The Innkeeper

By J. Lennington

Craig had fallen on hard times. His position at the machine shop was the only thing he knew. Now the shop had closed down, and he was unemployed for the first time in his life. He had applied everywhere, but no one was hiring in the Columbiana County area of Ohio. He had a wife and two daughters to support, so he took the only job he could findas manager at the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn in Hanoverton, Ohio. It wasnt what he planned, but it would do until something better came along. Rumor was that the inn was haunted, and as he conducted his evening tours of the inn, it seemed the only thing the guests wanted to talk about were the ghosts. Craig didnt believe in ghostsat least, not in the beginning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524514822

J. Lennington

About the Author The Innkeeper is Judy Lennington’s twelfth novel to date. She grew up listening to stories told by her father and grandfather and hopes to keep the tradition alive by sharing her stories with others.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by J. Lennington.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2016910792

ISBN:     Hardcover       978-1-5245-1484-6

              Softcover         978-1-5245-1483-9

             eBook           978-1-5245-1482-2

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without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 07/06/2016

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Thank you, Dave Lennington for an amazing eight years of happiness. Life is so much more enjoyable with you at my side.

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I dedicate this book to Barbara and Roger Clark. Remember the days long ago, when we ran the hills and fields on our farm in Negley, Ohio without a care in the world. Our childhood was the best of times.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank Dave Johnson for a lovely evening with dinner, historical information, and tour of the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn.

I wish to thank Mike Ellis for the informative tour and information.

Thank you JR Berresford for information you made available to me about Paddy O’Leary and the building of the canal.

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This book is written in loving memory of Ruth and James Clark. I miss you both very much.

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Craig Newell stood in the washroom gazing at his reflection in the mirror. He held his hands under the running water to rinse off the soap. As he stared at his reflection, the water grew warmer until finally the heat was too much for him. He turned the water off and reached for a paper towel to dry his hands. He took another paper towel and proceeded to wipe his sweating brow. He checked his reflection one more time before leaving the washroom. It was his first day as manager of the Spread Eagle Tavern Restaurant and Inn.

Craig had grown up in the Hanoverton, Ohio region. He had heard stories all his life about the history of this area. A few of the homes in this town had Underground Railroad tunnels beneath them. They led from one home to another allowing the fleeing slaves to move about while being unseen until they reached a safe haven to wait transport further north and on toward Canada and freedom. Once as a teenager he had been inside one of the partially collapsed tunnels. They were a fascination for a young lad his age. He gave no thought to their significance, only the intrigue of the unknown. Some of them had been well maintained to preserve their historical significance; others had been left to deteriorate over the years.

Craig stood outside the restroom door gathering his thoughts. He stood five foot, nine inches tall. His light brown hair was thick and most times, quite unruly. He took deep breaths. He needed this job badly. He worked for twenty-six years in a machine shop in Salem, Ohio until it closed its doors and left him unemployed for the first time since his eighteenth birthday. He gained employment with that company shortly after graduating high school. He joined the navy for four years and returned to find his job waiting for him.

Craig married Anna soon after being discharged from the Navy. They had two daughters, Leah and Lorraine. Leah was now thirteen and Lorraine was eleven. After struggling to find a job for nearly a year they lost their home and now found themselves driving late model vehicles. The stress that resulted had placed their marriage in jeopardy. Craig had been hoping for something that required more skill. Anna had been so distant lately that he thought he should take this job until something better came along. He took a deep breath. A waiter passed him and smiled. How ya doing? Craig asked. The waiter smiled and continued on his way carrying a tray of food toward the dining room.

Craig took a deep breath and moved through the narrow hall that opened up into the Barn Room dining room. This room had large wooden beams along the wall to indicate the remnants of a stable, complete with a loft and a blacksmith’s forge. The floor was of wide and well-worn plank. This room was the first of seven dining rooms upon entering from the parking lot. Craig smiled and greeted the five guests who were seated at the center table as he made his way toward the back. Good evening, how are you folks this evening? Do you have everything you need? He asked politely. He recognized a couple of friendly faces, but in his moment of stress, he was unable to recall who they were exactly. Perhaps they lived nearby. That must be it. They were probably local. Perhaps their names would come to him later. He continued to smile as he excused himself and made his way to the desk and register book. He walked past the brick stairs that led downstairs to the old wine cellar and bar area. The old tunnel entrance was also down there; however, it was permanently sealed off for safety reasons.

