Beep! Beep! Sophie had almost forgotten about her coffee until then. She hurried to the microwave. She took it out, grabbing the spoon from the counter. She put a packet of Splenda and some creamer in it and then went back to the living room to continue practicing.
She was practicing the part where Aurora is celebrating her sixteenth birthday. She wanted to make sure she had it flawless for the next time they practiced together.
She took a few sips of her coffee and then she turned the music back on. She was just half way into the dance when the doorbell rang. She rushed to answer it and was greeted by Olivia. "Hey! What are you doing here?" Sophie exclaimed. "Oh I was just in the neighborhood" Olivia replied. "Uh yeah, you live next door. Come in!" Sophie said, shutting and locking the door behind her. Olivia glanced down at Sophie's feet, clad in pointe shoes. "I just love your feet! I'd kill for feet like that!" Olivia gushed. "Thank you" Sophie replied, practically blushing. "I've just been practicing a little" Sophie informed her as she sat down and started to remove her pointe shoes. "On a Friday night?" Olivia remarked. "Well my parents are out of town, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to be alone to practice" Sophie explained. "Where did they go?" Olivia questioned. "Lake Anna, it's their wedding anniversary" Sophie told her. "Oh how romantic!" Olivia exclaimed with a sentimental expression. "So what brings you here?" Sophie asked, as she put her pointe shoes away in her dance bag. "Well I'm just gonna go ahead and say it. I told my mom that I was going to sleep over at your house tonight but really I'm going to meet this guy" Olivia explained at a rapid pace. Sophie let her words linger for a moment. "Why me? And why can't your mom know you're meeting a guy?" Sophie inquired. "My mom loves you! She trusts you, she thinks you're responsible. But the reason I don't want her to know about this guy is because she might not approve, plus it's more fun this way" Olivia replied. "Why wouldn't she approve?" Sophie asked, feeling somewhat tense. "Never mind why, it's not important. Just please do this for me, you're one of the few people I can trust Soph" Olivia said, trying her best to sway her. "How could you even do that? Your parents live right next door" Sophie reminded her. "Easy! I sneak out of your parents' bedroom window, seeing as it's on the other side, and they'll never be the wiser" Olivia explained. "Well what if your mom calls?" Sophie asked. "Tell her I'm in the bathroom" Olivia replied. "Oh of course! Because that always works" Sophie quipped. "That's why I brought this" Olivia said as she pulled her tape recorder out of the overnight bag. "A tape recorder?" Sophie remarked as Olivia handed it to her. "When my mom calls just turn it on" Olivia told her. She turned it on. "Hi Mom! We're watching a movie, can I call you back?" She turned it to the next one. "It's the movie with the guy from the doctors show" She turned it again. "Yeah that one" She turned it off. "What? Do you work for the CIA or something?" Sophie remarked. "Only on weekends" Olivia quipped, brushing her hair with her hand. "There should be about fifteen to seventeen different recordings on it, you should probably listen to them all before you have to use it" Olivia suggested. "Gotcha!" Sophie said. "So you'll do it?" Olivia inquired, with a pleading expression. "Oh, alright I'll do" Sophie replied, unwillingly. "Thank you so much! I owe you big time" Olivia exclaimed, hugging Sophie. "I'll remember that" Sophie said with a grin.
Sophie walked over to pick up her coffee, taking a sip. It was already cold. "So who is this mystery guy? Anyone I know?" Sophie questioned with raised eyebrows. "Now what would be the fun in telling you that" Olivia teased. "Okay, you can have your little secret, but I'll find out sooner or later" Sophie told her. "Maybe you will, maybe you won't" Olivia remarked. "You wanna put your stuff in my room while I go heat my coffee?" Sophie asked. "Sure, thanks! But why coffee this late?" Olivia questioned. Sophie peered up at the clock on the wall. 9:49PM. "Appetite suppress-it. Plus we don't have to get up early for practice for once, so I won't have to worry that it's gonna keep me up" Sophie remarked. Olivia picked up her bags and made her way up the stairs, while Sophie sauntered into the kitchen to heat her coffee.
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Two hours had pasted when they finally saw Olivia's parents' lights turn off. They passed the time by watching some movie about this girl who witnessed a murder and to avoid the wrath of the demented killer she moved to Tennessee where she fell in love with a man from the local church who turned out to be the killer's nephew. It was quite tragic.
"Liv!"Sophie exclaimed as she nudged Olivia. "What?" Olivia asked, slightly startled. "I think they're asleep, their lights went out" Sophie told her. Olivia turned the TV off, and went to peer out the window. "You're right! Looks like it's show time"Olivia quipped. Olivia pranced over to Sophie's full-length mirror, fixing her hair and make-up. "I should be back by three, if I'm not just give me, but don't panic" Olivia said. "Okay I won't" Sophie assured her.
They walked over to Sophie's parents' bedroom. Olivia unlocked the window and pushed it up. "Wait, when did you put that ladder there?" Sophie inquired. "Before I rang your doorbell" Olivia replied. "How did you even know I'd say yes?" Sophie asked, as she crossed her arms. "I didn't, but I hoped you would" Olivia said, smirking. Olivia placed one leg on the second rung of the ladder and then confidently swung the other over. "Live!" Sophie said. "Yeah Soph?" Olivia replied. "Be careful" Sophie warned her. "You worry too much, you know that?" Olivia remarked. Sophie just rolled her eyes. "I'll call you when I'm back so you can open the window, so keep your phone volume up" Olivia informed her. "Sure thing!" Sophie shot back. Olivia climbed down the ladder, waved to Sophie, and was gone.
Sophie pulled the window down and locked it. She walked back to her room, picking up a book before she plopped down on her bed. She was only a chapter in when the phone rang. She sat her book and reached for the tape recorder. "Hello" Sophie said in her cheery telephone voice. "Hi Sophie, it's um, me, Carson" Sophie was a little stunned, she didn't know what to say. They hadn't talked since that night at the studio. "Oh" was all she could manage to say. "I just wanted to clear the air, and say I'm really sorry for how I acted toward you, you're my best and most trustworthy friend, and I don't want to let anything change that" Carson said. "I'm really glad you called, and everything that happened that night, history" Sophie replied. "That's so good to hear" Carson exclaimed. Silence. "So, did you give up the role of lilac fairy?" Sophie asked in an effort to keep the conversation going. "Well actually Natalie backed off" Carson informed her. "You're kidding! Why?" Sophie exclaimed in shock. "She just came up to me after class the other night and said that she didn't want the role of the lilac fairy anymore and she wasn't going to tell anyone. She was acting really strange, almost anxious" Carson told her. "Well at least she backed off" Sophie said. "I know! I was so relieved. It just makes it even more clear to me how important it is that Lars and I remain a secret" Carson remarked. "Definitely! Hey can I ask you something?" Sophie asked. "Of course!" Carson exclaimed. "Do you think Dean has been acting strange lately?" Sophie questioned. "Strange how?" Carson asked. Sophie stood up and started pacing. "I don't know, just strange" Sophie replied. "You like him don't you!" Carson said in her all knowing voice. "No! It's just the other night at dance Meredith and Cassie said he had said he was going to practice with me before class but I didn't even see him until during class" Sophie explained. "Maybe he just decided not to practice" Carson suggested. "Then why didn't anyone see him?" Sophie pondered, toying with her necklace. "Maybe he was hiding a dead body" Carson teased. They laughed. "Hey my phone is going low battery, can I call you later?" Carson asked. "Sure, talk to you later" Sophie said as she hung up the phone. She picked her book up and started where she had left off.
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8:19AM. Sophie had just woken up. She stretched her arms out in front of her, and then she picked up her phone. Two missed calls. Mom at 11:38PM ans again at 11:40PM. She pulled back the covers and placed her feet on the floor. She made her way downstairs, and that's when she remember. Olivia. She rushed up the stairs and into her parents' room. The window was closed and locked, the ladder still there. No signs of Olivia to be found. She hurried to her room and grabbed her phone. She frantically started dialing Olivia's number. Seven calls. No answer. She looked at the clock. 8:36AM. Olivia had said not to panic, but this was beyond the panic stage. Her phone rang. "Hello" she answered, trying her best to remain calm, or at least sound like it. "Hi Sophie! It's Mrs.Nora!" Sophie wished she was anywhere else but there, talking to anyone else but her, preferably Olivia. "Is Olivia up yet? I wanted to see if she could help me with the younger classes today seeing as June called in sick" Mrs.Nora explained in her friendly voice. "I'm sorry but she can't come to the phone right now" Sophie said. "Is she asleep? I never can get Olivia up when I need her to" Mrs.Nora said with a wholehearted laugh. "Um, no, that's not it" Sophie replied, her voice cracking. "Then why can't she?" Mrs.Nora inquired. Sophie took a deep breath. "I don't know where she is Mrs.Nora".
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 5
"I know what I saw Mrs.Emma! I'm not crazy!". It was the next day and Sophie was just as shook up. "Now Sophie I never said you were crazy, I just said that I never saw any writing on the mirrors and I was the last person in the studio" Mrs.Emma replied. "Then why was the door open?" Sophie questioned."Maybe I was in the back getting a costume" Mrs.Emma said. "If that's true then why didn't you hear me?" Sophie asked. "I can't ever hear anyone when I'm in that back room" Mrs.Emma said. Sophie pushed her hair off of her face, clearly bewildered. "Sophie, have you been feeling overwhelmed or anything?" Mrs.Emma inquired. "What? No! I'm fine, really!" Sophie assured her "Well, good." Mrs.Emma replied. Sophie nodded at Mrs.Emma and slowly walked out of the office.
