Dedication
Dedicated to my three children who have inspired many stories. Dedicated to my grandmother, who came to me in a dream and encouraged me to write this story.
Finally Home
Copyright 2011 Elysabeth Eldering
Published by Elysabeth Eldering at Smashwords
Cover Design by H.C.Paye
http://hpayedesigns.yolasite.com
Contents
Chapter 7 – Getting to Know Emma
Chapter 1 – The Move
“I hate your job. I hate this car.” Kelly grumbled in the backseat of the family station wagon. “Why do we even have to go to some stinking town in South Carolina anyway?”
“Kelly, that is no way to talk to your father.” Mrs. Watson looked back at Kelly with a pleading look to apologize.
Kelly knew that look all too well, the one where her mother expected her to apologize for her rude behavior. Lately, things between her father and her had been strained. Kelly was growing up and daddy was losing his baby girl. Boys had entered the picture this year; but this move was different, in the middle of a school year.
Not only was Kelly the leading lady in the school play, but Kerwin, the guy she had a crush on, was the lead male character. She even encouraged Judy, her best friend since first grade, to try out, gaining a part in the chorus. Kelly hated moving when there was so much going on in her life. With this move, she wouldn't have a chance to find out if Kerwin really liked her. Not to mention all the preparing for high school and getting ready to start on a new adventure in her life. But no, her father's company, The Moore Agency, had transferred him to some Podunk town in South Carolina, too many miles away from her best friend.
Mr. Watson just laughed it off. “I know this was sudden and all for her, but it had to be done. She'll get over it”
“There is no reason for her rudeness, sudden move or not.”
“Yeah, it's kinda hard being a teen and having to leave friends and school stuff.” Kelly retorted as she crossed her arms over her chest and sank into the back seat of the station wagon.
Mrs. Watson viewed Kelly in the mirror, catching her hardened look. “Kelly, mind your manners and sit up, please.”
Kelly rolled her eyes, reluctantly sitting up properly as best she could in the cramped vehicle.
It was just like Kelly's mom, Agatha Watson, to correct Kelly in some way. Ms. Prim and Proper. Kelly loved her mom but sometimes felt she was more strict than other mothers. Kelly's dad was the opposite. Fun loving, always smiling and as good-looking as any girl could think her father was. To Kelly, Frank Watson could do no wrong, until now. He was the guy everyone spoke about so highly, like in the movies, “the boy next door,” clean-cut, tall, dark and handsome, and talented too. Frank was a songwriter and loved to cut CDs of songs he wrote about Kelly and Agatha, always professing their “witchy” ways.
Chapter 2 – The House
When Kelly got out of the car, the first thing to catch her eye was the house across the street. It was rundown yet regal looking, like someone important lived there. Kelly tried moving forward but her feet wouldn't move; she couldn't help but stare at the house, thinking, wondering.
Kelly felt possessed, not being able to take her eyes off the house. She glanced at the tall turrets feeling as if someone were watching her. The house. Kelly wanted to run up the wide porch and peek in the windows, but she was unmoving. She said a silent prayer that this house wouldn't be one her father's company put on the schedule to tear down. If it were, she was going to have to find out the history on the house and try to stop her father.
Kelly inherited her father's love for buildings, except hers was for the old, historical ones while her father's was constructing new ones.
“Kelly, you coming?” her father called out.
Kelly turned towards her father, blinking, trying to figure out why she hadn't moved. “In a second,” she said rather stiffly, trying to get her bearings.
Mr. Watson strode up beside Kelly, “What are you looking at now?”
“Nothing really. Just wondering if that's one of the houses you're tearing down.”
“Kelly, you know I won't know that until after the town meeting.” Mr. Watson placed his arm across Kelly's shoulders, hugging her slightly.
Kelly shrugged off her father's arm, turned and looked him directly in the eye, “Can't I sit in with you and listen?”
“I'll have to ask, but I seriously doubt it.” Mr. Watson turned toward the car. Unpacking and getting settled were the only thoughts he had.
