~Chapter 9~ The Second Piece Connects And A Picture Forms.

   Chester's son, Jack, was always an uppity fellow. That is, he always has been as long as I've know him. Chester adopted him when Jack was five. He could afford to, of course. My brother definitely made the fortune that he wanted as a kid. By creating a computer game, no less. So five years ago, Jack became part of our family. From what Chester has told me, Jack Matthew Pfleegor's parent's died only a year previously, in a car accident. The father died immediately, but the mother died a week later in the hospital of incurable injuries. I don't know much more than that. Except- I froze in mid-thought and stride. 

   Jack's name, the one he had before, was Jack Matthew Carson! What did it mean? The answer wasn't  long in coming. 

   Sebastian had joined the boys upstairs, but now we could hear them stomping their way down the steps. A few seconds later the stampede of boys raced to the kitchen, shoving their way through us ladies. The adults naturally split into two groups, the men and the women. The women's group was now divided right in the middle. I was knocked into by two of the four boys. It took both Savannah and Hazel to keep me from falling onto Kenna, who was running behind me to meet the boys at the kitchen. 

   "Hey, hey!!" Said Heidi. The youngest of the brood didn't understand what she was talking about. They were just following the older kids. But when they tried to say so, the protests died unspoken, because her eyes lit in that fierce motherly way that it does when their child has said the very wrong thing. They all nodded, the twins because the others were doing it, and turned back to their excited chatter and monstrous eating. When Jack Matthew turned his back to me, I nearly choked on my coffee. The back of his shirt said something to me that if I hadn't had my dream, it would have been nothing more then a logo on a t-shirt. But I did have the dream, and it did mean more that a t-shirt logo. Jack Matthew's shirt said: I'm the one you're looking for. 

   The next few hours passed like a breeze. As the night began to wind down I couldn't help but bump into walls when I was going to the kitchen and Jack Matthew was passing me. I'd catch myself staring at him, and once I spilled my coffee as I jumped off the couch when he would ask me a question. I guess he thought I was a freaked-out lady, and the thought of staying with me for the next six months suddenly was less than appealing. Actually, he didn't think that at all. He was thinking up ways to take this opportunity for himself. That's how ten-year-old boys are I guess. Nobody noticed me in my trance until later that night when Heidi came from tucking her kids into bed. She gave me a glass of wine she just poured and we talked like old times. She was about to say something more when my twin sisters came into the room. Then, just like childhood, they dominated the conversation. They talked of my B&B, of their lives, of stuff. They asked me about my life and I answered that my life so far has been circling around my dream. I explained my dream to them. I explained Matthew Carson. I explained all of it and when I was finished, everyone was silent. 

    Heidi broke the silence by asking, "So is that why you've been in another world tonight?"   

   "Did I seriously look that way?" I asked, hoping the answer wasn't what I knew it was.              

   "Yeah, pretty much," replied Destiny. I turned the conversation back to it's original heading,   

   "Anyway, yes, that is why I have been out of this world, but that isn't all." That's when I explained about Jack Matthew. Again, when I was done, there was an eery silence. 

   "Wow," was all I could get out of them. 
   It was later that night (very much later) when Jack Matthew came downstairs to where I was on the couch thinking. As soon I heard footsteps I checked the time on the clock that hung over the fireplace. Just now I had put a little more wood into it to keep it from going out. As I turned my head to look at the clock I heard Jack say he couldn't sleep. I looked at him and asked him comfortingly, "Why?"       

   "I had a bad dream," he said with a little quiver in his voice. I patted the cushion next to me, and he came over and sat down. I put my arm around him and said, "Tell your Aunt Avé all about it."   

   "I dreamt about the night when Mom and Dad died. We were coming back from watching a movie at the movie theaters and as dad drove through a yellow light a big truck ran into us. Then I'm in a graveyard and I see two gravestones. On one it said my dad's name and on the other it says my mom's name," I felt sorry for him. He was so young when his parent's died. Come to think of it I didn't know how he could remember so much.       

   "You know what I think," I said. He shook his head. "I think that your mom and dad are up in heaven right now looking down on you and I think that they sent Chester to look after you." 

   "But my mom and dad are in the ground. I saw them go in."

   "Did your parents love God?" He nodded his head, "Then they are in heaven. Because if you love God when you die, your spirit goes to heaven."

   "What's a spirit?"

   "A spirit is what is in your body. A body is only flesh and bones and if we didn't have spirits we would only be flesh and bones. A spirit is the part of us that you can't see but you know it's there, because if I didn't have spirit, I would not love you as much as I do now," I gave him a hug. "What were your mom and dad's names?"

   "My dad's was Matthew and my mom's was Marie." In the light of the soft glowing lamb, I could see a wet sparkle in his eyes.

