Missbenj: The Magic Within

By J L Dominek

Beautiful Jeanie had resigned herself to knowing that the cancer had spread, and there was nothing more they could do. She knew the signs and understood her life on earth was drawing to an end. All earthly matters were dealt with including re-homing arrangements for her beloved little dogs. Everything had been settled, and all was in order. Then as she sat in the doctors office waiting for her final appointment, something completely unexpected happens. She meets an oddly familiar stranger who reaches out to her with an expression of charity and generosity. He offers her a place to stay that would provide her with the comfort and solitude that she longed for so she could peacefully pass through her final days. At the time, Jeanie accepted the strangers offer; she did not know that there was more to come. In a matter of days, she had a reason to hope. Her health was improving. Perhaps it was a miracle. She had to know more about this wonderful stranger, and as the story unfolds, we learn that Jeanie is about to live an extraordinary life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Feb 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781489711311

J L Dominek

Miss JL grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, is the youngest of eight children, mother of two, is happily married to her best friend Rich, and now happily lives in SW Florida. Sadly, throughout the years, many of JLs close family members and friends passed, creating a deep void within. JL also had her own personal health crisis, but as almost a miracle, she survived stage 4 Cancer. JLs inspiration for the MISSBENJ trilogy was her lost loves including her beloved dog Benji. She was inspired to write this book to keep the memories alive, so she started writing one day and produced this, MISSBENJ The Magic Within as a tribute to those she loved.

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Copyright © 2017 J L Dominek.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Cover concept GAIL FRAZIER

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-1133-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1132-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1131-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017932335

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 2/03/2017

CONTENTS

1    THE MEETING

2    THE TOBIAS ESTATE

3    THE PURPLE FLOWERS

4    THE TALK

5    THE OLD FRIEND

6    THE VISITOR

7    A PRACTICE HEALING

8    A MAJOR HEALING

9    THE MOVE

10    THE HOMECOMING

11    THE VILLAGE TRIP

12    TOBYS RETURN

13    THE NEW ADDITION

14    THE EXPANSION

15    THE CHOSEN ONE

16    PEYTON’S NEW HOME

17    THE BLONDE HAIRED MAN

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my beloved dog Benji that I lost to Cushing’s disease. He was my little angel from the day that I brought him home and I do believe that he is still watching over me. I love you Benji and I always will. You took a piece of my heart when you went to the rainbow bridge.

Benjigrayscale.jpg

Benji

Tobii%2c%20Luca%20and%20Missygrayscale.jpg

Tobii, Luca and Missy

I also dedicate this book to my other three babies, Missy, Luca and Tobii, who get me through every day. I don’t know what I would do without them. I love you babies.

And to my very good friend Gail Frazier, thank you for talking me into going forward with this book and for all your help getting it where it needed to be, I couldn’t have done it without you. You are my biggest fan.

Please remember this, if you are going to get a pet of any kind, don’t hurt them and don’t neglect them and please don’t abuse them. They have feelings like we do and their hearts break like ours do. They fill our lives with so much joy and affection.

So, please don’t take them home if you can’t love them unconditionally, let them go to someone who can.

1

THE MEETING

S he walked into the cancer center for the last time. She sat down in the waiting room with her hands folded in her lap and head bent down. As she sat there waiting an elderly gentleman walked up to her and asked do you mind if I sit here? She replied not at all. He looked over at her and asked if this was her first time. She replied no actually this is my last time. He said that’s great news so why do you look so sad? She answered well its good news and bad, I won’t need any more treatment which means I won’t be getting sick anymore but only because there’s nothing more they can do for me, you see this treatment will give me a few extra months to live but that’s okay though, I lived a good life, I see these children here and it breaks my heart, I wish there was something I could do for them, I would have given up all of my treatments if it would have helped them. He looked at her and smiled, I’ve heard about you, the doctors wouldn’t schedule you when the children were here and by the way my name is Tobias but you can call me Toby. Nice to meet you Toby, my name is Jeanie she adds So Toby, why are you here? I actually come to help he replies It makes me feel good to help out.

That’s very sweet of you says Jeanie. How can I help you Jeanie? Oh no one can help me anymore but that’s okay, but maybe you could help those kids in there she answers. So where do you go from here Jeanie? I wish I could hide away somewhere; I don’t want anyone to watch me die says Jeanie I would like to go away so my friends wouldn’t have to see me go through this. Well, I think I can help with that he says I just happened to have a house not too far away from here and No one uses it anymore and I would be glad to give you the key and let you stay there. Why would you do that asks Jeanie you don’t even know me. I know you more than you think he answered, I’ve heard about the woman who gave up her life-savings to help these kids he adds. I don’t need it anymore she says. That was still very generous of you he says and a woman like that can be trusted, I’m sure of that. Please Jeanie, no one has used the house for a very long time and It’s a beautiful place, quiet, peaceful just what you need. Where is it she asks? It’s only about a half hour away from here, I’ll give you the address and you can look it up on the internet says Toby and here is the key, take a ride out there and stay if you want to, I think you’ll like it.

