A New Beginning: A Jenny Dewberry Series

A New Beginning

This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.

© 2007 J.J. Olsen. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 3/5/2007

ISBN: 978-1-4208-6740-4 (sc)

ISBN: 9781463498306 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005905935

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Front cover illustrated by Kaley McKean

www.ceildh.com

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

I would like to thank my sister for the help she gave me.

And a special thanks to my husband for his support.

And thank you

To everyone who reads my book.

I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

To my three children

I love you so much

This is for you

Chapter 1

Alinore Grayson

Oceanview Virginia; May 13, 2005

The room was filled with sadness and tears as the seventy five year old lady lay in her bed motionless. She looked so pale and so fragile just lying there. Thirteen year old Jenny took her grandmother’s hand in hers and held it softly, not wanting to ever let her go. She lifted her free hand to wipe away tears as they rolled down her cheeks. Jenny loved her grandmother, Alinore Grayson, with all her heart, more than any one would know.

As Jenny sat there staring at her grandmother’s beautiful, well-aged face, she thought about all the Sunday afternoons she had spent with her. She had never missed a Sunday. Jenny remembered every story Grandmother had told her. She had enjoyed listening to her calm, enchanting voice, tell stories of witches, warlocks, and wizards, and their adventures with dragons and unicorns. What an imagination her Grandmother had. She had sat for hours being entertained by Alinore’s storytelling.

Alinore Grayson had lived all her life in this captivating, large, old, Victorian home by the ocean in Oceanview, Virginia. This last year she’d taken ill and had to have a live-in nurse come to stay. It was just a matter of time now, before Alinore would leave this world and take all of her wonderful stories with her.

Alinore slowly opened her eyes and smiled when she saw her granddaughter sitting there beside her, holding her hand. The soft, loving touch seemed to bring life back into her tired body. Looking around, Alinore saw her daughter, Barbara, and son-in-law, Paul Dewberry, standing along side her bed. Her grandson, Donny, was restless…running his hands up and down the bed post making weird noises. She smiled again, chuckling silently to herself. It was comforting to have them near.

Donny, please be still. Can’t you see your grandmother needs peace and quiet, his mother quietly pleaded with her son.

Still smiling, Alinore turned to her daughter, saying in a shaky voice, Its okay. Donny is not bothering me. I love listening to him.

Alinore’s breathing was getting worse and she desperately needed to tell her granddaughter something of great importance before passing on. She knew she didn’t have much time left so she motioned for her daughter to come closer and whispered in her ear, Could you please leave Jenny alone with me? I need to talk to her privately, just for a few moments.

Barbara reached over and gave her mother a soft kiss on her cheek. She knew how close the two of them were. Jenny had been going over to see her grandmother weekly since she was six years old. Of course Mom…Paul and I will just be outside the door. Take as long as you want, Barbara replied, with a gentleness in her voice that helped to express her love and understanding.

Thank you, Alinore whispered back weakly. The three of them left the room and quietly closed the door behind them. Grandmother turned to Jenny and whispered, Jenny, I don’t have much time left in this world, so I’d like you to listen closely. See this chain around my neck.

Jenny nodded her head, yes.

Please take this chain. It has a key on it that I want you to have.

Grandma, are you sure you want me to have it.

Yes, I’m sure. You’re the only one who can…I mean, you’re the only one who I want to have this key.

What is the key for?

Up in my attic is an old wooden trunk. This key will unlock it. Do not let anyone know what is inside. This is very – very important. Your future lies inside this trunk, and no one else must know about it, Alinore said, as she coughed and tried to catch her breath.

Jenny said quietly, with concern in her voice, Grandma, what’s inside the trunk that is so important? – What do you want me to do with it?

You’ll see when you open it. There is something…of great value inside my trunk, and also…all my journals are in it. You’ll know what to do when the time comes. Read my journals and you will understand what you have to do.

Grandma, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.

You will. Alinore was gasping for air, having a hard time to breathe.

I’m getting Mom, Grandma! You can’t breath!

Jenny started getting up when Alinore grabbed onto her arm. With panic in her voice, she implored, "Jenny, take my chain and keep it safe. Never let it out of your sight. Please…promise me that you will do what I ask!"

Jenny stood there staring at her grandmother, wondering what she was talking about and what she really was asking her to do.

Yes, Grandma, I will. I promise.

She carefully lifted the chain up, off her grandmother’s head and put it around her own neck, tucking the key under her tee-shirt.

Jenny…there’s one more thing…I want you to do for me.

Yes Grandma what is it.

Visit my sister, Agatha. Since Agnes and Allison’s death, she has been very lonely. Alinore paused again, struggling to get her breath, then continued, Let her help you through your journey. Ask her questions about our past and she will be able to answer them.

Jenny gave her grandmother a kiss on her soft cheek and whispered in her ear, I will do everything you ask Grandma.…I love you.

Then she went to bring her mother and father and – her annoying younger brother back into Grandmother’s room.