She glanced around the lobby, gathering her hair into a ponytail and letting it gently fall. Then she turned back to go to the student room to change and was startled by Olivia. "A little jumpy, aren't we" Olivia quipped. Sophie caught her breath. "Haven't you heard?" Sophie asked her. "About what?" Olivia questioned. "Last night. I was in the studio looking for my cellphone. When I found it the lights went out and someone knocked my phone out of my hands and then the lights switched back on, and on the mirror it said" Sophie explained. "Something like 'Can you keep a secret Sophie?" Olivia quipped. Sophie stood there for a moment perfectly still. "How did you know that? The only person I've told is Mrs.Emma" Sophie said. "I have my ways" Olivia replied slyly. "Did you do that?" Sophie questioned. "Guilty" Olivia said a mischievous grin. "I don't know whether to be mad at you or relieved that it wasn't a psycho" Sophie replied. "I'd go with relieved" Olivia suggested. "But just how did you do it?" Sophie inquired. "Well I waited for Mrs.Emma to leave then I parked my car around back and I used my mom's key to unlock the back door and the rest doesn't matter" Olivia informed her. "You could have told me before I went and told Mrs.Emma. She thinks I'm crazy" Sophie said. "Well aren't you?" Olivia teased. "Funny" Sophie quipped. Olivia nonchalantly inspected her hot pink nails as though Sophie wasn't even there. "But why put that on the mirror?" Sophie asked. "Because, everyone has a secret Sophie" Olivia said with a wink. "Well I have to go change not, but I'll see you in class" Sophie said. Sophie started to walk toward the student room then Olivia called out to her. "Sophie, don't tell anyone it was me. I like to keep people wondering, plus I don't wanna get in trouble". "I know you were joking, I won't breath a word" Sophie assured her. Olivia smiled, watching Sophie walk away.
"Hey!". Olivia whipped her head around to see Meredith strolling into the lobby. "Hey!" Olivia echoed. "What's up?" Meredith asked as she took the seat next to her. "Oh not much. How's the wedding plans?" Olivia questioned. "As well as can be expected. I get fitted for my maid of honor dress Saturday" Meredith informed her. "Maid of honor! How prestigious!" Olivia exclaimed. "Oh yeah! You see my mom was an only child as well so she doesn't have any sisters so she decided to pick me" Meredith explained. "So what's the theme?" Olivia asked. "The 20s" Meredith answered. "The 20s as in the roaring 20s?" Olivia inquired . "Yep! Flapper dresses and all" Meredith replied. "Why the 20s?" Olivia asked. "She's obsessed with The Great Gatsby. In fact I think she sent an invitation to Robert Redford" Meredith said. "Who's that?" Olivia questioned. "Never mind" Meredith replied. "So how are you feeling about your new step sister?" Olivia asked. "Hm well at first I wanted to move to Mexico and change my name to Maria, now I just want to make sure I lock everything in my room" Meredith quipped. "So you're taking it well?" Olivia teased. "Oh I'm fantastic!" Meredith replied sarcastically.
"No, that would be me Mere" In came Dean. "You're a riot" Olivia quipped. "Don't be hating" Dean shot back. Dean crossed his arms and started peering around. "You lose something?" Meredith questioned. "Nah, I was just looking for Sophie, I thought we could practice some before class" Dean explained. "She's in the student room" Olivia told him. "How's you guys dance section by the way?" Meredith asked. "Pretty good, we're just having trouble with the lift, but it's gonna look really cool when we've perfected it" Dean replied. "Awesome! Can't wait to see it" Meredith exclaimed. "Well I have to go find Sophie, see ya!" Dean said with a casual salute. "See ya" they replied as he walked away.
More students walked through the door. This time it was Bianca and Natalie. They sneered at Olivia and Meredith as they sauntered by. Then came Cassie. "Hello ladies" she said with a little wave. "How are you?" Olivia asked Cassie. "I'm fabulous, I'm wonderful, I am splendid" Cassie remarked. "Any particular reason?" Meredith asked with an inquisitive smirk. Cassie sat down on the seat adjacent to them. "I met a guy" Cassie stated. "Who? Where? When? Don't spare any details" Olivia exclaimed eagerly. "His name is Luke, we met at a friend's party a couple of weeks ago" Cassie told them. "That's great! When do we get to meet him?" Meredith questioned. "Soon, I promise" Cassie assured them. "Well I'm very happy for you!" Olivia said. "Thanks! I am too!" Cassie replied. "I have to go to the bathroom, but I'll see you two later" Olivia told them and started to make her way to the bathroom.
"So are you and Luke official?" Meredith inquired. "Well define official" Cassie asked. "Like has he told his friends about you?" Meredith asked. "Uh no. Just not yet!" Cassie replied. "I'm sure he will soon" Meredith replied trying to be supportive.
"What's the story morning glories?" said Sophie, as she strolled into the lobby. "I met a guy!" Cassie exclaimed. "That's awesome!" Sophie replied with a genteel smile. "His name is Luke" Cassie informed her. "Luke, now that's a good name" Sophie remarked. "So how did your practicing go?" Meredith asked. "Practicing?" Sophie said, clearly perplexed. "Yeah, with Dean!" Cassie interjected. "I wasn't practicing with Dean, I never even saw Dean" Sophie said. "Then what took you so long?" Meredith questioned. "I was on the phone with my youth pastor talking about the next mission meeting" Sophie replied. "And you never saw Dean?" Cassie asked completely confused. "Never" Sophie told them. At that moment the same thought entered all three of their minds. What is Dean hiding?
She glanced around the lobby, gathering her hair into a ponytail and letting it gently fall. Then she turned back to go to the student room to change and was startled by Olivia. "A little jumpy, aren't we" Olivia quipped. Sophie caught her breath. "Haven't you heard?" Sophie asked her. "About what?" Olivia questioned. "Last night. I was in the studio looking for my cellphone. When I found it the lights went out and someone knocked my phone out of my hands and then the lights switched back on, and on the mirror it said" Sophie explained. "Something like 'Can you keep a secret Sophie?" Olivia quipped. Sophie stood there for a moment perfectly still. "How did you know that? The only person I've told is Mrs.Emma" Sophie said. "I have my ways" Olivia replied slyly. "Did you do that?" Sophie questioned. "Guilty" Olivia said a mischievous grin. "I don't know whether to be mad at you or relieved that it wasn't a psycho" Sophie replied. "I'd go with relieved" Olivia suggested. "But just how did you do it?" Sophie inquired. "Well I waited for Mrs.Emma to leave then I parked my car around back and I used my mom's key to unlock the back door and the rest doesn't matter" Olivia informed her. "You could have told me before I went and told Mrs.Emma. She thinks I'm crazy" Sophie said. "Well aren't you?" Olivia teased. "Funny" Sophie quipped. Olivia nonchalantly inspected her hot pink nails as though Sophie wasn't even there. "But why put that on the mirror?" Sophie asked. "Because, everyone has a secret Sophie" Olivia said with a wink. "Well I have to go change not, but I'll see you in class" Sophie said. Sophie started to walk toward the student room then Olivia called out to her. "Sophie, don't tell anyone it was me. I like to keep people wondering, plus I don't wanna get in trouble". "I know you were joking, I won't breath a word" Sophie assured her. Olivia smiled, watching Sophie walk away.
"Hey!". Olivia whipped her head around to see Meredith strolling into the lobby. "Hey!" Olivia echoed. "What's up?" Meredith asked as she took the seat next to her. "Oh not much. How's the wedding plans?" Olivia questioned. "As well as can be expected. I get fitted for my maid of honor dress Saturday" Meredith informed her. "Maid of honor! How prestigious!" Olivia exclaimed. "Oh yeah! You see my mom was an only child as well so she doesn't have any sisters so she decided to pick me" Meredith explained. "So what's the theme?" Olivia asked. "The 20s" Meredith answered. "The 20s as in the roaring 20s?" Olivia inquired . "Yep! Flapper dresses and all" Meredith replied. "Why the 20s?" Olivia asked. "She's obsessed with The Great Gatsby. In fact I think she sent an invitation to Robert Redford" Meredith said. "Who's that?" Olivia questioned. "Never mind" Meredith replied. "So how are you feeling about your new step sister?" Olivia asked. "Hm well at first I wanted to move to Mexico and change my name to Maria, now I just want to make sure I lock everything in my room" Meredith quipped. "So you're taking it well?" Olivia teased. "Oh I'm fantastic!" Meredith replied sarcastically.
"No, that would be me Mere" In came Dean. "You're a riot" Olivia quipped. "Don't be hating" Dean shot back. Dean crossed his arms and started peering around. "You lose something?" Meredith questioned. "Nah, I was just looking for Sophie, I thought we could practice some before class" Dean explained. "She's in the student room" Olivia told him. "How's you guys dance section by the way?" Meredith asked. "Pretty good, we're just having trouble with the lift, but it's gonna look really cool when we've perfected it" Dean replied. "Awesome! Can't wait to see it" Meredith exclaimed. "Well I have to go find Sophie, see ya!" Dean said with a casual salute. "See ya" they replied as he walked away.
