Copyright © 2020 by Madison McCall
All rights reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
MFY Publishing
Chapter 1
“Mom, where do you want this box?” I yelled.
“Oh, just put it anywhere,” she replied.
Setting it down on the kitchen counter, I then looked at the side of the box and it had Kitchen Stuff written on the side in big black letters, so I knew I had put it in the right place.
Walking into the kitchen she said, “Wow, I think we’re almost done bringing in boxes.”
“Right,” I replied, “And now the fun starts, where we get to unpack them.”
“Which is the part that I hate,” she replied. “However, my young son, with all the organizational skills you gained while in the U.S. Army, will have no trouble at all helping me get this place ship shape in no time, or at least I think that’s a term soldiers use,” and then she saluted me.
I’d just gotten off active duty a couple of weeks before mom was to make her move to Four Points to start her new job, so immediately upon discharge, I headed home to help her pack up the house and move to where we were now.
“Good job on the salute mom, but you’re not supposed to show the palm of your hand.”
“I’m not? I didn’t know that. So that’s like a real thing?”
I nodded and said, “By the way mom, I appreciate you letting me stay with you.”
“Are you kidding?” she asked and then put her arm around me and gave me a hug and said, “Anything for my baby boy.”
“I’m really planning for this to be temporary, until I can move out and get my own place.”
“Dana, you know you can stay here as long as you like, my home is your home.”
“Yeah, I know that and appreciate it. This is handy as it gives me a chance to become acquainted with the local area first, as I know nothing about Four Points.”
“All the more reason for you to stay with me, and there’s absolutely no hurry, stay as long as you want.”
As I looked around the kitchen I said, “This place is great. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood floors, very nice. You picked out a nice place.”
“Oh thanks. Believe it or not, I looked at this place one time, went home, and then made an offer on it via phone.”
“No way?”
“Yep, sometimes you’ve just got to make a decision as there’s no time for messing around.”
“Well, then again, an Emergency Room Doc like you has to make choices fast, so you’re used to snap decisions.”
“That would be correct.”
Standing there looking at mom smiling at me I noticed how pretty she was that afternoon. She was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and petite to boot, but had remained single since dad had died fifteen years ago. I’d always worried about her being lonely, especially the past four years while I’d been away. Every time I’d asked her if she’d ever thought of dating she would reply with something like when a man like your father comes along, I’ll consider it, and just smile.
“With that being said, now let’s test your decision-making skills. It’s about lunch time, want something to eat?” she asked.
An ear to ear smile came across my face and before I could get a word out she said, “That’s an answer.”
Chapter 2
Mom and I sat at the dining room table as we chomped down on our lunch, which was pizza that was delivered from a local place, and it wasn’t too bad. Not super great but not bad, which meant that I’d probably order again, especially if we were low on food, or no one else would deliver to our house which was in a slightly rural area. Oh, one more thing, or if I’d had enough, or should I say too much to drink and was really hungry.
“What do you know about the neighbors?” I asked.
While driving up to our new home I’d noticed that our house, which sat on a pretty good size parcel, maybe about an acre, didn’t have any neighbors extremely close. There was one home off to our left and one to our right, aside from that there were no neighbors in clear view.
“Honey I’ve not met any of our neighbors, nor have I seen any of them from a distance either. Aside from today, I’ve only been to the house one time before, and that was for maybe thirty to forty-five minutes.”
“Aside from the two houses, were kind of out here by ourselves.”
Mom nodded and said, “That’s right, one of the things I liked about the place was the solitude, and I figured after a busy shift this would be a nice place to come home to.”
“I could see that when we drove up,” I replied, “I believe you will enjoy living here.”
“So, are you still thinking about going to school?”
Nodding I said, “Yes, I’m also thinking about getting a job.”
“Really? Doing what?”
“I’m not sure, but if I decide to go to school, I may only work part time.”
“That makes sense,” she said, “Now, if you want you don’t have to work at all, you can go to school full time and ….”
Shaking my head, I said, “Mom, I’m not going to do that.”
“Your dad left us a considerable sum when he passed, and I’m sure he would have wanted us to use some of it for your education.”
“Mom, all my education is practically covered by my G.I. Bill.”
“I know sweetie, but I also know that once you’ve got your mind made up it’s hard to convince you otherwise. If you change your mind all you have to do is ask.”
“I appreciate that, but I really would like to pay my own way. You’re doing enough just letting me stay here.”
“And I’m thrilled to have you with me,” she said and then rested her head on her folded hands, smiled at me and continued, “You look so much like your father.”
We were silent for a moment and then I asked, “You still miss him, don’t you?”
