Daddy's Angel (Weeping Willow Book 1)

by Steven Evans

  Still, their memories mocked me, I heard their laughter, saw them smiling in every room, and felt them throughout the house. It was almost like they were still there and we were together again. This time, I wasn’t scared. I was finally beginning to accept the situation for what it was and that my fears were unwarranted. Other than the normal daily stresses, nothing unusual happened.

  The people at rehab told me of this, saying, “The dreams will more than likely return. Don’t worry, this is normal and should be anticipated. The natural progression, involved with the healing process is a positive objective to look forward to.”

  With that in mind, along with lots of other useful information and words of advice, I began to wean myself off the fear and guilt that had been consuming me.

  Of course, it was a slow process. It took a long while for me to allow a door to remain closed, to not do a full inspection of each room, like a swat team entering into a hostile unknown building, before I went in. I no longer needed the sleeping pills, which had become my security blanket I clung to every night when I laid down. I was learning to trust myself, to function solely on my own accord, and to at last believe in life again.

  CHAPTER 11

  FIRST IMPRESSIONS

  I WAS ABLE TO KEEP MY FEARS IN CHECK and not panic whenever there was an unexplained noise. I could feel my desire for doing something productive returning and a need to venture out into the world. So, I decided it was time for a change, a change in address, in scenery, and in my life. I had to learn to live again and I knew that would never happen if I stayed there, in that town and in that house. I needed to live for the here and now and for the future. I couldn’t remain mired in the past, crying over a future that could never be!

  I made a few calls the next morning, to a realtor, moving company, and a cleaning service. With the house now listed, everything I wanted packed and loaded in the U-Haul and people waiting to turn a neglected house into a work of art, I was ready to begin the next chapter of my life.

  That led me here. An old friend had passed through here once and I could still remember the excitement in his eyes as he described it to me. What stuck in my head was how he had talked about its peaceful and serene setting, how the town was a throwback to simpler times and that Little House on the Prairie couldn’t hold a candle to this place.

  While I was talking to the realtor about selling my house, I had asked her to check the town out for me and see if any properties were for sale. After telling her what I hoped to find, she had said it wouldn’t be a problem. It had only taken a couple of days and she had called back. She had barely been able to contain her enthusiasm.

  “I found exactly what you asked for at a surprisingly low price! The best part is, it’s available for immediate possession,” she had said. “I took the liberty of pushing the paperwork through and it’s all been approved. All I need now is your signature to make it final.”

  I hadn’t been able to believe what I was hearing. Everything had come together so quickly, just falling into place without any real effort or setbacks.

  I had been so excited and anxious to get here and see this place. My imagination had been working overtime and my expectations had been high. I couldn’t wait to start over and be somebody new. I had certainly outgrown my old house and everything in it, I wouldn’t miss the constant reminders flying around in every room and every face on the street. I was ready for a new beginning.

  I instantly fell in love with the new house. The yard was straight out of a Better Homes and Garden magazine. There was a spring fed creek that served as the property line along one side that ran at an angle directly behind the house up to some small rolling hills where it hid beneath the grounds. Halfway up the creek, there was an incredible antique wooden bridge. I swear I saw Tom Sawyer standing on it with an old cane pole hanging off the side. Not really, but it was a nice thought. The cabin, rustic and true to the times, had two bedrooms and a small finished basement. Someone had added a carport on one side and it was the only thing that looked out of place. But the clincher was a little patch of weeping willow trees located right by the creek’s bank and close enough to the wooden bridge to partially camouflage one entrance. I didn’t know weeping willows even grew in this part of the country, but here they were.

  Once I saw it, all the natural beauty this place owned, I knew my friend had been right, and I was now where I was supposed to be. I was drawn to this place and though I didn’t know exactly why, it was like I belonged to it, like it was already a part of me.

  I couldn’t wait to see what each day held in store for me. Just being here in this cabin, I felt an excitement I had lost long ago. But now I was given a new hope.

  I could hear my daughter’s words clearly ringing in my ears, a sound so sweet it was like birds singing in early spring. Now I finally felt their meaning. This place allowed me to understand what she was trying to tell me all along. I knew I must live, that I had to celebrate their memories and not hide behind my guilt of not being in the car with them. I knew that my flowing tears, each one filled with memories of their beautiful smiling faces, were a way of healing and that in order to honor them and the love they held for me… I must live!

  Finally, the last box! The U-Haul was unloaded and now the real work began, unpacking and putting my personal touch on this cabin.

  The first few days were long and tedious but filled with excitement. Going through boxes, I realized that I hadn’t actually brought much from the other place, just a few pictures and keepsakes and absolutely all of my sports memorabilia. The furniture and bedroom suites had been sold or given away. I figured there’d be some quaint little shops in town where I could pick up all the necessities I hadn’t brought with me. I thought I’d get some sleep, and then bright and early I would head into town. I was anxious to do a little exploring and make some acquaintances.

  I don’t know exactly what I thought I would find, but whatever it was… What I saw before me wasn’t what I expected.

