Angela

By Tris Hahn

Having an overprotective Mother, Father, and being an only child means that Angela has led quite a structured and sheltered life. At the age of 24 she is quiet, smart, a little insecure in herself, and she pretty much believes anything that someone tells her. She’s also sentimental and wears her heart on her sleeve. Because of her upbringing she has not had the life experiences that her other friends have had. So when one of her closest friends, Heidi, suggests a ski trip to Sunset Bluff over a February weekend Angela hesitates. Heidi along with her other friends beg her to go. Angela gives in and decides to go with them. She assumes that she will be spending quality time with her friends. At the same time she will be enjoying the scenery and taking photographs to mark the occasion. At night, of course, she will be curling up with a good book. In the months following that weekend Angela’s life would never be the same. Her three closest friend’s lives have changed as well. One is in a rehabilitation center in another state. One has got married, and another one just plain hates her and refuses to take her calls. Her Grandmother moves out of the house which leaves Angela living on her own for the first time in her life. The job that she has had since high school is gone and she finds herself unemployed. Will Angela change with everything going on in her life or has she, without realizing it, changed already?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tris Hahn
• Release date: Oct 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310617676

Tris Hahn

This is me:My name is Tris Hahn. Well that’s my pseudonym anyway. It’s a combination of a nickname given to me by my grandfather on my Dad’s side and a very old maiden name on my Mom’s side.I was born and raised in a small town on the West coast of Washington State. My mom was a stay at home “housewife”. She unfortunately left this world in 1998. My father worked in the logging industry and he also left this world five months and exactly one week after they would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. I have one sibling. He is my older brother and we are very close even though we live very far apart from each other. I am married to my best friend and have two sons. As you can tell I am one of those sentimental people. Always have been and always will be. Too old to change now!This is how it all started:When I was very young our family moved into a different house. It was a different neighborhood and my closest of friends weren’t nearby anymore. Also many of my friends who I had known since I could walk were moving away at that same time. Houses were cheap and jobs were plentiful so pretty much everyone that I knew were moving up in the world and that meant renting or buying a new house and moving to a different part of the city. This included my family as well. During this tumultuous time in my young life I started writing several short stories and poems. But school got in the way and life in general and so I put them away.I had always been a reader. After reading each book I wanted to read another one and another one. Reading so much is actually what got me to wanting to write to begin with.After reading quite a few books in a very short period of time I dug up those stories that I had written. However after all of the books that I had read I did not feel they were even worthy of anything compared to those stories. So I threw them all away.When I think about that moment I could scream. Was I ever stupid! At my young age I did not realize that the books that I had been reading were written by established and very talented authors at that time not a kid in middle school.I gave up writing for years and years. But I still remained an avid reader.As I got older and my life and my age was advancing I felt there was still something missing in my life. I had a loving husband, two wonderful sons but there was something . . . Something that I had to do for just myself. I was determined to write that novel that I had dreamed about so many years ago.I quit reading. I got myself a spiral bound notebook and started to write, and write, and write. It took several years of part-time writing and editing, and re-writing but my novel was finally finished. My first novel is called Angela. I followed up that novel with another one called McDowell. I thought I would only make it through one but I had to finish the story I started with Angela and so another novel was written. However McDowell was written a lot faster than Angela. My sons were older and I found a lot more time on my hands to write, edit, and re-write.I got both of my novels copyrighted right away after finishing them. I then had to decide what to do next.I started reading and discovering how many books are rejected by publishers who actually print books.I thought to myself - What if my books NEVER got published? All of my hard work and nobody would ever see it. Did I really have to see my books in print? No. But I really wanted people to be able to read them. So I started looking into getting my books published online. Sure enough I found what I was looking for.And it continues:I still have the writing bug. I hope that you take the time to take a look at my books. I also hope that if you decide to read them that you enjoy reading them as much as I did writing them.Warmest regards,T. HahnP.S. I still haven’t read a book in several years and the spiral notebook that I referenced earlier, well, I still have it and other ones also. I just can’t part with them.

Book preview

I dedicate this book to both of my sons and especially my husband who stuck by me through this entire process . . .

Mom, Dad, you always said I should write a book.  Hope there’s e-readers in Heaven.

PROLOGUE

She casually turned around to look at the booth beside hers but there was a man sitting there by himself.  For just a moment Angela had the panicky feeling that maybe that handsome guy could have been smiling at another woman just beyond her.  In Angela's look around there were no other women facing her direction that would be in that man's line of vision.  That smile was definitely meant for a woman. . . .

