Alberta Chp. 1

Hey everyone, just wrote a new story for you all, I hope you enjoy it!

A —L — B — E  —R — T — A

1

“Alberta May Albury. The most despicable, the most disgraceful, the most horrid child, I have ever had an encounter with! And believe me, I know! I have seen girls from all over the world!” Miss Ruth stretched her arm out as she explained. “I have tried. And tried, and tried, and tried again! But it’s no use. Your child is either handicapped, dysfunctional, or simply refuses to learn!”

Miss Albury looked down. “I understand. But can’t you give her one last chance?”

Miss Ruth laughed in her face. “Me? Give her a last chance? I’m sorry, miss Albury, but your—your animal has already been expelled from my school.”

“What? Expelled? When did that take place?”

“Two weeks from today.” Miss Ruth thought the woman was crazy.

“Two weeks? I knew nothing about this!” 

Miss Ruth gave a small smirk when Miss Albury wasn’t looking. “Well, then, I guess you have no business here, Miss Albury. It’s clearly not my problem, so I suggest you run along home, and deal with it yourself.” Miss Ruth was cruel.

Miss Albury almost cried. Here she was, almost the richest woman in town, and still she could not find a suitable school for her daughter.

“I guess I won’t be back.” She faintly said. She left the room, without even glancing at Miss Ruth.

But Miss Ruth didn’t care. She had other girls to deal with.

Miss Albury, also called Janet, was holding back her urging tears. These tears though, were not for herself. 

Usually, when she arrived home after a day like this, she would find Alberta and give her a scolding. But this time, she felt sorry for her daughter. Alberta seemed like a bright child. But was she? She often enjoyed her time outdoors and her time with plants and animals. But was she smart?

Miss Albury arrived home, to her beautiful mansion. She had walked for miles, and her grand house was a sight for sore eyes. Instead of rushing out to the grassy meadows, or the rippling brook to find Alberta, she plopped down on the fancy sofa and asked her maid, Trishka to fetch her a glass of tea and a platter of biscuits with jam. She also asked for a lemon sponge cake with some buttered potatoes.

Trishka was very confused with her large order for just one person, but she was paid to obey her mistress, so that is what she did. 

“Here is your glass of tea, platter of jam and biscuits, a lemon sponge cake, and some buttered potatoes.” Trishka said, while setting them on the table next to the sofa. When she was finished, she politely asked, “Was that all, Madam?” 

Miss Albury weakly smiled and gently nodded her head. “Yes, Trishka. Thank you for being so kind.”

Trishka was again confused at her lady’s behavior. First the big order, then the ‘thank you for being so kind?’ What was going on? Also, Trishka noticed that Miss Albury looked quite sick and frail this afternoon. She didn’t mention anything about an ill feeling or some sort, but Trishka could hear it in voice, see it in her eyes, and sense it when Miss Albury came into the room. She felt worried for her mistress. 

Miss Albury had almost raised her from a young girl of seven years old. That is when Trishka’s parents died and she became Miss Albury’s maid. Trishka, in all her years before she came to be a maid, she had been born and lived in Poland, Europe. Her parents died from a contagious disease and she was going to be sent to live in an orphanage. And orphanages weren’t very pleasant. Most of the owners, were poor and didn’t treat the children well. So when Mr. and Mrs. Albury took her in to let her be a maid for them, Trishka was very grateful. She had her own room down in the basement. And it was a very nice room, indeed. Of course, not as nice as the family’s rooms, but it was very grand, compared to the rooms of the other maids and servants.

Trishka was also a friend to Miss Albury when she grieved for her husband on that dreadful day. The day she got a telegram, saying that James Albury had crashed in a train accident, on his way coming here. “He was so close,” Trishka told the other maids. “So close to coming home, and wrapping his big arms around his lovely wife.”

“Yes, so close indeed.” Miss Cinch sorrowed as well. She was the head maid and was in charge of all the other servants of the house.

“Poor little mite.” Rita lowered her head as she talked. The three maids huddled together and sobbed. 

Presenting..........Hadassah!

 Hi everyone! I am very excited to announce, that today, my book 

officially became live on amazon.