Craig went through the open doorway and turned a quick right to stand behind the desk where Sherry was talking to a customer who was leaving. He smiled politely as he waited for them to finish their conversation. The guest concluded his conversation and stood looking across the counter at Craig.

Are you taking the tour? Craig asked.

Yes, my wife and sister are joining us. They stepped outside to have a smoke. The man said.

Craig took a deep breath. It was his first tour. He glanced at Sherry and smiled nervously.

You are going to be just fine. She whispered softly.

Craig felt himself perspiring. He reached into his pocket for his hanky and wiped at his sweating brow. It’s a warm one today. He said smiling.

It’s been a hot week. The weatherman said maybe a thunder storm this evening. I hope so; we could sure use the rain. The man said.

Craig nodded. Are you a farmer? He asked. Perhaps a conversation would take his mind off of his nervousness.

Yep. The man said. I’m from Alliance. I’ve been here a couple of times, but I’ve never taken the tour. My sister talked me and the wife into coming here for dinner. We thought beings we were here, we might as well take the tour; it being free and all. The man said.

Craig opened his arms and smiled. Might as well. he said. Secretly he was hoping they would change their minds and go on home before the storm moved in. He looked around them. It looks like you are my only guests this evening. He added.

Oh, Sherry began, There is another couple downstairs. They decided to look around until the tour started. She said smiling over at him.

Craig could feel the blood draining from his face. Oh, I see. He said barely above a whisper.

The door opened and two women entered. They smiled and began conversing with the older gentleman Craig had been talking to a moment ago. At the same time, a couple with a small child came up the brick stairs and met them. Craig guessed the child to be around three years old. He smiled at the couple. Well, is this everyone? he asked looking around. If you’ll be so kind as to step through the door into the dining room; right this way? he said waving his hands. He followed them into the first dining room where the five dinner guests turned to look and listen as they sat at their table.

The tavern was first built in 1837. Craig began. He looked at each face listening intently at what he was saying. He felt his shirt becoming damp from perspiration. He decided he would be better off not to make eye contact with the guests. What had he gotten himself into? He was a machinist for crying out loud. He had rehearsed this tour over and over again until he knew it like the back of his hand. He hadn’t perspired this much since his first day in the Navy. Now if you would please follow me he said moving on to the second dining room.

The baby was becoming restless and the young father put him down onto the floor. He instantly went toward the cold fireplace. The young mother quickly grabbed his hand and Craig noticed the icy look she gave the father. Craig continued with the tour and his recital. They were standing in the hallway now with the stairs behind them. The small child slipped under the burgundy velvet belt at the bottom of the stairs and began to ascend the stairs. The father lifted him into his arms and held the boy while the child screamed and kicked. The three other guests were frowning and leaning closer to listen. Craig climbed the stairs and waited at the top for them to join him in the hall.

Craig was telling them the story of the notorious ghosts that were legend to haunt the Inn. He led them to the Dolly Madison room and told the story of a broken hearted Olevia who was left alone at a dining table to wait for her betrothed who would never return. He told how she tied the bed sheets together to form a noose and jumped from the window in the Jefferson Room. He recalled how guests had claimed to have seen the ghost of a young lady lingering about the inn and finding their belongings moved about. The three older guests leaned closer to hear as the child was screaming to be put down.

Why don’t they take the child outside? Craig heard one of the older ladies whispering to the other.

Please follow me. Craig said. He stepped out into the narrow hall. The older guest followed. The young couple was lagging behind as they whispered to each other and the small boy continued to scream and kick. Soon they joined the rest of the group and Craig again resumed his rehearsed recital. They were in the Lincoln Room now.

Abraham Lincoln sat in a chair right over here while writing a speech as he was running for his second term in office. He opened these doors and although it is a bathroom now, at that time it was a large room full of potential voters. He gave his speech and left. He never spent the night here at the Inn; however, we have dedicated this room to him. Craig was saying. The child was a distraction. He began wringing his hands. You can do this, just two more floors. He thought to himself. Right this way. He said stepping out into the hall once more. The door to the Van Buren room was closed. This is the Van Buren Room. There is a guest staying in this room tonight, so we cannot go inside. He continued to recite his well-rehearsed tour. Now be careful climbing these stairs. He said as he began to ascend to the third floor. He waited in the hall for the guests to reach the top. The baby was crying. The father put him down on the floor and stepped to barricade the stairs.

