No Mercy Just Mischief: In the Beginning

© 2012 Salihah L. Fassett. 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.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/19/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6718-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6719-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6720-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012916418

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

First & Foremost

In The Beginning

Fourth Of July 1967

Here’s Your History Lesson: Bubbles

California

Chile, You Got The Job Baby

Mamma G

Guye P

Rain Rain Go Away!

Peek Aboo I See U

Debt Collection

A Deal With The Devil

Bringing Down The House

To Hell And Back By Five

A Night Out

Just In The Nick Of Time

A Fox In The Hen House

The Set Up

Stench In The Air

A Friend In Need

Trouble In Paradise

The Return

Meeting In Da Ladies’ Room

Frustration In The Air

Inquiring Minds

Wants To Know

What Color Is That

Help Me Unc

The Grift

What We’s Gonna Do?

Flash From The Past

Light At The Horizon

The Vault

Last Dance For Ole Joe

Coliseum

Unc Saves The Day?

You Can Lead A

Horse To Water

Well That’s A Hair Of A Different Color

A Plot For Revenge

Things Will Never

Be The Same

What A Pleasant Surprise

Hot Time In The City Tonight

Look A Here, Look A Here

What A Show

Coming To Get Ya Sucka

Special Delivery

Don’t Stutter Now

Just Another Day

Q&A

When The Devil

Comes Calling

That’s What Best Friends Are For

The Shit’s About To Hit The Fan

One Last Stunt

Before I Go

Hit The Road Jack

Back In The States

Coliseum Knockout

Poor Captain Wheeler

The Morning After

Delaware Valley State Penitentiary

Bad News Travels Fast

Chile Please

Two Nights Ago

First Things First

Mischevious

One Left

About The Author

Enthralled by glamour, mystery and Mischief. Her detailed storytelling encompasses you and places you in all the character’s lives. Riveting & Thrilling read!

– Erika Antoinette, Stiletto Network, CEO

Good read, Hard to put down, I loved the suspense!

– Debra L. Oxendine

FIRST & FOREMOST

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, incidents and crimes are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events and places or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

To My Mr. Biggs I want to thank you for your belief in me and the encouragement that you gave me to finish. You know who you are I love you.

Ruff! Ruff!

To my family what can I say I’m an Author?

To my friends, thanks for your support and well wishes.

For all my Readers please B. entertained!

Special Thanks to:

Kionna L. Lipscomb you are one hell of a daughter I love you!

Debra L. Oxendine for your support and enthusiasm you are definitely my Home-girl

To my mentor Erika ‘The Diva ‘Johnson, Us Divas must stick together!

MA’s ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!!!

Photographer, Kionna L. Lipscomb

Wanda Freeman

Crip, from the very beginning

And two all of those people that thought it was impossible

Salihah ‘the LitararE Divah’ Fassett

B. Blessd!

IN THE BEGINNING

It was a summer storm brewing, and the trees swayed to rhythmic beat. The skies were beginning to get dark and the cool rain had just begun to fall on the streets of West Philly. The neighborhood seemed abandoned which was unusual, no dope fiens, bums, or stray cats; this wasn’t a good sign. A green colored van turned the corner of 46th and Market St. and entered into the parking section of the projects. After parking a group of men exited the side doors walking swiftly they headed for the elevators in C Building. Three entered the elevator and three took the stairs. They all carried automatic weapons, dressed in black and faces covered with ski masks.

Suddenly thunder glowed and thrashed striking against a darken sky screaming as if to say ‘something’s going down!’ Jake and Ebony packed quickly. Jake on the streets was known as Jake-the Snake, he was throwing things to Ebony as she packed them. She hurried their things into suitcases, thinking they would have time to leave. They barely said a word to each other. Every few seconds she looked up at him. She trusted him with her heart and soul. Death do them part she thought to herself as she closed the final bag. He always stroked her hair and he did so as he told her it would be all right. There was no need to shed tears now, so they hugged each other. I think both of them knew it would be the last.