“Why not?” Kelly moved toward the car behind her father. “I'm old enough to start attending the town meetings. Besides they can't say anything I've never heard before.” It's not like I've never head you talking to mom about business deals and what not. “Remember, Dad, you tear down buildings. I've recently discovered my ability to save some of those buildings. Some pretty cool, historical ones, if I do say so myself.” Kelly snapped at her father's back.
Mr. Watson pivoted and threw up his hands in despair. “Kelly, you know I can't help tearing down the buildings; it's my job, which I love. I admit I love old homes as much as you do but most of them are eyesores and don't belong any more. Towns all across the country are trying to modernize.”
“So, why can't I come to the town meeting with you? Just to listen, I promise. I won't make any comments at the meeting.” Maybe not at the meeting, but I'll have comments to say to someone if this house is one they are wanting to tear down.
“I told you I'd ask. Why can't you leave it at that?” Kelly's father walked toward the car. “You know most of the issues discussed are for the adults, not thirteen-year-old girls.”
“That's right, Dad, I'm still a kid, but I'm almost an adult. Even you have to admit I'm more mature for my age than most kids.” Kelly stomped after her father, brushing past him to unload the car.
I know only too well that you are not a child anymore but have to abide by the rules of the company and town. “I'll ask the mayor and town commissioner, but at this moment you need to come in so you can start setting up your room. I think you'll like this one.” Mr. Watson motioned toward the sidewalk. “It looks like someone is here to meet you.” Mr. Watson grabbed another box and headed towards the house.
Kelly looked in the direction her father had indicated and noticed the short, chunky, smiling-like-the-cat-who-ate-the-canary, redheaded girl standing on the sidewalk, hands jammed deep in her overall pockets, looking as if she were going to jump on Kelly. She looks like trouble if ever there was a case of such. I thought Judy was trouble, but unh unh, this girl has that beat. Speaking of Judy, I have to call her to let her know we are here.
“Hi there.” The girl walked towards Kelly extending her right hand. “I'm Emma Louise Cathcart. Friends call me Em. What's your name?”
Kelly looked at this intruder with disgust, definitely not the type of girl I'd have as a friend. “Kelly,” she replied like she was better than Emma.
“Kelly - nice name.”
Kelly shrugged.
“Saw you guys pull up and thought I'd welcome you to the neighborhood.” Emma stepped into Kelly's personal space.
Kelly moved back a few steps, not wanting to be crowded. “Do you greet everyone that moves here?” Kelly asked folding her arms across her chest, not wanting to take time to make new friends right now; she couldn't take her mind off the house behind her, the one she wanted to save.
“Not everyone who moves here has kids and most aren't worth greeting but you looked okay, so I figured I'd come over and meet you. Maybe you need a friend.”
“I don't need any friends right now.” Kelly moved toward the car so she could grab some boxes.
“Well, I've lived here all my life and hardly had any friends but know a lot about the town and people who live here. Can even get you some information about that house you been starin' a hole in.”
“I wasn't staring any hole in any old house.”
“Yeah you were.” Emma glanced at the house and back to Kelly. “I saw you looking mighty hard at that house. The McLane House.”
“I wasn't staring a hole in it. I was wondering about it. My dad is here to tear down some of the old rickety houses. I just had a feeling about that house and hope it's not one he has to tear down. It does look to be in good shape and shouldn't have to be torn down. If it's one of the ones scheduled to be torn down, I'm going to try to save it.”
“Save it?” Emma raised an eyebrow. “You really want to save that old spook house?”
“That's kind of what I do. My dad tears 'em down, and I help preserve the history and heritage of some of them. I find out everything I can about them and then prove to the town why they should keep the house.”
“Well there's lots of stories about the old McLane house. And I can help you find out everything you need to know if you need some help. Can even getcha inside if you want.”
“Get me inside?” Kelly turned and stared thoughtfully at the house again. That would be a great thing to do, get into the house, but I smell trouble and her name is Emma. Kelly turned and faced Emma again. “Are you kidding?”
Emma shook her head.
“I'd love to explore that old house. It's the first thing I saw and got chills down my spine when I laid eyes on it. I felt it pulling me.”
“Yeah, so we friends or not?”
