Out of the Darkness

By Marcia Ward

After a visit to the Rehab Center in Connecticut to see her beloved
Mother, Willa decided it was time to take a bigger look at her life.
Since last May and the shocks of the death of her younger sister, Addie,
and the serious stroke her mother had suffered, Willa had been able to
take only one day at a time.

On the plus side, Willa had seen how hard her Mother was working to
get better. The staff at the Rehab Center said they were very pleased
with her progress. It had been so disheartening to see that after five
months she still needed a walker. At least her speech was almost back
to normal. But when, if ever, would she be back to her previous level of
tennis, for instance?

It was still hard to take the fact that her Dad was still spending so much
time in China. How long he’d be there depended on how soon the
branch company he had set up would be operating on its’ own. It
seemed to take so long. Was Willa just being unrealistic?

She didn’t see much of her older brother, Danny, because he was at
West Point, and he made huge efforts to get down to see their mother as
often as he could. She smiled to herself, thinking how she had bugged
him when she was younger. It all paid off, though. He expected
nothing but the best, and consequently she was very competitive in
softball, tennis, and skiing. That certainly gave her an advantage at The
Day School in Milwaukee.

Reflecting on her present home life at her Grandmother Nordbergs’
house, really an estate, brought another small smile. Danny had given
her the name ‘The Ice Lady’ because he said she had no warm feelings
at all.

Willa had been in full agreement when she first arrived in Milwaukee.
But slowly things seemed to be changing for the better. Read to find
out how Willa and her Grandmother manage to work out a truce!

Upon arrival last year, an immediate comfort to Willa was the presence
of the housekeeper, Mrs. Werner, and her granddaughter, Polly, age ten.
Mrs. Werner, a Nordberg relative, had been brought over from Germany
by her Grandfather, after her husband, her only son, and his wife, had
been killed in a horrible crash on the Autobahn. Polly came several
years later. Her maternal grandparents were not able to care for her.

Mrs. Werner was a wonderful cook! Willa hadn’t asked if her
Grandmother cooked, but she had never seen her in the kitchen with an
apron on. Her Grandmother was paying the tuition for both Willa and
Polly at The Day School. Willa felt pleased when she looked back to
the ‘old’ Polly. After Willa came she just seemed to open up. Most
likely because someone younger was around.

Finally, she had to do an assessment of school. After all, it did consume
the majority of her time. Academically, she knew it was tops. Her
mind went back to being ‘The New Girl’. It had been tough at first.
Amy Wu, still her best friend, was a friend right away.

As for the majority of her female classmates, she had seemed to be the
enemy. Now, Willa was not unaware that she was an attractive person.
She had thick blond hair, like her mother’s. And she had big iceblue
eyes, just like her grandmother’s.Her slim build spoke to her
participation in sports. So the girls might have been worried about their
boyfriends?

Willa didn’t know the answer to that. But she smiled thinking how
Woody Reston came into her life at that bad time. And was still there!
There are many adventures and experiences still ahead. You won’t
want to miss these adventures, scary times, and the good times.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcia Ward
• Release date: Mar 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781942899839

Marcia Ward

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

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Out Of The Darkness

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.

OUT OF THE DARKNESS

Special Smashwords Edition

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Copyright © 2015 Marcia M. 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: 978-1-942899-83-9 (eBook)

ISBN: 978-1-942899-84-6 (Paperback)

Version 2016.03.08

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

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Dedication

To my daughter, Jennifer Ward Sheehy, for her inspirational thinking.

Out Of The Darkness

Chapter 1

The United flight from Boston was banking on its approach to Mitchell International Field in Milwaukee. Willa leaned forward to look out the window. Lake Michigan looked very blue, and the plane was now low enough to see boats and sailboats on this August day.

Willa sat back, and couldn’t help but think of her previous flight to her grandmother’s house last May, when everything was so grim. Her sister Addie had just died, and her mother had just been hospitalized because of a serious stroke.

Memories of that day were hazy, most likely due to the shell shock of the previous weeks. The memory of her Grandmother Nordberg was quite clear, however. Her brother Danny’s description of her as ‘The Ice Lady’ was right on. No sooner had Willa arrived in the airline limo, than her grandmother, dressed to the nines, as they say, left for her bridge game at the club.

