Someone to Love

By Nancy Hendry-Riggs

Donna Straight and her little daughter, Lisa, finally escape Donna's violent husband. They are on the run for 3 years before Sam Straight finds them. He sends his daughter a package for her third birthday. Donna, heart in her throat pulls the string on the package and the whole apartment explodes in flames.

We go back to when the very young Donna is fleeing from home to start her freshman year at college. For the first time, Donna has real friends that love her. Her teacher, Sam Straight, saw the naive Donna and sets out to make her his conquest.. Donna, not used to the special attention, fell for Sam, the tender and doting lover that he pretended to be. After the wedding vows are taken, Sam sweeps Donna away to an undisclosed location for their honeymoon before she could even say good-bye to anyone. Little did Donna know what horrors and loneliness awaited her

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452096469

Nancy Hendry-Riggs

Nancy Riggs, originally from Huntington, Indiana has been writing books for sixteen years, originally concentrating on children's books. These books featured an imaginary world called TheEnchantedForestand in this forest resides special creatures called Enchanted Babies. Her books revolve around moral issues of these cute little beings. She has now begun a series of mystery/drama novels inspired by Stephen King and Mary Higgins-Clark, following a writing tradition of her father, who specialized in poetry. Nancy now lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her husband, Doyle, where she is actively pursuing her writing career.

Book preview

Prologue

The sound of the doorbell caused the little girl with light brown ringlets to clutch her mother’s skirt. Her plump little thumb was securely tucked into her rosebud mouth. The doorbell rang again as her mother cautiously looked out the peep hole on the door. A man in a light blue uniform was holding a package wrapped in brown paper and secured with twine.

What do you want? she inquired through the partially opened door still secured with a door chain.

Package for Donna Straight, replied the man in the blue uniform.

Please just leave it in front of the door, Donna pleaded.

I’m sorry, the man said, but the package has to be signed for.

Can you slip the clipboard through the crack in the door? she pleaded.

Slipping the clipboard through the crack, he instructed her to sign her full name on line 26.

Thank you, he responded as she handed the man back his clipboard.

Donna immediately closed the door, waited and watched through the peephole until she saw the doors to the elevator on her 8th floor apartment building close. She slowly took the chain off her door, opened it slowly and peered into the long hallway to make sure it was empty.

The package was heavy, she decided, as she picked it up and hurried back into her apartment. With the door securely shut, the chain replaced and the two locks she had begged the apartment manager to install, snug into their cavity in the door frame, she released her breath. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she felt the warm air leave her mouth. She noticed that her hands were shaking and her heart was pounding so loud in her chest she was afraid it would erupt from her rib cage.

After a few shallow breaths, she looked down at the package she was holding in her hand. The name on the package read Lisa Straight % Donna Straight at her new address. No one knew her address yet and when she looked at the sender’s name, a scream rose in her throat. She felt the room start to spin. The next thing she knew, Lisa who was still clutching her skirt was wailing, Mommy, Mommy.

Donna opened her eyes and saw the dark brown eyes of her precious daughter searching her face. Donna tried to smile so she could reassure her young daughter that she was indeed okay.

Oh, sweetie! Mommy’s so sorry she scared you. I just fell down. Remember when we play the game where we say ‘ashes, ashes, all fall down’? she inquired of her large eye daughter. Lisa nodded her head. Well, Mommy just decided to fall down.

Can I play too? Lisa asked, now grinning.

In a little bit. Right now Mommy has to get supper ready. Why don’t you go to your brand-new bedroom and find a couple of stories that we can read tonight before bed? They are in a box in the corner of your bedroom. All your favorite stories are in there. Okay?

Okay Mommy. Can you read me three stories tonight? She asked trying to make only three fingers stick straight out.

Well… if you’re really good.

I’m good, I’m good Mommy, she sang out while she raced toward the bedroom.

With Lisa out of sight, Donna took the package over to the kitchen table and sat down. It was from Sam, her ex-husband. She thought she had covered her tracks better this time. She thought she was finally rid of him. She hadn’t heard anything from him in over a year now. Her stomach turned and sweat beaded on her forehead just thinking back to the time they were married. Why, now, was he giving a present for Lisa? He hadn’t shown any interest in Lisa while they were married, so why now?