   "You know what time it is?" I asked,

    "No,"

   "It's 2:49 in the morning," I felt his hand, it was shaking. "But I don't think you need to go to bed just yet," I held him in absolute silence. Only the crackle of the fire was heard. After a little while Jack Matthew said sleepily,

   "Could you sing 'hush little baby' to me? My mom always used to, but Dad's not a good singer,"

   "Of course I will," so, I sang. 
    When I got to the part about the diamond ring he said, "You have a pretty voice," his own voice sounded like he was half asleep.

   "Thank-you," I said, then continued. 

~Chapter 8~ All Gathering Under One Roof

Even at seventeen, Hazel still gets excited to the point of just before she jumps off walls at the sound of the doorbell on Christmas Eve. Practically jumping down the stairs, her voice carried a jerky tone when she called out, "I'll get it!"
   She opened the door to alight her gaze on the faces of Savannah and her boyfriend, Timothy Blancherd. As I came out from the living room into the hallway, that at one end bore the door and to the other were the stairs, I greeted my sister warmly. 
   "Hi Tim!" I said as I shook his hand.
   "Well, hello! I'm so glad you invited me."
  "Absolutely, no problem. Were so glad you could join us!" As Hazel greeted them with hugs all around, I glanced around for Shiloh. She was nowhere to be seen. I politely excused myself and headed up the staircase to check if she was in one of the rooms. And, just as I suspected she was tidying up an already tidied room. I let her know the guests were arriving and when I did so she straightened up from bending to fix the covers of the bed, and rushed down the stairs. But not before informing me that I had some changing to do. As she skipped downstairs I looked down at myself. I was still dressed in the sweatshirt and slacks I put on this morning. I hurried to my own bedroom, which was up another flight of stairs and at the end of the hall, and pulled off my more comfortable clothes and replaced them for slightly less comfortable clothes that I laid out that morning. Since tomorrow was Christmas Eve, I picked a sparkling green long-sleeved shirt that fit my torso nicely, and a slender, black, boot-cut pant that fit wonderfully over my red three-inch high boots. As I pulled the boots on my eyes glazed over my jewelry box. My favorite necklace lay hidden in the far corner of it. I stood up and pulled it out, taking care not to entangle the others.
   The clip-clip-clip of my heels were deafening in the quiet room as I walked out of my bedroom. I went down the hall to the bathroom and shut the door behind me. At the sight of my reflection, I nearly let out an involuntary cry. After countless times of unconsciously brushing the hair out of my face, I created what looked like a birds nest. I combed it until the front swept gracefully over the side of my face, like it was supposed to. I was in a hurry to return downstairs so I just put some make-up on, the lipstain, mascara and eyeshadow. I picked up my necklace that I had set on the sink counter when I came into the bathroom, then clasped the band around my neck and judged the appearance in the mirror. I liked what I saw. I saw a women who's determination lead her this far. I gazed at my eyes, a blue-green-grey shade, framed with black glasses. I gazed at my necklace, black beads that sparkled with crystals weaved in. I gazed at myself, a woman who God blessed with the love of many. And that many were about to be disappointed if I didn't show up soon, I told myself. With one last look toward the mirror, I opened the bathroom door and walked out. Clip-clip-clip could be heard all the way.
   The party was in full swing when I stepped off the last stair. Gay Christmas music could be heard amidst the people's chatter. Along with Savannah and Timothy, Destiny was in the party, as well as her sons. I turned my head toward the general direction of the kitchen, just in time to see Jack give Xavier a piece of chocolate. I would've have found that funny, except for they were hiding behind the island in such a way, so that I could see them, but their mother couldn't. I started to walk toward the Knorell boys, but was stopped by Savannah.
   "We were wondering where you ran off to." She stepped back to bring my full body into view. "Getting dolled up I see." I smiled at her. At that moment our cousin Heidi Rodriques came into the living room with her husband, Juliano. Each of them were carrying gifts and Hazel stepped past to show them where they could set the packages, which seemed obvious to me. All the gifts were under the tree, and nobody could not see the Christmas Tree. As I looked for them, Sebastian and Kenna both crashed into my legs and pushed me back a few steps causing me to fall onto the couch. It became a cheerful embrace, all three of us laughing.
   "Hey! I thought I was the favorite aunt!" My niece and nephew turned guiltily to see Savannah looming over them with a supposedly stern face. I knew better. I also knew that the twins were easily fooled, and that Savannah should've been a little less serious when she joked around with people. Especially when they're only five.
   I gave Savannah the 'They're five' look.
   "I'm just kidding! Get over here!" The twins ran to her with smiling faces. I pushed myself off the couch, and, the boys totally forgotten, made my way to the Christmas Tree where Heidi was hugging another of my sisters.
   "You staying overnight?" I heard Shiloh say. Since both Savannah and the Rodriqueses lived a good two hours away, we made our party extended, and Christmas Eve. That way they wouldn't have to drive four hours total that day.
   "Yeah, actually! We weren't going to, but the twins begged and begged. So we let then have their way."
   "And I'm glad you did!" I put in. "Those boys need someone to keep them in line."
   "And Kenna will do just that." Heidi said. Just then Sebastian came through and said, "Jack and Zaver got in trouble." Poor boy, I thought. He can't pronounce his own cousin's name. I turned to see Destiny grabbing both her boys at the forearms and taking them into the hall.
   "They weren't supposed to eat any sweets until after supper." Hazel explained.
   "Really? It's hardly past lunch." Timothy declared. Hazel shrugged.
   "That's what she told me. Now, who want's a drink? We have hot chocolate, juice and water for the kids. And beer, wine and..." She continued naming drinks, but I wasn't listening. 

