1

1

FINALLY, Lindsey was ready to pick up three more orders from the counter where Kurt,

the cook, placed the customer’s orders. But, before she could get her hands on either one of

them, Ms. Bev, her boss, was once again talking down to her.

“Hey girl, you’re going to have to speed it up around here if you want to keep your job!”

Ms. Bev, who was once beautiful in her “day” yelled at Lindsey who was petite in size and

extremely fragile.

“But, I’m doing the best that I can!” Lindsey pleaded.

“Well, if this is your best, then I’m in trouble, and if I’m in trouble, then you’ve got twice

as much, especially if customers start getting up and walking out, just because you’re talking too

much and can’t keep up things!”

Sheepishly, Lindsey looked over her shoulder, and saw a blue-collar man angrily staring

her down! Quickly, she turned around and looked into his eyes, and Ms. Bev arrogantly

responded,

“See, what I mean?”

Afraid of defending herself any further, Lindsey anxiously grabbed all three plates and rushed to

the angry man’s table.

“Took long enough!” The rough-neck man barked!

Ms. Bev, Lindsey’s boss, looked on while she was still standing at the Pick-Up Counter, while

shaking her head saying,

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do with that girl!”

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“Well, for starters, you can acknowledge the fact that Lindsey is not a girl, but, she’s a

full-grown woman!”

“Ha!” “A full-grown woman?” “Well, she’d better start acting like one!”

“Hey, Bev, give Lindsey some time?” “Not everyone can work as confidently as you and

I, with people demanding THIS and THAT! Now, you must admit, Lindsey is trying?” Nadia

stood in Lindsey’s defense, which made Ms. Bev even angrier! After all, Nadia was Ms. Bev’s

employee too; and at this point, Ms. Bev was fed up with both of them! One couldn’t do her job,

and the other had way too many “open” opinions!” And, both were getting on Ms. Bev’s last

nerve!

“Trying?” “Look, I don’t need Lindsey to TRY and do her job, I NEED her and

everybody else in here to “DO,” their job!” Ms. Bev screamed so that Nadia and Kurt, the cook,

knew that she meant the both of them as well!

3

2

THE next day, Lindsey couldn’t believe how backed-up the traffic was on Highway 89!

There were at least two accidents, but either way, no matter what excuse she had, Ms. Bev

wasn’t hearing it, she never did!

Finally, Lindsey practically burst through the B&B Diner! There was no way that she

couldn’t make a scene, she was absolutely, late, at least by forty-five minutes! And, before she

could open her mouth, Ms. Bev yelled,

“Hurry up and get out here! You’re late! You’re just so freaking late!”

Lindsey hurried to the locker room and grabbed the first apron she saw, without looking for food

stains or anything! She just knew that she had to prove to her boss, that being late wasn’t her

fault! Her alarm hadn’t gone off! Besides the matter, Lindsey decided that she was going to

give it her best shot! Therefore, before Ms. Bev could say another word, Lindsey had

approached her first group of customers.

“Good Morning everyone!” My name is Lindsey; and I will be your waitress today!”

“Oh, hello, Lindsey!” A distinguished well-dressed woman spoke to her as if she had

known her.

Puzzled, Lindsey glanced at each woman seated at the table as each woman had a warm

and gentle demeanor towards her!

“Well, don’t you know who I am dear?”

Surprised and curious, Lindsey admitted,

“No, Ma’am, I’m sorry, but, I don’t know who you are!”

Smiling and ever so confident, the distinguished woman, replied,

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“Well, honey, I’m your third, fourth or fifth cousin on your daddy’s side!”

“Oh?” “Really?”

“Yes, honey!” “Really!” “My last name is Day, too!”

“Oh, yes, that’s my last name too!”

Laughing, the beautiful “Southern Belle,” answered, “Well, of course, it is, honey!” “I just told

you that we’re cousins!”

“Oh, she’s a sweetheart!” One of the women said, who was wearing a more matronly

dress. But, she had a real honest smile which made Lindsey feel more comfortable amongst the

ladies who wore glamourous rim hats as if they were apart of some “Secret Society Club!”

‘Oh, thank you Ma’am!” Lindsey smiled and nodded again!

“So, tell me dear, how are you and your sister getting along?”

“Oh, just fine! My sister, Lorna, has a very good job!” “Ha!” “Ha!”

She giggled, then continued,

“Well, my sister, well, she’s not like me at all, we’re actually worlds apart; but, anyway,

she has a very good office job, and well,”

Lindsey’s cousin interrupted her, by saying, “Look, honey, it’s nice to know that your

sister has a good job and all, but you mustn’t compare yourself to your sister, you’re you and

she’s, she! And, believe me darling, you’re doing just fine!”

“That’s right honey!” “You’re doing just fine!” One of the ladies in the “Secret Society

Club” stated, while the other ladies seated, agreed with her!

5

And, knowing that they had been having a lengthy conversation, without one order being

placed, Lindsey nervously looked over her shoulder as she could feel Ms. Bev, her boss, staring

in her direction, she then, quickly hurried and asked her cousin to place the first order.

“Are you ready to order?”

Responding, her dignified cousin, said, “Yes, honey!” “Yes, I am!” “I’ll have the Smoked

Salmon!” Then, another lady from the Secret Society Club, said,

“See, there, honey, you’ve got a job, and, you’re doing it just fine. Honey, you’re doing a

fine job!”

“Thank you, Ma’am!” Lindsey responded as she was beginning to feel better about

herself, the job and even her doting boss, Ms. Beverly Bedford!

6

3

THE next evening, the dishes were stacked high and the kitchen was in disarray.

Ms. Bev was glad that the work day was finally over! But, normally, during this time, “Bev”

would be in her two by two cubicle that she called an office, balancing her books and tallying the

proceeds that were made for the day. However, do to Kurt, having to leave early for some out of

town emergency, Ms. Bev was left with a skeleton crew who she just couldn’t depend on, in the

way that she could with Kurt being around! And, being that Nadia was her closest employee,

and in some ways a friend, Nadia volunteered to stay after hours to help “Bea” clean the kitchen.

And, as for Lindsey staying after hours to clean up, well, “Bea” wouldn’t have heard of it! She

could barely stand “the poor thing,” during normal business hours! Just the thought of her, made

“Bev’s skin crawl!”

“I can’t believe that we had this many customers today?” Ms. Bev arrogantly

commented.

“Are you kidding me?” “As many times, as you and I were almost bumping into each

other and almost knocking each other down?”

“Oh, yeah!” “Well, I guess you’re right!” “We were kind of busy!” “But, truthfully, I

thought that this was basically the norm!”