She stared at the package for a long time. Lisa was having her third birthday in a couple of weeks. By the middle of May she would no longer have a daughter in the terrible two’s. Donna made a big deal to Lisa about being three years old and no longer a baby. Now everything Lisa talked about was in threes. She wanted three cookies after she got up from her nap, she wanted to play a favorite game three times and now she wanted three bedtime stories. Maybe this was Sam’s way of connecting with his daughter. Sam Straight was a handsome man. He was also a very vane and selfish man. Perhaps this was a birthday present. She laid the package on the top shelf in the closet to deal with later. Right now she had to fix them both something to eat.

The dishes were still in boxes and she didn’t have the energy to look for the right box. Tonight it would be Lisa’s favorite dinner, peanut butter and jelly. She took the bread, peanut butter and grape jelly out of the sack of groceries she had purchased a few hours earlier. She laid four slices of bread out on the counter top then spread the peanut butter and jelly on them. She placed the peanut butter and jelly together just as a small voice interrupted her routine. Donna jumped and spun around at the sound.

I’m sorry, Pumpkin, she apologized as she stooped to hug her small one. You startled me. What were you saying?

I want three sandwiches, Lisa declared still practicing only leaving out three fingers.

I think three is just a little too much for such a small tummy, Donna laughed.

I want three! Lisa said as she stamped her small foot.

Oh, we’ll have none of that young lady, Donna chided her daughter.

I’m sorry Mommy, but I still want three!

Okay, you’re forgiven. Climb up into your seat and I’ll see what I can do. Okay?

Okay, Lisa chimed back. Mommy?

What sweetheart?

I love you!

Oh sweetie, I love you too. SO MUCH. replied Donna with her eyes starting to tear up as she hugged her sweet child.

How much Mommy?

To the sun and back many times.

Me too Mommy, she slipped out of Donna’s arms and headed for the table.

Donna served Lisa her sandwich on a paper towel cut into three lopsided pieces. She found a glass earlier that day when she was thirsty and rinsed it out and filled it with milk.

How’s that, Pumpkin? Donna asked.

That’s three, huh Mommy?

That is correct, just like you’re going to be three years old.

And not a baby any more, huh, Mommy

That’s true, Pumpkin. Not a baby anymore, Donna replied sadly.

She was growing up much too fast. They had moved four times in the past two years just trying to keep Sam from finding them. He hadn’t contacted her when they had moved into the little brownstone apartment she had just left in the bad part of town. Lisa was getting older and she didn’t want her to be around such vulgar people. She had already learned several words Lisa had to put a stop to and now this stomping trick had to be stopped. This was a much nicer place but more importantly, she felt much safer. She never tried to get close to anyone. She was afraid… afraid of someone finding out what had happened to her or worse yet, they would be the same as Sam. This included women as well as men. She had found out the hard way that women can be just as vicious as the men. So Donna just stayed quiet, did what she had to do, then came back to her home and locked herself in. She had to find herself a job and a new babysitter or daycare center to leave Lisa while she worked. This in itself was tough. Since Donna didn’t trust people, it took a long time to find someone or somewhere to leave Lisa. She would call every hour or two when she would first find someone to make sure Lisa was okay. She would even demand to talk to Lisa. After Lisa would come home, Donna would question her to make sure no one hurt her in any way.

I’m gonna be three, happy birthday to me, sang Lisa.

Donna came back to the present and asked Lisa, where did you learn that?

It rhymes, smiled Lisa. My teacher in daycare taught me about rhymes.

That’s very good. Now finish your sandwich and drink your milk and we’ll see what you picked out for your three stories.

Halfway into the second story about the three pigs that had their house blown down, Donna felt Lisa’s weight on her lap get a little heavier. She looked lovingly down at the small face. Her eyes were closed and her long lashes outlined themselves on her rosy cheeks.

She is so pretty, Donna thought. How did I ever get this lucky to have such a perfect daughter? She had Sam’s strong chin and sandy colored hair but she had Donna’s eyes and pert little nose. Lisa made a few mumbling noises and then fell back into a light sleep.

Donna sat for a few more minutes just holding on to her precious child. When Lisa made a few snoring noises, Donna decided it was time to get her into bed. Laying her on the newly made bed, Lisa rolled over on her side in the fetal position reaching her arms out.

Oh, you want Teddy, don’t you? she said as she placed the small furry bear into her daughter’s outstretched arms.

Lisa took the bear and snuggled up with him and murmured a very soft I love you Mommy, as she drifted off to sleep for the night.

I love you too, Pumpkin, Donna said as she kissed the tip of her nose.