As Alinore was breathing her last breaths, her face became relaxed, the worried lines softened, the corners of her mouth lifted in a gentle smile as she told each of them, how much she loved them; and then she closed her eyes. Peacefulness and contentment flooded her whole being, and she lay there, still, as if she had fallen asleep.

Jenny reached over to wake her grandmother up. Grandma, wake up, don’t go yet. Grandma, don’t go yet, she pleaded, through a stream of tears. No, Grandma, don’t go. Wake up!

Barbara, with tears in her eyes, went over and put her arms around Jenny to comfort her. She was also hurting, trying to be brave, as she stood hugging her daughter tightly; trying to calm her…for Jenny was crying and trembling in her arms. Jenny, it’s your grandmother’s time to go. Let her go in peace.

Jenny and Barbara stood holding and hugging each other. I’m going to miss her so much, Mom, she sobbed.

I know you will. So will I, Barbara added, as tears silently rolled down her own face.

Barbara just let her daughter cry until there were no more tears left.

The nurse called the doctor, who came into the room and felt for a pulse; then listened for a heart beat. He confirmed her death and covered her up. Jenny and her mother left the room reluctantly, arms around each other.

The next month was extremely busy for Jenny and her family. After her grandmother’s funeral, the Dewberry’s sold their house and moved into Alinore’s home, as she had requested. The house by the ocean had been in the family since Alinore’s mother came over from England as a child. The house Jenny’s grandmother grew up in…the house Jenny’s mother grew up in…the house that held so many, warm, happy memories…the house with so many secrets…This house is where it all begins.

Chapter 2

The trunk

And The Book of Spells

The ocean waves roared as they slapped up against the shore, washing everything in its way. The white caps rushing in and out, were causing havoc to the sand, but felt good on Jenny’s feet. The funeral, moving into grandma’s house, unpacking and seeing eighth grade come to an end, May and June were totally exhausting.

After spending the afternoon at the mall, Jenny and Kathy decided to take the scenic route home along the ocean shore. Jenny, again, dipped her feet into the cool refreshing water as the waves splashed in and out along the shore. It felt good on her tired, aching feet, which were still sore from all the moving she had done the previous week. Kathy Collins, her best friend in the world, was following behind, kicking sand and water, splashing the back of Jenny’s legs.

Jenny and Kathy had been friends for eight years, since first grade. They had a special friendship and adored each other. The two girls did everything together, except on Sundays, when Jenny used to visit her Grandmother. Then, occasionally, Kathy had come to listen to some of Grandma’s exciting stories.

It had been a long and difficult year for Jenny, with her grandmother being sick and passing on; and also with her family’s move into her grandmother’s house – the house that was filled with loving memories of the past – the house that held a strange power Jenny did not recognize; but yet…was very comforting to her at the same time.

The day was hot and muggy as they walked home carrying their shoes, swinging them back and forth in their hands. Jenny’s long, black hair was flowing across her face, because of the wonderfully refreshing breeze that came up from the ocean. The breeze seemed to have a mind of its own, coming here and there only when it wanted to. However, Kathy had short, blond hair, which of course, stayed in place when the breeze decided to blow. It seemed not to bother Kathy at all.

Oh, Jenny, I am so glad summer break is here. Aren’t you? What do you have planned for the rest of the summer?

Hanging out with you, what else? Jenny replied with a smile and a twinkle in her sea-green eyes. Kathy smiled back as Jenny continued, I have a very good feeling about this summer. It will be the best ever.

Yeah, I think so too! Kathy said, as they walked up the steps to the big Victorian house that the Dewberry’s had recently moved into. It was old; but you could tell the house had been well taken care of. It had been painted every two years; and the yards were immaculate, full of bright, colorful flowers; lush shrubs including one Flowering Dogwood; and beautiful, large and tall trees. It had a long front veranda, with ornately carved pillars, and a patio swing; so on warm evenings, they could sit outside and swing, and enjoy the view of the ocean.

It was different coming to this house every day for both girls. Kathy noticed this eerie feeling every time she came. She thought it was because Jenny’s grandmother died in this house, and because it was so large and old. Jenny felt a tingle of excitement each time she entered the house, combined with the comfort of warm memories.

Inside the house, the friends headed to the kitchen and straight to the refrigerator. Jenny opened the door and peered inside to look for their favorite soda. Finding them hidden in the back, on the second shelf, she grabbed two and handed one to Kathy. They cracked them open and both at the same time, tapped their soda-cans together and toasted, saying To the end of school and to the beginning of summer break. That was their daily ritual, ever since the last day of school.

They both drank back their delicious cold drinks without taking a breath, laughing as they set their empty soda-cans down and headed up the stairs to Jenny’s bedroom.

Kathy couldn’t believe the size of this house. It had been in Jenny’s family forever, or so it seemed, according to Jenny’s grandmother, Alinore. When the Dewberry’s moved in, Jenny was allowed to pick her bedroom out of seven. She chose one bedroom that was the farthest away from her pesky, younger brother. It also used to be Alinore’s room when she was young, which is another reason for picking that particular room. So, of course, Jenny loved it, and felt very close to her grandmother in this room.