Angela licked her lips and looked deep into Anthony's eyes. His arms went around her and their lips touched, just briefly.  Anthony pulled away slightly to look in her eyes. He pushed her gently against the wall by the door and kissed her again. This time the kiss was harder and longer. He leaned up against her while still having his arms wrapped around her. She could just about feel every inch of his body. There was such heat between the two of them. Angela thought it was a good thing they were not out in the snow, because it would definitely be melted where they were together. When he finally released her, they were both breathing hard. . . .

Angela was shocked. Mr. McDowell was impressed with her answer. Could it be that she had misinterpreted the look on his face when she answered him? It seemed to be forever, but Angela had already made up her mind.

Yes Marion, I really want this position.  When do you want me to start?

CHAPTER 1

I cannot believe I agreed to this. Angela said out loud.

As she looked into the full-length oval mirror in front of her, her brows furrowed and a look of disgust came on her face. The figure looking back at her was not unpleasant to look at. She was of average height with a little extra weight on the thighs and bottom and the waist was not as small as she would have liked. The face was framed with brunette hair down to her shoulders in uncontrollable waves. Everybody was always telling her how pretty her hair was. No one had a clue how much Angela hated her hair. It was always out of control. Not frizzy, she was thankful for that. Just waves that did what they wanted to not what she wanted. She had freckles on her nose and cheekbones and had hazel eyes. It was not that she was not attractive, it was just that she wasn't drop-dead gorgeous like her friends.

Heidi for instance was blonde, about five foot eight, with marine blue eyes, and a figure to die for. Jessica was short and petite with cropped red hair that seemed to do anything she wanted it to. She was an adorable doll. And last there was Tiffany, another blonde, about the same size as Jessica only she had the greenest eyes you have ever seen. So here she was, totally ordinary looking.

Wow, what a mood, Angela shook herself mentally. I am just going to have to make the most of it. Of course, I could call Heidi and tell her I'm sick. That would not be fair, because after all it was Heidi's parent's condo they would be staying at.

As Angela stood there still scrutinizing herself in the mirror, there was a light tap on the door. A female sing song voice said.  It's Grandma, can I come in?

Sure, said Angela.

Oh you look so cute in that outfit. Her Grandmother complimented her.

Are you sure it's not too lavender looking? Angela asked.

Of course not! That sweater and pants were made for each other. Her Grandmother responded.

Angela turned back to the mirror and be-grudgingly admitted her Grandmother was right. The periwinkle turtleneck sweater went perfectly with the dark lavender ski pants. Too bad the figure did not go with the outfit.

What was wrong with her? Here she'd gone out and spent her bonus on some of the most adorable ski clothes and she had even splurged and bought a new coat. After all she might as well spend money on clothes. Other than her meals, her stay at the condo was going to be relatively inexpensive since Heidi's parents owned the condo. Because of that reason they were not going to be charged for their stay.

Besides she did not even know how to ski. All of her friends that she was going with were buying new skis, poles, boots, and bindings. Angela did not even know what bindings were. One thing she knew was that even if she did not know how to ski or anything about skiing, she could sit around the lodge and be confident on how she looked.

Are you just about packed? Her Grandmother interrupted her thoughts.

Yeah, I guess so! Answered Angela.

Don't look so excited. Her Grandmother teased.

Angela could not help but smile; her Grandmother had practically raised her all of her life and had always been there for her. She had supported her all the way. Here she was again, trying to boost Angela's ego and self-esteem. Her Grandmother was saying something, but as usual Angela had let her mind go off on a tangent of its own.

Okay, I will let you finish admiring yourself. I have some bread that's ready to be put into the oven to be baked. Her Grandmother left her alone again to look critically in the mirror.

Angela thought, I have so much to be grateful for. Take my room for instance. Angela stood there and looked at her room in admiration.

One of the very first things that she saw were the lines that had been marked on the door casing. Dates with different ages written down. Her Grandmother had started the chart around two months after Angela's parents had been killed in a car accident.  Angela had been eight years old.  She still remembered that day like it happened yesterday. It was hard to believe it had been over fifteen years ago.

