Once in a Very Blue Moon

By Debra Lowry

Brianna Nelson was born under a “Blue Moon”. Her psychic grandmother, Lilly, predicted that Brianna would “Walk under the Blue Moon” which would prove to be a difficult path. And Lilly was right. Brianna was raised by Mel, her alcoholic father, who could be nice when sober but mean and unpredictable when drinking! Brianna’s life was dysfunctional; often she didn’t have food to eat, and she was embarrassed to bring any friends home in case her father was on one of his ‘rants’. She did the best she could to survive a life without a mother and without help, a life where she often had to be the parent, buy the food and clean the house!
Her Grandmother Lilly did what she could but was constrained by a promise she had made to Brianna’s mother, Ivy. But thankfully, Brianna had a protector, Bobby Coleman, a boy who lived across the street who was a few years older than her. Bobby became her guide, her best friend and eventually, her love interest! She also had a faithful, kind friend, Rosie, who stands by her through the joys and the heartaches of her life.
Brianna faces many challenges as she grows up, some very difficult and unexpected. But she manages to survive them and grows stronger and more determined to achieve her goals. Her biggest dream is to one day have her own antique business, following in the footsteps of Lilly. Lilly teaches her everything she knows, taking Brianna to auctions and showing her the value of each item she buys.
In a climatic, frightening nightmare of a day, Brianna and Bobby are faced with the most horrible incident possible. They pull together to combat the most evil forces imaginable. Brianna will surprise you, impress you and make you laugh! She is an unforgettable woman who is someone you’d like to know!
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Blue Moon – it can be the second full moon in a month but can also be a moon surrounded by a “blue ring of color” not usually seen around the moon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796085778

Debra Lowry

Debra Lowry loved to read from a very early age. She read all of the “Nancy Drew Mysteries”, as well as just about any book she could get her hands on! She grew up in Davenport, Iowa. She attended The University of Iowa, where she majored in journalism. She later moved to Miami, Florida and worked on the Miami Herald Newspaper for two years. In 2008 Debra wrote a column for the ‘Pineapple Post Newspaper’ in Jensen Beach, Florida. She did a lot of human interest stories, interviews with local people and some investigative articles. She was a single mother for many years and raised an outstanding son, Chris Lowry, who went on to join the Army and went to Iraq three times during the years of 2003-2009. It was very harrowing for her and her son but fortunately he came home safely, and is now the father of three delightful children, two girls, ages 4 and 6, and a boy, age 8. Chris is an excellent, devoted father who now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Debra has suffered with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for many years but has learned to live with and around it. Writing is one of the most important joys and therapies for her. Debra moved to Pt. St. Lucie, Florida and has lived there for 13 years with her handsome, supportive boyfriend, Dave, who plays softball and love to go to concerts! The both love animals and have several “rescue” animals living at there home! This was Debra’s second novel to be published with XLIBRIS!

Book preview

Once in a Very Blue Moon

Prologue

by Debra Lowry

(Davenport, Iowa 1953)

It was a hot night in July and the moon was so swollen it could almost blind you if you stared right at it. It was a beautiful blue evening. The young couple was entwined in each other’s arms in the back of a car that was parked at Lookout Park, the highest point in the city of Davenport, Iowa. Lookout was a landmark; you could see all the way across the Mississippi River to Illinois. The Centennial Bridge was a twinkling arc across the inky black sky. An old fashioned riverboat that looked like a wedding cake floated down the river. The steady churning of the paddles could entice even the fussiest baby to sleep but the Dixieland music and laughter tumbling from inside would keep you awake until dawn.

The young couple had just seen Romeo and Juliet at the local drive-in. The girl, at seventeen, was beautiful; she had long dark hair, an oval face and big brown eyes fringed with thick lashes; she wore a yellow sundress. The 20-year-old man held her in his arms; he had thick blond hair and dreamy blue eyes. Elvis Presley was singing Love Me Tender. The young man took the girl’s head between his hands and she raised her face and closed her eyes and felt herself drawn toward him and enfolded and surrounded by his love. His lips pressed her lips and his palms covered her ears so all she could hear was the rush of her own blood. She closed her eyes tightly, fighting back the tears. He noticed her tears but told himself they were tears of joy. And she didn’t explain; she didn’t want to spoil the moment. He held out a small velvet box; she took it and opened it.

I’ll marry you. she said solemnly, but I need to tell you something first.

He smiled, gently brushing back her hair. Don’t talk right now, just let me kiss you. They kissed passionately but the tears never stopped flowing from her sad brown eyes…

A Meeting with Destiny

Chapter 1

But let’s start at the beginning of the story…

Ivy Swenson was going to be late for work if she didn’t hurry. She grabbed her purse from the kitchen table and put on her old denim jacket as she locked the door of the dingy apartment she shared with her friend Marian. They lived right next to a grain factory and the air always smelled like stale cereal. Ivy shivered from the cold as she slid into her old car and tore off down Rockingham Road. It was starting to get dark and the streetlights glowed like beacons.