Just then the nurse calls her name. Jeanie gets up and turned to Toby and says thank you and if you really don’t mind I’ll take you up on that, I would love to stay at your house, Can I give you some money for letting me stay there? Oh no he answers you doing me a favor after all it’s been empty for some time. The housekeeper Mrs. D. I call her, has kept it clean though so you should be able to move right in and Stay as long as you want, good luck with everything Jeanie, I’ll keep you in my prayers. Thank you for everything she says and she turns around and walks into the room where she gets her chemotherapy. When she glanced back he was gone.

She sat back in the recliner waiting for that pinch of the needle going in. For some reason, it didn’t hurt this time. She puts on her headphones and closes her eyes and drifts away into a deep sleep. She dreamt about a beautiful place sitting all alone amongst a field of flowers. The flowers were all very vibrant colors. Blues, purple, red, yellow and many other colors. The house was an old Victorian mansion with high pillars in front and a wraparound porch with a porch swing and rocking chairs. It was amazing. She walks to the front door and just as she reaches for it the door opens. You must be Jeanie says the woman opening the door. My name is Mrs. D., Toby told me to expect you and you must be tired from your drive, please come in and Let me show you around. Thank you says Jeanie, I didn’t think anyone else stayed here. I don’t stay here unless you want me to, I’m not far away though, would you like some tea asks Mrs. D.? That would be great answers Jeanie. Mrs. D. says maybe you’d like to sit on the porch and drink it, you get comfortable and I’ll bring it out to you".

Jeanie goes out to the porch and sits in one of the rockers. Just then the nurse wakes her up from her dream and says all finished, we are going to miss you, you’ve been our favorite patient. Jeanie gets up and hugs the nurse, and says goodbye and thank you for everything. If only we could have done more says the nurse, I wish you the best, please keep in touch and if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to call here. I’m going away for a while says Jeanie I need to be by myself, well with my dogs. As she walked out the door all of the other nurses hugged her goodbye some with tears in their eyes. Don’t cry for me Jeanie says I’ve lived a good life I have no regrets and you have given me more time than I ever expected to live just keep doing what you’re doing here, keep saving lives but I will miss all of you and our talks. Just then the doctor walks in, Jeanie I would like to see you in my office. She follows him in and he says have a seat. I just want you to know that we tried everything we could think of but the cancer won’t leave. I already knew that she answered, I know you’ve done everything, don’t feel bad, you gave me extra months to live and I’m happy with that, It gives me time to get everything in order and I have had the best doctors, nurses and treatment in the world, I appreciate everything you did for me but now it’s time for me to go away and get my affairs in order, Thank you Dr. she gets up fighting back tears and leaves the room.

She walks down the hallway towards the elevator and looks across the balcony and sees Toby waving goodbye. She waves back and mouth’s the words thank you so much. The elevator door opens and she gets in and pushes L for lobby. She remembers her dream and giggles. She was dreaming about Mrs. D, the housekeeper Toby told her about. I wonder if she really looks like that, she thinks to herself, I guess I’ll know soon. She gets in her car and drives home and thinks strange, I don’t feel sick yet, maybe it won’t happen. She opens the front door and is greeted by her two shih Tzu’s, Missy and Benj. Oh my, did you miss me, I missed you too and Guess what, we are going away, let mommy pack her bag and get your stuff together and we will be off on our road trip. She thought, I’m so lucky to have dogs that like to ride in the car. It’s a half hour away after all. She puts her suitcase on the backseat and puts the dogs in the back of her SUV and off they go. She punches 106 Stevens Dr. into the GPS and starts a new destination. Two more miles and we will be there she says to her dogs. She drives down this long country road waiting for the lady’s voice to say your destination is on the right. She turns right and through big iron gates with the letter T scrolled into the middle of them and goes up this long driveway. At the end of the driveway she stops her car and stares. Could this be the same house from my dreams? There sits an old Victorian with high pillars and a wraparound porch with a swing and rocking chairs. Have I been here before or am I psychic from all of the medicine that I have been on or, she pauses did I die and this is heaven? She looks back to the car and sees her dogs looking at her, wagging their tails with excitement. Well, they are very much alive so I must be too. Hmmm, maybe it’s that Deja vu thing.

Ok OK she says to Missy and Benj. You can get out of the car now. She opens the door and they run into the grass to pee. She looks back to the house and with a small giggle wondering, is Mrs. D going to open the door when I reach the stoop? Now that would really be strange. She slowly walks up the steps to the porch and hesitates before putting the key in the door, waiting to see if anyone opens it. Nothing.

