Fortune Smiles

She woke with a start and turned her head to eye the clock. The red numbers soon registered. She groaned lightly and lifted hands to rub over her face. Attempting to rub away the sleepiness. A long deep sigh and she winced as the alarm started to go off. A hand slid over and swatted the clock to silence the annoying beeping. "Yes, I am awake!" Pulling back the covers she sat upright. Today she was going over to her mother's house. It was time and she knew she had to face it. Groaning she pushed to stand and went to the bathroom. A quick wash of face and brushing of teeth and she was deciding what to wear. Nothing too nice cause the dust and grime of the attic and basement would ruin her clothes.

Once dressed she headed to the kitchen. Coffee and thoughts over the last two weeks had her frowning as she took a cautious sip of the heated brew. Her mother's death was a shock to her and the family. Always full of life and joy. To suddenly not be around anymore was still a hard pill to swallow. Today she was to go over to her mother's to go through her things and decide what was to be kept, thrown away and given to charity. Finishing her coffee she washed her cup and put everything away. Gathering her purse and keys she headed out to make the short drive to her mom's.

Arriving at her mother's house she pulled into the driveway behind her mother's car. That would be going to her cousin, Joey. He needed it more then she or her brother did. The transfer of ownership would be completed that day. Noting a few cars parked around the house, she knew some of the family was already there. Getting out of the car, she headed up the steps onto the porch. Everything there would be going to various family members. Opening the door, she could smell the coffee and hear voices coming from the back of the house where the kitchen was. She yelled out, "Hey! I'm here!"

"We are back here hun!" Called out her Aunt Shelly.

Walking down the hallway into the bright kitchen she smiled seeing her family. Her brother, John, her Aunt Shelly, Shelly's husband Mick, a few of their kids, Lisa, Karen, Mack and Lauren. All came to help her get through this and take what her mom left for them. She set her purse on the counter just as Aunt Shelly handed her a mug of coffee. "Here you go honey, this will wake you up, Uncle Mick made it."

"Hey that is good coffee!" Uncle Mick said with a grin.

"Thanks." Anne took it and sipped slowly before making a face and setting it down. "Ugh that is strong!"

Everyone laughed as Shelly swatted Mick's arm jokingly. Anne shook her head and joined in the light banter that was going on. After a few minutes things calmed and a serious note was had.

"We spoke to the lawyer your mother hired and he said there was a will. She bequeathed things to everyone so it will make it easier with deciding who gets what. The only stipulation was that this was to be given to you." Aunt Shelly went to her large handbag and pulled out a large, heavy looking manila envelope. Setting it before Anne, she went to stand beside Lisa. Everyone had their eyes on Anne as she picked it up and inspected it. Not seeing any writing on it she tore the top off and peered inside. Seeing nothing dangerous, she reached in and pulled out a black book and a sheet of paper. Setting the book down she read the writing on the page. It was her mother's handwriting. Her brow furrowed when she was done and looked to her Aunt before handing her the paper. Her Aunt stepped over and read the words as Anne picked up the book and opened it. Skimming through the pages that her mother had written in. Looking up she met her Aunt's gaze.

"She doesn't want anyone but me to read the contents of this." Anne said as she closed the book and held it within crossed arms against her chest.

"Leave it to your mother to be all mysterious." She cracked a light smile and a shrug as she tuned to the others while slipping the paper into the envelope. "Time to get started. I have a copy of the list the lawyer gave me with lists for everyone. So there is no confusion. My sister left things to everyone. Once the items are yours, you can do what you want. Keep, give away, etc." Her Aunt gave everyone their own copy and one by one they left Anne in the kitchen to head to various rooms, leaving Anne alone in the kitchen.

Anne went to sit at the table to look through the book. It was written in her mother's handwriting. Chicken scratch that was just legible to make out what was being said. It was her thoughts, ideas, her joys and regrets. With a sigh, she closed the book, put it back into the envelope and put it in her purse. She would get to that later. Picking up her copy of the list she went to go join the others in the dividing of her mother's amassed belongings.

