A Modern Day Persuasion Read online

  he had the ability to turn a mishap into an adventure. If only she had someone to make her laugh now. All Anne wanted to do at that moment was sit on the bumper and have a good cry, but she refused to give up so easily.

  Taking the jack and lug wrench out of the trunk, Anne set them beside the busted tire. Now what? How was it that Rick used this thingy to hoist up the car? Anne grunted as she struggled with no success to budge the fastened nuts, and after a few minutes finally took a rest. Anne wished she’d paid more attention back then. Instead, she’d spent most of the time admiring Rick’s muscular frame, and who could blame her? He had looked so manly as he made the repair. Trying once again, Anne made a few more half-hearted attempts before signaling her surrender by throwing the ‘useless’ tools back into the car, exchanging them for her luggage. Taking another deep breath, Anne started her trek down the road.

  Twenty minutes later, Anne was sweating like a pig. She struggled with the bags, and her shoulders and arms were aching from their weight. It seemed as if she’d walked nearly fifty miles in the searing sun, but realistically it was probably closer to two. At finally spotting civilization ahead, a flood of relief overcame her. Anne recognized Uppercross Street and mustered her remaining willpower to continue, knowing she was almost there. Normally Anne enjoyed the fact that Mary lived on an incline, as it offered a beautiful view. But being hot, tired, and carrying difficult luggage, she now wished for flatter terrain. The sight of her sister’s estate had never been so inviting as it was now with its promise of a refreshing shower, shade, and a glass of ice cold water.

  Mary’s place was big, with lots of strategically placed windows to catch the ever-constant sun. Her sister had decorated the entire house with a patriotic theme. The home was charming. Adding to its appeal was the wrap-around porch and a small wooden swing. It also boasted a volleyball and basketball court in the backyard, which sadly was hardly used.

  When she reached the front door to ring the bell, Anne let the luggage fall in a heap at her ankles.

  “Anne!” Mary scolded with irritation upon answering the door. “What took you so long?” Mary looked beyond Anne to the empty driveway. “Where’s your car?” Anne pretended to ignore her sister’s upset manner and entered the house. As she did so, Mary got a whiff of her sibling and flinched, waving a hand to deflect the sweat-drenched odor Anne was emitting. “Oh, my goodness, you smell terrible!”

  Anne blushed. “Believe me, if I had known that I’d end up walking several miles in this heat, I would have put on extra deodorant.”

  Mary grimaced, “You do realize that the kids have been pestering me like crazy wondering when you’d arrive?!”

  “Sorry,” Anne explained, “It wasn’t intentional. I got a flat tire.”

  Unimpressed, Mary answered, “Well, the timing couldn’t have been worse! Here I am, not feeling at all well and then this happens! Why couldn’t you have left earlier? Instead of me being able to rest in bed, I’ve been up with the children all this time. I am always so tired, I only wish people could be more considerate! The doctors don’t even know what’s wrong with me!”

  Before Mary could go on with her complaints, Nicholas and Little Charlie ran to bombard their favorite aunt with hugs. This welcome pleased Anne as she looked tenderly into their beaming faces.

  The boys were a year and a half apart. Nicholas was the eldest with sandy blonde hair and cute dimples just like his father. Anne was certain that he’d be quite the heartbreaker when he grew up. Little Charlie was already taller than his older brother. He favored Mary’s looks and had dark brown hair like his mother, even though currently Mary’s tresses were bleached a fashionable blonde. Little Charlie had a smile that could melt even the coldest heart.

  “Aunt Anne! Will you play with us?” their voices rang out in unison.

  Anne lowered herself to her knees. “Of course! What do you want to play?”

  “Mom just taught us Rock, Paper, Scissors. Do you know how to play that?” asked Little Charlie.

  This bit of information was refreshing. At least my sister’s been spending time with them now, thought Anne. She demonstrated her best Rock, Paper, Scissor skills for the boys who laughed.

  Mary began to usher the boys away. “Okay, time to leave Aunt Anne alone.” Mary grabbed the trays that held the remains of the kids’ afternoon snacks. There was one Twinkie left. As she headed for the kitchen, Mary unwrapped it.