There was a slight bump as the plane landed. Willa felt pleased that she was to be picked up this time. Her grandmother had left a message. It was a little vague, but said someone would be there. Would it be The Ice Lady?

It would be more comforting to see Mrs. Werner and Polly. They were normal. Mrs. Werner, a relative of Willa’s late grandfather, had been brought over from Germany to be their housekeeper. Mr. Werner and their son and his wife had been killed in a terrible crash on the Autobahn. After a few years her grandfather brought Polly over also, as her maternal grandparents were unable to care for her.

Willa got her bag from the overhead bin, and waited impatiently as the passengers slowly made their way up the aisle. When they got to the arrival area, Willa felt a big grin start. There was a young girl, blondish hair, jumping up and down and waving her arms. What a nice welcome!

Polly! Mrs. Werner! Thanks for coming! Did you have any problems? Polly shook her head. She had firm ideas for a ten year old.

No. Grandma drove straight here. Just like when you left. We had to park pretty far away. I think they should have parking attendants, don’t you? Willa suppressed a smile.

Just like at the Country Club, right? Are you tired, Mrs. Werner? It was hard for Willa to guess how old Mrs. Werner was, but she was younger than her grandmother, and never seemed to get tired cooking the most delicious meals.

Oh, that Polly! I am fine. I guess she thinks that just because I didn’t want to run like a Boston Marathoner, I must be in trouble. Willa smiled at her as they headed for the exit. She had taken only the one bag, as she knew she had enough clothes at home. Willa promised to tell them all about her mother, Danny and her time at her ‘real’ home when they got back to her grandmothers’ place.

So where’s my grandmother? You’d think she’d miss me after three weeks. They had reached the short-term parking, and Willa spotted her grandfather’s vintage Mercedes right away. It was hard to miss, as it looked as big as a limo. Willa got into the front seat with Mrs. Werner. She relaxed and tried to smooth her windblown blond hair.

She had a bridge luncheon today, so she said she’d see you at dinner. Willa couldn’t resist a little sarcasm.

If she’ll see me at dinner, does that mean she’s eating in the kitchen with us? Mrs. Werner got one of her pretend-to-be-shocked looks while really enjoying the cheekiness. The rule was that one had to be properly dressed to eat in the dining room. Willa was more than happy to eat in the kitchen with Polly and Mrs. Werner, although the Day School uniform was acceptable.

They pulled out onto I-94. Traffic was heavy. Willa turned around to Polly so as not to distract Mrs. Werner’s driving.

So, I hear Woody’s been picking you up to work at the Animal Shelter. That’s nice. I know they appreciate your help.

Yes! It’s been busy. Woody really is nice. Did you talk to him every night when you were home? I’m glad I picked him to be your boyfriend, aren’t you? Ah, the wisdom of Polly. Willa scowled as the name William Rutherford the third floated into her mind, bringing with it thoughts of the Senior Prom.

He’s a vast improvement over Trey, so yes, a wise choice. And yes, we talked. I’m glad Woody called. It sounds as though plans for the House Tour are going great! But it was a rather—um—tense couple of weeks, so talking to him helped me. He’s so sensible. Polly nodded.

Why was it tense? Willa sighed, and glanced at Mrs. Werner.

Well, we’ll wait until we get back to the house to talk about it all. Your grandmother has to concentrate on her driving. They were turning off I-43 to Good Hope Road. Even Polly remained quiet. The gardens they passed looked their late-summer best, and soon they were turning between the huge stone pillars onto the long drive that led to the house. Mansion was the more accurate description.

It must be summer. The convertible BMW is not home. They were greeted by excited yips as they went into the house from the garage. Polly ran to get Missy, her rescue dog, from her crate. Willa stretched to get the kinks out.

Let’s have a swim! Have you been swimming lots? Mrs. Werner and Polly both shook their heads negatively.

It’s not much fun alone. So, not so much

And I never go in the pool. Except once, long ago, when your grandparents were gone. I’ll bring some lemonade out, though.

The water was perfect. Polly toe-tested first, and Willa had to try a cannon-ball from the deep end, as it reminded her of how her parents met, in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. It was perfect timing when Mrs. Werner came out with a frosty pitcher of lemonade and a plate of cookies. They sat at one of the patio tables and munched pleasantly until Mrs. Werner spoke quietly.

So, are you ready to tell us how things went at home? I was disturbed to hear that it was a tense time. Willa took her time in answering. She shook the water out of her hair, and grabbed a brush.

