Sentimental Lady: A Novel

By Cassie Bundy

While Skye Manchester was away at her second year of college, her mother Lorelei lost her battle with breast cancer. As Skye is driving home for the funeral she finds herself consumed with so many thoughts and questions. When she begins reading her mothers old diaries she thinks shes getting all the answers.
The next morning Skye wakes up in a strange room and soon finds herself face to face with a teenage version of her mother. Its somehow 1978. Her mind is racing, but soon she relaxes and learns to just go with it. Through school, concerts, dances and just hanging out with Lorelei and her friends Skyes many questions are answered. She witnesses great friendships, her parents first date and her mothers first love. Skye finds a friend in the woman she always called Mom. But, will the guilt she feels about not being there when her mother passed ever go away?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468537574

Cassie Bundy

Cassie Bundy has always enjoyed telling stories. As a child she would make up fantastic tales involving her toys, pets and anyone around her. When she was older she began writing these tales down. Friends have always been impressed by Cassie’s imagination and memory. Sentimental Lady is her first novel. She makes her home in Montana with her husband and son.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The final chapter in Lorelei Manchester’s life came to an end one peaceful September evening. She lost her battle with breast cancer just six days before her 39th birthday. Her daughters Kristen, 14, and Dallas, 13, were at her side when she passed. Also present were her parents Arthur and Janis Carleton formerly of Raleigh, North Carolina, her husband Mick and their beagle puppy Sasha. The only one not there was her oldest daughter Skye, 19. Why wasn’t she present? Maybe she was too busy with college or perhaps she was on a date with that gorgeous Art History Major she’s desired ever since orientation summer before last. Not likely. He’ll never consider her as more than just some girl he occasionally hooks up with. When Skye dies, there probably won’t be anyone around. That will be her curse for not being with her mom like she should have been. Lorelei Julia Manchester, September 21, 1961-September 15, 2000.

Skye shook her head. Of course, the obituary wouldn’t say that. She finished packing and threw her suitcase into her car. Skye couldn’t believe her mother was gone. She couldn’t believe that she was so consumed with her own life and minuscule problems that she’d been kept from her mom during her final hours. Feeling numb, she jumped in her car and headed toward her North Carolina hometown. Her mind was racing with a million thoughts. What were her mother’s last words? What would it be like never hearing her speak again? What were her sisters going to do? They wouldn’t grow up with the same memories of her mother that she had. How was she going to survive without being able to just pick up the phone and chat with her? Her children, if she ever chose to have any, would never know how wonderful their grandmother was. Skye then realized that she truly didn’t know how wonderful her mother had been.

Lorelei Manchester had been a great wife and mother. There was nothing she wouldn’t have done for her husband Mick and her children. Still, there was a part of her that no one could get to. It was a part that she seemed to keep away from others. Skye hadn’t really noticed until she was a teenager, but since she came to the realization, she could think back and catch a glimpse of it in her childhood memories.

Growing up there had definitely been more good times than bad. She and her mother had eventually grown close, but there had been quite a few fights. When high school first began for Skye, they had argued terribly. Some of the things Lorelei said left Skye wondering about her. Once when Skye was a freshman, her mother wouldn’t allow her to date the captain of the football team because he was a senior. Skye protested, saying that was a stupid reason. She begged for a rational explanation for why she couldn’t see Austin as her mother sighed heavily and continued folding the laundry.

Skye, I don’t need another reason. He’s too old for you. That’s it, she remarked calmly, yet sternly.

Why are you doin’ this to me? Skye shouted in anger. Boys wouldn’t have anything to do with me in Junior High. Finally! Finally, someone’s interested… a popular, good-looking guy and you’re tellin’ me to stay away! This isn’t fair!

Her mother sat on the floor and continued to fold. She wouldn’t look up to her irate daughter.

You won’t give me a decent reason! You want me to be miserable, don’t you? Skye screamed. Tears began to stream down her burning cheeks. Well, here you go! I’m frickin’ miserable!

Skye, how many times have I told you not to say that? Lorelei asked, remaining oddly calm.

God, Mom! It’s not like I’m sayin’ the real thing!