“Okay, guess I could use a new friend.” Kelly and Emma shook hands. “Right now though, I need to go help my parents unload the car before I get in trouble.” Kelly sauntered toward the back of the car.
“When you're finished, just come next door and we can grab a bite to eat or something and I can start showing you around.”
“Your parents won't get upset if you just take off like that?”
“My dad's the mayor of this town and it being such a small place, he knows all my hangouts. He knows I can't go too far and even I have limits as to when I have to be home.”
“Okay, Em. I'll see you later.” Kelly stacked two boxes from the cargo space of the station wagon. She turned glancing at the house once more before heading up to her bedroom.
Chapter 3 – The View
Dad was right. This room is great and would you look at that - a view across the street. Kelly placed the boxes near the closet. Before she could unpack she needed to rearrange the furniture. Whoever set up the room didn't do a very good job at it. Of course, they didn't know I would need my bed by the window to see the view of the house. Ohmygod - I bet when there's a full moon out that house will be all lit up. Dang where is my calendar? I need to know when the next full moon is.
“Dad? Mom? Anyone seen my calendar?” Kelly bound down the stairs and entered the kitchen seeing her mother carefully unpacking the dishes.
“Kelly, you know you were responsible for all the items you needed immediately,” Mrs. Watson laid a plate on top of the stack. She continued removing paper-wrapped dishes and placing in the appropriate stacks.
Mr. Watson looked up from the corner where he was adjusting the table. “What's so important about your calendar when you haven't even unpacked all your boxes from the car yet?”
“Dad, do you know when the full moon is?”
Mr. Watson shook his head.
“I don't either. Mom, do you know when the next full moon is?”
Mrs. Watson stood there thinking. “No, Kelly. I know it should be soon. Why is the full moon so important right now?”
“Just had a thought about my room and the house across the street, wondering what the moon does to that old place. I really don't want to miss the full moon anyway, so I need my calendar.”
“It's probably still in a box that you haven't unloaded or unpacked yet,” Kelly's dad lifted a box from the floor to the counter.
“Yeah, okay. I'll go check again.” Kelly headed back out to the car to grab some more of her boxes. Standing by the car was Emma, tapping her foot like she had been waiting all day.
Kelly plastered a smile on her face, not really wanting to deal with this pesky girl. “Hey, Em.” Kelly sauntered toward the car, “Thought you went home for a while. I've not finished unpacking yet.”
“So, let me help you. We can talk while you unpack.” Emma turned toward the rear of the car and reached for a box.
Kelly popped her hand away. “Unh unh. Those are my personal things and I'm picky about people touching my stuff.”
Emma rubbed her hand, looking dejected “But, we're supposed to be friends, right?”
“We just met like fifteen minutes ago. You can come over when I've got my stuff arranged in my bedroom.” Kelly stacked a couple of boxes, “Right now, I have to find my calendar and I don't need any help unpacking my stuff.”
Emma took a couple of steps back.
“Don't you have something else to do besides bug new people moving in?”
Emma beamed, “Actually, no. Daddy's at work. My granny's in there taking a nap and doesn't care where am I. I just have to be back for supper.”
“So go do your chores or something and I'll come over and get you when I've finished unloading these boxes.” Kelly picked up the boxes she had stacked.
“Ain't got no chores. Well, got chores but mostly have them done before lunch. That's how boring this place is. Not much to do.” Emma jammed her hands into her pockets.
“Okay, Em. You can help carry the boxes in but you can't come in my room until I've unpacked. I've got to find my calendar first and foremost.” Kelly handed Emma a couple of boxes marked “living room.”
“What's so important about a calendar anyway? It's just a bunch of papers put together with a reminder of what day it is.”
“I need to know when the full moon is more than anything.”
“Aww, heck.” Emma shook her head. “Why didn't you just say so? Tonight. The full moon is tonight.” Em shuffled her feet on the gravel in the driveway.
“You keep track of the full moon?”
“Ain't got much else to do around here. Not many other kids in the neighborhood or hadn'tcha noticed?”
“All I've noticed is you were the only one out here to greet us. Figured you were the Noseybody of the Neighborhood and took it upon yourself to greet the new people in town.”