More students walked through the door. This time it was Bianca and Natalie. They sneered at Olivia and Meredith as they sauntered by. Then came Cassie. "Hello ladies" she said with a little wave. "How are you?" Olivia asked Cassie. "I'm fabulous, I'm wonderful, I am splendid" Cassie remarked. "Any particular reason?" Meredith asked with an inquisitive smirk. Cassie sat down on the seat adjacent to them. "I met a guy" Cassie stated. "Who? Where? When? Don't spare any details" Olivia exclaimed eagerly. "His name is Luke, we met at a friend's party a couple of weeks ago" Cassie told them. "That's great! When do we get to meet him?" Meredith questioned. "Soon, I promise" Cassie assured them. "Well I'm very happy for you!" Olivia said. "Thanks! I am too!" Cassie replied. "I have to go to the bathroom, but I'll see you two later" Olivia told them and started to make her way to the bathroom.
"So are you and Luke official?" Meredith inquired. "Well define official" Cassie asked. "Like has he told his friends about you?" Meredith asked. "Uh no. Just not yet!" Cassie replied. "I'm sure he will soon" Meredith replied trying to be supportive.
"What's the story morning glories?" said Sophie, as she strolled into the lobby. "I met a guy!" Cassie exclaimed. "That's awesome!" Sophie replied with a genteel smile. "His name is Luke" Cassie informed her. "Luke, now that's a good name" Sophie remarked. "So how did your practicing go?" Meredith asked. "Practicing?" Sophie said, clearly perplexed. "Yeah, with Dean!" Cassie interjected. "I wasn't practicing with Dean, I never even saw Dean" Sophie said. "Then what took you so long?" Meredith questioned. "I was on the phone with my youth pastor talking about the next mission meeting" Sophie replied. "And you never saw Dean?" Cassie asked completely confused. "Never" Sophie told them. At that moment the same thought entered all three of their minds. What is Dean hiding?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 4
"Who is it?" yelled Lars, rushing to the door. "It's me, Carson". He unlocked the door and invited her inside. "You're early!" he exclaimed. "Is that a bad thing?" she asked, with a puzzled expression. "No, no! Not at all! I just didn't have much time to clean the place up" he explained. She quickly scanned the room, barely turning her head. There was a pair of socks on the sofa, a coffee mug and plate on the table, and a few places that hadn't been dusted. "Are you kidding? It's fine! I'm used to walking into my little brother's room and seeing red hand prints on the ceiling" she replied. He laughed, flashing his glistening teeth. "But really, why are you here an hour early?" he inquired. "I just couldn't wait to see you!" she said. "As flattered as I am to hear that you and I both know you've never been early to anything" he replied. "Not true! I was early to my first recital" she corrected. "Okay, you have me there. But seriously, what's wrong?" he said. "Nothing, I just want to see you!" she exclaimed. "Really?" he asked. "No" she said. She walked over to his plush beige chair and slowly sat down. He followed her and took a seat on the sofa diagonal to it, taking her hands in his. "You can tell me anything, you know that, don't you?" he said, searching her face for the answer. "Of course I know that" she replied. "Well what's wrong babe? he asked. He waited patiently for her response, while she built up courage to speak. "Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we didn't have to hide us?" she asked. "Well sure I have! It would be great if it didn't have to be a secret, but there's no other way" he replied. "We don't have to keep it a secret" she said. "Yeah we don't have to, only if we don't want our lives turned completely upside down" he exclaimed. "Well maybe people would understand" she replied hopefully. "Or maybe people would start talking and make things out to be even worse" he said. "People will talk whether there's anything to talk about or not" she reminded him. "All the more reason not to give them something to talk about" he said. They sat there in silence for a moment, both slightly uneasy. "You haven't told anyone about us, have you?" he inquired. Carson broke his gaze. "Carson?". He was getting worried. "Carson! Who did you tell?" he asked. "Sophie" she said in almost a whisper. "Sophie? Sophie Duvall? My student!" he replied, practically shouting. "Shh, keep your voice down. The neighbors will hear" she warned. "It doesn't matter, soon everyone will hear" he exclaimed. "Trust me, she won't tell anyone" she said, trying to ease his worries. "Oh yeah sure" he quipped. "No really!" she exclaimed. "Give my one good reason to believe she won't tell everyone" he demanded. "When I was eleven she was over at my house one day. We were in my living room making up a dance. I lost my balance and I knocked my mom's teacup off of the coffee table, breaking it. Sophie never told anyone that I was the one that broke it. From that point on she's always kept any secret I've told her, always". Lars took her hands once again. "If you trust her, I trust her. What choice do I have?" he said. "I'm so glad to hear you say that" she exclaimed. They embraced for a moment, and then Lars pulled away to face her. "She 's the only one that knows about us right?" he asked. "Yeah, of course!" she replied. He pulled her back in, stroking her hair softly.
As soon as Carson uttered those words she felt her heart sink. She just could not bring herself to tell him about Natalie. It was one thing to tell him about that she had told a friend about them, it was another to tell him that someone found out about them.
She knew what she had to do now. She wasn't thrilled about it to say the least, but it needed to be done.
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"Hey lilac fairy!". Carson searched for the voice as she walked in the studio. "Hey Sophie!" she replied. She was relieved that it was just Sophie. "So you still excited?" Sophie questioned. "Sorta" Carson replied. "Sorta? Last night you were overjoyed" Sophie said, perplexed. "Can we talk? In private?" Carson asked. "Sure! Come on" said Sophie. They walked to the student room to put their bags down. Then they headed to the bathroom, Carson locking the door behind them. "Lars know you know" Carson blurted out. "Um what did he say?" Sophie asked, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Well he was pretty upset, but I assured him that you were trust-worthy" Carson said. "That's good" Sophie encouraged. "But that's not at all" Carson admitted. "What else is there?" Sophie inquired. "Last night Natalie saw me and Lars in the studio and she threatened to tell everyone unless I give the role of the lilac fairy" Carson informed her. "What did you do?" Sophie questioned. "I told her that she couldn't scare me into anything" Carson told her. "But what are you going to do?" Sophie asked. "I'm going to do what I have to do, I'm going to give up the role of the lilac fairy" Carson replied. "You're really going to give this up? Are you sure you want to do that? You can't go back on it" Sophie said. "I know that! But I don't have any other choice" Carson stated. "Well you could have tried to be more careful! I mean that pretty careless of the both of you" advised Sophie. "I know that too, yet it's not going to change anything" said Carson. "Well I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if you ended this thing with Mr.Lars" Sophie replied. "Whoa! Who's side are you on here?" Carson exclaimed. "Of course I'm on your side! But this can not end well" Sophie reminded her. "According to you! You're just bitter because Brian cheated on you" snapped Carson. Now Carson had gone too far. "I don't need this, you can find someone else to keep your secrets" Sophie said. Sophie unlocked the bathroom door and started to walk out. "Sophie! Wait!" Carson yelled out. Sophie turned back, facing Carson. "You won't tell anyone, right?" Carson asked. "Sure thing, teacup" Sophie replied as she walked away.
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It was a couple hours later, classes had just ended. Sophie was making her way to her car when she suddenly realized she had forgotten her phone. She turned around and rushed to the sidewalk. She pulled open the door. "Mrs.Emma? You still here? It's Sophie". No one answered. She must be in the teacher's room looking for a costume or something Sophie thought. She continued to the student room. She looked in her cubby for her phone. It wasn't there. Then she remembered she had left it in the studio. She walked to the studio. She opened the door and popped her head in. It was empty. She glanced down at the foot of the mirrors and spotted her phone. She walked over to pick it up and suddenly all the lights went out. "Hello? Mrs.Emma?". She tried to feel her way around. She flipped open her phone trying to use it for light. Then someone ran past her and knocked it out of her hands. She screamed. She got down on the floor and started searching for her phone, and then the lights flashed on. She looked around the room, but didn't see anyone. Then her gaze became fixated on the mirror. On the mirror, in bold letters it said,"Can you keep a secret Sophie?". She ran to the back door, ran out the door and got in her car and drove away. Never looking back.
As soon as Carson uttered those words she felt her heart sink. She just could not bring herself to tell him about Natalie. It was one thing to tell him about that she had told a friend about them, it was another to tell him that someone found out about them.
She knew what she had to do now. She wasn't thrilled about it to say the least, but it needed to be done.
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"Hey lilac fairy!". Carson searched for the voice as she walked in the studio. "Hey Sophie!" she replied. She was relieved that it was just Sophie. "So you still excited?" Sophie questioned. "Sorta" Carson replied. "Sorta? Last night you were overjoyed" Sophie said, perplexed. "Can we talk? In private?" Carson asked. "Sure! Come on" said Sophie. They walked to the student room to put their bags down. Then they headed to the bathroom, Carson locking the door behind them. "Lars know you know" Carson blurted out. "Um what did he say?" Sophie asked, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Well he was pretty upset, but I assured him that you were trust-worthy" Carson said. "That's good" Sophie encouraged. "But that's not at all" Carson admitted. "What else is there?" Sophie inquired. "Last night Natalie saw me and Lars in the studio and she threatened to tell everyone unless I give the role of the lilac fairy" Carson informed her. "What did you do?" Sophie questioned. "I told her that she couldn't scare me into anything" Carson told her. "But what are you going to do?" Sophie asked. "I'm going to do what I have to do, I'm going to give up the role of the lilac fairy" Carson replied. "You're really going to give this up? Are you sure you want to do that? You can't go back on it" Sophie said. "I know that! But I don't have any other choice" Carson stated. "Well you could have tried to be more careful! I mean that pretty careless of the both of you" advised Sophie. "I know that too, yet it's not going to change anything" said Carson. "Well I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if you ended this thing with Mr.Lars" Sophie replied. "Whoa! Who's side are you on here?" Carson exclaimed. "Of course I'm on your side! But this can not end well" Sophie reminded her. "According to you! You're just bitter because Brian cheated on you" snapped Carson. Now Carson had gone too far. "I don't need this, you can find someone else to keep your secrets" Sophie said. Sophie unlocked the bathroom door and started to walk out. "Sophie! Wait!" Carson yelled out. Sophie turned back, facing Carson. "You won't tell anyone, right?" Carson asked. "Sure thing, teacup" Sophie replied as she walked away.
