A Compilation of Short Stories

A Compilation

of Short Stories

Barbara Francis

Copyright © 2000 by Barbara Francis.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording,

or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing

from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to

any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

Behind the Basement Door

Chapter One

The Chimney Sweep

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Face of an Angel

Chapter One

The Midwife’s Diary

Prologue

Chapter One

Pick of the Litter

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

The Remaking of Kristy

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Space children/ The Planet Esbar

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Four

The Clone

Chapter One

The Dove

Chapter One

The Toothless Vampire

Exposition

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

The Christmas Stocking

Chapter One

Chapter Two

The Sharkman

The Leper

THIS BOOKIS DEDICATED TO ALL THOSE I LOVE AND THE ONES I LOVED. MY SONS, RON AND ALAN FRANCIS WHO STOOD BY ME THROUGH ALL KINDS OF WEATHER.

MY SISTER LEE MONROE WHO IS THE LAST OFEIGHT CHILDREN, HER DAUGHTER, APRIL MONROE WHO KEEPS ME APPRISED OFHER MANY ADVENTURES. SHELLEY SAVOLA WHO PRESENTED MEWITH TWO GRANDSONS, GABRIEL AND JOSHUA FRANCIS. I APPRECIATE HERWARM AND LOVING WAYS AND OF COURSE MY GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER AUTUMN KALEY FRANCIS. INLOVING MEMOR Y OF MY BROTHER, JACK.

Behind the Basement Door

BY

BARBARA FRANCIS

Cast of Characters

Chapter One

HOURS before the sun rises and shines its golden light upon the small town of Woodcliff the farmers are already stirring in preparation of a new day. Wives are busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast for the family. The cows have already been milked and the pitchers are set on the table ready for use. Eggs have been gathered and placed carefully in a bowl. Sleepy-eyed children scramble out of bed looking for clothes to wear for school.

Just about a mile from Woodcliff lay the forest with its stately trees, lakes and wilderness. It is a place of serene beauty and tranquility. Among the tall Pine and Redwood stands a lonely Weeping Willow Tree, its branches flowing down to the nearby stream.

The town consists of a grocery store, a drug store, a small post office and a dry goods store. Near the corner a fire station and still further Jake’s Bar and Grill. Just below that a cobbler’s shop. On the other side of the street stands a church. And, a block further down, a mortuary and behind it a cemetery. The red brick schoolhouse is located down the road. It is a two-story structure covered with vines and surrounded by beautiful Oak and Pine trees.

The cobblestone streets echo with the sound of horses’ hooves as they pull their wagons loaded with produce. Some of the people are not farmers and depend upon the lumber for their livelihood.

The shoemaker is busy repairing an old pair of work shoes as his son looks on. The child is restless as he shifts from one foot to the other. He looks at his father’s hands and it seems to him like the veins are like snakes ready to spring. His eyes gaze around the shop and notices that everything is orderly, that’s the way his father is...everything in its place. Joey is determined that he will never be a shoemaker and have to struggle to eke out a living. He has higher hopes and dreams for himself. First he has to complete his schooling. After that he intends to leave this small town and travel. He reasons to himself that this place is great for old or retired people but lacks the opportunity for the young and ambitious.

The town is nestled in a valley and when it is winter the cold is relentless and the summers are hot and sticky. But Joey knows places that are beautiful and serene. There are mountains and lakes in the surrounding areas that are pristine and he could find comfort and serenity whenever he feels the need. Joey is nine and tall for his age. His hair is auburn and his eyes are like pools of green water. He is inclined to be on the lazy side and enjoys lying under a shade tree and dream of things to come. At the present time he looks at his father and without saying a word scampers out of the shop. He walks aimlessly down a winding road towards a wheat field. There he stops and watches the farmers at work. It is summertime and the beads of sweat run down the sunburned faces of the farmers. Joey is glad that he does not have to labor in the hot sun. He continues on towards the stream. There he stops to drink and watch the fish as they swim downstream. Looking up he sees the water cascading down the rocky slopes. He continues on his way towards his favorite tree. At the sight of it his eyes light up and he stops to embrace it. Then he presses his lips on the leafy branches and kisses it. A sudden surge of energy envelops him, especially in his arms and fingers. There is something about this Willow Tree that is pure magic. Nearby a branch has broken off during a recent storm. Joey picks it up and holds it close to him trying to heal the broken limb. Unwittingly he reaches in his pocket and removes a knife. It was a present his father had given him on his sixth birthday. His hands begin to whittle away on the piece of wood as chips go flying in all directions. Suddenly he becomes tired and his eyes cannot stay open and he falls asleep under the Weeping Willow Tree. The hanging branches wrap themselves around him like some protective cover. Several hours later he awakens with a start. The night is upon him and he is scared for he has to find his way home in the dark. His father would be furious with him for staying out so late. Without looking he places the piece of wood in his pocket. Then he remembers what his father told him if your lost just follow the stream...