  Over her shoulder she said to Anne, “Hurry up and take a shower, Sis, we’re expected at my in-laws in an hour.” Anne nodded and began picking up her bags.

  Mary returned tray-free and with a half-eaten Twinkie in hand. “I’m not looking forward to tonight though. It wouldn’t be so bad if Clara would stop giving the boys candy. After Grandma has them sufficiently wound up on a sugarhigh, guess who gets to take them home?…ME! I try so hard to only feed the boys healthy snacks.”

  Anne looked with raised eyebrows at the Twinkie. “Where’s Charles?” she asked instead, changing the subject.

  “Hunting…where else?” Mary replied with disgust. “You know, Anne, I think Charles does it to provoke me.” Mary inhaled the last bite of Twinkie, continuing to talk with her mouth full, “But the one thing you can count on is that he’ll be home in time for dinner. All he thinks about is hunting and food! But me, I hardly have an appetite these days, what with me feeling so ill.” Anne smiled at Mary’s exasperated expression and very healthy appetite.

  Chapter 8

  Mary’s in-laws, Stanley and Clara Musgrove, were the kindest and most welcoming couple. There was no lack of love or warmth in their company, and that trait extended to their children. Charles was the oldest followed by Louise and Etta. Both girls were now out of high school. Louise was almost twenty-one and Etta, nineteen.

  When Mary, Anne and the boys arrived at the Musgrove’s that evening, they let themselves in the front door. They were greeted by laughter and voices coming from the den.

  “We’re in here!” Clara yelled.

  Following Mary into the den, Anne walked in holding the hands of her nephews to find the family enjoying a round of cards.

  The Musgrove’s home looked like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. The style was simple but elegant, and flowers were always in season. Mrs. Musgrove had a very green thumb.

  “Anne!”Louise and Etta cried out with excitement.

  At spotting their grandpa, Little Charlie and Nicholas ran to him for a hug before quickly turning to their grandma who was always ready to embrace them. She whispered to the boys, “Come quickly into the kitchen; I just baked snickerdoodles!”

  Clara was a heavyset woman, but the extra padding suited her. She had a youthfulness about her despite her age, and was always ready to be of help. She had the biggest heart of anybody Anne knew.

  As Clara returned from her errand of treating the boys, she exclaimed, “Oh, Anne! We’re so glad you’re here! The girls were so excited to hear you were coming.”

  “Anne, come and sit,” Mr. Musgrove said as he patted the seat nearest himself and his wife.

  Anne glanced at Mary who looked slightly miffed at the attention Anne was receiving. Mrs. Musgrove noticed the exchange. “You too, Mary,” she added diplomatically.

  “How was your drive?” Louise eagerly asked Anne.

  Anne grimaced. “Wonderful, until I got a flat tire and had to walk a couple of miles with my luggage in tow.”

  “Yes, and she smelled something awful,” Mary quickly interjected. The snide comment caused a momentary silence after this disclosure. Anne blushed profusely, wondering why her sister always seemed to go out of her way to embarrass her.

  Thankfully, Stanley was a jolly, pleasant man with a good sense of humor. Although youthful in heart like his beloved Clara, his face showed his maturity. He spent many an hour outdoors on the lake fishing or tending his gardens.

  “Well…” he said as he deliberately inhaled the air near Anne. “I’m pleased to report the coast is clear! She seems to ha
ve fully recovered.”

  Everyone was glad for an excuse to finally laugh, having the awkward moment now behind them. Anne smiled brightly and was glad to be able to chuckle at herself as well.

  “Where does your family plan to settle, now that your place has been sold?” Mrs. Musgrove asked Anne later as they chopped vegetables for dinner.

  “My dad has purchased a house in Napa Valley, California. He and Elizabeth spotted it on one of their trips,” Anne explained.

  Louise wandered into the kitchen and overheard Anne’s remark. “I hope we get to go to California this summer. It would be great to visit Anne,” Louise said, grabbing a carrot to munch on. Anne brightened at the suggestion and indeed hoped it would come to pass.