“Well, I just ain't got no one to play with or hang out with. So come on Kel…”
Kelly's face went ashen.
“I guess it's not okay to call you Kel?”
“No, I don't like it! My name is Kelly.” Kelly looked toward the sky. That girl is going to be the death of me; Lord, help me.
“Sorry. But anyway what I was going to say is that I ain't got nothing to do so let me help you unload your stuff so we can explore some before dinner. I promise I won't break nothin'.”
“Break anything” Kelly corrected, “and no, sorry, not gonna happen. I'm picky about my stuff. Maybe my mom and dad will let you help them until I get my room fixed up the way I want it.” Kelly and Em headed towards the kitchen, loaded down with a few more boxes from the car.
Mrs. Watson turned toward the noise as Kelly and Emma entered the house.
“Mom, this is Emma.” Kelly nodded in Emma's direction. “She's from next door and doesn't have anything to do. Is it okay if she helps you and Dad unpack some of these boxes?”
“Hi, Emma. Nice to meet you. Kelly, wouldn't it better if you let Emma help you so you can get to know each other better.” Mrs. Watson inquired.
Kelly rolled her eyes. “Mom, you know I'm picky. I don't even like you to touch my stuff, let alone a stranger. I'll go ask Dad. Maybe he can find something for her to do until I get my room fixed up.”
“Okay, dear. You do that.” Mrs. Watson turned to the sink, washing the dishes.
Kelly and Em went searching for Mr. Watson. They found him in the den, lost in thought at the piano.
Kelly cleared her throat. “Dad, this is Emma. The girl that came over to greet us earlier. She lives next door and came over to help.” Kelly motioned for Emma to step forward. “She wants to help but I don't have anything for her to do. Do you have something she could do?”
“Already making friends. That's great. I don't think I really have anything left here. I was just thinking of a song. I need to write something as it's been a long time since I've composed anything.”
Kelly shrugged. She knew once her father started thinking of a song, he was a goner; not giving his attention to anyone around him. She had to make her case before he was too far gone. “Come on, Dad. Surely you have some things that still need to be unpacked. You know I haven't unpacked my room yet and I don't like other people touching my stuff. Just let Emma help you with something until I get the room rearranged and some boxes unpacked and some things put in their proper place.”
Mr. Watson laughed. “That's the way it always with her, Emma. She thinks her things are too important or more important than anyone else's.” He glanced at Emma and back to Kelly. “I think you can be a little bit more friendly and let Emma help you.”
“No, Dad. I can't. If she can't help you unpack something, let her help you write a song.”
“Me? Write a song? No way. Girl, I ain't that smart.”
“Well, all you really have to do is go over there and sit by the piano and let him run some words by you and you see how they sound. He does all the work - writing the words down, composing the music and matching them on his papers.”
“Sounds like all I've got to do is sit there like a bump on a log.” Emma scowled.
“Well, it keeps him encouraged if you are listening to him. Just let him bounce things off you. Sometimes he wants an answer and sometimes the answer comes to him when he asks the question. Go on over there and sit next to him. You'll see. Easiest job you'll ever have.”
Emma walked over towards Mr. Watson and sat on the floor next to the piano.
“No, Emma. You have to sit on the bench next to him. He won't bite, I promise. Consider yourself a substitute for me, since I'm usually his inspiration.”
Emma sat next to Mr. Watson. He looked over at her and winked. He started tinkling away on the keys of the piano. Neither of them noticed when Kelly slipped out of the room.
Chapter 4 – Getting Started
Dern girl. Thought I'd never get rid of her. She's kind of pesky, like a gnat. I'm going to have to keep my eye on her. I smell trouble all the way with that one. Anyway, now that she is helping Dad or not helping, just not bugging me, I can get on with my room and unpacking. Kelly went to her room and placed the boxes on the floor right in the doorway, ensuring it would be difficult for anyone without making any noise or having to move something. The movers had set the whole room incorrectly. Now Kelly had to fix it. This was nothing new for Kelly. She had always had a particular way of making her room special. Kelly worked uninterrupted for an hour before having the bed and dresser back to where they should be and most of her clothing put up. She was unloading the last box when she heard footsteps coming down the hall. Emma was coming and was humming something unfamiliar.