“Uh, uh, honey!” “Today, we were a lot busier!” “Didn’t you notice that you hadn’t

gotten a chance to scream at Lindsey today?” Nadia sarcastically mentioned.

“Oh, you’re exaggerating!” “The only times that I scream at her is when she messes up!

For instance, sometimes, she’s late, moving too slowly or messing up an order, those are the only

times that I lose it with THAT...”

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“Oh, Bev, don’t say it!” “You’re really going to have to go easy with her. It just doesn’t

seem fair!” Nadia boldly confronted her boss without the fear of losing her job! However,

Ms. Short-tempered lost it once again,

“Excuse me?” “I should watch my temper?” “Now just wait a minute?” “You seemed to

have forgotten that this is my restaurant, and I’m the only one who must make sure that this

place is running smoothly, so that I can afford to keep it, and pay YOU a decent salary, not to

mention the others!” “So, what do you have to say for yourself now?” And, realizing that she’d

over stepped her boundaries, Nadia apologized,

“I…I’m sorry!” “I didn’t mean to sound so heartless, but, I, well, I….”

And, feeling guilty too, Ms. Bev decided to quickly make amends by grabbing the box that was

placed near the entrance to the pantry.

“Oh, Nadia, I forgot to show you, but, look what I purchased, yesterday at the flee-

market?” After retrieving the box and opening it, Ms. Bev lifted a beautiful decorative serving

dish.

“Oh, my goodness!” “It’s beautiful!” “Where did you get it?”

“At the Main Street Flee Market, yesterday evening!”

“Wow!” “It’s just so beautiful!” “And, there’s more?”

“Yes!” “I purchased at least 200 pieces, I’ve got complete sets!”

“You mean that you’re going to use these dishes, right here in the diner?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Wow!” “They’re beautiful, but don’t you think that they’re a tad too good for this here

restaurant?”

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“Nadia, nothing’s too good for my baby here, she’s the one true thing that belongs to me!

Besides, having great dishes and utensils, definitely, spells, success! And, serving on great

dishes will probably attract a better group of customers. Hey, I’m ready to move up in the

world!”

“Well, yeah, I guess you have a point!” “It couldn’t hurt to try something new!”

Nadia agreed.

“No, it couldn’t!” “Then, for the first time that day, Ms. Bev actually smiled.

9

4

THE following morning, Lindsey heard her alarm go off; but, surprisingly, she was

awake, and only because she hadn’t gotten an ounce of sleep the night before. She was up all

night, and felt wired-out, all because she was having another one of her zombie attacks! She just

knew that she couldn’t sleep like she wanted to; because, she just couldn’t afford to be late

another time within the same month! However, not wanting to get out of bed, she just lay there

with dread, while watching her clock, but still not wanting to believe that it was time to get up,

and get ready for work again! “My…. My…My,” she grumbled, while dreading every thought

of getting yelled at from Ms. Bev.

Two hours had passed; and alas, Lindsey had walked through the B&B Diner doors, but

this time, on time!

“Good morning!” She greeted everyone in a cheerful tone, but no one payed her any

mind, except, Nadia, who seemed to have had patience and respect for her.

“Hello, there!” “I see you’re on time today!” “Wow!” “Way to go!”

Lindsey smiled and said,

“Thank you!”

And, as soon as gratitude left her mouth, she’d glanced towards the right of her, and there “SHE”

was, while looking at her with disappointment! However, after going into the locker room and

grabbing the first available apron, Lindsey hurried and returned to the dining room, just to make

a good impression. Today, she wanted everything to go smoothly; after all, she was trying to get

on Ms. Bev’s good side!

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As soon as she entered the dining room, Ms. Bev called out to her as she was walking in

her direction, while pointing her finger.

“Lindsey, I’ve got to show you something!”

Puzzled, Lindsey nervously looked at Nadia, and back at her boss, while wondering what could it

be?” However, to Ms. Bev’s wishes, Lindsey, followed her to the kitchen, where Kurt the cook

nervously looked on too!

“You see those?” Ms. Bev pointed in an upward motion. And, high on the shelf,

Lindsey saw the beautiful new dishes.

“Oh, they’re beautiful!”

“Yes, they are!” “Those are new, well, to us anyway! And, I want you to be extra careful

when handling them, do you understand?” Ms. Bev asked her, as if she were a dumb imbecile.

“Oh, yes, Ms. Bev, I get it!”

“Good!” “Because, I paid a good penny for them; and I wouldn’t want you to have to

pay for them out of your paycheck, just in case you happen to break one of them!”

“Oh, I would be extremely careful!” “Besides, I couldn’t afford to replace them with my

pay. They look extremely expensive!”

“Yeah, you’re right!” “And, now, that we understand each other, you can get back to

work! It’s getting pretty busy out there!”

“Yes!” “Okay!” “Lindsey enthusiastically answered her.

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“Good!” Ms. Bev snapped, as she loved to throw shade at Lindsey, who was obviously

intimidated by her authority! After cutting Lindsey down, Ms. Bev stared over at Kurt, the cook,

as he fearfully pretended that he hadn’t heard a word! However, Ms. Bev was much smarter

than Kurt realized, as she stormed out of the kitchen and back into the crowded dining area,

while looking to pick on Lindsey for some other pre-meditated atrocity!

Finally, the breakfast hours were over, and thus far, Lindsey had served at her best. She

hadn’t spilled one ounce of coffee, orange juice or tea. And, as far as the new dishes were

concerned, well, she was a pro at carrying at least four plates at a time! She was absolutely sure,

that her day was going perfectly well, up until the hungry “Lunch Crew,” came bursting through

the doors, with a whole lot of cheering, whistling and clapping! The workers from the USA

Construction Company had finally arrived for lunch, and this group was one of Ms. Bev’s

heaviest spenders! Oftentimes, they would come in and spend hundreds of dollars, especially if

one of the fellows were getting married, celebrating a new birth or if it was one of their

birthdays; they really believed in celebrating “BIG!” And, although, Lindsey should’ve been

excited as well, this was the time that she was mostly nervous!

“Hello sir!” “What can I get you today?” Lindsey approached the leader of the pack,

first. The crew called him, Big Bill!

“Well, let me see?” “Today, I’ll have a Double Burger and Fries, and a large Coke!”

“I’ve worked hard today. I’m a BIG MAN and I need to EAT!” Big Bill comically beat his

fists on the table tops! Everyone started laughing, including Lindsey!

“Okay, coming right up!” She smiled as she continued to giggle.