We had a good run Eb, as he smiled at her.

We sure did baby and I enjoyed every minute of it, loyally. Ebony carried something into the next room; carefully she laid it upon the floor. The phone rang. Jake answered quickly. The voice told him that they were coming. As Eb unwrapped the blanket she heard cooing sounds and she looked down to the most precious face in the world. She smiled at her and a tear, which was very rare, dropped on the cheek of her infant daughter’s face. She had dreams for her, but this was Ebony’s destiny and in a silent prayer she prayed that her daughter’s destiny would be different. She stroked her hair and the little one smiled. The phone ranged and a voice said to him,

They are coming for yall, their outside of the building.

Jake ran into the room, kneeling down with Ebony he motioned for her to go. He took the infant from her and hugged then kissed his daughter. He stroked her head and whispered in her ear.

Daddy loves you. It’s all up to you now my darling. Get dem Muther Fuckers. Thunder roared across the sky as sparks of light lit up the room where he kneeled. He carefully placed her inside a hidden compartment in the floor. Before he closed it he smiled and she smiled back. He warned her to be quiet, by placing his trembling finger on his lip. He dashed back into the other room, Ebony was waiting and she was ready.

It’s too late we are gonna have to fight our way outta here. She had two hand guns, one in each hand. She clicked them together as if she was making a toast.

Here’s to us, she laughed. That’s my girl he told her and he grabbed for his guns. He pointed to the closet; well a tiny space covered by a curtain. He wanted Ebony to stay hidden as long as she could while he tried to kill them all.

Let’s do this, they’ll never get us without a fight, I love ya girl.

Damn straight, let’s do the damn thing, she closed the curtain. Without warning two men kicked in the door and a third man enter, with guns blazing. Out of the kitchen stepped Jake he fired at least four shots before one of the shooters got a shot off. Everyone was shooting. Three other men came in blazing.

Thunder shot across the sky as if it was angry. The men continued to fire, Jake fell down he was hit in the leg. Hurriedly he scrambled into the bathroom without enough room to maneuvre; he was hit in the back as he slide across the floor, his back is now against the wall and he was reloading. The men seem to be in no hurry at this point where would they run?

Where ya going now, boy, a man shouted ‘Nigga you know it’s over now dontcha". Another man fired a shot that struck Jake in the thigh.

Not quite nigga, he turned over on his back and he started pushing himself backwards. He managed to get two quick shots off striking both men in the head. Shots continued to ring out. Jake made it back into the kitchen, the four remaining men continued to shoot and screaming obscenities at Jake. Jake stood with his back against the wall trying to peek around the doorway, shots just missing him.

Where’s that hot little chick of yours?

Yeah where’s that bitch? Maybe I’ll let her suck me off. Ebony quickly moves from behind the curtain.

Here I am Muther Fucker, suck this off. They were caught off guard and she hit two of the four men. Before they could turn around, Jake started shooting. Another man was down. Now this shit was definitely getting crazy, Jake’s game was good, he was the best, but even the best can get got. I guess it was a lucky shot. Jake was hit in the chest and he went down quickly. Down but not out. He got two more shots before he was finally struck in the head. Screaming Ebony practically flew across the room shooting continuously until she fell on the floor behind the couch. Almost out of ammo she tried not to panic. She clenched the charm around her neck that carried the pictures of her daughter and Jake. Now there were only two men standing and six more entered the tiny apartment.

Come on out chick, it’s a rap.

Yeah that dickhead nigga of yours is finished. The one with all the mouth was telling the others that he knew this shit would be a piece of cake and that Jake was only one man. Outraged by this madness, she stood up, no tears, just mad as hell. She looked at them all as if she could see through their ski masks they were all cowards to her, they could never take Jake down one on one. One of the men removed his ski mask and smiled. Ebony screamed.

I knew you were the one ––.

Before she could call his name, the man said,

Now, now darling I wanna get mines too, hell we all wanna fair share and your man didn’t wanna play nice, he said sarcastically. The others laughed; however they weren’t brave enough to show their cowardly faces, they didn’t remove their masks.