“Don't come in yet, Emma.” Kelly didn't even turn to the door. “I've got a few more things to put up before you can enter the room.”
“Aw, come on Kel, err, Kelly. I won't touch anything. I'll just sit on the floor if you want me to.”
“No, I really need to unpack a few more things. You can take all those boxes in the hallway down to my dad so he can put them away. That way, by the time you get back I may have the rest of the stuff unpacked and set up.”
“Okay. I can do that and stay out of your way for a bit longer.”
Kelly placed the items on her bookcase in the exact order they were before the move. Kelly was pleased with her setup. Now, someone could come in the room and it wouldn't bother Kelly too much. She still had her reservations about Emma, but she knew sooner or later Emma would have to come in the room, so it might as well be now.
Emma entered the room and stopped. She looked around at all the knickknacks and where they had been placed and where Kelly's bed was. She shook her head in disbelief. “You know, if I didn't know better, it looks like you've got everything in its place.”
“Yep. I like order to my room and everything works in a certain area. Otherwise, it messes up my karma if it's not where it's supposed to be.”
“What about your bed being by the window, is that a karma thing too?”
“Actually, this window has the best view of the house across the street. What did you call it, the Mcsomething house?” Kelly lounged on the bed, looking out the window, staring at the house.
“McLane House.”
“That's right, McLane.”
Emma came over to the bed and looked out the window. Sure enough, the house was clear as a picture, and looking from the way the bed was arranged, Kelly could put her head on her pillow and have the best view of everything that went on across the street.
“See, I sleep with my head at this end so when I go to bed at night, I can see anything and everything that happens over there. You called it a spook house earlier. Does that mean it's haunted?” Kelly folded her hands behind her head and sighed.
Emma shrugged a tight “I don't know” shrug. She was at a loss for words. Emma had so many questions running through her head that she didn't know where to start.
“Em, you still here? You got quiet all of sudden and in the past few hours since meeting you, I don't really think you are a quiet person.”
Emma shrugged again. “I don't know what to tell you really. There are talks about the house. Different things. Some say it's haunted. Some say it could be the wind and just normal old house noises. Some say it was built on an old burial ground and that the spirits are disturbed.”
“What? You said you could get me in and would explore with me.”
“I know how to get you in and all but not sure how much exploring we can do. I know one thing, I'd only explore in the daytime. Never at night. You do, you go alone. Without me.”
“What? Are you scared?”
“Heck yeah, I'm scared. I don't want no ghosts haunting me for the rest of my life.”
“So, you really think there are ghosts over there?”
“I don't know for sure, but I know some nights that some weird things do happen over there and it ain't the wind, that's for sure.”
Kelly nodded and turned towards the window. I'm sure there is something going on over there but I'd bet my last dollar it weren't ghosts. Some other kids playing pranks maybe, but ghosts, naw.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Emma's voice intruded on Kelly's thoughts.
“Nothing really. Just wondering what you mean about the house.”
“Not much. I've heard a few things, seen some but nothing spectacular.”
Kelly laughed a hearty laugh, almost to the point of rolling on the floor. “That's okay, Emma. If anything happens over there, I can witness it from this room and I'll let you know. You probably have a back bedroom don't you?”
“How did you know?”
“Because you are being vague and wishy-washy about being over there. You won't tell me anything for sure, so I'm guessing you don't want to find out what's going on in the house.” Emma looked a bit dejected but let Kelly continue with her spiel, knowing that she was right in her assessment. “Besides, if you had experienced something you would have admitted it before I got in the house with the first load of boxes. So tell me, how long has the house been empty, since you've lived here all your life. That is something you should know, right?”
“Well, I'm almost fourteen and yeah, I've lived here all my life. Let's see…” Emma added up the years in her mind. “Ms. McLane was still alive when my parents moved here. They made sure she always had someone to talk to, mainly me.” Emma thought some more about how much she should tell Kelly, “Thinking. Let's see, maybe she kicked the bucket just a few years ago. Maybe about three years or so.”
“Maybe longer.”