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Next, Lindsey set her eyes on a young handsome gentleman, who didn’t look a day over thirty-

five. She didn’t know his exact age, all she knew was that when he came in with the crew, he

was very well-mannered.

“Oh, what are you having Nick, a salad?” “Got to keep those abs tight, huh?”

Big Bill boisterously stated, before Lindsey could convey one word towards Nick. All the men

at the table started to laugh, including Lindsey, although she tried hard not to! But, Nick could

take a joke! He wasn’t offended at all, which made Lindsey feel relieved.

“You know it!” “And, yes, I will have a salad, along with a broiled medium rare steak

and a baked potato!”

“Whew!” “Ah!” “Oh!” The men howled.

“Macho!” “Macho!” “Macho, now aren’t we?” Big Bill teased.

“My women like it!” Nick confidently stated.

“Oh, now, there you got me!” “You can pull some fine women!” “I mean, Nick goes for

the Hot Beach Babes. Okay, I think I’d better lay off now!” “Okay, buddy, you’ve won this

one!” Big Bill reached for Nick’s hand, and both men gave the other, Hi-fives!

Finally, after Lindsey got all six orders, she hurried to the kitchen and gave Kurt, the

cook, their requests. But, Ms. Bev couldn’t take her eyes off her every move! She wondered,

“Why?” “And, “How?” she’d get the same group of men to serve every single day?” Now,

although, Lindsey was plain as day, she had a sweet innocence about her, and any desperate man

would’ve probably liked her by her approach!” Ms. Bev begrudgingly thought! After all, Ms.

Bev wasn’t getting any younger either, and she felt that she should’ve been the one, waiting on

the USA Men’s Construction Crew. After all, she felt that just because she was a woman of

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age and status, it didn’t mean that she didn’t need companionship, too! But, every time, she

looked around, Lindsey seemed to be getting in her way. And, she, somehow had to stop her!

“But, how?” She begrudgingly thought.

The orders were getting larger and Lindsey couldn’t figure out if the men were

celebrating a special occasion or just plain hungry. But every time she turned around, someone

was wanting something!

“Excuse me, Miss, but can I get a Coke Refill?” A young handsome, smooth-talking

guy asked her. He had the nicest southern charm for a guy, just like Nicholas, the handsome

body builder.

“Sure,” Lindsey smiled.

“Oh, and honey, can you cut me another piece of that home-made Cherry Pie?”

Big Bill asked.

“Oh, yes!” “Coming right up!”

“Oh, and um, I don’t know what’s happening to me?” “But, I would like seconds!” A

handsome young Hispanic Man inquired. Lindsey blushed just by the sound of his voice.

“Yeah, sure, okay!”

“Oh, and um, I would like a cup of coffee?” Nicholas politely asked Lindsey.

“Sure!” She smiled.

“Oh, and um, honey, could you hurry it up?” “We’ve got to get back to work, the clock

is ticking!” Big Bill stated. And, before Lindsey could get a word out, Ms. Bev, her boss,

approached the table and directed her question towards Big Bill!

“What’s wrong?” “Is she moving too slowly?”

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“Oh, ah, no, not at all!” “As a matter of fact, she’ been great!” “It’s just that we’ve got

to get back to work, that’s all!” Afterwards, Ms. Bev immediately, turned towards Lindsey and

hollered,

“Well, you heard him!” “C’mon?” “Now, get to moving?”

“Okay!” “Lindsey nervously answered, as she practically ran to the counter which led to

the kitchen and placed her order before Kurt, the cook!

“Please, hurry?” “These men have to get back to work!”

Kurt laughed, and said, “Funny that they have to get back to work so fast, when they keep

ordering stuff?”

“Yeah, right!” Lindsey agreed with a hint of laughter. Both Lindsey and Kurt felt that

there was something “funny,” about the whole situation. Nevertheless, time seemed to have

moved quickly as so did Kurt, the cook. He’d prepared the food and beverage requests in a

matter of no time! Lindsey anxiously scooped up the orders and was off to the Construction

Guy’s Table, again! But, as soon as Kurt yelled out to her, to let her know that she’d forgotten

one of the orders, she’d lost her balance in her turn and dropped every dish that she was

carrying! Everything and everybody’s eyes were all on her and the food on the floor!

“Oh, my God, look what you’ve done?” “You’ve broken my dishes!” Ms. Bev

screamed.

“Oh, but, I’m sorry!” “I didn’t mean to!” “Kurt called out to me and it scared me, and

oh, I’m just so, sorry!” “I’ll pay for them out of my paycheck and….”

Ms. Bev’s eyes grew cold towards Lindsey and in a monotone, she said,

“I’ve had enough!” “JUST-GET-OUT!”

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“Oh, but please, I’m sorry!” “I’ll pay for the dishes out of my pay!” Lindsey begged!

“I’m tired!” “It’s more than you, just breaking my dishes!” “I can’t stand your tardiness.

And, you’re way too slow serving the guests!” “I’m sorry, you’ve just got to go!” “JUST GO!”

Ms. Bev pointed her right index finger towards the door! She continued to rant,

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH!” “I’VE JUST HAD IT!” She even stomped her foot, while

trying to make more of a scene in front of everyone, so that the crowd would take pity on her

exaggerations. But, at that point, something grew wild on the inside of Lindsey, while deciding

to fight back!

“You know, you’re just mean and nasty! And, you’ve had it out for me since day one!

Ever since I’ve put this apron on, you’ve been chasing and hunting me around this diner, like I

was yesterday’s trash, and I’m sick of it!” “And, I’m sick of this whole nasty mess!” “Don’t

worry, here, you can have your apron back!” Lindsey then took it off and threw it on the floor

with the rest of Ms. Bev’s broken dishes! And, Lindsey could feel the Construction Men’s eyes

on her, but before she could make out their opinions of her, Lindsey heard cheers, whistles, and

laughter coming from the Construction Crew’s table, which made her feel taller, prettier and

more confident. And, finally, Lindsey had gotten her chance to strut passed her boss while

receiving the Construction Crew’s Blessings! Upset, angry and embarrassed, Ms. Bev yelled,

“You’d better watch your back Ms. Clumsy?” “You’d better watch your back; because,

I’m going to GET YOU, you can bet your LIFE on it!”

Afraid and shaken, Lindsey ran to her car and sped away!

