Little Black Book

It has been a long day! Tired is that the correct word I want to use? No exhausted down to my toenails is a better word for how I’m feeling. Six weeks before the set date of “Sista’s Kan Cook” opens. And we are behind by weeks maybe even months. This year we have had unusually wet weather all our restructure work needed on the outside of the building had to wait until the weathered cleared. At least the workers was able to get the new roof on before the down pour; which would have cost my sisters and I more money than we have planed on spending. Once again we may have to push back a few more weeks or even months to make sure everything is completed. We can’t afford anymore delays at this point. Not only are we running out of time but looking over our budget it needs some major repairs at this point. So we went to work on the inside. One of our issues is agreeing on the floor set up. Kerry wants to call in a professional decorator/designer and Angela wants to keep it rustic. I am the voice of balance Nancy yes that’s who I am.

I’m hoping the building speak to me as I found a stack of dry wall to sit on. What was that? Hearing a screech and roaring crash coming from another part of the building. Rushing with the rest of the crew in the sound of the crash. Already some of the men were removing debris where an unstable wall had fallen. There lay Kerry underneath the rubble. Some where in the commotion I think I heard call for help. Fear and panic quickly replaced exhaustion, was I saying anything? Everything seemed to stand still all noise seemed to be mixed together in silence. How could this happen I screamed trying to break the silence while digging wildly with bare hands. All sound was slowly going in and out, we need more light I heard some one saying. Then all was silent again. The room was silent again. I felt someone pushing me out the of way. Then all at once the blaring sounds of voices, screams, sirens and crackling of loose boards falling to the ground. Where is Angela? Everything seemed to be spinning out of control. Help me! Please! Suddenly I felt hands tugging me. Wake up! Wake up Mrs Parker! I apologize it took me longer than I expected with the other client. The key had broken off in the lock, I had to find a locksmith. There was only one who was able to come and replace the lock and key(she was oblivious to my confusion). Oh, Its okay Ms. Brown, stammered across my lips. Struggling to gain composure of myself (I thought I owned this). Oh, I’m so happy you feel that way Mrs. Parker

Hope you had time to look through the entire building. Like I said it has been empty for about 30 years, and it will take some time as well as money to bring it up to code (as she looked around present room). Ms. Brown do you know if there are any problems in the building or construction of this building? Um not that I have knowledge of, since the building codes have changed; adding a ramp and handicap accessible bathroom will bring it current. I mean has anyone died or was seriously injured here? Has anyone reported or have you heard any rumors about people seeing things? Not to my knowledge Mrs. Parker. I do know it use to be bar with wine cellar downstairs, this is where many of the factory workers use to come on Fridays to relax and let off steam. What makes you ask about ghost Mrs. Parker did something happen? No, no I just such a vivid dream. About what, if you don’t mind me asking. It’s so silly but I was dreaming my sister was just about finished with all the repairs when one of the walls which was unstable fell. It seemed so real I can’t seem to shake it. Shake what Mrs. Parker? My sister Kerry was underneath the fallen wall and I don’t know how bad she was injured. Also I didn’t know where my sister Angela was in all the commotion. Tears feel from my eyes as my body began to shake uncontrollable.

It’s okay Mrs. Parker you was only dreaming. I can tell it was truly upsetting dream(as she reached to steady me). It’s a good thing for you, your the only child your parents had. What do you mean the only child? What proof do you have Ms. Brown? You went to school with my youngest brother, I think we need to leave and get some fresh air Mrs. Parker, oh don’t forget your book. What book Ms. Brown? The black book beside the chair you was sitting in. Oh that is not my book. “It must be” came the reply. It wasn’t here before and she handed me the black book. That dream must have really shook you up. I took the black book walking slowly to the car, light headed along with being confused. The dream, my sisters, being told I’m the only child. Looking out the car window I watched as Ms. Brown locked up. Are you okay to drive can I get you anything or is there anyone you would like for me to call. Thank you so much Ms brown I’m fine. I’m going to sit here for a few minutes to gather myself. I have something to drink. Oh and thank you for showing me the building. It will make a great restaurant. Restaurant? I thought you were looking into opening up a Veterinary Clinic? I guess a restaurant will do just as well. Have a good day Mrs. Parker.

Clutching the book to my chest while leaning my head against the steering wheel eyes closed; frustrated, tired, confused and afraid. The feeling of hot tears streaming down my cheeks. Ma’am! Ma’am your sister is going to be okay! We are taking her to hospital for observation. Would you like follow us to American General Hospital? A huge wail escaped my lips, what’s happening! I couldn’t stop myself. Ma’am it’s okay the EMT worker repeated. Do you need assistance are you hurt? Scoot over I’m driving your in no shape to drive, we’ll follow you Sir responded Angela. Who are you I was told I was the only child. As uncontrollable sobs escaped from me. What are you talking about? What have you been drinking? I wonder how much this is gong to cost. Kerry doesn’t have insurance coverage and we have to find out how much it will cost us in repairing that wall. Help Me, I think I'm going crazy. What's happening! Stop shouted Angela your scaring me.

After a few weeks Kerry was out of the hospital and we were at a stand still. No money left after paying the worker and the hospital bills. We tried getting loan but was turned down. We tried looking for investors no one was willing to lend us one red dime. Heck we couldn’t sell the building as is. What are we going to do? We just sat inside the building looking around at our dream and at each other close to the point of despair. My thoughts returned to a few weeks earlier. Hey ladies you remember when that wall fell. Remember I could never forget replied Kerry. Yes, who can forget that day I thought we had lost you Kerry stated Angela. Speaking of that day what was up with you Nancy? You frightened me with the way you were acting.

Oh my gosh that was such a strange day let me tell you. I was awakened by Ms. Brown who had left me in this building to go help another client whose key had broken off in a lock. I was confused and when I began to ask about my sisters Ms. Brown informed me I was the only child. Also I went to school with her brother so she knew me. Also she told me I wanted to open a Veterinary clinic and not a restaurant. What? Who is Ms Brown? The lady we brought the building from. We brought the building from Mr Jacobs. Huh? Wait Ms Brown gave me a black book she said was mine. Okay, okay laugh if you want to, it all seemed so real. So where is this black book now. I took it to the car with me I might have left it there. Well Nancy go get the book if its in the car. Surprising enough as we raced to the car, there in the floorboard was the black book. Looking at each other as I reached with shaking hand for the book. Slowly opening the cover we looked through each page. There in the pages was the story of Ms. Brown and her husband. They used the back side of the building to hide money. They didn’t believe in banks coming from the old country. Inside was a picture of Ms. Brown dressed in the 1920 period. The picture was taken in the same room where the wall fell. We went inside breathing heavily, half afraid. Searching for any weak spots until we found a spot. Is it possible laughing at how crazy were to be on a treasure hunt because of an accident and a dream. Until we pulled two shoe boxes from a slot from the place when the wall had fallen. We were unable to speak as we opened the boxes both full of money. Gold coins and jewelry. Our restaurant has been open now for three months. Doing great we have never wanted for anything. I have more money now than I have ever had. I don’t understand how this black book came into my possession or had the power to change my life. I have so many questions and so few answers. I was hoping to finish reading the black book maybe it had the answers I was looking to find. We have searched and searched and searched but can’t find it. I guess the building spoke to me after all. Just a fair warning if you should come across a strange black book, don’t be afraid to open it. It might just change your life.