House for Sale

By Cheyenne Holmes Dean and Kimsu Holmes Sutton

Bill and Meg Sartin thought they had found a dream home to raise their son, Danny in a quiet secluded area of Tennessee.
Their dreams were shattered as the mystery unraveled regarding the death of a young child which brought unrest to the household.
Was Megs feelings an overreaction to the past or would they fall victim to the same fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468572902

Cheyenne Holmes Dean

Cheyenne Holmes Dean and Kimsu Holmes Sutton both reside in Southwest Virginia. Cheyenne is widowed with two sons. Kimsu resides with her husband and three children.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was a nice day for traveling, as the hot August sun shone through the windows of the 1990 station wagon. Bill pulled down his sun visor blocking the afternoon sun from his eyes. His wife, Meg, laid her head on his shoulder, resting after the long trip, sun dancing off her dark auburn hair.

Their son, Danny, usually a very excited and hyper eight year old, lay in the back seat sleeping soundly finally giving in to the hum of the car and the stress of the move. Bill was surrounded by people, but still felt alone in his own thoughts. He looked out the windows only to see rolling hills as far as the eye could see, dotted with live stock and hay bales, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the city where he had spent the last ten years of his life.

Bill was an art professor at a university in Chicago. He had met Meg when she had worked as a live model for his art class. The first time he saw her he felt she was already a work of art. With pale skin and long auburn hair pulled away from her face and falling loosely down her back, the freckles on her face complimented her very unique beauty. It was love at first sight for him. They had a whirlwind romance and were married soon after. Just one year later, Meg gave birth to Danny. Due to complications after Danny’s birth, she could no longer have children. With their family complete, they turned all their love and attention to him. They thought moving to the country was in his best interest.

Bill had grown up in the country and attended college in Chicago and remained in the city after meeting Meg. He was not concerned about Danny adjusting to life in the country. Danny was very outgoing and looking forward to a new four legged friend. They had promised to get him a dog as soon as they got settled into their new house. Danny had always wanted a puppy but apartment life was no place for a dog.

Meg, on the other hand, had always lived in the city and country life would be a big change for her. Bill was hoping she would love the house and property as much as he did. Bill had come a few weeks prior to the move to do the closing for the house while Meg and Danny stayed behind packing and tying up loose ends. He had checked out the house and property. The house was off the beaten path with only a few neighbors close by. One neighbor was the previous owner of the house. He had decided to sell the house but remain on the property. Bill had met the owner during the closing of the house, Mr. Cummings, who preferred to be called Roy. Roy had built the house for his wife, Sally, and son, Cory. They had lived there for many years until death took them away from him. Bill noticed the sadness in Roy’s eyes as he signed the house over. It was as if he was once again losing something very dear to him.

Bill’s thoughts were quickly brought back to the road when he suddenly saw a dog in front of the car. He slammed on his brakes to avoid a collision. Damn! he said as he honked his horn. Meg’s head jerked forward jarring her awake. Sorry about that, He said Are you alright? She, still startled from the rude awakening looked out the window, only to see the dog looking back as if it had done nothing wrong, before disappearing into the weeds.

Danny still lay undisturbed clutching his action figure in his hand. Meg was in awe as she looked at the scenery. The country is really beautiful. She said. The green rolling hills against the blue sky, tall trees swaying in the breeze, even the old barns, decaying with time and barely standing, gave the hills character. She could see the beauty in everything. That was one of the things Bill loved most about her.

Suddenly a small voice from the back seat interrupted their thoughts. Daddy, are we almost there? We’ve been in this car forever! said a very irritated and half asleep Danny.

Just a few more miles, said Bill.

Meg turned to Danny and said Look at all the cows. trying to turn his attention to something besides the car ride. Danny fully awake by this time was back to his usual excited and hyper self.

Bill turned left off the road, into a small town. They passed only a few restaurants and hotels and a local grocery store. There were only a few people to be seen going to and from their cars. Where are all the people? she asked. Being used to elbow to elbow people in the city this seemed very strange to her.

You have forgotten we’re in the country now, said Bill with a smile as they drove to the outskirts of town. They passed the local college which was fairly good sized and had a large fountain in front.