  A single lane road split the town in half, little shops and stores lined up on both sides. My friend had said it was a throwback to simpler times and, damn he was right. About five or six blocks down, the road was interrupted by an old building. The road just curved around it. There was a steeple on top holding a giant clock.

  I was thinking to myself, Now, there’s a concept! Town hall, the center of the community, why not build the town around it?

  I made my way into the nearest store, the drug store, and looked around for a minute. It was just a small room, counter and cash register along one wall, with a room hidden by curtains. The other wall was covered in shelves but there was really no reason for shelves, as there wasn’t much on any of them. A little carousel rack sat next to the counter with a few novelty items hanging from it. I walked up to the counter and introduced myself.

  “I’m new in town. Could ya tell me where I might find some furniture?”

  For a moment, there was nothing but quiet as the only other customer and the young boy taking her prescriptions continued to stare at each other. Without a word, the boy turned and disappeared through the curtains. I was thinking to myself,

  What did I say? Did I do something wrong?

  Just then the woman lifted her head, made eye contact, and said, “Over there, the furniture store is over there.”

  “Thank you, ma’am, I appreciate it.”

  She pointed out the window. “You can’t miss it, end of the first block on the right.”

  The boy returned with a plain brown bag and handed it to the woman. She quickly exited the building.

  “Sir, I don’t see any Tylenol. Do you have anything for headaches?”

  Again, he just ignored me and kept wiping the counter. I was starting to get frustrated. I wanted to grab him by the shoulders, spin him around, and say, “Look here buddy! I’m standing in front of you, this is me talking. Damn, say something!”

  But instead, I shook that thought and tried again.

  “Look, I’m ne
w here, just moved into a place outside of town. If you could help me with a couple things, I’ll be on my way…Ok?”

  This time he looked up, but still didn’t speak. He grabbed some pills from behind the counter, rang them up, and waved goodbye. I jerked the bag from his hands, paid, and left.

  Not believing how rude that kid was, I headed up the street to the place the woman had pointed me toward. The sign read John Blackmon’s Home Furnishings. I should be able to get what I need in there. I barely got through the door when someone spoke.

  “Come on in! What can I do for ya?” It was a man’s voice.

  “I need to pick up a few things, well, maybe more than a few.”

  “You buy the old Owens’ place, did ya?” he said.

  I was looking around trying to find where this voice was coming from, but not having much luck. I steadily walked toward where my ears thought the sound was coming from.

  “Yeah, I did. It’s a great place. Think I’m going to like it there.”

  “So, you plan on staying then? I see! Well, let me be the first to welcome you to town.”

  “Thank you. I ran into a few others on the street and in the drug store, and, well, to be honest they didn’t exactly seem happy to see me. Most acted like I wasn’t even there, wouldn’t wave, say hello, or acknowledge me in any way,” I said.

  “You’ll have to overlook them, there’re just too many unknowns when you come upon a stranger. They get nervous, spook easy. Give ‘em time, they’ll come around… Or not!”

  “So are you Mr. Blackmon?”

  “Lord no, mister. John Blackmon has been dead for now on fifty years I reckon! I’m Will Harte and I bought this place from his widow shortly after he died. Small towns don’t take to change well, so, I just left the name on the sign,” he said.

  “I know what you mean. They seem to go out of their way not to cross my path. I see already that you have most of what I need. Kind of tired of that hard wood floor and not looking forward to spending another night on it,” I said.

  “Well, just pick out whatever you like and I’ll have my boys drop it by later.”

  He stepped out from between two aisles. It was no wonder I couldn’t see him, the poor man was barely five feet tall, but damn near as wide, with the brightest reddish brown beard I had ever seen. He reminded me of an old miner. All he needed was the bibbed overalls, a nicked up hard hat, and a pick axe in his hands. I had to smile at that thought just a little.

  “My boys can assemble this stuff if ya want ‘em to. It’s a little extra but saves you time and gives ‘em some pocket change. Besides they’re real handy with tools.”

  “That’d be great! I still have some things to look for and I really wanted to check out the town a little more before it got too late.”

  “How’s five thirty this evening sound to ya? Will that work?”

  “Yes sir, any time is good. Door’s always open.”

  “They’ll have it done by the time ya get home.”

  “I’d appreciate that, thanks a lot.”

  So I left a list of items I needed and asked about the building planted smack dab in the center of town. He confirmed it was the courthouse and the library. It was also one of the oldest buildings in the entire area. He left me with a word of caution, though.

  “Never go in there unless the old librarian lady is around. She gets mighty peculiar about her books, mister.”

  I just shrugged it off as a friendly suggestion. I was making the rounds through town, slowly, trying to take it all in and it was beautiful…Almost magical. It was a magnificent town, full of history. Though, I still wasn’t sure what was up with the people. They sure put a different view on small town America, that’s for damn sure!

  I managed to find nearly all the items I was looking for and even had a few people speak back to me. No real conversations, just a nod in passing, a short-lived smile, or a brief hello. It was a start!