The beautiful trees are now dark and foreboding they hover over him like some dreaded beast. Cautiously he turns and starts for the stream glancing back to see if he is being followed. Then continues on down to the mouth of the stream. Straining his eyes through the mass of foliage for a clearing. He stops a while to get his bearings. At long last his house is within his reach. His parents are waiting and he could tell by the way his father is standing with his fists clenched that he was angry. Without waiting for an explanation he grabs Joey by the arm and ushers him into the house. Where have you been? he shouts at his son. We’ve been waiting supper for you and now it is unfit to eat. Go and wash up! Mother will have to warm it up.Joey with tears in his eyes looks at his mother for reassurance. She smiles at him.

After supper his father retires for the night and Joey walks over to his mother and tells her that he is sorry and tries to explain that he had fallen asleep under a tree. She hugs him and continues to clear the dishes.

Joey skips over to the other side of the room. He reaches in his pocket for the piece of wood. To his great surprise he discovers that the wood has turned into a fine looking lamb. How could that be? he wonders. He calls to his mom. Ma! Ma! look what I’ve got. She places the towel on a rack then hurries over to her son. What is it? Looking down at Joey’s hand she sees the wooden lamb. Where did you find that?

Mother I don’t know.

What do you mean you don’t know?

As hard as he tries to explain he can’t seem to make any sense of how the lamb came to be.

Honey, it’s late and tomorrow is school, you better get ready for bed. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. She bends down and kisses him goodnight. He smiles at her. Good night, mom.

The following morning Joey trudges off to school. His mother has packed a nice lunch for him. The little red school-house is about a mile or so from town. Joey runs to catch up to the other children as they head down the road. He does not show his lamb to anyone. Instead he holds it securely in his sweaty hands. Then an idea hits him and in an instant he knows what he wants to be when he gets older. He can visualize himself as an artist or a sculptor making and creating beautiful animals and people.

On the outskirts of town lives a young woman and her daughter. Mrs. Greene makes a living by sewing and baking pies for the townspeople. Thinking back she can recall that fateful day when Steve, her husband rushed out in that terrible thunder storm to get to the fire station. The lightning had struck the nearby lumber mill setting it on fire. And the fierce winds were devastating the surrounding areas. Most of the firemen on duty were stationed outside the yard to prevent the fire from spreading. Steve who had been on duty all night was assigned to the interior of the yard. The lumber was piled in stacks and when the fire erupted it caused a huge explosion and Steve was caught in a whirlwind of flames. Some of the men tried to save him but they couldn’t get to him on time. Now Donna, a widow with no means of support has to make a living taking in sewing and baking pies to support herself and her young child, Elisa. Donna is only thirty-five and her only joy in life is her beautiful child and although she is tired most of the time and her eyes red from crying she tries to put on a happy face for her daughter. Elisa is beautiful with long black hair and eyes as black as the night sky. Whenever she smiles deep dimples appear in her tanned cheeks. She has inherited her father’s good looks, not that her mother isn’t pretty, but in a different way. Elisa attends the same school as the other children in town, but she does not make friends. Her mother is her only friend and she stays as close to her as she can, hoping and praying that God does not take her away like he did her father.

Joey has seen Elisa in school and tries to speak to her, but to no avail. She refuses to communicate with anyone. Somehow he has to find a way to break the silence between them. Because the first time he laid eyes on her he was smitten. There must be a way to get to know her, he thinks to himself. Many times in his daydreams he pictures himself holding her hand and walking with her. But try as he may to impress her she does not yield. So he attempts to attract her by doing somersaults, cartwheels, jumping over fences, anything to get her attention. Nothing works.