Donna went back into the living room and flipped on the television. She sat looking at the screen and not comprehending anything she saw. Her mind was now back to the package in the closet. Was this a trick of Sam’s? Was he trying to tell me that he’ll always find me? Or… was he just trying to give his daughter a birthday gift, simple as that? NO, nothing was simple with Sam. He had a motive; she knew him too well. But what was it? The package loomed in her mind. She thought about the address label. How did he get her address? Did he follow her? Was he stalking her?

With all these questions spinning in her mind, she slowly got up out of her chair. She headed toward the closet. She took the package down off the shelf and stared at the label. She again sat down at the kitchen table with the brown papered package in front of her. She decided that she wanted to see what Sam had in mind. Maybe if she opened it and saw it was just a doll or a bunch of books or some other harmless toy she would feel much better. She reached for the twine and pulled one of the ends. The twine slipped to the table and the whole kitchen exploded. The rafters shook and a fire filled the kitchen. But Donna knew nothing of any of this; she died as the twine hit the tabletop.

Chapter One

It was a warm autumn day. The sun was shining and the leftover heat from the summer was still hanging around. Donna found herself standing at the edge of her new campus. She was now a college student. She was independent for the first time in her life. The air smelled like freedom to her. She held her used worn books in her arms as she headed down the pathway to the building of her very first class. She loved this college. It was far enough away from home to keep her parents away. They probably wouldn’t drive the three hours it would take to visit her, anyway. Her father had died when she was still a small child and her mother couldn’t wait to remarry again.

You have to have someone to love you, she would always preach to Donna. Life is nothing unless you have someone to love.

Gretchen, Donna’s Mom, didn’t let any grass grown under her feet. Within a month after her father’s death, Gretchen found herself a man. He wasn’t a handsome man, nor was he even a very kind man. But he had a job and lots of money so Gretchen thought she was in love again. That marriage lasted almost 4 years and by the time Donna was 7 her mother had moved on to another love of her life. That marriage lasted just over 2 years before she pushed him out the door. This time her mother vowed to wait until the true love of her life would come knocking. That took almost a half a year before Donna found herself in yet another wedding. This one was shaky but at least it had lasted longer than any of her other LOVES. They were just about to celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary. Her mother would probably be loaded, either uppers or beer or maybe a little of both. Her daddy would be at the local bar celebrating with the Love of his life—whiskey with several of his drunken friends. No, there would be no visits to her this far away.

Donna was able to go to college on a full scholarship and she worked hard last summer to get enough money saved for these used books and other expenses of being a college student. Life was never easy for Donna but the hard work made Donna strong. She was personable, smart and had strong features that made her extremely attractive to most people. But even with all this going for her, Donna never had any close friends. She didn’t date and never invited anyone to her house. Her routine all these years was to get up early before anyone else stirred. Very quietly she would make herself breakfast, pack a sandwich for lunch, then leave for school. She was usually early so she would stop at the nearby park and sit and think. Sometimes she would get on one of the swings. She would shoot for the trees, climbing as high as she dared. The cool air blowing through her hair would excite her senses and she would be off in a daydream. This daydream usually consisted of her being in a loving family. A family that would hug her when she was sad, kiss her on the nose and say I love you. That sounded like heaven to Donna.

When time came for her to go to school, she would collect her books and with her head looking down, she would head in the direction of school. After she arrived in school, she would attend her classes and immediately leave as soon as the bell rang. She barely talked with anyone and NEVER looked anyone in the eye. She felt they would be able to read the fear in her eyes if they looked closely enough. She would take her school book with her at lunch and, if weather permitted, go outside and sit on a bench under a tree and study. If weather was bad, she would find a seat off in a corner, stick her nose in a book and hoped no one would bothered her.

The building loomed in the distance. Wow, it looked so big. Not like her small local high school. As her eyes gazed the building, it reminded her of pictures she had seen in magazines; the old brick and stone building with ivy gracefully trailing it way to the heavens. A couple of students trying to pass, bumped her as her mind was miles away. One of them stopped to ask her if she was okay.

Oh, I’m fine, she stated as she immediately lowered her head. I just never saw a building as beautiful as that one.

I’m Jason, he said as he held his hand in her direction.

I’m Donna, she replied as she briefly shook his hand without looking up. I’m going to be late, she murmured as she started walking a fast pace toward the building.

The doors were big and massive and a little heavy. Donna fumbled with her books and one fell to the ground as she tried to open the door. Jason, who had caught up to her, stooped and picked up the fallen book.