Now come here or I will come to you. The bold one said full of anger.

Fellas lower your weapons just maybe baby girl wanna rethink her position. It was a female’s voice, why did it sound so familiar to her? Her face was concealed, but Ebony knew she knew her she just couldn’t place from where.

Maybe she just might wanna job or something, the unmask one said, unzipping his fly. She smiled at them all. She glanced around the room and spotted her daughter’s favorite toy and that’s when she remembered why she knew the woman’s voice, she laughed sadistically and said.

Maybe not, see I only fuck wit snakes! Then without hesitation she put the gun to her head and pulled the trigger. The rain began to pour outside thunder and lightning flashed against the window pane of the apartment causing the room to light up. The infiltrators were shocked. One by one they left the scene. The unmasked man came out of the bedroom carrying a tattered briefcase. He left, but not before turning around to look at Ebony’s lifeless body once more and he shook his head in disbelief.

She had mad love for that nigga he thought to himself, what a fucking waste.

Shortly after, two men stood at the entrance of the apartment, the bullet riddled bodies told a story of horror. Both men were dressed impeccably. One wore a blue pinstripe suit, white shirt, red satin tie, navy blue alligator shoes and a Borsalino that was carefully broken down just right, shadowing his handsome baby face. His fingers were laced in diamonds and he carried a cane with the head of a lion with jewelled eyes.

In front of him came in a slender gentlemen, dressed in a black suite and dark shades, he was called Decipher. He was the one who made sure the room was clear standing with his back against the opened door gun in hand.

The man with the cane walked into the room stepping over dead bodies. He quickly went into the bedroom; he removed the recliner that protected the hidden floor compartment. He opened the compartment door and removed the infant she was fine. She smiled up at him and through all that chaos she never made a sound. He pulled her close to his chest and kissed her on the forehead. Before leaving he removed several envelopes from the compartment and money that was stacked in hundred dollar increments. He walked over to Ebony’s body and removed the sterling silver heart locket from her neck. He and the gentlemen left. Sirens echoed from a short distance, the boys in blue were coming it was only two hours later.

This was my beginning thunder and chaos. For my enemies it will be darkness and madness, tonight rain washed away the old but the righteous will see light. The thunder will take Vengeance for my sorrows.

MISCHIEF I AM CALLED AND THERE WILL BE NO MERCY!

FOURTH OF JULY 1967

Years later things had changed some for the better some for the worse; game is game no matter what year it is. I guess I was about fifteen or sixteen. I definitely had a great childhood growing up with my Uncle Biggs he took care of me and boy did I have a lot of Mommies. I never knew my real mom and dad. My uncle didn’t talk about them much. He said they loved me a lot and he often told me I look a lot like my Mom. Oh yeah and stubborn like my father. I try to get information from my Moms but they said they didn’t know them or don’t remember them much. Let me explain a few things.

My Uncle Biggs, is a pimp, not just any pimp, he’s the Man. He has plenty of women in this stable; I think that’s what they call it. We live in a very huge house in Delaware; it was built from the ground. It has ten bedrooms and sits on 6-8acres of prime land, at least that’s what they say. I have the best bedroom, everything is pink is white. I live like a princess and act like one, my Uncle says. Six women live with us, Ruby, Shytown, Bubbles, Trix, Lois Lane and Sugar. Trix’s daughter Molly comes often you know to hang out with me, because were close in age. She lives with her grandmother is Wallingford N.J. These ladies no longer work the streets they just take care of me and Unc, lucky huh.

Fourth of July weekend, my Uncle had a few friends over, the usual players and their chicks. Biggs always gave a big how-to-do on the holidays. Everyone was pool side drinking, eating and partying. The music was blaring. Decipher and Bishop was doing their usual watching and protecting. Trix was in rare form, she was pissy drunk.