“Why do you say maybe longer?”
“From the condition of the front of the house and the fact that it may be a target for my dad's company, means it may have been empty for quite some time.”
Kelly turned towards the window again and gave the house one last assessing look. “Come on, I bet it's getting close to dinner time. Don't want you to get in trouble for not being home by dinner time.” Kelly and Emma walked towards the door. Kelly turned off the light, making sure her little wall light came on.
Chapter 5 – The Challenge
Emma had to think about this. She knew what was in the house but couldn't let on to Kelly. It would ruin everything if she told anyone. She would just have to keep on pretending not knowing anything, although it was harder than anyone could imagine. Especially Emma. Not wanting to be called a chicken or being called stupid, she would just have to do as Old Lady McLane had wished. Well, fine, Ms. Kelly ladeda, if you want to go in the house, I'll go in with you. I'll prove to ya I ain't scared of nothing. The only person who should be scared is you. I know what's behind closed doors. I've seen lots of the secrets in that old house.
Kelly and Emma met Kelly's parents in the kitchen. Mrs. Watson was in a dilemma about dinner since she had not had a chance to go to the grocery store. Mr. Watson was just coming in from the den.
“Um, Kelly. I forgot - what's your last name? I can't be rude to your parents when I address 'em.”
Kelly laughed. “Silly, you never did ask for my last name, so I never told you. It's Watson.”
“So are you girls getting along?” Mrs. Watson asked.
“Yes ma'am. We've been talking about that house across the street. Emma says no one has lived there for about three or more years. I told her the house has been emptier longer than three years since the paint is definitely almost nonexistent and there are a lot of repairs needed.”
“Now hold on a minute, Kelly. No exploring. You know that's not acceptable right now. Let me do my job and when I have a chance to look at the houses, I'll let you know.”
“Okay.” Kelly looked at Emma willing her not to mention exploring the house.
“That's my girl.” Mr. Watson turned his attention to Emma, “Where's the grocery store so we can go stock up the refrigerator?”
“Well, sir, Mr. Watson, sir. I think my dad said we were going out to dinner, so guess you can go to the store afterwards.”
“Aggie, do you remember what the plans were for us tonight?”
“No, Frank. You didn't mention going out, so I just figured we needed to prepare our meals like we normally do. I still need to get to the store, regardless if we eat out or not. We can't not have any food in the house all weekend.”
“We'll probably go to Anderson to eat and there are plenty of stores there, even a Walmart Supercenter.”
“Yes, that's a wonderful idea. I need to get a few basic items. We can do all that in the same spot. So what time will your father be home and what time are we supposed to leave?” Mrs. Watson placed the last glass in the cupboard.
“Hum, what time is it now?”
Mr. Watson glanced at his watch, “It's almost five-thirty. Wow, it's almost five-thirty. The day has flown by.”
“Oh boy. Daddy should have already been home. I better go check.” Emma moved towards the back door.
Mrs. Watson turned back from the sink. “Well, dear. I don't think he's home yet because I've been in this area most of the day unpacking and no one has come or gone from your house. I have a pretty clear view of your house.”
“Usually Granny sleeps most of the day and just lets me run around the yard and area, as long as I'm home before Daddy gets there, she don't care.”
Mrs. Watson rolled her eyes heavenward, thinking that this was going to be a tough situation. She would have to work on Emma's grammar as well as Kelly's now. Not that she minded.
“I'll just run over there and check. I'll see how long before we head out to dinner.”
Emma headed out the back door and ran through the bushes, cutting through a worn pathway.
Mrs. Watson wondered how many times that trail had been used by Emma and however many other children in the neighborhood, not that she had seen any others.
Mr. Watson came up behind Mrs. Watson and gently squeezed her in an affectionate embrace.
“Dad, do you guys have to do that here?” Kelly groaned while rolling her eyes. “I think I'm going to go back up to my room until Emma comes back.”
“Uh huh. You do that, Kelly.” Mr. Watson gave Mrs. Watson a gentle nibble on her earlobe.
“No need to; Emma is back.” Mrs. Watson gently nudged her husband as Emma opened the door.