Craig sighed. The boy had stopped crying, but now he was running about uncontrollably. The parents were not reprimanding him at all. Craig stepped in the doorway of the Washington Room to prevent the child from entering. The boy turned and darted into the Jefferson Room. Craig looked over at the parents. They stood waiting for him to resume his tour. He sighed and leaned into the Jefferson Room. He looked over his shoulder at the father who was terribly embarrassed by now. The young man sighed heavily as his face flushed a royal crimson color. He went into the Jefferson Room and lifted the boy into his arms again, which immediately caused the wailing response to erupt. Craig felt his ears ringing. He was beginning to lose his concentration. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and smiled at the guest who was standing there watching him.

The older gentleman turned to the young man and said, Perhaps you should take the boy outside. He is clearly not interested in the history of the Inn. He smiled kindly.

The young man’s face was still crimson. His wife stepped forward, Excuse me? She asked boldly.

It’s alright. The young man said reaching out to touch his wife’s arm. Nobody is getting anything out of this tour with Alex carrying on the way he is. The young father said. I’ll wait for you in the parking lot. He began to descend the stairs. Craig watched until he disappeared from sight. He cleared his throat and resumed the tour.

The young woman was angry and embarrassed. After a moment she turned and hurried down the narrow stairs. The older man smiled and nodded his head at Craig as Craig resumed the tour. Finally it was over. The tour concluded downstairs in the basement. They climbed the brick steps and found themselves in the first dining room where the tour had begun. The five guests were gone and others had replaced them. Craig tugged at his damp shirt as it clung to him. He wished he had brought a clean shirt with him. He would remember to do so tomorrow. The older man shook his hand and thanked him before ushering the two ladies to the door. As they were leaving, Craig could hear them discussing the behavior of the couple with the child. Craig went back to the men’s room to wash his face again. He looked into the mirror and said to his reflection. Day one, done! Then he turned to go back to the front counter once again.

The staff were preparing for the next day. The salt and pepper shakers were filled. The last of the guests were leaving. Craig grew anxious. He knew it was his duty to turn off the lights and lock the doors. He would be the last to leave. A cheerful mood overtook the staff as they went about their final chores of the day.

You handled your first day rather well. Cindy Pluchette said as she carried a tray of salt and pepper shakers to the dining room.

Thanks. Craig called out to her as she vanished from view. He went into the kitchen. How are we doing in here? He asked.

The chef smiled over at him. Craig could only remember his first name, Jerry. I heard you had a little one on your tour. Jerry chuckled. That’s a rough first day. I also heard you handled it very well.

Didn’t you want to wring the little brat’s neck? The male waiter asked. Craig couldn’t remember his name so he smiled and looked down. Not really. All children at that age have those moments. It could be anything from missing a nap to coming down with something. He said smiling.

Or it could be a case of lack of parenting. A waitress Craig knew as Candy said.

Well, that too; but I like to give the parents the benefit of the doubt. Craig said.

Have you seen any ghosts yet? Candy asked.

No, Craig began. I doubt that I will. I don’t believe in ghosts. I’ve seen enough dead and dying over the years. I never once saw a ghost.

I saw one right here in the kitchen once. Jerry said.

I’m sorry, Craig began. What is your name again?

I’m Jerry Chandler. He said extending his hand to Craig.

Craig reached out to shake the young man’s hand. You saw a ghost in the kitchen? Craig asked.

I certainly did. I was standing right over there, He said pointing to a work table. I got a prickly feeling on the back of my neck. I looked up and this woman was standing in the doorway. She gave me a look like, like she was shocked to see me here or something. She was dressed real old style like. You know; like back in the old days. Jerry explained.

What did she do? Craig asked.

She didn’t do anything. Jerry said. I kind of blinked my eyes like, and she was gone.

Craig smiled but didn’t say anything. Lots of guests who spend the night tell stories of noises and things being moved. They say the ghosts don’t like cellphones or computers. Theresa said. Again Craig smiled.

Candy was carrying a tray in. I saw the lady Jerry was talking about once. I was passing through The Hanover dining room and noticed a woman sitting near a window. I went to the front and asked why nobody told us there was a guest there and I was told that there wasn’t any guest supposed to be in that room. I went back to check and she was gone.

How do you know it wasn’t someone who came in the front door and sat down at a table? When she didn’t get waited on she just left the same way they came in? Craig asked.

Because she was dressed like Jerry said. She was dressed like she was from another time, long ago. Candy said.