Standing again, he read the title of the book and queried, So you’re taking Geometry. It looks like we’re in the same class. Are you smart? I may be needing help with some of this math stuff. We might have to study together.

For the first time, Donna lifted her head and looked into the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen. Math is one of my favorite classes. Maybe, I could help you, sometime.

She saw his ample lips turn up in a giant smile and his cheeks were bright red, she lowered her head once more. He helped her open the door and pointed to where the room for Geometry was being held. He found a seat at the front of the class and she went quickly to the back corner. Her heart was fluttering and she could hardly think for a few minutes. She was jolted back into reality with a loud voice booming.

Hello class. This is Geometry 101 and I am your teacher. He finished his sentence writing and drawing out his name, Mr. S T R A I G H T. When he finish he turned to face his new class.

The class suddenly fell into a complete silence. Everyone was staring ahead at the new teacher. He was extremely handsome with his sandy color hair slightly ruffled and one strand drooping towards his incredibly bright green eyes. He looked down to get his lesson plan and heard a few twitters of laughter in the back of the room.

He looked up and announced to the class. This is NOT going to be an easy class. If you signed up for this class to get an easy A, you had better get reassigned. I’m tough but I’m fair. I want to start now with chapters 1-3.

This was Donna’s favorite class by far. She excelled in math. She did love to go to her literature class. She was interested in learning to write. She had no idea what she wanted her major to be. She would have to make a decision pretty soon but for now she just wanted to learn as much as she could. The other students didn’t really know Donna but they heard rumors that she was very smart. They started grouping off into study groups and several of them wanted Donna to join their group. Donna declined them all but secretly inside she was dying to make some new friends.

Jason caught up with Donna a few weeks after their first meeting. Hey, Donna. Wait up, Jason called after her. Donna turned to see who was calling and saw Jason running down the path waving his hand.

You never stay around long enough for me to talk to you. I have been trying to catch you all week. A group of us are forming a study group and I would really like it if you would join us. I know you have been approached by others but their just using you for your brains. I, on the other hand, want you in our group just so I can look at you. You are very pretty you know, Jason threw in.

Donna, with color running up her cheeks, looked at Jason and laughed. You just want to look at me, huh?

Well, it doesn’t hurt any that you are really smart.

Donna really looked at Jason for the first time. She had noticed his eyes the first meeting but now she gazed at the light toned kid with the strawberry blonde hair and freckles everywhere. He looked like a young child of 14 or 15 but she knew he had to be around her age of 18.

Let me think on it, okay? she inquired.

Sure but don’t take too long. We’re going to have our first test in Geometry next Friday and I could really use some guidance from such a smart, beautiful girl.

Donna blushed a little deeper shade of pink and told him she would consider working with him. She headed down the path to her favorite spot by a group of trees near a running creek. It was always private there and the soothing noise of the water calmed her and she would study there for hours. This time, however, she couldn’t keep her mind on the subject. Her mind kept going back to the meeting she had just had with Jason. He was really cute and he seemed to like her. She wanted to join the group but would they all accept her as a friend? Since she never really had any friends, Donna wasn’t sure just what to do to be a friend. As she sat there by the soft gentle flow of the water, her eyes started closing and before she knew it sleep over took her.

Someone touched her shoulder. The touch was not pleasant but had a feel of terror in it. She tried to pretend she was asleep but the hand moved to her face and then down her neck. A husky voice was whispering in her ear. Oh, Donna, you’re so beautiful. I need you. I have to have you. The hand then moved down her neck to her soft young breasts. She could feel the heat in his fingers and he squeezed and probed her nipples. She wanted to scream; she wanted to move but she could do neither. There was a weight on her and a hand over her mouth. Don’t scream, Donna. I won’t hurt you. I need you. She felt the hand reach down to her legs and fumble with her panties she had on under the nightgown. She shook her head back and forth. No, no this can’t be happening again, Donna cried to herself. Someone has to help me. Before she could pry his hand away from her mouth, she felt the warm manhood of him penetrate her. The pain racked her body with the hard thrust that was violating her. She finally tore his hand off her mouth but still couldn’t speak because his hand was now replaced by his lips. His breath was vile with the smell of whiskey and stale cigarette smoke. His tongue was pushing through her teeth and was exploring her tongue. The tears ran down her cheeks and she choked back a horrified sob."