It was one of those weekends when Angela got to stay at her Grandmother's house. It did not happen very often. When her Mom and Dad wanted to go out for the evening Angela had to stay with someone and her Mother never trusted babysitters. The logical place for Angela to stay as far as Angela's Mother was concerned was with her Mother, Celia. So Angela started staying with her Grandmother one night here, one night there until everyone got adjusted to the arrangement. It was always such a good time for Angela. Her Grandmother was always baking something. Celia felt that Angela was responsible enough to help her in the kitchen and proceeded to teach her all of her cooking and baking techniques. Angela learned something new each time she stayed with her Grandmother.

Angela's Mom and Dad, Sylvia and Richard Clarence had decided to accept one of their friend's offers to stay for the weekend at their house on the lake. Both Sylvia and Richard had all of the confidence in the world that Angela would be just fine with Celia for the entire weekend. They were a bit apprehensive, but in their hearts they knew she would be okay.

Angela had never spent more than one night, at a time, away from her parents and at first Angela was scared and nervous, but her Grandmother saw to it that Angela did not feel that way for long. Sylvia and Richard dropped Angela off at Celia's early Friday evening, as they had planned on being to the lake house by dinner.

Angela's Grandmother had all kinds of fun things planned for her granddaughter. They started off with Angela helping Celia bake biscuits for their dinner. Angela even got to drop the small potatoes in the stew Celia had bubbling on the stove.

After dinner, Angela and her Grandmother had apple pie, which Celia had baked earlier in the day. Angela could still taste that pie if she thought hard enough. Celia told her granddaughter that she had a surprise for her, but that she would have to close her eyes and promise not to open them until told to do so. Angela of course agreed and closed her eyes. Her Grandmother took her by the hand and Angela kept her promise by keeping her eyes closed. When Celia told Angela to open her eyes, Angela was in total awe.  On the chairs, and the sofa, was fabric of every color and definition imaginable. Celia had gone through all of her quilting scraps before Angela got there and had come up with quite a variety of fabrics. As Angela touched the fabrics, her eye caught an unbelievable site. On the tea cart next to the wall, every color and size she could wish for were buttons, ribbons, snaps, even tiny zippers were laid out neatly. Angela looked at her Grandmother with love in her eyes and her Grandmother smiled back.

They're all yours sweetie! I know how much you have wanted me to show you how to sew, so go get your doll and let's start making clothes.

Angela could not remember when she had had so much fun. Her and her Grandmother cut, assembled and sewed small doll clothes way into the night. She remembered hearing the grandfather clock in the hall chime eleven times. She was feeling awfully tired and she happened to see her Grandmother try and stifle a yawn. They both decided it was time for bed. They could always sew again tomorrow and after all, Angela was going to be there until Sunday afternoon. They had plenty of time.

CHAPTER 2

Deep in the middle of the night, Angela remembered hearing the telephone ring. She remembered thinking how odd that was because no one ever called her Grandmother in the middle of the night. She did not hear it ring again, so off she went into a deep sleep, dreaming of the new outfits and how she would have to have her dolls model them in the morning.

The next morning Angela awoke to the smell of bacon and homemade sweet rolls baking and voices. There was one voice that she did not recognize.  It was a booming low pitched male voice and was definitely not her Father's. She got dressed quickly and ran downstairs. She saw her Grandmother sitting at the kitchen table drinking her tea out of her favorite floral mug. Angela loved that mug with the large pink rose on it.

On the opposite side of her was a man she did not know. Angela walked up to her Grandmother and planted a kiss on her cheek. She noticed that her Grandmother's eyes were puffy and there were circles under them.

Children at the age that Angela was did not usually notice such things. However Angela had always been very aware of even the minutest detail on everything and one thing she always noticed was her Grandmother always had such a creamy look to her skin and a sparkle in her blue eyes. That sparkle was not there this morning and her skin looked red and spotted. Angela looked at the man at the table with natural curiosity.

He was a huge man with dark hair like her Father's only this man's was longer. His face looked like he had not shaven recently. Angela noticed these things because her Father always had his hair cut short and in the same style all of the time. It had never changed. You would never have seen a whisker on his face. Sylvia would never have permitted Richard to look like this man. Angela's Mother had always been very particular when it came to grooming habits and nobody had been spared her scrutiny.

This man was wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans. Angela had never seen her Father or her Mother in blue jeans. Her Mother never would have allowed such a thing. One of the other things about this stranger were his eyes. He smiled at Angela and their golden brown color made his whole face light up.

So this is Angela. He boomed. His voice seemed so deep and loud to Angela's ears.