Here's the link:

Hadassah

I started Hadassah first, but the editing took soooo long. So, while it was being edited, I wrote a short story, that I already announced, which was the Great Adventures. 

That is more for kids, but Hadassah was written for older people, I guess. I was trying to make it a little deep.

However, even though it was edited, there might be a few mistakes, but I've decided to just ignore them. My short story is now up to four editions............Kinda embarrassing, but I'm sure the mistakes will slowly disappear in my books, over time as I get older.

Anyways, just thought I'd throw that out there!

Have a great day!!

Twenty years later: A letter to my future self.

 Hi everyone! Recently, I was nominated to do a Twenty Years later, letter 

to myself. I was nominated by Quinley, and I thought, "What a great 

idea!"

Also, I just wanted to say, "Thanks Gauri, for the great idea! Writing a 

letter to my future self sounds really fun!

So, here it is:

Dear Elena,

I hope you haven't done anything stupid, recently. It's weird reading a letter 

from the future, right? Also, are you still dreaming of becoming an 

Author/Artist? 

Well, I have great news: You did it. Really. You did succeed, although had a few 

mistakes along the way, such as publishing a book with ten editions. 

(Whoops)

But you still persevered. And even though, I'm telling you this, Don't ever give up, 

or give second best. Always put your all in everything you do. And yes, you did

succeed in becoming an Author and an Artist, but that didn't mean you never

failed. I want you to know, that even if it sounds weird coming from yourself, you

still need to stand up, when you fall. And by the way, you can't stand up, if you

don't fall.

Sincerely, 

Me

I nominate: 

Annika Lorraine

Beth in Boots

Liberty

Meri Greenleaf 

& Damara

Hadassah Chp. 7

C H A P T E R   7—O L D   B A S E L 

The day went by and the weather was fairly good. In the morning, Hadassah sat by the oak tree and read her book, A Tale of Two Cities. She read until lunch and then learned how to use a grill. 

The day slipped passed and in the evening, Hadassah, Uncle Henry, and Aunt Albie sat on the porch steps watching the sun set. 

The stars hung in the sky and the sun slept among the clouds. Hadassah sat on her bed snuggled beneath the covers, just finishing up her book. When she read the last page, she flicked off the lamp and laid her head on her pillow. 

Hadassah woke up. She looked at the clock: 6:30 am

She rubbed her eyes. Is is time already? She jumped out of bed, and went downstairs. Aunt Albie was still in bed, so she tiptoed to the kitchen and buttered a biscuit from a few days ago. 

She combed her hair and got dressed and then waited for Uncle Henry.

“I wonder why he’s still sleeping.” She wondered aloud. Just then, Uncle Henry walked in from outside. 

“Oh, you’re awake. Time to get dirty!” He exclaimed. He sounded anxious to begin.

Hadassah shuddered, but then straightened up.

“I’m all ready.” She said, trying to sound confidant. But Uncle Henry lifted his eyebrow.

“Oh, no, you’re not.”

“What?”

“You can’t go feeding animals and cleaning stalls, dressed like that.” Hadassah looked confused. She was wearing an old dress.

“What do you mean, Uncle?”

“I mean, take these overalls, and get some boots. We’re here to get muddy, girl.”

Hadassah was dressed and headed outside. This is so humiliating. She thought. She never, ever wore overalls!   

“Here, can you get that for me?” Uncle Henry motioned his hand towards the tin bucket that sat in the corner. Hadassah picked it up sheepishly and handed it to him.

“Now, you can sit on that stool, and milk her.” Hadassah stared at Uncle Henry. Then at the cow.

“With what?” She asked, hoping for a good answer.

“With your hands child! What else can we milk a cow with?”

Hadassah inched her way to the stool and sat down. Uncle Henry motioned his head towards the cow.

“You better get milkin’. I’ll be back shortly.”

Hadassah nodded her head and began. This is the grossest thing I’ve ever done in my life. She kept milking Basel, when she heard a sound. It kind of sounded like mice. Then she saw a little tail peek from a hole in the wall. Hadassah screamed and fell backwards, having the bucket of milk spill all over her face.