The bedroom was not very large, but still, it was a perfect size for an awesome sleepover party. It had its own small bathroom and a beautiful rock fireplace, for those cold, chilly nights. It came with a mantel, where Jenny had placed some of her pictures, of family and friends. From her window, she had a magnificent view of the ocean. It was breathtaking.

Both girls were sitting on the soft double bed, which was covered with a light blue comforter, when Kathy reached over and touched the chain Jenny wore around her neck. It was shiny gold, with three delicate chains intertwining each other.

Where did you get this unusual looking chain, Jenny? I’ve never noticed you wearing it before. It’s beautiful.

Jenny pulled it out from underneath her tee-shirt. My grandmother gave it to me the night she died. A slight tremor in her voice betrayed the sadness she tried not to show. As she was feeling the key, playing with it between her fingers, the memory returned of the promise she’d made to her grandmother that day – the day that would stay with her forever.

What’s the key for? Kathy asked.

I’m not sure, Jenny replied. She hated to lie to her best friend, but she’d promised. Her grandmother had made her promise not to tell anyone about the trunk. Why? What was in it that was so special? She had almost forgotten all about it, in the upheaval and stress of the past months.

As Jenny’s fingers touched and caressed the key, she could feel an uncontrollable force; that sent chills up and down her spine. She heard faint, muffled voices enter into her mind, slowly becoming louder, and louder and louder…then, they suddenly stopped! They were gone. She shook her head and quickly tucked the key away, back under her tee-shirt. Jenny sat quietly, stunned.

Are you okay Jenny, Kathy asked. "You look like you saw a ghost.…Jenny?"

Sitting very still, finally coming to her senses, Jenny stuttered, I’m – a – I’m – I’m fine. The words came out slowly. Those voices – what were they? she thought, and then turned to her best friend, a friend that was like a sister.

Do you want to go hang out at Pops Soda Shop for the rest of the afternoon? Jenny asked quickly, so Kathy wouldn’t ask any more questions. Kenny Anderson might be there.

Sounds like an awesome idea. Let’s go!

Jenny had no idea what she had heard, or what was going on in her head. Was she losing her mind? – No, it was probably nothing. Trying to shake the feeling off, to forget the voices she had just heard, she wrote a note to her parents saying she would be home for supper. Then the two girls headed to Pops, the most popular place in Oceanview. Hopefully, they would see Kenny Anderson, since Kathy had a major crush on him; and Jenny could get over this feeling she had just experienced, from hearing those voices.

Four days later, they celebrated the fourth of July with a picnic. They had tons of first-rate food, and explosive, colorful fireworks, with pops, bangs and whizzes; that lit up the night sky. It was magnificent!

The Dewberry’s threw a party every year for this occasion, at their home. Barbara and Paul always invited their closest friends. Among them were Kathy’s parents, the Collins, who have been friends with the Dewberrys for many years; so they associate with many of the same people. The party was great, except there were no boys. Oh – except for Donny and his pesky little friends. Unfortunately, none of the Dewberry’s friends have boys the same age as the girls. They only have boys, Donny’s age, and when they’re together, they are very mischievous and troublesome.

In the evening, after the astounding show of fireworks, Jenny and Kathy were up in one of the seven bedrooms, which had been turned into a games and TV room. They were huddled together on the couch, with the lights off, eating popcorn and watching a very scary, intense thriller. Donny and his friends had not been seen for awhile, much to the relief of the girls, whose eyes and concentration were glued to the TV screen.

Unfortunately, the boys were not quite so far away as the girls might have wished. In fact, they were not far away at all. Donny and his friends were down on hands and knees, very quiet, just outside the door, waiting – waiting for the right moment. When the suspense in the movie was beginning to build, the boys snuck silently into the room, crawling on hands and knees. Who would have thought that these normally rowdy, boisterous boys could move so stealthily?

When they were positioned right behind the couch where the girls were seated, they paused, waiting until the blood thirsty killer on the screen was ready to strike. By this time the girls were covered in goose bumps, eyes nearly scrunched shut, hardly daring to peek; hearts pounding – when Ya-a-h! the little troublemakers jumped up from behind, screaming, making Jenny and Kathy jump at least a foot off their seats. It was raining popcorn…popcorn went everywhere, all over them, the couch, and the floor. It was definitely the fourth of July.

I’m going to get you, Brat, Jenny yelled, as she and Kathy started chasing after the boys. She always called her little brother Brat. It was the nickname she had given to him, as you can see why. The boys went running out of the room laughing so hard, they were crying, tripping over each other, trying to escape. Jenny slammed the door behind them as the boys bailed out of the room.

That really scared me! Kathy said, laughing.

Yeah, me too, said Jenny, laughing along with her.

They cleaned up the spilled popcorn letting their heartbeats settle down, and then continued watching their thriller, with the door closed and the boys out of sight.

It was two days after the Fourth of July party. Donny was at a friend’s place, thank goodness, and Jenny had the house to herself. All alone! It was morning and she was sitting in her room, looking