Why don't you sit down sweetie and have some breakfast. I made your favorite. Said her Grandmother.

I know, I think the smell woke me up. Angela giggled.

Celia tried to smile back at her granddaughter, but the smile did not quite reach her eyes.

After Celia served Angela her breakfast, she sat down and introduced the stranger to her. His name was Stephen and he was her Father's brother, which made him her Uncle. Angela could never remember anyone mentioning him and told him so. The man, known as Stephen, just laughed.

I have never been around much, so I am not surprised my name has not been mentioned by Richard, ah your Father I mean. Surely, you have seen pictures of me. There were pictures of your Dad and me when we were just kids. Angela shook her head.

For just a brief moment, the light went out of those golden brown eyes and his voice was quieter. I guess that was for the best and it was his decision.

There was silence at the table for quite some time. Celia broke the silence by telling Angela she had errands to run and that Stephen would keep her company while she was gone. Angela was confused. She had always gone with her Grandmother and now she had to stay with this complete stranger.

Maybe I should call Mother and have her pick me up instead.

As Celia was standing next to the table, her face went white and she clutched the table so hard her knuckles turned white. Angela was intent on her Uncle so she did not notice anything different but Stephen did and came to the rescue.

We can get to know each other this way and we don't really want to disturb your Mom and Dad, do we?

Besides, Celia added, I should not be gone that long and you need to try on all of your new outfits on your doll. Also, I'm sure that your Mom and Dad are really busy at the lake house." Celia's voice broke at the end of her sentence and she had to clear her throat.

Are you okay Grandmother? Angela asked.

I'm fine sweetie, I just need to get going right away, okay? Answered Celia.

Angela decided they both were probably right about her staying with Stephen and besides that she could hardly wait to play with her new clothes. She hurried up and finished her breakfast while her Grandmother got ready to leave.

Angela remembered her whole day being occupied with those doll outfits that had been made with love by her and her Grandmother. The rest of her memory gets pretty fuzzy after that. Everything happened so fast. It all seemed so strange.

As an only child Angela was used to having her whole life totally organized by her parents. Everything had been done for her and her alone. All decisions were made for her. Her young life had turned from strict organization and discipline into complete and total chaos.

CHAPTER 3

There had been the conversation that her Grandmother had with her when she had delicately told Angela that 'her Mother and Father had gone to heaven and that they were now in God's hands'. She had also been told that 'her Mother and Father thought it would be best for Angela to live with her Grandmother from now on'.

If that was not confusing enough for her, there was the funeral. Celia felt it would be too traumatic for Angela to attend. Angela could recall a lot of people being in her Grandmother's house. Everybody was talking quietly and carefully. People kept bringing food. Angela thought this was really odd since her Grandmother was such a good cook and that she loved to cook.

After the day of the funeral, the chaos seemed to go on for weeks and weeks. Angela was not really sure of the time frame. Angela felt, as she thought back on it now, that at that time she had still been numb and shocked that her life was not the same anymore. Her Grandmother was always talking to people on the telephone and people still kept stopping by.

Grandmother did not cook very much anymore. She was always so quiet. Angela tried to get her Grandmother to play with her and her dolls. Her Grandmother told her that she was just too tired.

Then one day, it must have been about two to three months after all of the chaos started as far Angela could recall; her Grandmother walked into her bedroom. In her hand she had a pencil and a ruler. She was wearing her pink flowered apron. It seemed to Angela that she had not seen that apron for such a long time. Angela thought she might have got rid of it.

Celia walked over towards Angela and held out her arms. Angela ran into her Grandmother's outstretched arms and got the biggest hug she had had in months. Angela started to cry and her Grandmother kept saying how sorry she was. Angela was so important to her and that she never wanted her to forget that. Angela kept telling her everything was fine and assured her Grandmother that she would remember forever what her Grandmother was telling her.

With them both still sniffling Celia then took Angela's hand and led her over to the casing next to the door. She picked up the ruler and a pencil that she had laid on the desk.

Now, Grandmother said stand up next to this casing with your heels against the wall.

Angela did as her Grandmother said. Celia laid the ruler on top of Angela's head and made a small line on the casing.

Step back, Celia said. Now we put the date and your age next to the line. Every year on your birthday we will do this. Maybe sometimes in between, maybe when you feel you have grown, we will do this then too. Celia smiled as she said this.

Mother never would have allowed me to do this neither would Father. Do we erase these lines or do we wash the wall and then draw new ones? Angela asked.