My Dad said it was mostly my problem, that I had expected too much.

Meaning what? Willa frowned.

I know that I didn’t expect my mom to be playing tennis, but I guess that I thought since Danny said she was working so hard in therapy that she would be walking easily. Polly was visibly upset.

How awful! Is she in a wheelchair? Is she all crippled up?

No, no, it’s not that bad. She has to use a walker, though. You know what those are, don’t you? Willa looked at Polly. She nodded.

Old people use them. And a boy at school who has cerebral palsy. Willa nodded.

And I kept remembering the strength of my mother, before the stroke. She could carry Addie to different chairs or to bed easily. It made me want to cry, but of course I couldn’t be anything but cheerful. Willa paused, as the lump in her throat seemed too big.

Vell, you poor thing! No vonder you were tense! Mrs. Werner slipped into her German accent when she was distressed. Did your father say anything?

He said I must be patient. That the doctors said she really was making progress, and even her speech was better. It was also hard having to take a taxi to the hospital when my Dad and Danny weren’t there. Mrs. Werner tried to look cheerful.

Vell, you must have enjoyed seeing your old friends. Willa shook her head.

No. As my Dad says, that was the last straw. They were all at camp! Lucy, Sara and Lauren! Polly looked at her with eyes in slits.

Camp? That’s for little kids!

Camp is big out East. Then when you’re older, like me, you go to your old camp as a junior counselor. That’s how it works. Polly was thoughtful.

Well, some kids might like that. I don’t want to be gone all summer. I’d miss Missy. And you and Grandma. Willa finally felt a smile coming. Things were going to get better!

Speaking of missing, I haven’t heard from Woody. Willa jumped up from her chair. Now that couldn’t be because my phone is upstairs in my suitcase, could it?

Once retrieved from the suitcase, the phone had several messages from Woody. The last one sounded a little tense. Willa felt guilty. She wouldn’t like someone promising to call and not doing so. Hearing barks and yips told her exactly where she’d reached him.

Woody! I’m sorry! My head must not be working yet. Are things busy at The Shelter? Yes? I won’t keep you. Could we talk you into Monopoly tonight? Oh, good. See you later, then. Sorry again.

~

Woody brushed his hair back. He was helping his dad, a volunteer at the Shelter also, but a veterinarian in a private practice. He could feel his face was warm and his heart was bumping around after Willa’s call. He couldn’t have believed his formerly calm and orderly life could have changed to so many ups and downs after meeting Willa in The Day School office last May.

He concentrated on the task at hand, namely getting the injured dogs’ wounded leg bandaged. His dad was working silently, and Woody finally looked at him. He had a knowing look on his face.

Perchance that call was from the lovely and gracious Willa? We presume she is home safely?

Um, yes. Woody paused. Is this the right way for the tape?

Right as rain, son. He paused, giving Woody a chance to continue. Woody continued to work.

I think I understand your mother’s frustration with your communication efforts. Care to elaborate? Woody straightened up. He was nearly as tall as his father, and there was a definite resemblance, from the somewhat unruly brown hair to the sturdy muscular body build.

It’s too dumb, Dad. When she didn’t call right away, I was sure the plane had crashed and it just wasn’t being mentioned in the news. Or the plane was hijacked. I mean, how stupid can you be?

Well, did you get to the point of being certain that Willa had met someone new, someone far more handsome and intelligent than Woodrow Reston? Woody had to grin.

No, I guess not.

Good! That means you’re in a better place than you thought you were. Let’s wrap up here and head for home. It’s Saturday night and steaks on the grill await. I believe your brother will be joining us.

Really? We haven’t seen him much this summer.

He’s grateful for his job in University Housing. Good pay, daytime hours, and he’s learning useful skills.

Like what?

Painting, washing windows and walls, repairing broken dorm furniture. All of which will be useful knowledge later in life. They said their good-byes to people and animals and headed for home.

Ceil! You look like you’re studying for final exams! What’s up? Mrs. Reston was sitting at the trestle table surrounded by papers. She stretched.

Never fear! The plans for the Home Tour are well in hand. Our paper will be having a nice preliminary layout next week. We have three homes now, which is perfect. Mrs. Reston worked part-time for the local weekly. Oh, Thomas Alexander Reston will be here shortly!