Well, I’ve been here a long time and I haven’t seen or heard anything but stories. Cindy said.

Me neither Cindy, Neil Garwood said. I’ve heard plenty of stories, but I’ve never seen anything.

Craig smiled. Well, as I said before, I don’t believe in ghosts. I’m going downstairs to turn the lights out. He turned and left the kitchen. He went into the first dining room and turned left, taking the stairs to the cellar. It was down here that the tunnel went under the building. Of course it had been sealed off long ago. The original wine cellar had also been down here. Craig flipped the switches and one by one the rooms grew dark. It was cool down here. The temps remained the same year round. He could see how someone might associate the cooler temperatures with the ghost stories. He smiled to himself and climbed the brick stairs to the first floor again.

The staff was leaving for the day. They said their goodbyes as they went out the back door and to the parking lot. Craig went to the computer and searched the names of the employees saying out loud, Jerry Chandler, Candy Dilworth, Theresa Ives, and Neil Garwood. They worked afternoon shift. The morning shift was Marty Watson, Henry Patterson, Warren Green and Mandy Reed. He tried to memorize their names. Warren and Henry were waiters. They would be in early tomorrow morning as well as the second chef, Mary Watson. Craig had not met them yet.

Craig went through the hall toward the front door. He checked to make certain that it was indeed locked for the night. He turned and went up the first flight of stairs. There was a guest on the second floor. He took the second flight of stairs to the top floor and turned all the lights out. He was coming back down the stairs when he felt a draft. He smiled to himself as he thought his imagination was playing tricks on him. He had a bounce in his step as he descended to the second floor again. He secured the velvet rope across the bottom of the stairs and moved on down to the first floor. He turned the lights out in The Hanover room and then the bathrooms. He made his way into the large dining room with the fireplace. He thought he smelled a hint of smoke. He went to the fireplace to find it cold. There had been no fire burning in it today. He sniffed the air and could smell nothing. He smiled again as he turned the lights out to both this dining room and the one closest to the parking lot. He locked the door and went to his car. He had survived his first day.

Craig listened to the radio as he drove home. It was dark. It was late September. The time would be changing in a little more than a month to daylight savings time. They would turn their clocks back an hour. Fall back; spring ahead. Craig said to himself as his mind wondered. He reached over to switch the radio off. He drove an older model car. It seemed he was always working on it to keep it running. Anna also drove an older car. She had mentioned several times that she needed something more reliable for transporting the girls. Craig wiped at his forehead. It seemed as though his whole world was crumbling around him. Anna had been patient for so long. He knew she was growing weary, and their relationship was suffering because of it.

This job at the Spread Eagle was a last resort. It was not the position Craig had been hoping for, but it was a paycheck. He found himself in desperate need of anything to help with the bills and ease Anna’s worried mind. He ran his fingers through his hair. Halloween was just around the corner and the girls were going to wear homemade costumes this year. Anna would come up with some amazing idea; for she always did.

Craig pulled into the driveway. He pressed the button on the garage door opener that was clipped to his visor. As the door went up, he waited. A bicycle was lying on its side in the spot where he normally parked. He put the car into park and exited his car. He moved the bike to rest along the wall and got back into his car. He pulled into the garage and pressed the remote again to close the door behind him. He sat holding the steering wheel for a moment before getting out of the car.

In better times, the garage door to the kitchen would burst open and his two daughters would erupt through it full of laughter to greet him. This evening it was quiet. He watched the door as he climbed the five steps up to the door that led into the kitchen. He opened the door and passed through it. Anna was sitting at the table. Where are the girls? He asked placing his jacket on the back of a chair.

They are upstairs doing their homework. Anna said glancing at the jacket.

Craig sighed and lifted the jacket and carrying it to the closet to hang it up. Then he went to the sink and put his arms around his wife’s waist. What did you have for dinner? He asked.

Spaghetti, Anna replied without hesitation.

Craig kissed her on the neck and released his grip from around her. He paused a moment. How did it go today? He asked.

Anna shook her head. It went well. She replied.

Craig took a deep breath. He wasn’t certain if Anna meant to hurt his feelings or not; but she had. He was feeling guilty about not being home to have dinner with his family. He turned and went into the living room where the daily paper sat folded on the coffee table. He lowered himself onto the sofa and began to read the front page.