This is where your dad will be working, She said. Once they passed the college Bill turned onto a graveled road which stretched for a mile.

Meg immediately recognized the house from a distance as they drove up the long graveled driveway. Large pines stood tall along the sides shading portions of the driveway. A small pond glistened in the sunlight surrounded by a freshly mowed lawn. The two story house sat proudly on the hill just above the pond. A for sale sign was still in place. As soon as the car came to a stop Danny jumped from the car like a bird set free from its cage. Mom can I go play in the yard, please? he asked.

Sure, she said but stay away from the pond.

Okay Mom, Danny said as he ran down the yard with his arms straight out from his sides, making airplane noises. Meg too got out of the car, stretched her legs, and stood to admire her new home.

The house was exactly what she had been hoping for with its wood shingles and black shutters. It had a large wrap around porch with a set of steps on the front and a small set on the side. A porch swing swung lightly in the afternoon breeze giving life to the house. She noticed a path behind the house that lead to a small but neat home nestled in the wooded area further back on the adjoining property. That must be the Mr. Cumming’s house and property she thought.

To her right was what looked to be an old abandoned house in bad need of a fresh coat of paint. The yard was overgrown with weeds that were as high as the porch in some areas. The porch was covered with boxes and belongings, some half covered with tarps. A rusty old bicycle leaning against the broken underpinning peeked over the high grass. What looked to be an eyesore seemed to be a reminder of people who had once dwelled there. But to her surprise, she saw a hand pull back the tattered curtain from the front window revealing the silhouette of a person looking out at them. She threw up her hand to greet the new neighbor but the curtain was quickly flung back and the silhouette disappeared from view. That was strange but she didn’t ponder on it. She was too eager to see her new home.

Bill came around from the front of the car and picked up the for sale sign. He threw it on the ground and said This house has been sold. He went over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist dangling the keys to the house in her face. In a taunting voice he said Do you want to go see the house? She snatched the keys from his hands in a playful way and headed to the side door.

As she started to put the key in the lock she noticed that the door was unlocked and pushed it open. She entered the house through the dining area and into the family room. It had a large fireplace and built-in book shelves. The house was as beautiful as Bill had described. She suddenly felt a certain sadness that she couldn’t explain. A loud voice came from behind her.

You must be Meg.

Startled she turned around. Standing there was a tall middle aged man with salt and pepper hair hanging beneath his faded cap. He was dressed in blue jeans and a flannel shirt and had extended his hand out to greet her.

Hi, my name is Roy. I didn’t mean to startle you. I wasn’t expecting you for a few more hours. I was just checking to make sure everything in the house was alright before you arrival. So… . what do you think of this place?

It’s perfect. It’s everything we were looking for. I love the built in bookcases, She replied. Roy turned his back toward her and stared out the window.

My wife, Sal, loved to read so I built the bookcases for her so she would have a place for all her books. On nights when she couldn’t sleep she would sit by the fireplace and read. Roy’s voice was shaky as if fighting back the tears. Meg’s heart went out to him but she couldn’t find the words to comfort him.

Suddenly the slamming of the screen door cut the conservation short. She heard Bill’s voice echoing through the empty house. Meg, where do you want the boxes? he asked as he walked slowly with his arms full of boxes that blocked his view. Roy turned quickly and hurried over to help Bill set the boxes on the floor.

Would you like a hand unloading? He asked.

That would sure be nice if you don’t mind," replied Bill.

Mind? said Roy, I would love to.

The two men headed out the door talking amongst themselves as if they had known each other all their lives. Meg was relieved that Bill had come in when he did. She was eager to see the rest of the house and she didn’t want anything to spoil it. She went back to the stairway.

This must be where the bedrooms are located she thought to herself. As she began to reach the top of the stairs the air began to thicken. She suddenly found it difficult to breathe. When she reached the top the first doorway it revealed a small room. She stood as sadness engulfed her whole body. There was a chill in the air that even the hot sun beaming through the windows couldn’t penetrate. It was if the house was screaming at her, echoing off the walls, yet not making a sound! She stood staring at the empty room, unable to move, paralyzed with grief. The room appeared to be a child’s room. The carpet was stained with small dirty footprints and remnants of ball stickers still clung to the pale blue walls.