Good. We all miss him. Say, I know about Mrs. Nordberg’s home, and the Bennings, but who else?

You know, Willa said it was Polly who convinced Mrs. Nordberg that it was a matter of life and death for the Shelter to have this fund-raiser. Then, Willa and Polly went out on their bikes to find a third house. Woody had to have input.

"I couldn’t believe the ingenuity of their plan. They decided modern would be a good contrast to the other two traditional homes. They actually went up driveways if they felt they needed further info. Finally they found the perfect one. Huge. Lots of glass. No one but gardeners seemed to be around.

They couldn’t find a name on a mailbox, so Willa said they sweetly asked the gardeners. Peirce was the name. Back home they went. Yes! Mrs. Peirce was in Grandmother’s garden club. The Ice Lady said ‘Of course I will call her. If I have decided to do my civic duty to The Animal Shelter, she will feel compelled to do the same.’ And thus we have the third house! Dr. Reston applauded loudly.

Bravo to the power of women, and Willa particularly. I … He was interrupted by a door opening, a booming ‘Hello’ and consequently thunderous dog barking and racing to the door. Alex had definitely arrived. Hugs went all around.

It’s good to be home. And the thought of a steak does wonders for the soul.

Son, don’t try to tell us you are denied food. You look just as sturdy as the day you headed off to college a year ago. That made everyone laugh. Alex, who was in accounting, was built exactly like his father and brother. One would think twice about messing with them. Alex shrugged, acknowledging the truth of that.

So, Bro, I hear that love has entered your life. You are no longer oblivious to the charms of the opposite sex. Mom gave me some sketchy details. Woody felt his face warming.

Um, well, yes.

’Um’ is it? Care to give a few more details? Woody could tell Alex was enjoying being the big brother. It was in good fun, though. Not mean. Woody couldn’t even remember when Alex had been anything but the sort of brother anyone would want to have. As he was thinking of a suitable reply, Mrs. Reston spoke up.

We could invite Willa and Polly to a barbecue tomorrow before you have to go back to Madison, Alex. Is that a good idea?

Absolutely. Get her booked quick! Woody, humming, went off to call Willa.

~

Willa unpacked after talking to Woody. She carefully straightened her family pictures, her gaze resting on her sister, Addie. Woody had called her a mini-Willa, because she had blond hair and blue eyes also.

Mostly Willa still found it impossible to believe that Addie was gone. Cancer was for old people, not twelve year olds. Willa sighed, and went back down the staircase. It was a very grand staircase, suitable for Scarlet O’Hara and Tara. As was the rest of the house.

She walked down the huge wide center hall, with its little groupings of sitting areas that went from the front door to the back where the patio doors led to the pool area. Mrs. Werner was watching Polly swim. Willa put on a big smile.

Woody is coming over to play Monopoly tonight! Won’t it be nice to see him? Polly cheered, and Mrs. Werner got up abruptly.

Oh! Look at the time! Now that you’re here, Willa, I’ll get back to the kitchen. I wonder where your grandmother is? As if to answer her question, the patio door opened. Grandmother Nordberg stepped out. She wore one of her usual matching suit and shoes combos. This outfit was pink, and went very nicely with her perfectly groomed grey hair.

Hello, Wilhelmina. I trust you had a good trip. Naturally, I want to hear all about your mothers’ progress. I call every day, but so many times she’s in one therapy or another. Her grandmother was standing, looking ill-at-ease. That seldom happened. Willa got up, and pulled a chair out, and she sat down gingerly.

I guess I’d better be honest. I was upset. I know when I last saw Mom in May she could neither walk nor talk. Now she can do both, so that’s progress. She tries so hard, but she has so far to go! Willa was shocked when her grandmother put her head in her hands and started to cry.

Oh, I’m so sorry! Me and my big mouth! Willa went over to her grandmother, and awkwardly tried to comfort her. She couldn’t remember an exchanged hug between the two of them. She glanced at Polly, who looked paralyzed. Her grandmother sat up straight, and she wiped the tears away.

Excuse me. I have behaved in an unseemly fashion. You must understand. Your mother is our only child …

Grandmother! To me it would be ‘unseemly’ not to cry! My father is right. We must be patient and support her any way we can. Don’t you agree? Willa could see the more-stoic look return to her face.