  CHAPTER 12

  NEW BEGINNINGS

  AHH, FRESH AIR! There’s a lot to be said for country living. Being away from the city and all the pollution and smog was an incredible feeling. My lungs had never felt so new. I couldn’t believe that I had hopped right out of bed - before noon even. This place was already working wonders on me. I thought about going into town again to explore a little more, but I was just so happy sitting on my porch that I couldn’t bring myself to leave. I decided I’d just take a look around my own place for a while… Man, I loved saying that…My own place!

  The creek was so cold and refreshing, I had to jump in. I immediately jumped right back out. Those weeping willow trees sure provided a good amount of shade. That would come in handy when summer hit. As I laid there, basking in the warm thoughts of my new life and how this property had nearly drawn me to it, my eyes closed and I was out. A short nap never hurt anybody.

  I continued my exploration, my eyes as wide as a kid’s in a toy store, I took a good look at the wooden bridge. That thing was in desperate need of some fixing. I was surprised it hadn’t fallen in by now and been washed away or become the fodder for a beaver’s nest. I wanted to bring it back to life, though, because it was an awesome piece of history. I was sure it had to date back at least a hundred years.

  ***

  Time really flies by when your mind is not only occupied, but also interested in what is going on. Before I noticed it, the sun was beginning to set and a brilliant orange hue was starting to cover the sky. My repair plans would have to wait for another day.

  Well, what was for dinner tonight? Looking in the fridge and not really finding anything to suit my craving, I decided that a light snack and my Pepsi would do. The bad thing about being in the boondocks was that there was no television reception, and you could forget about a satellite. I was trying to squint looking at the screen and couldn’t decide if I was watching the Golden Girls or The Fall Guy, but there wasn’t another option. I finished my snack and crushed the Pepsi can on my head like I was some kind of tough guy but that just gave me a headache. I grabbed a couple Tylenol and a pop to wash them down with thanks to my childish behavior. With the night’s gourmet meal demolished I decided it was time for bed. I looked at the clock and it was showing ten thirty… What! No way! I had never voluntarily been in bed before two in the morning. This might have been the first bad check mark against this place. That thought made me chuckle as I headed off to bed. New beginnings, I guess.

  My new bed was so comfortable, I just sank into it. It surrounded me and my pillows cradled my head, keeping it tucked safely in place. The fan blowing in my face was what I needed to complete my relaxation exercises. I don’t remember going to sleep.

  I don’t know how the wind and rain beating against the windows actually woke me up, but it did and I was resting so peacefully too. I stumbled across the room, reached the window, slid it closed, and staggered into the front room to do the same. With the windows and door secure, all I wanted was to hit that cozy bed again and die for several hours. I did a face plant on top of the covers and didn’t even try to get under them. My eyes were just about sealed and my snoring was ready to commence when, out of nowhere I was spun around and I was facing straight up at the ceiling. I was frozen, not even my eyes could move. I saw a shadow taking its time, slowly walking from the living room doorway toward my bed. It bent over and glided onto the bed right next to me. The covers weren’t misplaced and the bed felt no pressure, I still couldn’t see what it was. I had heard of dreams like this, but why would it be happening when I was so relaxed and happy?

  The figure was covered from head to toe and was now hovering just a few inches over me. My breathing accelerated. It felt like my heart was about to jump out of my chest. Suddenly, I felt little drops hitting my face, they were wet and sticky and had a moldy smell. She floated a few more inches away from me. She was about a foot over me and wheezing. With each breath, she spit water all on me. Then, I was raised and sitting up in bed, I was face to face with this burnt woman. She just hovered there, staring
at me, and I was still unable to move.

  “Did you sleep well?” She snarled. “Did you miss me, lover? Aren’t you going to say hello?”

  She noticed my mouth twitching and began to laugh. “Yes, I almost forgot that. Would you like to speak now?”

  She moved her hand across my mouth and I felt like someone had just ripped duct tape from my lips.

  “I hoped you were just a dream. I wanted to believe I was better, but obviously, I’m not since you’re standing here…Well, levitating over me anyways.”

  She smirked. “What? You’re not happy to see me? I thought you would throw out the red carpet and welcome me home with open arms.”

  She was playing with me now. This was a new side I’d never seen before. I wasn’t sure if I liked it much either.

  “The niceties are over, are you ready?”

  “R-ready for what?” I stammered.

  Her hands seemed to melt into my chest and she began to gently massage my heart. As she squeezed, I was paralyzed by pain, and my breathing stopped for a few seconds until she released my heart again.

  “Isn’t this fun, my love? I could do this all night.”

  I screamed. “Oh my god, what do you want! Haven’t I suffered enough already? Why are you toying with me? Just get it over with already if that’s what you’re going to do!”

  Her playful demeanor changed quickly, and her eyes, though solid black, lit up the room.

  “You really want me to finish you? You want to take the easy way, as always. Only this time, no one else can take your place! I’ll draw this out as long as I want. You will not enjoy this, my love.”

  “I haven’t enjoyed any of your damn visits, so why should this time be any different?”

  She clutched my heart again and her eyes shone with delight, as I fluttered around on the bed. She squeezed for a minute and then let go, squeezed and let go…Each time she grinned in delight. Acid seeped from her mouth and burned pits in my stomach. My screaming only added to her amusement.