She closed her eyes and nodded her head one time, and I could tell that I had stirred up some feelings with my comment. I slid my chair over next to hers and put my arm around her and she responded in kind.
“Dana, I think about him every day.”
After a few seconds I said, “Yeah, me too mom.”
“So young man, if you go to school, what are you thinking about studying? Girl chasing?”
I laughed and said, “If there were job opportunities in that career field, I might consider it.”
We both laughed at my comment and then I said, “You know how I accumulated a number of college hours while I was in the Army?”
“Yes, I remember you talking to me about that.”
“I’m definitely a sophomore at least, between the Army credits and the courses I took, so I’m definitely ahead to the game.”
“That’s great baby.”
“Even though I’m leaning toward Psychology I may just be a directionless youth for a semester.”
We chuckled and she said, “That’s the last thing you would ever be, you’re way too responsible and always seem to have it all together.”
“I think I will get online tonight and check out the local community college, as well as, a couple of small universities, and then maybe go and pay them a visit over the next few days. After, we get this house unpacked and in order that is.”
Saluting me once again mom said, “Sir, yes sir!”
Chapter 3
Over the next couple of days, mom and I put the house in order and unpacked nearly everything, which was actually a great relief since I’ve always been one of those people who can’t relax until the job I’m working on is done.
The next day mom was finally off to work and her first shift was 4:00 p.m. to midnight, which she actually liked. People that like working in the ER enjoy that particular shift, as that is frequently when all kinds of crazy stuff happens, resulting in people getting rushed to the emergency room. Medical types who like emergency medicine totally get off on the fast-paced routine and the adrenaline hits they get from the job. It takes all kinds, but my idea of a good time is not working in a hospital ER. How much fun can it be working somewhere where people are wheeled in on a stretcher with a bunch of personal problems that I did not create? People with gunshot wounds, women about ready to give birth, and junkies coming in trying to get pain pills prescribed so they can get their next fix are not my idea of a good time. However, mom likes doing it so more power to her.
I ate a light dinner of ramen noodles and some egg rolls about 6:00 p.m. that evening and then headed to the study to put away mom’s books, which was the last bunch of things to unpack. One of the reasons mom liked the house was that the office had beautiful rich cherry wood bookshelves galore. Since mom loved to read, it was a major selling point for her.
While putting away several heavy medical reference books on boring topics such as Advanced Gunshot Wounds to The Head In Emergency Medicine (I’m making that title up by the way), I stumbled across something that looked a bit odd. A panel on the back wall of the lowest shelf looked like it was not in place, so I tried to move it by putting my hands flat against it and sliding it over. Not moving into position, I then decided to push it the opposite direction, and when I did it slid to the right slicker then snot. In my mind I would now be able to move it back the other direction and it would slide into place, but before I started something got my attention.
The fact that there was a hollow space made me want to take a look and see what was behind the panel, and with it being about 12 inches by 12 inches I was able to maneuver up to it, stick my head in slightly, and look inside. Taking my cell phone I turned on the flashlight to illuminate the space and I was quite surprised to see that there was a small box resting inside. Hoping there were no spiders inside ready to take revenge upon me for entering their lair I reached in, took it out and set it on the hardwood floor in front of me. As I examined the small wooden box, which was about six inches by six inches I noticed it was made of the same cherry wood as the bookshelves, or so it appeared anyway.
What on earth could be in this thing? Gold coins? Cash? A treasure map? I was clearly excited at what I might find inside, so I lifted the small bronze latch on the front and opened the box.
Inside was a necklace, which rested on a medium blue felt surface which was raised and held it in perfect position. As I examined the necklace, I noticed that the chain was gold and that it had an emerald pendant that was in the shape of tear drop and appeared to be polished to perfection. Even the edges were smooth. I then noticed a small bronze engraved plaque mounted to the inside lid, which was difficult to read, but after polishing it with the bottom of my shirt it was clearly legible.
He who wears this will know the joy and sorrows of a woman all the days of his life
That’s interesting I thought, what on earth could that possibly mean?
Thinking for a moment I wondered if it was somehow magical. Could that be it? I asked myself, if it was possible that wearing it would let me know what a woman was thinking and feeling? And if so, it might increase my ability to connect with more girls, which was one of my favorite past times. Gaining insight into what was going on in the minds of women could potentially give me the inside track to getting laid on a more regular basis. If that was the case did I need to wear it now or just when I was in the presence of women?
I slid the bookcase panel back to the left and it closed successfully. I then finished the job of putting up the rest of the books and afterward hauled the empty boxes downstairs so they could be put into recycling. Then I returned to the study and took the necklace to my bedroom and placed the box on my dresser.
