Category Archives: #BlogBattle

#BlogBattle: Time – Week 22 – Sparkles in Time

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Time

Sparkles in Time

“It’s time Mr. Jensen.”  The nurse quietly says as she gently rests her hand on my shoulder.  I look up into the most caring eyes I have ever seen.  How can she do this every day and still be so compassionate?

I pull myself up from my chair, and she says kindly, “Go down to the end of the hall, make a left and it’s the first door on the right.”

I begin my journey down the pristine hallway, brightly lit with a faint scent of disinfectant.  Behind my eyes flash all kinds of memories; sparkles in time like fireworks that split the night sky.  Memories of our walks along the beach, with the sun warming her face, and the cool water splashing her feet.  She always loved nature, I ‘m not sure which season she liked best, crunching leaves in the fall, walking in the first snow fall, or finding the first flower bud of spring.  She also loved being with her family, on holidays, during the mundane day to day tasks, or just watching movies…and oh how she loved our kids, how she would do anything to comfort them and keep them safe.  My heart is heavy as I try to fathom how we will manage without her.  I loved how she would greet me each day when I came home; you could just see the love and joy radiating from her body.  But how can I be sad when I know she had a perfect life, filled with happiness and love, she, the perfect companion.  I am then taken back to the first day I laid eyes on her.  I was introduced to her on Christmas Eve, and how fitting it was that her name was Holly, and she even wore a red ribbon, this memory causes me to smile, she looked so adorable.

Just then I reach out, my hand grasps the door handle and the cold steel jolts me from my reverie, and plunges me into reality.  I know once I cross this threshold, my life will be changed forever.

I open the door, and there I see my wife.  Our eyes lock and its almost as if time stands still.  Even though her face is blotchy, her eyes are the most vibrant green I have ever seen, probably intensified by the red puffiness that has overtaken her lids, but she has never looked more beautiful to me.  The absence of tears makes me realize that she is now trying desperately to be strong, which makes me love her even more, if that is at all possible.  My arms ache to hold her, so I quickly close the gap between us with two long strides.  When I reach her, she collapses in my arms, all I can do is hold on tight.  I strengthen her with my embrace and then I look down at where Holly is lying, her breathing a bit labored.  I stroke her soft, auburn fur, and I say to her, “Hey girl, it will soon be over, we’ll miss you so much.”  Together my wife and I continue to caress her fur, whispering comforting words as the vet injects the serum that will bring her peace.  Her eyes flutter closed and she takes her last breath.

That same nurse is there by our side, she ushers us into a room where we can spend a few more moments to grieve.  Before she leaves she places Holly’s collar in my wife’s hand.  The familiar jingle of her tags, which once symbolized vibrant life, now clanged with a hollow sound of a life gone but never to be forgotten.

Holly was my wife’s Irish Setter, a gift I gave her the Christmas after she started her chemo treatments.  My wife always wanted an Irish Setter, and Holly was there by her side on the good days, and the bad.  I knew that love from family and the unconditional love of a pup would strengthen my wife during her battle.  Holly grew to be the life force in our family, always there for each one of us, with a warm nuzzle or just her comforting presence.  My wife is now cancer free, though the irony is not lost on me the fact that the reason Holly was brought into our life, is the same reason she was taken out of it.  I am grateful that her cancer came later, after she lived a full life and that she didn’t suffer long.  Still, knowing that will not fill the whole in our hearts.  Only time will mend that void in our hearts with memories that sparkle so bright from a love so pure.

© Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Eye – Week 21 – The Healing Tear

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🙂 Tuesday is upon us once again!! Let the #Blogbattle begin!!

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Eye

I really wanted to do something else, but just couldn’t.  Here is part four, maybe I can stop here for awhile 🙂  If you want to start from the beginning click on the links below, or you can start with the summary.