You’re implying it, though. And don’t say the Lord’s name in vain.

"But why can’t I date Austin, Mama? Skye whined and sniffled. Why?"

BECAUSE! Her mother screamed jumping up and throwing the shirt she had in her hand. Skye stared wide-eyed and saw her face turn red.

You don’t know anything about him! sobbed Skye.

I know all I need to know, her mother snapped.

What’s that?

"He’s a senior and you’re a freshman."

It’s only three years! This isn’t fair!

Life isn’t fair, Sugar!

Mama, that’s stupid!

What? Lorelei spat. Her blue eyes narrowed. Are you calling me stupid?

Not you, Mother! Skye insisted using a snobbish tone.

It sounded like it to me.

AAUUGGHH! Skye gave an exaggerated groan. This isn’t a big deal and you’re making it into one! Why are you doing this?

Shut up! Lorelei screamed. "I’m your mother! I don’t need to explain my every action to you! She let out a shrill scream and began kicking at her piles of neatly folded laundry until they were scattered on the floor again. QUIT ARGUING WITH ME!"

Skye was surprised by her mother’s reaction, but hid it with her anger. She glared at her with loathing as she hollered, I hate you! Her announcement was followed by her evermore-frequent routine of running into her room, slamming the door and screaming until her throat hurt. Why was her mother being such a prison guard? Did she even remember what it was like to be 14? Why was she being so stubborn? Why was she acting so old? Skye was certain that she’d never have a social life if she kept running things by her mom. It was then that she began sneaking out and dating guys secretly. Her mother would ask her about boys occasionally and Skye would respond by gushing about some random freshman boy that she was interested in. That always seemed to satisfy her.

Now her mom was in Heaven, of this Skye was certain. As she drove on, she found herself feeling hungry to know more about her. What had high school been like for her? What had she been thinking during her 20 years of marriage? Why hadn’t they talked about it before? Actually, the thought had rarely crossed her mind. When it did, she always pushed it off until later. Now, it was too late. Maybe she could ask high school friends of her mother’s. Skye doubted that would be very productive. If Lorelei had been anything like Skye in high school, there were a lot of things that she just kept to herself and didn’t tell anyone. It was a start though. She could maybe play detective and piece together her mother’s world. For the remainder of the drive, Skye’s mind buzzed with questions that she suddenly felt needed answered. Where did the answers lie?

*       *      *      *      *      *

Daddy, Dallas said softly as she peeked into the living room.

Her father didn’t move. He sat like a stone in his recliner and stared at the TV. A boring infomercial played and Dallas knew he wasn’t watching it. She walked over to him and gently shook his shoulder.

Daddy? she repeated.

Mick’s gaze slowly met his youngest daughter’s. His hazel eyes looked so sad that Dallas felt like crying again.

Daddy, she began again, blinking back tears. Skye’s here.

Skye was in the entryway hugging her grandparents. Sasha happily barked as she jumped on Skye’s leg begging for attention.

Kristen, get this mutt outside, please! Grampa Arthur commanded.

Grampa! Kristen gasped. She’s not a mutt. She’s a purebred beagle puppy and she’s just excited.

Please, Kristen, Gramma Janis said in a softer tone.

Kristen obeyed. She grabbed Sasha’s collar and drug the yipping puppy out to the backyard.

She’s a cute pup, but she’s no Daisy Jane, Skye admitted referring to the German Shepard she had while growing up.

The group joined Dallas and Mick in the living room. Mick stood to greet his daughter. They hugged and Skye felt the tears stinging her eyes. She promised herself she wasn’t going to cry in front of anyone. Once in high school she’d heard that Jackie O never cried in public. Kennedy’s just didn’t do that. Skye had thought that was quite amazing and was determined to be the same. Now she was finding the task quite difficult. Her dad released her and everyone took a seat. A long pause followed. Kristen entered the room and turned off the television.

How was your drive, Sweetheart? Gramma Janis asked.

It was fine, I guess. Not too much traffic, Skye replied with little energy.

