Hadassah/Chp. 3

    

C H A P T E R   3—U N C L E   H E N R Y

When the suspense was getting too much to bear, a lady opened the door. She was wearing a long stretchy dress with a red floral apron tied around her waist. She wore her long brown hair in a bun at the top of her head. From her chest down, she was covered in flour. Her eyes looked very kind. She smiled and finally said, “Oh Hadassah, it's been so long.” She extended her arm out and gave Hadassah a warm welcoming hug. “Come inside dear. I just put some lemon cake in the oven.”

She walked Hadassah into the house and Hadassah sighed with relief on how warm it was inside. She had been so cold in the taxi cab with the rain pouring down the windows. But for only a moment, Hadassah had this weird feeling all over. It felt like—home. But once again she ignored the thought.

The lady that was named Aunt Alberta, walked to the stairwell and hollered up the steps. “Henry! Come down here!” A moment later a friendly middle—aged man came up the steps. He held out his arms open wide for a hug, and walked over to Hadassah, picked her up off the ground and twirled her around in a big hug. 

“Oh, darlin’ its been so long! My, how you’ve grown! Last time I saw you, you were a wee little seedling, about three feet tall!” Henry’s eyes watered up and he paused for a moment looking into her eyes. “I’m just glad you’re here, that’s all.” 

Hadassah didn’t know what to say. But after a moment of quiet, Hadassah broke the silence by saying, “I’m glad I’m here too.” Her voice was soft and almost a whisper. 

An hour passed and Aunt Alberta (which was called Aunt Albie) showed Hadassah her room and helped her unpack. Her room also felt warm and cozy. Hadassah felt comfortable at once. When Aunt Albie left the room, Hadassah collapsed on her bed. It was a heated waterbed. Hadassah loved it. I could get used to this. She thought contently.

She woke up an hour later. The smell of lemon cake filled the house. It smelled so delicious, Hadassah could hardly wait to taste it. 

She sat up in bed and decided to look around. The house was very big. It was a huge white farmhouse on the outside, and a beautiful mansion on the inside. Out back, there was thirty four acres of rolling hills and a barn sat on the flat side of the yard. Along next to it, was a tall matching silo. Hadassah imagined herself on a pile of hay at the top of the silo, reading her favorite book. Hadassah thought about the good things of being here, and how Uncle Henry was so excited to see her. No one had ever been that nice to her. Not even Harris Heartwell. But then Hadassah reminded herself, If I get to attached to this place, it will be even harder when I leave. Hadassah sighed, just thinking about it. But she knew she had at least a week before she had to go.

She stood up and walked around the upstairs. It was a landing with a bathroom, a big bedroom, and three other rooms. Downstairs, was the grand dining room, the kitchen, the living area, and another bathroom. The dining room had a large dark brown table that was made from real walnut. Next to the table was a large shelf with a glass window. Behind the glass, was beautiful painted china. Hadassah stared in amazement. Each spoon, each plate and cup, had so many details. Hadassah almost dared to touch one, but she put her hand down and walked away. The kitchen had beautiful white cabinets, and a little round white table. Behind the little table, was a window seat with lovely little fluffy cushions. Hadassah loved it at once.

Hadassah heard her aunt calling for her to come eat. Hadassah wanted to race down the steps and gobble the delicious lemon cake. But she knew being fourteen, she couldn’t do that. Especially on her first day here.

She walked down the steps and took a seat at the table. Her eyes scanned the room. I wonder where my cousin is. She thought.

Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie sat down next to her and served the lemon cake. Each mouthful was yellow and moist. The perfect flavor exploded in her mouth as she took every bite slowly. She wanted to enjoy it as long as possible.

Uncle Henry spoke up. “So, Hadassah. Tell me about yourself. Are you homeschooled?” Hadassah nodded, trying to quickly swallow her food. “Yes.” She answered.

“Do you have a lot of friends?” Was the next question. Hadassah hesitated. “Yes.” She said in an almost whisper. “I have one friend.” 

“What’s her name?” Again Hadassah hesitated. “She’s a horse. A mare. She doesn’t have a name. I just call her Chestnut.” Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie exchanged glances and looked back at Hadassah. 

“We hope you make friends here,” was Uncle Henry’s response. After that, they just asked some simple questions and then as the evening passed, they all went to their beds.

Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie went down the hall to their room. Uncle Henry sat on the bed and Aunt Albie stood by the mirror and began to take her hair pins out one by one.

Uncle Henry looked upset. “Look at her, Alberta. She’s got one friend in all the world. And that’s a simple old horse that isn’t even hers. What a way to raise a child.” Aunt Albie came over and sat next to him. “I know Henry. But she’ll make friends. She’ll be happy and socialized. You just wait and see.” Uncle Henry sighed and scratched his head. “I just hope those parents of hers treated her right.”