As she passed homes with trees that lined the street, the branches created a tapestry of brilliant colors; tangerine, golden yellow and scarlet. Ivy felt like she was driving through a glorious forest. When she passed the Oscar Mayer Meat Packing Plant, she wrinkled her nose at the smell. But she was grateful for the plant; it was one of the nationally famous businesses in Davenport that provided blue collar work for many people. John Deere International Harvester in Moline, Illinois, which was just across the Mississippi River had provided a job for Ivy’s father for many years. Her uncle worked at Alcoa, a huge aluminum producing plant. Davenport was located approximately halfway between Chicago and Des Moines and was on the border of Iowa across the river from Illinois. (The reason Ivy knew that was because she’d had to study the history of Davenport in Junior Year History class!)

Zipping past the river, she noted the high tide; Davenport was prone to flooding since it was so close to the water. Ivy prayed there wouldn’t be a flood this year. She finally got to the Pizza Joint, a popular night spot. She parked her car and fumbled with the key to the front door, finally getting it open. Once inside, she inhaled the smell of pizza. She tore off her coat, went back to the kitchen, grabbed her apron and put it on as fast as she could.

It was a Friday night in October and people were streaming out of the football stadium down the street after the local high school rivals, at the homecoming game. A cacophony of sounds wafted from the parking lot where several fights were in progress. The school band, resembling a deck of red and white playing cards straight from Alice in Wonderland in their stiff uniforms performed as the spectators deserted the faded, chipped bleachers. An orange harvest moon hung over the stadium and bathed everyone in its ethereal light. The smell of burning leaves from bonfires in the yards near the stadium gave the air a crisp, pleasant fragrance.

The Pizza Joint was down the street from the stadium and things were hopping as the after-game crowd thronged the restaurant to get their stomachs filled. Ivy was alone behind the check-out counter, ringing up orders as fast as she could. Her boss, Harry, was gone but he trusted her to handle things while he picked up kegs of beer and other supplies. Ivy kept her eyes focused on the customer in front of her because she knew if she looked at the long line of impatient people waiting, she might have a panic attack.

Behind her, in the kitchen, Peter spun pizza dough in the air, his mouth hanging open in concentration. He sang a tuneless song as he swayed back and forth. Thick Coke bottle glasses covered his eyes and his hair stuck up straight like porcupine bristles.

How are you doing back there Pete? Is Mr. Ferguson’s pizza about ready? Ivy called back as she smoothed her dark hair back from her sweaty forehead.

Peter stopped singing and nodded, his mouth still hanging slightly open. Ivy, did I tell you I’m going to Disneyland this Christmas? he asked eagerly.

Ivy smiled softly. Yes Pete. You must be really excited.

Peter nodded, propping his flour covered arms up on the counter between them. Yeah, I am. I’ve been saving all my money. Mom said I’ll probably have enough to buy some T-shirts and stuff.

Mr. Ferguson, a stern-faced man in his 50s who was standing at the front of the line frowned at Peter and crossed his arms. He shook his head and looked at the woman next to him with a disgusted expression. Ivy leaned over the counter and spoke in a stage whisper to Peter.

That’s great Pete. But right now there are a bunch of hungry customers out here so concentrate on your work. Remember what Harry told you about paying attention?

Oh, ok. Yeah, ok. Peter nodded and turned back to the pizza he was making.

What the hell can Harry be thinking of letting an idiot like that work here? sputtered Mr. Ferguson.

Ivy’s nostrils flared and she walked over and stood in front of him, hands on her hips. Shame on you! Keep your voice down! she hissed.

Mr. Ferguson had the grace to blush and lower his voice. Come on Ivy, we both know that guy isn’t dealing with a full deck!

Well, he was before he went to Korea! Besides, he shows up half an hour early every day and I’ve never seen anybody try harder so let up on him! Ivy replied indignantly. Maybe you need to think about why he bothers you so much. You know I read an article about how we dislike traits in others that are really in ourselves.

Mr. Ferguson rolled his eyes and groaned. Ivy, spare me your armchair therapy for one night please. Just give me my damn pizza. But the tension in his arms lessened and he cracked a slight grin as Ivy handed him his pizza and winked.

A trio of pretty cheerleaders all dressed in identical red and white skirts and wearing identical ponytails crowded up to the counter. A cool blond assessed Ivy with a calculated stare. Ivy stared right back at her as she wiped her hands on her apron.

Hi Melissa. I’ll get your pizza. Ivy spoke in a monotone.

Too bad you had to miss the game, Melissa said, her voice dripping with cattiness. It must be a drag to work every weekend.