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It was a couple hours later, classes had just ended. Sophie was making her way to her car when she suddenly realized she had forgotten her phone. She turned around and rushed to the sidewalk. She pulled open the door. "Mrs.Emma? You still here? It's Sophie". No one answered. She must be in the teacher's room looking for a costume or something Sophie thought. She continued to the student room. She looked in her cubby for her phone. It wasn't there. Then she remembered she had left it in the studio. She walked to the studio. She opened the door and popped her head in. It was empty. She glanced down at the foot of the mirrors and spotted her phone. She walked over to pick it up and suddenly all the lights went out. "Hello? Mrs.Emma?". She tried to feel her way around. She flipped open her phone trying to use it for light. Then someone ran past her and knocked it out of her hands. She screamed. She got down on the floor and started searching for her phone, and then the lights flashed on. She looked around the room, but didn't see anyone. Then her gaze became fixated on the mirror. On the mirror, in bold letters it said,"Can you keep a secret Sophie?". She ran to the back door, ran out the door and got in her car and drove away. Never looking back.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 3
Are my knees straight? Am I pulled up enough? Those were the questions that entered Sophie's mind. I wonder how Lars class is doing? Is he thinking about me? Those were the questions that entered Carson's mind. Does my mom know what Bianca's like? Does Bianca hate this as much as I do? Those were the thoughts that entered Meredith's mind. Should I paint my nails red or light pink? I wonder if Ian noticed me at the party the other night? Those were the questions that entered Cassie's mind. Their feet could be moving a mile a minute yet these thoughts would remain.
Finally they finished up their barre exercises and proceeded to work on practicing and learning choreography for Sleeping Beauty. A room that had just been full of indifferent faces was now brimming with faces of anticipation. Everyone was eager to know who would get what role, and learning choreography for the group dances meant individual roles would be announced shortly.
Some people thought the roles of the Lilac fairy, the Peach fairy, and the Pink fairy would be given to Tiffany Hunter, Lexi Baldwin, and Erin Lockhart. They were all seniors. Everyone liked them and they were good at charming teachers. They were great apart, but astounding together. They were like pizza, you could eat it without the cheese but it wouldn't be the same. And of course we all knew who would play Prince Christopher. That would be Dean Klein. He was a junior, and had been taking dance classes since he was seven and was the only boy at Windsor Falls Dance Academy. He had a little sister Beth, she was nine and took dance there as well. But the role that everyone was speculating about was Aurora. Everyone had a different opinion on who would get it. A few people thought it would be someone close to the teachers. Maybe Holly or June, or even Olivia. Others dismissed that theory since it was so obvious. Most likely it would be a kiss-up like Natalie or Bianca, teachers for some reason couldn't see past their false admiration to their ice cold glares.
The music ceased and Mrs.Nora told everyone to take a two minute water break. Everyone hurried out to the hall to retrieve their water bottles. Some lingered in the halls, checking their phones, fixing their hair. While other returned as quickly as they had left.
When the last student had wandered in Mrs.Nora and Mrs.Emma gathered everyone at the front of the room and told them to sit down. "First of all thank you all for putting so much effort in, I can really see you all improving greatly" said Mrs.Nora. "So now for some announcements I'm sure y'all have been itching to hear. The casting announcements" said Mrs.Emma. Everyone clapped, holding their breath. "Okay, let's start with the role of the Pink fairy. The Pink fairy is Erin Lockhart" announced Mrs.Nora. They all clapped, not at all surprised. "The role of the Peach fairy goes to Lexi Baldwin" announced Mrs.Emma. They clapped again. The next would be the Lilac Fairy, and everyone was sure it would be Tiffany Hunter. "The role of the Lilac fairy goes to Carson Manning" said Mrs.Nora. People still clapped, but this time with shocked expressions. At first they turned to look at Carson, then they all strained to look at Tiffany. They weren't sure if they should be happy for Carson, or sad for Tiffany. It wasn't that they thought Carson didn't deserve the role, it was just a little unexpected. "The role of Carabosse goes to Olivia Webb" announced Mrs.Emma. They clapped again, relieved to have something change their thought pattern. "The role of the Bluebird goes to Holly Hamilton" said Mrs.Nora. They were a little shocked that she wouldn't be Aurora. "The role of Red Riding Hood goes to Bianca Scavo" said Mrs.Nora. They clapped, most of them rolling their eyes. "The role of Puss 'N' Boots goes to Tiffany Hunter" said Mrs.Emma. They clapped, all of them turning their heads to see how Tiffany would react. "The role of Prince Christopher goes to Dean Klein" said Mrs.Nora. Like they even needed to announce that. "And the role of Aurora goes to, drumroll please" said Mrs.Emma, prolonging their anticipation. They pounded their hands on the floor. "Sophie Duvall" said Mrs.Emma. That was the biggest shocker of all. Even Sophie was stunned. Sure she was talented, probably one of the best dancers they had, but talent rarely had anything to do with with casting the ballet. "Now that we have all the roles announced here is the list of the understudies! Natalie Cooper will understudy the Lilac fairy, Lauren Jones, the Pink fairy; June Hamilton, the Peach fairy; Meredith Davis, the Bluebird; Cassie Montgomery, Carabosse; Mandy Taylor, Red Riding Hood; Samantha Jones, Puss 'N' Boots; Holly Hamilton, Princess Aurora" said Mrs.Nora. "As for the roles of the king and queen Mrs.Nora and her husband will play those" said Mrs.Emma. "We don't have an understudy for Prince Christopher yet but I'm trying to get my son to agree to it" said Mrs.Nora. Mrs.Emma glanced up at the clock. "Well I think we are out of time, goodnight ladies and gentleman" said Mrs.Emma. They all bowed and scurried out of the studio.
"May I have this dance princess?" teased Dean. "Oh of course!" replied Sophie. They waltzed through the hall, noses in the air. "Awww aren't y'all just the cutest couple" exclaimed Carson. "Well I guess a fairy would know! Congratulations by the way!" replied Sophie. "Thank you, thank you" said Carson, pretending to blush. Sophie plopped down on the floor and started to take off her ballet shoes and put on her monogrammed hoodie and sweatpants.
Then came Olivia, sneaking up on Carson as she took a sip from her water bottle, causing her to spill it. "Olivia!" shouted Carson. Carson quickly headed into the bathroom, looking for paper towels. "Sorry!" Olivia yelled with an apologetic expression. "So good job on getting the role of Aurora" said Olivia. "Thanks! I was pretty surprised. Congratulations on Carabosse" replied Sophie. "Why thank you" said Olivia. Carson came rushing back in the hall, drier this time. "Sorry about that" said Olivia. "It's okay, at least it wasn't hot coffee". They all laughed. "Carson! Can I talk to you a minute? About your solo" inquired Mr.Lars. He was standing the office door way. "Yeah sure!" said Carson. "I'll see y'all tomorrow". Carson sauntered into the office, Mr.Lars closing it behind her. They stared at the door as though if they stared long enough they could hear them. "Man! I sure wish Mr.Lars was doing my solo" Olivia said twirling her hair in her hands. "Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow" said Sophie, gathering her things. "See ya" exclaimed Olivia.
Instead of staying in the office Lars led her into the empty studio. "Congratulations Lilac fairy" he said as he brushed her hair behind her ear. "Thanks! Like you didn't know" replied Carson. "What? Me? Okay maybe I knew, but I didn't have anything to do with it! That, that was all you" said Lars. She beamed at him and he leaned in and kissed her. Sure things were complicated, but it was all worth it. Other guys just didn't understand her like Lars. He was sweet, an amazing dancer obviously, funny, and was the only guy she knew that would admit to loving musicals. "I will see you tomorrow, don't miss me too much!" said Carson. "Maybe we could meet up before class" suggested Lars. "I'd love to! Your place at 4:30?" replied Carson. "Sounds like a plan babe" he said kissing her forehead. She walked out of the studio in a dreamlike haze, which was broken by Natalie.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here" quipped Natalie. "Aren't you a natural comedian" snapped Carson. "I saw you" said Natalie. Carson was on edge now. "Just what exactly did you see?" questioned Carson. "The real question here is what didn't I see" said Natalie, circling Carson. "What do you want?" asked Carson. "Oh just for you to step down as the Lilac fairy" replied Natalie. "And if I don't?" inquired Carson. "Everyone will know about you and Mr.Lars. And I do mean everyone. Your parents, your friends, college recruits, everyone" answered Natalie. "You can't scare me into anything" said Carson. "As far as I can see you don't have any choice, either way you lose" said Natalie. Natalie started to walk away, then she turned back to face Carson. "I'd give my little proposition some serious thought if I were you". And with that she was gone.