Bill’s voice calling her name from the bottom of the stairs brought her back to reality. She turned and dashed down the stairs as if she had just seen a ghost. Bill sensed that something had upset her by the expression on her face.

Is everything alright? he asked with concern in his voice. She wanted to confide in him but didn’t want to take away from his excitement.

Well it’s just… she began but before she could finish her sentence Roy quickly interrupted her.

It’s the silence of the country; sometimes it’s more disturbing than the noise. It will take some getting used to. he said.

I’m sure Roy is right, said Meg.

She began removing her belongings from the boxes hoping to take her mind off the strange feeling that the house seemed to possess. The afternoon went fast and the beautiful blue sky began to fade into twilight. Bill and Roy had unloaded a lot of their belongings and were ready to sit down with a cup of hot coffee and enjoy the cool evening air.

Bill, Meg, and Roy all sat on the front porch. Bill and Meg quickly took advantage of the porch swing and Roy sat on the top step leaning his tall slim body against the railings. They all watched as Danny ran to and fro jumping at the tiny lights from the fireflies that lit up in the darkness. She laid her head on Bill’s shoulder as the sway of the swing made her eyes feel heavy.

I say we call it a night, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. said Bill, as he yawned and stretched his tired body. She called Danny in and they said their goodnights to Roy and went in to spend their first night in their new home.

Chapter 2

Meg was awakened abruptly by a loud knocking at the front door. She shook Bill’s lifeless body. Bill, Bill, she yelled, there’s someone at the door! Bill quickly jumped up from the mattress lying on the floor. He grabbed his tee-shirt and pulled it over his head as he ran down the steps. Meg heard the door open.

I thought we’d get an early start, boomed Roy’s voice. The early morning sun began to peek through the uncovered windows directing its rays in Meg’s face. She sighed and turned over, curious to see what time of morning it was. Six o’clock flashed on the old radio clock that sat on the floor beside the mattress. She pulled the pillow over her face and hoped to lie awhile longer. She found it difficult to go back to sleep with all the thoughts of the day racing through her head. She could hear the low voices of Bill and Roy in the kitchen, conversing back and forth. The room began to fill with the smell of fresh coffee brewing, bringing her back to life to face the day. Even in the early morning hours the humidity in the air foretold that it was going to be a hot day. She forced herself up and got dressed. She opened the window to let fresh cool air flow through the stuffy bedroom. The trees were alive with the sound of birds singing their early morning symphony. As a dog barked in the far distance, she took a deep breath filling her lungs with the fresh country air. She turned and headed downstairs to join the guys for a cup of coffee.

As she passed Danny’s room, she peeked in to check on him. He lay on his mattress, one leg flung over the side resting on the floor. Above his head lay his favorite blanket all crumpled up exposing his half dressed little body. She was relieved that he was a heavy sleeper and hadn’t been awakened by the noise downstairs. As she looked at him sleeping innocently, once again the sadness began to creep into her thoughts. But she wasn’t going to let anything ruin this day for her, so she quickly turned and headed downstairs to begin her busy day.

Bill and Roy had already finished their breakfast and had gone straight to work unloading the rest of their belongings. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down to indulge in one of the fresh biscuits that Roy had brought for breakfast. She smiled to herself as she thought of what a godsend Roy had turned out to be.

Danny came running down the steps already dressed in his favorite red striped shirt and blue jeans. Hi, Mom, he said as he started out the front door.

Danny! yelled Meg, come back here and eat your breakfast before you go outside. Danny reluctantly turned with his shoulders drooped and head hanging low, and came to the table. But Mom, I’m not hungry, he said in a sad almost pouting voice.

Roy was nice enough to bring us breakfast this morning so I think we should be nice enough to eat it, don’t you? she said to him as she poured him some orange juice. He threw himself into a chair to let her know he wasn’t happy. He began woofing down the biscuits as fast as he could. Slow down, Danny, she said you have all day to play. Danny jumped up from the table and drained the last of his orange juice.