There was another long silence. Skye observed everyone in the room. Her father sat still in his recliner, looking at the television set. He looked tired and so much older than 43. Even his dark brown hair was graying more than before. She had noticed when they hugged that he seemed thin, but maybe he had been watching what he ate lately. Why was she kidding herself? Skye knew the stress of her mom’s illness and now her death that had done it to him. It had aged him.

Dallas leaned against the ledge of the bay window, filing her nails. She was wearing a tank top and tiny shorts for pajamas. Skye could see that she was starting to fill out. She and Skye had similar body shapes. Dallas would be tall with big breasts like Skye and the women on Mick’s side of the family. Skye knew her baby sister was going to be the prettiest of the three girls. When she smiled, her big brown eyes smiled and her cheeks displayed beautiful dimples. She was also blond. Everyone loved blonds, it seemed. During the past summer, she and Skye would playfully battle. Dallas would start with Blonds have more fun! to which Skye replied, Well, Brunettes do it better! People had been telling Dallas she was cute ever since she was a baby. It didn’t look like a phase she would be growing out of anytime soon.

Kristen was lying on a beanbag chair staring at the ceiling. She was cute with long wavy light brown hair and a thin figure that Skye would kill for. Kristen was built like their mother. She could eat whatever she wanted and not gain a pound. Skye knew if Kristen just tried a little make-up and some girlie clothes, she could get the guys’ attention. Kristen wasn’t into being a girlie-girl. She played soccer and basketball and was very good at both. When she grew up, she aspired to be a veterinarian. Dallas’ latest ambition was to be a professional cheerleader.

Gramma and Grampa Carleton sat side by side on the couch. Although Gramma Janis kept a small smile on her face, her eyes showed agony. Grampa Arthur looked like he was trying to hide his sadness, but Skye thought he seemed edgy and short-tempered when she entered her house. They had just lost their only daughter. It was a sad time. Why was no one crying?

Gramma, Skye began. Her voice seemed to echo in the silence. When are Myles and Chaz gonna get here?

Myles and Chaz were Lorelei’s brothers. She was sandwiched between them: Myles being 2 years older and Chaz six years younger.

Chaz and Chloe won’t get here until the night before the funeral, but Myles, Jody and the boys will be here tomorrow afternoon, Gramma Janis answered.

Skye noticed her father stiffen after hearing the word funeral. Janis saw it as well. She stopped speaking and placed her hand over her mouth. Dallas grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. Skye didn’t want to upset everyone by continuing to talk, but she wasn’t finished.

When is the funeral?

On Thursday, Gramma Janis answered her voice cracking. We made all the arrangements today with Weston’s Funeral Parlor.

Is that late for a funeral? I mean that’s almost a week after she … Skye let her sentence trail off. She didn’t want to say the actual words.

No, it’s normal time for a funeral, Gramma Janis answered.

It’s on her birthday, Kristen whispered.

Huh? Dallas asked.

Goodness, it is, Gramma Janis replied in realization.

I can’t believe that! It’s sick, Dallas stated.

Dallas, don’t be so dramatic. An exaggerated eye roll accompanied Kristen’s statement.

Screw you, Kristen! Dallas shot back.

Girls, don’t fight, Janis said meekly.

Well, she’s making a big deal out of nothing! Kristen insisted.

The girls continued to argue, ignoring their grandmother’s quiet pleas. Skye couldn’t believe the language Dallas was using. She would have been slapped for speaking like that at 13. Her memory could recall plenty of times she had been slapped for her smart mouth. Had Gramma Janis ever slapped Lorelei for being a smart aleck? Skye mentally added that to her list of questions. She glanced at dad. He just sat in his recliner staring at the blank television with empty eyes.

Quiet! Grampa Arthur suddenly shouted in an angry voice he rarely used.

Immediately, the room became silent. Hearing their grandfather holler the way he did made the sisters realize they were going too far. They didn’t apologize. They simply stopped speaking and avoided eye contact. Skye felt the need to break the silence again.

I hate to be the one talking about the bad stuff, she began giving half a smile, but is it going to be open casket?

Janis looked at her oldest granddaughter and Skye could see the tears welling in her eyes.