Finally they finished up their barre exercises and proceeded to work on practicing and learning choreography for Sleeping Beauty. A room that had just been full of indifferent faces was now brimming with faces of anticipation. Everyone was eager to know who would get what role, and learning choreography for the group dances meant individual roles would be announced shortly.
Some people thought the roles of the Lilac fairy, the Peach fairy, and the Pink fairy would be given to Tiffany Hunter, Lexi Baldwin, and Erin Lockhart. They were all seniors. Everyone liked them and they were good at charming teachers. They were great apart, but astounding together. They were like pizza, you could eat it without the cheese but it wouldn't be the same. And of course we all knew who would play Prince Christopher. That would be Dean Klein. He was a junior, and had been taking dance classes since he was seven and was the only boy at Windsor Falls Dance Academy. He had a little sister Beth, she was nine and took dance there as well. But the role that everyone was speculating about was Aurora. Everyone had a different opinion on who would get it. A few people thought it would be someone close to the teachers. Maybe Holly or June, or even Olivia. Others dismissed that theory since it was so obvious. Most likely it would be a kiss-up like Natalie or Bianca, teachers for some reason couldn't see past their false admiration to their ice cold glares.
The music ceased and Mrs.Nora told everyone to take a two minute water break. Everyone hurried out to the hall to retrieve their water bottles. Some lingered in the halls, checking their phones, fixing their hair. While other returned as quickly as they had left.
When the last student had wandered in Mrs.Nora and Mrs.Emma gathered everyone at the front of the room and told them to sit down. "First of all thank you all for putting so much effort in, I can really see you all improving greatly" said Mrs.Nora. "So now for some announcements I'm sure y'all have been itching to hear. The casting announcements" said Mrs.Emma. Everyone clapped, holding their breath. "Okay, let's start with the role of the Pink fairy. The Pink fairy is Erin Lockhart" announced Mrs.Nora. They all clapped, not at all surprised. "The role of the Peach fairy goes to Lexi Baldwin" announced Mrs.Emma. They clapped again. The next would be the Lilac Fairy, and everyone was sure it would be Tiffany Hunter. "The role of the Lilac fairy goes to Carson Manning" said Mrs.Nora. People still clapped, but this time with shocked expressions. At first they turned to look at Carson, then they all strained to look at Tiffany. They weren't sure if they should be happy for Carson, or sad for Tiffany. It wasn't that they thought Carson didn't deserve the role, it was just a little unexpected. "The role of Carabosse goes to Olivia Webb" announced Mrs.Emma. They clapped again, relieved to have something change their thought pattern. "The role of the Bluebird goes to Holly Hamilton" said Mrs.Nora. They were a little shocked that she wouldn't be Aurora. "The role of Red Riding Hood goes to Bianca Scavo" said Mrs.Nora. They clapped, most of them rolling their eyes. "The role of Puss 'N' Boots goes to Tiffany Hunter" said Mrs.Emma. They clapped, all of them turning their heads to see how Tiffany would react. "The role of Prince Christopher goes to Dean Klein" said Mrs.Nora. Like they even needed to announce that. "And the role of Aurora goes to, drumroll please" said Mrs.Emma, prolonging their anticipation. They pounded their hands on the floor. "Sophie Duvall" said Mrs.Emma. That was the biggest shocker of all. Even Sophie was stunned. Sure she was talented, probably one of the best dancers they had, but talent rarely had anything to do with with casting the ballet. "Now that we have all the roles announced here is the list of the understudies! Natalie Cooper will understudy the Lilac fairy, Lauren Jones, the Pink fairy; June Hamilton, the Peach fairy; Meredith Davis, the Bluebird; Cassie Montgomery, Carabosse; Mandy Taylor, Red Riding Hood; Samantha Jones, Puss 'N' Boots; Holly Hamilton, Princess Aurora" said Mrs.Nora. "As for the roles of the king and queen Mrs.Nora and her husband will play those" said Mrs.Emma. "We don't have an understudy for Prince Christopher yet but I'm trying to get my son to agree to it" said Mrs.Nora. Mrs.Emma glanced up at the clock. "Well I think we are out of time, goodnight ladies and gentleman" said Mrs.Emma. They all bowed and scurried out of the studio.
"May I have this dance princess?" teased Dean. "Oh of course!" replied Sophie. They waltzed through the hall, noses in the air. "Awww aren't y'all just the cutest couple" exclaimed Carson. "Well I guess a fairy would know! Congratulations by the way!" replied Sophie. "Thank you, thank you" said Carson, pretending to blush. Sophie plopped down on the floor and started to take off her ballet shoes and put on her monogrammed hoodie and sweatpants.
Then came Olivia, sneaking up on Carson as she took a sip from her water bottle, causing her to spill it. "Olivia!" shouted Carson. Carson quickly headed into the bathroom, looking for paper towels. "Sorry!" Olivia yelled with an apologetic expression. "So good job on getting the role of Aurora" said Olivia. "Thanks! I was pretty surprised. Congratulations on Carabosse" replied Sophie. "Why thank you" said Olivia. Carson came rushing back in the hall, drier this time. "Sorry about that" said Olivia. "It's okay, at least it wasn't hot coffee". They all laughed. "Carson! Can I talk to you a minute? About your solo" inquired Mr.Lars. He was standing the office door way. "Yeah sure!" said Carson. "I'll see y'all tomorrow". Carson sauntered into the office, Mr.Lars closing it behind her. They stared at the door as though if they stared long enough they could hear them. "Man! I sure wish Mr.Lars was doing my solo" Olivia said twirling her hair in her hands. "Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow" said Sophie, gathering her things. "See ya" exclaimed Olivia.
Instead of staying in the office Lars led her into the empty studio. "Congratulations Lilac fairy" he said as he brushed her hair behind her ear. "Thanks! Like you didn't know" replied Carson. "What? Me? Okay maybe I knew, but I didn't have anything to do with it! That, that was all you" said Lars. She beamed at him and he leaned in and kissed her. Sure things were complicated, but it was all worth it. Other guys just didn't understand her like Lars. He was sweet, an amazing dancer obviously, funny, and was the only guy she knew that would admit to loving musicals. "I will see you tomorrow, don't miss me too much!" said Carson. "Maybe we could meet up before class" suggested Lars. "I'd love to! Your place at 4:30?" replied Carson. "Sounds like a plan babe" he said kissing her forehead. She walked out of the studio in a dreamlike haze, which was broken by Natalie.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here" quipped Natalie. "Aren't you a natural comedian" snapped Carson. "I saw you" said Natalie. Carson was on edge now. "Just what exactly did you see?" questioned Carson. "The real question here is what didn't I see" said Natalie, circling Carson. "What do you want?" asked Carson. "Oh just for you to step down as the Lilac fairy" replied Natalie. "And if I don't?" inquired Carson. "Everyone will know about you and Mr.Lars. And I do mean everyone. Your parents, your friends, college recruits, everyone" answered Natalie. "You can't scare me into anything" said Carson. "As far as I can see you don't have any choice, either way you lose" said Natalie. Natalie started to walk away, then she turned back to face Carson. "I'd give my little proposition some serious thought if I were you". And with that she was gone.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 2
It was only a little after five when Sophie and Carson left for June's party. It was even hotter than it had been earlier, so they were both anticipating the chance to cool off in the pool.
Sophie pulled into June's drive-way. They both got out of the car and got their purses and beach towels from the backseat. They then proceeded to the back gate, where they were greeted by June. "Hey guys! Glad you could make it" she said as she opened the gate. "Thanks for inviting us!" replied Sophie. "Well I have to put the rest of the food out, but help yourself to what's already out!" "Thanks June" said Carson and Sophie practically in unison.
June was one of the teacher's grand-daughters. She was blond, tan, played soccer, kind, and extremely inclusive. She attended the same church as Sophie. She was friends with just about everyone at the studio, but was particularly close to her cousin Holly for obvious reasons.
There was already a few people there. Lauren and Samantha Jones, they were sisters. Lauren was a senior, and Samantha was a sophomore. They both attended the local Catholic high school, plaid skirts and all. People liked them well enough but they were always kinda withdrawn.
Holly Hamilton had already arrived. She was standing with her grandmother and Mrs.Emma. her dark brown hair swaying with the throw of her head as she laughed. Holly was the girl that everyone noticed. She was kind, funny, talented. Everyone could be watching her but she never noticed. She was a senior, she planned on teaching some classes at the studio this summer.
Cassie Montgomery was pouring herself a cup of Hawaiian punch. Cassie had light blond hair and pale blue eyes, so light they appeared gray in some lights. She was your average teenager, focused on academics, boys, and most of all acceptance. She didn't want to blend into the background, but was fearful to stand out.
And then there was Natalie Cooper and Bianca Scavo, or as most people called them The Demons. They were the kinda girls that you either looked up to, hated, or avoided like the plague. They were manipulative, two-faced, and scheming, and that was when you were on their good side.