I’m done! he yelled and headed out the door before he could be interrupted again.

She sometimes wished she had some of Danny’s energy as she started cleaning off the table. Then she began rummaging through her belongings. Finding a mop bucket she filled it with warm soapy water and grabbed a sponge. She headed up the stairs to Danny’s room. When she entered the room she placed the bucket on the floor. She knew she had to remove all the memories that still lingered within those four walls.

The old feelings of dread surrounded her as she began scrubbing down the walls. She felt as if she was trying to wash away the past. As she scrubbed at the remains of the old ball stickers, they began peeling off, falling like rain, landing in the bucket that sat below. As she watched them disappear her heart went out to the little boy who had so meticulously placed them there.

She ignored her feelings as she continued to erase any reminders of the prior family. She felt like an intruder who was being watched by unseen eyes. She could almost sense the presence of the little boy whose life abruptly ended long before it should have.

She fought back tears as she thought of her own little Danny and how devastating it would be should anything happen to him. She was so caught up in her own thoughts that even the loud pitch coming from the drill as the men worked next door didn’t disturb her.

She had sat down on the floor and laid her head on her knees to take a break when she discovered a small handprint behind the door frame. She reached for the sponge and closed her eyes as she scrubbed forcefully up and down removing the sticky substance that had held the print there for so long.

Sweat began to trickle down her face as the heat from the window poured into the room. She threw the sponge back into the bucket and with the back of her hand wiped the sweat from her forehead. She stood back to look at her accomplishments. The room looked clean and new, she was confident it would take away the strange and uneasy feelings this room held.

She began brightening up the room with Danny’s belongings. She hung shelves that displayed tanks and army figurines. Pictures of airplanes and cars gave life to the vacant walls. It’s starting to look like Danny’s room she thought to herself. As she bent down and removed more toys from the almost empty box she kicked it aside exposing the muddy footprints embedded in the carpet. Her heart sank and her arms went limp causing the toys to fall to the floor around her feet. She had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach and she quickly pulled Danny’s toy chest over the muddy stains hiding them beneath it. She knew she had to rid the carpet of the stains but for now she would hide them from view. She began to pick up the toys tossing them in the chest.

Wow! she heard Bill say as he entered the room, this looks great. As he looked around the room she couldn’t help noticing how tired he looked. The heat had taken its toll on him. His thick black hair was curled around his face due to the humidity in the air. His face was red pronouncing the fine lines around his dark blue eyes. Bill was very handsome even with some age on his face. This only made him look more dignified.

Roy knows a great place downtown to get sandwiches so we thought we’d run down and pick us up some lunch. I think we could all use a break, Bill said.

Is it lunchtime already? Meg said shocked at how fast the day had gone. She hadn’t realized how long she had spent in that room. It sure is nice of Roy to do that, said Meg, I’m finished in here so I’ll make some cold lemonade and have the table ready when you get back.

Bill bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then headed out the door to join Roy. She watched out the window as Roy’s old pale green truck drove down the long graveled road finally disappearing from view. Danny played quietly beneath the large pines that towered over him, shading him from the hot afternoon sun. He looked so small sitting beneath them as he filled his metal dump truck with the loose pine needles that carpeted the ground. Being an only child Danny always found it easy to entertain himself. Meg saw how happy Danny and Bill were her and wished she could share the same feelings. Maybe she will in time… .

Chapter 3

The days became weeks and August passed quickly. Danny would be starting school in a few days and Bill would be returning to work. Meg had mixed feelings about being alone. She would miss them terribly yet she needed some time to herself to sort through her feelings.

She stood looking out her kitchen window and noticed the splashes of color throughout the trees making the property even more beautiful. A small portion of Roy’s home that peeked out from behind the trees caught her attention. She was curious to see what his home looked like. Roy hardly stayed there since they had moved in. He spent most of his time outside working or just hanging around the house.

Bill came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as he nuzzled his face in the side of her neck. You look beautiful this morning, He exclaimed. She looked down at her fuzzy pink house shoes and thick white robe. She knew he was just trying to make her feel good. She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck realizing this was the first time they had been alone since the move. She stood on her tiptoes to reach his six foot frame and her lips met his. Suddenly they were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. She quickly released him and he headed to open the door allowing the crisp fall air to flow through. She pulled her robe tighter against her body to fight off the chill.