No. She’s going to be cremated.

Oh? Skye said in surprise.

What? Dallas exclaimed.

She’s going to be cremated? Kristen asked in disbelief.

The day after tomorrow, actually, Gramma Janis added.

But why? Kristen wondered aloud.

I thought only people who were in horrible accidents were cremated, Dallas remarked as she began to cry.

Well, your mama wanted it that way, Gramma Janis explained. Plus it’s less expensive-

No! Dallas interrupted. She’s still so beautiful! She still looks fine!

Dallas, don’t, Gramma Janis began.

"Don’t what? Don’t care what happens to her body? She’s too beautiful to burn up! Dallas shouted in sobs. This is total bullshit!"

She ran crying down the hall to her room and slammed the door. Kristen held a pillow to her chest as she began to weep quietly. Skye looked once again to her father. He still hadn’t moved. Janis leaned against Arthur as her sobs came softly. Arthur sat straight and placed his arm around his wife to comfort her. Skye felt her throat tighten and she knew she had to get away before she cracked.

Well, I’m beat, she admitted. I’ve been driving all day. I’m gonna get some sleep.

Skye went downstairs to her bedroom. She was exhausted, but as she passed by her parents’ bedroom, she couldn’t help but go in. The room still smelled like her mom. Everything looked the same as it did when Skye still lived at home. Her mother’s make-up was still organized neatly in her boudoir. A glass of warm water sat on her nightstand along with a lamp and a few books. Curious, Skye sat on the bed and looked at them. There were her mother’s Bible, a Francine Rivers book and a couple of her high school yearbooks. Why had she been looking through her old yearbooks? Sasha suddenly howled loudly right outside the nearest window. Startled, Skye jumped and dropped the book.

Stupid dog, she muttered to herself smiling.

She yawned and realized she was more tired than she thought. Slowly, she left the room and headed for her own.

*       *      *      *      *      *

Skye awoke the next morning to the smell of frying sausage. She jumped out of bed and raced upstairs. Grampa Arthur was standing at the stove working with two frying pans and the oven.

Smells wonderful, Grampa, Skye told him. Are you makin’ your biscuits and gravy?

Yes, ma’am, he told her cheerily.

Mmmm! My favorite.

She opened the refrigerator to grab some juice but found it full of Tupperware and casserole dishes.

Whoa is there any juice? she asked.

Over here, Kristen said from the table. The fridge is too full. Everyone’s been bringing us food. We’re up to our armpits in casseroles and cobbler.

Janis soon entered the kitchen dressed for the day.

Gramma, you’re mighty ambitious, Kristen commented.

Yeah, we’re all still in our PJs, Skye added. Are you going to church today? Because I’m skipping.

No, I didn’t think we’d want to go to church today. But it is nine o’clock in the mornin’. I think everyone should be getting ready for the day, their grandmother explained, smiling.

Skye took her juice into the living room. Dallas sat in the recliner watching a black and white Sunday morning movie. She appeared to be in better spirits than she had the night before. Skye was relieved that the mood in the house wasn’t as heavy. The phone rang in the kitchen and Janis answered.

It’s startin’ up again, said Dallas with a sigh.

What?

The stupid phone ringin’. Everyone and their freakin’ dog calling to say how sorry they are for our loss and ‘Just let me know what we can do to help,’ and all that.

Your accent’s mighty thick this mornin’, Skye teased using a heavier Southern accent than usual.

Dallas smiled.

Yeah, I catch myself doing that when I’m imitating people, she admitted

Y’all get in here! Breakfast is ready! Grampa Arthur hollered from the kitchen.

The girls giggled at the sound of their grandfather’s thick drawl.

Who was on the phone Gramma? Kristen asked as everyone sat down and dished up.

That was Gloria! She and Michael are on their way. She decided to come earlier than planned. I’m so glad she’ll be here, Janis said in a cheerful tone.

Gloria was Lorelei’s only female cousin. They were the same age and had always been incredibly close. Skye always liked her because she had such a great memory and always told fantastic stories. She and Lorelei had both been rebellious teens, though Gloria never gave out all the details. Now, she was married to a pastor and had five great kids. Suddenly, Skye realized Gloria could help her. She would definitely have some answers for her!