There was Meredith! She greeted Carson and Sophie, hugging them both, "Hey! Long time, no see!" teased Carson. Meredith tried to force a laugh but Sophie and Carson could tell something wasn't quite right. "Is everyone okay?" inquired Sophie. "Define okay" replied Meredith. "Does this have anything to do with that talk your mom wanted to have with you?" Carson asked. "Oh you could say that" said Meredith, glancing down at her hands. "Well what did she say?" questioned Carson. "Hmmm, well, my mom is getting married". They all just stood there for a moment, not really sure how to react. Then Sophie finally broke the silence. "Whoa. Congrats!" "Yeah, what she said" echoed Carson. "So, um, who's the lucky guy?" Sophie asked. Meredith licked her lips and willed the words to come. "Bianca Scavo's father" "Like 'the' Bianca Scavo?" exclaimed Carson. "That would be the one" said Meredith. "What a way to start junior year" said Sophie. "Oh yeah" chimed Meredith. "I mean I'm happy for her, I really am! But...." "You know your mom just invited a demon into your home" said Carson. "Correction, she invited the father of a demon into her home, the demon is merely a byproduct" informed Sophie. "Wow. Thanks you guys so much for helping me and not making me feel like life as I know it is over" said Meredith sarcastically. "We're so sorry Mere, we'll try to be more supportive" said Sophie. "Yeah, what can we do to help?" interjected Carson. Meredith collapsed into a nearby chair. "Anything to make this wedding not happen" replied Meredith. "Hey we could tell Bianca's dad that you and your mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on your cereal" chimed Sophie. "Uh first of all, ew. And second of all. Natalie and Bianca would just spread that all over Windsor Falls" "Spread what all over Windsor Falls?" We all turned around to see Cassie. "Oh apparently Meredith and her mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on their cereal" said Carson matter-of-factly. Meredith shot Carson a look and Carson just shrugged her shoulders innocently. "Hmmm kinda sorry I asked" said Cassie. "Carson was just trying to be funny and completely failed" stated Meredith. Carson rolled her eyes. "My mom's getting married" said Meredith. "Oh cool! You must be so excited!" exclaimed Cassie. "To Bianca Scavo's father" added Meredith. "Oh. I'll put you on my prayer list". Meredith laughed, this time it wasn't forced. "So are you and Bianca going to have to share a room?" questioned Sophie. "Thankfully no" said Meredith. "Well where are you gonna be living?" Are they moving into your house or are you moving into their house?" asked Sophie. "I'm not really sure yet. Part of me doesn't want to leave my home, but then there's this other part of me that doesn't want them invading it" said Meredith. "Well whatever happens we're here for you" said Cassie. They all hugged Meredith tightly.
Soph. What do y'all think of my hat?" said Olivia. "Totally policewoman chic" teased Carson. "You know you love it" said Olivia and she spun around so we could see her from every angle. Truth was even when her jokes went completely out of hand we still loved them. "We should have known you'd make a grand entrance" said Cassie. "Is there any other kind?!" Olivia replied. "Where's Mrs. Nora?" asked Meredith. "Oh she'll be here soon, she wanted to wait for dad, so they're taking the other car" answered Olivia. "Did Ian come with you?" questioned Sophie. "Yeah, he just had to go to the bathroom" said Olivia. Ian was Olivia's twin brother. He had her almost black hair and clover green eyes, but other than that they didn't look much a like. They had lived next door to Sophie's family since she was seven.
"Oh look! There's Mr.Lars!" exclaimed Meredith. Everyone whipped their heads to catch a glimpse of him. His corn husk hair was slightly tousled and he was still tan from the summer. "Is it just me or does he get better looking by the minute" said Olivia, breaking the awed silence. Sophie shot Carson a knowing glance, but Carson quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. "So y'all want to get something to get? I'm famished!" Olivia exclaimed. "Me too!I think June made her deviled eggs!" said Cassie. They all hurried to the food table, each grabbing a plate. This was going to be an amazing year! They were sixteen, unstoppable, fearless, and no matter what happened, like they say, tomorrow is another day.
Sophie pulled into June's drive-way. They both got out of the car and got their purses and beach towels from the backseat. They then proceeded to the back gate, where they were greeted by June. "Hey guys! Glad you could make it" she said as she opened the gate. "Thanks for inviting us!" replied Sophie. "Well I have to put the rest of the food out, but help yourself to what's already out!" "Thanks June" said Carson and Sophie practically in unison.
June was one of the teacher's grand-daughters. She was blond, tan, played soccer, kind, and extremely inclusive. She attended the same church as Sophie. She was friends with just about everyone at the studio, but was particularly close to her cousin Holly for obvious reasons.
There was already a few people there. Lauren and Samantha Jones, they were sisters. Lauren was a senior, and Samantha was a sophomore. They both attended the local Catholic high school, plaid skirts and all. People liked them well enough but they were always kinda withdrawn.
Holly Hamilton had already arrived. She was standing with her grandmother and Mrs.Emma. her dark brown hair swaying with the throw of her head as she laughed. Holly was the girl that everyone noticed. She was kind, funny, talented. Everyone could be watching her but she never noticed. She was a senior, she planned on teaching some classes at the studio this summer.
Cassie Montgomery was pouring herself a cup of Hawaiian punch. Cassie had light blond hair and pale blue eyes, so light they appeared gray in some lights. She was your average teenager, focused on academics, boys, and most of all acceptance. She didn't want to blend into the background, but was fearful to stand out.
And then there was Natalie Cooper and Bianca Scavo, or as most people called them The Demons. They were the kinda girls that you either looked up to, hated, or avoided like the plague. They were manipulative, two-faced, and scheming, and that was when you were on their good side.
There was Meredith! She greeted Carson and Sophie, hugging them both, "Hey! Long time, no see!" teased Carson. Meredith tried to force a laugh but Sophie and Carson could tell something wasn't quite right. "Is everyone okay?" inquired Sophie. "Define okay" replied Meredith. "Does this have anything to do with that talk your mom wanted to have with you?" Carson asked. "Oh you could say that" said Meredith, glancing down at her hands. "Well what did she say?" questioned Carson. "Hmmm, well, my mom is getting married". They all just stood there for a moment, not really sure how to react. Then Sophie finally broke the silence. "Whoa. Congrats!" "Yeah, what she said" echoed Carson. "So, um, who's the lucky guy?" Sophie asked. Meredith licked her lips and willed the words to come. "Bianca Scavo's father" "Like 'the' Bianca Scavo?" exclaimed Carson. "That would be the one" said Meredith. "What a way to start junior year" said Sophie. "Oh yeah" chimed Meredith. "I mean I'm happy for her, I really am! But...." "You know your mom just invited a demon into your home" said Carson. "Correction, she invited the father of a demon into her home, the demon is merely a byproduct" informed Sophie. "Wow. Thanks you guys so much for helping me and not making me feel like life as I know it is over" said Meredith sarcastically. "We're so sorry Mere, we'll try to be more supportive" said Sophie. "Yeah, what can we do to help?" interjected Carson. Meredith collapsed into a nearby chair. "Anything to make this wedding not happen" replied Meredith. "Hey we could tell Bianca's dad that you and your mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on your cereal" chimed Sophie. "Uh first of all, ew. And second of all. Natalie and Bianca would just spread that all over Windsor Falls" "Spread what all over Windsor Falls?" We all turned around to see Cassie. "Oh apparently Meredith and her mom worship toenails and pour goat's urine on their cereal" said Carson matter-of-factly. Meredith shot Carson a look and Carson just shrugged her shoulders innocently. "Hmmm kinda sorry I asked" said Cassie. "Carson was just trying to be funny and completely failed" stated Meredith. Carson rolled her eyes. "My mom's getting married" said Meredith. "Oh cool! You must be so excited!" exclaimed Cassie. "To Bianca Scavo's father" added Meredith. "Oh. I'll put you on my prayer list". Meredith laughed, this time it wasn't forced. "So are you and Bianca going to have to share a room?" questioned Sophie. "Thankfully no" said Meredith. "Well where are you gonna be living?" Are they moving into your house or are you moving into their house?" asked Sophie. "I'm not really sure yet. Part of me doesn't want to leave my home, but then there's this other part of me that doesn't want them invading it" said Meredith. "Well whatever happens we're here for you" said Cassie. They all hugged Meredith tightly.
Soph. What do y'all think of my hat?" said Olivia. "Totally policewoman chic" teased Carson. "You know you love it" said Olivia and she spun around so we could see her from every angle. Truth was even when her jokes went completely out of hand we still loved them. "We should have known you'd make a grand entrance" said Cassie. "Is there any other kind?!" Olivia replied. "Where's Mrs. Nora?" asked Meredith. "Oh she'll be here soon, she wanted to wait for dad, so they're taking the other car" answered Olivia. "Did Ian come with you?" questioned Sophie. "Yeah, he just had to go to the bathroom" said Olivia. Ian was Olivia's twin brother. He had her almost black hair and clover green eyes, but other than that they didn't look much a like. They had lived next door to Sophie's family since she was seven.
"Oh look! There's Mr.Lars!" exclaimed Meredith. Everyone whipped their heads to catch a glimpse of him. His corn husk hair was slightly tousled and he was still tan from the summer. "Is it just me or does he get better looking by the minute" said Olivia, breaking the awed silence. Sophie shot Carson a knowing glance, but Carson quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. "So y'all want to get something to get? I'm famished!" Olivia exclaimed. "Me too!I think June made her deviled eggs!" said Cassie. They all hurried to the food table, each grabbing a plate. This was going to be an amazing year! They were sixteen, unstoppable, fearless, and no matter what happened, like they say, tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Chasse Secrets Chapter 1
"Point those feet ladies!" said Mrs.Emma over the blaring music. "Spot quicker" she shouted. The sunlight slipped through the blinds that August afternoon making the studio extremely hot. They all eyed the clock in the corner counting the minutes. Twenty minutes left, now ten, five. "That's all for today, good job girls". They all breathed a sigh of relief.