The hand was back on her shoulder. It was shaking her. Someone was calling her name. She screamed and jumped. Jason had found her and was shaking her awake. He noticed she had tears running down her cheeks and gently reached down and wiped them away.

It’s okay Donna. It was only a dream. It must have been a really bad one but it was only a dream.

She looked bewildered staring at his face. Finally she recognize who he was and where she was.

How… how did you find me? Donna asked shakily.

I was taking a walk and heard you moaning and crying in your sleep. I came over to find out what was happening. Jason confessed. Are you okay? Want to talk about your dream? Sometimes it helps if you talk to someone.

No, I’m fine. I can’t… um… I can’t even remember what the dream was about. Donna lied. She had this dream all the time, anymore. Sometimes she was afraid just to close her eyes.

Well, if you want to talk about anything, I can be a good listener, Jason said as he smiled down at Donna.

He made himself comfortable beside her and stared at the stream. This is really a beautiful place. How did you find it?

I always search out a quiet place so I can go and study, Donna said.

You always seem to be hiding. You sit in corners, study by yourself away from everyone and seem to be uncomfortable making eye contact. What are you hiding from? Jason asked.

Donna made no reply, just sat staring at the stream.

I can tell that you are very sad and shy. I would really like to be your friend, if you’ll let me. Then on a light note, Oh, did you decide about the study group? Jason laughed.

Yes, I would like to be in your study group, but I don’t know what to do. I have never been in a study group before.

Well? Jason chuckled, I guess we just all sit together and study. If someone has a question, they ask. Then if someone knows the answer they tell them. That sometimes gets into a debate when there is more than one opinion. It’s really quite fun and we all learn from each other. What do you think?

Okay, when and where do we do this? Donna asked trying not to look into those deep blue eyes. His eyes were hypnotic and it was hard for her not to just stare into them. She looked immediately at the colored leaves lying on the ground.

We meet at the library on Tuesday nights, at the table in the rear of the building.

Tuesdays are good for me, Donna said thoughtfully. Then realizing the sun was lower in the sky, she fumbled around for her books. What time is it?

Jason glanced at his watch, It’s ten til three.

Oh my goodness, my next class is at three and its halfway across the campus, Donna groaned. Goodbye Jason, I’ll see you Tuesday, she yelled as she raced off to her class.

Chapter Two

It had been almost two months since that first day she had looked at the tall ivy covered building. The warmth of the summer has now been long forgotten. The sky today was getting darker and turning ominous. The weather forecast had predicted the first winter storm. Halloween was tomorrow and everyone was talking about the big Halloween party to be held in the gym. The gym itself had been transformed into a gigantic haunted house and would end up with a band, food and games. Donna had never been to a Halloween party. In fact, she had never been to a party at all. Jason was still in her life and they were kind of dating. The studied together, went for sandwiches afterward and an occasional movie at the cinema just off the campus on a Saturday afternoon. Jason finally was able to get Donna to hold his hand in the movie and hug her at night before they separated ways. One day when Jason tried to kiss her, Donna had freaked. She started crying and pushing him away saying, Don’t, oh please don’t. Jason didn’t understand why Donna was acting that way and couldn’t get her to talk to him about it. Jason was a patient boy and was willing to wait.

Jason spied Donna walking toward him. He waved and joined her.

What are you wearing for a costume tomorrow, Jason teased.

You know I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to find me at the party, Donna replied.

Well, I’ll be wearing…

No, no don’t tell me, Donna cried holding her hands over her ears so she wouldn’t be able to hear.

How will we know each other? Jason expressed his concern.

Don’t worry, we’ll know, teased Donna.

I can’t wait, announced Jason. It should be so much fun.

Me neither. It will be my first real party, Donna told him, But for right now, I have to study. There’s that big geometry test tomorrow, remember?

Okay, I’ll see you in class tomorrow.

Donna hurried down the path still trying to decide what to wear for a costume.

Jenny, a newly acquired friend told Donna she would help her tonight. She had a closet full of old clothes and would help Donna put on make up. They would figure out something.

Donna sailed through the test and finished before the rest of her class. She turned her test over and was sitting in her seat staring out the window when she realized someone was standing beside her. She looked up to see Mr. Straight watching her.

Are you done with the test already, he inquired.

Yes sir.

Let me look at it, he said as he picked up the piece of paper and examined it. It looks pretty good Donna. You do excellent work.

Thank you.

He started her by asking her, Are you going to the party tonight?

Ye… yes

Well maybe I’ll see you there, her teacher responded as he turned around and walked back to his desk.