After school he walks leisurely through the forest on his way home. There under the redwood tree he sees a broken branch. He picks it up and starts to carve away. This time he pictures Elisa’s face. If only he could make her face, how happy he would be. As he works he could see an image in the wood. What appears in the wood is not what he expects. It is a face, but not hers. Quickly he gets up from the ground, stretches then continues on his way. He stops alongside the Willow tree. It’s branches reach out to him like a magnet. He wraps his arms around the trunk and holds it lovingly. Then sitting down with his back against the trunk of the tree he smiles to himself and thinks the world is a wonderful place. After a moment or two he reaches for the piece of redwood and continues to refine the features. As he works he fights to stay awake. Somehow the serenity and the beauty of the place lulls him to sleep. Hours go by and he is suddenly awakened by the screech of an owl. Joey looks around and for a split second feels lost. He has to shake himself to become fully awake. Feeling the object in his hand he looks down and to his amazement the piece of wood has been transformed into the most beautiful doll he had ever seen. What if...he thinks to himself. What if I gave this doll to Elisa? I wonder what she will say. So with that thought in mind he starts for her house. On the way he stops to gather wild flowers and vines which he fashions into a bouquet. His poor heart is beating so fast that he has to stop and catch his breath. He continues on but is confronted with a problem. Should he knock or wait for her to come outside? Several feet from her house was a clump of bushes. He decides to hide behind them and wait...it is getting late and he has to make a decision now...standing erect and tall he walks boldly to her door and knocks. A woman in her mid-thirties appears. Well young man can I help you? I would like to see Elisa. The words gush from his mouth. The woman tries to hide her smile as she calls to her daughter. Someone to see you, Elisa. From somewhere in the house Elisa comes running her dark eyes dancing and her long, black hair flowing gracefully around her shoulders. Who is it, mother? As she approaches she see Joey standing next to her mother. A slight smile appears on her lips.

By this time Joey is so flustered he pushes the flowers at her and reaches in his pocket for the doll. Elisa, dimpling all over, takes the gifts from him and Joey can’t wait to run from the house. The excitement is too much for him, In contrast, Elisa is quite calm and she thanks him for the gifts. Her mother, standing close by, glances at the doll and is astonished at the workmanship and the delicate beauty of it. Never in her life had she seen anything so exquisite.

Where did you get it? she asks. Joey hesitates for a moment then without a second thought, replies that he made it. She eyes him skeptically and asks if he could make other things. Maybe, but right now I have to hurry home. He walks to the door breathing a sigh of relief as he rushes home. He is so elated that he jumps for joy. At long last he can talk to Elisa, his dream girl. It is the happiest day of his life.

The following morning he doesn’t wait for his mother to awaken him. He is up and dressed making sure that his clothes are neat and clean and his hair is combed. Something he has never done before. His mother doesn’t say a word for fear of embarrassing him, instead she smiles to herself thinking her child is growing up. She attends to the breakfast and sets his food on the table. But Joey is too excited to eat.

Aren’t you hungry? his mother asks.

Not very. I have to hurry to school.

And why do you have to leave so early?

For no particular reason, comes the answer.

Joey stops at Elisa’s house and knocks. Elisa appears at the door. Can I walk to school with you? he stammers. She looks at her mother for approval. Her mother holding a dishtowel nods her approval. Joey takes her books, they are bound with a strap and he flings it over his shoulder. They walk for a short distance before he shyly reaches for her hand. There is very little conversation as they continue on.

Finally Elisa bends her head towards him and whispers, after school I have to pick blueberries for my mother. Joey asks if he could help. Only if you want to. she says as she runs ahead of him. He chases after her and grabs her hand.

After school is over they meet outdoors. Hand in hand they scamper up the hill. Elisa is carrying a woven basket that her mother had given her. While they are filling the basket they are also munching away on the berries, getting it all over their faces and hands. Looking at one another they burst out laughing. For they resemble clowns with purple mouths and hands. It seems to break the ice and their conversation becomes more animated and natural. Running and smiling they finally reach her house. Mrs. Greene is surprised and delighted to see her daughter with Joey. It has been a constant worry to her that her only daughter never attempted to make friends. Mrs. Greene has tried to encourage her daughter to seek out someone she could talk to. But Elisa never did until now. For she often wondered what would happen to her child if she were unable to care for her. Where would she go? As much as she tries not to dwell on it, that thought is ever present.

Mrs. Greene just finished baking pies and the aroma is everywhere. She asks Joey if he would like some. His face lights up and he takes a seat at the table. There is an awkward silence as they all sit together. After he finishes his piece she asks if he would like another piece.

No thank you, I have to save room for my supper. He gets up from the chair and starts for the door. Elisa follows him. She thanks him again for the lovely gifts and tells him that she will treasure the doll forever. Joey can’t believe his good fortune. She is so pretty and his heart is full of love. He races down the road kicking the pebbles as he goes. The world is full of promises and it shows in his bright smile. When at last he reaches his house, he sees his mother washing clothes in a large metal basin. Her hair is hanging loose and damp around her shoulders. The sweat pouring down from her forehead. The perspiration has stained under her arms. Life is not easy for his parents. They have scrimped and saved for their son’s education. When things are not going well in Mr. Morgan shop he takes out his frustration on his wife and child. Especially when he comes home and sees his son moping around while his wife is hard at work.

