Dedication: This story is dedicated to the Sandbox 101 for their first anniversary on the net. Congratulations and thank you for your unselfish dedication to the writers and readers.

Special Dedication:This story is dedicated to JM Dragon's 'boy' Oscar who always loved people and lived his dog life spontaneously especially when it came to white chocolate

There comes a time in your life when you finally decide that today is the day you’re going to change your life forever. Conversely, the fates decide that no matter how hard you try to change, the same things happen over and over again and you have no control whatsoever. But, every so often events occur that are so remarkable that you find yourself going down an unfamiliar path that leads you to the unexpected. Amazingly enough, that path leads you exactly to what you were looking for.

* * *

Belinda Thatcher had been there, done that, and worn the t-shirt so often she wondered if it was now part of her laundry that was at the dry-cleaners costing her a fortune. She wished that just once when she decided to turn her life upside down and shake it about a little to become a new person that something didn’t happen she ended up the same-old-same. There had to be a degree of logic behind why that always happened. Today she would once again embark on a new path by enrolling at the University in a four month course that encouraged people to change their lives.

* * *

Across town at the University campus, Daniela Ricardo flicking back the bang that irritated her constantly, flipped through the pages of her course. Today started her first semester teaching at the university level. Previously she’d worked in high school colleges but decided that the part-time courses would be better suited to her. She had twenty people sign up for the course and her hopes ran high that she had made the right choice of courses to teach. If she had just one candidate that managed to make it through the whole course and change their life she had a winner. Crossing her fingers she concentrated on her notes committing the facts, not that she didn’t know them by heart, into her memory banks. Yes, today was the day!

Her course was simple really – what would happen if a person just let life happen? Would they find happiness, love and success effortlessly? She had been working as a counsellor in the high school environment and it was there that she had devised her own course. Teenagers she found had enough spontaneity inside them that they never needed much help in that direction. However, last year she had been asked by a friend, who was the head woman’s basketball coach at the local university, to help their star player, Angie Witherspoon, get out of her shooting slump. Danni was an avid basketball fan and followed the university’s woman’s basketball team attending all the home games and many of the away ones too. Angie was a tall beautiful brunette woman who had a sweet shot and the ability to make things happen on the court. Danni noticed while watching the team play that Angie was trying too hard and that was making her slump deepen. Contrary to the popular notion that a player of any game just needed to imagine being winners and they would be, Danni felt that all that was needed was for a player to just let it happen.

From her experiences with Angie, she developed and idea for a class called ‘Live Life Naturally’. The idea was to let go of the need to control life and those around you and just let nature take its course. She had done this in her own life and found that happiness, or her definition of happiness, abounded in her life. No longer did she search for love for she knew that it would come to her when it was the right time. All the students were sent a packet of information regarding the course including a detailed survey that was sent back prior to the first class. Picking up the stack of questionnaires, she began looking at the various answers to questions five and eighteen. They would help her in evaluating her group theory as part of the course. Question five asked ‘Do you believe in fate?’ and, eighteen asked ‘Do you like to be in control in all matters?’

The success of the course would determine her future at the university and from what she had just read she had an uphill climb. Sighing deeply, “I guess I can work with them. They’ve all enrolled, paid their money and bothered to send me the forms so they must have some desire to change their lives.” She hadn’t found any hint of genuine enthusiasm in the responses she read. It will all work out it always does. Smiling at the thought she packed all the papers away in her briefcase and stored it in her locker. She would return in several hours for the evening’s course. As she walked out the door she took one last look back at the desk and frowned. “What is that?”

Walking back over to her desk she reached down to pick up the paper peeking out from under her ink blotter. “Hmm, how did this one get here? I thought I had them all.” She looked the application over. “I don’t remember this one at all.” A big smile came to her face as she read the replies to the questionnaire. “Now here is a prime candidate,” she said to the empty room. Reading the name again… Belinda Thatcher. “I am looking forward to meeting you Ms. Thatcher.”

* * *

Belinda dressed casually for her first evening at the university. Dressing down would be the closer classification in her case. Something she hadn’t done in years, however there was dressing down and dressing down. The immaculate appearance she had mastered over the last decade had been part of her control freak attitude. Having a successful consulting business in computer solutions, logic was her main asset and she was, she prided herself, a truly logical person. There wasn’t a place in her mind for dithering over what could be, she always had a plan for every eventuality and made it happen. Sometimes, as now, she considered what it might be like to just let go and leave it to the throw of the dice. But, oh no, that idea was swiftly overridden grasping the control immediately back.

As she surveyed the copy she made of the questionnaire she’d filled out for this course she laughed cynically at the questions regarding the fates, that was a definite no! Then there was that classic question about being in control. And, oh boy, did she need to be in control of her own destiny and any others if they allowed. Why then, if I have such a wonderful life do I yearn for a change? A puzzling dilemma and one she had been ravaged with for the last couple of years. She had finally come to the conclusion that the path that led to this evening started when her ex Deandra left. The clock chiming the half hour had Belinda kicking those morbid thoughts out of her head. Realising that if she didn’t get her, metaphorically speaking, roller blades on she’d be late and that wasn’t an option. She hadn’t been late for anything in ten years.

* * *

Danni looked at the large school clock on the wall and realized the woman she was anticipating getting to know was late. But, that didn't matter she would arrive when she was meant to. Life was entirely too short to worry about such things. A few minutes later she heard the door of her classroom open and saw a woman breeze hurriedly into the room. Danni tired not to stare at the woman who stood in the threshold of the classroom with a completely dishevelled in appearance. The farther the woman walked into the room the harder it was for Danni to keep from laughing.

Christ what is happening with the day today. Belinda thought annoyed with the evening’s events. She’d gotten her heel stuck in the ridge between the elevator and the ground floor, which meant she’d, had to rip the heel off and hobble to her car. There wasn’t time to return to her apartment or she would be late and that was unacceptable. Then a stupid looking mongrel had taken a shine to her leg and been trying to hump her all the way up the sidewalk to the building. It had taken a grinning student to remove the scruffy looking dog and allow her to enter the building. Her stocking on the left leg was now in threads and the rest she imagined looked as if she had slept the night in a shoebox. Well one thing is for certain, I’ll look casual. Then, on top of everything else, she was five minutes late.

“Please join us,” Danni called out.

Belinda looked down at herself and for the first time since she’d been a hesitant nondescript teenager she felt totally out of control. She looked and felt a mess and the laughter she saw twinkling out of the eyes of the woman at the front of the room didn’t help any. “Ms. Ricardo sorry I’m late.” Mumbling like a teenager too, what is with me today.

She could feel the eyes from the rest of the class on her as she had to walk the full length of the room and sit in the only place available - in front of Ms. Ricardo. Crap!

Danni believed that everything happened for a reason and there must be some story behind the woman's slovenly appearance. "Ah, yes Ms. Thatcher." She coughed into her hand to stifle the laugh she felt welling up in her belly. "Please come in and join the group." She watched the woman as she took the seat directly in front of her. Try as she might her eyes couldn't help but drift towards the woman who had just joined the group. "Okay, now that we are all here we can get started." Danni couldn't help herself she burst out laughing. Soon the group was joining her in a laugh fest, with one exception.

Belinda glanced around furtively as she pulled out her pencil and pad. Of course, it had to do what it wanted and instead of landing on the desk in front of her the darn pencil decided to take a trip all of its own and ended up rolling in slow motion towards Ms. Ricardo. If that wasn’t enough the whole damn room was now laughing … is it at my expense?

What a day she was having, can it get worse she wondered? Belinda ignored the laughter and ventured forward to retrieve her pencil. True to form it didn’t appear that she was going to have any help in that quarter. As she moved from her position under the table she smacked her head on the corner and gave a howl. That had the class laughing so much that it was hard not to notice the tears most of them were wiping away at her expense. At that moment concerned eyes brimming with controlled amusement stared directly into hers and a gentle hand touched her sore head.

“Are you okay?” Danni asked. Her voice held concern laced with amusement. Their fingers touched as the yellow-coated pencil was offered and received.

Flustered, and feeling that this definitely was not the best idea she’d had ever had, Belinda muttered aggressively, “Yes. Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”

"Sounded like your head was up close and personal with the desk I thought you might be hurt." Gaining control, Danni decided to begin the course in earnest. "I am very excited that you all have joined this course. I hope that you will gain from our time together elements that will change your life for the good in the future. From the answers you gave on your questionnaires I have divided you into two groups. One will be the control group and the other the working group. You will have no idea which group you are in. Does anyone have any questions?" Her eyes locked in once again on the woman in the front row. If only you knew that you are the only one in the working group I’m interested in. You are classic experimental fodder. The woman was perfect for her study, a real control freak that wouldn’t know a spontaneous moment if it hit her in the head.

A voice from the back asked a question, “How long do we stay in the group environment?”

“Mr. Witherspoon? Right?” the man shook his head. “Dr. Roderick, the head of the department, and I developed this class as an experiment in a new way of study. Instead of lectures three times a week there will be a different approach. I will be meeting with you each individually and then as a group twice a week. There will be a series of tests and group activities that will help me evaluate your reactions to a specific set of circumstances. That will last for thirty session then we will use the remained eighteen class periods for in depth study. I am very excited about the process and hopefully when we arrive at the end everyone will be able to take away with them a positive life change.”

Another asked, “How exactly will that change our lives?”

“We shall see. Right now, all I can say is that if all goes according to plan it will be a life changing experience for you.”

Belinda rolled her eyes at the questions. Who the hell cares? Why can’t they just get on with it for god’s sake? As she thought that, she also mumbled it a little too loudly as all eyes were directed, once more, in her direction. Oh shit!  

Danni couldn’t believe the woman sitting in front of her. She needed to relax and just let life happen. Oh she is going to be perfect. If only she knew how much of her life is missing by being in control all the time. “Yes, Ms. Thatcher we will get on with it shortly. I should share with you that all questions are answered in time … perhaps not as rapidly as you would hope but they will be answered. That is an important lesson for us all to learn, wouldn’t you agree Ms. Thatcher?”

“Sure, whatever,” Belinda retorted. With her pencil poised over her notepad she waited for the notes that surely were part of any class.

Danni watched Belinda Thatcher wait to take notes and it made her silently smile. Here is lesson one. “The first important part of this course is that there will be no formal note taking for any of the groups, everything will happen as it should. Is that clear to everyone?” Her eyes swiftly moved over the room to ensure the class understood her completely. In her heart she knew one person wouldn’t be comfortable with that suggestion and she was right. Her eyes concentrated finally on Belinda Thatcher who still held the pencil ready for action.