Will she be here today? Skye asked hopefully.

Well, they can’t leave until after church, so they probably won’t get here until tomorrow afternoon, Janis answered.

Are the kids coming? Dallas asked excitedly, her mouth full of biscuit.

Of course. Please swallow before speaking.

Yes ma’am, Dallas replied.

Cool! I haven’t seen them since the Christmas before last, Kristen stated.

Where’s Dad? Skye asked after swallowing.

He went to the store for me, Grampa Arthur answered.

How’s he doing?

He’s much better. Much better, Gramma Janis said as if she were convincing herself. He’ll be even better later on when Myles gets here. They’ve always gotten along so well. We’re all going to the coast. Won’t that be fun?

Yeah! Dallas agreed.

It will be good for us to get out of the house and do something fun with the family, Janis continued.

Is it okay to do that? Kristen asked.

Of course it is! Janis declared. "Honey, your mama loved you. She loved all you girls so much. It is sad that she’s gone, but I know she wouldn’t want us to be moping around forever. It will take time before the pain stops, but eventually it will. Life goes on and she would want you to enjoy every minute of it. So, yes, it’s all right to have fun."

Mick returned a few minutes later, carrying a couple sacks of groceries. He took his seat at the head of the table and joined the conversation every now and then. Skye was glad to see that at least he was more alert than the night before.

Myles, Jody and their 12-year-old twins arrived shortly before lunch. The women packed a nice picnic lunch and dressed for the beach. Skye greeted everyone and then disappeared to her mother’s room. She felt drawn there. The sun shone through the window and the room felt warm. Skye inhaled her mom’s scent and walked to the bed. Half of the Class of 1980 yearbook peeked out from under the bed. Skye smiled to herself as she thought of how silly it was that Sasha’s barking had scared her. She kneeled on the floor and picked it up. Before she opened it, the idea came to her mind to look under the bed.

Skye lay on the floor and reached into the darkness. Her hand hit something hard right away. She pulled out a wooden box about the size of a shoebox. The sounds of her sisters and the twins laughing as they entered the house didn’t faze her. She had never seen this box before. Would it be all right to open it? Skye sat on the bed and told herself yes.

The smell of cedar met her nose as she lifted the lid. Inside was a little bit of everything. Skye sifted through birth certificates, old driver’s licenses, a two-dollar bill, old stickers, old wallets, key chains, business cards, labels from beer bottles, envelopes, postcards and at the very bottom were old Polaroids of Lorelei and her friends. It was almost like a little treasure chest. Skye wanted to investigate more thoroughly. She wanted to read the letters and examine the pictures.

Whatcha doin’, Blue?

Skye jumped at the sound of her father’s voice. Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with the feeling that she shouldn’t be digging into her mom’s stuff. Would her dad be angry with her?

Nothin’, she answered, keeping her back to him and stuffing everything into the box.

He walked toward her. Skye panicked and she quickly shoved the box under the bed. She looked at her dad and smiled, her heart pounding in her chest. Mick wasn’t fooled. He sat down on the foot of the bed and grinned.

So, what’s in the box? he asked softly.

Skye blushed at the fact that she’d been caught.

I don’t know. Just some stuff, she replied.

Mick felt under the bed and pulled out the box. He placed it on his lap and looked at Skye with a serious expression. She looked back and tried to read him. Was he mad or not?

This is your mother’s box, he told her.

I know, she looked away in shame.

May I? he asked.

May you what?

Look in it.

Why was he asking her? Skye nodded and her father lifted the top. She moved closer to him so she could get a better look. He flipped through the top papers before setting them aside. Skye watched him sort through all the treasures. She wondered what was going through his mind.

Do you know why she kept these things? he asked.

No. Maybe she just couldn’t throw anything away, Skye suggested.

He laughed lightly and Skye relaxed.

She could throw things away, especially my car magazines. I tried to keep them all in boxes for the longest time. One day she took them all to the dump. I didn’t notice for four years but I was still mad that she’d done it.