Why don’t you help your poor mother, can’t you see how hard she works? Amy looks up from scrubbing the kitchen floor.

He’s only a child, what do you want from him?

Child or no child he should help around the house. He can’t expect everything to be handed to him. Poor Joey is at a loss for words.

What do you want me to do?

Ask your mother, comes the angry reply.

Joey looks to his mother. Mother how can I help you?

Amy gets up from the floor and looks from her husband to her son. She pats Joey on the head, lovingly. This infuriates her husband. ‘You’re spoiling him rotten" and with that remark bounds out of the door, slamming it behind him.

After Joey has gone to bed, Amy can’t sleep so she waits for her husband to return home. It is getting late and she knows that John is out drinking with his buddies at Jake’s Bar and Grill. She fights to stay awake but can’t and falls asleep sitting in the chair. At last John returns staggering and falling all over the place. It awakens Amy but she pretends to be asleep, for she cannot bear to see him in this condition. John in his drunken stupor falls asleep across the bed. His snoring is so loud that poor Amy has to get up and turn him on his side in order to quiet him down. Her body is aching from sleeping on the chair. She stretches to get the kinks out of her body then goes into the bedroom and undresses and puts on her nightgown and instead of waking John she sleeps on the couch in the living room.

Joey and Elisa enjoy the richness of their special friendship. In the summer months they spend their time swimming and fishing in the nearby lake. Sometimes they have picnics and Elisa brings sandwiches and cold drinks. They play hide and seek hiding behind trees and bushes. Joey loves to climb trees but Elisa just looks on praying that he doesn’t fall. She is not a tomboy and does not attempt to climb trees.

They listen to the songs of the birds and watch the animals as they come to drink from the lake. Elisa with her hair blowing in the wind and cheeks as red as rose petals is showing signs of maturing. They have now reached their teens and they discover new feelings in their bodies and strange thoughts in their minds. Curiosity takes hold of their actions as they begin to explore what was once hidden, the sweetness of their first kiss. Joey holds her tenderly in his arms as his hands caress her face and hair. His hands explore her small breasts. He marvels at the feel of it. Then he reaches inside her blouse and touches the round, rosebud nipples. At his touch they seem to harden. Elisa sighs and holds him close. Ever so gently he places her on the soft, green grass as he moves closer to her, holding her close in his arms, murmuring softly, I love you, I love, you. Elisa is a little frightened at the thought that he may go too far. She starts to get up and straightens her clothes, then brushes the grass from her skirt.

Joey is a little embarrassed by his hardness and tries to hide it. He does not appear to be angry with Elisa for breaking it off so suddenly. He is a little confused by what has taken place and hopes that she is not upset over the incident. Her face is radiant and eyes hold a new brilliance. They realize that they are no longer children. When they arrive at her house she takes his hand in hers and says goodbye. Joey starts for home still a bit bewildered.

Mrs. Greene is busy making a new dress for a neighbor when she sees her daughter. Did you have a good time?

‘Yes mother but when you have a minute to spare I would like to talk to you about something very important."

If it’s that important I can take the time. What is it?

I really don’t know where to begin. It’s about Joey. I’m sure you guessed that we love each other and...Mom, it’s so hard to explain.

Perhaps, I can help you. It’s about boys and girls and about feelings. Am I right?

Yes mother what can I do? I know he wants me and I love him. I don’t want to lose him. What shall I do?

I know dear but don’t you think that you’re too young for anything so serious? Why don’t you give it time until you are older and can make responsible decisions? After all he is the first boy you ever dated. Believe me you’ll have lots of dates with other boys and you may change your mind about Joey. and with that remark the discussion ended and Mrs. Greene returns to her sewing.

Years pass and Joey and Elisa are preparing for college. She has received a scholarship for dress design in a college hundreds of miles from home. As much as she hates to leave her mother it is something she is determined to do. Joey on the other hand decides to remain in town. He has been offered a job as an apprentice to a stone cutter. It is an ideal situation for he is intent on becoming a sculptor. All of his waking hours he faithfully watches and assists the stone cutter.

The angels and holy statues make a profound impression on him. After a year has passed he feels like he is ready to begin his career. First he has to become familiar with the human body and how it moves. He submits his resume to various medical colleges until he is finally accepted.

Elisa is somewhere in the mid-west and Joey is on the East Coast. His first assignment is in the hospital morgue. The very sight of a dead body is enough to make him squeamish and sickly. But he is determined to overcome this frailty and fights to keep the bile down. The hours he spends in the morgue and in the hospital are long and exciting. While on duty he becomes acquainted with a fellow student named Chet. Chet is