   I heard the door open and went from the living room to investigate.  As I entered the hall, Jack nearly ran me over in his headlong rush to join his cousins in mischief. When he caught sight of Jack and Xavier, he stopped short, skidding a few inches. He looked from them, to his aunt Destiny, then back again, an unspoken massage clear. Xavier looked at his mother.
   "Can we go play?"
   With the pleading look from both her boys and from her nephew, she couldn't say anything else.
   "I suppose so. But-" She couldn't go further. All three were already clambering up the staircase, yelling all the way.
   "I can never get him entertained for more then two seconds at home," came a familiar voice from behind the two of us. "I'm so glad you agreed to this. This big house has more than enough nooks and crannies to get himself into." I turned to see Chester Pfleegor, carrying many gift bags and a big wrapped box, shut the door with his foot. He scowled at it. 
    "He never shuts any of the doors he opens."
   "So I've noticed," said Destiny, bringing her sweater closer around her. I grabbed a few of the bags my brother was carrying and gestured with filled arms into the living room. Not a crumb could fit under the Christmas Tree, with all the wrapped goodies under it, so I put the bags between it and the fireplace and told Chester to follow suit. After arranging the bags in a more or less orderly fashion, I straightened. When I looked around myself, I saw Chester already in deep conversation with the other two men.
   But for the first time since the party started, I noticed Destiny's husband, Josh, wasn't here. When I asked her about it, she just replied that he had work business.
   "On Christmas?!" I couldn't think of anything more wrong. She nodded, but didn't say anything more. And I didn't press her. What could be worse than not having your family with you on Christmas? That was the reason we were hosting this party, wasn't it? I shook my head and realized that Destiny had walked on to the snack bar. Oh well, I thought. But I could not think of anything to even think to myself to lighten the moment. Luckily, the kids fixed that problem.

~Chapter 7~ A Confusing Start To The Holiday

   My troubled dreams kept me from sleeping well that cold, lonely, December night. Sweat wet my sheets. My hair lay wild on the pillow. My brow furrowed with fear and worry. I could not break my unconscious mind into reality. In disturbed sleep I traveled a garden of which the like is to nothing I have ever known or will ever know. Out of nothing, a man dressed in a white shirt and black pants,  appeared suddenly, and stood beside my frightened self. He said to me, "You are needed to save a precious soul. A soul, that if not saved, will be corrupted and will destroy other's faith." Well, this got me confused. I was supposed to save a soul. Who was I needed by? It was too much to take in. And I said so. He laughed when I explained my thoughts. "You have great faith and will do many things."  I took a deep breath. I knew I couldn't do it. I didn't have a drop of self confidence. 

   "I can't have that responsibility. It's just to much." The man nodded. 

   "Maybe you will change your mind when you see who I mean." With a wave of his hand I was transported back to the Bed & Breakfast living room. I looked around, and when my eyes caught sight of the kitchen, I gasped. Sitting next to the island was Matthew Carson. And, her back turned to me, was me! When, beside me, the man started speaking, I jumped. I was alone a minute ago, besides my other self and the Matthew Carson.

   "I'm sorry to frighten you. As you can probably see we are watching time go by again." He gestured toward the other two, who were totally oblivious of us in the room. 

   "Can't they see us, or hear us even?" I asked the man who wouldn't give me his name. All I knew from recent discussion was that he was my guardian, whatever that meant. 

   "No," he said simply. "Matthew Carson is in desperate need of your help." He looked from Matthew Carson to me, then back again. There was one question that bothered me, "What injured his faith so badly?"

   My 'guardian' pointed the Matthew Carson. "That's for him to tell you."                         