  Louise could be summed up in one word: Fun. She was cute, spunky, entertaining…you name it. She loved the outdoors, and her skin’s beautiful golden glow reflected it. Her hair was thick, curly and brown with natural deep red highlights. She usually pulled half of it up or just let it hang down below her shoulder blades.

  Louise reached for another veggie, offering one to Anne.

  “No more or you’ll spoil your appetite,” chided Mrs. Musgrove.

  Louise paused in her chewing to give Anne a puzzled look, then holding up the celery stick for all to see, both girls burst into laughter.

  Mrs. Musgrove chuckled, realizing how odd her comment must have sounded after considering what Louise was eating. To save face, Clara declared, “Alright, you got me on that, but it’s also said, ‘He who shall not work shall not eat’. So either start chopping or remove yourself. I’ll have no scavengers in my kitchen.”

  “Okay! I’m going.” Louise shoved the remaining bite into her mouth and then spanked her mother playfully before leaving.

  “Incorrigible brat!” Mrs. Musgrove chuckled. Then with a smile she added, “I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

  Mrs. Musgrove went to the sink to rinse her hands, then grabbed a handful of veggies to place them into a pan. “You have a way with people, Anne,” said Mrs. Musgrove. Anne smiled as Clara continued, “…especially with the children. I haven’t seen them this well behaved since, well, since you were last here.”

  Anne looked surprised, “But that was last summer!”

  Mrs. Musgrove reached for additional veggies and checked to see if Mary was nearby and thus might overhear. “You’d think as a grandmother I’d wish to have the children over more, but the way they’re being raised…so rambunctious and unsupervised.” Anne lowered her head, embarrassed for her sister’s sake. Mrs. Musgrove grabbed the last few celery and carrot bits and began seasoning the dish. “I don’t think your sister likes to bring them over here much, either. She says I give them too many sweets.” Anne had to smile at hearing that, remembering her sister’s earlier comment. “Well, honestly, Anne, how am I supposed to get them to behave if I don’t have a few bribes up my sleeves? Let’s be realistic, vegetables just don’t do the trick. Besides, the boys are skinny as it is.”

  Anne laughed. No matter how blunt or opinionated Mrs. Musgrove was, she loved her for it.

  Chapter 9

  The party sat salivating at the table with grumbling stomachs as the aroma of a promised dinner escaped from the kitchen. They had waited as long as they could for Charles to arrive but fearing the dinner would soon become ruined, the family decided to begin without him.

  Mrs. Musgrove brought out a steaming plate of pot roast to the sounds of “oohs” and “awes”. The array of tender potatoes, carrots and celery, and moist beef lay nicely displayed on the beautiful silver serving dish.

  “It looks wonderful!” Etta said.

  After placing the delicious looking food on the table, Mrs. Musgrove sat and laid her napkin on her lap, then looked towards her husband. “Honey, will you say the blessing?”

  Stanley Musgrove nodded and they bowed their heads and prayed over the food, remembering to bless the hands that prepared it. In unison, the group said ‘Amen’ and began passing the food around the table.

  “We always love it when guests come. That’s about the only time Clara cooks a feast these days,” Stanley complained. The group laughed at this announcement as Mrs. Musgrove blushed and came to her own defense.

  “I admit it!” Then glancing at her daughters she continued, “But it’s only because my girls are so picky. I’ve just given up.” There was more laughter to be heard as Louise and Etta agreed with their mother.

  The sound of the front door being opened interrupted their laughter. “It must be Charles!” exclaimed Mrs. Musgrove in anticipation. She turned in the direction of the entrance and shouted, “We’re in the dining room!”

  Charles entered and saw the open seat next to Mary, but his wife’s face held an unwelcome expression due to him being over an hour late. He came up beside Mary to kiss the side of her head, but she pulled away. The rest of the family looked down in embarrassment at witnessing this, and sheepishly Charles proceeded to sit.

  Anne’s brother-in-law was a nice-looking man of average height. He had that sportsman look about him and always appeared to have a five o’clock shadow that covered his strong jaw and upper lip. He was kind and outgoing, the type of friend one could count on to be there in a crisis. Anne loved Charles like a real brother.