Good morning, said Roy with his usual smile. Without hesitation he entered the kitchen and placed a box of doughnuts on the table. Put us on a pot of coffee to go with these, He exclaimed. He removed his brown overcoat and placed it on the back of his chair as he sat down. Danny came running into the kitchen after he had finished watching his favorite morning cartoons. He sat down at the table staring at the sweet pastries sitting in front of him.

Can I have a doughnut? he asked pleading with his eyes.

Danny, you know I don’t allow you to eat that much sugar, she replied, hoping he would settle for a bowl of cereal instead.

Ah, a little sugar never hurt anybody, Said Roy as he reached his hand in the box pulling out a large sticky chocolate covered pastry and handed it to Danny.

Can I, Mom? asked Danny holding the doughnut close to his mouth ready to bite as soon as he got an answer.

Okay, but only one, she said. Roy reached over and tousled Danny’s hair as if to say mission accomplished.

Bill finished his coffee, threw his arms up behind his head and leaned back in his chair, waiting patiently for Roy to finish his breakfast. Roy slowly ate the rest of his doughnut. He never seemed to get in a hurry. They were planning to take a trip into town to purchase some lumber to start on a dog house. Bill was finally going to keep his promise and get Danny the dog he had been begging for. Roy was eager to help and he was good with a hammer, unlike Bill. Meg was glad that he was there to help Bill. She didn’t know how she could ever repay him for all he had done for them.

Roy was good with Danny as well. He was like the grandfather that Danny had never had. Meg’s father had died when she was only five. Her mother had soon remarried and relocated with her new husband leaving Meg to be raised by her grandparents. They loved Meg but they were up in age and soon their health began to decline. Most of Meg’s teenage years were spent caring for them. Her grandfather passed away before Meg’s eighteenth birthday and her grandmother shortly thereafter. Meg was left alone to provide for herself. She worked in restaurants as a waitress but due to lack of income she took a part time job as a model for an art class where she met Bill and things began to turn around for her.

Bill’s childhood wasn’t much better. He had one older brother who was killed in Vietnam when Bill was in his early teens. Bill had vague memories of him but his parents talked about him constantly. Bill was tossed aside by two grief-stricken parents. His father began to drink heavily and became a person that Bill was not very proud of. His mother eventually had a mental breakdown and was institutionalized leaving Bill with his father who continued to drink. Bill counted the days until he could leave home. Soon after his high school graduation he started attending college in Chicago and began a new life. He eventually lost all contact with his parents. Later he heard of his father’s death but chose not to attend the funeral.

Meg quickly got her thoughts back on her day. After finishing breakfast she got dressed, throwing on jeans and a thick sweatshirt. She pulled her long auburn hair back into a ponytail and headed into the family room. She was ready to tackle the boxes that covered the floor. She began pulling books from the boxes placing them in the empty shelves of the huge bookcase. As she looked over at the stone fireplace she couldn’t help but visualize Sal sitting in her favorite chair engrossed in one of her many books on those restless nights when she couldn’t sleep.

Sadness flooded her thoughts as she continued filling the shelves with her belongings. She carefully unwrapped her crystal trinkets placing them among the books adding a touch of elegance to the shelves. She piled the empty boxes in a corner out of her way for Bill to dispose of later. As she looked around the room she noticed how old fashioned it remained, as if frozen in time from the light brown carpet to the bare beige walls. She thought of Bill’s artwork and how the bright colors would add spark to the drab colorless walls. She picked out one of her favorite paintings, one that Bill had given her on her birthday. It was full of numerous flowers with brilliant colors that seemed to explode from the canvas. Bill’s talent was remarkable and she sometimes envied that.