16

5

“ARE” you serious?” Lorna, Lindsey’s sister yelled, as she was standing tall and pretty,

however, looking a bit unhinged when receiving the news that Lindsey had just gotten fired from

her job, for the 10th time during a four-year work period on the planet, Earth. Lindsey was

frozen, and seemingly trapped in time! She couldn’t utter a word; however, her sister persisted,

“But, how could you?” “What happened this time?” She earnestly asked, while still looking

beautiful, while puffing on a Kool’s Cigarette, while her male friend Leo, watched as he was

seated in their backyard, while looking between the two sisters argue! Lindsey fearfully tried

explaining, again!

“Well, like I told you, I made a mistake and dropped my customers’ orders; and well,

reasonably, I was responsible for breaking Ms. Bev’s new dishes!” And, she went off on me and

embarrassed me in front of everyone at the diner, it was awful!” Lindsey was almost in tears.

“Hey, Lorna, I think you should go easy on her?” “I believe every word that your sister is

saying!” “She seems quite sincere!” Leo was nice to defend Lindsey.

“Oh, I didn’t say that she was lying, all I’m saying is that it seems to happen on every job

that she goes on! And, I just can’t figure her out, that’s all! And, well, this is the reason why I’ll

never be able to settle down, get married and live “Happy Ever After,” like normal women my

age do; and, it’s because, I’ve got a big responsibility to take care of and there she is, my

career-less sister!” She pointed in Lindsey’s direction. Leo then got up and hugged Lorna, then

he gave her a kiss on the cheek, while Lindsey sadly looked on!

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6

DAYS had passed, as she sat hopelessly by the phone that hadn’t rang with good news.

She must’ve filled out fifty to one-hundred applications. And, still, she heard nothing! The only

thoughts that she could meditate on was the fact that her former boss, Ms. Bev, promised that she

was “Going to get her!” In other words, Lindsey now knew that Ms. Bev meant that she would

never work again, at least not in Chester Brook County! The only relief that Lindsey had now,

was seeing her sister walk through their door after her sister, Lorna, had gotten off from work!

And, as usual, one evening at the dinner table, Lorna started the conversation.

“Well, I’ve got good news!”

“Well, what is it?” Lindsey cautiously asked.

“We’re moving!”

Startled, Lindsey asked, “Moving?” “But, where to?”

“Well, I’ve accepted a job as the new Office Manager of a company in the Southwest

called, The Copper and Steel Mill!” “And, I’ll be making a cool $20,000.00 more, than what I’m

already making now!”

“But, what about our home?” “I mean, mom and dad left us this house, and well, what are

we going to do with it?”

“There’s a couple who wants to buy it!”

“Oh, my goodness!” “Lorna, you’re not going to sell mom and dad’s house?”

Lindsey looked frantic and in disarray! However, her sister decided not to further her worry.

“Wow!” “You should see the look on your face?” “Okay, I won’t sell it, I’ll just rent it

out!”

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And, with great relief, Lindsey, sighed, saying, “Ah, that sounds better!” “And, just

think, I can finally find a new job after we move?”

“See?” “There you go!” “You’re getting another chance!” “And, this time, please, don’t

let anyone intimidate you off your next job?” “I don’t want to hear about people staring, glaring

or practically talking about you in your face!” It really doesn’t matter what people think!”

“I guess you’re right, sis!” “I can’t wait for the move. I could really use this great

opportunity to start over!”

“Yes!” “Both you and I could really use the change!”

Both sisters looked at each other and laughed with relief!

19

7

FOR weeks, Lindsey and her sister had been packing boxes, which kind of eased the pain

of Lindsey losing her job. She was really looking forward towards her new beginning.

However, at times, she still heard her boss’s taunting words of, “I’m going to GET YOU, you

can bet your LIFE on it!” There were times when she even had nightmares of her last days of

working at the B&B Diner. Sometimes, she’d even wake up in the middle of the night with

debilitating fear.

“Lindsey!” Her sister called out to her. “Please, keep everything neat and clean?” “The

Klein’s are visiting us today!” They want to come out one more time before they make their

decision to rent from us.”

“Okay!” Lindsey smiled. And, within minutes, the doorbell rang.

Immediately, Lorna ran to the door, then turned towards her sister, saying,

“They’re here!” She then opened the door and in came a young handsome couple.

Lindsey quickly headed out of the back door and unto the porch where she often sat, to meditate,

so that she could get a better perspective on things when she was feeling down! And, with losing

her job and packing to move to a new state, Lindsey knew what she could count on, and that was

total solace!

20

8

A few weeks later, they were ready to move!

“Well, I think we’ve got everything!” Lindsey sister yelled, as both were dressed in blue

jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt as they looked at Lorna’s car that was packed to the hilt with

luggage and more stuff! It was obvious that they were moving!

“Are you sure I can’t get you to change your mind?” Lorna’s boyfriend asked as he

gently grabbed unto her waist.

“Leo, I really want this job, it’s a great opportunity, and I really need this challenge right

now!”

“But, what about us?” He pleaded.

“You could visit me!” “You could even move to Stepford County!”

“What?” “And, leave my job and security, here?” Leo looked as though he’d seen a

ghost!

“Oh?” “Now, you understand what I mean?” Lorna smiled.

“What do you mean?” “You had a job right here, in Chester Brook County!”

“Yeah, but like I told you before, it’s not enough, especially when I’ve got,” Lorna then

paused, then looked over at her sister, then back at her boyfriend and said,

“R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-I-E-S!”

Leo took a quick glance at Lindsey, then back at Lorna, and said,

“Awe, it couldn’t be that bad?”

However, defying him, Lorna said, “Oh, but it is!” “Besides, she needs a change!” “I

think that she feels stuck here, just like I do! And, this will give her an opportunity to start all

21

over, again!” “C’mon, she really needs it!”

“How old is she?” Leo sternly asked.

“Twenty-five!” Lorna answered bluntly!

“She’s got time!”

“Not really!” “I was independent by her age!” “Trust me, she really needs to grow up!”

Lorna sarcastically whispered.

“I see!” Leo commented, then said, “I’m coming to visit!”

“You’d better!” Lorna flirtatiously demanded.

Afterwards, they exchanged smiles and more hugs and kisses, while Lindsey just stood by the

car and looked on helplessly but happy for her sister.

“Why can’t I be like that?” She thought, as she continued to look on while Lorna and her

boyfriend made a fuss over the other!

“Well, I’ll call you while we’re on the road!” Lorna reassured him.

“Yes, please do?” “I want to know how you’re making out!”

“Okay!” “Will do!”

“Oh, and Good Bye Lindsey!” Leo pleasantly yelled out to Lindsey which caught her by

surprise! Smiling she waved and reciprocated, “Good bye!”

Laughing, he said, “Good bye!”