Well, of course. Now, will you be joining me for dinner? Willa found the question interesting. The two of them were both stubborn. Was she just a chip off the old block, as her dad was fond of saying?

I think I will pass tonight. I’m still a little tired, and putting on my black dress sounds like too much of an effort. Her grandmother sniffed.

You know black is unsuitable for young girls. I will buy you what you need.

And you know I am wearing black in respect for my sister. Mourning is important to me at this time. Her grandmother got up from her chair. Willa thought she was about to speak, but she went indoors without a word. Willa and Polly looked at each other.

Was I being a beast?

I don’t know. You were just telling the truth, weren’t you? They were both startled when Willa’s phone rang. Her list was limited. Her father, her brother, Amy, Brittany, and her Grandpa and Grandma Lonberg in Three Lakes. Oh, oh. It was Woody.

Woody! Is something wrong? Can’t you make it tonight? Is everyone all right …? She paused and started to laugh. I guess I do sound a bit over the edge. You are coming tonight. Another pause. Oh, how nice. I know Polly will be excited. See you later, then.

Polly! We’re invited to a cook-out at the Restons tomorrow! Woody’s brother is home from Madison for the weekend. Polly beamed, and they headed inside to tell Mrs. Werner all about the invitation.

They knew where they’d find her. Mrs. Werner said the kitchen rivaled anything found in high-end restaurants. Double stoves and ovens. Two huge refrigerators and freezers. A special warming oven, plus two sinks and two dishwashers.

Willa liked the big trestle table where she usually ate with Polly and Mrs. Werner. Tucked in a corner was a small fireplace with a sitting area. Mrs. Werner and Polly had a cozy apartment at the rear of the kitchen.

Grandma! I’m invited to the Restons with Willa tomorrow! His brother will be home. Did you know they have two dogs? Don’t you think we should get another one? What’s for dinner? She looked a little confused when her grandmother and Willa started laughing at the same time.

For starters, chicken salad. Mrs. Nordberg wished a light meal. Secondly, I don’t think pushing for two dogs at this time would be smart.

Why not? Willa chose to answer that one.

You should be happy enough that you convinced my grandmother to be a part of the Home Tour. Polly looked thoughtful.

Yes, you’re right. And we’ll have lots of dogs here then. Willa looked at her with raised eyebrows. Polly beamed.

I called my teacher and got the phone numbers of the girls in my class. We can walk the dogs around and people can adopt them!

Great idea, Polly. Is it acceptable to the Shelter? How many wanted to walk a dog? Their conversation was interrupted when Mrs. Werner said it was time to get the swimming suits off to be ready for dinner. They both headed for their rooms.

Shortly they were gathered at the table, enjoying the chicken salad and homemade buttermilk biscuits. Willa sighed. For three weeks it had been pizza, carry-out, or TV dinners. They had all missed Mom’s cooking. Another sigh. Willa thought she probably knew less about cooking than a kindergartener.

While they were enjoying chocolate layer cake and Gilleses custard, they heard the unmistakable rumble of Woody’s 1966 International Scout, a gift from his grandfather. Polly had run to the door before Willa mobilized to get off her chair.

It was a triumphal entry. Polly was beaming as she hauled Woody by the hand, as if he were a lottery prize. Willa tried not to laugh. Woody caught her eye. Willa had always liked the way he looked people straight in the eye when he talked to them.

It’s nice to have you back. Things were just too quiet. Oh, thanks Mrs. Werner. I didn’t want to ask. They all looked at the super-size portion of chocolate cake and frozen custard that he was given.

Wow. It doesn’t look like you’re going to starve soon. It’s nice to be back, by the way.

I need to keep up my strength. Football starts Monday.

Woody! You never told me you played football! Woody got an innocent look on his face.

Well, I guess you never asked. Willa leaned over and gave him a punch on his arm. Woody cradled his arm, pretending grave injury. Say, that had strength! Are you going out for boxing?

I’m glad to know that you realize my strength. And no, I’m not going out for boxing. Girls’ tennis starts Monday also. Amy and I are excited about that. Isn’t it hard to believe that school starts in a few weeks? Amid the obligatory moans about school starting, Polly found the bright spot.

But first is the Home Tour! It’s only a week away! Willa remembered their interrupted conversation.

Polly! How many girls have you got to dog walk? What a great idea! Polly beamed.

We have fifteen. Five girls for each house! Amy’s sister is one.