Bending down towards the woman in front of her, Danni gently grabbed the yellow stick and drew it out of the clenched grip. “Belinda. May I call you that or do you have a nickname?”

“Yes, I had a nickname it was Belladonna as a kid is that what you want to hear? Personally I prefer Ms. Thatcher thank you.” It was a typical sarcastic Belinda reaction to something that had taken a step to having control of her and now she was wrestling it back.

"Fair enough, Ms. Thatcher it shall be. What I need you all to understand is that there are no rules to this course other than that you show up and answer all questions honestly and participate fully in all the exercises.

There were a few shaking heads at her comment and as Belinda glanced around she could understand why. If you don’t know what to expect even a little, how the hell do you know if everything is going to plan. For her, Ms. Ricardo didn’t exactly instil confidence since she looked like she was struggling with her own theory. “If there are no rules in this class then how do you know that it will work out? You need a parameter to judge a result by surely?”

Several people murmured their approval of Belinda’s question of the teacher. It was what they had been thinking as well.

Danni sighed deeply. “How can I explain a philosophy to you if you don’t believe it? What I am looking for is to show you a different way of seeing life that will truly change how your life evolves. I am attempting to show you how to let happiness and joy into your life without working hard to achieve that.” Her eyes searched each participant ending with Belinda Thatcher, the one she wanted to reach the most.

Silence descended on the group as they digested her explanation.

Several moments passed and Danni wondered if anyone was going to speak again, perhaps she had to try again. Then thankfully a voice did break the silence and it was a voice she knew she was going to hear time and again as she had predicted in her own mind.

“Look why don’t you ask some of your questions and let’s see if that helps?” Belinda knew that someone had to take control and it wasn’t going to be this woman for clearly she had no idea. Therefore it was up to her, hell she had been in control all her life, why should this situation be any different.

"Why don't I give you your assignment for the next class, which is to answer the following question honestly?" Danni turned and wrote on the chalkboard. What would it take to make you forever happy? "Please write down or type out your answer and bring it with you. We will have an exercise in happiness expectations then." Danni took a deep breath grounding her self and remembering that everything happens for a reason and when she got home she could digest the day and learn from the experience.

Belinda ground her teeth, something her orthodontist would be most unhappy about, as she heard the task at hand. What kind of crazy question is that! Okay, deep breaths you can do this you can and you will it’s all a question of logic.

"Okay, that should be it for today. We shall meet here again on Wednesday. See you all then."

Chairs scraped the wooden floor as the group eagerly left the room, all except one. And yes, it was Ms. Belladonna herself. She was carefully placing her notebook and pencil in her valise and sedately walking down the aisle to the door. Danni watched the woman in fascination and hoped with all her might that Ms. Thatcher decided to return. As she was about to turn away she stifled a burst of laughter at the poor woman’s terrible mishaps. The sleeve on her sweater caught on the door handle and she was unceremoniously dragged back into the room.

Belinda dare not turn around because as sure as the sun was not shining outside that damn, so-called teacher, was probably laughing at her predicament. Pulling at the offending sleeve she released herself from the door and as demurely as possible left the room. What she needed now was a drink. A stiff drink and Barney’s bar at the corner of her block was just the place to be right now.

* * *

How could Danni not laugh? The woman not only had a tattered left stocking, dishevelled looking clothes but now her sweater had a big snag. Danni wondered if the woman ever took a look in the mirror or cared about how she looked. She was a very attractive woman if she would just do something about the state of her dress.

Danni felt the need to get organized or her first semester here at the university would be down the drain. However, if she did that wasn't it defeating the object of her course? By taking complete control of the class and not letting everything develop as it should wouldn’t she be defeating the purpose of the exercise? She'd have to think hard about this on her jog home. She could see it in some of the participant’s eyes that they might not return and probably expect a full refund. They weren’t meant to be here she thought and mentally went over the list of names predicting which would not return. “I think a session with Barney may just be what is needed, screw the jog.”

Leaving the building, Danni was greeted by Oscar the campus stray who just loved to hump the ladies. Danni nudged the dog out of range. “Not today Buddy, I need a long tall stiff drink not a horny dog.”

* * *

Ten minutes later, Belinda walked confidently into the bar and sat in her regular seat at the corner of the tavern. Max, the bartender, gave her a second look as he noticed her appearance. This has to be a first. The woman never had a hair out of place and her clothes were right off the rack of the most expensive fashion house in town but not this evening. Maybe she’d been to one of those fancy dress charity auction events, which might make sense. But, he couldn’t stop himself from laughing at her appearance.

“How ya doin’ Belinda, shall I make it your usual?”

Belinda gave the barman a grateful smile. Her usual, scotch on the rocks would work wonders for her composure right now. “Go for it Max.”

Danni was about to enter Barney’s when she saw, through the half obscured glass frontage, the one person who had literally made her laugh so much she’d almost peed her pants. There at the bar nursing a tumbler filled with an amber liquid was Ms. Thatcher and she looked such a sorry mess. How had she the nerve to appear in a public placed dressed as she was? It was unthinkable if she had been in the same state of disorganised undress. Shaking her head as she peered again at the woman she had to put a hand to her mouth to prevent another chuckle. She decided that tonight she’d skip the drink and go home. Wednesday is going to be interesting, really interesting. Wonder what the Thatcher woman’s wardrobe is going to consist of at the next session. Danni began to jog and the laughter finally bubbled up softly as she rounded the block to her apartment.

* * *

Wednesday arrived with storm clouds. Belinda sighed as she watched the gigantic raindrops fall quickly to the ground. She always finished what she started and the course she had signed up for the next fours months would be no exception. The woman who was leading the group certainly was in need of organizational help and guidance in how to conduct a formal class. Her first day at the university had been a series of disasters for her and she vowed this day would be completely different. She knew what the rain meant for her hair so she squirted an extra measure of mousse in her hand. She would not be embarrassed again especially by frizzy hair.

She left her building quickly with umbrella up and sensible shoes on for the rain. When she arrived at the university it seemed as though all the parking spots close to the building were taken so she was forced to park at least a half a mile away. Undaunted she opened up her umbrella and stepped out into the rain swept parking lot. She walked briskly pulling the umbrella down closer to her head. Her hair was not going to frizz if she could help it. Finally her hand grasped the handle of the door and she eagerly opened it to enter into the warm, dry building. She lowered her umbrella and tucked it neatly away then glanced at her wristwatch. Good, I am ten minutes early. She smiled as she passed others only to hear guffaws after they passed her. Idiots she thought as she entered the room where she was met with the wide-eyed stares of the others there. She made her way to her desk and sat down trying desperately to ignore the laughing behind her.

Danni couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw Belinda Thatcher enter the room. Unlike the previous meeting the woman’s clothes were immaculate but it was her hair that had Danni once again trying desperately to stifle a laugh. Get a hold of yourself Danni you must be the professional here, she thought trying desperately not to stare at the woman in front of her. Though she knew shortly that wouldn’t be an option as the others in the group were beginning to laugh hysterically. Perhaps Ms. Thatcher really had taken her project to heart and let everything go in her life, down to the simple matter of attempting to look presentable in public. Try as she might her eyes kept drifting to the spikes rising up from the woman’s head. Did she look in the mirror before she left her home?

Danni cleared her throat to get the attention of everyone. “Okay, ladies and gentlemen we’ll start the session now. Did everyone bring along their answers to the question I posed last time?” She attempted to take everyone’s attention off Ms. Thatcher who was looking around the room in bewilderment.

“I would like you all to divide up into groups of threes and discuss what it is to be happy?” Everyone merged into groups except one - Belinda Thatcher. Danni took a deep breath and said, “Ms. Thatcher why don’t you join me in the discussion.

Belinda glanced around at the others who had melded into the groups and now she noticed that there weren’t as many people here this evening as there had been at the last session. Of course she knew that would happen. She’d as much as told the woman without having to spell it out to her when she’d questioned her approach and lack of substance behind the sessions in the previous meeting. Guess now she was going to pay for her remarks by having to go one on one with the woman. Oh what the hell, maybe she could teach the educator to control the group a little better along the way. “Sure, why not.”

“Good,” Danni said as she took a seat opposite the woman and once again was mesmerized by the strange hairdo. Gathering her wits she forced her eyes to look directly in the woman’s eyes. “Tell me, Ms. Thatcher exactly how do you define happiness?”

“What is happiness? I didn’t need pen and paper to know how I would answer that question. It’s quite simple really, riches and health enough to spend it. That works for me. What about you?”

Danni smiled for she knew this would be a hard nut to crack. “Happiness is all around us we just have to be open to it. If you had all the money you could imagine, would you be truly happy?”

“Of course, who wouldn’t be? I can tell you if I didn’t need to get up everyday and work for the crust to pay the bills I’d be very happy. You didn’t really answer the question though did you? Your reply was rather vague it needs more structure in my opinion.”

“Structure you say, is that how you run your life?” She knew the answer before she asked. This was the most tight-assed structured woman she’d ever met. Danni was tempted to laugh at the question posed because surely Ms. Thatcher hadn’t structure in her life at the moment if the bad hairdo day was anything to go by.

Belinda rolled her eyes and as she did so she noticed the mirth gathering in the eyes looking directly at her. What is it with this woman who always seems to be laughing? “Look, I don’t know about you and the airy fairy notions you have about everything being all around you, but I can tell you there has to be structure in life or you can’t live.”

“Tell me Ms. Thatcher, have you ever had a spontaneous moment in your life? Have you ever let things happen around you and see what the results might be? Or, do you have to always have everything planned down to the second?”

“What the hell do you mean by that remark you don’t know anything about me. I can tell you I have my moments.” Belinda’s voice had raised an octave as she was sure the teacher was having a dig at her.

“Ok, so you’ve had a moment. Did it make you happy?”

Spluttering over her words, Belinda dragged a hand through her hair and then her eyes dropped a fraction from their adversarial projection. Oh no my hair! “I… I of course I was happy, I’d never been happier in my life.” Belinda decided that she was potentially losing a battle here and that wasn’t the way things happened to her, “okay, have you ever had any structure in your life?”

Danni smiled for it was a good response. She can give as good as she gets. “To answer your question, yes, I have structure but I prefer to let life dictate that structure.” She had watched as the woman’s fingers touched the spikes and wondered if she was checking to make sure they were still fully erect.