1 – Believe in your Dreams
2 – Safe in the Storm
3 – The Question Remains

Summary:  Nicole has taken over the Bed & Breakfast Inn for Carol, who is off to travel Europe.  Nicole finds herself alone at the Inn during a raging blizzard, with one of the regular customers, Anthony Thompson.  Over breakfast, he shares with Nicole how his wife died, and how he feels her presence at the Inn so strongly that it’s as if they can communicate with each other.  He explains to Nicole that his wife told him she was the special person that could help him move on with his life.  Nicole is just about to freak out, not knowing what to think of this guy, when Tucker, the maintenance guy, and his dog Cody comes in to check on her.  Tucker assures Nicole that Anthony is not a bad guy, and that there’s more to his story.  Tucker suggests she let Anthony tell her about it from the beginning.  Anthony tells her about his wife a little more.  Nicole still questions, why her.  They take a break to have lunch, and that is where this story begins.

The Healing Tear

Nicole begins to empty the fridge of what is needed for soup and sandwiches.  She motions for Anthony to sit down at the island in the middle of the kitchen.  “Have a seat, I’ve got this.” She says with a mischievous smile.

With a nod of approval he sits down, and says, “So Miss Nicole, what made you decide to manage this Bed and Breakfast?”

“Oh, gosh…it’s been a dream of mine for a long time.  I enjoy taking care of people, making things comfortable for them, preparing good food for them to enjoy, giving them a place to relax and unwind.  The plan was for me to open my own once I received my degree in Hospitality Management, but then…” Nicole hesitated for a moment, catching herself before she says too much, “But then this opportunity presented itself, so I took it.  My cousin is a good friend of Carol’s and we connected through her.”

Anthony notices how there is a distinct sparkle in her eye, evidence of her passion.  But there is also a hint of something else, he isn’t sure what.  He can’t help but smile as he gets caught up in her enthusiasm.  “Well I have to say, you are very good at the food part.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Thompson.” She says with a little bow.  “So, what about you?  What is it that you do?” She asks as she starts to stir the soup.

“I am the CEO and founder of a national organization for domestic violence.” Anthony responds matter-of-factly.

Nicole is grateful that her back is turned to him, because she stops stirring as a shiver runs up and down her spine.  Hoping he hadn’t noticed, she turns to look at him and calmly asks, “Oh…I thought women usually started those types of organizations.”

“Yes usually, but women are not the only ones that are affected by domestic violence.  I witnessed it with my parents as a young boy, and I’ll never forget how it affected my mother, not just physically, but as a person.  I felt so helpless as a child, I wanted to protect her, but instead she protected me.  I never wanted to feel that way again.  We were lucky to get out of that situation, but I knew that is what I wanted to do, to help other women and children.” He shrugged as he took a sip of coffee.

As he talked, Nicole saw something in his eyes.  She realized as he spoke that it was the same pain, sadness and loss that were mirrored in her own.  But there was also a kindness and warmth residing there.  She warred within herself whether or not she could trust him.  But hearing what he said, and seeing how he wasn’t ashamed to share his story she knew she needed to tell him.

“ Oh, Anthony, I never thought of that, thank you for being so open and honest with me.” Nicole said, her words laced with compassion.

“Well that is one thing I learned from Tara, sometimes we go through things to help other people, and it’s best to be honest.” Anthony replied emphatically.

Nicole smiled and nodded her head in agreement.  They sat for a moment enjoying their lunch.  Nicole savored the last of her coffee, willing its warmth and familiar flavor to strengthen her to be honest with him and tell him.

“Anthony, I must be honest with you too.  I was also married before.  The real reason I am here is because I needed to get far away from my husband.  He was born into a life a privilege, because his family was very wealthy so was he.  But he had a problem with drinking and a bad temper.”  She self-consciously continued, “I was usually on the receiving end of his drunken rants.  When he sobered up, he was apologetic and showered me with gifts, and promises of buying me whatever I wanted, like my own Bed & Breakfast Inn.  His family never saw the extent of his drinking, they considered it social drinking, since they all did it at the various functions they were obligated to attend.  I was far away from my family, so I didn’t have the support that I needed to leave.  I knew I needed to the first time it happened, but I just didn’t know how.  It wasn’t until I started talking to my cousin, that I was able to leave and not look back.  I came out here and stayed with my cousin, until this opportunity came up with Carol.”

Anthony reached over and squeezed her hand.  He didn’t have to say anything, she knew he understood, she could feel it, so she continued.