I guess we are alone she says out loud. She puts the key in the door and opens it. It’s beautiful. A long mahogany staircase wraps around to a balcony on the second floor. To the left a very tastefully furnished sitting room, to the right a billiard room and down the hall, more rooms. Straight ahead the most amazing kitchen. A brick hearth behind an oversized grill, 4 ovens in the wall a refrigerator that matches the cherry cabinetry in the rest of the room. In the middle of the room a huge granite topped island with a wet sink and wine rack underneath full of different bottles of wine. I guess you liked your wine huh Toby she thought. On the other side of the kitchen is a great room. High vaulted ceilings, equipped with a very big T.V. and other electronics. Big overstuffed sectionals surround the room, on the coffee table sits a book on how to use all the gadgets in the room and a push button console that does everything including turning on the floor to ceiling fireplace. This is no house she thinks to herself this place is a mansion, why would he let me stay here? Where does he stay? Maybe he left a number around here somewhere.

She figures that while she is in the kitchen that she should feed the dogs. She sets placemats down on the Italian ceramic tile floor and then their bowls. Missy, Benj she calls out, time to eat and they come running. She sets down another placemat and puts the water bowl on it. Don’t make a mess, this isn’t our house, we are guests here. She looks down at them eating and thinks who is going to take care of you the way I do? Who will love you like I do? Just as tears well up in her eyes, she hears a woman’s voice call out, Jeanie are you here? She quickly wipes away the tears, yes I’m in the kitchen. Through the door comes a short woman, a little overweight with chin length curly hair and says I am the housekeeper here. Let me guess Jeanie says your name is Mrs. D… Why yes the little woman answers Toby must have told you about me, I am so happy to see that you made it safely, have you found everything ok? Well, Jeanie answers I’ve only gotten to see the some of the rooms on this floor. Have you found the office yet Jeanie asks Mrs. D.? No not yet answers Jeanie. Come with me then, I know that Toby left you a letter on the desk" says Mrs. D.

They walk down the hall to another door that she passed on the way to the kitchen. Mrs. D opens the door into a huge office again all done in cherry wood. By the massive window sits the most beautiful desk she has ever seen. Bookcases line the walls. Mrs. D. walks over to the desk, ah yes here it is. She picks up an envelope and hands it to Jeanie and says Here dear, this is for you, you can read it later, right now I want to show you more of the house. They walk back out into the hall and open another door. Behind it is an elevator. This house is amazing, Jeanie says with excitement. You haven’t seen anything yet says Mrs. D. as she pushes 2 on the panel in the elevator. The elevator doors open to yet another long hallway. Follow me says Mrs. D. They walk down the long hallway to a very large set of double doors. After you she says. Jeanie swings open the double doors to an absolutely magnificent bedroom. Everything is hand carved including the oversized canopy bed in the middle of the room. Jeanie just stands there in amazement. Well go on in says Mrs. D… Jeanie kicks off her shoes and walks on a very plush carpet towards the bed. Over here is the master bathroom says Mrs. D. and she opens up another set of very large wooden doors. Jeanie walks over and pokes her head in. Oh my, she says, I have never seen a bathroom so big and gorgeous in my life. There is a marble counter that line one wall with a vanity sink at each end and a stool in the middle, A mirror covers the entire wall. In the back is a wall of frosted glass that opens to a bench and eight showerheads. On the other side of the room is a huge Jacuzzi tub with steps that walk into it.

She turns to Mrs. D. and says I can’t stay here; this is Toby’s room. On the contrary says Mrs. D. this is your room now; Mr. T. hasn’t stayed in this room for years. It’s all in the letter and I bet you’re famished; I’ll make you dinner and a cup of tea while you’re waiting. Please don’t fuss, a sandwich would be fine says Jeanie. It’s no fuss, I made a few dinners and put them in the freezer all I have to do is heat it. Would you join me asked Jeanie? I would love to Mrs. D. replies; it will give us a chance to get to know each other, maybe you would like to sit on the front porch and have your tea and read your letter. That would be nice Jeanie replies but I have to check on the dog’s first. They get back in the elevator and Jeanie notices that on the panel it is numbered zero through four. You mean there are more floors to this house? Mrs. D. giggles oh yes there is so much more you haven’t seen yet but we have time. They walked into the kitchen and to no surprise Missy and Benj were sound asleep on a throw rug in front of the big hearth. Both food dishes empty. I guess they’re tired from the trip. Jeanie says as she reaches down and picks up their food dishes and put them in the sink. We will wash them after dinner says Mrs. D. Here’s your tea dear, why don’t you go sit on the back porch, that way you can see the lovely yard that’s all fenced in for the dogs, they will love it back there, just go out this door and she opens the door off the kitchen. Jeanie walks out to the wraparound porch that overlooks a beautiful field of grass and flowers. She sits down in one of the rockers and sets her tea on the table beside it. She takes out the letter from Toby but is hesitant to read it. What am I afraid of, what could it possibly say that has me worried?