“That’s the most pathetic answer I’ve ever heard, do you ever provide a comment that means anything substantial? No wonder some the class never returned for the second lesson.” Belinda knew that was a below the belt observation. However, this conversation was going nowhere and she hated wasting time for it was far too precious a commodity to allow that to happen.

The comment stung for the lack of returnees had not gone unnoticed by her. Control was what she needed but at the moment she wanted to haul off and slug the woman. Fortunately for the bitch, Tom Whitaker cleared his throat to gain her attention. "Yes, Mr. Whitaker, what can I do for you?"

Tom Whitaker smiled brightly at the woman, “I think the rest of the groups have finished their discussions. Do you have another exercise for us to carry out if you haven’t finished yet?"

Seeing his brightly smiling face coupled with his glib remark, she knew it was time to take control of the situation. “Why don’t we all break for a quick bathroom break and then we will all share what we have discovered about each other.”

Belinda heaved a sigh of relief. If the dialogue between the teacher and her had progressed much further the rest of the group would take bets as to who was going to throw the first punch. Anyway, she needed the bathroom break. Her fingers tugging at her hair earlier would have seriously displaced her hairdo. Standing, she headed for the bathroom without another word.

Belinda looked in the mirror, “Oh my god!” There, in the mirror, growing out of her head were perfectly straight spikes each one exactly where the spaces between the spines of her umbrella had been. The mousse had stuck those babies up there like concrete. Her eyes grew wider in disbelief. “They all saw me like this.” At first she was horrified but then from out of nowhere she began to laugh at how ridiculous she looked. The question now was what to do - not go back, slick her hair down or just leave it? “Okay Ms. Spontaneous see how you like this.”

Turning on the tap and drizzling warm water over her fingers, she trailed them through the spikes making them even more exaggerated than they had been. Now who could be out of control? With a wide smile as large as her hair she re-entered the room confidently ignoring the incredulous expressions of the others. Taking her seat, she stared directly at the teacher who looked like she was about to have her chin hit the floor. Ah I was right. Ms. Spontaneous doesn’t know what to say. Now who was in control of the situation? Her eyes feigned innocence as she waited to see what would happen next.

Danni clenched her fists and dug her stubby fingernails as hard as she could into her palms. Perhaps pain would stop the explosion of laughter that was about to happen. Think of something sad she told herself but she couldn’t make her eyes look anywhere but at the spikes reaching even higher. Then it happened, a giggle at first but soon she couldn’t stop the laugh that emanated from her belly. Soon the entire room was filled with laughter including the woman in front of her.

Belinda hadn’t laughed like this in years. To her knowledge she had never laughed in this way about herself. It felt good. Not that she was going to admit it to anyone, but she was actually happy. Ah, the masterful manipulation of a situation. Though she was the target of the laughter it really didn’t matter to her because as far as she was concerned she had engineered the situation and that worked for her. So much for this let life go, and see what happened kind of mumbo jumbo. Who did this woman think she is kidding? Placing a hand exaggeratingly through her hair again she innocently remarked for the whole group to hear, “anyone going to explain the joke to me?”

“If I can have a moment of your time I would like to point out the lesson of today.” Everyone stopped laughing, although a giggle or two could still be heard especially when Belinda would touch her spikes.

“Today was a rainy day and if we are to believe conventional wisdom rainy days make us all a bit sad. If we stop to think about how everything worked out today that brought us all here to laugh, each of us had a role in one way or another to bring us to this point. Of course, Ms. Thatcher’s way out hairdo did help a lot but the question we must ask is how that came to be. Care to enlighten us?” Her eyes held Belinda until she responded.

Caught off guard with the question Belinda had to summon her thoughts for a suitable answer. “Yes, I can explain this happening to my hair very easily… the fates.” For a few seconds the silence was deafening especially for Danni who couldn’t believe her ears. Did she really said the fates? Then Belinda began speaking again. “However, as I do not regard fate as a factor in my life I’ll explain the reality. I have frizzy hair when wet, I therefore logically decided to use more mousse today and apparently my hair got wet, took the form of my umbrella and this is the effect. Nothing strange about it, it’s happened before and will again.” Folding her arms across her chest she gave the educator a smug look. How wonderful to be in control of life with all its practicalities.

“So you didn’t plan this to happen. Will you at least agree that it was a spontaneous reaction to events outside of your control?” Danni felt that the woman was playing her but hoped that she would concede this notion.

Tom Whitaker laughed loudly with a quip of his own, “no one in their right mind would plan on a hairstyle like that.”

Danni had to agree but at the same time was annoyed that he had interrupted the flow. Still, that was a factor to her research too yet she hoped that Ms. Thatcher would continue and answer her question.

Belinda was locked in a corner and one she had manufactured for herself, hmm this is tricky. “I guess I’ll just say that you can’t plan every minute of the day can you.”

"No you can't Ms. Thatcher. Plans must all be subject to change. Now does anyone else have something else to contribute to the discussion?"

What followed was a lively discussion on how when something seemingly seems out of our control it really isn’t.

“That was a great discussion class. I am handing out the schedule for our individual meetings if you need to change a time please let me know as soon as possible. Our next group meeting will be next Monday. Thank you.” Once she saw that everyone had a schedule she waited a moment to see if anyone would need a change and was relived that no one did.

Danni sat in her chair for a long time after everyone had left. She was pleased with the turn of events that brought the group to a new understanding of what she was about. No one could have scripted this. It had happened as it was suppose to bringing everyone happiness. Yes, this was a successful meeting.Belinda Thatcher is beginning, in a small way, to learn how to let go and let life happen.

* * *

Belinda stared at the note that was pinned to her corkboard. It was her notice to have the one on one chat with Ms. Ricardo this evening at seven PM . That would be in a half and hour so if she didn’t move soon the appointment would be toast. Her car was in the shop for the next couple of days so she needed to take the bus. Glancing at the bus timetable, which she’d snaffled from one of her colleagues that afternoon, she calculated it would take around fifteen minutes to get to the campus. Quickly she grabbed her pocketbook and valise and started for the bus stop.

Danni had just finished her meeting with Jenny Pearson and had a half an hour before her next one on one meeting. So far, she had met with everyone but Belinda Thatcher seemingly saving the best for last. If any of her subjects were going to make her course fly it was the strange woman whose questionnaire professed total order in her life. So far, the woman’s antics and demeanour were completely opposite of what Danni had expected. But, Belinda Thatcher’s words told a different story and that was what Danni was counting on. All she had to do was to convince the woman to lighten up and let life happen. She recalled the woman’s hair and laughed. “Anyone who can do that surely will be able to see the logic behind my theory.”

Getting up from her chair she crossed the room to her desk and put her notes from her previous meeting in the appropriate file. Flipping open Belinda’s file she stared at the picture of the woman. “You will make or break me,” she said quietly before heading back to the meeting area.

The bus arrived on time, dismissing the many notions in the office that it wouldn’t. Although public transport had been good sport in the newspapers recently, she wasn’t going to complain. The actual journey only took ten minutes and if she’d a mind too she could have walked as her watch told her that for once she was going to arrive a few minutes early. Glancing down at her attire she applauded herself that she hadn’t messed up her clothes and her pocket mirror confirmed that her hair was just as it should be. Tonight she was going to look exactly as she always did, immaculately dressed and well presented to the world.

Striding towards the entrance to the building that housed her particular group session, she gave herself a mental slap on the back. She was going to show the teacher that if you observed the actions that went around you, you could make compensations and allowances and end up where, when and in exactly the right shape you wanted. Tonight I’ll prove it. A tugging at her trouser leg wasn’t part of the plan.

That rat-tailed mongrel had decided her left leg was a great chewing accessory. The more she tried to pull away the harder dog hung on. Soon she heard a sound really hadn’t wanted to hear - that of shredding material.

“Why don’t you shred the other one now pal,” her voice angrily said. She watched as the dog chewed on the material for a moment before he spit it out. His dark eyes then pierced hers with a look she knew she wasn’t going to like as he, with teeth bared, he started for her right leg.

“No way are you making it a matching pair,” Belinda snarled through teeth that matched the dogs’. Incredibly the dog backed off. Soon, with its tail down low and a whimper, he quickly changed direction and headed off towards the trees in the grounds.

Gazing at the damage to her clothing Belinda shook her head. So much for planning. Opening the door, she walked a little less confidently towards the classroom and her head to head with her teacher.

Danni glanced at the clock when she heard Belinda Thatcher arrive. Right on time she thought as she rose to greet the woman. Then she saw the look on Belinda’s face. Yikes, she looks like there’s a storm brewing. Clearing her throat she smiled then spoke. “Ah, Ms. Thatcher glad to see you made it.”

Belinda glared at the woman who looked as if there was nothing that fazed her in life. Well maybe if she’d been attacked by a ferocious dog outside then she might be looking a little less pleased with herself. Her eyes dropping to the left trouser leg that flapped as she walked forward towards the smiling woman. Maybe I can put this one down to a new fashion whim. “Yes, no thanks to that scruffy aggressive mongrel that lurks around this place. He ought to be shot.”

Danni smiled. “Yes, Oscar can be a bit of a nuisance. He is the campus pet and I am afraid has the run of the place.” She glanced down at the torn slacks and pointed. “I take it he is responsible for that.” Inwardly Danni laughed at the notion that this woman actually thought she had control of her life. Right now the woman looked like she was in the same league as the scruffy mongrel.

“Oscar, it has a name, the pound should be told about it.” Belinda responded crossly.

The laugh that exploded from Danni couldn’t be helped. “Listen, the dog isn’t vicious in fact he is a sweetheart.” She saw the anger grow on the woman’s face and decided to try and diffuse the situation although her laughter probably hadn’t helped. “I’m sorry for laughing. I don’t think it is funny it’s just that you always seem to have some sort of mishap arriving here. Please sit down and we can begin. Would you like a coffee?” She tried to sound as nonchalant as possible hoping it would settle the woman down a bit.

Fixing furious, flashing eyes at the woman she was tempted to tell her to go to hell with her class. However, she’d never given up on a situation yet and this wasn’t going to be the first time. “Coffee, from here, you have to be kidding me. Who knows what you might put in it especially as I appear to be a target for mishaps as you have kindly pointed out.”