“Ew, mice!” She sputtered, wiping the milk from her eyes. But just when she wanted to cry, three tabby kittens popped out from inside the hole. Hadassah’s face grew red.

“Kittens? I spilled a weeks worth of milk, for kittens?” She dropped her head in her hands and cried. I don’t know how to do anything right here!

She cried for awhile and then wiped her tears away. She decided she would try again.

She picked the stool back up, wiped her milk—covered face, and tried again. This time, no milk came.

“Basel, come on, you’ve got to have something left in there!” She kept trying and trying. But no milk came. It was all gone.

By that time, Uncle Henry walked in and saw Hadassah’s clothes covered in milk, and the bucket sitting there empty. He sighed and rubbed his beard.

“We’ll try again tomorrow. Now let’s feed the other animals.”

They fed the goats, and the sheep, and the cow and pigs. When they finished feeding and cleaning out their stalls, they took care of the ducks. The ducks had a little pond, all to themselves. They had just had babies, but they looked strange.

“Where’s the father?” Hadassah asked Uncle Henry. Uncle Henry shrugged and pointed his head towards the fence. Hadassah looked at the fence. Nothing was there. She just stood there silent for a moment while Uncle Henry showed her how to handle ducklings. Then, out of nowhere, a loud, GAUKKKK!! GAUKKKKKK!!! Hadassah screamed and nearly fell in the pond. A enormous white duck was trying to peck her and chase after her.

“That’s the father?!” She asked, sounding petrified. 

“Sure is. Rachel found him wandering on our farm, when he was a baby. That was loooooong ago. What we didn’t know however, was that Rachel wanted ducklings. Now, at that time, we had no male duck. So when Rachel found this strange looking duckling, she just figured she was in luck. It was supposed to be a surprise for us.” He began laughing and Hadassah laughed too. 

When they finished with the ducks, they headed inside and Hadassah took a nice, hot bath.

This is just what I need after a hard day’s work. She thought contently. 

Uncle Henry finished dressing and went to the kitchen where Aunt Albie was wiping the counter. He sat down at the little table and began chuckling again.

“My, what a child.” He muttered under his breath. Aunt Albie sat down next to him.

“When are you going to tell her? She’s been here more than a week,” she said looking him straight in the eye.

“Well, I don’t know Alberta. I really just don’t know. But I’m sure the Lord will reveal to me when it’s the right time.”

The Great Adventures Chp. 4

This may be the last time, I post a chapter for this story, for a few 

reasons, but it will still be available on amazon. 

C H A P T E R   F O U R

Charlotte had been taken into the house and was shown her room. It wasn’t at all what her old room was like. Her old room had silk bed blankets instead of a plain quilt. It had a huge window with its own window seat. Here, there was only one window, that was small and had a view of the horse pasture. Charlotte preferred the city. That night, she cried in her bed just thinking about it.

“Charlotte! Dinner time!” 

Charlotte groaned. She wasn’t hungry. And besides, she didn’t want to see that filthy farm boy. More like a farm animal. She thought.

But she inhaled a deep breath and decided to go downstairs and eat anyway. 

When she arrived, Henry was the seat right across from her. He stared her down until she stuck out her tongue, when Travis and Rachel weren’t looking. But Henry did it back, and did something that made Charlotte scream. 

“Mr. Thompson!”

“Yes, Charlotte, what’s wrong?”

“He just spit across the table! And it touched my food!” Charlotte cried. Her face was red and hot.

Henry burst out laughing. “Sorry, Pa. But I had to. It was just an empty opportunity.”

“Henry—” Travis sighed an annoyed sigh. “We do not spit on our guests food. Obviously, Charlotte is not going to want to eat it now, so what should we do?” He asked him.

“We make her eat it?”

Travis rubbed his forehead. “No. You’re going to have to eat it now.”

“But she’s already touched it!”

“Well, you’re just gonna have to trade.”

“I can’t.”

“Why is that?”

“I spit on my food too.”

Rachel looked at Travis. If they kept talking, it would never end. 