  “It’s good to see you, Anne,” he said, recovering.

  “You too, Charles,” she replied.

  Mrs. Musgrove began piling food onto her son’s plate. “Sorry, we couldn’t wait any longer. Your dad’s stomach was speaking full sentences!”

  “How was hunting today?” Mr. Musgrove asked.

  Charles looked bummed. “Didn’t get a stinking thing.”

  “Nothing?” Clara asked with surprise.

  “My Chuck said he didn’t have any luck either,” Etta commented.

  Etta was the quieter of the two Musgrove girls, though still quite outgoing. She possessed an untouched sweetness about her and a lively glow to her cheeks which was nicely framed by her cute bobbed golden brown hair. At times, Etta was known to be rather indecisive and relied heavily on Louise to help her make decisions. Now having a steady beau, Etta liked to update everyone on her Chuck and to express his many opinions on subjects. Her brother Charles acknowledged Etta’s comment with an explanation.

  “It’s all due to that development on the other side of the hill. It’s scaring away the game,” Charles said with a hint of frustration.

  “What type of development?” Anne asked.

  “Residential contractors are getting hungry for land. They’ve used up all the flat plains on the west side and are now moving into the hills.” Charles said, perturbed.

  “That’s too bad,” Anne said.

  “You’re telling me!” Charles responded. “Pretty soon there’ll be no wilderness left.” Charles took a mouthful of beef and then looked sweetly at his unhappy Mary, hoping a tender look might change her irritable, foul mood, but to no avail.

  Not long after dinner, Mary chose to take the boys home early in her car so she could put them to bed. This left Anne to drive back with Charles in his Subaru Outback. The two had known each other for years, and they talked like old friends. Anne was the type of person whom people could easily confide in and share their thoughts. Now being ‘brother’ and ‘sister’, their bond had grown even closer.

  “How’s life treating you? Is your card business going well?” Charles asked as he adjusted his seatbelt.

  “Yes, very well. In fact, Hallmark is even considering giving me my own signature line.”

  Charles smiled with genuine happiness. “Anne, that’s wonderful!”

  Pleased, Anne responded, “Thanks…and how about you?”

  “Fine. Business is booming actually.” Anne could tell by his tone however that something was bothering him. It was confirmed when he looked over at her with a more serious face. “If only a family could be as easy as business…but you probably didn’t need to be told that. You saw your sister tonight…she thinks I don’t help with th
e children. And when I do, Mary says I spoil the boys. I could manage them very well if it were not for her interference. And lately, Mary’s complaining about being ill all the time, but so far, the only thing I see that makes her truly sick is me.” He looked at Anne and noticed her discomfort. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to burden you with this, but you’ve always been so easy to talk with. It seems everything gets better somehow when you’re here…” Charles paused, looking gratefully at Anne. “I’m glad you’ve come, Sis.”

  Later that night, while brushing her teeth, Anne couldn’t help but overhear an argument between Charles and Mary.

  “…how would you know, you’re never here!” yelled Mary in accusation.

  “Maybe I’d be home more if I’d find a clean house and a happy wife waiting for me,” Charles retorted.

  “Unbelievable!” Mary shrieked, “You just don’t get it, do you?! How is that supposed to happen when I never get any help!” Immediately afterwards, a door could be heard slamming.

  A few minutes later, Anne heard a knock. She quickly spit out the toothpaste and paused. Soon realizing it was not the bathroom door, but instead the one recently slammed, she relaxed. Anne heard Charles say contritely, “I’m sorry, Mary. Please open up.”

  Anne’s heart was softened by the hurt sound in Charles’ voice, thinking her sister would surely succumb to his plea. However, only silence ensued and eventually Anne heard dejected footsteps pad softly down the hallway. Once Anne finished her toiletries and was certain the coast was clear, she quietly exited the bathroom. Sleepy after her tiring day, Anne got into bed, sitting there for a moment before leaning over to turn off the nightstand lamp. A knock at the door startled her.