“Being able to stay here at the Inn has been my safe haven.  I desperately needed time to myself and distance from him and his family.  Staying busy helped, and being able to do what I always dreamed of, has been the best healing balm.  There is just something about this place, the atmosphere.  At night after putting in a long day, I would go to my room, and I started to journal, I would just write and write and release all the hurt and pain.  As I did this each night, it was as if I was actually talking with someone.  I felt such a peace and comfort come over me, it felt like a warm embrace, it was almost tangible.”  Subconsciously Nicole pulls her sweater together tighter and folds her arms in front of her.

Anthony stands up and walks over to where Nicole is sitting, takes her hands and says, “Come here,” standing in front of her with his hands resting on her shoulders, and a resolute look in his eye he says, “Nicole, Tara was with you.  She told me about your writing, she said she could only make out bits and pieces, and knew why you were hurting, she not only felt your pain, but she saw it, by the one tear that always seemed to escape from the corner of your eye.  She wanted to comfort you and even though she knew that you couldn’t actually feel it, she said she would drape her arm over your shoulders to try and comfort you.  I think she realized that you needed me just as much as I need you.”

Nicole looked down; she couldn’t look him in the eye any longer.  Closing her eyes and shaking her head, perplexed she says, “Anthony this is all too much.”

He slowly wraps his arms around giving her a chance to step away, hugging her he says, “I know Nicole.  Sometimes the heart can see what’s invisible to the eye…what does your heart tell you?”

Nicole looks up at him and says, “I don’t think I can trust my heart yet.” As one lone tear escapes from the corner of her eye.

He rests his forehead against hers, using his thumb to gently wipe away the tear he says, “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to wait until you can.”

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 

 

#BlogBattle: Prophet – Week 20 – The Question Remains

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🙂 Happy Tuesday!! Time for #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read all the stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Prophet

Another continuation, this story just won’t let me go 😐   Here are the first two parts if you’d like to read them, Believe in your Dreams and Safe in the Storm or start with the summary.

Summary:  Nicole has taken over the Bed & Breakfast Inn for Carol, who is off to travel Europe.  Nicole finds herself alone at the Inn during a raging blizzard, with one of the regular customers, Anthony Thompson.  Over breakfast, he shares with Nicole how his wife died, and how he feels her presence at the Inn so strongly that it’s as if they can communicate with each other.  He explains to Nicole that his wife told him she was the special person that could help him move on with his life.  Nicole is just about to freak out, not knowing what to think of this guy, when Tucker, the maintenance guy, and his dog Cody comes in to check on her.  Tucker assures Nicole that Anthony is not a bad guy, and that there’s more to his story.  Tucker suggests she let Anthony tell her about it from the beginning.

The Question Remains

Anthony is about to start telling his story when Nicole says, “Hold that thought for a moment, I need some coffee.” She begins to untangle herself from the warm afghan, but then Anthony puts his hand up and says, “Don’t move, I got it.” He’s up and moving before she can protest.  He comes back not only with her mug of coffee but a tray filled with cream, sugar and the thermal coffee carafe.

Nicole says, “Um…you know you are a guest here, I should have gotten that.”

“Yes, but the guests do get access to the kitchen, plus you are all comfy on the couch, I didn’t want you to get up…besides, you’re in charge of lunch and treats later.”

“I feel so guilty not doing anything right now, Carol stayed so busy all the time.” Nicole says with a hint of regret in her voice.

“Have you looked outside the window lately?  There’s nothing going on anywhere in this storm, I don’t think she’ll mind you keeping your only guest company.” Anthony says with a warm smile.

Anthony takes a sip of coffee then opens his mouth to start talking when the phone rings.

“Sorry, “ Nicole apologizes, she had brought in the cordless phone earlier so she could answer any calls.  She looks at the caller ID and says with a smile “It’s Carol.”

“Uh-oh you’re in trouble.”  Anthony teases.  She puts her finger up to her lips and says “Shush.” As she playfully glares at him.

“Hi Carol, how’s Paris?” Nicole answers in her most cheerful voice.

“Nicole…how are you, how’s the weather?” Carol asks with concern.

“It’s a blizzard out here, two of the guests are going to call once the storm let’s up, but Anthony Thompson made it in before the storm…we’re just sitting here by the fire drinking coffee…just talking.” Nicole says.