“Henry.” Rachel began. “Why did you spit on your own food?”

Henry grinned. “So no one would take it.”

It was bedtime. Rachel came up to Charlotte’s room to say goodnight. She apologized for Henry’s behavior.

Charlotte looked away. She knew Rachel might be sorry, but Henry never would.

Meet Tabitha

 

Hey everyone! Meet Tabitha Arielle Denver! (She's my birthday present)

Tabitha was very shy at first, but she's been warming up to me and our dogs. So, I've decided to share a few pictures of her, and also of our other pets.

Here are some of our other pets

B E C K Y

Best friends!

This was Becky's birthday 

GEMINI

CATILINA

SHELLABELLS

ANOTHER PHOTO OF GEMINI

Hadassah Chp. 6

C H A P T E R   6—A   L E T T E R

Hadassah went back into the house. The house seemed quiet without Rachel, now miles down the road. Hadassah went to sit at the table, when she noticed a paper lying across from her. She picked up the letter and examined it. It was addressed to her! She tore off the envelope and read the paper very carefully, making sure to read every word. 

These are the words that were written:

Dear Hadassah,

We know you’ve been here more than a week, however, we are having some problems here in Iowa. Financial problems. Your father and I have been temporarily arrested and cannot leave for a while. We know you are upset, but Harris has offered to watch you, if you want to leave. 

We love you,

—Mom & Dad  

Hadassah stared at the letter and a single tear fell from her eyes. She grasped the letter firmly and held it close to her heart. 

Why? Why did this happen?

She thought over and over. My parents are in………jail? “Why didn’t they tell me, they had problems?” Then Hadassah thought. Maybe that’s why I was sent away in the first place. I’m sure Uncle Henry knows. Hadassah dropped the letter and ran upstairs, crying.

Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie had came inside. Aunt Albie noticing the opened letter, rushed over to the table and picked it up. After reading it, she gave it to Uncle Henry.

“Oh, no, Henry. Poor child.” Aunt Albie’s eyes welled up with tears. Uncle Henry finished the letter and set it down. “What can we do?” Aunt Albie said in desperation. Uncle Henry sighed. “All we can do, is give that girl love. Our love is comforting, but only God’s love can truly heal a broken heart. I knew her heart wasn’t right, the moment I saw her. That child is lonely and needs Jesus, that’s all.” 

Two hours went by and Hadassah still laid on her bed, her face dry, but red. For the first time in years, she had missed her mother and father. 

Aunt Albie walked in here room, and sat down next to Hadassah. 

“We saw the letter dear. We know how you feel.” Aunt Albie was only trying to comfort her. Hadassah sat up. “But do you?” She said, wanting to bite the words right back into her mouth. 

“Yes dear. The same thing happened to me, when I was about ten or eleven. I was sent to live with my grandma. In two years, my parents were let out, and I could go home with them. But it was hard. I noticed police watching us from time to time. Kids from school teased me something awful. But one day, the spying stopped and the teasing stopped. Life was back to normal.” Aunt Albie put her arms around Hadassah. “You’ll get there child. You’ll find your place.”

The next day finally arrived and Hadassah decided she was going to let nothing stop her from enjoying her day. She went downstairs and Aunt Albie had just finished making the oatmeal. Hadassah sat down at the counter and Aunt Albie brought her a bowl.

Uncle Henry walked through the back door, all dirty, holding two buckets full of milk.

“Mornin’ girls.” He said setting the buckets on the table. “Got lots of milk today. Old Basel never fails us. She milks just as good as when she was young.” He went to sit down next to Hadassah when Aunt Albie shook her finger at him.

“You forgettin’ something?” She asked.

“Oh, right.”

Uncle Henry went to the sink and washed his hands. When he came back to the table, he cleared his throat.

“Hadassah. Have you ever milked a cow before?” He inquired folding his hands.

Hadassah stammered. “Uh…….no. I haven’t.” 

“You ever taken care of animals before?” He asked, hoping for a good answer. 

“Well, I’ve taken care of Chestnut. But you don’t have any horse…….do you.” She answered quietly. After a minute she said, “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to take care of your animals.”