This happened every now and then. Ruby who was like the manager of the girls constantly tried to keep her away from Biggs. He noticed her, but continued to have a good time. Bubbles catered to him most of the evening she never left his side. Ruby eventually pulled Trix into the downstairs powder room and tried to clean her up. After a few minutes they returned to the party. One of the servants was setting out the ribs and steaks requested by Biggs. Everyone proceeded to the table for more food. Some people continued to dance, this party was definitely much better than last year’s.

Man you sure know how to throw a party, the foxes are on the floor tonight, Wizard said to Biggs. They slapped hands.

Help yourself man have a good time, Biggs told him and patted him on the back. A young woman walked over to Wizard she was bare chested. Her boobs were enormous. She asked him to dance. He sat his plate down on the table.

Honey you are definitely making my nite, let’s get it on. He kissed her on her right breast. She laughed and they headed for the dance floor. Before long all the women except Ruby and Bubbles took off their bikini tops and threw them in the pool, this went on for hours. Trix was sitting poolside; she was powdering her nose as they say, rambling to herself. She always thought she should be the bottom ho. She always secretly hated Biggs for placing a silly white one above her. Trix was a caramel-brown skinned woman, nice figured and in her hay day she brought Biggs plenty of loot. A waiter walked by her she demanded him to bring her a double Jack neat. He nodded and returned with one quickly. Not quick enough cause she hollered at him and threw the drink in his face. He turned to look at Biggs mad as a hatter. Biggs gestured for him to just walk away. Pissed he did so and stormed off towards the kitchen, removing the red scarf from his neck and cussing under his breath. Biggs told Ruby to remove her and Ruby quickly went over to her and grabbed her arm. A few of the guest noticed her behavior and a couple of the ladies turned up their noses and made rude comments to each other, snickering. Wizard walked over to his ladies and reminded them of their places enough said. Trix refused to leave and pulled away from Ruby.

I’ll leave, but first I want to make a toast she said slurring her words and just barely able to stand. Ruby glanced at Biggs who was now standing. Bubbles tried to grab hold of his arm. He snatched away and turned to look at her. She quietly took a seat and took a sip of her drink, nervously. He took a step forward and tried to get everyone’s attention by saying.

You know how it is some hoes can’t hold their liquor or their tongues carry on, no fool just fun I always say. Just then Trix explained she didn’t need no jive ass nigga making excuses for her. She went on to say how he thought his white bitch was all that. Ruby tried to stop her and Biggs said.

Let her finish so we can please finish enjoying ourselves. So she did.

Things would be different if my real man was here. A lot of bullshit would come to an end. Jake-the-Snake would have made sure of that. That was a real pimp a real man. A man whose shoes you could never fill, so let’s drink to that, Mr. Biggs, holding up her glass, spilling vodka everywhere. Biggs began to clap his hands loudly walking over to her.

Let’s hear it for the heart felt speech, he said. Then he slapped her so hard she fell to the concrete, and then he dragged her over to the table where the cake was by her fake ponytail and proceeded to smash her face in the cake.

I guess I bought this shit especially for you. He kept smashing her face in it, holding her head downward and swearing. After he was done he let her lifeless body fall to the ground. He picked up the bottle of champagne and poured the entire bottle on her.

Here ya go Bitch why don’t you wash it down with this. He slammed the bottle down it shattered all around her on the ground, cutting her face and back. The waiter who Trix threw the drink on handed him a towel and Biggs wiped his hands and said,

Now that was a toast, he laughed hysterically and so did the guests after a few seconds watching his facial expression. Biggs didn’t make any apologies he just continued on as nothing happened and so did everyone else, except Bubbles who felt embarrassed for her. She tried not to show Biggs she was upset so she pretended to laugh too. She smiled at him lifted her glass and said, Touché.

The evening continued into the early morning some of the guests were passed out by the pool others collected their things and gradually went home, the place was left a mess. The help was told to retired about 5am. Boy did they have their work cut out for them in the morning. The housekeepers made plates to take home to their families. Biggs always insisted that they do he was very good to the people that catered for his parties.

