mrs. Werner replied that she would be happy to do that, they heard heels clicking on the tile, and Willa turned to see her grandmother approaching. She looked pretty much the same, too. Her hair, a little more grey, was perfectly done, and had not a strand out of place. She had on one of her expensive-looking knit outfits, in a light blue color that went with her ice-blue eyes. Willa had not forgotten that she had inherited her grandmothers’ eyes.

Hello, Grandma. How are you?

Hello, Wilhelmina. It’s Grandmother. You know I am called Grandmother, not Grandma. I am fine, thank you.

Of course, Willa knew about the Grandmother versus Grandma bit. She and Danny and Addie joked about it. Used to joke about it, she thought morosely. She had just been feeling grouchy.

Mrs. Werner mentioned my bridge luncheon this afternoon. I will be back in time to help with preparations for my dinner party tonight. You will not be expected to attend, but you will be required to meet everyone. Mrs. Werner will show you The Day School when she picks up Polly this afternoon.

Willa’s interest picked up at the mention of Polly. Wonder who she was? A minor mystery. She wouldn’t ask.

When do I start school?

Tomorrow. It’s all arranged.

So I won’t need a uniform tomorrow?

You will. There are several sizes to choose from in your bedroom. Mrs. Werner will help you unpack. I must be on my way.

Willa stared after her grandmother. She hadn’t asked how Willa’s flight was, much less how her only child, Willa’s mother, was doing. Despite her determination to just be noncommittal about any remarks, she could feel her eyes prickling. She had cried so much in the past few weeks that she didn’t think there could be any tears left. She felt rooted to the spot and was startled when she heard Mrs. Werner speak. She spoke English well, but had a trace of a German accent.

Let’s get you some lunch before we unpack. That was a long trip and you were up early. She put her arm around Willa and drew her toward the kitchen. She’d forgotten that the kitchen was so huge. It would easily serve a large restaurant, with several stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.

You sit at the table. She pointed to the large refectory table in a corner. There were plenty of chairs, so Willa sat as directed. I have a nice soup and sandwiches for you. You must be hungry, and getting rid of hunger is something I’m good at. She smiled at Willa, letting her know she felt Willa’s pain. She brought some mushroom soup from the stove and got a plate of assorted meat sandwiches from the refrigerator.

Thanks, Mrs. Werner. This is really good. I feel better already. It also was nice to feel she could trust someone around here.

Good. You just take your time. I have your grandmother’s dinner party all organized so we have plenty of time.

I have to ask. Do you like my grandmother? To me, she’s a witch. Willa watched Mrs. Werner closely. There was an initial look of surprise, probably because she hadn’t expected the question, but on the whole, her face didn’t reflect any dire emotions one way or another.

I am very grateful that your grandfather brought me over here from Germany. He and my father were close cousins. When my husband, Gunter, and my only son, Olaf, and his wife Greta, were killed in a terrible accident on the Autobahn, he brought me over. Later he brought Polly, my granddaughter, over here too, when her maternal grandparents couldn’t keep her any longer. She’s been a blessing.

That sounds awful. But it’s good you have Polly, then.

Yes. And it’s going to be good for Polly to have you here. Someone young to brighten up her life. Your grandmother pays her tuition, you know. Mrs. Werner turned to look at Willa. Willa had noticed that she had never really answered her question about whether she liked her grandmother. That in itself was intriguing. Another mystery.

Mrs. Werner started to clear the table, and Willa protested. I do not expect to be waited on. As my dad says, everyone in the family should help.

Mrs. Werner giggled. My! I can tell you have a mind of your own! Life ought to be much more interesting around here. She was still smiling as she went over to check various pots on the stove.

How many will be at the dinner party tonight?

Nine, including your grandmother. The Bennings daughter was your mother’s best friend in high school, I understand.

Oh, yes. Beth. Mom mentions her a lot. Mentioned, I mean. Willa could feel tears pricking again. She gritted her teeth. Mrs. Werner gave her a sideways glance.

Shall we get you unpacked? I want to get your room all set the way you want it before we pick up Polly. Ready? Willa dragged herself out of her fog to follow Mrs. Werner up the grand double staircase to the second floor.

As you may remember, this was your mother’s room. Isn’t it beautiful? Willa looked around. It was gigantic, bigger than their living room at home. It was painted a beautiful light blue, and all the furnishing of different shades of blue and white blended perfectly. Her mother’s favorite color was still blue, and Willa felt more prickles of tears. She loved the chaise lounge. There was a new flat screen TV. Good!

I remember that chaise from my last visit. Mom told me she used it for studying and reading. When we were here that last time, Mom and Dad stayed in this room, that much I remember. There was a gigantic four poster bed with a canopy.

Mrs. Werner was opening drawers, and putting orderly piles of clothing on the bed so Willa could put things where she wanted them. She first got out her pictures of her family, and put them on the desk, along with her i-pad, laptop, and cell phone. Her dad had upped her minutes so she could talk to her friends and Danny if she got homesick. She smiled, remembering how her dad said there would be dire consequences if she over-talked. He expected all of them to be financially responsible.

Unpacking accomplished, attention was turned to the uniforms. It was a navy blazer and pleated green and navy plaid skirt, to be worn with a white blouse. Navy knee socks. Actually, Willa thought the idea of uniforms was a good one. You didn’t have to spend any time thinking about what to wear. They put the right size uniform on a chair, Mrs. Werner wrote down the size, and packed up the others. Done!