“Fair enough, it is over there if you change your mind. Shall we begin?” Danni took her papers and held them then tapped them all on the table to straighten them out. She then looked over at the still seething woman. Nothing much I can do about her mood. “Tell me, Ms. Thatcher, why did you want to join this course?”

“Why?”

Danni was momentarily taken aback by the response. “Why? The why, is the crux of the course? I need to understand your motivations before I can formulate how best my particular course can help you.”

Belinda heard that delightful word … plan. “Oh so you do believe in planning some things?”

“Of course I do what a ridiculous question. Plans are necessary but not the only criteria for life. If we live by plans only then we never experience the joy of spontaneity.”

“You call being attacked by a dog at your door a time for rejoicing? If that’s your idea of spontaneity perhaps I should reconsider this whole situation.” The woman is a fool.This isn’t going to be of any benefit to me at all. It’s just another attempt to change my life that has gone down the drain. Oh well, at least I tried.

Danni was not going to be drawn further into this dialogue for it was obvious to her that the woman had her mind set. She decided to change tactics. “Do you know the other night while I was leaving from here that dog tried to hump my leg?” She laughed softly. “I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen that happen. On the other hand I have seen that animal act loving and gentle to many students when they are down.” She shrugged her shoulders. “In every relationship there is give and take.”

Belinda digested the information. It was interesting to her that the woman hadn’t become agitated or even remotely annoyed by her belligerent attitude. She knew she would have been adversarial if she had been in the teacher’s shoes. Perhaps there was something to this live life differently approach. I should give it a second chance. “I wanted to change my life a little, become more relaxed in my home environment. I guess I take things more seriously than most people.”

“Do you feel that taking things seriously has impaired your life?” Danni paused and looked into the serious face before her. “Are you happy?”

“You keep asking that question, are we happy. I always thought I was, lately I’m not so sure. Well, to be honest I haven’t been totally happy for a couple of years now. You don’t want my life history now do you?” Belinda remarked ruefully as she tugged at her ear, a childhood habit that she hadn’t managed to grow out of.

Danni noted the sadness in the woman’s voice and her heart went out to her. She smiled sadly as she recalled her own life’s shortcomings. “To answer your question, I ask because it is important to the basis of this class. Do we make our own happiness or does it happen in spite of ourselves.” Her fondness to this vulnerable woman was growing. “Yes, I would like to know if you can pinpoint when your unhappiness started or if you even know.”

Swallowing hard Belinda wanted nothing more than to leave. Talking about her private life had always been uncomfortable for her. Her parents had never been that demonstrative towards her or each other when she was growing up. Her father had been a minister and had that old world bible attitude. Love was for the congregation on a Sunday, in words not actually in deeds, especially towards his family. Her mother had been a somewhat cold fish too. They were an ideally matched pair. She guessed she was just a chip off the old block. Now why did I think of that? She certainly wasn’t going to tell this stranger that kind of intimate fact.

Danni saw several expressions pass over the serious face opposite her and placed a supporting hand on the one that was tapping agitatedly on the desk. “Hey you don’t have to tell me anything I’ll change the subject.”

“No! It’s okay. I had a failed relationship about two years ago. I realised then that perhaps I needed to change something in my life. Doing it and finding out what, is the hard part. I guess I thought this might help. I’ve tried everything else.”

“Do you know why the relationship failed?” She saw the pained, bleak look. “I mean do you think it failed because of something you did or was it mutual? Were you both happy at anytime?”

Had she ever been happy with Deandra? Now, as she considered the stormy time they had endured, she had to wonder. They’d fought from day one in the end the angry words became even more bitter and twisted. They had however, enjoyed a healthy sexual relationship even up to the last although that was probably more lust than love. Why is it always my fault? That had been the parting shot from Deandra when she’d finally packed her bags and left. “I guess I wasn’t attentive enough. We fought a lot.”

“Hmm, don’t beat yourself up over that we all can be accused of not being attentive enough in any relationship - lovers, friends, parents we all could do more.” Danni thought of her own failed loves and her culpability in their demise. “What makes you laugh, Belinda?” she asked softly.

“You know I seriously can’t remember the last time I laughed. Oh yeah, it was looking in the mirror at myself last week. I guess I laughed at myself and my shortcomings, pretty sad don’t you think?” Her bleak tone echoed around the room.

Danni gave the woman a long thoughtful gaze. “Would you be up for an experiment?” If this idea works out then maybe I can make a significant step forward.

Belinda frowned. Cautiously she replied, “exactly what would it entail this experiment of yours?”

“Would you like to join me this Saturday for a day of spontaneous fun?”

Blinking rapidly, now what did this woman think was fun, “if you promise not to have the dog tagging along for your so called day of fun, sure. What harm can it do.”

Danni laughed heartily. “It’s a deal. I will pick you up sometime around nine and we shall go from there.”

“Are you sure, I usually drive.” Belinda wasn’t happy about this turn of events. She normally took the wheel and didn’t like being a passenger. But, her car was in the shop so she really hadn’t a choice in the matter.

“Yep, I’m sure. If you drive then you will be in control and the object of this experiment is to let the day happen.” She cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. “Do you think you can do that? Let someone else lead.”

“Why of course! Hey it’s going to be fun right? Will you promise me that?” Belinda was teasing the woman. She actually felt much better than when she’d arrived. Now her mind travelled to her wardrobe and what she would wear for the day's outing, will it be casual or formal or in the middle?

A twinkle appeared in Danni’s eyes as she noted Belinda’s banter. She winked at the woman and smiled broadly before speaking. “Oh I guarantee you will have fun and, to answer your question … casual chic.”

How did she know that? Maybe this would be fun; at least it was different to spending the day alone. Though how could she guarantee a fun day if it was spontaneous? Did the woman realise she’d shot her own theories in the foot with that remark? It is all going to be interesting very interesting indeed. “Thanks, you read my mind. Now I think I will have that coffee now, what about you?”

“Thank you I would like one.” Danni felt a bubble of happiness filling her mind and heart. She hoped that she could show Belinda Thatcher that in any situation happiness can be found even when your leg is being used as a chew toy by a dog. She laughed to herself picturing Oscar with a death grip on Belinda’s leg.

The two women drank their respective coffees as Danni asked more questions and Belinda fielded them as well as she was able. The rest of the session went remarkably swiftly after that.

* * *

Belinda had been peering out of her apartment window since nine AM when she and Danni had arranged to meet. As usual nothing was as it seemed when it came to this particular aspect of her life because the woman was late. Where is she? Then she saw the teacher’s car, a blue somewhat battered jeep that stopped with a jerk outside of her building. Quickly picking up her purse and a thin jacket she rapidly left her apartment and made her way to the waiting car.

Danni pulled up in front of Belinda’s apartment building at nine fifteen . The day was gloriously sunny and what she would classify as a perfect day. Peering out of the car window she saw Belinda Thatcher walking briskly towards her.

“Hi, did I have the wrong time?”

Danni could only smile at the woman standing outside her jeep speaking to her. “No, I said around nine and it is around nine.” She winked. “Hop on in and we will be on our way.”

Opening the passenger door Belinda carefully climbed inside, hoping that the interior was less shabby than the exterior of the vehicle. She didn’t want her new trousers and silk blouse damaged in any way. With a frown she turned to the researcher, “Ms. Ricardo are you sure this,” a finger waved in an obscure direction towards the dashboard, “vehicle will make it to our destination because it sure doesn’t look or sound healthy to me.”

A deep belly laugh emitted form Danni. “Oh, old Betsy here will take us anywhere we want to go. She’s not much for looks but she is reliable.” Danni brushed off some dust. “Come on I promise it won’t bite you, which way?”

“Which way? Oh right, yes, I have to decide. Take the first right at the end of the road.” Belinda gingerly settled back into what was remarkably a comfortable seat. It kind of fit the body like an old glove.

“Gotcha. Now, you aren’t going to take us someplace you already know about are you?”

What did the researcher think she was, sneaky or something. With an affronted expression Belinda replied cynically, “that’s for me to know and you to find out.”

“Ah, a bit of mystery,” Danni said smiling broadly. “I like that.” As the vehicle proceeded down the street she was struck by how the woman next to her was dressed. For a casual day out she wore what appeared to be silk. Hmm, I wonder if those are new slacks too they look like it. “Your outfit is very nice … it suits you.”

For a split second Belinda was at a lost for words. She was not sure about the sincerity of the remark. “Thanks, you look okay too.”

“Here we are at the end of the road going north, where to next?” Danni had to turn her head away from the woman so she wouldn’t see the blush she felt on her face. Belinda Thatcher was turning out to be a very interesting person and a most welcome companion for the day. She had been thinking about this adventure and spending time with the woman since they arranged it at their last meeting.

She ran her hand through her hair that for once, in the presence of this woman, looked perfectly styled. “Take the state highway turn-off and we’ll head to the south of the city, I’ve never been there before.”

“Okay. Hey are you hungry? I didn’t have breakfast so what do you say to stopping somewhere for something to eat?”

“Eat?” Belinda was thrown by the question.

“Sure, eat. You know that aspect of our lives that has to take place or we die. Of course you get to choose.” Danni grinned. She’d seen a moment of pure puzzlement cross the other woman’s features as she’d turned onto the highway intersection. Doesn’t she eat?

Belinda sighed slightly; the woman probably thought she was an idiot. Of course I eat and know what food is. What a silly notion. “Okay, let’s stop now.” There she’d taken the question to heart and gave an immediate direction although she hadn’t seen any restaurant that was particularly inviting. She surveyed the surrounding area while the car came to a stop at the earliest and safest opportunity.

Danni looked around the area and noticed what could only be called a dive as the only possible place to eat. Belinda lived in the area so maybe she knew that the place had great food. “Is Billie’s Eatery where you want to eat? It looks interesting to say the least.”

Not wishing to look stupid for the second time in as many minutes, Belinda nodded her head a fraction as she quietly replied, “As I said earlier it’s for me to know and you to find out.”

“Good. Then you have the idea of what the day will be.” Danni parked the car in the parking lot wondering if the lack of other customers was an indication of things to come. But, the Sure We’re Open sign was in the door so she jumped out of the car and hurried around to the other side and opened the door for Belinda.

Shocked at the gallant gesture Belinda self-consciously stepped out of the vehicle. She smoothed down her shirt in a slightly nervous motion, unable to meet Danni’s gaze. As she walked a step or two behind Ms. Ricardo she wondered just what miniscule part of her brain had told her to stop outside this joint. It is in worse condition than the car! God help me what have I gotten myself into? “You know I could change my mind and say let’s find another spot.”