The girls all retired to their rooms and Biggs fixed himself a Scotch. Bubbles was still at his side, he patted her on the ass and told her he’ll be up soon. She kissed him on his cheek and took off. He sat at the bar and thought about how Trix had embarrassed him. He gulped down his drink and fixed another. He walked into the main house; slowly he walked upstairs, and then walked down the corridor leading to Trix’s room. He could hear music coming from her room, soft music turned down almost to a whisper. He removed his belt from his tailored made pants and pushed her door open slowly. She was facing her vanity. She was naked removing her makeup taking off her false eyelashes and staring at herself in the oversized mirror. Trix started to attend to the small cut on her cheek, but she saw his reflection in the mirror and she bravely said.

I’ve been waiting for you Daddy. Without saying a word he walked towards her with his hands behind his back. He stood in front of her and just watched her as she kneeled down to unzip his fly. She released his manhood, she licked her lips slowly and let his incredible beast slide into her wanting mouth. He held his head back and stared at the ceiling. It was almost like he was praying but only not to God. His body jerked after 30 minutes. He was done; she was still kneeling on the floor at this point. He pushed her to the floor with his foot and began whipping her. She screamed and he placed his fingers to his lips and said, Ssssshhhhh! He continued to beat her unmercifully. She whimpered and moaned as silently as she could. He continued until she lay motionless on the floor, blood spilling from numerous whelps on her naked body. A single tear streamed his cheek hesitant from his eye. He zipped up his fly and closed the door behind him. He walked down a little ways to Ruby’s room she was sound asleep. He tapped her until she had awakened and told her Trix needed her uttermost attention.

Come to my room when you’re done, ‘grabbing her chin, ‘this matter will be handled quickly. Daddy wants to play. He left and went to his room where Bubbles was sleeping like an angel; he always thought she was so beautiful. Sometimes he would watch her studying and absorbing her. He loved her in his way dangerously and undeservingly. He went into his private bathroom and took a long hot shower. All of the bedrooms had them nothing but the best for his girls.

Meanwhile Ruby made all of the arrangements; a stretch limo came to the estate. Decipher and Ruby cautiously walked Trix out to the landing Slick greeted them half way down the steps. Slick and Decipher helped her into the car. It was pitiful she was in so much pain she was crying hysterically.

Why he do me like this? I didn’t deserve this. Bishop came out and handed Slick an envelope. Decipher and Slick got in and they drove off. Trix was lying in the back seat covered in a blanket. Ruby stood and watched as the gates closed once the car reached the outside of the driveway. Bishop put his arm around her and she sobbed in her hands. Bishop followed her to the winding stairs. Ruby began to climb them and when she turned to look back at him he was gone. Bishop walked out to the pool area towards the lawn chair where one of the guests was sound asleep. He wiggled a hundred dollar bill under her nose. The girl eyes opened quickly. Bishop had sex with her by the pool and then called her a cab.

Ruby showered and went to Biggs room. Bubbles was sound asleep on her left side. Ruby slipped off her robe and straddled Biggs. He caressed her tits as she began to ride him. Passion overpowered them. Bubbles turn over to find them both ruled by this passion and joined them.

The next morning I was awakened by Molly she was wide eyes and bushy tailed. She wanted to hurry up because Trix was going to take us to the Delaware Mall to go shopping. I barely had the crust out of my eyes and she began dragging me into the bathroom. Shopping wasn’t as exciting to me see, because I already had so much stuff. Some of my outfits still had price tags on them. Molly was silly like that. Everything was exciting to her besides she like going to the mall so she could watch boys. I know this was one of the reasons my Unc had us practically secluded. The only boys I get to see are in school.

Mis come on Mom is probably ready, with an annoyed look on her face. I was fixing my hair. I just started to grow my locs and I couldn’t wait for them to grow super long. I was watching her reflection in the mirror. I poked my tongue out at her and started laughing. Ruby came in to look in on us. I saw her reflection in the mirror when she closed the bathroom door.