She realized she needed a hammer to complete her task and immediately thought of the old tool shed that sat among the trees behind the house. The shed sat on what was now their property and belonged to Bill. The men had decided the share the tools saving Roy the hassle of moving them all and Bill the expense of buying his own. It seemed to be in both men’s best interest to share the shed. Meg, not wanting to wait for Bill to return home, slipped on a pair of shoes and headed out the door toward the tool shed. She stood in the yard for a moment enjoying the warmth from the sun as she gazed at the old wooden shed that sat on the hill beside the giant maple tree. Its large limbs swayed down almost covering the old tin roof. It looked out of place reminding her of the decaying barns that stood alone in the green fields on the trip down.

She folded her arms tucking them close to her body as a gust of crisp fall air washed over her signaling the cooler months ahead. The early morning dew still saturated the grass soaking through her thin canvas shoes sending a chill through her body.

She drew closer to the shed. The weeds thickened and she could feel the sharp edges of rocks through the thin flat rubber soles of her shoes. The huge trees swayed in the breeze blocking any warmth the sun provided. The long limbs of the maple brushed across the tin roof, breaking the silence with an uneasy high pitched screeching tone.

She began to remove the half open lock that dangled in the rusty latch that held the door together. Among the weeds she noticed broken flower pots lying scattered underneath a ladder that rested against the outer wall of the shed. The ladder showed its age by the various paint colors that speckled its aluminum sides. As she entered the shed darkness engulfed her. There were no windows to provide light so she left the door open so she could find what she was looking for.

She suddenly wanted to escape this dreary place. The smell of oil and must mingled in the air causing a very unpleasant aroma. Cobwebs hung thick in the corners as a busy spider undisturbed by her presence wrapped up an unsuspecting insect for its afternoon meal. A thin chain dangled from the ceiling that was attached to an old tarnished light fixture above her head. She looked quickly around observing all the tools that covered the walls and floors. Some were broken and portions of them were eaten away by rust. They looked as if they hadn’t been used in years. Large nails were driven into the wooden planks displaying small tools of all types. Some she recognized and others were unfamiliar to her. She caught sight of a large red tool chest with four drawers and black handles. Surely there’s a hammer in there she thought as she headed toward the chest. She opened the top drawer and it was filled with various nuts, screws and bolts of all sizes. She quickly closed the drawer and opened the next one. To her relief a hammer lay among several screwdrivers and wrenches. She reached in to pick up the hammer when the door closed behind her leaving her in total darkness.

Clinging to the hammer, she turned around quickly knocking over a container of nails. She could hear the nails rolling across the wooden floor. As she tried to feel her way back to the door, she remembered the chain hanging from the light fixture. With one arm sweeping the air in front of her she felt the chain brush against her hand. She hesitated a moment before jerking it unsure if it was still in working order. Suddenly the whole shed lit up as night does as it’s turning into day. A dirt covered shovel sat propped against the wall beside the closed door. Fresh dirt still clung to the base of the shovel.

She looked down and saw the nails she had knocked over earlier and kneeled down on her knees to pick them up. She placed them back into the container. The smell of oil saturated wood filled the air causing a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. As she picked up the last of the nails she noticed some cardboard boxes stacked up on one another. The flap on the top box hung open exposing some yellow tinged newspapers, cards, and photos. Curious, she pulled the box down to get a better view of its contents.

She heard the gravels crunching under the tires of Roy’s pickup coming up the drive. She pushed the box back, jumped to her feet, and pulled the chain on the light as she left the shed. Tucking the hammer under her arm she made her way back down the hill to join Danny and Bill.

Chapter 4

She sat down at the kitchen table with a second cup of coffee after Bill and Danny left for work and school. She wanted to enjoy a little quiet time before unpacking the dishes, pots and pans. She had retrieved from the boxes just enough for preparing some simple meals. She had put on a pair of faded jeans, loose tee shirt and had tied her hair into a pony tail in preparation for the work ahead of her.

She could not comprehend the quietness, so different from Chicago. She had opened the window to enjoy fresh air, free of pollution. The only sounds were the chirping of birds awakening, the buzz of an angry bee against the window pane, and the wind whistling around the eaves of the house. The air had a crisp cool feel to it and she had both hands wrapped around her coffee mug enjoying the warmth.

She concentrated on the run down house in the distance and wondered about its occupant. If she had not seen the moving of a worn faded curtain she would have thought the house vacant.