Ivy smacked a pizza down in front of Melissa and cocked her head to the side. Actually I hate football. That will be $5.50 please.

Melissa handed Ivy some money, narrowing her eyes. Is that another one of your homemade outfits? she persisted.

Ivy looked down at the jumper she was wearing under her apron. Her mother Lilly had made it, as she did all of Ivy’s clothes, painstakingly laboring over her old Singer sewing machine. At least I don’t see copies of myself walking around! She glanced pointedly at the girls’ outfits. Melissa frowned and flounced out of the store, followed by her two cohorts. Ivy’s shoulders drooped and pain filled her eyes as she watched them leave. She hated having to go to school with those bitches! For the next hour and a half, Ivy was busy helping customers. Some of them wanted the donuts that were displayed in the glass case at the front of Ivy’s counter; others, mostly teenagers and kids, asked for the candy that was also in the case. Finally the store was empty; Ivy sighed with relief and began wiping the counter and cleaning up her work area.

Hey Ivy, I’m leaving! Peter yelled from the kitchen.

Okay, just make sure you lock the back door Pete, Ivy replied, distracted and tired as she rubbed her sore back.

Peter walked out from the kitchen shaking flour from his clothes. I don’t think I should leave you here alone Ivy. His pinched face was wrinkled with concern.

I’ll be fine Pete. Harry should be pulling up any minute and then I can leave. You go on.

Peter smiled and gave Ivy a quick hug. Thanks. See you tomorrow. Ivy could see him through the big glass window as he ran past two Harley Davidson motorcycles parked at the edge of the lot. The radio was playing Singin’ in the Rain, one of her favorite songs, and she hummed along with it. The phone rang and she shook her head in exasperation and picked up the receiver.

Pizza Joint, Ivy speaking, may I help you?

Ivy you sound tired, honey! her mother, Lilly, said. Are you alone again?

Mom, don’t worry about me. Harry will be back in fifteen minutes. He just had to pick up some beer kegs. What are you doing? Ivy could picture her mother leaning back on her overstuffed sofa with the phone on her shoulder. Ivy knew her mother hated the thought of her working so much but they needed the money since Ivy’s father, Lars, had died two years ago. Lilly had her own little business selling antiques and she was actually quite sought after for doing psychic readings. Sometimes Lilly’s premonitions scared Ivy. But people, especially women, flocked to her. But Lilly was kind; if someone didn’t have the money to pay her she didn’t push it. Often women came back and brought her food or whatever else they could. They always got by but it was a struggle.

I’m just folding laundry darling. You tell Harry I do not want him leaving you there alone anymore, you understand? It is not acceptable!

Yes Mom, I promise, Ivy rolled her eyes and crossed her fingers, then pulled up a stool and settled in for a chat with her mom. She had worked like a dog all night and deserved a break.

Mel Nelson eased himself out of the supply closet in the kitchen of the Pizza Joint where he had been hiding for the past 25 minutes, checking out the situation. He tiptoed to the back door as Ivy talked to her mother. He quietly unlocked it and shut it behind him. He was tall and broad shouldered, with thick, blond hair and a mustache. At 20, he was often told he resembled Paul Newman. He lithely ran to the bikes where Billy Van Dyke was waiting for him, smoking a cigarette. Billy reminded Mel of a cocky rooster as he nervously sauntered back and forth around the bikes, all full of himself. Billy smiled a lot but his eyes were chips of ice.

You ready? Billy asked softly, patting the gun he wore in his pants pocket.

Mel shook his head. I’m not feeling good about this one. That girl has had a rough night already. Everybody giving her shit. Let’s just skip it. We got enough cash for a couple weeks. We can hit another liquor store or something.

Billy’s eyes narrowed and he threw down his cigarette and smashed it with his boot, then slowly turned to Mel. Oh, you’re breaking my heart. Who gives a shit about her? You’re just chicken.

Mel bristled. No, I ain’t afraid. I’ve just had a change of mind here. I have the right to change my mind!

Oh yeah? Well, I’m in charge and I say we do it. You know, me and the guys have been talking about you and we think you’re too soft. Maybe you should find some little old ladies to hang with, Billy taunted.

Well maybe you guys are just too immature for me! I’m getting a little sick of these stupid gigs you come up with. We almost got caught at the liquor store on Brady Street last week. Mel clenched his fists.

Yeah? Whose fault was that? If you hadn’t let that big mouth kid go it would have gone down just fine. You know, I took you under my wing because I thought you had potential. But you need to toughen up or I’m gonna have to cut you loose. What’s happening to you, Nelson?

Mel shrugged and looked up at the sky, a sad expression on his face. I don’t know. Maybe I don’t want to be a two-bit thug for the rest of my life.