“You sure can that is what this adventure is all about.” Danni arched an eyebrow before speaking again. “Shall we stay or leave? It’s your choice.”

A part of Belinda wanted to immediately dash back to the car and move to a much nicer location. Then, the chant she had said over and over again told her that today she had to be spontaneous. At least some part of her brain had taken notice. “Nope, this was the place I said to stop. Let’s go inside and do justice to the food.” She hoped that food poisoning wasn’t on the menu today.

Opening the door to Billie’s Eatery their nostrils were immediately greeted with the succulent aroma of eggs and bacon cooking and coffee brewing. A large woman greeted them, “Welcome, come on in and sit yourselves down.”

The women moved further into the restaurant and took the table closest to the door. They were immediately given mugs filled with steaming coffee. “We ain’t got fancy coffee here but it is the best in town everyone says so.” She then smiled. “What can I getcha?”

Belinda normally had a conservative breakfast, a bowl of muesli with plain yogurt. Today however the aroma of the bacon, eggs and whatever else this woman had to offer from the kitchen seduced her immediately. “I’ll have the breakfast works.” She leaned back and checked out the interior which wasn’t as shabby as the exterior. It was much the same as her impression of Ms. Ricardo’s vehicle. Maybe it is true in the same way about people. They might look unattractive on the outside but inside were beautiful and vice-versa. Perhaps that was the lesson she was going to learn out of today, who knew.

“Good choice lady, I gar-on-tee you that you will love every bite.” She then turned to Danni. “What’ll you have child?”

A brilliant smiled crossed Danni’s face. She liked the woman and had a real good feeling about being in Billie’s Eatery. “You know my friend’s choice sounds excellent. Let’s make it two.” She watched as the woman left for the kitchen. “Have any idea what we just ordered?”

Danni’s smile was infectious as Belinda returned a stunning one of her own as she shook her head. “Haven’t a clue but it smells good. Did you take a look around? There are some really interesting old photos on the wall.”

The two women’s eyes locked for a moment before they mutually looked away. “I noticed them when we came in it looks like this place has been here for a long time.” Danni got up and motioned to the woman still sitting. “Come on Ms. Thatcher let’s see what we can discover.”

Clearing her throat slightly she waited for Danni to turn around. When she did Belinda smiled slightly and casually said, “My name’s Belinda.”

“And, I’m Danni.” She extended her hand towards the woman. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” She winked. “I told that lady you were my friend so this will make it so.” For a moment Danni felt self-conscious and turned towards the wall. “Did you notice this picture here?” Her eyebrows scrunched together. “This woman looks familiar.”

Belinda wasn’t sure which of them felt more uneasy at their new intimacy. Swallowing hard she let all the subconscious thoughts disappear as she gazed at the photo in question. A woman in a satin black dress, probably around the late eighteen hundreds with twinkling eyes smiled out at them. She held the hand of another woman who was much smaller in stature and had a shy almost timid appearance about her. They shared the same laughing expression in their eyes and looked very happy in whatever they were doing. “I’m not sure about familiar but she and the other woman look contented."

“Yes they do,” Danni said absently as she tried to figure out who the smaller woman reminded her of.

Just then the woman, whom she surmised was Billie, appeared with her arms laden with plates. “Here’s your eats ladies,” placing the plates on the table. “You all need more coffee?”

The two women returned to the table. “Yes, please.” Danni looked at the fare before them. “This looks wonderful. Thank you … ah… are you Billie?”

The woman let out a whoop. “I sure is honey. You need anything else ya’ll just call me.” With that she left them to their meal.

There was silence for at least half an hour as each woman tried, but in the end failed, to eat all the marvellous array of food that had been presented to them. As they groaned in unison they each laughed at their respective attempts to eat like a horse. “You know that’s as much food as I buy in a month.”

“Ditto that, well for breakfast anyway,” Danni replied with a huge grin plastered on her face.

The swing door pushed forward and the ample figure of Billie walked towards them then looked at the plates with food left on them. Wagging her finger at the two women she gave, what to Danni was, a hilarious clucking sound causing her to place a hand over her mouth to stop from laughing. Belinda followed suit but didn't prevent the laughter and they both ended up in a fit of giggles. To Danni this was exactly what she had hoped the day would turn out to be. The day is working out remarkably well.

“Land sakes you two sure packed that food away. Little things like you I didn’t figure you could eat but a few bites.” she said as she began gathering up the plates. “Have you two ever been in here before? You sure look familiar.” The woman gave them a curious look before resuming her task.

"No, but we will be back ‘cause the food is wonderful.” Danni patted her stomach. “Hey Billie, do you mind if we look around at the pictures and things like that."

“Go right ahead child I don’t have my regulars for another hour or so.” Billie left them to their own devices as she went through the swing doors.

“Come on let’s explore and see what we can find.” Danni reached over and took Belinda’s hand. “Let’s start with the picture we were looking at earlier.”

“I wonder what she means by familiar? You said exactly the same before we ate breakfast.” Belinda mused as they walked over to the wall of photos.

Danni’s hand went instinctively towards her neck as she felt it prickle. “I don’t know but I get the feeling that I have been here before and I know I haven’t.”

Belinda gave the remark some thought before she replied as they looked at the photo again. Maybe Danni was related to one of the women. It wasn’t unknown to find relatives you never knew about unexpectedly. “Do you actually hail from this town Danni?”

“Funny you asked that ‘cause I was about to ask you the same question.” Danni laughed slightly. “Actually I was born not too far from where we are standing. I never knew my folks for I was left on the steps of St. Mark’s right after I was born.” Her eyes misted over for a moment before she regained her composure. “And, where do you come from Belinda?”

Belinda blinked several times as she digested the short version of Danni’s entrance into the world. God that is a terrible way to a begin life. As if life wasn’t hard enough the woman had to live with the knowledge her parents hadn’t wanted her. “I’m from upstate. My dad was … is a minister and my mom a teacher. They retired to the coast a couple of years ago. I’m sorry you never knew your parents.”

“Hey, no need to be sorry it is part of who I am now. In a way it helped me get through the tough times for I had to rely on just me.” Danni walked a short way to stand at another picture that showed a woman standing in front of an early model automobile. “Look at this one Belinda, I think it must be Billie herself.”

Belinda didn’t move from her spot initially because she had been humbled by Danni’s positive view on life. If the tables had been turned she doubted very much if she would be as upbeat about her life. You only had to take the fact that she couldn’t even lighten up without help. What kind of fool does that make me? “Don’t you think that Billie would be … well you know, dead by now if that is an original? It must have been taken around 1915 or so.”

Danni laughed loudly. “You are right… maybe it is her mother or another relative.” She moved on down the wall to the next picture which was of the same women they had seen earlier. This time they were sitting on swings each with a child in their lap. “Hmm, here they are again. I wonder what significance they have to this place.” She looked around the large dining room. “I think this place is like a time capsule and hasn't been modernized in ... I wouldn't know … ever probably."

“How you ladies likin’ my pictures?” the booming voice of Billie asked seemingly from out of nowhere.

Danni was the first to react. “Oh, Billie I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Yep for a big woman I can sneak up on you,” her bellow of laughter followed the dig at her own ample proportions. “Did you know that all these pictures have a story?”

Belinda was reluctant to ask what the stories were it was not in her nature. People’s business was just that theirs and she wasn’t about to become a nosy Nelly. But, Danni had no qualms whatsoever in asking the question begging to be asked. “Billie I would love to know about the two ladies that are in a number of the pictures. Are they related to you?”

The older woman gave a warm smile and sat down at the nearest table to them, “Yes they are related. That there taller of the women was my great grandmother, the woman at her side was her housekeeper.”

“They look so happy together. Blissful comes to mind. Is there more to the story than just an employer employee relationship?” Danni had seen the look the two women had and she knew it was love … undeniably love.

Billie winked at Danni. “They were good friends. My great granddaddy Clarence Weaver was a wealthy merchant back then and he married Billie. Yep, I’m named after her as are all the first born girls of my family. Anyways, she was a little out of her league at the time, lots of hatred and the like.” Billie’s eyes wistfully looked at the picture of the two women on the swings. “I sometimes wonder if things have changed at all from their day. Way too much tension in the world,” she said wearily. “Margaret was a cheerful soul and great listener. From all the stories I heard and they struck up an unlikely friendship. She was a bastard child from a wealthy friend of the original, Billie’s husband. In a way they were both sufferin’ from prejudice and the morals of the day. Once my great granddaddy died from the epidemic shortly after the birth of their second child they became tight as two peas in a pod.” Billie’s face was filled with joy. “You know, sometimes bodies are just meant for each other. Lookin’ at you I guess you both knows all about that.”

The women were entranced by Billie’s resonating voice that told the story of love and prejudice. Danni shrugged her shoulders. “Life has a funny way of bringing us all full circle by the events it throws in our paths. It is true that out of sadness comes great joy. It is all in the way you perceive the event. I have learned that everything happens for a reason and if you just go with life it will take you where you are supposed to be.” She paused for a moment when she realized she was spouting her philosophy of life that Billie may not be interested in hearing. “Sorry, I’ve spoken out of turn.”

“I knew you were a kindred spirit honey.” Billie replied with a warm gaze.

Belinda listened with great interest and wanted to know all the details but wouldn’t dare invade anyone else’s privacy even if they had been dead for decades. “I guess we all take a journey of discovery from time to time,” Belinda remarked. She moved away from the two women to stare at another picture on the wall when she did she gasped in shock.

Danni frowned when she heard Belinda’s remarks. She had actually thought she was making headway with her and was disappointed that she hadn’t asked Billie the obvious question. When she heard her friend gasp she instantly went to her side. “What is it?”

With pale features Belinda turned to Danni and pointed to the picture, “That’s a picture of my great-grandmother and that woman with her looks just like you!” The words were almost accusing as Belinda felt her world tilt with the vision of the picture. She knew it was her relative because her mother had the exact same photograph hung in the upstairs hallway at their home. Why hadn’t she noticed the resemblance to Danni before?

Danni’s mouth fell open as she too looked at the picture. “How can that be?” She then turned to restaurant’s owner. “Billie, do you know who these people are?”

“Sure do honey. The one that looks a lot like you was Mary Cranford she was my old Billie’s second daughter who had more of her daddy in her than old Billie. The other woman was the daughter of Margaret’s half-sister. Now that was a love story and a half. They ended up being damned and thrown out of town. I heard they ended up running a farm upstate.”

