The Locket

“I can see that,” I cheered. Though truthfully, I would not recognize top of the line from the totally stripped down model.

“So if it’s mine that means I can drive, right?” I teased.

“No chance, Claire!” he laughed. That was for the best. I was sure I was still in shock from what happened at the house and I was suddenly very tired. I also had no idea where we were going.

There’s so much you don’t know.

Brent words echoed in my mind.

Looking around the garage once more before getting in the Audi, I observed a really old car, probably from the 1930’s in the far corner. It was cherry apple red and squarely shaped. A spare tire was mounted to the passenger side. It appeared the garage housed a vehicle from every decade over the last hundred years. I wished I had time to examine all of them, but that wasn’t possible. Time was something I did not have. Climbing into the Audi, my Audi, I chuckled, as I flicked the pine tree that dangled from the mirror.

Brent climbed in the driver’s seat next to me. Gauging me carefully, he asked if I was feeling all right. After reassuring him I was fine, he started the Audi. The engine roared to life, purring like a kitten while it sat idle. He retrieved a remote from the glove box, attaching it to the visor, then slowly backed out of the garage and hit a button on the remote. The garage doors closed and we turned down a slim path that looked more like a walking trail than a road. In a few short minutes, we pulled onto the main road through town and were on our way. Filled with anticipation, I wanted to ask him a million questions. My body disagreed, begging me to sleep. Brent asked if I was cold. I nodded yes, a verbal answer requiring too much effort. He turned the heat on and hit a button in-between the seats. My seat suddenly started to warm beneath me.

“Top of the line,” I mumbled. He smiled and I drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER 6

“Our soul…tries to direct us to individuals who share our purpose in life, complement our strengths, and supplement our weaknesses. But there is no guarantee that these ideal mates are going to look the way we expect, or be of our own background.” – Carolyn Miller

The sound of gravel beneath tires flowed through my sleep and I slowly opened my eyes, stretching in the plush leather seats. I felt Brent’s warm hand as he stroked my knee.

“Claire, we’re here,” he whispered softly.

Peering up at him through my heavy eyelids, I asked, “What time is it?” I hoped it came out like English to him because it sounded like babble in my head.

“After one,” Brent replied.

“Wow. I can’t believe I slept the entire drive. I’m so sorry,” I said, feeling guilty I had not been a more enjoyable driving companion.

“Claire, you’ve been through a lot. You needed to sleep,” he reassured me.

Looking out of the Audi’s window, I saw a magnificent colonial home. The property was well lit, allowing me to marvel at how glorious it was. It was layered with cedar shingle siding. The front porch was white, stretching the length of the home, ending at a gazebo deck that had been built in on the side.

“Do you want to see the rest?” Brent interrupted my observation.

“Yes!” I shouted excitedly, exiting the Audi.

Brent grabbed my bag and joined me outside. I walked up the large stone stairs to the deck and he followed. Strolling to the gazebo, I immediately made out the ocean view. It was dark and the moon reflecting across the water made it appear like a field of crumpled up newspaper. Inhaling the sweet salt air, I shivered as the breeze coming off the water chilled me.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

“It’s better and warmer in the daylight,” he added. “Let’s go inside.”

Walking back to the front door, Brent held my hand, sparking the familiarity I felt for him. The feeling was undeniable. I knew him from somewhere. I wanted to ask him again, but ignored it.

He entered a code into another hidden box. The front door clicked. Pushing the door open, my jaw dropped. It was like no home I had ever been in. Of course, the thick annoying smell of pine filled the air. I plugged my nose with my fingers, making a face at Brent. He laughed, rolling his eyes.

“Go ahead, look around. I’ll put your things away.”

On the first floor, there were cherry wood floors spilling into each room. The entry way had an exquisitely built staircase that spiraled up three floors. Fine craftsmanship on the banister and railings were the mark of someone who took their time, enjoying what they were doing. Extensive built in cabinetry, wood moldings, and fine fabric window dressings were in every room. I spotted a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with a large island stovetop in the center. The rooms were beautifully decorated throughout the house, including ceramic tiles, original paintings and other fine art that appeared to be the work of local artists. I noticed huge French doors in the great room. Opening them, it took my breath away. The house sat built into a bluff above the ocean. Two decks below were joined together by stairs overlooking the water, a paradise-inspired garden rest at the bottom. I took the stairs down to walk through it. The garden had a built in hot tub and led down to a lower deck and rocky beach below. Feeling breathless by my surroundings, I was excited to investigate.

After working my way down several steps, I finally arrived on the beach. It was lined with small cobblestones as far as my eyes could see. The moonlight reflected softly against the curve of each stone. The rough sea had rubbed them free of sharp edges or cracks and only a soft surface remained. Reaching down, I picked one up in my hand. It was smooth against my skin. Perfect skipping rocks, is what

my dad would have said. I looked up at the sky.

“This one’s for you, Dad,” I said aloud, hurling a rock towards the open water, watching it skip easily along the surface.

He had tried countless times to teach me how to skip rocks on the river as a kid. I had thrown a million rocks into that river, reaching back and launching them as hard as I could. Each time the rock would hit the water with a thud and sink, but my dad had been patient and encouraged me to keep practicing.