“Oh that’s wonderful Nicole, that Anthony is such a nice, nice man…easy on the eyes too…but I don’t have to tell you that.  Did my nephew check up on you, because if he didn’t I’m going to…”

Nicole cuts her off by saying, “Yes, Carol…he did.  He came in this morning with Cody.  He left Cody with me, and went back to his house.”

“Wonderful, just wonderful.  I knew you would have no problems.  Nathan and I are having a splendid time, in Italy.  We’ll be in Paris in a couple of days.”  Carol let’s out a little squeak of excitement like a teenage girl and says, “I simply cannot wait!!  You know where to reach me if you need to, better run, will talk soon…Arrivederci.”

“Arrivederci.” Nicole echoes with a smile and disconnects the call.

“I take it Carol is in Italy?”  Anthony says with a chuckle.

“Yes…having a splendid time.  So…you were about to say” Nicole gestures with her arm for Anthony to proceed.  She unfolds her legs and stretches them out and rests her feet on the coffee table.

“Right.  From the beginning.”  He takes a deep breath and begins his story.

“My wife Tara, had a very interesting childhood.  She was raised in a very dogmatic religion.  Her parents were completely devoted, and held high positions in the organization.  When Tara was about 10 years old, her grandmother became ill.  She was very close to her, so one day she was worrying about what was going to happen, so she took a walk in the woods by her house.  She said she always felt closest to God when she was surrounded by nature, and she would find herself talking to Him, and that is what she did on this day.  When she stopped to rest for a minute, she sat down and closed her eyes, and it was then that she saw a vision.  She saw her grandmother lying on her bed, and these beautiful angels were all gathered around while her grandmother slept.  Tara said she saw a calm, joyful look on her grandmother’s face, and she said she felt the same way once the vision disappeared.  Sadly, her grandmother passed away the next day. She didn’t tell her parent’s about the vision until a couple of weeks later.  When she did tell her mom about it, her mom was so excited and began dancing around and laughing, saying, ‘do you know what this means?  Tara, you’re the one.’  She picked Tara up and sat her on her lap.  Tara’s mom looked her right in the eye, and as serious as can be told her that she was the prophet they talked about in the church, the one they were waiting for.”

Nicole questions with eyes wide in disbelief, “She was 10?  Who says that to a kid?”

“Exactly. The church also believed that she was the prophet. Tara stopped telling her parents about the visions, and without anymore visions, the church conveniently explained the whole prophet idea away.  It was all very confusing to Tara, but from that point on she started to disagree with a lot of the teaching.  By the time she was a teenager, she refused to go to that church with her parents.  They were too immersed in it, and could not believe their only daughter was turning her back on her faith, so they made arrangements for her to live with her aunt.  She never told me the name of the church or what type of religion it was…that’s just how Tara was, she didn’t talk bad about anyone.  She had such a beautiful spirit, she loved everybody, and when you were around her you could feel that love and positive energy radiating from her.  In spite of what she dealt with as a child, she was very spiritual, and had a strong faith in God.  She did continue to have visions and dreams, and sometimes she would tell me about them.  It wasn’t spooky or psychic, and she never claimed to be clairvoyant or a prophet, she would always say that it was her strong intuition.  So being the type of person she was, when she appeared to me after she had died, I didn’t think anything of it, it seemed so natural.”

“Wow, Anthony, she sounded like a remarkable woman.” Nicole says with genuine admiration.

“Yes. Yes, she was.”  He says with a bittersweet smile.

“So…is she still here?” Nicole asks with hesitation.

Anthony pauses for a moment, and says, “No, she is not…but I’m OK with that.”

“I have so many questions, but one question still remains…why me?  I’m nothing special.” Nicole says quietly, and looks away.

“Nicole, I find that hard to believe.  Why don’t I help you with lunch, and we can continue talking, and we’ll find the answers together.  After all, this is just the beginning.”  Anthony says as he takes her by the hand, and leads her into the kitchen.

© 2015 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Musk – Week 19 – Safe in the Storm

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This week’s word: Musk

There was more to last week’s story, so I am continuing it this week.  This isn’t exactly how I thought it would go, so I know there’s still more.  If you’d like to read the whole thing you can click here, or just start with the summary I have included, since I literally pick up from the last line.