Now Belinda’s interest was peaked. “A love story, as in LOVE,” she said wiggling her eyebrows. Then the words she had heard but ignored came back to her, upstate. “Where exactly is upstate, Billie?” She laughed embarrassed by her boldness. “I come from upstate maybe that is the connection.” She shrugged.

Thoughts were careening through Danni’s mind as she looked at her friend in shock. “Billie do you know anything about Mary Cranford? Was she married? Did she have kids? How old would you say she was?” Life certainly throws us curves, she thought. Will the one question I’ve never had an answer to going be revealed today? Nervousness invaded her body as she awaited Billie’s answer.

Billie gave a belly laugh as she was bombarded with questions, “Well honey’s I’m sorry but right now my regulars are about to arrive. If you’ve a mind to I’m open all day why not come back later and I might have the time to tell you a few more stories.” Not waiting for a reply from the two women she left them and re-entered her kitchen area.

“What do you want to do now?” Danni asked. “It’s your day.”

Belinda glanced around the room, which was indeed filling up with people she hadn’t noticed before. “We are going to sit right here, have more coffee and wait until Billie has the time to tell us the rest. I’m not leaving.”

“Are you sure that is what you want to do? From the looks of the crowd we may be in for a very long wait.”

“You said this was my day, right? And I vote we stay put until Billie tells us everything. I cannot believe that my mother’s grandmother was gay. Was it even invented then?” Belinda adamantly stood her ground, unaware of what she had just said.

“And, just what is wrong with being gay?” Danni’s tone was defensive and angry.

“Why, are you gay?” Belinda was stung by Danni’s attitude and decided that the woman probably didn’t know what she was talking about. After all, she was probably wondering how it was that her face was staring out of a picture taken seventy years earlier.

Danni couldn’t believe the audacity of the woman standing next to her. “Whether I am gay or not is not the issue. Apparently we have a connection of some sort in our family’s past but unfortunately for me I have no idea what that might be. I have no family history remember!”

“Exactly. I would have thought you wouldn’t want to leave until you found out more. Or, are you afraid of what you might find out? Maybe it won’t fit your pattern of how you imagine your unknown relatives? It’s no shame to admit you’re scared of the outcome. I know my mom is going to go berserk if any of this is true.”

“Don’t you get it?” Danni couldn’t believe how idiotic this woman was.

Blinking rapidly, unsure what Danni was talking about, she responded immediately, “What on earth are you talking about? I don’t understand what exactly?”

Danni laughed at how ridiculously dense Belinda was. “The past doesn’t matter what happened then is over. ” If you want to dwell in the past then you might as well go back to your life of plans and schedules.” She was angry and if the truth were told, scared too. None of this was making any sense to her and the woman next to her was especially a mystery.

Belinda blew out an angry breath, “You know of course that I never left my life of plans and schedules. It is part of who I am. Let’s face it … this particular trip is only work for you. I think under the circumstances we should just call it even and I’ll go home.”

A look of sadness crossed Danni’s face. The day had started out with such promise and she was sure that she and Belinda had made a connection. The photo of the woman who looked like her had rattled her and made her, for the first time in her life, afraid of what was to come. All she could do was look at the pretty woman next to her and shake her head. “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

“Why, are you sorry, it really doesn’t matter anyway? Hey you can mark me down as a partial success. I did get us here.” Belinda felt her heart tug at Danni’s plight. The woman probably never knew that she had this subconscious idea of what she believed her family was like. At least she knew hers, even if she might find out that they had the odd skeleton rattling around in the cupboard. Not that being gay was a skeleton, it wasn’t in this day and age but back then, my god they must have been brave women. She stood up and gave Danni a small smile accompanied by a shrug and softly said goodbye.

Danni watched as the woman walked away and everything inside her screamed to make her stay. “Hey, Belinda, wait up.”

Belinda turned abruptly, a part of her, a big part of her, relieved by the request. She wanted to analyze why she felt like this much like she would a computer problem at work. However, this wasn’t work. It was far removed from being work. “Is something wrong Danni?”

“A … a … that is I was wondering if you were up for lunch that barbeque sure smells good. We could wait for Billie and maybe you can tell me what you know about your great grandmother.” She shrugged. “For the record I am gay if that makes a difference to you. I promise I won’t try to hit on you.” Her eyes pleaded with the woman to stay and for understanding.

The word lunch echoed in Belinda’s brain. They had only just finished a heavy breakfast, how could they possibly manage lunch. Then again, it sure did smell good and they could leave it to the very last moment of the lunch hour to order. As she considered the food issue her brain tried to assimilate the other two parts of Danni’s comments. Hmm, what do I know about my great grandmother? And that part about being gay…well she was too as were half the staff back at the office. What does it matter? “Okay, though how you can think of food right now amazes me.” Belinda walked quickly back to the table and sat down in the chair she had recently vacated and gave Danni a small smile. At least now they had found common ground even if she wasn’t brave enough to state it publicly.

A relieved Danni sat down. “I can’t really but it got you to stay, didn’t it?” She laughed and was genuinely happy that Belinda joined her. “For all my bravado about living life as it comes some things are hard to accept. I have lived a life void of family therefore finding out that there is a possibility of finding out about them is frankly frightening to me.”

Belinda did something that shocked her, as this woman was virtually a stranger. She placed her hand on Danni’s and gave her an understanding look, “Hey lots of things are scary in life. I guess that’s why the majority of us live our lives with plans and stuff.” Belinda’s eyes caught Danni’s and for a split second she felt her heartstrings tugged. Danni’s gaze moved to their hands, damn! “Now, which one of us is hitting on the other you might ask? For the record I’m gay too and I didn’t mean to offend you in any way.” She dragged her hand away self-consciously.

For a long moment Danni just gazed at Belinda. Deep inside her she knew there was a connection - she had always known that from the first time she read her application. The woman called to her soul and she had no choice but to answer. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Belinda replied shyly. “Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.”

Those words filled Danni with peace. This certainly is an unexpected turn of events.

* * *

Several hours later with copious refills of coffee inside them, Belinda had completed her version of what she knew of her great-grandmother, which as it turned out wasn’t that much. All she could relate was that her great-grandmother had owned a medium-sized farm in the area where she was raised and that the family still owned it today. From all accounts, her great-grandmother had been a headstrong woman making her own decisions and living by them. Dredging up as much information as she could, Belinda thought she recalled that her great-grandmother had married. She must have or why would they be related? This in turn begged the question of what happened to this Mary Cranford character. At the end of the day she really hadn’t been of much use in the history department. All she knew was that her grandmother hadn’t been an only child she had two sisters and a brother. Then they had both talked generally about themselves, in an attempt they both surmised, to understand each other better. Now Belinda sat silently fingering the dog-eared menu.

Danni watched her in quiet retrospect, puzzling over Belinda’s earlier reference to her mother going berserk at the announcement of a close family member being in an unconventional relationship. She had to ask, it had been gnawing at her all the time they have been conversing, “Belinda I don’t want to pry any but why would your mother be upset if she found out that her grandmother was possibly gay? Because we don’t know for sure do we? It’s only Billie’s version and we could have misheard. I mean, it isn’t like there’s a problem since she already understands because of you.”

Catching her breath at the question, Belinda didn’t immediately reply as her eyes scanned the thinning out of the diner. It was close to two o’clock and most people were heading back to their place of work or to shopping. Then she gave Danni a rueful glance before getting a trance like expression on her face. She gazed at the wall once again. “My parents don’t know I’m gay.”

Danni laughed. “You know if I knew who my parents were they probably wouldn’t know either.”

“You wouldn’t tell them?” Belinda was amazed at Danni’s reply. She seemed to be a person who had confidence in who she was regardless of others opinions of her.

For a long moment Danni just stared at Belinda. How could she explain how her life has been since Meredith walked out on her? “I was in a relationship with a woman for two years. She was my one and only partner.” She sighed deeply. “She was in deep denial of who and what she was so I went along with her. I didn’t like the sneaking around and pretending not to be who I was. I wanted more she wanted less so she left me for a more conventional relationship.” She smiled at the woman who sat across from her watching her intently. “Sorry I didn’t mean to bore you.”

“No, no I understand completely. Like you I was in a relationship for a while. If you want the real truth about why I joined your group was the reason. She left me and I couldn’t understand why at first. Then, I guess it dawned on me that I wasn’t giving her enough of me. Not, the physical part of me, but the emotional part and all that goes with it. A change was in order and I’d tried pretty much everything else to lighten up my life. Maybe I should do what your friend did and move to a more conventional lifestyle that matches my scheduled mind.” Belinda for the first time in ages, if ever, felt like she could talk about anything to this woman and she would understand. Not only had she been there but Belinda felt a freeness that she had never felt before. Danni would listen and understand and never judge her, of that she was certain.

“Hmm, would you be happy in a conventional relationship, Belinda? Can you imagine what your life would be like if you had to deny who you are for the rest of your life?”

“I already walk that tightrope in a way ‘cause my parents don’t know about me. I’ve never told them. My mom always asks me when I’m going to settle down and give her grandbabies. At least she did until I began my own company. I guess the bottom line is that I’ve never met anyone that I’d want to take home to them and say this is who I am and I want you to be happy for me. Perhaps, if that happens everything will make more sense in lots of ways.”

Danni was growing more and more enthralled with Belinda. So naïve, yet so worldly. “If you don’t mind my asking what sort of person are you looking for? I mean … oh forget it I don’t seem to be able to find the words I want to say.” After a long pause she spoke again very quickly afraid if she didn’t the words would fail her again. “Am I your type?”

Belinda’s eyes opened wide in surprise at the question. How could she answer that without saying something completely tactless? Her cheeks grew hot as she tried to think of an answer. At this stage in the tender friendship she didn’t want to spoil it by being totally insensitive with her words. “Danni I…”

A figure loomed at their table as a cheerful voice boomed out, “Why honey’s you’re still here.” Billie grinned at them in pleasure.

“We couldn’t leave until we heard the rest of your story,” Belinda blurted out. Her laugh was uneasy since she was thankful for the interruption.

Danni, on the other hand, wanted to ask Billie to leave them for a few moments until Belinda answered her question. Her heart was eager to hear what Belinda had to say. Instead, she smiled warmly at Billie. “Yes, we wanted to know everything. Have you the time now?”