Sophie walked over to pick up her water bottle. "Sophie, I'm still riding with you, right?". Sophie looked up to see who the voice belonged to, it was Carson. "Yeah, I just need to get my stuff together" "Oh okay, I have to talk to Mr.Lars anyway" "Are y'all going to June's party tonight?" said Meredith. "Yeah, Carson and I are going to my house to get ready for it, you wanna come with?" "Oh no, I told my Mom I'd come straight home form dance, she wants to talk, but thanks!" "Talk?" inquired Carson. "I think she's got a new guy" "Well I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and your new daddy!" teased Sophie. "Hardy har har, thanks for the support" "Anytime". Meredith stuck her tongue out at Sophie, waved at Carson, and she was gone.
Meredith's mom had divorced her dad when she was nine, and had never been without a guy since. It wasn't like she was a flirt or anything, in fact she was quite religious, she was just gorgeous. Men loved her, she was tall, had ocean blue eyes, and striking red hair, she was like Meredith at forty. The only difference between them was Meredith worried about everything while she hadn't a care in the world.
Carson and Sophie picked their bags up and hurried out of the dance studio. Sophie opened the trunk and they threw their bags in. Sophie got in the driver's seat, buckled up, started the engine, and backed out.
Sophie and Carson had been best friends since Sophie came to the studio six years ago. They were sixteen now, but Carson was two months older and never let her forget it. They were total opposites. Sophie loved everything vintage, Carson loved everything modern. Sophie was the baby of the family, Carson was the oldest. Sophie had brown hair, Carson had blond, the list went on. They did have in common the fact that they were both home-schooled. But more important than that, they could always trust each other with their secrets.
They were just pulling into the drive when Carson exclaimed "Oh no! I can't believe I forgot!" "What? What did you forget?" "To talk to Mr.Lars, I was suppose to talk to him, but I forgot!" "Well you could always e-mail him. What did you need to talk about anyway?" "Oh just my solo" "Wait, I thought Mrs.Emma was doing your solo" "Um well she was but my mom likes Mr.Lars' choreography better" "But you hate lyrical" "Well that's what a lot of the college dance programs are looking for" "Yeah that's true. But I think all the teachers are invited tonight, so maybe you could talk to him tonight" "Oh good thinking!" "Yeah I know! Plus we all get to stare at him in his bathing suit" "Sophie!" "What?". Carson tried to act shocked but she knew she wasn't.
Sophie opened the trunk and they pulled their bags out. Sophie locked the car and they made their way to the door. She put the key in the lock and opened the door. "Mom, I'm home" she shouted. Sophie's mom walked in, dish rag in her hand. "Hi girls, how was dance?" "It was good, exhausting, but good" said Sophie as she sat her bag down and hugged her mom. "Where's dad?" "He's doing some work in the backyard. Are y'all hungry?" "Oh no thanks Carol, we're just gonna eat at June's, but thank you" "You're welcome Carson! And tell your mom I said 'hello'" "I will".
Sophie and Carson walked up the stairs to Sophie's room. Everyone called Sophie's mom Carol. Not Mrs.Duvall, or Mrs.Carol, or even Sophie's mom, but Carol. If it was anyone else it would have been weird, but not with Carol.
Sophie opened her bedroom door and the girls both tossed their bags on the floor. Carson plopped down on the bed and Sophie went straight to her closet. "So I was thinking I'd wear my white cover up with my pink polka dot bikini and my pink wedges" "Yeah that sounds great" said Carson in an absentminded voice. "Or I could wear my teal sundress and my white suit" "Sure that's nice" "Or I could paint myself orange and change my name to carrot" "That's cute" "Carson!" shouted Sophie. Carson whipped her head around with a startled expression. "What? What's wrong?" "I was trying to get your opinion on my outfit but you seem completely out of it, are you okay?" "Oh yeah I'm fine, just tired. You know how draining Saturday practices can be" "Are you sure?" "Yeah totally" "Carson, I know when you're lying". Carson stood up and started pacing. "Well there is this one thing I've been meaning to tell you" "Okay, shoot!" "But you have to promise you won't tell" "Okay, I promise". Sophie slowly sat on the bed waiting for Carson to answer. "I mean this is huge, if word got out....". Carson was starting to worry Sophie. "Carson, teacup". Suddenly Carson seemed to calm down. She shut the door and walked over to the bed and sat beside Sophie. Sophie put her hand on Carson's arm and she turned toward her. "I've been seeing someone" "Who?" "Mr.Lars" "Is this like to make me not as shocked when you tell me who it really is?" "No, that's not what this is...". Sophie stood up and started to pace. "I'd be okay if you wanted to date Brian, it's been months since the break-up!" "Sophie!". She stopped dead in her tracks. "Sophie, it really is Mr.Lars" "Wow. Well how long has this been going on?" "Since the beginning of the summer" "Is that why you didn't come with me and my family to the beach?" "No, I didn't plan this, at first I just wanted to improve my dancing, and then after a few weeks we got really close, it just sorta happened" "Wow. The only thing I have from summer vacation is a tan-line, you have a secret boyfriend" "Hey what about those awesome pieces of beach glass you found?!". They both laughed. "Well am I the only one that knows?" "Yes! So you should realize how top secret this is!" "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me Mrs.Lars Hancock". Carson rolled her eyes. "You're hilarious" "I know" said Sophie, batting her eyelashes. "Come on, let's get ready". And with that Carson was up and rolling.
Sophie walked over to pick up her water bottle. "Sophie, I'm still riding with you, right?". Sophie looked up to see who the voice belonged to, it was Carson. "Yeah, I just need to get my stuff together" "Oh okay, I have to talk to Mr.Lars anyway" "Are y'all going to June's party tonight?" said Meredith. "Yeah, Carson and I are going to my house to get ready for it, you wanna come with?" "Oh no, I told my Mom I'd come straight home form dance, she wants to talk, but thanks!" "Talk?" inquired Carson. "I think she's got a new guy" "Well I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and your new daddy!" teased Sophie. "Hardy har har, thanks for the support" "Anytime". Meredith stuck her tongue out at Sophie, waved at Carson, and she was gone.
Meredith's mom had divorced her dad when she was nine, and had never been without a guy since. It wasn't like she was a flirt or anything, in fact she was quite religious, she was just gorgeous. Men loved her, she was tall, had ocean blue eyes, and striking red hair, she was like Meredith at forty. The only difference between them was Meredith worried about everything while she hadn't a care in the world.
Carson and Sophie picked their bags up and hurried out of the dance studio. Sophie opened the trunk and they threw their bags in. Sophie got in the driver's seat, buckled up, started the engine, and backed out.
Sophie and Carson had been best friends since Sophie came to the studio six years ago. They were sixteen now, but Carson was two months older and never let her forget it. They were total opposites. Sophie loved everything vintage, Carson loved everything modern. Sophie was the baby of the family, Carson was the oldest. Sophie had brown hair, Carson had blond, the list went on. They did have in common the fact that they were both home-schooled. But more important than that, they could always trust each other with their secrets.
They were just pulling into the drive when Carson exclaimed "Oh no! I can't believe I forgot!" "What? What did you forget?" "To talk to Mr.Lars, I was suppose to talk to him, but I forgot!" "Well you could always e-mail him. What did you need to talk about anyway?" "Oh just my solo" "Wait, I thought Mrs.Emma was doing your solo" "Um well she was but my mom likes Mr.Lars' choreography better" "But you hate lyrical" "Well that's what a lot of the college dance programs are looking for" "Yeah that's true. But I think all the teachers are invited tonight, so maybe you could talk to him tonight" "Oh good thinking!" "Yeah I know! Plus we all get to stare at him in his bathing suit" "Sophie!" "What?". Carson tried to act shocked but she knew she wasn't.
Sophie opened the trunk and they pulled their bags out. Sophie locked the car and they made their way to the door. She put the key in the lock and opened the door. "Mom, I'm home" she shouted. Sophie's mom walked in, dish rag in her hand. "Hi girls, how was dance?" "It was good, exhausting, but good" said Sophie as she sat her bag down and hugged her mom. "Where's dad?" "He's doing some work in the backyard. Are y'all hungry?" "Oh no thanks Carol, we're just gonna eat at June's, but thank you" "You're welcome Carson! And tell your mom I said 'hello'" "I will".
Sophie and Carson walked up the stairs to Sophie's room. Everyone called Sophie's mom Carol. Not Mrs.Duvall, or Mrs.Carol, or even Sophie's mom, but Carol. If it was anyone else it would have been weird, but not with Carol.