Afterwards, Lindsey and her sister got into the old but reliable Malibu Chevy and slowly drove

away, while the two of them stared back at Leo and the only home that they had known during

both of their life-times!

22

9

THE sisters had been driving for hours. The country-side and mountains were beautiful!

However, Lindsey was still feeling at an all-time low! And, even though she was swaying to the

music and even singing lyrics to some of the songs that they heard on the radio, Lorna still could

tell that something was wrong!

“What’s the matter?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” Lindsey answered.

“You’ve been quiet since we left Chester Brook County!” “You haven’t said a word to

me.” “C’mon, what’s going on?”

“Ah!” “Um!” “Ah!” Lindsey sighed. Afterwards, she decided to speak up!

“Oh, I don’t know! I, um, well, I guess, I’m pretty-nervous about the move and all! I just don’t

know about…” She then paused, while not wanting to sound like a broken record. So, her sister

rambunctiously finished her sentence.

“What?” “You don’t think you’re going to find your next job, huh?”

“Ah yeah!” “Something like that!”

“Look, you’re still young, so you’ve got THAT going for you!” She glanced over at her

sister with a slight frown. Then, she continued, “You’ve just got to stop beating yourself up!

Look, you’ve already lost the job, so there, it’s done! So, now, the next step is to MOVE ON!

Just let it go! And, you’ll see, things will be different! You’ve just got to think positive!”

“Okay?”

“Okay.” Lindsey agreed, while trying to cheer up!

23

After the pep talk, Lindsey was beginning to feel good, just by listening to her sister. Her

sister always had a more wholesome outlook on life, more than she did! And, since her sister

seemed to have better luck, she decided to take her sister’s advice, by deciding to relax and enjoy

the road trip; after all, it wasn’t every day that she had the joys of being driven from one end of

the earth to the other, especially by car! The scenery was unbelievably beautiful!

24

10

AFTER a week of eating fast food, stopping at all kinds of “Rest Stops” and sleeping in

cheap motels, the sisters had finally reached their destination. It was 2:00 P.M. when they

reached 30015 Old Hook Road. But, as Lorna and Lindsey got out of the car to take a closer

look at the house, that Lorna had found online, the two were in for a big surprise!

“Are you sure that this is the address?” Lindsey asked.

And, doubtfully, Lorna immediately reached in her purse to retrieve the address that was written

on a wrinkled piece of paper. And, sure enough, the address read, 30015 Old Hook Road. Lorna

was sure that she was in “Stepford County,” she remembered seeing the signs as she drove into

town, five minutes’ prior!

“Oh, no!” Lorna cried.

“WHAT IS IT?” Lindsey screamed in fear.

“THIS IS IT!” Lorna then slightly turned to the right of the road, and looked at the street

address and then back at the house number and said, “Oh, no!” the second time. “THIS IS IT!”

“The address is the same!” She insisted.

Upset and angry, Lindsey said, “This house looks older than the house that mom and dad

left us! I’m getting out of here!” And, for the first time, Lindsey was beginning to doubt her

sister’s better judgement.

“Okay, wait a minute?” “Let’s not rush to judgement?” “Let’s just go inside?” “Maybe

the house is in better shape on the inside than it is on the outside!”

25

And, although, Lindsey wanted to holler and scream while assuming that they had made

the biggest mistake of their lives by moving to Stepford County, she agreed to go inside, while

not wanting to further upset her sister.

And, after Lorna turned the key and opened the door, as they walked inside, both

“sisters,” were practically holding on to the other, while trying not to cry nor scream, because it

was obvious that the place was very, very old!

Once inside, they noticed that the floor was made up of wooden planks and Cob webs

were everywhere, including the walls and on the furniture. Immediately, both “sisters,” coughed

while seemingly being choked by the thick dust that was piled high, in every corner.

Finally, after taking a few more steps, Lorna finally found a floor lamp and turned the

switch on! Now, at least, they had light! But, as both women looked around, and back and forth

at each other, they almost fell into each other’s arms and wept. However, with Lorna being the

stronger sister, she spoke up and said,

“Well, let’s get the buckets and some cleaning solutions and start on the first floor and

work our way up! It’s still day-light, and we need to get this place cleaned up a bit, so that we

can at least sleep here for the night!”

And, almost in tears, Lindsey reluctantly mumbled, “Okay.”

26

11

AFTER days of scrubbing the “Old Haunted House,” that Lorna and her sister, officially

called it, Lindsey was glad that her sister suggested that they go into town to shop for more food

and a few things for their new living arrangements.

After spending hours in the Market Place to purchase fresh food and in the thrift shops

for nice second handed furniture, the sisters decided to dine at the Stepford Diner which was a

nice upscale fancy restaurant where Lindsey was already getting the idea of coming back to

apply for a Waitressing Job, since in her opinion, she did so well.

“You know, I think that’s a great idea!” “You should apply here!” “See, I told you,

you’d get back on your feet in no time!”

“Thanks!” “You were right!” “I think it’s going to be nice here!”

“Yeah, me too!”

“So, when do you start your new position?” Lindsey asked.

“This coming Monday!” Lorna confidently smiled.

“Well, are you excited about becoming the new Office Manager for The Copper &

Steel Mill?”

“Am I ever?” “I just can’t wait., which reminds me, we’d better head home quickly, so

that I can rumble through my closet just to find something to wear for my first day on the job!”

Smiling, Lindsey gladly said, “Okay,” as they scrambled to finish up what was left on

their plates, before leaving the restaurant.

27

12

LORNA was poised, beautiful and confident as Mr. Steel, the President and CEO of the

Copper & Steel Mill Corporation introduced her to the older group of women whom she would

be supervising on a daily basis. However, as Mr. Steel gave an eloquent introduction of her,

Lorna could feel the coldness in the room; however, she was sure that with time, she would win

the women over; although, they were considerably a lot older and not as fashionable as she was,

when it came to self-adornment or business issues. But, again, Lorna was immune to other

women being intimidated by her beauty! But again, she was sure that in time, she would win

their vote of confidence. Therefore, her first day went according to plan, and that meant, it went

very well!

28

13

LINDSEY was proud of her sister, and she wanted to impress her sister with landing a

job too! Therefore, as soon as her sister left home to start her new job, Lindsey took a bus into

town and got off two blocks from where she and her sister had dined during the previous week.

As soon as Lindsey approached the window, she glared at the enticing cakes and pies that

were shown through the window, which she was sure that this was one of the owner’s great

marketing tools. And, not wanting to be too obvious, she decided to walk into the restaurant so

that she could ask to speak to the Manager. However, when she walked in, she noticed that there

were two men having an intense conversation.