Billie laughed uproariously. “Of course I have time for the story isn’t that why fate brought you here? My spirits tell me you have many unanswered questions that are holding both your lives back.” She winked at them both. “Let me get us something to drink.”

Belinda cringed at the thought of another coffee, “If you don’t mind I’ll have a soda please Billie. Any more coffee and I’ll be awake for days.”

“Ditto that. It’s okay when you need to keep awake for a reason but I’ve maxed out on your delicious coffee.” Danni stopped speaking she was babbling foolishly. Her mind obviously still with the train of thought of maybe having an intimate relationship with Belinda.

“Two sodas and a lemon tea for me, I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

* * *

“Life takes us on all types of journeys and some are destined to be repeated.” Billie took a long drink from her lemon tea. “Now I’m told my old Billie’s second daughter Mary was quite the handful from the day she was born. If there was a rule to break she would, not even Margaret who adored her and looked on her as her favourite could prevent the wilful streak. She was in so much trouble at one time that the local sheriff was going to lock her up for a misdemeanour that happened in the town one weekend. Of course he didn’t but that brought her into the life of the young Miss Charlotte Leonard. As you know, her family was rich and she was Margaret’s kin in a loose kind of way. Charlotte was noted for helping out the poorer folks in town and she was one of those suffragette females. Well, they met under strange circumstances and they were like chalk and cheese but fate has a way of doing that to folk. Before long they were inseparable as friends.

Danni listened intently to the tale and knew deep within her that she had a connection to the story. Her eyes drifted to Belinda who seemed equally entranced with the tale as it was unfolding.

“Billie, were they together for the rest of their lives?” The answer to this question seemed very important to Danni.

A sad expression overcame the usual jovial features as Billie took another sip of her lemon tea. “Sadly no, honey. They did run away together upstate to a farm that much I know. Then old Billie heard that Mary got sick with cholera three years later and up and died. Quite broke Margaret’s heart she was never the same again according to the family.”

The grief that overcame both women with the news of Mary’s death was evident on their faces.

“How awful,” sobbed Belinda. Then her eyes widened with a new realization. “My great grandfather was in the First World War and when he came back from England he met my grandmother… her name was Charlotte . You don’t suppose she is the same person as in your story do you Billie?”

Billie considered the question carefully as she gave both women in turn a long appraisal. “Well honey I’d say it would be easy for you to check up your family history, though if you ask me looking at the two of you I’d say so.”

Danni for the first time in a long time wanted facts not a fairy story. Anyway how on earth could she be any connection, Margaret didn’t have any children of her own and obviously Mary didn’t. This was all way too far-fetched and crazy.

“Let me get this straight…you said Margaret never had any children right?”

Billie knowingly shook her head. “Yes.”

“Then I am puzzled as to how the woman in that picture can look like me.” She was frustrated and annoyed with herself for not going with the flow but this was all too much for her to handle. No wonder people paid big bucks for others to research their family trees.

“Margaret didn’t have any child that’s true honey. However, you look like Mary and she’s old Billie’s daughter. I think you are a little confused there.”

“That still doesn’t answer my question about Margaret, Mary whoever … oh I don’t understand.” Danni wailed pathetically and Belinda had to laugh it reminded her of her own frustration when things didn’t go according to plan.

“That’s because you never allowed me to finish honey. Mary had a daughter that was one of the reason’s they left town so abruptly. I did say she was a wild child didn’t I? Anyways she and Charlotte decided to make a life together with the child. After Mary died, Charlotte lost all hope for a long time and Billie and Margaret took the young-un in, she was their granddaughter after all. Does that make more sense now?”

“Let’s see if I get this right.” Belinda swiped her face before continuing. “Your great grandmother, old Billie lived with her friend Margaret after her husband died. Old Billie had some kids and one of them was Mary? Mary was in a relationship with Charlotte Leonard and they were run out of town and moved upstate to live on a farm. Mary had a love child and when Mary died old Billie and Margaret took the child in because Charlotte was so distraught. My great grandfather married a woman named Charlotte who may or may not be the same woman. Does that about cover it, Billie?”

“Why yes it does honey.”

“We could have the makings of a great soap opera to rival All My Children.” With those words Danni started to laugh and soon found she couldn’t stop herself. How ridiculous this whole day had become. She started out trying to get Belinda Thatcher to see that life is full of unexpected twists and turns and here she was confused beyond belief. Soon tears of laughter were running down her cheeks as she looked at the two bewildered women sitting with her.

Belinda turned to Billie, “Trust me she does this often.”

Billie grinned, “I guess you mustn’t mind it if you are still together. Though how you wouldn’t be would be a miracle given your past lives.”

The woman’s obscure words had Belinda staring at her in confusion. What is that crap?

“I beg your pardon, past lives?”

“Why honey you and she are made for each other and you always manage to find each soul some time in each lifetime. One Sunday if you’ve both a mind you should come over and visit the old house then you’d know exactly what I meant. Now I have to go wash up and take a nap before dinner.” She left as abruptly as she had appeared initially.

Placing a hand on Danni’s to catch her attention, as the woman was still in a fit of giggles, “Danni did you hear what Billie said? Shall we take her up on the offer?”

Danni snorted. “My dear Ms. Thatcher, are you asking me on a date?”

At a loss for a moment Belinda wondered why Danni had jumped to that conclusion. Then as the words settled in she decided that taking Danni on a date might not be a bad idea. They appeared to have a rapport in an odd kind of way. Who knew what else they might find in a relationship as they became closer. “Sure, tomorrow?”

A brilliant smile crossed Danni’s face. “Tomorrow would be perfect. How about I take you out to a nice restaurant for dinner tonight?” She looked around their grungy surroundings. “I think we’ve had enough of the rustic scene for one day.”

“You’ve got a date, let’s go.” Belinda stood up and didn’t at first realise that she still held Danni’s hand. When she did she self-consciously dropped it in embarrassment.

Danni grab Belinda’s hand. “Do you mind? I like to hold hands with my dates.”

Blushing profusely Belinda complied willingly. Before they left the building they thanked Billie for her wonderful hospitality and asked if tomorrow would be too soon to pay that visit. They'd pay for lunch. The older woman had beamed at them and given her address, saying she'd supply the lunch and would expect to see them by midday .

* * *

Billie’s home was in no better condition than her restaurant. It had that appearance of a house that many years before had been well looked after and loved. Although now neglected, the building still had an atmosphere of love all around. The two women made their way up the rickety stairs leading to the front door. Danni rapped cautiously on the door hoping it would not fall down with the force of her knock.

“Are you certain this is the place?” Belinda scanned the overgrown yard and shuddered. She was glad she only had the balcony of her apartment to take care of.

“ Six thirty-two Waynesboro Lane is the number she gave us.” Danni held out the piece of paper for Belinda to look at. “Do you think I should knock again?”

“Sure, oh hold on I can hear footsteps on the other side.” Belinda and Danni waited expectantly for the door to open. When it did they both had to prevent a gasp of surprise at the person who swung the door ajar.

“You,” Belinda remarked in astonishment. “Why are you here?”

Danni was amazed at the sight she saw. It was a twin of Belinda except the women were probably a generation apart. “You know this woman?” Danni quietly asked as she saw a flint-like look embed in her friend’s eyes.

Belinda wasn’t the one to answer. The older woman opened the door wider for them to enter. “Yes she knows me I’m her black sheep aunt.”

Danni moved forward but Belinda did not. Grabbing her friend’s hand, Danni pulled her along into the house. “Come on, I will be right by your side,” she whispered.

The two women walked further into the house and found that despite the outer appearance the house was cosy and warm inside. Danni gazed at her friend who seemed to be still seething. She took a deep breath before speaking. “Life certainly is full of surprises isn’t it?” Her eyes landed directly on Billie standing in the kitchen doorway.

“This surprise I could do without.” Belinda muttered angrily.

Billie smiled warmly at them as she waved Belinda’s aunt over to the cool drinks that were waiting to be poured. “Glad you made it children I would have been upset if my cooking went to waste. As you can see we have another guest, this is Ethel. Once church is over another guest will arrive. Her name is Annie.”

Belinda couldn’t believe what was happening. Her world, which had been so perfectly planned, was falling apart. How did this happen and what is my aunt doing here? She wanted to crawl back into her pervious life with its order and as far away from Billie’s house as she could get. It was only when her eyes connected with those of Danni’s that she began to feel somewhat at ease.

Danni saw the fear in Belinda’s eyes. She had seen that look before like a deer afraid of what was going to happen next and wanting to bolt out of the first escape route it found. Maybe this experiment is getting out of hand. She hadn’t wanted Belinda to totally succumb to her way of thinking and be out of control. Right now her friend’s expression looked that way. With a tender smile she walked the few steps to Belinda’s side and gently took her hand and squeezed it. Somehow she had the feeling that Belinda wouldn’t want the embarrassment of them kissing to be this public. Her aunt probably didn’t know she was gay since mother didn’t. “Do you want to leave?”

With the light touch of Danni’s hand on hers Belinda felt not only a sense of calm but something else. Being here with the woman next to her was exactly where she should be. Deep down inside she knew that Danni’s course had brought them to this place and time so they could discover … the truth.

“Here you go ladies.” Ethel handed them each a drink. “Billie introduced me briefly but I think she’s more interested in her cooking. I’m Ethel Conrad, Belinda and I obviously know each other. You, my dear, I don’t know but Billie was right.”

Danni felt the hand that held hers tighten fractionally, “Hi Ethel, I’m Danni Ricardo pleased to meet you. It’s a small world isn’t it?”

Belinda gave a cynical snort as Ethel eyed her niece cautiously. The interesting stance holding the other woman’s hand was quite a surprise but then it wasn’t. “Yes it is Danni. How is your mother Belinda?”

Danni frowned as she digested the older woman’s words. “Exactly what did Billie say about me that was right, Ethel?”

“My mother is fine thank you. You don’t look any different. Mom will be shocked to find I’ve met up with you after all this time.” Belinda retorted almost snarling at the woman.

Danni wanted an answer to her question as she stroked the side of her face in deep thought. Wow, am I glad I don’t have any family. Right now if looks could kill Ethel would be as dead as a doornail. I hope Belinda never gets pissed at me.

“Ah there’s my Annie,” Billie announced loudly. “Ethel please lay the table we’re gonna eat in a few minutes. We can talk over old times then.” Billie’s ears had been listening and picking up the bad vibes even if the rest of her was engaged elsewhere.