Anna went to the bottom of the stairs and called up to the girls. Your father is home, girls. She smiled at Craig and went back to the kitchen. Craig went to the bottom of the stairs to wait for his daughters.

Leah and Lorraine had been arguing as they descended the stairs. Leah rolled her eyes as she looked down at her father who waited for them at the bottom. What are you girls arguing about? He asked as they walked away from him on their way to the kitchen.

I have no privacy. Leah complained. She sat down at the table and covered her eyes with both hands and moaned before saying, It is bad enough we can’t afford for me to have my own phone, but I have to share everything with my younger sister. She allowed her hands to drop to her sides. She looked upward as she said, Do you have any idea how gross that is?

Craig smiled. Do you even know how lucky you are? he asked as he pulled out his chair.

I know; I know. Leah said rolling her eyes again. When you were my age they didn’t even have phones. She complained.

Craig laughed. No, we had phones. They had a rotary dial on them, smarty pants, he said.

Daddy, when are we going to get our own phones again? Lorraine asked.

Craig sighed. He glanced up at Anna and smiled. I’m doing the best I can Lorraine. It may take a few months before we can afford to go back to where we were before I lost my job. I’m doing the best I can. He repeated. He had been watching Anna. She showed no signs of emotion. What was she thinking? He wished she would talk to him like they used to do. The distance between them seemed to be growing.

Have you seen any ghosts? Lorraine asked.

I beg your pardon? Craig asked looking over at his youngest daughter.

You know, ghosts; the Spread Eagle is haunted you know. Everyone knows it’s haunted. They even advertise that it is. Have you seen anything? Lorraine asked before taking a bite of her salad.

Craig shook his head. No I have not seen any ghosts and I doubt very much that I will. He smiled across the table and said, I don’t believe in ghosts.

Oh so you think just because you don’t believe in them they don’t exist? Leah asked sarcastically.

Watch yourself young lady. Anna warned looking over at Leah.

Come on Mom; what about God? You can’t see God, yet millions of people believe in him. I’m just making a point, Leah replied.

Correction; you are being nasty and we will have none of it. Anna said. She smiled over at Craig and asked, Would you like me to heat something up for you?

He shook his head and said, No thank you. He smiled over at Leah and replied, You have made your point, Leah. I suppose it is possible that such things exist, but I personally doubt the existence of ghosts. I think it is a story fabricated to spark the curiosity of the clientele. I believe that is the case of the Spread Eagle Tavern. Now, could we please talk about something else? I have had a very long first day and I would like to talk about something else.

Oh, so you don’t want to talk about phones, and you don’t want to talk about ghosts; what do you want to talk about? Leah remarked.

How about we enjoy a conversation amongst us while you sit upstairs in your room? Anna warned. Leah lowered her gaze to her hands that rested in a folded position on the table. She had nothing more to say. Lorraine had been listening. A smile formed upon her face as her sister was being reprimanded. Craig narrowed his gaze at her and shook his head slightly. Lorraine sobered and lowered her gaze as well.

After a few moments of silence, Craig asked Anna, What did you do today?

Anna took a deep breath. She smiled and replied, I went out for a while today. We will talk about it later. Then it became quiet as they ate in silence.

The girls argued the whole time they sat at the table. Finally they excused themselves and returned upstairs to their room to finish their homework. Craig tried to concentrate on the newspaper while Anna read a magazine. Craig lowered the paper and looked around. He and Anna were the only two within hearing distance. So, where did you go this afternoon? He asked.

Anna lowered the magazine and replied softly, I had an interview with Peoples Lumber and Warehouse.

Craig dropped the paper to rest onto his lap. Why would you do such a thing without discussing it with me first? he asked.

Anna placed the magazine on the end table and leaned forward to look over at her husband. Nancy Morris works there and she called me late this morning. It seems the secretary had a confrontation with the boss this morning and walked out. She said they needed someone right away, so I drove down. She smiled. Norman Stiller is the boss down there and he said I could start tomorrow if I want to. He agreed to give me a day to work out the details with getting the girls home from school.

So you took the job? Craig asked.

Anna nodded her head. It will be a big help, Craig. You are not going to be able to support us on the salary you are getting now. What about health care? Anna asked.

But you will be driving to Lisbon every day. Craig complained.

So, lots of people drive farther than that every day, Anna said. We need this. I will be able to drive the girls to school every morning. They will have to ride the bus home every evening, that’s all. They won’t like it, but they will get used to it.

