SECRETS FROM WITHIN

Chapter 1 It all started one mid-November afternoon, as I was cooking dinner in my cozy country kitchen, there began a rumble of thunder in the distance a dark cloud came in, it got cold very quickly. As I go to put logs on the fire, I see there was a letter, it was a little burnt on the edges, so I opened it and inside it said “To my wife to be” … there were burn marks, so it was hard to make out all the words but as I continue reading, I realize that this note is for me. A beautiful love letter that I never received. Where did it come from and how did it get here in my fireplace and why was it burned instead of given to me?

Chapter 2

Later that evening the temperature dropped, it had gotten so cold it started snowing, wind blowing, howling of the ravening wild dogs out looking for a warm place to lie down. I cracked my door open to take a hit from and old stale cigarette I’d lit earlier that day, I realized I didn’t lock the door back the other night after I had a smoke. I called Penny my neighbor she lives up past me a way, we live in the country nothing around for miles except goats, cows and horses she lives alone, her husband died years ago, he was run over by his own tractor out bailing hay for their farm animals. She never remarried; however, she is very tuned into everything, and about everyone within a five-mile radius of our little houses, rightfully so I think. I asked Penny, did you happen to see anyone near my house the other night? No, she replied I was up late getting all the animals fed. I never seen anything out of the ordinary up your way. Hey how about some dinner Penny replied? No... thank you, I told her I just couldn’t eat right now. I had a lot to think about and I wanted to get back to my house to have a look around, maybe there are some clues as to where this letter came from and most importantly who put it there.

Chapter 3

Seeing as to how crazy I have made myself looking for clues all over my house, inside and out as to who could have left such a display of affection in my fireplace. Maybe it was someone who was in my house with me. Donavan Westbrook my boyfriend, was born in a very small East coast town called Buckhead, North Carolina along the Outer Banks he says there is only about 400 people who live there. We met at Talbert Bakery & café in Boston about 4 years ago while taking a break from a dreadful conference we both were attending. He has asked me to marry him multiple times but has never given me a ring... guess we are both very indecisive and to be honest to myself I am just not ready for such a big step in my life yet. I just don’t want things to change. He is tall, dark hair, gorgeous green eyes, and a body that doesn’t stop giving. I know firsthand because I have seen the whole package! I have got to get out of this house for a while I screamed out loud, maybe I’ll go get some Chinese food that always helps. While in line to place my order I hear someone calling my name “Margie” … Oh, Donavan um what happened to you this morning? I thought you were at work already, I asked. He replied no I wanted to get something to take for lunch, I knew you were busy I didn’t want to bother you he replied. I was busy, I told him in a rush, but I would have fixed you something. This man is so considerate though sometimes it does drives me crazy. I’m sure he will try to use this for selfish reasons when I see him tomorrow morning which I don’t mind, believe me. Would you like to get a table, I asked? “No” he replied in a hurried voice, I’ve got to get to work, looks like I am having to work the whole night. I was hoping to get out of there early, but they can’t get any help he explained. I guess I am going to leave to then, I do love you; you know that right!? Donavan said smiling. Honestly, I do know that. He hangs onto my every word also, he has never lied to me or given me a reason to doubt him. As I was driving back, I saw the town had started putting up our Christmas décor. I have always loved going shop to shop checking out the new festive window art being displayed, As I was walking toward main street someone grabbed me and pulled me into the Coffee shop, the last place I wanted to be at that moment right next door is the Realty of John Creed LLC. With a shrilly voice screaming “Where have you been”? I knew that voice all too well, my sister Bethany Creed, or shall I call her Beth, she has got to be the most annoying little sister anyone could have, I love her very much though. She married John Creed the wealthiest man in Taborsville North Carolina to this day, of course it is wealth acquired thru his family business real estate and lots of it. John is a very good-looking man for his age healthy, mid-forties, salt and pepper hair, brown eyes tall and his voice melts in your ears, however with that money and good looks he has a lot of trouble that follows him and my sister now. Everyday there is a property that needs something, or someone to show it, so it certainly keeps them busy. “I have been trying to get in touch with you for days Beth said excitedly, I have a buyer for one of the businesses. I think you should have a look at it, if you wouldn’t mind helping me get everything done as a thank you, paperwork wise Ya know”? You already know I will do anything to help you, I said. Seeing as how I am there financial attorney and have nothing really going on except of course that letter that I found. Hey, Beth, would you possibly know who could have put this letter in my fireplace? Let me see, she reads it an looked at me with a smile and said you know this is Don I’m sure of it! she has never called him Donavan just Don. Well Beth I would think he would have given it to me don’t you, that is unless he has changed his mind about marring me.