She could not stop staring at the house. The shadows cast by the moving tree limbs mixed with peeling paint formed figures dancing and swaying. She could imagine them chanting as they danced round and round.

A sudden knock on the door startled her making her stand quickly, splashing coffee on the table’s surface.

Roy’s head appeared around the door wearing a broad smile. The door was unlocked—ready to get started? I’m here to help.

She smiled. Sure Roy, want some coffee first?

No, replied Roy I’ve had almost a whole pot—giving you time to come alive and get started. I’m at your command. Roy bowed jokingly before taking a knife from the pocket of his jeans and began cutting boxes open.

He slid the box containing china near the cupboard using he toe of his boot. She opened the china cabinet and began placing her china with the strawberry pattern inside.

Sal had the most beautiful china, I still use it. It has blue birds on it. She loved birds.

She noticed Roy’s voice had a sadness that made her want to comfort him but she kept arranging her china. She could feel Sal standing on the very spot arranging her blue bird china and a sadness washed over her.

She was curious about Roy’s former family but his hurt was too raw and real to ask. She could feel her hand shaking as a plate slipped from her fingers, shattering into a million pieces, the light from the chandelier making it sparkle like diamonds winking up at her. She could not understand why she was so jittery—too much coffee she decided.

Roy quickly went to a small utility closet, retrieving a broom and dust pan, and began to sweep up the broken china.

Sorry Meg, he said I know how you feel. It would have killed Sal if she had broken one of her plates. She was so careful with it. It was handed down from her mother.

She felt embarrassed at her clumsiness.

Roy began unpacking pots and pans placing them in a cabinet near the stove. This is where we kept ours, hope its okay with you.

Fine, she said. She noticed her own voice sounded tired—even though she had just begun and had a lot to do. She was eager to get the unpacking done so she could work outside in the flower beds that weeds were threatening to destroy. To feel the sun on her face would be so therapeutic she thought.

She hoped it would brighten her spirit. She did not want to dampen Bill and Danny’s excitement—but what is it about this house that fills her with such dread?

The day passed quickly. Meg and Danny had only stopped once for a sandwich.

She had put out her strawberry canisters, salt and pepper shakers, pot holders and cookie jar. She loved how the splashes of red color brightened the room.

Roy had gone home after persuasion from Meg that he had done enough.

She sat down at the table, staring at the bright walls and wondered why she still felt that she did not belong in this house. She had a feeling that she needed to ‘go home’ yet she already was home. She could not explain the strange feeling that even the house did not welcome her. It was Sal’s house, would it ever be hers?

Chapter 5

Danny ran to the car when Bill picked him up after school, his face flushed with excitement. I have a best friend, dad! he exclaimed. His name is Cody and he likes action figures too! his dark hair was sticking to his forehead with perspiration.

That’s great, Danny, Replied Bill smiling as he climbed in and buckled his seat belt we’re going to love living here.

The station wagon rolled along, humming as if all was well and Bill had a deep sense of satisfaction. He too was enjoying his art class. He had some very talented students. He had always expressed himself through art. He smiled as he remembered the painting he did for Meg after dating her for only six months. Knowing beyond a doubt that he loved her, he had painted interlocking wedding bands with the words will you marry me? underneath. She had been thrilled and he hoped she had never regretted that decision.

As the vehicle approached the house, Meg was sitting on the porch waiting for her family to return. She had been able to bake a meatloaf and mash some potatoes. She stood, smiling to welcome her guys home.

Danny ran up the steps ahead of Bill excitedly telling her about his day and his new friend before bounding back down the steps into the yard.

Bill kissed her on the cheek. Did you get a lot done today? he asked.

A lot, she answered with Roy’s help.

Speaking of… began Bill here he comes.

Roy was strolling through the yard smiling. As Danny passed him Roy tousled his hair.

Hey, buddy, good to see you again. It’s like old times having a boy running and playing in the yard.

Roy! shouted Bill I hear you’ve been a big help to Meg today. Please join us for dinner. Bill could smell the meatloaf and realized how hungry he was.

Well, if you insist. said Roy with a laugh.

Meg went inside to check the food, the men lingering on the porch. She had changed