Summary:  Nicole has taken over the Bed & Breakfast Inn for Carol, who is off to travel Europe.  One of the regular customers, Anthony Thompson, checks in right before a big snowstorm hits.  With the song “Just the Way You Are” playing in the background, Anthony enters the kitchen the next morning.  Over breakfast Anthony confides in Nicole, explaining to her about how his wife had died, and how he comes to the Inn the same time each year, because he feels her presence there, and it’s as if they can communicate with each other.  This particular time, his wife tells him that her time with him was only until he accomplished his career goals, and until he would meet that special person that could help him move on. (These are the last lines):

Anthony hesitated for a moment, looks directly at Nicole and says, “I think that person is you Nicole.”

Nicole shakes her head in disbelief not sure she heard him correctly, but then inquires, “Why would you think that?”

Because she told me when I heard the song “Just the Way You Are”, that special person would be standing right in front of me.

Safe in the Storm

Don’t freak out…don’t freak out!! Trying to stay calm, Nicole stares back at him with her mouth slightly open, she blinks, blinks again, and is just about to say something when she hears the door open to the mud room.  With a breath of relief, all she can say is “Tucker.”

She quickly gets up to meet him in the kitchen when the smell of musk permeates her nostrils, which is the case with Tucker, that smell enters the room before he does. He must literally use one whole can of Axe Body Spray every morning.  But this morning, it doesn’t annoy her at all.  Before she enters the kitchen she greets Cody who has bounded in first.  She scratches the golden retriever behind the ears and says, “Hey, boy, you cold?”

Tucker walks into the kitchen still brushing snow off of him, he is so bundled up she can only see his eyes.  But oh so grateful to see him, she could just hug him.  But that would be all kinds of inappropriate being the maintenance guy, and Carol’s nephew.  As he starts peeling off layers of wool, she asks, “Tucker, what are you doing out in this weather?”

Without hesitation he says, “I had to check on you Miss Nicole, make sure you were all right.  If Aunt Carol knew I hadn’t checked on you she’d knock me into the middle of next week.”

“I was just finishing up breakfast with Mr. Thompson, but since you are here, I need you to take a look at…”

“Anthony Thompson?” Tucker interrupts.  Nicole nods her head.  Without saying anything Tucker brushes right past her, and heads to the dining room.  Nicole stands there with her palms up in disbelief and shakes her head, which leaves her no choice but to follow him.  By the time she enters the room, Cody is curled up at Anthony’s feet, and him and Tucker are going on and on about snow blowers, and horsepower, so caught up in their conversation they don’t even realize that she walked in.

She clears her throat, and says, “Excuse me for interrupting, but Tucker, I need you to check on something for me in one of the guest rooms.”

“Good seeing you again Anthony, sorry, Miss Nicole, lead the way.” Anthony gives Tucker a nod, then glances at Nicole and is amused by the frantic look on her face; he doesn’t say a word, just reaches down to pet Cody.

When they reach the guest room upstairs, she quickly pulls Tucker by the arm into the room.  She shuts the door behind her, and leans her back against the cool wood as both hands grasp the doorknob; she takes in several deep breaths.

Concerned Tucker says, Miss Nicole, are you OK?  It looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”

She looks up at him, inhales deeply and on the exhale she says, “Almost.”

Starting to figure things out, Tucker says, “Uh-oh…what did Anthony tell you?”

By now Nicole is in the room and she begins pacing, she tells him, using her hands while she talks with lightening speed, “What did Anthony tell me?  He told me about how his wife died, how he thinks she is still here, how they have conversations after he checks in, and that she was just waiting for him to meet that special someone so that he could move on, and that special someone is me.  How can it be me? I don’t even know him, we just met, oh yeah, it is me because she told him, that when he heard the song “Just the Way You Are”, which happens to be my favorite song, she…meaning me, would be standing right in front of him.  Guess what song was playing when he came down for breakfast Tucker…guess?

Tucker tries not to laugh, but says, “Ok…just breathe.” With quiet confidence he says, “Miss Nicole, there’s more to the story, you need to let him tell you. I’ve gotten to know him since he’s been coming here…he’s an upstanding guy who lost his wife and is trying to continue to live his life and make sense of it all.”

“But this stuff about his wife still being here, and him talking to her?  You knew about it?” Nicole demands.  Tucker nods his head once to affirm.

