Author’s notes: Thanks to Carol M., Lisa Marie and Aleta for taking the time to read this and for their suggestions. Also as usual, I am not making any money off this. Just writing for the fans and my own pleasure.
Chapter 2
A little while later, Trixie made her way along the drive to Ten Acres. It had been the home of Jim’s great-uncle, but it was destroyed the summer she met Jim. His step-father, Jonesy, had set the house on fire.
As she drove down the path, she realized the growth had taken over the path in the five years she had been gone from Sleepyside. Rounding the turn, she spotted Jim’s jeep and pulled to a stop beside it. She got out and looked around.
Why did Jim want me to meet him here? she wondered making her way toward the remains. There’s nothing here. I can’t believe it’s been almost ten years since the house burned down. Jim came so close to dying in that fire. That day could’ve turned out so differently.
“Hey,” a voice said interrupting her thoughts.
She turned and saw Jim coming toward her. His red hair seemed to glisten in the sun light. “What’s going on? Is everything all right?”
Jim stepped up to her and took hold of her hands. “I wanted to show you something.”
“What is it?”
“Come here.” He held onto her hand leading her into the woods away from the ruins. They moved into the woods about three hundred feet before Jim stopped.
Trixie looked around. She didn’t see anything different. Looking at Jim, she saw he was staring at her. “Jim, unless I’m missing something, this is just woods here.”
“For now it is. But that will change.”
Trixie was confused and realized Jim could see that. He continued quickly. “Trix, I finally decided this is where I want to build the house.”
She looked around letting go of Jim’s hands. “Why here? Why not where the original house was?”
“I want it here because it’s a place to start new memories. In my life here in Sleepyside, the old house has a lot of troubling memories. I want this to be a fresh start.”
“It’ll take a lot of work,” Trixie commented. “The trees will have to be cleared from the area before anything can be done.”
“I know. The crews will start clearing the land next week after the holiday. Everything is in motion so the house will be completed before the first snowfall.”
“That’s a really tight schedule,” she said.
“I’ve been thinking about building a house for a while.” Jim turned to face her. “I’m tired of living in my apartment in town. It’s too far from the school.”
“Hey, you don’t have to convince me,” Trixie said with a laugh.
“There was another reason I wanted to show you this land.” Jim took her hands in his again.
“And what’s that?”
Jim reached up and touched her face. He spoke softly. “I know we both agreed to take it slowly so we don’t have any more problems or misunderstandings, but part of me hopes that one day in the future, when the time is right, that you will share this house with me.”
“Jim.”
“I know this is a surprise. But having you live here with me in the future would be a dream come true.”
Trixie stared at Jim. She knew he was being honest with her, but what he said had surprised her. Being together was also a dream of hers, but she didn’t think it would be appropriate anytime soon.
“Trixie, this is something we can talk about,” Jim said interrupting her thoughts. “Maybe we won’t be here together, but it is something to look toward.”
“We’ll just have to see what happens,” Tixie said smiling.
Jim’s smile got bigger. “You’re right.”
Trixie looked around. “It does look like a great spot. There are plenty of trees to separate you from the neighbors.”
“That’s what I thought too. Maybe later I’ll show you the plans.”
She smiled at Jim. “I’d like that.”
“So,” Jim began, “Are we still going out?”
“Sure, but I need to go home and change.”
Jim looked at his watch. “How about I pick you up in two hours?”
“That’s fine.” Trixie glanced at her own watch. “Where are we going?”
“I was thinking we could go to the festival, but we could do something else since you spent most of the day there.”
“That’s fine. I really haven’t had a chance to see much and tonight is probably my only chance,” she said with a sigh. “Especially since I have to work the parade tomorrow night.”
“The Chief is making you work?” Jim asked, surprised.
“I think this is his idea for getting even with me after all the problems I caused him years ago.”
“But at least you won’t be there long.” Jim reached up and brushed a curl behind her ear.
“True.” She looked at her watch again, then back at Jim. “I better get going or we’ll never make it to the evening activities.”
“I’ll see you soon.” Jim kissed her cheek.
“Bye.”
*****
That night, Trixie and Jim wandered through the rides and game tents. They got something to eat after hitting a few rides.
“Let’s go in the fun house,” Jim suggested.
“All right.”
They went inside and were greeted with a variety of mirrors distorting their reflections. They moved into the next room which had a light flashing. Jim turned to Trixie and put his hand on her cheek. “I may not have said it today, Trixie, but I do love you.”
“Jim.”
“May I kiss you?”
Trixie smiled. “You don’t have to ask.”
She felt Jim lean close as she closed her eyes. She felt his warm breath on her cheek. But before their lips could meet, a group of children rushed in knocking Jim away from her and sending him down one of the halls.
Letting out a breath, she relaxed, knowing she would find Jim once she was out of the building and started searching for the exit. She made her way to a room with several doors, hoping one would lead her to the exit.
Opening one door, she heard two men talking.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” the first voice asked. It was deep and scratchy.
“Of course. Doing it while this celebration is going on is the perfect cover. By the time the police figure it out, we will be long gone.” The second voice was high-pitched.
“So, what’s the plan?”
“I’m only going to repeat this once more,” the high-pitched voice said angrily. “During the parade, we’ll stake out the building to see what kind of security there is. But nothing will be done until the fireworks go off a couple days later.. Most people will be watching the lights in the sky, not what we are doing.”
“But what about the police?” Trixie moved as close to the wall as possible listening to what was going on and ignoring the people who were moving passed her.
The second man laughed. “The Sleepyside police are a joke. They couldn’t find their uniforms if they were right in front of them. This will be perfect. And as soon as our business is completed, we’ll be on our way.”
“This better work,” the scratchy voiced whined.
“It will.”
“But what about the snoop this town has?” the scratchy voiced asked. “I heard she has caught some criminals.”
That’s me they’re talking about, she thought.
“There’s nothing to worry about. She’s been long gone for five years. I doubt she’ll ever come back to this rinky-dink town.” Boy, have they got it wrong, she thought. “Why do you think we’re doing this now? ”
“Okay, so, where do we meet tomorrow?”
“Let’s meet at the bank. Then we’ll take care of business.”
“Sounds good. We better get out of here.”
“Leave in a few minutes,” the scratchy voice said.
“All right.”