That was really strange, she thought He normally never even talks to me. I guess he was just being nice.

Geometry was the last of her classes today. Fridays were her light days, just Geometry and then she had the rest of the day off. It was good that she did. She had a lot of things to do before the party tomorrow.

When she arrived at the dorm, Jenny was waiting for her.

Let’s get busy. Come with me and check out all the stuff I have, Jenny said as she started off toward her room.

Donna followed Jenny down the hall to her room. Jenny had clothes laid out all over her bed. There were long dresses, sequined blouses, baggy pants and ripped up jeans. Donna fingered though all the clothes trying to decide what kind of costume she wanted to wear.

I want to look like a princess or some great lady, Donna announced after she looked through all the clothes. I want to look really pretty.

That shouldn’t be too hard, Jenny said thoughtfully. Here, this is just perfect. She handed a beautiful long dress with a low cut bodice. It looked medieval. There were ribbons weaving themselves all through the top and the bottom was bell shaped and full of ruffles.

Oh, Jenny gasped as she looked at herself in the mirror with the dress flowing around her feet. It fit her like it was made for her. Her ample breasts were pushed to the top and looked as though they were trying to find a way to escape. I look… uh… I look almost beautiful! Donna exclaimed with her eyes becoming moist with tears.

You are beautiful, Donna. Look at that image in the mirror. That’s you.

But my… but my… Look at my top! wailed Donna.

Don’t worry that’s what makes the dress look so sexy. You’ll have all the men drooling.

Oh, I can’t do that. I can’t show that much. Donna was near hysterics.

Wait, Donna, I have the solution, Jenny said as she returned to her closet and looked through the remaining hangers.

Here you go, she said holding up a beautiful silk cape with fringe hanging on three of the sides.

She placed the shawl over her shoulders and draped them over the exposed breasts. How is that?

Perfect, Donna exclaimed.

I have something else or you, Jenny proclaimed as she headed back to the closet. I wore this a lot in high school but haven’t really used it here. Jenny brought a large round box down from the top shelf.

She opened the box and there was a wig. The long blonde curls were tied back gently with a baby blue ribbon. It was long compared with Donna’s naturally curly short brown locks. And then as a second thought she asked, What size shoe do you wear?

Donna thought for a minute. I’m usually a size 8, why?

That great, Jenny replied as she reached back in the closet. On the floor were dozen or more pairs of shoes. She extracted a pair that made Donna blink with disbelief. They looked almost like glass slippers.

Don’t worry, Donna. They’re only plastic but the effect should be just the right touch. Tomorrow I’ll give you a make up lesson.

Why are you doing all this for me? Donna asked.

We’re friends, aren’t we? returned Jenny.

Yes, I guess so. But you’re always so nice to me.

Well, your always good to me also, friend, Jenny giggled back at Donna.

Donna decided later she wanted to really be a mystery and she didn’t think the make up would be enough. She started walking toward the town close to the campus. She walked slow, enjoying the crisp air and watching for the first snowflake. She would stop at different stores and just peer into the windows; such beautiful clothes and jewelry. Donna knew she really didn’t have enough money to indulge herself in such things. It was fun window shopping though and Donna daydreamed as she looked at different outfits and wondered how they would look on her. She spied a local dime store and decided that is just what she needed.

She entered the store as two kids ran into her with packages in their arms. Watch it Tommy, Joey. You’re running into people, their mother yelled after them. I’m sorry ma’am, she turned to Donna and then chased after the boys. The store was filled with kids and their parents looking for the right costume. Donna just stood there for a moment and gazed at all the happy faces. A clerk came up to her and asked her if he could help.

Yes, I’d like a mask for a party tomorrow night, replied Donna.

Right this way ma’am.

He led her over to the adult section of the costumes and showed her all the masks they had. Donna looked at them disappointedly. There was a black mask, a cat mask, an ape mask, a white mask that looked like a mime, a wrinkled old man mask but none of these were right. Just as she started to depart the store her eyes caught a mask high up on one shelf. It was white with feathers and sparkly. She had to call back the clerk because her 5’ 6" frame wouldn’t allow her to reach it. She looked at the price tag and saw it was a little more than she wanted to pay but since this was her very first party, she decided to splurge. She handed the mask back to the clerk, told him she would take it then paid for the item and left the store. She took the mask out of the bag and looking into the store window, put it on. It was an unusual mask and covered most of her face. The white