Oh goodness no! You mean to tell me that you have never done this? Grandmother asked incredulously. Angela shook her young head emphatically.

How had Sylvia and Richard raised this child? Celia asked herself.

When Richard and Stephen were just barely walking we started this tradition. You see we keep on drawing lines and then when you get older you will be able to look back and reflect on the age, the date, and all kinds of things. It is another way of building and preserving memories. Her Grandmother explained.

In fact Stephen took a picture of this very door case when he moved out. He also made a copy for your Father, Richard, and gave it to him for a Christmas present. I think you were about a year old at the time. Of course we painted over everything when we changed this room into a guest bedroom. This was the boy's play room the entire time they lived here. Celia's eyes misted over.

Anyway it is your room now and that is the way it will stay until you grow up and move on. Celia finished talking with a wide grin on her face.

CHAPTER 4

That was only the beginning. From then on Angela's Grandmother made sure that Angela's room was her very own.

The next item Angela's eyes focused on was the white wicker rocker sitting in the corner. A floral quilt, made by her Grandmother, was laid over one arm and a pastel afghan was laying on the other. That chair brought back such crystal clear memories.

Angela remembered the time that she went to the estate sale with her Grandmother. Angela saw that chair and absolutely fell in love with it. She was about twelve years old at the time. Her Grandmother had seen to it that Angela felt her home was with her, but there was always something missing.

After her parent's deaths, movers had brought all of Angela's prized possessions to her

Grandmother's house. When her parent's house was sold, the furniture went with the sale. Of course, no one really thought about the old wooden rocker in her Mother's sitting room. To everyone else it was just an old wooden rocker. To Angela it was the safe haven she found in her Mother's arms whenever anything 'bad' happened in her young life. Whether it was a broken toy, a scraped knee or a lost doll's shoe, her Mother, in that rocker, made everything all right.

Even when Angela would have an occasional bad dream, her Mother would take the time to hold and cuddle her in that rocker until her thoughts turns to happy ones and Angela could fall back to sleep peacefully. When Angela spotted that rocker at the estate sale, all of those warm happy feelings came flooding back.

She asked her Grandmother if she could have it. Of course Celia wanted to give her granddaughter everything. But this faded, mildewed, totally weathered rocker was out of the question. Why would she want it? As Celia was going to tell Angela that she thought it better if they let it go to someone else, she noticed the tears in Angela's eyes and the longing and hopeful look she was giving that old rocker. How could she say no to that face?

Well, okay, I'm sure we can find some place for it. Celia said.

Oh Grandma, really, thank you, thank you, thank you. Angela squealed with delight. She grabbed her Grandmother and gave her a big hug.

Did she hear right? Thank you, Grandma? Celia was shocked. Angela had never called her anything but Grandmother.

To Angela it felt really good. She had heard her friends call their grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa. It just felt right.

There were tears in Celia's eyes at that gesture. This was the first time since Sylvia and Richard's deaths that Celia actually saw a genuine contented look in Angela's eyes.

So, with help from some of the other buyers, they managed to put the rocker into the trunk of Celia's car, and off they drove with their precious find. Celia did not know what they were going to do with the old rocker, but she just could not disappoint her granddaughter.

Angela then remembered how she had looked up every furniture book in the library that she could get her hands on. Finally, when she thought she had read every book that was available, she came across a book about the Victorian Era. The picture on the cover reminded her of her Grandmother's house. Just out of curiosity, she decided to read through it. As she was reading it, she came across a picture she had been looking for. Angela knew she had to take it home and show her Grandma. She rushed home with the book. Angela showed her Grandma the book and the special place that she had marked. There in the middle of the book was an exact picture of Angela's rocker. Only there was quite a difference in the picture and Angela's rocker, the one in the picture was pristine and white.

Do you think my rocker could ever be that pretty, Grandma? Asked Angela.

Celia could not honestly answer her. She had never had any experience with furniture. She did know of some home improvement stores that were nearby, maybe they could be of help.

Well, surely there must be some store or someplace where they can advise us as to what we can do with the rocker. That was the only answer Celia could give to Angela.

Of course, I can't promise that your rocker will look as beautiful as the one in the book. Celia warned.

Let's try. Angela said anxiously.

Phone calls were made and items were purchased. Celia thought of using the garden shed, but that definitely was not the place to work on this project. She figured out that the old shed in the far back area of the yard would be the perfect place to work on the old rocker.  It was never used for anything but to store some odd and end tools that she had kept. They proceeded to clear out a section, and before you knew it, the rocker had a place of its own in the old shed.