She opens the letter and it says:

Dear Jeanie,

I hope you’re feeling well and enjoying the house. Mrs. D will help you find anything you need. She is a wonderful woman and has been with me for many years. Well as you figured I know longer live in the house. You see, it’s my time to leave this world. I’m giving this house and everything else I own to you. This place is magical, you’ll see. I know you’re asking yourself why me? I have been following you for many years, not stalking but following. I saw on social media once about this woman who bought Christmas presents for all the children in one of the orphanages. Though they didn’t say her name but I was able to find out who it was. It was you. I know about all of the generous things you’ve done for people. It was fate that brought us together. I too was a patient at the cancer center for many years. One day you just happened to walk in. and I heard the nurse say your name. Could it be the same person? As you can see, I am very well off and can find out anything that I need to. Had you not come in that day, I would have found you anyway. Please don’t think that I was prying but I know all about you. I know about all of the loss in your life from losing your parents at a very young age to losing your husband and even your son. When I heard that you yourself were sick, I knew I had to move fast. The day that I introduced myself to you, I knew it was your last treatment and why. I knew that I had to get you to this house now. It really is a magical place. Do you believe in magic Jeanie? You will.

This house has been in my family forever but my bloodline has ended and I had no one to leave it to. I chose to leave it to you. Why would I leave it to someone who only has a few months to live? I have faith that you will figure it out and faith that when you do, you will know what to do with it.

There are only a few things that I ask of you.

1. Keep Mrs. D. on. She has been a great help and will be with you also.

2. When you do figure it out, tell no one. It’s very important that you are the only one that knows the magic this house holds.

3. Enjoy the FLOWERS. The purple ones are my favorite.

Now for the legal matters.

I have already signed the house over to you and all of the bank accounts are in your name. The accountants, Mr. Koll will be contacting you shortly. They pay Mrs. D and all of the bills. You have nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the house and the rest of your life however long you choose it to be. I’ll be in contact from time to time but until then you have a few things to explore.

Sincerely,

Tobias Tumulty

P. S. I hope your dogs enjoy the house and the flowers as much as you do. They will be a big part in the magic. Don’t get mad if they eat the flowers.

Jeanie sits there puzzled, and thinks eat the flowers? Why on earth would they eat the flowers? Just then Mrs. D pokes her head around the corner and says Dinner’s ready I hope you’re hungry. Jeanie gets up and folds the letter and puts it in her pocket. Mrs. D. must have noticed the puzzled look on her face when she asked so you read the letter did you? It’s that obvious asks Jeanie? Mrs. D. laughs and says I thought we would eat in the dining room, another room you haven’t seen yet. Mrs. D. slides open a hidden pocket door from the kitchen and not surprised Jeanie sees this beautiful dining room. There’s a table big enough to feed 20 people, once again all done in cherry wood. A beautiful hand carved china closet and server and many bookshelves complete the room. At one end of the table are two settings and a feast for a King in the middle. It smells delicious says Jeanie. I hope you like it says Mrs. D. would you like a glass of wine? No thank you answers Jeanie but please you go ahead. Mrs. D. gets up and opens another secret compartment in the wall which houses a wine rack and says Hmmm should I have red or white, red it is.

After a few moments of silence Mrs. D. says I know that this is a lot for you to take in Jeanie, unfortunately I can’t answer any of your questions but not because I don’t want to, but because I can’t because most of the answers I don’t know she adds. I guess I have to figure it out for myself Jeanie replied I just hope I have enough time left, hopefully, it will just come to me. Just know Jeanie says Mrs. D. that I am here to help you in any way I can. Which room is your room Jeanie Asks? Oh I don’t live in the house, I have a house right beyond the back fence, it’s a lovely house that Mr. T. had built for me. Aren’t you upset that Toby left everything to me? Oh no replies Mrs. D. He has given me plenty over the years, I have way more than enough. I’m actually very happy that he picked you Jeanie, I can see that you are very deserving of it. Jeanie rolls her eye, I don’t know about that. I do says Mrs. D. and more important, Mr. T. does.

Jeanie glances over at the grandfather clock. It doesn’t chime she asks? Yes it does answers Mrs. D. but we turned the chimes off, Mr. T. said they would keep him up at night. You see says Mrs. D. he spent many nights sleeping in the recliner in his office, he would have a hard time lying down. Where is he now asks Jeanie? I don’t know replied Mrs. D. he doesn’t want anyone to know but he will call or stop by from time to time. I do miss him she says with a very sad tone. To break the mood Jeanie asks what does Mrs. D. stand for? D Angelo says Mrs. D. or it could be for Dorothy. I always called Mr. T. Mr. T. so he started calling me Mrs. D. That seemed to do the trick as they both giggled. I bet you’re getting tired says Mrs. D. I am Jeanie replied, I better get my dogs out and then I’ll come back and help you clean up. Jeanie gets up from the table walks into the kitchen to find them missing. They had gotten up and wandered off. Great she thinks where in this house could they be? Just then Mrs. D walks in the kitchen what’s wrong she asks? I’m not sure where the dogs are, they could be anywhere answers Jeanie. Maybe they found their way outside says Mrs. D., there is a doggie door in the back door. Really, says Jeanie I didn’t notice it before. Mrs. D. laughs and says just like everything else in this house it’s hidden but I bet they found it. Jeanie opens the back door and looks out. It’s dark outside but the spotlights that come on automatically lit up the whole backyard. There were Missy and Benj running around and having a grand time. I think they like it here.