Time to get our Polly! Mrs. Werner took another look at the bedroom, and had a smile to indicate that things looked up to her standards. They went sedately down the grand staircase, and Willa tried to imagine her ever-cheerful mother bounding down the stairs. She smiled to herself thinking about that possible sight.

You remember the dining room. You can see I have the table all set for the dinner tonight.

It looks beautiful. Do you have extra help coming in tonight?

Oh, no. This is small. I can do it. For bigger events, yes. Since your grandfather died, your grandmother hasn’t had many big parties.

Only my mother came out to his funeral. I asked my dad why he didn’t come, but he just clammed up, and said he had to take care of Addie. I know he liked Grandpa.

Everyone liked your grandfather, bless his soul. He was quite elderly, you know. I remember how sad your mother was, so quiet. She was so different from the time all of you came.

Well, Addie was so sick, even then, was it two years ago?

Yes. So awful. She seemed to try to brighten up. Well, let’s be on our way to get Polly. Mrs. Werner led Willa through the kitchen, to the back hall, pausing to show Willa where she and Polly lived.

Oh, this is nice! I wondered where you stayed. You have a nice living room! A fireplace too. And a little kitchen! Could I have a peak at Polly’s room?

Mrs. Werner led her to a very cheerful room, filled with books and the normal stuffed animals. There was a picture of a happy man and woman in wedding attire on her desk.

Her parents, my son and his wife. She doesn’t really remember them as she was so young. Willa could see the pain was still there.

The only good thing I can think of was that she wasn’t in the car with them. At least you have her.

Yes, we’re very comfortable here. Mrs. Werner led the way out the back door to a huge garage. Everything seemed to be huge around here. We have several choices. A Jeep, your grandfather’s vintage Mercedes, the BMW or the BMW convertible that your grandmother uses in the summer. Today I see she took the regular BMW.

Well, we’d better not take Grandma’s. Can you drive Grandpa’s car? It’s huge!

Of course. I’m German, you know! Mrs. Werner was chuckling as she got into the driver’s seat. Willa got into the passenger seat, and they were off. As they went down the driveway Willa looked more carefully at the grounds. Everything was perfectly in order.

Grandma must do the lawn and gardens herself, eh?

Oh, I know you meant that as a joke. With this big property she has a lot of help. They are here all the time, it seems. Inside as well as outside.

Willa looked with interest at the houses on the way to the school. There were a lot like her grandmother’s big house, well set back from the winding roads. There were no sidewalks, so it ought to be interesting to ride bikes around here.

They turned up an impressive drive to the school. You could see that it was large, but it was not obtrusive. It nestled into trees and looked like a colonial design. There were also lots of other cars pulling in.

They don’t have school busses? Willa hadn’t seen any.

There are some. I don’t know how many. I’ve always taken Polly to school. That’s how your grandmother wants it. So that’s how we do it.

They hadn’t been waiting long before Mrs. Werner pointed out Polly running toward the car. She had a big smile, and her shoulder-length dark blond hair was not staying in any orderly fashion. She was a pretty girl, of average height.

Hi Grandma! Hi Willa! I’m so happy you’re here! She got into the back seat, out of breath but full of energy.

Hello, Polly. I’m happy to meet you too!

My goodness, Polly! I haven’t seen you so perky in a long time! See, I told you, Willa, it is good that you are here. Polly, why don’t you take Willa into the office to see if there is anything special she has to bring tomorrow.

Okay. Let’s go, Willa. She grabbed Willa’s hand as Willa got out of the car. It’s right inside the front door.

There were still students inside, and Willa got the new girl curious glances as they walked to the office door. The door was closed, which Willa thought was odd. Polly knocked, and went right in. She carefully closed the door again. Odd, Willa thought.

Mrs. Schultz. This is Willa … oh, I don’t know your last name! Willa smiled to reassure her.

Hello, Mrs. Schultz. It’s Lonberg. Mrs. Werner suggested I ask if there was anything special I need to bring tomorrow.

It’s nice to have you, Willa. Although I noticed on your transcript that your real name is Wilhelmina. Willa smiled at her. She seemed pleasant.

Only my grandmother calls me Wilhelmina, thank goodness.

Your schedule is all set. Even though you are fifteen and a sophomore, we noticed that you are in Physics and Trigonometry. You won’t mind being with Juniors?

Classes are classes. I’m sure …

There was a great crash as the door banged open and hit the wall. Willa and Polly jumped and turned as one to see what caused the excitement. Actually it was a who, not a what.

Woodrow! What has got into you? You scared me to death! And also Polly and Willa.

Sorry about that. I was dropping the racquets. The door to the courts is locked again. So obviously I need a key.

Willa had a chance to observe him as he said all that, and while he was trying to reorganize his armful of racquets. He somehow reminded her a bit of Danny. He was tall and what she would call well-built. He had dark brown eyes and hair, like Danny. His hair was mussy and windblown looking. He had a studiedly casual air about him.

Locked again? Strange. Mrs. Schultz went over to a huge rack of keys, quickly finding the right one. "Woodrow, this is our new student, Willa Lonberg. I believe she will be in your Physics and Trigonometry classes, so perhaps you could look out for her tomorrow. She