“My dad forgot to tell Granny about going out but I called his office and he said he would be home in about half an hour if you can wait that long for dinner.”
“It's okay, Em. We can wait that long. Come on let's go to the den until then.” Kelly turned to leave the kitchen.
“The den? Like where your dad makes up songs?”
“Sure. It's the family room, not just his special place. Besides, looks like my mom and dad need some time to themselves.”
Emma sat down at the piano and ran her fingers lightly over the keys. “Hey, Kel… oops, sorry, Kelly. Do you play the piano like your dad does?”
“Heavens, no. I've always enjoyed watching him and listening to him but I didn't pick up that talent. My talent is being nosy. Okay not nosy but I like to save things, rescue them from the brink of death and bring them back to life. I love history and learning about things and trying to keep the memories alive. Like old houses. Those are fun to find out historical stuff about. I just know how to dig and get the right questions out there. Daddy says one of these days I'm either going to make my living as a writer of mysteries or an investigative reporter. But who knows? I guess when I'm ready to do something, I'll know for sure.”
“So how many houses have you 'saved'?”
“Well the last town we lived in, I got two houses marked on the National Registry for Historical Buildings. It was a lot of work but so worth it. My mom was very proud of me. I took initiative and came up with several solutions on my own. Daddy's company couldn't tear down the houses once they were on the list. So, just those two. But I'm hoping for my third one now”
“A third one? Here? Oh, you mean the old McLane House. What if it isn't marked to be torn down, you still going to save it?”
“Well, I'll find out the history and figure out if it needs to go on the Registry or not and go from there. But I can tell there is definitely something special about that house and if it isn't ready for the list, it will be by time I get through.”
Emma sat there running her fingers over the piano keys, thinking, wondering what great thing she could do with herself. Kelly listened. The notes were familiar, yet something totally new and uncharted. Was this the song Daddy was playing this afternoon? Kelly had to know. “Em, what's that you are playing?”
Emma stopped playing the piano and looked at Kelly. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don't really know the name of it. I think it is something your dad was playing this afternoon.”
“Did you just play something he was writing?”
“I guess so. When I was sitting here with him while you were working on fixing your room. I just watched and listened. Let's see - it was something like this…” Emma's hands flew over the keys like a master pianist.
Mr. and Mrs. Watson stood in the doorway listening to the girls.
Mr. Watson gave Agatha a look of disbelief. He whispered to her that it was the song he had written not too long ago and had played for Emma earlier in the day. “Emma, that was very well done. How long have you been playing the piano?”
Both Emma and Kelly looked up to see Kelly's parents in the doorway. Kelly was surprised and Emma seemed very shocked that she had actually played something she had only heard for the first time today. “Mr. Watson, honestly I've never played anything musical before. Wasn't that the song you wrote and played earlier today?”
“Yes, it was. And you've never played piano before? Wow, that is amazing. You remembered a song I'm in the process of writing.”
“I didn't mean to do it. It just happened really. Kelly and I were talking here and I was just sitting here minding my own business and all of sudden my fingers were running across the piano keys and music was coming out.”
“Sounds like a prodigy to me.” Mrs. Watson chimed in.
Kelly couldn't believe it. Now she would be outed by a new girl. Emma would now get all the attention, since she played a song on the piano. Her parents were that way, always finding a way to pick the person who was newer or better at something than Kelly, especially someone who could just come in and play a piano without a lesson in their life. The way to Frank Watson's heart was to play his songs from memory.
“Mr. Watson, was that right? What you played this afternoon was something new right?”
“Yes, Emma. I wrote it a few weeks ago and I was fine tuning it this afternoon. Working out the kinks so to speak. I wrote that song about Kelly. And I've not even had a chance to record it or play it for her yet.”
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin your surprise. Kelly, please understand. I've never done anything like that before.”
“It's okay, Em. You have your talent and I have mine. Daddy writes songs for me all the time. I'm honored that you picked up on it so quickly. It sounded perfect to me. Now all Daddy has to do is record the words and sing them to me. He knows how to get me with his songs.”