Sophie opened her bedroom door and the girls both tossed their bags on the floor. Carson plopped down on the bed and Sophie went straight to her closet. "So I was thinking I'd wear my white cover up with my pink polka dot bikini and my pink wedges" "Yeah that sounds great" said Carson in an absentminded voice. "Or I could wear my teal sundress and my white suit" "Sure that's nice" "Or I could paint myself orange and change my name to carrot" "That's cute" "Carson!" shouted Sophie. Carson whipped her head around with a startled expression. "What? What's wrong?" "I was trying to get your opinion on my outfit but you seem completely out of it, are you okay?" "Oh yeah I'm fine, just tired. You know how draining Saturday practices can be" "Are you sure?" "Yeah totally" "Carson, I know when you're lying". Carson stood up and started pacing. "Well there is this one thing I've been meaning to tell you" "Okay, shoot!" "But you have to promise you won't tell" "Okay, I promise". Sophie slowly sat on the bed waiting for Carson to answer. "I mean this is huge, if word got out....". Carson was starting to worry Sophie. "Carson, teacup". Suddenly Carson seemed to calm down. She shut the door and walked over to the bed and sat beside Sophie. Sophie put her hand on Carson's arm and she turned toward her. "I've been seeing someone" "Who?" "Mr.Lars" "Is this like to make me not as shocked when you tell me who it really is?" "No, that's not what this is...". Sophie stood up and started to pace. "I'd be okay if you wanted to date Brian, it's been months since the break-up!" "Sophie!". She stopped dead in her tracks. "Sophie, it really is Mr.Lars" "Wow. Well how long has this been going on?" "Since the beginning of the summer" "Is that why you didn't come with me and my family to the beach?" "No, I didn't plan this, at first I just wanted to improve my dancing, and then after a few weeks we got really close, it just sorta happened" "Wow. The only thing I have from summer vacation is a tan-line, you have a secret boyfriend" "Hey what about those awesome pieces of beach glass you found?!". They both laughed. "Well am I the only one that knows?" "Yes! So you should realize how top secret this is!" "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me Mrs.Lars Hancock". Carson rolled her eyes. "You're hilarious" "I know" said Sophie, batting her eyelashes. "Come on, let's get ready". And with that Carson was up and rolling.
Monday, January 31, 2011
QUEENIE'S BEQUEST
1
Charlotte dabbed at her eyes and nose, clutching the tissue like a vice, "I remember most of all her blackberry cobbler, she loved to cook, she was a sweet lady and she loved having everyone down to eat
William sternly, his emotions showing despite his steely stare, shared a crazy story of Grandmal and Aunt Lily scared to death one night by scratching at the back screen door, only to discover that it had been one of Uncle Alvin's pigs. We all laughed.
So much had changed and so much had remained. So much much had been left unsaid, by myself, and held in by Ellen, who shook her head when asked if anyone else had anything to say.
This family certainly had it's quirks, there was no denying that, but don't they all, that's what people say.
None of us had given much to Grandmal in the last few years of her life, but on that day no one allowed that truth in. We had done our best. I knew we hadn't.
Charlotte left first, insisting she was exhausted, and kissing one and all on the cheek she was gone, praying for each one as she left. When had she changed so much?
Charlotte was the oldest of four children. In her youth she had won many beauty contests.She was the belle of the ball type. She grew up in the fifties and sixties, marrying young as they all did then. Charlotte had become extremely religious, filled with the Spirit, as she saw it. In the last couple of decades our family had seen so many changes in her. About fifteen years back she had left home to travel all alone. Leaving four children with their dad Rudy. Rudy never gave up on her, didn't really ask where she had been. I always felt it was a marriage that started with a little girl not ready and a loving man adoring her, but slowly enduring each other.
William made sure mama and daddy were ready to leave. Even though he was the youngest, he being the only son had been given the duty of leader.
2
When everyone had gone, my family, my husband John, kids Brian, Kelsy, Amy and Doug left the church graveyard and headed to my grandmother's home.
My grandmother hadn't lived in her house for more than fifteen years. She had been living with her son my uncle, not two lots away from her house.
There were so many feeling and memories about that house. When I was a child, probably until my first two kids were little we had gone there on Sundays, at least once every three weeks. When I was much younger we went every two weeks, but eventually my mother put a stop to that. I guess as I look at it from her point of view it was a bit much, especially for the daughter-in-law. But as a kid I loved going . It was like a different world.
My father had moved to the big city, Richmond when my oldest sister Charlotte was three. My mother and father had lived with my grandparents for a time. Mother remembers it very bitterly- I can imagine.
Grandmal cooked like crazy. There was always so much food. She always had fried chicken, usually roast beef, always potato salad, green beans with whole white potatoes cooked in, turnip greens, sweet potatoes, sliced and baked sweet and dry. I have never been able to make those sweet potatoes the same way. There would almost always be homemade vegetable soup, flat cornbread (not the sweet kind) macaroni and cheese sometimes. She usually had a relish tray with her homemade pickles and candied pears. For dessert there was always at least four or five things to choose from. Some of my favorites were her four layer banana cake her chocolate cake, and all of us kids loved her chocolate and butterscotch pudding pies, much to my mother's disgust, as she would always point out to us at home , that my grandmother's pie was made with jello pie filling. It was great! Oh and yeah coffee! At my grandmother's we could have coffee with lots of milk. It was the only time we were allowed to have coffee except when my mother would make salt heron and corn meal cakes for breakfast occasionally.
As we stepped on the porch to my grandmother's house my oldest son quickly went to the porch swing. I cautioned him about the condition of it, but her and his brother swung anyway. So many times my sisters and my brother had fought over that swing and my kids too.
I couldn't believe how bad the porch floor looked, but I guess it was really amazing the house was still standing. That old house had been built in the late 1800's .
We opened the front door. My sister Ellen and I had admired that door for as long as I can remember. The door didn't go with the house. It looked as though it belonged on a more elegant old house. The door painted white, had the top half frosted glass with a beautiful scene of deer in the woods. I would have loved to have it and was already thinking of asking for it.
Charlotte dabbed at her eyes and nose, clutching the tissue like a vice, "I remember most of all her blackberry cobbler, she loved to cook, she was a sweet lady and she loved having everyone down to eat
William sternly, his emotions showing despite his steely stare, shared a crazy story of Grandmal and Aunt Lily scared to death one night by scratching at the back screen door, only to discover that it had been one of Uncle Alvin's pigs. We all laughed.
So much had changed and so much had remained. So much much had been left unsaid, by myself, and held in by Ellen, who shook her head when asked if anyone else had anything to say.
This family certainly had it's quirks, there was no denying that, but don't they all, that's what people say.
None of us had given much to Grandmal in the last few years of her life, but on that day no one allowed that truth in. We had done our best. I knew we hadn't.
Charlotte left first, insisting she was exhausted, and kissing one and all on the cheek she was gone, praying for each one as she left. When had she changed so much?
Charlotte was the oldest of four children. In her youth she had won many beauty contests.She was the belle of the ball type. She grew up in the fifties and sixties, marrying young as they all did then. Charlotte had become extremely religious, filled with the Spirit, as she saw it. In the last couple of decades our family had seen so many changes in her. About fifteen years back she had left home to travel all alone. Leaving four children with their dad Rudy. Rudy never gave up on her, didn't really ask where she had been. I always felt it was a marriage that started with a little girl not ready and a loving man adoring her, but slowly enduring each other.
William made sure mama and daddy were ready to leave. Even though he was the youngest, he being the only son had been given the duty of leader.
2
When everyone had gone, my family, my husband John, kids Brian, Kelsy, Amy and Doug left the church graveyard and headed to my grandmother's home.
My grandmother hadn't lived in her house for more than fifteen years. She had been living with her son my uncle, not two lots away from her house.
There were so many feeling and memories about that house. When I was a child, probably until my first two kids were little we had gone there on Sundays, at least once every three weeks. When I was much younger we went every two weeks, but eventually my mother put a stop to that. I guess as I look at it from her point of view it was a bit much, especially for the daughter-in-law. But as a kid I loved going . It was like a different world.
My father had moved to the big city, Richmond when my oldest sister Charlotte was three. My mother and father had lived with my grandparents for a time. Mother remembers it very bitterly- I can imagine.
Grandmal cooked like crazy. There was always so much food. She always had fried chicken, usually roast beef, always potato salad, green beans with whole white potatoes cooked in, turnip greens, sweet potatoes, sliced and baked sweet and dry. I have never been able to make those sweet potatoes the same way. There would almost always be homemade vegetable soup, flat cornbread (not the sweet kind) macaroni and cheese sometimes. She usually had a relish tray with her homemade pickles and candied pears. For dessert there was always at least four or five things to choose from. Some of my favorites were her four layer banana cake her chocolate cake, and all of us kids loved her chocolate and butterscotch pudding pies, much to my mother's disgust, as she would always point out to us at home , that my grandmother's pie was made with jello pie filling. It was great! Oh and yeah coffee! At my grandmother's we could have coffee with lots of milk. It was the only time we were allowed to have coffee except when my mother would make salt heron and corn meal cakes for breakfast occasionally.
As we stepped on the porch to my grandmother's house my oldest son quickly went to the porch swing. I cautioned him about the condition of it, but her and his brother swung anyway. So many times my sisters and my brother had fought over that swing and my kids too.
I couldn't believe how bad the porch floor looked, but I guess it was really amazing the house was still standing. That old house had been built in the late 1800's .
We opened the front door. My sister Ellen and I had admired that door for as long as I can remember. The door didn't go with the house. It looked as though it belonged on a more elegant old house. The door painted white, had the top half frosted glass with a beautiful scene of deer in the woods. I would have loved to have it and was already thinking of asking for it.
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