~Chapter 6~ The First Piece To The Puzzle

   "Welcome! Make yourself comfortable while I go prepare a room, Mister uh-" 

   "Oh! Carson. Matthew Carson."

   "Well, then. I will be down shortly." It's been a week since the party we hosted, and life in a B&B was starting to roll. On this brisk December morning, just after Hazel and Shiloh went off to buy decorations for Christmas and a few groceries, a man in a suit came saying he needed a room for a night. He wasn't a happy man, of that I could be sure. His face looked as if he used to smile, but now that smile was wiped from his face. I knew somehow that deep inside this man would need something kind, something warm to reach inside and pull out the person that used to smile. I started by smiling and hoped that his deep crevices weren't too deep. 

   When I showed him to his room I went back downstairs to make myself some tea and continue reading the novel that I had just started when Mr. Carson knocked at the door. I just finished chapter seven when Matthew Carson came downstairs wearing a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. Had he not been so stern I would have thought him handsome. His dark hair had been brushed out of its sleek look when he came in, and whether I knew it or not he was likable man. 

   He sat down on a stool by the island and just sat there. He didn't say anything, much to my confusion. I would've expected that my visitors would want to explore the house. Duh, Avé! He's probably wanting something, I said to myself. You are the hostess, after all. I got up and went to refill my mug of blueberry tea. 

   "What kind of tea is that?" Mr. Carson asked me. 

   "Blueberry. Probably not the smartest for the season, but it is my favorite." He nodded an excepting nod. I nearly forgot my job, "Do you need anything? Coffee, or something?"

   "Coffee, if it's not a bother."

   "Not at all. How do you take it?"

   "A cinnamon stick, if you have it. If not then two sugars." As I handed him the mug I remembered what I didn't do. I felt so stupid, let alone what I suspected that he thought of me. "I totally forgot! My name is Avé, by the way." I gave him a apologizing look. "Avé Pfleegor." 

   "Hmmm, Avé," After a few times, him saying my name got suspicious. Then he got louder. I felt a sudden chill down my back, and it took the second chill to realize the December breeze was sneaking in. 

   "Avé! We're home!" I woke up with a start. I looked around to see Hazel walking into the kitchen with an armful of groceries. I rubbed my eyes from their dreariness. I got up from my sunken spot on the couch. 

   "What is there to bring in?" 

   "Plenty." 

  I made my way out to the car and what awaited my attention were bags and bags of Christmas decorations mingling with groceries. I pulled out several wreathes and much garland. 

   We started decorating the Bed & Breakfast when the Lamborghini was relieved of it's load. The job was completed soon after starting, and when we stepped back I was filled with a love of Jesus, I was reminded of Him as a child. The pine tree sat in the ling room corner, next to the electric fireplace, under which sat the nativity scene. Babe Jesus, wrapped in His clay swaddling, lay in the manger, Virgin Mary and Joseph praying thanks over Him. 

   I smiled. Not much could break this season. In a matter of weeks we were hosting a grand Christmas party. I always cherished the get together, almost as much as the holiday itself. I found my memory wandering to the time the family would come together and celebrate under my grandmother's roof. On my thirteenth Christmas we started a tradition. The Secret Santa was always the best part of gift giving, and we started that tradition among the kids, myself included. But, seeing how much fun it was, the adults were quick to arrange themselves in the very next year. The memory never ceased to make me smile.

   But that night, my dream while laying on the couch troubled me. For one thing, why did I fall asleep? I don't even remember feeling tired. The harder I thought about it I remembered sitting down with my book and drowsily reading. But what did a dream that seemed so real mean? I had no idea. No matter, I thought. It was just a dream. Had I known what surprises I would get that night and the days to come, I would not have thought such a thing.

~Chapter 5~ A Party To Celebrate

   As I walked out into the chilly November air, I dug out of my purse not only my cell but also the keys to the new house. I stared at them a second, then I mentally kicked myself. Duh! I stepped out from the awning and was pelted by freezing rain. I laughed at myself. Back under the awning I called Shiloh with my cell. When I heard the ring the Lamborghini pulled up. I snapped my phone shut with a frown. What is wrong with me today? Surely, I would've seen the car in this small lot. I shook my head, attempting to clear it. Keys, rain, and car? Oh well, just focus for the remainder of the day, Avé. I  hopped in the back seat and Hazel said, "Hello, Stranger!"
   "Hello, sister of mine," I answered. As Hazel drove out of the parking lot, I reached out and jingled the keys between their heads.

   "Haha! Very funny. Now hand them over." Shiloh reached out to snatch them but I moved them out of her reach. 

   "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Where are thy manners today, young child?"  I think my smile was a little wicked. To Hazel I said, "Head for the bed and breakfast, please."