“Yeah, man, I couldn’t believe that she had broken a new set of dishes, and not to

mention, that she practically ruined all of my silverware that I’d just purchased a week ago!”

“No kidding?” The other gentleman commented.

“Yeah, I had to get rid of her and fast!” “I’m telling you, if another young college grad

walks through my doors and ask for a Waitressing Job, I’m going to tell her to “Get lost, and

fast!” “I’m telling you, that, that young girl, left me bitter!” “I think I’m going to have to go

somewhere and pray!” Both men laughed.

“Oh, so now, you’re telling me that on Sunday, you’re going to make Mass?”

“Oh yeah, man!” “I’m telling you that on Sunday, I’m going to Mass to pray!”

“Pray?” “That young girl who broke all your dishes need to pray!” “You’ve already got

a job, for Heaven’s sake!”

“Oh, go on and get out of here!” Mason said, as both men joked and laughed again!

29

And, when Lindsey heard that conversation, it was just like her hearing or going through

dejavu, she couldn’t believe it! And, again, all she could think about was her former boss,

saying,

“I’m going to GET YOU, you can bet your LIFE ON IT!” And, at that point, Lindsey

pretended that she was no longer interested in the job! She left the restaurant, both helpless and

hopeless! Now, she really thought, that she was being “Set up to fail!”

30

14

DAYS had passed, and Lorna hadn’t heard any good news from her sister in regards to a

promising job! Therefore, one night at dinner, Lorna thought that she would casually ask the

question.

‘So, have you applied at that diner that you had mentioned earlier?”

‘Oh yeah, as a matter of fact, I did apply for a job, but the Manager told me that he didn’t

have any openings at the moment.”

“Okay!” “But, you mustn’t stop trying!” “You’ve got to keep at it!” “You’ll see,

someone will call you!” “Just promise me that you won’t give up?”

“Okay!” “I promise!” Lindsey forced a smile. Then, she thought, she’d change the

subject and ask her sister to share some of her new work experiences.

“So, how’s everything going with your new job?”

“Oh, pretty well!” “I like it and all; however, I know that not everyone likes me, but

they’ll get over it!” “I wish that I could tell them, “Look, I’m your new Manager, you can either

Like IT or LEAVE IT?” “And, I’m here to stay!”

“Well, regardless of what the outcome will be, I know you can handle it!”

“Of course, I can! It’s the same thing I keep telling you!” “You can handle any and

everything; but you’ve just got to believe it!”

“Okay.” Lindsey humbly agreed.

Both “sisters,” smiled at each other and immediately, both felt a closeness towards the other, that

they hadn’t felt in years!

31

15

ONE would’ve thought that after the big pep talk that Lindsey had had with her sister

during dinner the previous night, would’ve motivated her to job hunt the next day, however, it

did the opposite! The next day, Lindsey was feeling a little burdensome, of having had to re-

live, her being fired from her Waitressing Job all over again! Therefore, she stayed home and

decided to visit the market to buy a few goodies to make a desert for the evening. And, as she

was standing in the Baker’s Isle, two women had come into the isle while wearing matching

Black Waitressing Outfits! One lady spoke the most and the loudest.

“Hmm!” “Hmm!” “Hmm!” “That young girl got fired today!”

“Are you serious?” “You mean the new girl?”

“Yeah, that’s the one!”

“Over what?”

“She was clumsy!” “But anyway, who can’t do a Waitressing Job?”

Then, the two young women looked over at Lindsey and began to laugh! Finally, Lindsey

assumptions were being confirmed, she was being “Set up to fail!” She kept hearing her former

boss’s words repeatedly, “I’m going to GET YOU!” “You can bet your LIFE on it!” And,

immediately being stricken by fear, Lindsey threw her items down into the basket and ran out of

the market, ever so terrified because, she felt like she was being terrorized once again by her

boss, who lived miles and miles away, but obviously, Ms. Bev had the connections to make her

life miserable, once again!

32

16

THE women who lived in Stepford County and worked at the Copper & Steel Mill, had,

had enough already! They couldn’t stand Lorna becoming their new Office Manager, especially

because she was young, pretty, sophisticated and seemed to have the wilds that enticed their

filthy, wealthy and ever so powerful, old foolish boss, Mr. Steel. Just by the way that he looked

at her made the women at the “Mill,” want to tear every inch of her apart! And, one day, when

Ms. Covet had gotten wind that Mr. Steel had taken Lorna on the town to have a so called,

“business lunch,” well, that’s when Ms. Covet rounded up all the women who worked in her

department and took them downtown to Mayor Smart’s Office!

He was the oldest and most honorable Mayor who ever served in town. And, since

Ms. Covet’s family members had a long running business and a friendly relationship with the

Mayor, well, she thought that she could ask him for anything! All the women rallied behind her

as she pleaded her case to him about Lorna Day!

“Mayor Smart, we don’t appreciate this high and mighty, young floosy who prances

around The Copper & Steel Mill, all day in tight skirts, and high heels, while flirting with that

dumb old Mr. Steel! Why, he acts like he isn’t already married, with a wife and child!”

“Hmm!” “Hmm!” “Hmm!” “Yes!” “Yes!” “Yes!” “That’s right!” The women echoed

behind her. She continued,

“And, I don’t know why our boss passed us up for the promotion to become Office

Manager after sweet little old Mrs. Pompton retired?” “God Bless her soul!” “Now, you’ve just

got to talk to our boss and tell him to stop all of his foolish shenanigans, while practically

chasing that girl around the office, all day?”

33

The mayor couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He looked at the women as if they’d

lost their minds. Voicing his opinion, he added,

“Well, Ms. Covet, if you and the other ladies feel this way, why don’t you all go to

Mr. Steel yourselves?”

“Are you kidding me?” She said, as she rolled her eyes, then continued,

“He’s nothing but a high and mighty, wealthy spoiled old brat, who was born with a steel spoon

in his mouth! Now, you now, that he won’t listen to us!”

“Well, other than, you ladies having worked at the “Mill,” longer than this younger

woman, tell, me, what else is bothering you about the young lady?”

Broadening her shoulders and trying to look more dignified, Ms. Covet continued to

explain,

“I’ve gotten word about that Ms. Lorna Day!” “You know, she’s trouble?”

She was a troubled young girl, who used to get into lots of trouble, but because of her parents

being respectable citizens of Chester Brook County, everything was kept “Hush, hush!”

“How can you be so sure about all of this, Ms. Covet?”