Chapter 4

Beyond belief as I was going through Beth’s proposal for one of her downtown properties, I realize the name on the documents being RJ Bleaming, my Culinary Professor from Le cordon blu. I assume he is looking to expand his school. Oh, my heart started beating fast. This could be the greatest chance to help teach the greatest art in the world, ok one of the greatest. I decided to go make a surprise visit, just maybe he would consider letting one of his students be a part of his ideas, especially being so close to my home. I can be there anytime, maybe it will give my mind a break from all this madness concerning this letter. The thought that it could possibly be a stranger made my heart flutter, how mysterious!

Chapter 5

The next morning while lying in bed I told Donavan about going to see RJ in hopes that he would allow me to help in his new project. That is when Donavan decided to tell me he wanted to take a break. I mean I hardly ever see you, he replied. If I were being honest with myself, I was ok with it, I just didn’t see it coming, blindsided. I really didn’t know I would take it this hard. Guess I really needed to drink an extra cup of coffee this morning. Then it hit me, that letter was not for me It was for someone else. Did he not want me to know, has he been with someone else? This is a hard pill to swallow as they say. Donavan took his belongings and walked out the door. The door that we bought in Lowes together and painted together. It has our names on it. I decided to go back to bed. I went to sleep. I’m not sure how long I’d been sleeping, but when I got up I checked my phone and realized that Donavan had been gone twelve hours yep, I had slept that long. Yet I couldn't keep my eyes open, all I wanted to do is sleep and be left alone to my own thoughts. I have been sleeping since he told me that he no longer wanted to marry me, this is a dreadful feeling. As if a deep sleep came over me and possessed my mind and body, it created this numbing pain I felt so shallow, miserable. I smelled bad, I looked bad. I didn’t even want to get in the shower; however, my stomach was telling me I needed food. Not sure if I could hold anything down at this point, I made an effort to try some oatmeal the good kind apple cinnamon. I actually finished my whole bowl, jumped in the shower when I reached out to grab my bodywash I noticed he had left his shampoo, it smelled so good on him. I still couldn't believe it, Donavan was really gone. Was he ever really hear or just a shadow of the man that could have been? I would like to think that is when I realized that everything in this world is just a passing until we meet our final fate. I decided to get down on my knees and ask Jesus into my heart and I wanted to make that change. I felt as if I kept chasing after something that is not meant to be mine. In the grand scheme of things what is meant to be ours? Does it really matter, we can’t take it with us when we die it’s proven! Sure, there are a lot of other beliefs out there but for me Jesus needed to take my wheel…