   "Yes, boss."

   When we got to the newly bought building, the freezing rain transformed to snow. We didn't skip up the steps, but it was close. The keys were in Hazels hands, much to her glee. She opened the door. My enchanted-ness only lasted a moment.

   "Welcome home girls." I walked in, but they stayed where they were. I clapped my hands together loudly making them both jump. "Enough sightseeing. Let's get to work." 

  While I went to the car to get my painting clothes, Shiloh and Hazel started covering what furniture there was with old sheets. I shook the snow off my coat when I got back inside. While I changed, the paints were brought in and set in the rooms where they were going to be used. Shiloh set to  work on the bathrooms, Hazel in the living room, and me in the kitchen. The next few days flew by in a whirl of scraping, painting, cleaning, more painting,  fixing, and rearranging. The next week was spent shopping. Those days did not fly by, much as I would've liked them to. Searching for furniture, decor, and appliances takes time and patience. I was more than glad when it was done. Done. Our Avé Maria Bed & Breakfast was ready for the public. And the decoupage sign I made declared where we were. To celebrate, Hazel declared we party. That is, have a party. Shiloh created an event on the internet and I called anyone who couldn't be found on the world wide web. So on December fifteenth, we were in a bustle. We moved into the house so we didn't waste precious money on rent and gas. We woke earlier than usual, probably from the excitement bouncing inside us. Because none of us could sit down for long, Shiloh tidied the house house, while Hazel worked in the kitchen preparing snacks. When I went into the living room to check it over, Hazel screamed at me, "Avé! Where on God's green earth did you put the cream cheese?!" 

   "Fridge door, second shelf up." I answered calmly. I had to suppress a giggle. She was obviously in need of something. Be it the cream cheese, or help, I wasn't sure, until I looked in her direction. 

   "Whoa!" Shiloh saw what I saw. The counters were covered with baking supplies, sandwich ingredients, and popcorn kernels. "What happened here?" I said, as Hazel looked about herself. 

   "Um, it just happened I guess." She said with a shrug. 

   "Quite the answer for a girl your age. C'mon Shiloh, we've got work to do." I got the dish washer running while Shiloh put all the unused supplies away. Before long we were dancing to the radio, baking, making, and preparing. When the doorbell rang, Hazel and Shiloh both jumped, given they weren't used to the DING-DONG! yet. The guests arrived one after the other. Mom and Dad wouldn't have missed this for the world, neither would've anybody else we invite for that matter. My parents were the biggest supporters along with our grandmother, Mimi. None of this would have been possible without them. I looked around myself. Everyone had arrived who was coming: my parents, Gia and her husband Ken came, much to my glee. One of my sisters, Savannah, arrived with Mom and Dad.  Another of my sisters (Savannah's twin), Destiny, came with her two sons and her husband, Josh.  I hoped some others would come, but most had been kept up from work or such. When everyone was introduced, we set the party under way. The kids went straight toward the kitchen where the snacks sat on the island. 

   Shiloh led the adults to the living room, and when we sat down conversation was underway. Five minutes is how long it takes to get my dad to talk about beekeeping. Josh got him in three. From what I eavesdropped (yes, I tend to eavesdrop) my brother-in-law was looking into beekeeping and Destiny had voiced so when Dad asked about their lives. Gia was bragging over my hairstyle, saying she knew my taste and what would suit me best. I had to give it to her, it gave me many, many comments. 

   My sisters, every one of them, loved it. Shorter cuts don't work well with their hair types. The twins' type is so frilly, curly, and puffy all in one. Destiny always said that if she had her hair cut, it would puff up into an Afro. But enough on hair. Everybody's was anxious to explore the house. Destiny's sons, Jack, who was the oldest, and Xavier, the youngest, ran up the steps with scary speed when Hazel declared we tour the house. When they got to the top they crashed open the nearest door. 

   "Boys! Please tell me you didn't break anything!" Josh yelled as we walked up the steps. "I don't want to have to pay your aunts for it!" A gasp rang from two throats, making their mother assume the worst. When we got into the room there was a collective gasp of all the throats except three. The first of four bathrooms had a red theme. Two walls were painted the color, the wall to the right of the door was back-splashed and the wall opposite of he door was covered in decorative marble, in this case the tile and marbles were on the same color palette as red. We walked out of there and toured the rest of the upstairs. 

   All the bedrooms were conformable looking and stylish. Walking back downstairs were toured the Den. The den was my favorite part of the entire house. It was designed to be a getaway for those who need a serious break. Dark blue walls, dark green trim, and black curtains were the theme. A water decoration dripped water into a bowl like music. The lights in the ceiling were adjustable to whatever lighting fits the mood. When our party walked in we had it on a low setting, giving the entire room a dark, calming touch. And to finish it off, healing music played from a stereo display. 