Emma scooted off the piano bench. “I think my dad is home now. Going to go change clothes really quickly and see where we are heading to. I know we won't all fit in one car. Gonna ask if it's okay to ride with ya'll. I guess I should see if it's okay with ya'll first.” Emma laughed at her own guffaw.
“Emma, yes, it is fine with us if you ride with us. We will just follow your parents. That way after dinner, we can stop by Wal-Mart and pick up some groceries and the other things needed for the house.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Watson. I'll be back in a few minutes.” Emma practically skipped through the house.
“Well, that is definitely one special young lady. Don't you think so, Kelly?”
Kelly shrugged her shoulders. “Hum. Yeah, I guess so. She's special. But I'm more special, right, Daddy?”
“Kelly, why would you ask something like that. You are always special. You are Daddy's little girl. Would I write songs about you if you weren't special?”
Kelly hugged her father and then turned to go get ready for dinner.
“Frank, why do you do that to her? She knows you love it if you find a child who will play an instrument for you or will sit and listen to you play. You don't have to make her feel bad about it.”
“Aggie, she sits and listens to me. She's one of my biggest fans, but, hon, really when you meet a child who can just play your songs after hearing them one time, that is definitely special. That's all I was saying, really.”
“Yes, but you made Kelly feel bad about not having any of your musical talent.”
“I did?”
“You do it all the time. The minute you find a child who is a potential friend of hers who can play an instrument, you make them a “special” person to you.”
“I do not. Kelly is the only special girl in my life.” Mr. Watson looked at the floor.
“I think we should get ready to go to dinner now. Emma will be bounding in the door if we don't get there first.” Mrs. Watson turned to leave the living room.
“Yes. She does have a bundle of energy and just doesn't realize how fast she comes through.”
Mrs. Watson stood at the bottom of the stairs, “Kelly, you ready? We need to get the lead out.”
“Coming, Mom. I just wanted to brush my hair and fix up a few things.”
“Kelly, come on before Emma comes back.” Mr. Watson reached for Agatha's hand and walked toward the kitchen, locking the front door along the way.
Kelly almost ran her parents over coming down the steps. Both Frank and Agatha gave Kelly the stern, “no running in the house rule” look.
“Sorry, I know. No running in the house, especially on the stairs. Might bust my head wide open and then you'd have to tote me to the hospital.”
“I wouldn't tote you to the hospital,” her mother said.
“You wouldn't? That is so mean.”
“Well, your mother may not take you, but I would think about it. Probably would have to call 911 since I don't know where the hospital is.”
“Yeah, well you both are just mean. By time you called 911, I could be dead. If Mama lets me bleed to death, then no sense in calling 911. Okay, I get it now - no more running in the house. I promise.”
Kelly, Frank and Agatha reached the kitchen door just as Emma cut through the bushes. Frank flipped on the porch lights and gathered his keys and had the family moved outside before Emma could reach the bottom step.
“So, does this mean ya'll are ready to go? I hope so, 'cause I'm very hungry. What with all that working and playing on the piano and stuff I did today.
Mr. Cathcart came around the side of the house and shook Mr. Watson's hand. “Glad to have you and your family here. Hope Emma hasn't been too much of a pest today.”
“No, not at all. She helped me finish a song I'd been writing. She helped Kelly here in her room some and not sure what else she did but she wasn't a pest at all. By the way, did you know your daughter could play the piano?”
“My Emma play the piano? No, I didn't know that. She's never had lessons nor any musical training. Must get some of it from her mother's side of the family.”
“Really. Honestly though, I think you have a little musical prodigy there. She sat down after listening to me play my song one full time and played it. Not many people can sit down after just hearing a song once and play like they've heard it all their life.”
Mr. Cathcart looked over at Emma and smiled. Emma's face lit up like a Christmas tree. Everyone around could see Emma was happy. Of course having your father acknowledge you in a special way didn't hurt either.
Emma's grandmother sat in the front seat of the Cathcarts' old Caddy staring out into space, oblivious to the people and surroundings.
Emma, Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. Watson climbed into the station wagon and waited for the Cathcarts to pull out so they could follow them to the restaurant. Kelly stared at the house as they drove off. There was something that just kept nagging her about the house. Would she get inside and find the secrets?