Mayor Smart asked, with a worried look on his face, while knowing that Ms. Covet had always

carried trouble wherever she went. Not to mention, he really wasn’t fond of her,

although, he listened to her anyway!

“Well, I’ve got my information from a very reliable source!” “Someone who knows,

Ms. Lorna Day quite well!”

“But, Ms. Covet, I still don’t see any harm in letting this young woman prove herself at

this point! Shouldn’t her past be behind her?”

34

Ms. Covet leaned on the Mayor’s desk and was practically in his face, and said,

“Look here, Mayor Smart, we are a God-Fearing Community, and we don’t want such trash

prancing down our streets, nor becoming over-night Office Sensations in our

Office Buildings, that our fore-fathers built with the sweat of their brow and their hard working

hands!” Ms. Covet performed her speech, with outstretched hands.

Convinced that Ms. Covet was both crazy and intolerable, but might have a point, Mayor

Smart agreed to consider the matter.

After she got out of the mayor’s face, and re-straightened her dress, she pleaded,

“Now, Mayor, we’re counting on you!” “Please, don’t let us down, Sir?” “Please, don’t let us

down?”

“I’ll see what I can do Ms. Covet!” “I’ll see what I can do!” “Good Day,

Ms. Covet!”

“Good Day, Sir!” Ms. Covet smiled as she and her friends from the “Mill,” turned about

face and walked out of the Mayor’s Office, while convinced that they had done the right thing!”

35

17

THE very same day, after Lorna had happily arrived home from the office, she had

opened her mail, and started to silently read a letter from Mayor Smart’s Office.

“Dear Ms. Day, we would like to welcome you and your family to Stepford County!

And, since you now resided here, we would like to meet with you and your sister, this coming

Saturday at 12:00 P.M., so that we can register you two to vote! All residents must be registered

to vote within a thirty-day period of residing in Stepford County! With Sincere Thanks,

Mayor Smart!” And, seeing the blank look on her sister’s face, Lindsey asked,

“What?” “What is it?”

“This Saturday, we have to go into town and register to vote!” “It’s mandatory!” “I

didn’t think that people were made to register to vote! I always thought that it was a person’s

choice to be registered to vote?”

“Well, it shouldn’t take that long!” “Besides, I would like to visit more stores in town!”

Lindsey responded.

Lorna smiled at her sister, while feeling relieved that a least, Lindsey didn’t seem as

depressed as she had been during the prior weeks.

36

18

SATURDAY had come quickly! And, Lorna and Lindsey had gotten up pretty-early, and

ate their breakfast outdoors on the porch, where Lindsey loved to meditate! The scenery and

weather was euphoric!

“Well, little sis, I think we’d better get into town before it gets too late?”

“Okay!” Lindsey cheerfully agreed, as she quickly got up and practically ran into the

house with their breakfast trays and placed them into the kitchen sink and washed them before

leaving.

FINALLY, both sisters arrived at City Hall, just a little before noon. They waited in the

waiting area for no more than fifteen minutes when an older distinguished gentleman emerged

from his office.

“Ms. Lorna Day?” He asked boisterously.

“Yes, sir, I am she!”

“Well, good!” “Please, come right in?”

“Oh, thank you!” “My sister is here as well!”

Looking quite disturbed, he pardoned himself by saying,

“Oh, well, excuse me, Ms. Day, but, um I think that we need to speak one on one first?”

37

“Oh, um,” Lorna skeptically looked at her sister and Lindsey seemed to be a little

nervous as well, but motioned to her sister, that she would be fine. Therefore, she agreed to

follow Mayor Smart into his office.

“Um, please sit down?”

“Thank you!”

Lorna took the chair that faced his desk while he sat opposite her. He began,

“Well, Ms. Day, I know that you’re new to the area, but there seems to be quite a

disturbance associated with your arrival.”

“Really?” “Why?”

“Well, this is a small traditional town, and well, people aren’t ready for change!”

“I’m sorry?” “I don’t understand!”

“Ms. Day, I’ll get to the point!” “You’re a nice young single woman who just happen to

come to town, and well, your new position at The Copper & Steel Mill and your current social-

status has threatened some of the workers in Stepford County! And, well, they want you out!”

Lorna couldn’t believe what she was hearing! She knew that some of the women at the

“Mill” didn’t like her, but she didn’t think that it was going to go this far! She was sure that in

time, they would accept her!

“Mayor Smart, I can’t believe what you’re telling me!” “You mean to tell me that the

people who I work with want me to resign from my job?” “And, they want me to leave town

too?”

“I’m afraid so!”

38

“But, how could that be?” “Can’t you do something to stop it?” “After all,

you’re the Mayor!”

“And, the people who want you to leave, voted me into office!” “Politics can be very,

very tricky, Ms. Day!”

“I see, Mr. Smart!” “But, I just can’t believe that you would sit with your hands folded

and watch me be bullied off my job and run out of town?” “I know that everything is political

these days, but surely you must have some authority?”

“Ms. Day, what I can promise you and your sister is safety! I can promise that no

physical harm or injury will come upon you and your sister, as long as you two are within our

borders; however, when these people make up their minds on something, it goes!” “I’m sorry

Ms. Day, my hands are tied!”

“Mayor Smart, I’m not going anywhere. I refuse to be run out of town. I just wish that

you had the same guts as I do, right now!”

“Ms. Day, don’t be foolish?” “You best think seriously about what I said?” These

people from Stepford County can be very dangerous!”

Lorna angrily stood up and almost shouted, “Well, Mayor Smart, you just promised that

my sister and I would be safe around here! Therefore, I’ll leave the dangerous folks up to you!”

She then furiously stormed out of Mr. Smart’s office, mad, angry and quite disappointed!

39

“Come on Lindsey!” “We’re getting out of here!” Lorna practically shouted. Lindsey

frantically jumped to her feet and accompanied her sister, while leaving the building quite

confused.

40

19

A few hours later that same day, the phone rang, while Mr. Smart was in deep thought

while trying to come up with an effective resolution about the problems surrounding

Ms. Day. After the third ring, he finally answered the phone.

“Hello, Mayor Smart’s Office, how can I help you?”

“Well, hello Mayor!”

Mayor Smart almost couldn’t stand the cynical tone in Ms. Covet’s voice; however, he knew that

he’d better have the utmost respect; after all, her family heavily supported his campaign while he

was running for office.

“I received word that Ms. Day visited your office today, any progress?”

Mayor Smart sighed and said, “Um, I tried to reason with her, but she’s not resigning from her

job, nor is she leaving town!”

“Oh?” Ms. Covet mumbled.

