Place Where Magic Lives: Into the Woods

By Lisa Colodny

Liam and Samantha’s grandparent’s farm has always been a magical place it seems. Every visit is an endless adventure filled with imaginative and creative experiences, not to mention midnight hide and seek, hillside baseball competitions, and community kick-the-can games. 

But nothing could prepare them for the trip they ta

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
• Release date: Aug 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781970068948

Book preview

Copyright

Into the Woods is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

INTO THE WOODS: A NOVEL

Copyright © 2018 by Lisa Colodny

All rights reserved.

Editing by KP Editing

Cover design by KP Designs

Published by Kingston Publishing Company

The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Table of Contents

Copyright

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Acknowledgements

Dedication

To my cousins: Roger, Joann, Randy, Kelly, Oopie, Sherry, Cindy, Tonya, Kim, Teresa, Scott, Allison, Jordan, Debra, Cherida, Shannon, Danielle, Allen, Gail, and Leoda.

I loved the magical places of our youth.

Chapter 1

You sure you want to stay the entire long weekend? Samantha’s mom asked before sliding into the passenger’s seat of the waiting car. She rolled the car window down so that the heat inside was expelled fog-like into the air. "We can pick you up on Sunday; if you want?

Samantha shook her head, looking anxiously past the house where her cousin, Liam, was sliding flat rocks across the smooth surface of their grandfather’s front porch. No, she said as she stuffed her hands into the pockets of her cut off jean shorts. Monday is fine. She hugged her Mother through the window, calling across to the driver. Bye Dad.

His smile took up his entire face. Bye baby see you in a few days.

Samantha watched as the car disappeared behind the house, throwing dust and rocks from the circular driveway, until the car emerged on the other side.

She stood still as it topped the hill and passed Minor’s market and the farm where the big horses lived, before making her way around the house to the porch.

Liam looked up at her, his hands resting on the smooth surface of the porch. Thought you weren’t coming this weekend?

I really wanted to go to the concert with my friends, she paused, biting her bottom lip.

And I wanted to come here too.

We always spend the July fourth weekend together. He scrapped the rock against the concrete, scaring the porch like chalk.

I know, her words were low. I was just thinking about it, that’s all. She exhaled a long breath. I’m here aren’t I?

He tossed the rock toward the road, watching as it disappeared down into the ditch that ran along the front of Pap’s front yard. I’m glad.

She snatched a rock from his pile and mimicked his action, watching as her rock dropped out of sight near his. Me too! She turned to see her Grandfather just as he fell into his big chair on the porch.

You know, his voice was low, almost hoarse as if he had a cold. The time is coming when the two of you ain’t gonna want to spend all your free time here together with me and Ma.

I’ll always want to me here, Liam spoke first, his words, thick and confident.

I mean you’re getting older. There’s going to be ball games and dating, other things that you’re going to want to do. He smiled to Samantha. And that’s okay. It’s part of growing up.

Samantha didn’t respond. Instead, she noticed his attention was focused on a red bird perched atop a branch of the big elm tree that shadowed the porch.

Whatcha thinking about, Pap? she asked, dropping to her knees against the cold concrete of the front porch.  Once Samantha was seated comfortably close by, Pap answered.

Whenever you see a red bird, it means an Angel is near.

An Angel? Samantha searched around them. Where?

Pap slid his thumbs into the bib of his overalls, balancing the chair on its back legs. A red bird is thought to be the spirit of someone who’s passed on.

Like Alton? Liam asked in reference to his uncle, Pap’s youngest son who died overseas during the war.

Yes, he answered watching the bird closely.

Samantha hugged her grandfather’s neck. I’m sorry the red bird makes you sad.

He smiled and patted her shoulder. Remembering doesn’t make me sad, honey. When you’re old like me, you’ll see. He fell forward so that the chair’s feet slid against the concrete. What do you want to do today? Fishing, swimming, what?

Samantha kicked at the assortment of rocks Liam had dropped on the porch. We can collect some more pretty rocks for the sale?

Too hot! Liam answered. His eleven-year-old mind tallied the pros and cons of potential activities. Want to hike to Long Branch?

Long Branch? she repeated. That’s far.

You’re such a girl, it’s not that far, he explained.

Samantha wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to the concrete. Take it back.

He recanted, his voice strained around her arms. I’ll take it back but it’s not that far.

She looked to Pap. Can we?

He smiled. After lunch, we’ll head out if it doesn’t come a storm.

****

You have to eat the vegetables, Liam, Pap instructed, looking at Liam’s plate where broccoli and strips of carrots were untouched.

I love vegetables, Samantha teased, crutching loudly on her last carrot strip.

You have to finish that piece of meat, he instructed as her smile faded.

I don’t like meat very much Pap, she whined.

And I don’t like vegetables, Liam explained, his mind racing.

What if I eat her meat and she eats my vegetables? Liam reasoned, smiling at the suggestion.

Well, Pap tried not to laugh. I guess that would be okay.

Quickly they traded plates, Pap watched as Samantha wiped Liam’s vegetables unto her plate and Liam forked her chicken unto his. You two are like puzzle pieces.

How’s that? Liam chewed loudly on the piece of chicken.

You fit together nicely. Pap rubbed his brow as if he had a headache. You two have always been at each other’s side, since you was born. He paused, looking them over as if they were heading to church. I hope you’re always able to stay close to one another. He paused like he had more to