Jeanie walked back into the dining room to help Mrs. D clean up. I’ll get it says Mrs. D., you go relax. I would like to help if it’s okay says Jeanie. Sure but you don’t have to. They continue to clean up the dining room and the kitchen and it was getting late. Would you like a piece of pie asked Mrs. D.? I couldn’t eat another bite thank you. Jeanie asks do you ever stay here? On occasion, I use one of the many bedrooms upstairs, It’s down the hall from yours. Would you mind staying tonight Jeanie asks? It’s my first night and I’m not sure where anything is, there is a lot of secrets in this house and a lot of secret passages. Yes dear I would love to and tomorrow I’ll show you more of the house and maybe show you mine if we have time. Jeanie says I better get the dogs in now and get them ready for bed. Jeanie yells out to the dogs, night night and they came running in through the doggie door that to anyone else looked like a panel in the door. So many secrets Jeanie remarks. What other secrets does this house hold, I guess time will tell. Well good night Mrs. D. It’s been a pleasure meeting you and can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

Instead of taking the elevator she walks up the long staircase stopping half way to get her breath to the long hallway to the master bedroom which is now hers. It’s been an amazing day, she thinks to herself, what will tomorrow bring? Right when she reaches the doors to her room she realizes that she never brought in her suitcases. I will turn the bed down and then go get them. She walks into the room and to her surprise there are her suitcases on a rolling cart in the corner of the room. How did they get here she thinks, Did Mrs. D. bring them in? I’ll thank her in the morning because I’m not sure which one of the many doors is the one to her room.

She turns around and sees both dogs up on the bed. How did you get up the bed is so high? She walks around to the other side and now notices the steps going up to the bed. How convenient she says and opens her suitcase and takes out her pajamas and robe and heads to the bathroom. She lights the candles and pours in some bubbles and waits for the tub to fill then slides into the tub and puts the washcloth over her eyes and takes in all the happenings of the day still wondering, why her. Is this really all mine, who do I leave it to? She feels herself falling asleep so decides to get out of the tub. She laughs as she thinks wouldn’t that be something if after all these treatments I drown. She steps out of the tub and dries off with one of the softest towels that ever touched her body and slips into her pajamas and then she lies down in bed and drifts off to sleep.

The next morning, she awakens to find both dogs had gotten up and was no longer in the room. She looks over at the door and it was slightly left open. All of a sudden she hears the patter of their paws as they run towards her and up steps to the bed. They smother her with kisses. What’s that smell she wonders? What were you eating, it smells like… OH No flowers, were you eating the flowers? Then she remembered the letter were Toby said don’t get mad if they eat the flowers. She thought that was a strange thing to say and yet she thinks they just did. She jumps out of bed and hurries to get dressed and this time took the elevator down. Show runs through the hall and through the kitchen stopping to say good morning to Mrs. D. and out the back door and sees the remnants of some of the purple flowers. Oh my, she says angrily, did you eat these flowers? Mrs. D. heard her yell at the dogs and opened the back door and says to her it’s okay those flowers are pet safe. But they ate them says Jeanie I’ve never seen them do that. It seems all dogs like them, come on in and have some breakfast says Mrs. D. and she points to the dinette table in the corner of the kitchen; I hope you don’t mind eating here. Are you eating Jeanie asks? I’ve already had my breakfast answers Mrs. D. I hope you like pancakes and bacon. Love them Jeanie answered. I thought I would show you around the rest of the house today and if we have time I’ll show you where I live says Mrs. D. That would be wonderful answers Jeanie, I would love to learn more secrets of this house".

Are you finished dear Mrs. D. asks? Yes thank you it was delicious but please don’t think you have to wait on me says Jeanie. It’s my job Mrs. D. replies, I enjoy it, I’m happy to have someone to look after again. She removes the dishes from the table and puts them in the hidden dishwasher. Well at least now I know where the dishwasher is at Jeanie laughed. How are you feeling Mrs. D. asks? Jeanie answers I feel better than I have in months. Would you like to have coffee on the porch? Only if you’ll join me answers Jeanie. I could use a good cup of coffee says Mrs. D, Which porch should we sit on this morning? You pick says Jeanie. Why don’t we just sit here in the back says Mrs. D. and the dogs can play in the yard. You mean eat the flowers don’t you asked Jeanie? They giggled and out the back door they went. It’s so beautiful and peaceful here, how could anyone leave this place asks Jeanie? Just then the phone inside the house rings. I’ll get it says Mrs. D. She returns a few moments later and says that was Toby’s lawyer he would like to stop by later today, I told him I thought it would be okay but if not I would call him back. he’s coming here to give you final papers and I thought you wouldn’t mind so I told him yes. Yes of course Jeanie says, I would like to meet him anyway, Maybe I could get him to draw some papers up for me because I have my own affairs to get into order, did he say what time he would be here? Around two answers Mrs. D., that gives us time for me to show you around some more, when we finish our coffee I’ll take you to the lower floor.