Angela remembered it took all spring for them to re-finish and restore that chair. But when it was finally done all of their time and effort had been worth it. The only thing that could not be changed was a broken area about one inch square in size that was on the left arm.

That did not matter to Angela. She told her Grandmother that it gave the chair character and a history all its own. Celia had one of the neighbors, Mr. Morrison, help her carry the rocker upstairs to Angela's bedroom. Angela already had a place picked out for her new treasure. It would go right on the wall next to the window. That way she could sit in her chair and feel the warmth of the sun through the glass during the day or enjoy the light of the moon at night.

Her Grandmother had made a cushion to go on the rocker. Celia was still bothered by that broken area on the arm. As far as Angela was concerned, except for the occasional time she snagged one of her sweaters or scratched her arm on the broken wicker, she did not even realize it was there. She had her rocker and she was truly 'home'.

CHAPTER 5

One night after they had finished their dessert and the dishes had been done, Celia told Angela to go into her sewing room. Her Grandmother needed a spool of white thread. She was putting a button back on one of Angela's play shirts.

Make sure you look on the shelf in the cupboard on the wall, not my thread rack. Her Grandmother stated.

Angela thought this was a really strange request since her Grandmother always had all of her threads neatly organized on her thread rack. Her Grandmother cherished that rack. Evidently Angela's Grandfather had made it for her several years ago. Her Grandfather had died before she was born and her Grandmother never talked about him. So, rather than question her Grandmother, Angela obediently went to get the thread. When she opened the doors to the cupboard on the wall, a note fell out. It said,

Hope this helps the 'boo-boo' on your rocker! Love, Grandma.

On the shelf was the prettiest floral quilt Angela had ever seen. She carefully took it from the shelf and unfolded it on the sewing table located below the cupboard. It was outstanding!

When could she have made it? How could she have made it without Angela knowing? Angela was totally elated. Her Grandmother stood in the doorway and watched her granddaughter. Angela was lovingly touching the quilt and started clutching it to her as if to give the quilt a big hug. The site brought tears to Celia's eyes. Angela caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye, immediately dropped the quilt, and ran to her Grandmother. Her Grandmother gathered Angela into her arms. To Angela everything was now complete with her world and she could not be happier.

Let's put that quilt where it belongs. Celia said. Angela just smiled even wider.

So other than removing the quilt to be cleaned, it had remained on that rocker all of those years. It was still hiding that 'boo-boo' on the arm. Angela still had the note from her Grandmother. It was buried deep inside her hope chest that sat at the foot of her bed.

Angela focused in on the afghan. Oh, that afghan! The winter her Grandmother tried to teach her to crochet. First she had tried knitting, but Angela got so frustrated she had to quit. Those two needles just would not work with the yarn. Her Grandmother decided to introduce her to crocheting.

Since there was only one hook instead of two needles, Celia felt that this would be easier for Angela. Well, Angela could not believe that this strange looking hook and thread, in her hands, could possibly produce the lovely items that her Grandma had created. Her Grandma explained to her that what she had made were called doilies and they were made with a very small hook and fine thread. Since she would just be learning, her Grandmother told her, the hook would be larger and she would be working with yarn.

Celia had several patterns that Angela could easily follow. When Celia handed the shiny silver hook to Angela along with a tote bag that was filled with pastel yarns, that matched her quilt exactly, Angela could not wait to get started. After school, every weekend, every chance she got Angela worked on that afghan. It had taken her the whole winter to complete the project. When she finally finished it she could not have been prouder. After all of the ripping out and cramped fingers from holding the hook too tight, it was done and she had seen it through.

Even though the afghan came out okay, Angela had decided that crocheting was not going to be her favorite thing to do. Maybe in the future she would try another project, but not anytime soon. To this day, that afghan still brought a smile to her face.

From the rocker she spotted the floral pillows on her window seat. Another addition made by her Grandmother. It seemed to Angela that her Grandmother always had time to do everything and get everything done.

Angela's eyes tracked to the quilt folded up on her bed. It was a queen size to match the size of the bed. Her Grandmother had cut, pieced, and had sewn every stitch by hand. It took her Grandmother an entire winter to make that quilt. She wanted it finished for Angela's 21st birthday.