Okay, come on. I’m ready.

It’s about time, I race ya, as she laughed running out the door before me. My Uncle was sitting on the deck reading the paper having his usual cigar and espresso. He was having a conversation with Decipher, his Right hand who was seated across from him. Bishop was on post the two of them were always still like soldiers. I never heard them speak half the time, but they were very observant and guarded my Uncle like he was King. Well actually he was, the King of the streets. Shytown, Ruby, Sugar, Lois Lane and Bubbles sat at their usual places away from my Uncle’s table. Shytown was always sun bathing the others kept their chatter to a minimum.

Mr. B, where’s my mom at? He put his newspaper to one side annoyed.

Where’s my mom or where is my Mom, which actually sounds much better. I’m not sure Sweetie go ask Ruby, she knows everything.

I knew something was wrong he always knew where the girls were at all times. They were never able to travel without a guard both Bishop and Decipher were here.

I watched Molly as she went to the ladies table to ask. She was excited and she had that great big cheese smile again, but from the look on her face something was wrong. I went over to my uncle laid my head on his shoulder, what did he do? He could have waited to Molly left. Molly walked over to us and told us that Trix didn’t feel well and they took her to the hospital. That meant she was staying with Mamma G. She took care of all the girls especially when one of them made Uncle upset. I guess she needs rest. Bubbles came over and rubbed Molly on her back. Molly was very disappointed. Bubbles told us that she would take us to the mall. Molly smiled a crooked smile. Bubbles looked at Uncle for approval.

Of course you girls will have a great time, I’m sure. Right Mis?

Right Uncle B, great fun. He snapped his fingers and Bishop turned around and began to walk over. My Uncle told him to accompany the ladies shopping. Bishop replied he would bring the car around front. My Uncle pulled out his billfold and handed us all a hundred dollar bill each. I told him we had money from last night. He insisted so we took the cash. Ruby walked us out. She had a hand on each one of our shoulders and she leaned down and told us she wouldn’t be home when we got back she had to work and gave us fifty dollars each and kissed us both before we got in the limo.

I wondered if Molly really didn’t know what was going on. She couldn’t be that naive after all these years.

HERE’S YOUR HISTORY LESSON: BUBBLES

Gretchen Alexander grew up in a small town in Nebraska. She lived with her mother Rose and two sisters Jolle and Megan. Her father died about two years ago, very suddenly. A lot of the town folk looked up to Billibob. He sold vegetables, dairy products and on occasion livestock. His crops were the best in the land. Due to his death he pretty much left his family in debt. He lost quite a bit to gambling and women. Monies were owed out. With the cost of the burial there was just a little money that would tie them over for about another year. After that it wouldn’t be much left. Such a waste Rose knew he was tense right before the end, but she had no idea he lost nearly twenty-eight thousand dollars. The farm was also in jeopardy due to liens and back taxes. She had to sell off most of the livestock. Gretchen’s mother had to start working in the city to make ends meet. The girls were raised as fine young women. Gretchen was the older of the two sisters.

Four months after the father’s death Gretchen found a job as a cashier working, at the local flea market, she dreaded it a little, because one of the clerks liked her. He was really nerdy, large wide rim glasses and bucked teeth. The kids called him beaver boy behind his back. Gretchen saved every dime she made except for the money she gave to her Mamma, to help out. The money she saved she kept in a mayonnaise jar under her bed in an old shoebox. She always found herself day dreaming. The nerd would be bragging about some science project for the upcoming fair, he would go on and on. He really never noticed she didn’t even care her mind was on California most of the time. She dreamed of being a star, a real money maker, living in a mansion, with servants and everything. But it was just a dream; however she always told herself anything was possible.

At night Gretchen and her sisters would talk about their dreams and wishes. They would stay up all night it seemed sometimes. Gretchen confided in them that she wanted to leave, that one of them had to make it for the rest. She explained how tired Mamma looked and how hard she had to work to support them.

Gretchen Mamma would die if you left us, especially now said Jolle.