Chapter 6

My parents were not very big on Godly beliefs however as a child my grandmother made sure she had us in church every Sunday. I knew that God was real, and I knew that God was my only chance at getting my life halfway decent. I was tired of all the bad in my life. I decided to meet up with RJ at the coffee shop to find out his plans, as we sat down, we were meet by a very awkward situation. On the window of the booth we sat down at, there was a small winged moth and a spider had started going near as to try to catch it and invite it to its parlor. The little moth had us so engrossed on its life-or-death situation of what might happen, both of us contemplating the next step that when the waitress interrupted, what might have been a lifesaving technique for us both I jumped terrified with a tiny screech, we turned toward the now startled lady, guess we will never know. I don’t see either one now RJ said with hesitation, as if that was his very thought also or maybe he wanted to see the spider catch the moth. So, what do you have planned sir for the location of 5541 main street, if you don’t mind me asking? He looked deep into my enchanting blue eyes and said suddenly I know you; you were in one of my classes about two years ago, my more advanced class if I remember correctly. Let me think, don’t tell me, you are Marguerite Carey? Correct? Yes, sir I go by Margie please. I wanted to take another class however, I had some family issues I had to get taken care of. My aunt passed suddenly, and I was left her home in the country I told him. Wow country girl huh, I didn’t expect that he said with a raised eyebrow. Why, I asked? Do I not look like a country bumpkin I said with a laugh? No, no you do not. You look like you belong in a kitchen cooking fine cuisines in Paris. Honestly, I would love to be doing that, I do not get the chance to cook anything interesting right now, and there is no one to eat what I cook. When I passed the bar last year I moved back home, the last four years are a blur. I went to Langley Law School in Boston, I had to do some excruciatingly long hours and pull a few months for an agency I was not crazy about, that is when I decided to take your classes and fell in love with cooking. Of course, with this year coming to an end and everything happening with my aunt, and I just really got moved into the house. Now my boyfriend Donavan that I met in Boston decided to come back here with me, he found himself a nice little apartment, and then told me last week he no longer wanted to be with me. He says I don’t love him enough. I was trying to choke out the words. It sounds like you have too much to deal with right now in a stern voice from behind me. Oh my “Tucker Dillan”, My boyfriend from high school. Wow what a surprise! I hope I’m not intruding in your therapy session. RJ cleared his throat; this is Not a therapy session if you please RJ rumbled to himself. I just couldn’t resist seeing you and wanted to know if you were busy tomorrow night Margie? Tucker asked. I politely excused myself from RJ and walked towards the door with Tucker, after hearing his voice it made me realize I was not ready to date anyone at this time in my life. I made up an excuse and sent him on his way. RJ I do apologize some people never change, now back to our discussion, I do appreciate you listening to my whining. I did not mean to ramble on. Um excuse me again, ugh Tuck, what can I help you with this time? I thought you might want these back he handed me a pair of my old pink lace panties I had left in his car many years ago. I turned three shades of red and hid them under the table in my purse, I shoved them inside somehow without anyone else seeing, especially RJ. Tuck smiled that devilish smile and leaned into me whispering, I will see you tomorrow night then? Yes, I sighed with a feeling of regret. I finished up with RJ and figured he was never going to let me anywhere near his business. I wouldn’t if it were me. Especially after that showering display of whatever that was today. It was as if something or someone had taken possession over my life that I had worked very hard to obtain. Now I’m going home locking the doors and making sure every window is locked tight. Especially knowing that I may be followed now. Tucker Eldridge, 42, tall, and rugged outback kinda way. Back then he was the only person I knew with a car that would dare come near my house because of my tyrant dad. His dad and my dad worked together every day in the mines digging for some mysterious kind of minerals, that the military found decades ago after a meteor crashed and now, they kept them working day and night to get what they wanted. They could use this precious metal called Iridium to make military grade weapons. Guess my dad didn’t think anything would happen with us, boy was he wrong. My mom divorced my dad when I was about twelve years old. I was made to take over my mom’s position with taking care of my little sister and brothers. I’m glad I left for school when I did. Tucker went to prison not too long after I left.

Chapter 7

As I pull into my driveway, I notice something in the tree I had never seen before today, it was clothing, Old ragged dingy pants and a cut up sweatshirt, they were Tucker’s I remember the day that I had cut them up and started to burn them before I left for college. I got out of the car and headed into the house and smelled a cigarette burning I look over my shoulder and there he was standing in the dark. You know you are the reason I went to prison he spoke in this intimidating voice. Tuck why are you here, I asked? You know why he exclaimed in a loud and growling voice. Listen that was a very long time ago, I have moved on so should you. You know damn well I can’t Margie, that was our child together that you… Stop right there, matter of fact, you and I both know we couldn’t handle bringing a child into this world at such a young age and that was more than twenty-seven years ago, let it go Tuck. We both have different lives now, that is why I went so far away for college so I can forget it and you! Tears filled his eyes as he walked to his truck, I felt like such a monster all things considered, I guess I kinda am. He closed the truck door; he wiped the tears that fell down his cheeks and drove off without another word.

Chapter 8

After dealing with so much of my past I felt like someone had football tackled me to the ground. I called Penny, and asked can I come up and talk? Sure, she said I’ve just got to round up the chickens and get the dogs put up, but by the time you get here I will have all that done. When I get up to Penny’s house, she is putting a pan of biscuits in the oven. I do not usually drink but after the trauma of the day, tonight I drank some of her Apple pie moonshine while watching the fire burn in the firepit. Penny lit a joint she gets prescribed marijuana from her Dr. lucky her. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer about six months ago and it helps her pain. I now know why I do not do this often I said jokingly while coughing my head into oblivion. I heard part of what happened would you like to talk about it she asked? Please tell me what you heard, and I will finish. She began, it was something to do with clothes burning and taking the trash out? I laughed until I snorted like a pig, then she laughed just as hard I think it had a lot to do with the marijuana or maybe the moonshine then again maybe both. I never told her exactly but said, that sounds about right. It had gotten late, I’d forgotten about my meeting with RJ in the morning, so I headed off to bed. The next morning while rushing around the house with a headache trying to get ready and find something to ease the head, I caught a glimpse of the clothes left still in the tree. On my way out I threw them in the ditch going down the road. I hope to never have to hear or see Tucker Dillan again.