It was called the flower basket, according to her Grandmother and she had seen to it that there were seven colors of three shades each, which equaled twenty-one, and that her name, birth date and the year the quilt was made was stitched in the corner. Angela absolutely cherished that quilt.

Angela spotted her half-filled suitcase and came back to the present. The girls will be here soon and I'm not ready, thought Angela.

So, after going through her closet and taking out all of her new clothes, she carefully folded each item and methodically finished packing.

There was a light tapping on her door. Her Grandmother poked her head in the door. 

With her blue eyes sparkling she smiled at her Granddaughter.

I know you can hardly wait to leave, so I thought I would let you know that Heidi and the girls should be here in about five minutes.

Angela smiled at her Grandmother. She always looked neat as a pin. Every hair in place, even when she was cleaning the house, she looked tidy. How did she do it? Those silver curls down to her shoulders were always perfect.

Angela loved her Grandmother with all her heart and soul but there were times that she found herself actually envious of her.

Enough of that Angela Marie Clarence get a hold of your thoughts.

Okay Grandma I'm just about ready. And yes, I am looking forward to this trip. Well, I'm trying to anyway. Angela decided to tease her Grandmother.

I just think you want me out of the house so that Mr. Morrison can come and visit you while I'm gone. I have seen the way he looks at you. She added with a smile on her face.

Celia's cheeks turned scarlet, but that sparkle never left her eyes. In fact Angela noticed it intensified with the mere mention of Mr. Morrison's name.

The more Angela thought about it, her Grandmother was awfully happy lately. She was humming while she did her sewing. She was even singing while she made dinner. Late at night she could hear the radio in her Grandmother's room playing that old-fashioned romantic music. Maybe there was more to her Grandmother's happiness than she knew about. Maybe her Grandmother and Mr. Morrison . . .

Angela Marie, I swear, get that silly look off your face. The doorbell is ringing and I'm sure it must be Heidi. You better get a move on. Celia interrupted Angela's thoughts.

She threw a book in her suitcase and carefully packed her favorite perfume in her purse. With one last glance around her room.

Angela stated I'm ready, let's go.

Heidi was waiting in the hallway for her when Angela came downstairs. Angela thought Heidi was a strikingly beautiful woman. Take today, for instance, there she was dressed to do skiing all in sky blue from head to toe, literally, even her boots she was wearing were the same shade of sky blue. The outfit had to have cost Heidi a bundle. Of course, when your Father is an investment banker with offices all around the world, the last thing you would be thinking about is a $2,000 ski outfit for your daughter.

Heidi had everything she wanted. All he had to do was plop down that little plastic card and it was hers. The only thing was you would think Angela and her friends would be jealous of Heidi's wealth, but with her sweet, caring and generous disposition, it would not be right to be envious of her. You just could not dislike Heidi. It was impossible.

Heidi and her brother Jerry were exact replicas of each other. Jerry was one year older, but you would swear they were twins. Jerry, at first, had every one of Heidi's friends practically salivating over him. But once you got to know him, like Angela did, he was just another guy. He was tolerant of Heidi's friends having crushes on him and when he went to Hawaii to go to college, to get his teaching degree, all the girls were very sad.

Heidi chose to work for her Father in a secretarial capacity. Working for her Father meant that she showed up for work when and if she wanted to and actually had no one to answer to.

Angela had worked for the same company since she had started high school. What started out as a part time job after school turned out to be her career after she had graduated. Angela thought to herself with disbelief, that was over 10 years ago.

Heidi just stood there. Her mouth was moving but no sound was coming out of it. Angela realized, in letting her mind wander that Heidi actually was speaking to her and she must have asked her a question.

Her perfectly outlined lips, in the season's hottest color, was upturned at the corners. Anyone else would have seen this look as a look of exasperation, but anyone who knew Angela would have had that same expression on their face. She was always letting her thoughts go every direction and seemed to be ignoring what everyone else was saying. Instead of being insulted by Angela's behavior, Heidi just said, Ready to go Angie?

No one but Heidi was allowed to call her Angie, to Angela it just was not acceptable. To Heidi, it was impossible to call her Angela. So they made a compromise some years back and Angela just took it for granted that Heidi would be calling her Angie until it did not suit her anymore, or until Angela changed her name.

Yep, let's go the snow is waiting. Quipped Angela.

By the look of that outfit, Angie it looks to me like you are looking for more than just snow over this weekend. Heidi commented teasingly.