It was about 10:45 p.m. and I was pretty tired, as it had been a long day, and I decided not to wait up for mom since she would not be off work for another hour and fifteen minutes. Even that was contingent upon an emergency not rolling into the ER just before midnight, and on nights where there was a full moon, the odds of that always seemed to increase exponentially. With that being said I decided to turn in for the night.
Just as I was just about to pull back the covers, I noticed the cherry box containing the necklace. I remembered the thoughts I’d had earlier about it potentially having magical powers that would improve my ability to bed women and initially thought what a bunch of nonsense. Then I said to myself, what the heck! I will wear it to bed and see if I have any additional insight into the opposite sex in the morning.
Walking over to my dresser, I opened the lid, took out the necklace, and put it on. Looking at it hanging from my neck in the dresser mirror I initially thought it appeared a little girly. After more consideration I realized that there was no one in the room but me so I would not receive any criticism for wearing it, tonight anyway.
Climbing in the bed, I pulled the covers up over myself and lay there thinking about the necklace I was wearing, and who hid it behind the wall, and why, and when? I also wondered if I was just being plain silly thinking it would improve my lot with the fairer sex, but then after additional thought I concluded that nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Continuing to lay there I thought about what I might do the next day which included looking up some local schools online, and maybe driving over and visiting one or more of them as well. I could also cruise around town and maybe get acquainted with the area and potentially look for a job. There was so much to do, but before I could do any of it, I needed to get a good night sleep, so I started counting sheep jumping over an imaginary fence and in no time I was fast asleep.
Chapter 4
As I stretched my arms, I took a deep breath and grunted slightly as I often do when I wake up every morning. However, I wondered why my grunt was at a slightly higher pitch than normal. Must be my sinuses draining or something, after all there was a lot of pollen in the country air I was breathing, yes, that had to be it.
Rolling over and looking at my clock it said 9:00 a.m.
Had I really slept all night? That’s crazy! I’m an eight-hour sleeper, and that’s the long and the short of it. Then I thought once again, must be this country air. Yes, that had to be it, plus I’ve been working pretty hard moving boxes and unpacking and my body probably just needed the sleep. Mystery solved, now I can start my day.
Making my way to the kitchen I saw that mom was already sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and her head buried in a newspaper, which was about common for her.
“Morning Dana,” mom said, “Seems like you slept in this morning.”
Not acknowledging her, which was not uncommon for me first thing in the morning I made my way to the coffee maker where I took a mug, placed it under the dispenser, loaded up a pod of the strongest coffee we had had pressed the brew button.
Deciding I should be cordial I said, “Morning mom,” and as I finished my sentence I’m positive that a look of astonishment came to my face as I realized that the voice that just came out of my mouth was not my normal tone. The voice I had spoken with was that of a female.
Mom’s newspaper lowered and as she looked at me, she asked in a very excited tone, “And who are you young lady?”
At first, I could barely speak but then I managed to choke out, “Mom. Mom?”
The female voice was still coming out of my mouth and I could not figure out what was going on. Plus, why was my mom calling me a young lady? That
was very strange.
“Are you a guest of my son?” she asked.
I grabbed my mom’s cell phone off of the kitchen table and as I did so she asked, “Young woman, what do you think you’re doing? That’s my personal property, and I’m about ready to call the police.”
Then mom hollered, “Dana, get down here right now and get control over your girlfriend.”
I was scrambling to access the camera function on her cell phone and while doing so noticed that my hands also looked different. They were smaller and more petite and were clearly not mine. When I finally got the app running and hit the reverse button so I could see what I looked like, I got the shock of my life. Looking back at me was a young woman with long medium brown hair and dark brown eyes, who I got a glimpse of before mom had snatched the phone out of my hands.
“Dana,” she hollered once again, “Get down here right now or I’m going to throw your girlfriend out of this house.”
“Mom ….”
“Stop calling me mom.”
“I need to talk to you about something, and it’s going to be quite unbelievable.”
“Have you done something with my son?’
Shaking my head, I said, “No, he is …. Not himself right now though. But this is something that you will want to know.”
“Okay, go on.”
“Mind if I have that cup of coffee and sit down?”
She shrugged her shoulders and said, “Okay, but I’m not taking any shit, and if this gets too weird, I’m calling the cops.”
Grabbing my mug of coffee, I sat down at the table with her and I said, “You’re going to find this difficult to believe but I’m Dana.”
“I don’t find that hard to grasp at all, there are lots of girls named Dana.”
“No, what I’m saying is that I’m your Dana.”
“You are?”
“Yes.”
“You are telling me that you are my son Dana?”
“I am.”
“My son Dana is a male.”
Nodding I said, “Yes, he used to be.”
Gurl Next Door Page 1