   Crossing the entryway we went back into the kitchen and living room. I call the space the Living Area, considering that the kitchen was part of the living room. Hazel did an excellent job on painting the walls in the living room side a mocha brown, and with the lighter brown furniture it was a good looking room, in my opinion. The kitchen side had a darker coffee brown, matching cabinets, and a backsplash of mosaic tiles. I chose the colors black, orange and red, to give the space some spice. Hazel said it was hot, whereas Shiloh doesn't really enjoy the "sassy lava" touches to the kitchen. And the wood flooring throughout the house makes the cleaning easy. 

   The party lasted until the evening hours. We got so many comments that I didn't remember any of them, save one. As Destiny, Josh and the boys were heading out the door, Destiny stops and said: "Oh! I almost forgot! Chester called me to say that he forgot your number." I smirked, "Just like him," I thought. 

   "What did he want me for?"

   "He wanted to know if it would be alright if he stayed a couple of extra months when he comes down for Christmas." I choked on my coffee I just had to sip at that moment. "A couple of extra months?!" Then I thought about it. Thinking about it after I said it reminded me of a long list of quotes that said that same thing, "Think before you speak." When I thought about it I figured it wasn't a bad idea. I needed somebody to finish  the repairs anyway. So I said, "Why don't you give him my number again and we can finalize the plans." With a quick 'will do,' and goodbyes all around, she left, leaving us with a mess to clean up in the morning. I could only imagine what her house was like, with having three boys in the house. 

  I smiled at myself, Josh was just as excited to explore the house as the boys were. Mom was in love with the living room, as was Destiny. Gia's favorite part, she said, was the den, (I never stop marveling at how we are so much alike). And the men were all interested with the entire place, but didn't say much over, "I like what you did with the place." Savannah and the boys, Jack and Xavier, loved the kitchen. Savannah, for the looks, and the boys for the food. 

   As I started to clean up, Shiloh stopped me and said, "You should really be in bed. I'll take care of this." I started to protest, saying that I was in no hurry to hit the sack, but after being up since dawn and  spending the entire time of the party with the boys, (I wanted to give Destiny a break, and in doing so I exhausted myself with trying to entertain them). I stopped picking up the dishes and headed for the stairs.

   

~Chapter 4~ Style? Check!

   They skip up the steps like rambunctious teens. Keys jingling in Hazel's hands, she slips the house key into the keyhole. They just stand there, door open, as if they're waiting for something to happen. A moments silence breaks by ear-puncturing screams. 

   A chuckle escapes my throat, setting Gia into yet another series of questions. "What's so funny?" asks she. I take a moment to shove the picture of my screeching sisters out of my head the say to her, "I was just thinking how my sisters will react when they open the door of the building." 

   "So you finally bought one," I turned my head to look, pushed my head back to face the mirror. Not that it would matter if I sat before a mirror or not, since I can hardly see without my glasses. 

   "So what's it like?" The way she said it was like how a BFF would ask about a boyfriend. I knew how she liked detailed answered to her questions so I stated simply, "Big, brown, and boring." She scowled. She paused her snipping and turned my chair and looked me in the eye.

   "Don't play with me Avé Lorine Pfleegor," said Gia in mock seriousness, pausing between each part of my full name. She spun the chair around and stopped it with a sudden jerk. My head bounced to the side and some of my unfinished hair covered my face. 

   "So," Gia said as if she didn't try to unseat me. "What's it really like?" So I told her how I loved not only the fact that my dream was coming true, but also because of its' charm. It wasn't only 'big, brown, and boring.' In fact it wasn't boring at all. Two willows weeped out front, another two on either side of the S shaped driveway. Beyond those trees is the house itself. A three story building wrapped by a veranda that opened up into a gazebo-like structure on one corner. I knew when I first saw it, it was the one for us. 

   "Ok, just about done," said Gia under her breath. She snipped a few more strands. I noticed that the top the my hair was getting dangerously short. "That's it!" I put my glasses on as she took the cover off me. The elegant hairstyle was a very short cut on back with bangs sliding over my right side. 

   "Awesome! What do I owe you?"

   "Check it out with Electra."