Here. This will make you feel better. Billy took a beer out of a paper sack and handed it to Mel. Mel grabbed it and walked away from Billy to the edge of the parking lot and sat down on the curb. He ran his hand over his face and through his thick blond hair and then guzzled the beer. He could feel it warming him, giving him courage. He finished it quickly. Billy watched him like a hawk, a satisfied grin spreading over his face.

Alright, alright, I’m going. Just get off my back. Mel pulled out a black bandanna from his hip pocket and put it over his face and patted the gun inside his leather jacket.

And that’s another thing. Haven’t I told you to get rid of that piece of junk? Billy pulled out his own gun, a 44 Magnum.

Mel strode over to Billy, grabbed him by the collar and put his fist up to Billy’s face. Shut the hell up! You’re really pissing me off now!

Billy swallowed and nodded. Mel was much bigger and stronger than Billy and when he was provoked, he could easily hurt Billy. Okay, just cool down. Let’s get going, we don’t have much time. He walked to the back door of the Pizza Joint and let himself in.

Mel quickly walked into the front of the store. Once inside, he kept his head down and crept behind a row of canned goods. That Ivy girl was still on the phone. Damn! He started sweating. He needed another beer. He inched his way closer and waited near the counter. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, listening to her talk to her mother, wishing he had a mother who worried about him. He’d been raised in an orphanage and didn’t even remember his parents. He liked the sound of Ivy’s voice; it was throaty and sexy, but sweet, too. He felt strange as he listened. After hiding in the closet all night, he felt like he knew her. She was feisty. He liked that in a woman. She hung up the phone and Mel gritted his teeth. Show time. He boldly walked up to the counter. Ivy turned around and her eyes opened wide. She stiffened in alarm.

Mel froze. He knew he was supposed to be saying something but all he could think of was that this was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She looked like an angel, the ones he had seen in the books the nuns kept in the chapel at the orphanage. Long, wavy dark hair cascaded back from a widow’s peak that enhanced her oval face. Her skin looked soft. Even in her apron and that frumpy jumper she wore he could see she had a body to die for. Her brown eyes were fringed by thick, dark lashes. She was staring at his gun.

Give me all your money and hurry! he mumbled finally. His hormones were raging and his face was flush.

You’ve got to be kidding! She laughed.

Mel’s jaw dropped. Listen Ivy, this is no joke. Give me all your money NOW!

Ivy shook her head and put her palms up in the air. How do you know my name? Do I know you?

No, no you don’t know me. It doesn’t matter how I know, I just know. Give me the money in the register and we can get this over with.

You think I was born yesterday? Huh? Do I look stupid or something? I know that’s not a real gun. Do you want to know HOW I know?

Mel was shaking in his boots. This was really not going well at all. How? he finally mumbled.

Because I worked at the toy store during Christmas break last year and I happen to remember that 38 Special you’re holding because I had to stock boxes of it for five hours one night!

Mel sighed. Well this may LOOK like a toy gun but it’s not, it’s REAL and I don’t want to have to use it, so give me the money. This is my last warning.

Well. Big man. Have to rob a defenseless girl and wear a mask. I suppose you’re ugly up close anyway. That’s why you have to hide behind that mask, right? People probably make fun of you a lot. She casually raised her eyebrows.

Mel gritted his teeth. This spitfire was pushing him too far. How embarrassing! Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That was the story of his life. He could see Billy behind her in the kitchen giving him a dirty look and shaking his head.

I don’t want to hurt you. Please. Just give me some of it. Half of it. I don’t care, he pleaded, pulling at the mask which was now threatening to suffocate him.

Ivy slowly walked to the cash register and opened it. I’ll give you fifty bucks. That’s all. My boss just took a deposit to the bank drop. And by the way, he will be back any minute!

Mel could see Billy shaking his head no. Mel felt like his chest was ready to burst. He wanted to be out of here. He wanted another beer. He hated this whole situation.

No, I want all your money. Come on now, make it quick and I’ll get out of here and you can go on with your evening.

Listen, my boss is a nice man with a family. He doesn’t deserve to be robbed. Have a heart. Ivy leaned over and Mel could smell her musky perfume.

Alright, this has gone on long enough! Billy screamed as he came up behind Ivy and pushed his gun against her back. She froze, trembling. Cut the crap little girl and give us all the damn money in the register. I can assure you THIS gun is not a toy! He shoved a paper sack into her hands.

Ivy was shaking as she slowly started taking money out of the register and putting it in the bag. Billy shoved her and she slammed into the register. Hurry up! We gotta get out of here!

Hey, you don’t have to get rough with her!! Mel yelled angrily.

Billy stared at Mel, still holding the gun only now it was pointed at Mel. You shut the hell up. This is the last job I’m doin with you. Ivy backed up as the two men glared at each other.

Wrong, said Mel softly. "WAS the last job. Forget it Ivy. I’m sorry we upset you. You seem like