Uncle Henry cleared his throat again.

“Well, I think it’s high time you do. Startin’ tomorrow at seven, I’m gonna take you along with me, when I feed the animals.”

Half of Hadassah was excited and ready to learn, but the other half didn’t feel like it.

Every day at seven? I’ve never even woke up that early before!

Uncle Henry pointed his finger at her. “Now don’t you sleep in, you hear?” He sounded commanding. Hadassah saluted him. “Yes, sir.”

The Great Adventure Chp. 3

   Ok, so before you read this, I just wanted to let you know, that it is NOT edited, so it might sound kind of weird.

C H A P T E R   T H R E E

Charlotte woke up. The rain had stopped. Charlotte rubbed her eyes. “Are we there yet?” She asked tiredly.

Aunt Maria nodded her head. “Yes, dear. In just a few moments, I’m going to have to leave you.”

Charlotte was solemn. She looked into her aunt’s eyes. “But Auntie—I don’t want to go.” Charlotte wiped her eyes. Tears were swelling up.

Aunt Maria sighed. “Don’t sob, Charlotte. It’s not right.”

“But Aunt Maria,” she began. “I don’t mean to. But the tears just won’t stay back.”

“I know, Charlotte. But you must be brave. And remember, they do have a daughter. And I’m sure she’ll be very nice.”

The two opened the car door and got out. It was indeed country. It was an old brown house surrounded by a ground of only dust and dirt. Nearby, was a few scattered weeds. It looked dry. 

As soon as Charlotte stepped out, she slipped and fell into a mud puddle. The puddle had been dried up, but Charlotte cracked the surface. Her fancy silk dress was ruined now.

“Ew! Auntie, my dress! Why, I hate it here already!”

“Charlotte, please calm yourself. It’s just mud. And we want to make a good first impression for the Thompsons.” She helped Charlotte up and wiped her dress with a towel. 

Charlotte was so angry. She wanted to go home.

Aunt Maria was about to walk towards the house, when a couple came out. That would have to be the girl’s father and mother.

They introduced themselves at once, not wanting to embarrass Charlotte by asking about her muddy dress.

The man went first. “Well, howdy there folks.” He said with a tip of his hat. He reached his arm out to Charlotte. 

She hesitated at first but then finally shook his hand.

“The name’s Travis. And what might be your name, little girl?”

Charlotte backed behind Aunt Maria. “Charlotte.” She said almost in a whisper.

Travis chuckled. “It’s okay, Charlotte. You don’t have to be afraid. I don’t bite.”

Charlotte slightly smiled. But only for a second.

Travis’ wife then introduced herself. “My name’s Rachel.” She said with a smile. Rachel looked kind.

Charlotte nodded her head to show she had heard. But finally, the part she had been most waiting for, arrived. She was to meet her new sister.

“Where’s my sister?” She first asked.

Rachel and Travis looked confused. “Sister?” They said together.

Travis chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll go get him.” He walked to the barn.

Did he just say what I think he said? “Him?” She wondered aloud. 

Rachel turned to her. “What did you say dear?”

“Oh, nothing.” 

Travis finally came back. “Can’t find him.” He said panting.

There it is again! Why does he keep saying ‘him’?

“Did you look in the horse pasture?” Rachel asked. 

“Actually, no. But I’ll call the child instead.”

This time, Charlotte was really getting nervous. Please, God, please. She kept praying. But her prayers were too late. Travis called her new sibling out.

“Henry! Get out here! Your sister’s here!”

Charlotte’s head fell in her hands. No, no! Not Henry!

But Charlotte quickly lifted her head when he ran over. 

By now, Aunt Maria was already gone. Now Charlotte had no one. Except her new family.

Travis broke the silence. “Henry, introduce yourself.”

Charlotte glared at him.

Henry looked behind her and then behind Travis. He looked confused. “Where is he?” He finally asked. 

Travis and Rachel exchanged glances. 

Henry looked behind Charlotte at the shiny black car. “Leapin’ lizards! It’s a horseless carriage!” Henry ran his hands along every inch of the car.