Angela cheeks turned bright red, not from embarrassment but from the warmth she felt towards Heidi. Compliments like that coming from Heidi were few and far between towards anyone. Angela held her head a little higher and her back a little straighter after that.

You girls have a good time and stay safe. Celia said.

Ever since she could remember, her Grandmother had said the exact same line whenever Angela went anywhere.

We will Grandma, and I will see you when I return. Angela answered.

They went out the front door. Heidi had brought her van. With four women, and the luggage they had brought along, it was good thing they had plenty of room.

Jessica and Tiffany were sitting together behind the driver's seat, totally immersed in conversation. They both looked up as Angela and Heidi approached the van.

Heidi put Angela's suitcase and purse in the back along with all of the other cases and purses. With all of the stuff in the van, you would swear they were going for a week instead of three days.

CHAPTER 6

Angela noticed Jessica was dressed all in shades of red. You would think with her flame-red hair that she could not wear red, but not Jessica. She looked great. She definitely had a flair for color. Angela smiled at her and Jessica smiled back.

Then Angela looked at Tiffany. She was in orange. She looked like a perfect doll with her blonde hair and her petite figure. Tiffany smiled and almost in unison with Jessica said Hi.

Tiffany and Jessica had that kind of relationship. They could talk for hours and hours, interrupt the conversation by talking to someone else and go right back to where they left off from before. Angela adored them both.

They both had been brought up in broken homes.

Tiffany lived with her Mother and two brothers. Jessica lived with her Father and two brothers. Heidi always said that Jessica was such a chatter-box because she never got a chance to talk at home. Jessica had lived with three males for almost her entire life so that meant that her friends were her only female companionship. That was Heidi's analysis of her situation. Heidi was always psycho-analyzing everyone. She did it as a hobby.

Heidi had never told Angela what she thought her psychoanalysis was. Angela was pretty sure the reason the subject never came up was that she had a way of skirting the issue with her.

Heidi got into the van and they took off. It was a beautiful January day in California.

Heidi turned on the radio. The other three girls groaned. The only music Heidi would allow to be played was classical. She always maintained that the reason was that it relaxed her while she was driving. But after several years together, they took it in stride. After all, if it were not for Heidi, the rest of them would not even be able to consider going to Sunset Bluff Resort.

It was the most expensive, prestigious skiing resort in the state. Heidi's Mom and Dad had bought a condo about a year ago and this was going to be the girl's first visit. It was pretty exciting when you thought about it. Heidi had not really even told any of them what to expect. She had been there several times since her parents purchased the condo. All she would ever say was that it was fabulous and that she would have to arrange for all of them to go for a visit.

Apparently some of Heidi's Father's clients usually stayed at the condo every weekend. But, this was one long weekend when no one was scheduled to use it. Heidi's parents had flown down to Mexico for a week in the sun. Heidi had decided to stay behind and that's when the idea had occurred to her for her and the group of friends to use the condo. Her parents agreed and that was that. So, here they were on their way to Sunset Bluff Resort with classical music blaring inside the van.

Jessica and Tiffany had started a game of cards. They did not bother asking Angela to play. They knew she hated playing cards. Heidi was totally involved with her driving and her music, so Angela decided to take a small nap. It would take about four hours to get to the resort and resting her eyes for a half of an hour or so would not do any harm.

Angela woke up to hear Jessica arguing with Heidi about something. Angela's head was pretty fuzzy still from sleeping. She looked at the watch on her left wrist. That could not be right, she thought, it said 4:30. How could that be, she just fell asleep for a very short time, didn't she? The voices were getting louder.

I can't believe you would bring the same sweater, Jess, what were you thinking of? Cried Heidi.

Jessica was sitting in the middle of the van with her suitcase open. She had been going through the case looking for her headband when Heidi spotted the ivory sweater. Heidi had packed the exact same one.

How would I know that you had one exactly the same? Jessica questioned her.

I knew we should have called each other to lay out our wardrobes before packing. Complained Heidi.

Everything is not about fashion, Heidi. Jessica said indignantly.

Heidi's cheeks were turning dark pink under her perfectly tanned face. Angela knew she had to say or do something.

Are we there yet? Questioned Angela.

Sleeping Beauty finally wakes up. Commented Tiffany

I really don't see what the fuss is all about. She added.

Why would a short thing like you buy such a large sweater, Jessica? Heidi asked.

It was in the petite department and I had to have it. Answered Jessica

"You will