It was two days later she stood in the empty house. It took two whole days for her and the family to clean out the house. Take what was bequeathed, give away what was not wanted and throw out the rest. She could hear the real estate agent talking with the couple that had bought the house. Her mother had put the house up for sale before her death and instructions were in place she would live there till she died. The new owners were fine with the conditions and thought they would have a little more time. But when Dina passed so suddenly, everything was put into motion. So here they were, going through the last inspection. As they entered the room she was in, she was pulled out of her thoughts and pasted a light smile on her lips. The new owners smiled and walked past to head to the kitchen. Talking of new cabinets and such. Anne looked at the agent as she approached. " They are pleased with the house. Everything is in order." Said as she went through her file folder and handed Anne a stack of papers. "Your bank will notify you as soon as the funds are transferred. You are very lucky this all went without a hitch. Especially in this market. And for them to pay cash in full is extremely rare."

Anne nodded and took the paperwork and slipped it into her purse. Not wanting to linger in this house anymore then needed she stepped towards the door. "Thank you for everything, but I have an appointment I have to get to. Here are the keys." Anne handed the set of keys to the agent and left.

It was bittersweet to her. Her mother had handled everything. It was good not to have to worry about every single detail, but sad because, her mother was truly gone. She didn't look back as she left the house. Not even when she got into her car and backed out the driveway. Forcing herself to not look back in the rearview as she headed down the street towards town to meet with her mother's lawyer.

It was 30 minutes later she found herself in the waiting room of the lawyer's office. Done up in dark wood and burgundy leather. Old law magazines lay on the tables, law books decorated the bookcases. Large leafed plants sat in corners. Place needed to be dusted and organized, but somehow she didn't think it would get done. The door opened to have a tall, balding man dressed in gray pants, white shirt and a dull gray tie with red suspenders appear. "Miss Reign??

Anne nodded and stood up. He held out his hand for her to take. "I'm Alex Teabing, please, come in." He stepped back so she could enter the office and he closed the door behind them. "Please, take a seat." He motioned to the well worn arm chair in front of a cluttered desk. Anne took the seat he motioned to and sat back. Watching him as he moved around the desk and moved a few files till he found the one he was looking for. Sitting down himself he smiled and looked at her. "So, your mother pretty much took care of everything. She was very detailed in her wishes on every aspect. Even the sale of the house was prearranged. I am sure that has gone without a hitch?"

Anne nodded. "Yes, I just came from there. The new owners are taking possession today. The real estate agent has the keys and assured me the bank would notify me as soon as the transfer of funds was complete. As per mom's will, the money will be distributed to my brother, Aunt and myself when it is all done."

"Good, good. Now, I know your Aunt Shelly gave you the envelope with the book in it. Yes?"

"Yes, she gave it to me but I have not had much time to really read it. I had planned on reading it tonight."

"Alright, well there is an item that goes with that book." He leaned to the side and brought up a file box that had been taped closed. "This is yours as well Miss Reign. It goes with that book. Now, I am required to tell you that your mother wished this and all that follows pertaining to the items inside are yours and yours alone. Your brother has been compensated so should not be a problem."

At this, Anne's brow lifted. "Wait, what do you mean my brother has been compensated?"

"I am not at liberty to say Miss Reign. All I can say is your brother had received an envelope from your mother as well. It is up to him and you to decide if you both wish to divulge the contents. Though I can say your mother was adamant about keeping this all separate." He explained to her in his legal manner.

"Well that does sound like my mother. Every little detail micro managed." " She smiled a bit though it did not really meet her eyes. Sighing she

stood up, and reached out her hand. "Thank you for everything Mr. Teabing. I will get this and get out of your hair."

Teabing stood up, grasped her hand with a genuine smile. "My pleasure Miss Reign. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for help if you need it." He released her hand and let her take the file box from his desk and hurried to open the door for her.