“Henry!” Rachel exclaimed. “Introduce yourself!”

“Well, where’s he at?” Now he was just ignoring her.

“Henry.” Travis motioned his head towards Charlotte. 

Henry lifted up one eyebrow. “He doesn’t look like a boy to me,” he crossed his arms.

Charlotte’s face turned red. “You silly boy! You don’t have a brother! You have me!”

Henry’s shoulder’s dropped. “What? Pa! You said I was getting a brother!”

“Look, Henry. It was all just a big mistake. Instead, you get a brand new sister.”

Henry scrunched up his nose. “She doesn’t look very brand—new.”

Charlotte stomped her foot. “Where’s my sister? Am I really stuck with that………..thing?”

Henry tried to hit her but Travis grabbed his arm.

“Look. You have each other. And that’s it. There’s no one else around here for miles. So you two are going to have to learn to get along. Understood?”

“Guess I’m just gonna have to leave for awhile.” Henry mumbled. 

Travis repeated himself, this time louder. “Understood?” He said.

“Understood.” Henry looked away when he talked. He looked upset. Great. Just Great. He thought sarcastically. Instead of a new brother, I get some fancy spoiled princess.

Hadassah Chp. 5

C H A P T E R   5—N E W S

Hadassah went outside and sat on a porch swing that hung from a tall oak tree behind the barn. She had discovered it earlier this morning and had made this her special place. She had a beautiful view of all the acres they owned and the mountains and valleys beyond them. Hadassah sat there thinking about her parents. 

Uncle Henry found her there, sitting all by herself. He walked over and stood next to the swing.

“This is my favorite place too. Do you mind if I join you?” He said sitting down.  Hadassah nodded her head saying no. 

Uncle Henry rubbed his beard and sighed. The two sat silently and gazed at the mountains. Finally, Uncle Henry spoke. “Hadassah. I’ve been thinking. Every year, about this time, me and Rachel take a camping trip off into the great unknown. We cook our own food, hunt for wild game, and in the evening roast them over a fire and tell stories. It’s great fun. However, this year Rachel’s going on a trip to Kentucky, to clean up trash and help rebuild barns and things that have been destroyed from that tornado, a few weeks back. She’s going to go with some other youth, so that leaves me with no partner.” 

Hadassah looked in his direction, wondering what he’d say next. Uncle Henry looked at Hadassah and after a moment of silence said, “I want to take you along, Hadassah.”

His words completely shocked her. 

She just stared into his eyes. “Me?” She asked, finally finding something to say.

Uncle Henry nodded his head and waited. 

“I—I’d be honored.” She said, not knowing if those were the right words to say. Uncle Henry noticed her astonishment. 

“You’ve never been camping, have you?” He questioned. Uncle Henry looked her straight in the eye, though already knowing the answer. Hadassah sighed.

“No.” She said quietly. “I don’t think my parents wanted me to go camping.”

Uncle Henry wore a serious look on his face.“Well, I think you ought to go on a camping trip, if that’s ok with you.” He sounded firm, but also anxious that she’d say yes. 

Hadassah again looked at him surprised at his seriousness. “I’d love to go.” She said at last.

 Uncle Henry smiled and gave her a hug. “That’s my girl.”

The camping trip had been decided, and was set for Thursday on April 15th. Hadassah looked forward to it all day, and at night she dreamed about what it might be like. Real fishing and hunting, sleeping in a tent, cooking food over a fire. Hadassah couldn’t wait. She seemed at home here with her Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. She felt like she had a place in their family. Even at her own home, she always felt as if she didn’t belong.

On March 30th, she had arrived here at the Walter’s farm, and only one day passed when Hadassah was told about the camping trip. It seemed much longer. 

Now, on April 10th, more than a week had gone by since arriving. Hadassah was now talking to Rachel on a fence post. She was saying goodbye.

“I’ve only just met you Rachel. I wish you didn’t have to go.” Hadassah said looking into the girl’s eyes. Rachel laughed like always, and made her feel special. 

“I’ll be back before you know it, Hadassah. You’re like a sister to me, I couldn’t be gone too long.” She flung back her golden hair and pushed it out of the way. “We still need to finish that water fight,” she said changing the subject. 