They get into the elevator and Mrs. D. pushes zero and the elevator slowly goes down and the doors open to yet another amazing room. This room is bright and airy a lot of glass windows, beautiful hardwood floors, and French doors that lead outside. There’s a horseshoe bar in the middle of the room with swivel barstools surrounding it. There is a U-shaped couch in front of a stone fireplace and TVs on all the walls. On the other side of the room are big speakers and a sound system and a dance floor. I bet there were some parties here Jeanie says. Those were the days Mrs. D. replies as she walks towards a wall of shelves. She hits a button on the shelves and they open revealing another room. They walk in to an exercise room complete with weights, a treadmill, and other equipment Jeanie had never seen before. Wow! She says amazed, this house truly does have everything. Once again Mrs. D. replies, you haven’t seen everything yet. They walk to the back of the room where there are two more doors, one on the left and one on the right. The one on the left opens to a sauna. The one on the right opens to another room with an indoor swimming pool. Jeanie looks at Mrs. D and says I’m speechless, I don’t know what to say. Mrs. D looks at her and smiles and says there is still more to see, shall we move on? Yes please Jeanie answers.

They get into the elevator and Mrs. D. pushes 1. Back up to the first floor. I don’t think that you’ve seen everything on this floor yet. To the right is the large kitchen; to the left is the long hallway. Walking down the hallway, Mrs. D. says this was the office I showed you last night; this door on the left is a very big coat closet. She opened the door revealing a very large cedar lined coat closet. Further down the hall is the two rooms Jeanie passed when she entered the house. To the right was the parlor, It is exquisite. In this room there was a big white leather couch and two chairs. In the corner sat at baby grand piano. Do you play asks Mrs. D? No but I’ve always wanted to. Maybe you could take lessons answers Mrs. D.

Across the hall is the billiard room with pool table, wall racks with pool cues, and of course a beautifully carved bar at the end of the room. Toby liked to drink asks Jeanie? Oh no, not at all replies Mrs. D… I forgot you really don’t know anything about him at all do you? He comes from a long line of vineyard owners, he makes wine, come dear, I’ll show you. They walk out into the hallway, go back towards the kitchen. When they reach the door to the kitchen, the doorbell rings. Is it 2:00 already asks Mrs. D. as she looks at her watch hmm who could that be?

She walks down the hallway to the front door and opens it. Standing there is a federal Express delivery man holding out an envelope and he says I have a delivery for Jeanie. Yes I’ll take it Mrs. D. interrupts him, Where do I sign? Right here mam he answered. She signs the slip and reaches in her pocket and pulls out a few dollar bills and hands it to the delivery man. ‘Thank you he says and have a nice day".

She walks back to the kitchen where Jeanie is sitting on the floor playing with Missy and Benj. You have a delivery says Mrs. D. and she hands the parcel to Jeanie. Who could this be from she says, no one knows I’m here. She gets up and walks over to the table and sits down and lays the parcel on the table just staring at it. No return address. Carefully she pulls the strip to open it. She takes out a letter and some papers. They are stapled in groups. She opens the letter and starts to read.

My dearest Jeanie,

I hope this letter finds you well. By now you probably have seen most of the house. Mrs. D. knows all of the secret passages and knows where all the doors lead. I thought it would be best to give you copies of all of the bank accounts, annuities, etc.

As you see, they have all been transferred into your name. My attorney should be calling you if he hasn’t already to finalize the rest. He is a very nice man. I think you will like him. He will help you with anything that you need.

I know it’s only been a day since you have arrived but I hope you are feeling at home. I will stop by soon to see you and see how you are feeling. There is a rolodex on the desk. It has the names of anyone you might need like a plumber or even a doctor that makes house calls. When you have time, take a look through it.

Have you been in the garage yet? I didn’t even know there was a garage she thinks to herself. I don’t want to ruin the surprise just in case you haven’t made it that far yet. There is a lot to see in that big house. I’m sure Mrs. D. is helping you find your away around.

As you look through these papers you will see that I give a lot of money to different charities. These are ones that are close to my heart. I think that you will agree that they are close to yours also. However, this is your money now to use as you like.

Me? I’m doing ok. I had my last treatment. The doctors say I might live 6 months to a year. Then come home she thinks. I kind of figured that though.

Well, I’m sure that you have things to do so I will close for now. If you have any questions about any of these papers call the accountant. His number is in the rolodex under accountant.

Take care my friend,

Toby

P.S.

Have the dogs eaten the flowers yet?

She thinks to herself: What is it with the flowers, why would my dogs eat them? Well, let’s face it, they have. Oh my! She yells out as she looks briefly though the groups of papers. Everything ok dear? Mrs. D. asks. I had no idea how rich Toby is Jeanie replied. This is too much; I can’t accept this. Yes, Mr. T. does have a lot of money says Mrs. D. but it’s yours now, that’s the way he wants it, you are, shall we say the chosen one. He is a very intelligent man and he knows what he is doing and I must say Jeanie, I agree with his decision, I think he made a great choice. Thank you Mrs. D., but you don’t really know me, neither of you do. Let’s take a walk says Mrs. D… I would like to show you my home, we have time before the attorney gets here and the dogs can go with us. That would be great answered Jeanie. I would like to know more about you.