A small woman appeared and if they had been shocked at finding Belinda’s aunt at the door this woman caused an equal stir. She was dressed formally for church since Annie was a minister. “Hi everyone, Billie you’re making my favourite.” The woman known as Annie hugged Billie warmly and winked at her. “Now who do we have here? My goodness E is she yours.”

“No, she is my younger sister’s daughter Belinda.” Ethel laughed. “Do you see a family resemblance Annie?” Ethel went over to the woman and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

With a wide grin Annie laughed. “Yep, I certainly do. I would have thought she was yours though.” Then her eyes caught Danni’s and she gave the younger woman a cheerful smile. “So is this the one Billie? You were right I’d have known those eyes anywhere.”

Danni just stood there with her mouth wide for she didn’t understand what was going on. “What about my eyes?” she said with her eyes piercing Annie. “It would be nice if I was clued in on what it going on here since obviously you are all in the loop. Why are you calling Ethel, E? Is it a nickname?” A feeling of foreboding filled her mind as she looked around at Ethel or maybe E and Billie who had knowing looks on their faces.

“Danni shall we leave? Obviously we are going to be the butt of some inside joke here.” Belinda whispered dramatically. This was beginning to be like something out of a movie - a horror one at that.

“No, no I want to know why they all think I look familiar. You have to understand Belinda I know nothing of who I am, at least you do. I want to know so I’m staying until they tell me. Please will you stay too, I need your support?” Danni softly pleaded with her friend to remain.

Annie watched the two younger women and smiled slightly before speaking again with an apologetic expression on her face. “I’m sorry my dears for making you both uncomfortable we didn’t mean any harm. Please sit. Billie will be devastated if you are uncomfortable and believe me she’s a mighty fine cook. We will have lunch and then we will tell you everything I promise. And, in answer to one of your questions, yes Ethel is E. I can’t recall when we shortened it but we did many years ago.”

Danni gritted her teeth and sighed heavily. Right now food was not on the top of her list for she needed answers. “I would actually prefer to know the answers to the other questions now.”

Annie glanced over to Billie who had been listening intently and she nodded her head. Several dishes were placed back in the old stove.

“Please sit down won’t you, and I’ll try to explain.”

The old woman looked seriously at the two younger women she had invited to her home. “Did you ever have a time in your life when the world was crashing down around you so bad you didn’t know where to turn?”

Both Danni and Belinda shook their heads.

Billie looked to Annie to continue the story. Ethel stood silent in the background listening and watching everyone’s reaction.

“Billie is my grandmother. That’ll give you an idea of who and what we are to each other. Seems to me that our family and that of E’s are linked at the hip. Anyway, to cut to the chase, I had an older sister who was lovely in both beauty and spirit. Never a day went by when she didn’t do something good in her life. At the time I was a tearaway and our parents couldn’t control me. By the time I was a teenager I left home and became a bum … I guess you’d call it.” Annie took a gulp of her tea.

“My sister and I were close so she spent all her free time looking for me after I ran away. Our parents didn’t appear to care all they wanted was a disciplined family, especially my father. Anyway, I ended up in trouble with a gang, drug running, that kind of thing. My sister persuaded a family friend who was a cop to help her find me. My sister knew that if she could get me away from the disruptive influences she could save me. So she and this man found me and dragged me kicking and screaming away from the hole I was living in. After some time they fell in love. Glen was a kind giving man and they made a great couple. Our parents wanted Christine to give him up saying he wasn’t good enough for her. She wouldn’t and left home and was disowned just like me. Even when she was pregnant they didn’t want to know. Well, Glen was gunned down three weeks before the baby was due and Christine went into labour soon after. She refused to attend the hospital and I helped her bring the baby into the world. It was the best and worse moment of my life, because Christine died never having lain eyes on her newborn. I didn’t have anywhere to turn ‘cause I was still only a kid and hadn’t completely kicked my addictions. I left my niece on the steps of a church and have regretted it every second of my life since.”

Danni sat there unable to comprehend everything she was hearing. Could it be that she somehow was related to these people? “I’m confused,” she finally blurted out.

Annie gave Danni a sympathetic look and smiled, “Some years later I’d tidied up my act and decided to try and find my niece. I wasn’t successful with that branch of the family but I did meet my grandmother. For some reason my parents never wanted us to know her. I stumbled upon her at the diner much as you both did. Fates colliding that kind of thing. I was already associated with the church by then and if I couldn’t find my niece at least I’d found Billie. Anyway the years passed and we’ve had a few close calls on my niece’s front but nothing that panned out. Anyway I guess we are three old ladies who hope and pray that one day if we couldn’t find her maybe she’d find us.”

It was at that moment Billie dragged out a photo album. “Here is a picture of Annie’s sister, Christine. She is Mary Cranford’s granddaughter the woman you saw in the photo at my place. Tell you what I‘ll roughly sketch out our family tree and maybe E can place hers next to ours and you might see what we old women are talking about.”

Danni looked at the picture again with new eyes. This is like a never ending soap opera. How the hell am I supposed to keep up with all the players?

Listening to the story Annie had told, Belinda wondered just how much truth there was in it. Then she reviewed her original thought the woman was part of the clergy she probably didn’t lie. Not like some she could mention, as her eyes tracked to her aunt who was now checking that the meal wasn’t spoiling in the stove. How in the hell had they ended up meeting, and what would she tell her parents? Dare she ever tell her parents? Her eyes moved to Danni who was consuming the old photo album her expressions changing as each photo came into view and was explained. She needed some air. “I’ll be outside okay when you’re done Danni.”

Danni took her attention away from the photos to look at her friend. The eyes of Belinda told a story of their own, is that fear or confusion I see she thought. “Sure. Is everything okay?”

“I’m good, just thought I’d take in the grounds. Give me a call when lunch is ready, I’ll be starving by then.” Belinda gave Danni a bright smile but it was false. As soon as she disappeared out of view her lips pulled tight. Why does everything have to go haywire? Can’t there be one element of this day that I can pull into line and feel that I am back in control of my own life and destiny? It was okay for Danni, she appeared not to worry about such things and frankly one of them who didn’t mind that way of life was enough. Staring out onto the ramshackle yard with the old picket fence giving a great impression of the leaning tower of Pisa , she closed her eyes. She hoped that lunch would be over quickly and she could simply go home to where everything was how it should be.

Danni continued looking at the pictures although her eyes kept drifting towards the door. Something was definitely up with Belinda. Hell, how can’t it be this whole affair since yesterday has me rattled too.If I hear one more name to add to the list I think I will scream. This is way too much information.

Ethel watched intently as the young woman covertly watched the door. “Are you worried about your friend?” she asked casually.

“A bit, she seemed upset about something. Maybe coming here wasn’t a good idea.”

“Why not let me go out and check on her. I have a feeling it is my presence here that has her upset.” She put the pencil she had been using to detail her family genealogy down on the table.

Danni had to agree to her analysis of the situation but didn’t voice her thoughts. Instead gave a grateful smile and nod of the head for Ethel to go out and see Belinda. If she and Belinda could work it out that might help them both. Right now she was in total confusion and for the first time in a long time wished she was more like Belinda. Being in control no matter what had its merits.

Belinda heard the door open and looked around expecting to see Danni. Instead she saw her aunt standing on the rickety porch. “What do you want?” The tone of her voice was angry and unpleasant. “What are you doing here anyway?”

Ethel winced slightly at the tone. She should have expected it but had hoped that it wouldn’t happen. When she’d left home Belinda had been a child barely ten years old. Guess her parents; her mother in particular, had poisoned the youngster’s mind to her. “Your friend was worried and I volunteered to check on you.”

“I certainly don’t need the likes of you checking on me. Our whole family has done well enough without you all these years.” Belinda was angry with the woman. For the first ten years of her life she always had been Auntie E’s favourite then she just up and left her.

“You never were a forgiving kid were you? I guess things never change. Although I did expect that you might have a mind of your own and found out all the facts before condemning me outright. A one-sided story never did make one and one equal two.”

Belinda looked at the woman as though she had horns growing out of her head. “I make up my own mind very well thank you.” She couldn’t believe the audacity of her aunt. “Tell you what, in the interest of fairness why don’t you give me your side of things.” It will be interesting to see how she worms her way out of this one. I already know all I need to about her antics.

Ethel hadn’t expected that. She didn’t know what she expected but it wasn’t that forthright attitude. Leaning against the closest rail she could find and relaxing against it the older woman began her story.

Belinda cringed as she saw her aunt rest against the railing. “I’d be careful that railing doesn’t appear to be all that stable.” She cautioned.

“Thanks for the concern.” Ethel moved away from the railing and leaned against the house. “I was forced to leave town. My parents and sibling decided that was the best for me under the circumstances.”

“Circumstances, what could possibly be more important than family? Did you know I worshiped you and when you left I was devastated because I thought it was my fault?” Her voice quavered as she felt her eyes fill with tears.

With a cynical laugh Ethel felt the venom of the words, a child only ever sees things black and white. Belinda wasn’t a child anymore and she was more than equipped to know the facts. “I love my family and always will until the day I die. Yes, I can see from your expression you don’t believe me. That of course is for you to decide and ultimately live with. I’ve already come to terms with the fact that my family hates me. However that doesn’t mean I have to be the same way. Have you ever asked yourself Belinda why I’m the black sheep of the family? Did anyone tell you what I did that was so wrong?” she asked with emotion.

Belinda eyed the woman carefully. “Well, from what my mother told me you had a great argument with my grandfather and told him you hated him. When I asked her years later what you did that was so awful she said you were a tramp that slept around.”

This time Ethel laughed loudly, a tramp. Only my kid sister would have thought of that as an excuse. “I did argue with my father. I argued with them all, your mother included. Your father, well … let’s just say he and I never did see eye to eye and he backed every damn move your mother made to make me out as something I wasn’t. He took great pleasure in ensuring that I wasn’t allowed to visit your home or see you after I confessed my so-called sins. I slept around sure I did I was at that experimental age in my life, I’m sure you know all about that.”

Belinda just stared at her aunt mesmerized by her words. “No, I don’t.”

“Okay, let’s get this out in the open shall we. The reason I became the most hated person in the family was of whom I slept with not how many. Do you understand now?”

“Uh, no I have no idea what you are talking about.” In her orderly world there had been no room for this kind of discussion. It was far too emotional and revealing to be of any good to anyone. Then she thought back to her discussions with Danni. Let life hap