Craig closed his eyes and shook his head. This is not what I wanted our lives to be like. He reached over to take Anna’s hand. She allowed his hand to cover hers. I am so sorry, honey. I promise this is only temporary.

I know. Anna replied. She forced a smile and swallowed the lump in her throat. I’m trying to look at it as if it is an adventure. Maybe it is even a test to see how strong we are.

Can we survive this test? Craig asked. He was not so sure.

I think we can. At least, I like to think we can, Anna said.

Have you told the girls yet? Craig asked.

Anna shook her head. I thought it should be something we did together. She replied.

Craig wanted to say something about her taking it upon herself to interview without discussing it with him first, but decided against it. Anna sensed what he was thinking. It all happened so fast, and there was no way of reaching you without calling you at work, she said.

Craig smiled and nodded his head. Okay, when do you want to talk to the girls? He asked.

I think we might as well get it over with. Anna said. They rose together and walked toward the stairs. Leah was stretched across her bed with her IPod connected to the earphones in her ears. Her feet were moving to the beat of a song that only she could hear. Anna placed her hand upon Leah’s leg, causing her to jump.

For crying out loud; you frightened me half to death! She barked. She sat up and removed the earphones. It’s bad enough I have Lorraine barging in on my privacy, now it’s my parents.

Anna sat on the bed next to Leah. I’ll get Lorraine, Craig said as he turned to step out into the hall.

He found Lorraine in her room placing sparkling stickers onto a photo album. She looked up and smiled. Hi Daddy, what’s up? she asked.

Hi Sweetie, your Mom and I would like to talk to you and your sister. Would you mind joining us in your sister’s room? Craig asked.

Lorraine sat up straight and smiled. Sure Daddy; she can’t kick me out if I’m with you and Mommy. Lorraine said bouncing toward the door.

Craig turned and led the way back to Leah’s room. He sat down on the side of the bed next to Anna while Lorraine sat on the floor with her legs crossed. Craig nodded his head and Anna began. Your father and I have something we need to talk to you about. She cleared her throat and continued. As you both are well aware, we have been pinching our pennies lately. We gave up our cell phones, and we’ve had to rely upon sometimes unreliable vehicles to get you girls to school and back. She smiled.

Not to mention our having to quit soccer and volleyball. Leah interjected.

Yes Leah we are all aware of your great sacrifices. Anna said. Hopefully, we will be able to get back to where we were before. But it will require more sacrifices I am afraid.

Like what? How much more do we have to give up, Mom? Leah complained.

Leah please, Anna sighed. I have taken a job at the Lumber Warehouse in Lisbon. I will be able to take you to school in the mornings just like I have been doing every morning. However, I will not be able to pick you up after. She explained.

So what are we supposed to do, hang around school until you get there? Leah asked.

No Leah, you will not be hanging around until I get there. Anna said glancing over at Craig.

We are all making sacrifices, Leah. Think of it as a temporary situation until we get through this rough spot. Craig said.

Anna reached out and stroked Leah’s long hair. Leah instantly pushed her hand away. Anna smiled and said, You will have to ride the bus home for a while.

The bus! Are you kidding me, Mom? Not the bus! Only losers ride the bus. I will be the laughing stock of all my friends. Leah jumped to her feet. I can’t believe this is happening. My life is totally ruined. She whined.

Jennifer and Rianna Randolph ride the bus. Lorraine said.

Leah turned on her sister, standing over her she said, And so does Jimmy Pierce, stupid! And shut up! Who asked for your opinion? Leah barked.

That will be enough. Craig said. You are not the only one who is being affected by our current situation. This affects all of us. Your mother will be driving to Lisbon every day to go to work. She is making a sacrifice for this family. I should think you would be grateful.

Oh thank you very much Mom. Leah said fighting back tears. Maybe Jimmy will color my hair with permanent marker like he did Jennifer’s.

We will deal with Jimmy Pierce if and when we have to. Anna said.

None of my friends ride the bus Mom, Leah said throwing her hands into the air.

Rianna is your friend. Lorraine said.

I told you to mind your own business. Leah said.

And I warned you once already that you were not to speak to your sister that way. Craig announced. He reached across the bed and lifted the IPod. I’ll be holding this for you until your attitude changes, he said.

Mom, no! Don’t let him do that. Leah whined looking over at Anna.

Anna threw her hands into the air. You did it to yourself. Lorraine snickered and Anna flashed a warning look which caused her to cover her mouth and look down at the floor.