Chapter 9

Things had finally started slowing down and settling into a nice routine. I have not run into Tucker in the last three months. I can only hope he has moved on and maybe even found someone special. I still do not know who wrote the letter and I may never find out at the rate I’m going. Everything has been getting back to normal since Donavan and I broke up. I’ve even met his new girlfriend not bad by the way, at the coffee shop. It seems like nothing that came before ever happened. Still in the back of my mind I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Chapter 10

I rushed inside the school where RJ was waiting, he was opening his business today finally. I have been waiting for you since 8am, you are a hard person to keep up with he muttered. In case you haven’t heard I’m a wreck, I laughed jokingly. On the inside I knew that was the truth, I couldn’t get my toothbrush to work this morning, under my sink was leaking and I had to get that cleaned up before walking out the door, then to make things better I locked my keys inside and had to find a window I could open. Due to me making sure all the windows and doors were locked tight last time I saw Tucker. So yes, I truly am a wreck to myself. Let’s start today by cutting the ribbon and making this our first day of a new beginning and changing lives. RJ was brilliant, he was an inspiration to his students that were learning to cook. He made the upstairs into the culinary classrooms and the whole bottom section Breakfast - lunch- then the Dinner area, not to mention the extraordinary kitchen to cook in. He asked me if I would run the kitchen when I was not entangled in my sister’s real estate issues, which here lately has been a little slow, but maybe doing the things I love to do will help me get back to my old self. I had a lot to keep me busy, first in order make sure everyone is where they belong, paperwork lots and lots of paperwork and reading. Good thing I liked to read huh, I said to RJ with a smile. If you need anything I will be in Ireland I have another business I am opening there, he said. I thought I had seen money signs dancing in his eyes, it gives me the creeps. Don’t get it twisted, I know what kind of man he is, all about the money. I do appreciate him giving me this job, and that is why I keep our relationship completely business. Besides this money is the root to all evil. No matter how well you know someone their inner demons can make a person do things you would never think them capable of. I pray for people like that whom for my opinion are going to HELL. I try my best not to judge people, but I was judged for so long so many years ago, it is hard to let go sometimes. People tend to do the very things they vow to never do and yet they criticize and ridicule others for it when we slip. We all do it rather it be for money or fame we over-look things people do because we want something more, selfish I thought sadly.

Chapter 11

When I got home from work today there was a car I did not recognize in my driveway, a man stood beside it. He was an older man late 60’s maybe but still in good shape. As I walked over to greet him, I felt like I’d seen him before I just couldn’t remember where. Hello, he called out with a soft lilting voice. I have come to see Wilma Carey I am an old friend of hers. Oh, you don’t know. I’m sorry to have to tell you my aunt passed away; it’s been about three years now. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea or some coffee? I would love that not to intrude and by the way my name is Jasper Dover your late aunt was a dear friend of mine. The last time I saw her was at Sam’s funeral, it was such a shame he was killed so young. This caught my attention. Who is Sam, I asked curiously? Oh, you don’t know that was your uncle, I guess you weren’t born yet. Wonder why no one ever told you about him? As he took a sip of hot tea, he glanced at the fire place and walked over to it and he picked up the letter, holding it in his shaky hand he looked to me and said why do you have this?

Ending

I do hope that you have enjoyed reading this dreadful trash I’d like to call my mini’s. Short but believable, everything in these books are fiction, however it hits home in everyone’s heart and mind. It is because We are human beings, we have emotions, feelings, and some deeper than others but we all have our own personal scars deep inside some visible and those that no one sees. Maybe you will decide to read the next book? Find out if Margie has really gotten rid of Tucker? Or More about RJ Bleaming and Don’t forget Donavan is he really gone now that Margie has started a new career, she put her Legal business to the side but not for no ordinary ordeal, she is now vice president of a culinary arts dream, especially in a small but aspiring town Taborsville, North Carolina. Most important who is this older gentleman really and why has he come to my home? Take a journey with me as we fall deep into madness looking for clues and finding out the real truth of what is about to be an abrupt beginning or maybe the end of our sanity?