   

~Chapter 3~ Preparing For A Change

   The next morning there was a wet and gloomy dawn, at least on the outside of our apartment. Inside the walls, activity roused early. I was eating my breakfast while watching my sisters get ready for the day.  Hazel was in our only bathroom "freshening up." But we all know, that given the chance, seventeen year-old girls will spend hours in the bathroom. Shiloh bustled about trying to find her other  sneaker. "At least she is getting herself prepared for work," I thought to myself, "Whereas Hazel has been in the bathroom for long enough." I spooned the last of my cereal into my mouth and headed for the bathroom. I knocked on the locked door. "Who is it?" asked Hazel. I let out an exasperated sigh. "The doughnut man! Who else could it be?" The name brought old memories of watching the show when me and my brother and sisters would watch it when we were oh, so little, to when Chester, Destiny, and Savannah took part in a radio show with one of the Doughnut Man's songs as the theme song. But my memories were cut short as I heard a soft click of the lock and the door opening. "Do you really need to come in here?" she asked, annoyed. 

   "Um, who is going to the hair salon, you or me?" She rolled her eyes. I liked to pester her a bit, so I continued, "That's right! I am! So what's the doing up for if you're only going to tidy the house?" 

   "I was done anyway," she said. She stepped out of the bathroom and I stepped in. I smiled to myself, because that's how sissies are. They pick on you, then smile. 

   

   When we got to the salon, Hazel took my place in the driver's seat as I got out. The girls were quiet about their intentions for their morning. I was sure they were thinking about how they would put to use this time, this time to themselves, without me. 

   "Bye,"  I said sweetly. Their faces betrayed their joy to be rid of me. "Bye!" And they were gone. I sighed. Then brightened. I had a date with Gia, and that was always a cause to be happy. I walked into the shop and was greeted by a black-haired woman. 

   "Avé! So good to see you!"

   "Same here, Electra!" I was a favorite costumer, or so I'm told. 

   "Here for your third yearly? Or need a new style?" Her eyes sparkled, giving justice to her name. I knew she was thinking the same word I was about to say, yet I said them anyway. "I think you know," 

   "Yes I do. A short cut with an elegant short style it is then!" I never said what hairstyle I wanted, so every time I come in to donate my hair they pick for me. That started after I'd been here several times and saying the same things, "Short cut." "Any style you want?" "You pick." Apparently today I was getting the 'elegant short style.' I sat down in one of their plushy arm chairs that sat in the corner, and waited for my favorite stylist.

~Chapter 2~ Chaos Outside, Peace Inside

   When we first met Mr. Prestan I knew I liked him. For a man in his fifties, he was quick on his feet. I learned that when we toured our first house. Even though I was on the short side, he was taller than the average man.  He judged some doors before walking under them. I had to stifle a giggle a few times. He had certain humor about the him. He reminded me of my  brother, really. Mr. Prestan had a small mustache and beard, and a bald head. And today when we walked in he greeted us with a kindness that can't often be found these days. 

   "Please take a seat." said Mr. Prestan, after warm handshakes. "I understand you decided on another house?" He said, in more of question than a statement. 

   "Yes," I said. "Actually, I like this one better than the last one."

   "Oh, really?" 

   "Yeah, I agree. Hazel and I like this one better also," declared Shiloh, "With all the room and bathrooms."

   "Hmhmm." Mr. Prestan said. "Well, let's get down to business. Shall we?" He got the papers out of his desk drawer. We spent the next half-hour in his office discussing price and ownership. I don't think I followed all of it. I was dreaming/worrying. Dreaming, because this is my dream, naturally. Worrying, because our last pick didn't turn out so well. Mr. Prestan let us in the building the second time, after our appointment was set for the Realtors and we were ready to buy. Shiloh and Hazel were upstairs, deciding what color the walls should be and how furniture should be rearranged. It came with the furnishings, so their problem was that- "We need to give it our essence, our touch." I just nodded my head. I was downstairs waiting for them. It was their idea to go there. I took another tour myself of the downstairs rooms. When you walk in  the house, you enter a little hallway. On either side is a room, a fireplace in each. The one on the right side has a kitchen with it, making the one on the left side look bigger. I just turned a corner when Mr. Prestan hung up from his cellphone. He looked nervous as he smoothed out his beard. 

   "What?" I asked. He jumped as he turned to  look at me. "Oh! You startled me. Um, that was the office." 

   "What about?"

   "They called to say that another family bought the house we're standing in." That hit me. I told my sisters and we left the house. But the house we were in the office for today was a far better choice. 

   "Thank you very much," said Shiloh, as we stood up to go. "You've been a great help."

   "I should think so, no one else would've tolerated you girls." Girls? I thought. I have nieces that age. Shiloh and I walked out to the car after a nod goodbye from the attendant. 

   "Oh my gosh," I whispered. My dream was coming true. "Shiloh, you're driving."

   "Yeah, after nearly missing that turn, better for me to drive." I was sure that I, being my dreamy self at the moment, didn't want an accident. But I only let Shiloh drive when it's absolutely needed. Let's just say that she didn't have much talent when it came to cars. She was fine enough for the short drive back to the apartment my sisters and I share. So with her at the wheel, I dared to gaze out the window and watched the drops of water land on the glass, while thanking God for his blessings.