She swept past him and out of the office to her car. Setting the box on the passenger seat, she walked around to the driver's side and settled in for the ride home. Her thoughts drifting to her mother and the odd secrecy with this box. And what was this all about her brother being compensated?

No answers came to mind as she arrived home and set the box on the low table in her living room. Leaving it all there for a bit, she went to make some lunch and get changed into her house clothes. Comfortable sweats and loose t shirt with warm fluffy socks. Tying her hair up in a bun, she brought her lunch to the living room and settled in to read this black book of her mother's.

Three hours later she let the book drop to sit in her lap and eyed the box. She still had not opened it. But now, she knew what it was and what was to be done. Closing the book, she set it aside and stood up to break the tape that sealed the box closed. Lifting the lid, she set it aside and there, for her to see where 8 manuscripts. Unpublished novels her mother had written. Taking the top one out of the box, she saw that it was typed and ready to be submitted. One after the other, all were titled, printed and prepped. She remembered, growing up, seeing her mother always scribbling something. But never let her or anyone know what it was. Now she did. Her instructions were clear. She wanted Anne to find a publisher and have them published and sold. Anne was to have the proceeds. A daunting task for someone not knowing how to begin. But, if things worked out, and these novels were published, it would be enough for Anne to open that bakery she had always wanted to open. Be her own boss and not have to answer to anyone but herself. She got her laptop and did a bit of research. Made a list of publishers to call the next morning and settled in to read the first manuscript. She had gotten nearly halfway through when she decided it was time to sleep. The morning would be busy with phone calls and work.

The next morning came too soon. The alarm blaring and pulling her out of a deep sleep had her muttering a few choice words as she silenced the offending clock, and reluctantly sat up to begin her morning routine. Coffee, wash up, teeth brushed, dressed for work and out the door to head to the bakery she worked as a cake decorator. Phone calls would be made that afternoon. She only had 1 wedding cake to finish and 1 appointment with a bride. Her day went fast. The cake was completed and put into the refrigerator to keep cold just in time for the bride and her mother to arrive for their cake tasting and decide on what they wished for the wedding that was coming up in a few months. When the ladies left, she went to the back office to leave her notes on what was ordered and took out the list of publishers. 8 calls were made 3 of which were not interested, 2 didn't answer and 3 told her to submit the manuscripts. If they were liked she would be contacted.

She left the bakery and headed home. She had to make copies of the manuscripts to give each of the publishers. A little running around, some waiting, she finally had 5 copies of all 8 manuscripts all prepared to be sent out. The post office would have to wait till the next day. It was too late by the time she was done to get them mailed.

The next morning on her way to work, she stopped at the post office and sent them off. She did her task so put it out of her mind. She had been told by the publishers she had actually spoken to, chances were slim they would choose her novels to publish. She went on with her life. Worked at the bakery, took 2 classes on cake decorating to broaden her skills. Forgetting all about the books and publishers. It was about 6 months later she had come home from work, a little down due to it being her mother's birthday and not being able to celebrate it with her. Getting the mail she walked into the house and set her things aside. Dropping into the couch she let her eyes close and tears spilled down her cheeks. She missed her mother every day, but today, it was an actual pain that ached. Wiping away the tears she went through her mail. Bills and a few advertisements. One was a thick, heavy envelope. Reading the address her eyes widened and she sat upright. Tearing it open she pulled the thick pages from it and read the top letter. They wanted to publish her mother's novels! And inside was a check, for $50,000.00. The books would be on the shelves within 5 months. Stunned she stared at the check. It took her a bit of time before she snapped out of her shock and called the number in the letter. Details were discussed and agreements made. Hanging up the phone, she eyed the black book that was sitting there on the table. Picking it up, she held it close to her chest and smiled. "Thank you, Mama." She whispered softly as she pressed a kiss to the book. "You were right, fortune smiled on me for your birthday."