And, before she could begin to rant, Mayor Smart intervened and said,

“Now look Ms. Covet, I respect your feelings and all, but I’m the Mayor of this town,

and I will protect all citizens, including you when needed; therefore, I don’t want any funny

business to go on!” “Do I make myself clear?”

Ms. Tilda was quiet and didn’t mumble a word. He then continued,

“Ms. Day said, that she refuses to be bullied off her job and run out of this County! Now, let’s

face it, she’ isn’t going anywhere!” The Mayor shouted. And, furious with the Mayor’s tone,

Ms. Covet shouted back and said,

41

“Like Hell She Isn’t!” She then abruptly slammed the phone on

The “Mayor’s” eardrum, “Mayor” or not, Ms. Covet REALLY, didn’t give a care!

42

20

WEEKS, LATER

LORNA and Lindsey had decorated the house as spooky as possible, with hanging

goblets and pictures of skeletons. Skull Heads were placed on each imaginable coffee table.

It was once again, HALLOWEEN, and this sorted, controversial holiday kind of helped, put the

sisters, minds at ease, especially with the current threats that Lorna had received from some of

the “Old Bag Ladies,” from her job, she called them!

The weather was extremely chilly with the threat of thunder storms, and at 8:00 P.M., it

began to rain! However, that didn’t stop the “Trick or Treaters,” the doorbell continued to ring!

Lindsey continued to answer the door, while distributing loads of scrumptious chocolates, and

handfuls of peppermint candy to all, who wanted an assortment of the two. And, to make the

evening more mysterious, Lorna was in charge of making the two a hot delicious drinking potion

that was sure to cast a spell on the two, by midnight!

AFTER a long evening of Trick or Treaters, ghosts’ stories, and drinking potions, the

time was already approaching midnight! And, both Lorna and Lindsey were rather tired and

ready for bed!

“Well, today was fun, don’t you think, sis?”

“Oh, Lorna, this was the best day that I’ve experienced here, in this “Old Haunted

House!” Both sisters laughed.

“Yes, I agree!” “And, well, if we keep the faith, we’ll have more just like it!”

“Don’t you agree, sis?”

43

“Certainly, I do!” Lindsey reassured her.

“Well, anyway, Goodnight!”

“Goodnight, and don’t let the Goblins bite?” Lindsey joked.

The two sisters both laughed as Lorna walked to the right, where her bedroom was located on the

upper level floor, and Lindsey walked to the left side of the floor, where her room was located.

Eventually, all the lights were turned off as it thunder-stormed and fierce winds blew!

Lorna was sure that everyone must have been in their homes by this time, because the weather

seemed unbearable.

LATER, that night, Lorna had immediately awakened from all the noise that she’d heard

rambling on the outside of the Old Haunted House. She frightfully looked at the clock that was

located on the mantle and it was 2:00 A.M. in the morning. She then looked over at the window

that was next to her bed and saw that it had still been raining, thundering and lightning.

“BANG!” “BANG!” “POW!” “POW,” she heard the thunder again! But, she seemed to

hear noises that sounded as if they were coming from within the Old Haunted House. So, she

nervously, got out of bed, and put on her robe, then she slowly walked to the door and slightly

opened it, she then looked around in the hallway to see if there was someone standing there, but

there was no one.

Immediately, she ran into her sister’s room and asked,

“Lindsey, do you hear noises?”

“Yes!” “Yes, I do!” “But, I was too afraid to get up and come to your room!”

Lindsey admitted.

44

“Well, let’s check the rest of the house, just to make sure that no one is here with us?”

Lorna suggested.

“Okay!” Lindsey agreed, as she’d gotten out of bed, wrapped her robe around her. And,

together, she and her sister checked the entire house, for ghosts, goblins and for other intruders,

but neither of them found a thing out of the ordinary; therefore, they headed back upstairs and

into their own bedrooms. And, again, all the lights were turned off, all except one, the one,

located in Lorna’s room. As Lorna turned around to face her bed, she saw Ms. Covet holding

a lamp post in her right hand, while standing in the left corner of Lorna’s bedroom. And, as soon

as Lorna recognized her, she jumped and screamed.

“Ah!” “Ah!” “Ah!” “Ms. Covet what are you doing here?”

However, calmly but, coldly, Ms. Covet answered,

“What am I….doing here?” She angrily mocked! She then continued,

“The question is my dear, what are YOU still doing here in Stepford County?”

“I have a right to be here, just like anybody else,” Lorna defended herself! But,

Ms. Covet, shouted,

“No, you don’t!” “Just like you had no right coming here and landing that big job at

The Copper and Steel Mill!” “So many of us were standing in line to take Ms. Pompton’s

Position after she retired!” “I’ve been working on that job for 20 years and here you come out of

no-where, landing a great job with great pay, great benefits and a rich filthy man that doesn’t

belong to you!”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I already have a boyfriend!”

Lindsey argued. But, Ms. Covet called her bluff!

45

“And, you haven’t spoken to him since you left Chester Brook County! And, now,

you’re trying to come here and “Rack Up” everything, even a rich married man that doesn’t

belong to you!”

“I can assure you, that I don’t have those intentions. I’m just here with my sister and

we’re trying to get a fresh new start, that’s all, I can assure you!”

“What did I say?” “Not around here you won’t!” And, after she shouted those words,

Ms. Covet placed the lantern that she was holding in her right hand, on top of the mantle that was

affixed to Lorna’s bedroom fireplace.

“Ms. Covet, what are you doing?” Lorna frantically asked.

“I’m helping you get out of here!” She stated, with a deep southern drawl.

“Please, Ms. Covet don’t?” “Please?” “Please?” Lorna screamed and shouted as

Ms. Covet retrieved a blunt object and began chasing Lorna around her bedroom. Eventually,

Lorna lost control and had fallen to the floor, then, Ms. Covet had seized the opportunity to over-

power Lorna, up until an officer intervened and shouted,

“Drop your weapon, Ms. Covet?” “And, after Ms. Covet dropped her weapon in fear,

Lorna ran to safety and that was into the arms of her sister! And, for once, Lindsey felt as

though, she was no longer her sister’s “dependent,” because, early that morning, she had helped

save her sister’s life! As soon as Lindsey knew that Ms. Covet was in Lorna’s bedroom and

threatening her sister, she phoned, The Stepford County Police Department and reported it!

46

Early that morning, Ms. Covet was found guilty of character defamation, stalking,

and attempted murder. And, finally, Lindsey and her sister could start living the life that they

always wanted, and that was a life that was filled with Happy Ever After, instead of

JUST GOING!