   Back at the apartment I sacked into a kitchen chair. It was a simple place that could be called home for a short time. With just two bedrooms we didn't actually have luxury. The walls were an interesting shade of blue, with one small, green bathroom, and a decent-sized, red kitchen. All the excitement of the day left me feeling worn. I checked the stove clock. Shiloh and Hazel will want their food ready when they get home. The word "home" sent my happiness gauge out of control. I jumped up, my energy back and did a little dance around the table.  I changed into a T-shirt and jeans, then started supper. "I should have urged Shiloh to stay here while I picked up Hazel," I thought, while I fried the burger for spaghetti. Oh well, she wouldn't let me drive anyway. I seldom let her. Outside the weather changed from a shower to a relentless storm. The rain hit against the windows, lightening flashed, and thunder roared. When I set the table, I started to worry. They should have been back half-an-hour ago. As I watched for them I saw a soft light penetrate the pelting rain. I prayed my relief. Opening the door, the top of my T-shirt was soaked in seconds. By the time my sisters were safe in the house I was soaked head to toe. We changed, served our plates, and sat at the table for some lively conversation, regarding our day.

   

~Chapter 1~ To The Office

   Driving down the highway, I had a million thoughts swimming in my head. Out of all my worries, wonders, and random TV channels, one thought kept surfacing from the pool of mind troublers, "What if I'm not ready and ruin the whole business?" If age counted in as the answer I would have been fine. I wanted this Bed & Breakfast ever since I was an early teen. That was nearly sixteen years ago, but even with my thirty years on me, I still wondered if I had what it took to manage it. 

   At least I had my sisters to help. Shiloh and Hazel wanted to join me in my quest for business managing, and they have been very encouraging, as well as many of my relatives and friends. I wouldn't have made this far without them, and 'this far' is driving in my Lamborghini Gallaro Nera, with my sister, to the realtors'. I tried not to think about it though. Every time I did I got dizzy with anticipation. Not good while driving.            

   After looking at the endless list of houses capable of Inn life, the one we're about to purchase was our favorite. With my picks, like the wrap-around porch, tower, and large room for our living room, I loved it. Shiloh's reason for the house matched mine, except a childhood favorite, spiral staircase. The spiral staircase was one we had to do without though. And Hazel, well, let's just say she has plans. Party plans. Yes, our witty, baby of the family is all grown up, enough to host a grand-opening party when we're settled. I remembered the time when I would change her diapers, rock her to sleep, and play Hide-and-Seek. I didn't say much about those times around others. Hazel hated it. She was so excited to host a party that she passed this chance to the Realtors' Office. Instead she was getting decorations and sending out invitations. If Shiloh was tempted to help her she didn't show it. She was babbling at the moment of a series we were watching, of all things. I had a hard time following every sentence. I was too worried or I was dreaming. And there was also that long list of to-do's, ever growing: painting, repairing, rearranging, more painting, unpacking, some more painti-

   "Avé!" Shiloh called while pointing, "Right!" I followed her finger and found she was showing me the exit. I turned the steering wheel. You were dazing again, I scolded myself, You should learn to not do that while driving. I brushed a strand of my dark honey-colored hair out of my face. I didn't have time to change out of my old clothing after visiting my parents. Their small farmette is one to see. Their Nubian goat had kids in late March and they are now seven months old. The chickens are flourishing. We had a Chesapeake Bay Retriever when I was an older girl. Coffee died a few years ago, but Mom and Dad got another puppy last year. Mom's Great Dane, Peony, pounces on me every time I come around to help out. I never understand why they need me, they never seem to actually need help. I end up sitting in the living room chatting. It occurs to me that they really miss having their kids around the house. I enjoy seeing them whenever I get the chance. 

   We finally pulled into the parking lot. We stepped out into the cool, October air. I looked up. The sky looked even more gloomy than when we got into the car. Shiloh opened the door with a beep that rang out  when one opened the door. I stepped into the bathroom to change into suitable clothes, while Shiloh signed the appointment papers. I came out of the bathroom wearing black pants, a cream blouse, and a denim jacket. Even with my hair tied into a ponytail, it still reached my lower back. I looked at the clerk Shiloh just handed the papers to. She reminded me of a raven, with beady eyes that look at you in the most piercing of ways, a beak-like nose, and a thin mouth. We waited for about ten minutes when Miss Raven's only full sentence to us reminded me of what the clerk in the movie "Despicable Me" might say; "Mr. Prestan will see you now."

Title

A Winter Wonder For The Avé Maria

By Avé Pfleegor

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