Without waiting for an answer Nicole says, “Did Carol know about it?” Tucker nods again; embarrassed he looks down at his boots.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Nicole questions.

Tucker calmly says, “We didn’t think you would find out, obviously there’s a reason he told you, give him a chance to explain.  Everything will be OK.  Hey, I’ll let Cody stay with you; you’ll be safe.

By the time they make it back downstairs, the dishes are cleared away, and a warm fire is crackling in the fireplace, Cody is snuggled up in front of it fast asleep.

Tucker heads towards the door, “OK Miss Nicole, I’m going to head back out, I’ll get Cody later…he’s a trained guard dog you know.” He says with an exaggerated wink that was meant to be more comical than flirtatious.  “Hey Anthony, come on by once the storm clears.”

“Will do Tucker,” Anthony says with a wave.

“Thanks Tucker,” Nicole says as she waves good-bye to him.

Nervously, Nicole begins to straighten things that don’t need to be straightened.  Anthony sits down on the couch with a cup of coffee, without looking at her he quietly says, “So did Tucker assure you that I’m not a bad guy?” He then looks up into her startled eyes, as she completely stops what she is doing.  With a quiet chuckle he says, “Nicole, please sit down.”

As she walks over, Cody’s head lazily lifts up, he looks at her with disinterest and goes back to sleep.  Some guard dog…OK…everything will be OK.

“Nicole, I need to apologize.  I am sorry that I just blurted out all that stuff.  But when you lose someone dear to you, you realize how short life can be. I wanted to seize the moment, but I got too far ahead of myself.”

“Well, Anthony…since Tucker gave you the ok, and Cody obviously likes you…if you don’t have any place to go, why don’t we start over, and you can tell me everything, from the beginning…I have all day.”  Nicole says as she pulls an afghan off the back of the couch, wraps it around her shoulders, then curls her feet up under her making herself comfortable at the end of the couch.

With a smile that reaches his chestnut brown eyes, he replies, “Hmmm…I think I can clear my schedule.  Will you make hot chocolate later?” He asks with a hopeful look.

“Sure…maybe even some treats too.” She smiles back.  With the mention of the word treats, Cody’s head pops up and he is now wide-awake.

Anthony laughs and points his thumb towards the dog, “Some guard dog. That’s ok, you’re safe with me.”

Nicole shakes her head, as the dog goes back to sleep; she then looks directly at Anthony, slightly tilts her head and says, “You know what?…I believe I am.”

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Dream – Week 18 – Believe in your Dreams

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🙂 Happy Tuesday!! Time for #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Dream

Believe In Your Dreams

“Carol I want to thank you for this opportunity, it’s truly a dream come true.” Nicole says as she clasps her hands over her heart.

“Oh stop,” brushing the comment away with a flick of her wrist.  “I should be thanking you for helping me fulfill my dream to travel Europe.  If it weren’t for you agreeing to manage our Bed and Breakfast Inn, we would never be able to take such a trip.”

With a deep sigh and a look of longing, Carol says, “Three months in Europe and I finally get to shop in Paris!!  Well I’m off to finish packing.  I sure hope we get out of here before the blizzard hits.” Carol places her hands on Nicole’s shoulders and says, “After working with you for the past month, I have no doubt you are going to do just fine here.  Enjoy yourself…we’ll be in touch.”  With a quick hug, Carol is gone.

Nicole smiles to herself, still in awe that the dream of running a Bed and Breakfast Inn has come to fruition.  She looks over the reservations to see who will be arriving in the next couple of days.  She notices that there will be two new guests, and one that has been a regular for several years now, always the same time of year. Carol has created profiles for all her returning guests, including their preferences and any other information she finds useful.  Nicole looks up Anthony Thompson.  There isn’t much in his profile.  Just that he travels alone and pretty much keeps to himself.  Carol notes that there were some odd occurrences during his stays: light bulbs needing to be replaced, clocks stopping in his room, and objects of his, once a book, and another time a sweater, were left out in the main areas, even though he said he didn’t leave his room.  That’s odd.  Nicole dismisses her ambiguity and continues to prepare for her guests.