Great! Willa slapped Polly on the back in congratulation. As if to emphasize the accomplishment, they all stopped to listen to the click of heels on the floor in the hall. Grandmother Nordberg stopped in the doorway. Missy went over to greet her. Probably the sweet dog wanted to remind her of her good behavior.

Hello, Woodrow. I knew you were here because I heard you arrive all the way back in the den. You must need a tune-up. Or a new engine.

Woody got to his feet as soon as Mrs. Nordberg entered the room. As usual, he displayed his calm and rational behavior in spite what Willa considered extreme rudeness on her grandmother’s part. Woody came over to shake her hand.

Good evening, Mrs. Nordberg. How are you today? Grandmother was too polite to refuse to shake hands, but she did look uncomfortable. Good! Woody continued.

I want to thank you again for all you’re doing for the Shelter. It is much appreciated, as I’m sure you realize.

You’re welcome. Polly, did I hear you have fifteen girls to walk dogs? Polly looked very proud of herself. As she should be, Willa thought. Mrs. Nordberg continued her observations.

The other night I thought of something else. What if it rains? Woody jumped right in on that thought.

My mom and dad had the same worry. Tents would be a wonderful but expensive solution. Rentals would really eat into profits.

Yes. If you allow me to continue, I’ll finish my thoughts. Willa thought there could be no one who could upstage her grandmother on grand imperialism. Perhaps she was a czar in a previous life. All present urged her to continue.

After talking to Mrs. Benning and Mrs. Peirce, I have decided to rent the tents myself. There were a few selfish motives, I admit.

Grandmother! How wonderful of you! Polly and Willa went over to hug Mrs. Nordberg immediately. Grandmother, of course, looked uncomfortable at the display of affection. Willa noticed two little spots of pink on her cheeks, and knew, despite herself, she was happy to have pleased Willa and Polly.

You’re welcome. I was inspired by thoughts of wet, smelly and muddy dogs wandering through the house. And as Wilhelmina has pointed out, I can’t take it with me. Polly looked puzzled.

What can’t you take where? When her grandmother didn’t reply, Willa realized she’d better explain.

It’s an old saying, Polly. It means when you die you won’t be able to take your wealth with you to heaven. Therefore, you should spend your money now and enjoy it. Polly nodded in understanding.

Well, I’m very happy you’re spending your money on the tents, Mrs. Nordberg. And think about it! You will be able to pick out your very own dog without having to go to the Animal Shelter yourself!

Willa swallowed a smile as her grandmother turned a bit pale, but as usual, since it was Polly, she made no comment. She headed out the door, but turned back.

Wilhelmina, church is at the usual time tomorrow. Have you anything to wear other than that black dress? It must be worn out by now. Once again, perverseness showed its ugly head.

Sure, GRANDMA. I have black jeans and a black tee-shirt. Will that do?

As you well know, it’s Grandmother. And no, it won’t do. Willa was starting to feel guilty. She could tell Woody was avoiding looking at her. Probably it was because he didn’t want to laugh. Her grandmother turned to leave the room again.

I could wear one of my mother’s blouses with a black skirt.

That would be fine. It is summer. I will see you tomorrow morning. Don’t be up too late.

Woody started to chuckle as they headed to the living room to play Monopoly. The living room was huge. The Grand Piano didn’t even stand out as there were several groupings of sofas and chairs. They headed over to the card table.

You know, Willa. I think it’s not only that your blue eyes are exactly like your grandmother’s. They were seating themselves, and Polly was busy setting up the Monopoly game. Willa narrowed her eyes.

This better be good, Woody.

You and your grandmother both seem to have very definite, and strong ideas. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

It doesn’t sound very flattering to me. The game was set up, and there was quiet as Polly rolled the dice to get them started. This was a good way to spend the evening. Everything was calm, and it was nice not to think about the hard work her mother had ahead of her when Willa wanted the instant fix. Polly was evidently concentrating. Play went on, and it was nice not to have to concentrate too hard. Wrong!

I just bought a hotel on my Vermont! You owe me lots of rent! Willa was startled. Guess her mind was too calm and relaxed.

When did that happen? Guess I haven’t been awake! Well, you are on your way to getting rich, Polly! She glanced at Woody, and noticed he looked pretty serious.

"Why don’t you tell us about being with your Mom, Willa? It might