They walk out the back door to the fenced in yard. Mrs. D. opens the gate that leads to a path to her house. The dogs run ahead and Jeanie yells at them to come back. They can’t go too far, there is a fence that surrounds the whole property explains Mrs. D… How much property is there here ask Jeanie? There is a little over 200 hundred acres but only 20 of it are fenced off here. Is there a care taker for all of this property Jeanie asks? It kind of takes care of itself" replies Mrs. D. with that cute little giggle of hers. Jeanie sees the house up ahead which took her mind to a different place. This is what Jeanie expected to see when Toby offered her to stay at his house.

2

THE TOBIAS ESTATE

T his is your home Jeanie asks? Yes, it is answers Mrs. D., I’ve lived here for a very long time, I don’t even know how long it has been, my memory isn’t quite what it used to be. Come on in. Jeanie bends down to take off her shoes and Mrs. D. stops her. No need for that dear, please have a seat, would you like some tea? No thank you answers Jeanie this is a very pretty home, do you like living here? Jeanie looks around and notices that there aren’t any photographs hanging on the wall. It was if Mrs. D. knew that she was going to ask questions and interrupted her thoughts by saying we don’t have much time so let me show you around. In here is the kitchen, small but has everything I need and in here is my bedroom, she pointed to 2 more closed doors and said, these are extra bedrooms but I love the back yard though, come see. They walked through the kitchen door to the back yard. More flowers. No purple ones though. This is beautiful says Jeanie but you don’t have any purple flowers, every color but purple. Nope answers Mrs. D., they only grow at the big house and Speaking of, she says we better get back, the attorney should be here soon. Oh yeah, I almost forgot says Jeanie.

They walk back to the big house, Missy and Benj following them. Do you think I should change into something else asks Jeanie? No dear, you look fine, Mr. T’s attorney is a simple man, a very nice man, I’m going to set some food out on the server in the dining room, By the way Jeanie, is there any food that you don’t like or anything that you really like? Nope, I like anything she replies. I do like ice tea though; could I make some? I must have read your mind says Mrs. D., I already did and it is in the fridge, would you like a glass’? I can get it says Jeanie, do we have any lemons, which reminds me Mrs. D. where do we go shopping? There is a mall down the road a way Mrs. D. answers, It has every kind of store that you need there. Maybe we could there one day soon says Jeanie, I will need food for the dogs. Mrs. D. replies Of course, any time you want".

Jeanie gets two glasses from the cupboard; can I pour you a glass Mrs. D.? That would be nice answers Mrs. D. as she finishes setting out the little sandwiches and salads on the buffet. When did you make all of these, Jeanie asks? Oh, I got up early this morning and got a head start on it. All of this for the attorney asks Jeanie? Mrs. D. smiles and says, I don’t mind, he loves my cooking and I love to cook, I get pleasure from it. Jeanie looks at her at laughs and says, I’m glad because I’m not a very good cook at all, I was never really taught how to cook but I can at least help.

Do you have any family Mrs. D? DING DONG. The doorbell rings. What is going on here Jeanie thinks to herself? Every time I go to ask a question, either the doorbell rings or the phone rings. Is it bad timing or the magic that I keep hearing about? Be right back and Mrs. D. hurries to answer the door.

Good afternoon Mr. Silvers, Good afternoon Mrs. D. I hope I get to taste some of your home cooking today says Mr. Silvers. I’ve made some of my good egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches along with a few different things and of course my homemade apple pie she answers. MMMM he replies, I can’t wait, is she here? Yes, she is waiting for you in the dining room, her name is Jeanie and she is a lovely girl I am sure you will like her. I already do he answers.

Jeanie, this is Mr. Silvers says Mrs. D. Oh please, he puts out his hand to shake, call me Ivan, we don’t need to be formal here, I have heard a lot about you from Toby and He thinks very highly of you and now so do I. Jeanie thinks to herself, what all does Toby know about me, what didn’t he tell me? I guess I will have to wait until I see Toby and ask him. Jeanie, are you ok asks Mrs. D… What? Oh Yes, just thinking. How are you feeling asks Ivan. I’m actually feeling pretty good today she answered a little surprised. Well, Ivan asks, should we eat first or would you rather sign these papers? Whatever you like says Jeanie. Then, Ivan says let’s eat. Mrs. D. stands at the buffet to serve. Jeanie says to her, make a plate and sit and join us, we can get our own. Ivan chimes in…my kind of girl. There was very little talk while they were enjoying the wonderful lunch that Mrs. D. prepared. Coffee anyone asks Mrs. D? I hope you saved room for my apple pie. Ivan and Jeanie both answer at the same time, Yes please. You have outdone yourself again Ivan says while rubbing his belly. Don’t you agree Jeanie? Oh yes she answers It was delicious.

Mrs. D. picks up the plates from the table and says I will leave you two alone. Jeanie stops her and says I don’t mind if you stay I don’t want any secrets, Is that ok with you Ivan? He answers, Yes of course. Mrs. D gets the coffee pot off of the buffet and says well then, let me fill our cups.