They both sat in silence as her dad looked at every key chain individually.

These things, he continued, no matter how silly and meaningless they are to us were very valuable to your mother. She was always sentimental. Everything she’s kept over the years has a story behind it.

Do you know the stories? Skye asked curiously.

Some, Mick admitted. Some, I share with her. Others, she told me. Then there are some that she never told me or maybe anyone about.

Skye detected sadness in her father’s voice. Growing up she had never been sure about her parents’ relationship. They fought like all couples, but Skye always sensed that they loved one another. Lorelei was extremely devoted to him. She always had dinner waiting for him after work. Her mother’s only jobs were taking care of the home and raising three children. It had always been that way.

Yet, Skye vaguely remembered a time back when she was the only child. Her parents moved to the mountains for a short while. Skye remembered the smell of the trees and the color green splashed around. Everything was green and hot. She and her mother swam in cool water that Skye assumed was a lake. There were no pictures in any of the photo albums of a house in the mountains. Maybe it was only a camping trip, but it seemed longer. What concept of time could she have had at such a young age? She did know that it had been a very happy time for everyone.

Mick reached the bottom of the box. He grabbed a handful of Polaroid pictures and studied them. Skye looked at them too, but the people pictured meant nothing to her. Everyone was young and sported the latest seventies fashion. Girls were all very tan wearing tank tops, T-shirts with iron-on phrases, short gym shorts or flared jeans. All the guys donned football jerseys, baseball shirts, flannel button ups and flared denim. Finally, she recognized Gloria in a peasant top and jeans. Her father let out a quiet laugh.

What? Skye wondered.

Do you know who this is? he asked, holding up a Polaroid of a happy couple posing outside by a huge tree. The boy had feathered blond hair parted on the right. The girl’s auburn hair was almost in the same style, but longer and with more curls. She wore a long romantic blue dress flowing with ruffles and lace.

I give up.

That’s your uncle Myles and his first love Nicolette Ray before some Prom, Mick answered. She was a real piece of work, he added with a chuckle.

Prom! That’s the kind of dresses the girls wore to the prom? Oh my gosh! Look at Uncle Myles’ hair! It’s so long… for him anyway!

"Well, it was 1980."

Skye continued laughing and examining the picture as Mick grabbed another handful. Suddenly, he became still. Skye saw a hurt expression wave across his face. His jaw stiffened and his eyes narrowed. Before she could look at the picture, Janis entered the room.

Are you two ready for the beach? she asked cheerfully.

Mick tossed the pictures back in the box. He handed it over to Skye. Quickly, he brushed past Janis and headed out the door. Janis let him go and focused on her firstborn grandchild.

What’ve you got there, Sweetheart? she asked.

Nothin’, Skye replied as she replaced the box’s contents.

Well, are you coming to the beach, or not?

Is everyone going?

Yeah. We’re gonna have a picnic and maybe wade in the water. The twins haven’t been to the ocean in a long time, Janis stated.

Would you be terribly disappointed if I didn’t go?

Why don’t you want to come, Honey? her grandmother asked with great concern.

I just don’t feel like it today. I just wanna stay home, Skye claimed.

Well, if that’s what you want. You’re 19. I can’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. Janis hugged her granddaughter and kissed her cheek. Do you want Grampa to stay here with you?

No thanks. I want some time to myself, Skye admitted.

I understand, Janis said sweetly. You’re a strong girl. Don’t think of tears as weakness. Let it out. We’ll leave you alone today. You can deal with what’s going on inside you.

She paused and a concerned look appeared on her face.

What’s wrong, Gramma?

I was just wondering if you wanted to see her before…

Oh, Skye was taken aback. She didn’t know what to think. I can see her?

Only if you want to. We were postponing the actual cremation until tomorrow. Myles said he just had to see her one last time. Chaz on the other hand said he couldn’t stand actually seeing her knowing that she wasn’t going to wake up.

Skye felt a lump rise in her throat, but she continued.

Have Dallas and Kristen seen her?

Well, we were all here when she passed.