Hadassah smiled. “I’m glad you’re my cousin, Rachel.” Her eyes almost watered up, just thinking about a whole four weeks without Rachel. Rachel was like the sister Hadassah never had.

Hadassah pushed her long hair out of her face. She once again hugged Rachel. “Goodbye Rachel. Hurry back. I can’t do all the splashing myself.” The two walked hand in hand back to the road where a taxi was waiting. Uncle Henry carried her suitcase and set it in the trunk.

“Have fun darlin’. Don’t get yourself hurt, you hear me?” Uncle Henry said when the car window went down. 

“I’ll be fine Dad, don’t worry. You take care of Hadassah.” 

Uncle Henry tightly squeezed Rachel’s hand. “I will.”

           

The Great Adventures Chp. 2

C H A P T E R   T W O

Charlotte stared at the car window. The rain seemed to never end. She almost dozed off, when the taxi driver hit a bump. The car jerked backward and Aunt Maria quickly opened a bag to vomit in. She then tied it up and tossed it out the window.

“Oh, I don’t feel very well. I’m so knackered, I could run up a wall and then back down again!” She exclaimed. Her face looked green.

Charlotte once again gazed at the rain. She saw a slight rainbow peek above the Big Ben. She suddenly thought of a random thing.

“Auntie?”

“Yes, child?”

“Do you believe—” She tried to spot the rainbow again.

“What?”

“Do you believe, there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?” Charlotte felt silly saying it, being eleven years old.

Aunt Maria lifted her eyebrows in disgust. “Of course not! That’s just a bit of Irish rubbish! Where on earth did you hear that?” 

“Just from a book.” Charlotte said quietly.

Aunt Maria rubbed her forehead wearily. “Oh child,” she said. “Where do you get such strange stories?”

The car pulled into the driveway of a little house. Charlotte was confused. “Auntie?”

“Now, what?”

“Are we here? At the Thompsons?”

Aunt Maria chuckled. “Oh, no Charlotte. We’ve just stopped for lunch at Grandmother’s house.”

“Grandmama? Why, I haven’t seen her in ages!”

“Well now, is your chance.”

The taxi finally stopped and honked its horn. That meant to get out.

Aunt Maria held Charlotte’s hand and ran into the house. It was pouring rain.

The house was warm and cozy. Charlotte saw an old rocking chair sitting by the fireplace in the corner. She remembered it at once.

Grandmother suddenly surprised her by giving her a big hug. 

“Oh, Grandmama, you gave me a fright.” Charlotte exclaimed. 

Grandmother being very Irish, laughed at Charlotte’s remark. “I gave you a fright?”  

Charlotte frowned. “That’s what we say in England. Why don’t you say that? You live here, just a day away from us.”

Grandmother laughed. "Living in England, doesn't chase away my Irish accent.

Grandmother motioned for her to sit down. Grandmother sat on the rocker and picked up something that was laying on the mantel. It was a little purple box with silver lining. It was very fancy.

Grandmother opened the box and music played. It was Be Thou My Vision. 

Charlotte had never heard it before. She only knew little hymns.

Grandmother handed the box to Charlotte. “This is yours now. Take mighty care of it.” 

Charlotte smiled. “I will, Grandmama. I promise.” Charlotte then noticed something. Inside the music box, was a little bag that matched. She carefully looked inside. 

“It’s a neckless! Is this mine too?”

Grandmother placed her hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. “I suppose so. But let us stop this yacking and get something to eat. You two must get back on the road soon.”

The three ate a lovely meal of salad, chicken, and pasta. Charlotte was stuffed to the full. But just for the long ride, she slowly reached her arm across the table to get one last chicken arm. Aunt Maria slapped her hand.

“Charlotte, are you a pig? You shall have no more, today.”

“But Auntie—”

“Don’t you Auntie me! It’s impolite to reach across the table. Is that understood?”

Charlotte crossed her arms. “Yes.”

“Good. Now wash up for the ride. We’d get sued if we let the car get messy and dirty.”