Ivan starts by saying Let’s get started, Jeanie, this is the deed to the house showing you Jeanie as the rightful owner of it, and Tobias directed me to not have any fine print on all of these documents and this document states that all of the contents in the house belong to you. Oh wait! He exclaims, Mrs. D. has Jeanie seen everything on the property? Oh dear, no, I can show her now if you like. That might be a good idea says Ivan and while I’m waiting, I sure could go for another piece of your pie. Coming right up Mrs. D. answers as she disappears into the kitchen. A few minutes later she comes back and sets a piece of pie in front of Ivan and looks up at Jeanie, come on she says you still have something else to see.

They make their way to the elevator and Jeanie asks up or down? Down replies Mrs. D… Jeanie thinks to herself, down? What didn’t I see when we went down before? Then she remembers a white man door at the back of the room. What could be in there? Wait she thinks, I think there were 2 doors there that we didn’t go through. The elevator opens and Mrs. D. says, come this way. They go toward the one white door and Mrs. D. opens it. It is a wine cellar full of all different kinds of wine. Are these all from Toby’s vineyard Jeanie asks with excitement? Most of them, but some of these wines are very old and very expensive answers Mrs. D. I would love to taste one of Toby’s wines but I don’t drink says Jeanie with a sad tone to her voice. Maybe someday answers Mrs. D… Now onto the important part of this tour. They leave the wine cellar and head to the other white door. Ready Asks Mrs. D… You are making me nervous answers Jeanie, her voice a little shaky. No need to be nervous says Mrs. D. what is beyond this door is quite something".

She opens the door that leads into a garage. A garage full of old antique cars, a corvette, and other expensive cars. Jeanie looks in amazement and says I have no idea what half of these cars are, what is that covered in the corner? That is a surprise for you from Toby answers Mrs. D. Jeanie curious walks over and pulls off the cover to reveal a brand new Harley Davidson ultra-classic trike. He bought this for me she asks with curiosity in her voice, how could he have known I’ve always wanted my own bike? Mr. T. thought a trike would be better to learn on and safer. My head is spinning, how does he know all of this Jeanie asks with a puzzled look on her face.

Mrs. D. looks at Jeanie and says, We should probably go back up, Mr. Silver is still here and there are more papers to sign. Yes of course says Jeanie, Can I ask you something though? I will do my best to answer says Mrs. D with a little grin. There are 4 floors to this house, what is on the top floor? Something else amazing but it doesn’t require your signature, I’ll show you after Mr. Silvers leaves. I can’t wait replies Jeanie.

They walk back into the dining room and Mr. Silvers looks up from the pile of papers in front of him and asks. Well, has she seen everything? Not the top floor answers Mrs. D… AHHH yes, the top floor says Ivan, You will be blown away by it. Jeanie replies, I’m already blown away, actually Ivan, I’m overwhelmed by all of this and very confused because If you know as much about me as I think you do then you know that I don’t have long to live so why is he giving me all of this? Toby thinks differently answers Ivan, He thinks you will be around for a long time. Why on earth would he think that she asks? Maybe he knows something you don’t says Ivan with a little smirk. I wish I knew she thought to herself.

Ivan pushes a pack of the papers over to Jeanie and says, There are quite a few papers here to read, if you want, I will leave them with you and you can sign them later, I assure you though there is nothing to be afraid of. Jeanie thinks, what do I have to lose? I have nothing for anyone to take from me. I’ve given it all away already and I only have a few months to live. I’ll sign them now she says.

Ivan stands up to leave and puts his hand to shake hers. It’s been my true pleasure to meet you Jeanie. And mine as well Ivan she smiles. Here is your copy of the papers, my card is attached to the top you can read them at your leisure and if you have any questions feel free to give me a call and Mrs. D., a pleasure as always, thank you for the delicious meal. You’re quite welcome Mr. Silvers and here is a goodie bag for you to take with you. A girl after my own heart he replies, have a great day, goodbye.

I probably should check on the dogs says Jeanie. I hope they haven’t been into anything. Mrs. D replies, they are actually sound asleep in their bed, what would you like for dinner tonight? Jeanie replies it’s been a busy day why don’t we just order pizza later? Sounds good says Mrs. D. Jeanie looks at the clock and states it’s five o’clock, I better get their food together, I’m sure my dogs are hungry and then maybe then we can go to the fourth floor. It’s actually seen better at night says Mrs. D. later it is then says Jeanie as she walks into the kitchen to get her dogs their food. How are you feeling asks Mrs. D? Amazingly well she answers, it must be something in the water. Not quite giggles Mrs. D.. Jeanie thought that remark was a little strange but just then, the dogs ran into the kitchen. I bet you babies are hungry she says as she set their food down on the placemats on the floor. She sits down at the dinette table waiting for the dogs to finish their dinner.

Jeanie starts to get up from the table and Mrs. D. says to her, sit still, I’ll get them and reaches down and picks up the dishes from the floor and takes them over to the sink and