Shame caused a sick feeling in her gut as she remembered how she hadn’t been there. She’d known her mother didn’t have much time, but promised to go to a mixer with her friend Maxine who belonged to a Sorority. At the time of her mother’s death, Skye and Maxine had probably been dancing and doing tequila shots. After partying for a few hours more Skye checked her voicemail. Her breathing stopped when she heard her grandmother’s grief filled voice begging her to call as soon as she could. At exactly 12:27 A.M., Skye phoned home and learned of her mother’s passing. She’d wanted to be there. Immediately, she felt guilty. Why did I turn off the ringer on my cell phone? Even now, the guilt was almost overwhelming.

I don’t know … Yes. When?

They agreed to go when they returned from the beach. Janis left the room. Skye sat still and replayed their conversation over and over in her head. Was the reason why she wasn’t crying because she didn’t want to appear weak? Would seeing her mother tonight make her cry? As soon as she heard the cars drive away, she went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of iced tea. The house was too quiet. After turning on the radio, she returned to her mother’s room to investigate the box. One of the pictures had upset her father, but which one? Since they were all mixed up in the box again, she’d never know. Even if she did know, she wouldn’t have a clue to the reasoning behind her father’s reaction.

Skye opened the window closest to the bed. A gentle breeze blew her long chestnut-colored hair and brought in the faint scent of chrysanthemums. She turned away and returned to her spot on the bed. The wooden box lay next to her. Skye emptied it, laying everything neatly on the bed. Her main interest was the pictures. She examined the Polaroids closely. Still, she felt no connection with the happy teenagers that looked like perfect late-seventies poster children. She only recognized the younger versions of her parents, Gloria and Myles.

Dad? she whispered.

Skye smiled as she gazed at the photograph of teenaged Lorelei hugging early-twenties Mick. He looked cute with his thick brown hair poking out from beneath a trucker hat. She noticed him in many of the pictures. He was always posing with her mom. Always holding her or touching her. They looked happy. Skye began wondering what it was like for them when they dated. It was the early eighties and Mick was in college. Did Gramma Janis ever lecture Lorelei about going out with an older guy? Many of the photos showcased a group of teens that Skye figured were her mom’s high school friends. There were cute boys with longish hair and pretty girls and parties with plenty of drinking. It all looked so fun. Skye wished that she’d taken more pictures of her friends in high school.

After she’d taken out the last photograph, Skye noticed a small key resting on the bottom of the box. She picked it up and examined it. The silver key was much too small for a door. What did it have to do with her mother’s sentimentality? Maybe the answer was in her mother’s closet. For a moment, she hesitated and wondered if it was right for her to be digging through her mother’s personal things. Her hunger for answers overpowered her. She went to the closet.

Lorelei’s closet was longer than it was tall and wasn’t that huge. It had a couple shelves above the hanging clothes that were filled with cardboard boxes, stacks of magazines, books and photo albums. Skye felt her throat tighten the second she opened the door and her mother’s scent met her nose. Even though no one else was around, she wouldn’t let herself cry.

Her goal was to find whatever the key went to, even if it meant emptying every box on the shelves. She began by taking a few off the lower shelf and setting them on the floor. Then, she sat down and dug in.

The first box was only old picture packets with nothing in them but the film negatives from photos that had been developed years ago. Suddenly, the phone rang causing Skye to jump. She decided to let the machine get it. She was in the middle of an investigation and couldn’t be bothered. The next box she looked in was filled with old newspapers that her parents had saved throughout the years. Another contained old dance leotards and shoes Skye and her sisters had worn in their younger years. The fourth box contained old bank statements and stuff from taxes.

Fascinating, Skye remarked sarcastically.

The more interesting items were kept in the boxes on the top shelf. Inside the first box, she found baby books. She smiled to herself as she sprawled out on the floor and began to flip through the pages. Dallas had been such a cute baby with blond curls, big brown eyes and a precious smile complete with adorable dimples. Skye noticed that Kristen’s baby photos looked very similar to Dallas’. She had the same curls, big eyes and smile, but no dimples. Dallas no longer had curly hair, but Kristen’s remained wavy. Skye wondered if she looked like them when she was