Two days later, Anthony Thompson walks in, dressed for the weather in a ski jacket and wool hat.  He isn’t overly friendly, as he checks in with the least amount of pleasantries necessary.  Nicole doesn’t take it personally, and maintains her friendly demeanor.  “So good to see you Mr. Thompson, my name is Nicole, I’m the new manager here.  It seems you made it in before the storm hit.”

“Yes, it does seem that way,” he says with little emotion, as he signs for the room.

“Can I prepare a light dinner for you this evening…and will you be requiring your usual breakfast in the morning, pancakes, eggs and sausage?

“Dinner no…breakfast yes, please.”  He says as he gathers his belongings.

“Well your room is all ready for you, breakfast will be served at 8 a.m.  Have a good night, Mr. Thompson.”

With barely a smile he replies, “Thank you…and, Anthony is fine…Mr. Thompson is my father.”  He turns and heads toward his room.

The next morning Nicole wakes up to a raging blizzard.  It was predicted, so she’s not that surprised.  Before she heads to the kitchen to begin breakfast, she checks the phone for any messages, and turns off the automated greeting.  There are two messages.  Sure enough both of the new guests had to take lodging elsewhere, couldn’t make it in due to the storm.  They will call and make arrangements for another day to arrive once the storm is over.

She turns the radio on quietly the song “Just the Way You Are” plays in the background as she begins to make breakfast.  Just then, Anthony enters the kitchen.  He pauses for a moment, briefly listening to the music, but he then quickly says good morning, and grabs a cup of coffee. Nicole looks up and notices he looks different this morning, almost like a weight has been lifted off him.  He is a handsome man, actually very handsome, something she hadn’t noticed yesterday.

“Good Morning, breakfast will be ready soon, you can have a seat in the dining area. I’m sorry but the newspaper hasn’t arrived, if you hadn’t noticed there’s a blizzard out there.” Nicole says with a smile.

Anthony takes a seat at the table, as Nicole serves the food.  She is about to go back in the kitchen when he asks, “Nicole, would you join me?”

Taken aback and surprised he even knows her name, she says, “Sure, let me get a cup of coffee.”

As she sits down, he actually smiles at her and says, “First…the food is absolutely delicious. Second, I did notice the blizzard, therefore I may need to stay a few extra days.”

“Actually that will be fine, the other guests won’t make it in for another couple of days.  Did you sleep ok last night?” Nicole inquires.

“Actually I did.”  He says with a look of surprised satisfaction on his face. “Since I’ll be the only one staying here for a couple of days, can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure, go ahead.” Nicole replies.

“Please understand, I don’t mean to scare you, and I hope you won’t think I’m insane.” Anthony reluctantly says.

Trying not to sound suspicious, she slowly says, “Ok.”

“Ok,” he mimics, then takes a deep breath. “My wife died 5 years ago.  We loved staying here, she loved the snow and loved to ski even more.  I don’t enjoy skiing as much as she did, but I did love to see her happy.” He says with pure admiration in his eyes.  “Well, we went skiing just after a big storm had hit, one much like this one.  We were told of the risks of going out so soon after the storm; but she wanted to go ahead anyway.  While we were out there, she went out ahead of me, and she got caught up in an avalanche.  As dreadful as that sounds, thankfully she was found and taken to the hospital, but there were complications from the fall and being buried in the snow for a period of time, that she passed away a few days later in the hospital.

“Oh, Anthony I am so sorry.” Nicole says as she lays her hand on his arm.

He nods his head solemnly, and quietly says “Thank you.”  Then continues his story.  “So, ever since then, I come back to this place, because it seems that she is still here.  She absolutely loved this place.  Whenever I am here, my dreams of her are so much more vivid, it’s almost like we are sitting down and having a conversation.  Each year she would encourage me to continue to pursue my dreams, to live my life and not to be sad, she always reminded me of our most happy times.  But last night it was different.  This time she told me that it was time to move on, for the both of us.  She explained that her time was up, and that she would no longer be able to appear to me in such vivid detail.  It was only until I accomplished my career goals, and until I would meet that special person that could help me move on.”  Anthony hesitated for a moment, looks directly at Nicole and says, “I think that person is you Nicole.”

Nicole shakes her head in disbelief not sure she heard him correctly, but then inquires, “Why would you think that?”

Because she told me when I heard the song “Just the Way You Are”, that special person would be standing right in front of me.

© 2015 Carrie Ann