I just don’t think it’s a good idea, Megan said, touching Gretchen’s shoulder. Gretchen stood up. She explained to them she made up her mind and she would be leaving in a month. She would have enough for a one way ticket to California and a couple hundred dollars to get by until she found a job. They were shocked. She assured them she would be fine and not to worry. She promised she would send for them. The girls crossed their fingers and touched them together and said a prayer. Their father taught them that. He always told them this was a secret pack with God and he would protect them if they prayed for something that they needed instead of what they wanted. Gretchen’s mother came in to tuck them in.

Oh Mamma, we’re way too big to get tucked in, said Jolle as she slide beneath the covers.

You girls will never be too big, besides I don’t get to spend time with you girls, like I use to. Work, work, work, sitting on Gretchen’s bed, ‘I worry about you dear, you seem preoccupied", sounding concerned stroking her hair.

Mom I’m fine, just a little tired. Gretchen kissed her mother’s dry hands. They never use to be that way she always had the softest hands. She thought her mother was so beautiful, but now she looked so tired and old, although she never loss the twinkle in her eyes. Gretchen hated the fact that she had to leave, but it was for the best, the best for them all. Her mother was going to kill herself working so hard. Rose kissed them all goodnight, turned off the lights and gently closed the door behind her.

Whispering, I told you right now is not a good time, it’s almost like she can feel something’s wrong. Gretchen threw a pillow at Megan and Jolle laughed. Shortly after they fell asleep, not Gretchen she was thinking of the Californ- I –A. This was going to work and eventually she fell asleep.

The day Gretchen did leave was a tearful event. They hugged each other it seemed for hours. She had a tiny little suitcase and her Dad’s traveling bag. Megan gave her sister her favourite lunch box and Megan made her a few sandwiches, an orange and a diet coke. Jolle gave her also her lucky rabbit’s foot she won three years ago at the county fair and fifteen dollars in silver dollars and half a dollar coins, she’s been saving since she was seven. She kept them in an old tin can. Gretchen gave Jolle her red sweater, the one she was never allowed to wear. It was angora, Jolle adored it. Gretchen never knew she snuck and wore it once to impress a boy. Gretchen also gave Megan her crucifix she wore on a gold chain, it belonged to her father it was given to her because she was the oldest when her father died. She kissed Megan’s cheek as she placed it around her neck. They hugged briefly. Then they did the secret crossed finger pack. Gretchen left a note on her mother’s pillow and a box of chocolate covered cherries, which were her favorite. She had to go quickly, Rose would be home soon. They waved to her from the bedroom window and watched until she was out of sight.

CALIFORNIA

Gretchen arrived in sunny California right before noon, she was amazed and excited. The people, how happy they seemed in their expensive suits and fine dresses. Gretchen had never seen so many cabs in one place. She didn’t know which one to choose, picking one she jumped in. The cabbie put her bags in the trunk and yelled,

Where to Miss?

The Holiday Inn, she said with pride. He looked in his rear view and said.

Are you sure?

Yes, sir, I am, not really understanding what he meant. They arrived in about fifteen minutes, she tipped him fifty cents. He looked in his hand and said,

Wow all this G thanks, with sarcasm.

Don’t mention it, with her thick country accent. A bell hop greeted her and she got her key from the front desk. On the elevator she overheard two of the help talking about, an open position in housekeeping. They went on to say how much they really needed the extra pair of hands to help out. The two got off at the sixth floor. She got off at the ninth. She managed to pay for her room for one week, within this time she needed to find work. She showered and changed clothes and headed out to see the sights. She found herself in the lobby she wanted to twirl around in circles in this huge room. It was so grand to her. On the walls hung huge paintings, plush carpets on the floor and heavy drapes devoured the large windows. She had never seen anything like this in Nebraska. The finest thing there was the new Piggly Wiggly that just opened with automatic doors. She wandered into a large room where someone was playing the piano. A man stood behind the bar drying glasses.

There were only a few people seated at the bar. Two men