Part 1

It was a job she hated to do, but there was no backing out of it. For everything to be perfect, she needed to get it done. She took the rag and cleanser and began dusting the living room.

Trixie Belden knew it wouldn’t be too bad, because she had been making sure that the cleaning was taken care of each week. She knew that if she kept at it, when the time came for a deep cleaning, it wouldn’t take a long while to get the job done.

And with the annual Thanksgiving Open House just days away, she was willing to do all that she could to make the event run more smoothly for her parents. It was a big event that everyone who attended looked forward to. Many saw it as a chance to see friends before the holiday festivities got into full swing, while others thought of it as one last get together before winter really kicked in.

When she finally stepped back and surveyed the living room, she realized all the work had been worth it. The room looked perfect. She made one more sweep with her gaze and was certain she had gotten everything.

“You’ve done a great job, sweetheart,” Helen Belden said, coming into the room.

“Thanks, Moms,” she said. “Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“No, that’s it for today,” Helen said. “I will need your help tomorrow to take care of those final preparations for Thursday.”

“I’ll be home right after school.”

“That would be great.”

“I better go get my homework done,” Trixie said. “I’d rather not have that hanging over my head when I get a few days off.”

“I understand,” Helen said taking the cleanser and dust cloth from Trixie.

Trixie made her way upstairs and into her room. She closed the door before moving over to her bed. She pulled her history book off the table and leaned back against the pillows.

She had every intention of reviewing the chapter for the quiz the following day, but her thoughts drifted back to a conversation with her mother a couple weeks earlier.

Trixie had entered the house and set the basket of fresh eggs on the counter. She saw the table still had some breakfast dishes on it and decided to grab them before she got to work washing.

She had her hands in the warm, soapy water when her mother entered the kitchen. She moved over to the counter picking up a dish towel and began drying the dishes.

“I’ve got this, Moms,” Trixie said. “I know you have other things to do.”

“I don’t mind helping,” Helen said. “And I was hoping we could talk.”

Trixie looked at her mother and knew what the conversation was about, but decided to ask anyway. “About what?”

Helen paused a moment as she lifted a plate out of the drainer. “Is everything all right between you and the Bob-Whites? You haven’t been up to the Manor House in a while and usually you are there almost daily.”

“Moms, I’m not having any problems with the Bob-Whites,” Trixie said as she rinsed the bowel. She set it in the drainer.

“Are you fighting with them?”

“I’m not fighting with them,” Trixie said and felt it was time to be straightforward. “Moms, I’m no longer a Bob-White. I resigned a few weeks ago.”

“But why?” Confusion was written all over Helen’s face.

“Let’s just say that the Bob-Whites no longer mean the same to me and leave it at that.”

“Sweetie, I just don’t understand.”

“Moms, I wasn’t impulsive about this decision. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. And it’s not like I’ve left the Bob-Whites completely behind. It’s just that I’m no longer part of the club. I’m no longer co-president.”

Helen was quiet for a moment. “Sweetie, I’m just worried this may have been a bad decision.”

“If it’s a bad decision, then I need to learn from it.”

Helen reached over and cupped Trixie’s face in her hand. “I guess you’re right. Just remember I’m here if you want to talk.”

Trixie smiled. “Thanks, Moms.”

But she hadn’t talked with her mother about the decision again. She felt there was nothing to talk about. She also felt her mother didn’t need to know the particulars of why she made her decision. They only person it truly affected was herself.

And I just hope that everything runs smoothly on Thursday, she thought. Part of me is worried that there will be a scene, embarrassing Moms and Dad. I could be worried for nothing, but with the cold shoulders I’ve been getting from my classmates, I fear something is up.

I’ve heard people whispering and have caught my name in passing and that has me paranoid. I never thought people I’ve known all my life would treat me this way. But it does show how people want to be in cliques or associated with one.

I guess I just need to keep being myself and if others don’t like me, then that’s their problem. I’m not going to change who I am just to please others. If I did, I would lose my own identity and I won’t let that happen.

The next afternoon Trixie was placing her books in her locker. She had no homework for the four-day weekend and was happy. She knew that it was one less worry with the open house.

As she closed her locker, she heard her named called out. Turning around, she saw Jim Frayne making his way down the hall in her direction.

“Hi, Jim,” Trixie said when he reached her side.

“Hey, Trixie,” Jim said. “How was your day?”

“Good. And yours?”

“Not bad,” Jim answered as they headed for the exit. “I was wondering if you were free this afternoon.”

“I’m sorry, Jim, but Moms needs my help getting ready for tomorrow.”

“The open house,” Jim said.

“Moms has been preparing for a week. She really goes all out.”

“The open house is a lot of fun and the food is terrific. Your mother really makes the day special.”

“You’re going to be there, right?” Trixie asked quickly.

“Of course,” Jim said. “We’ll all be there.”

“Good,” Trixie said, relief filling her voice.

“Did you think I wouldn’t come?”

“I…I…” Trixie wasn’t sure what she had thought.

“Hey,” Jim said touching her arm and getting her to stop. He turned her to look at him. “Are you worried about something happening tomorrow?”

Trixie looked Jim in the eye and knew she could be honest. She said, “Maybe a little.”

“Nothing will happen. Honey and Di would get into so much trouble if they made a scene.”

“I just can’t shake the feeling I have,” Trixie said. “You know the saying, ‘the calm before the storm?’ Well, that’s how I feel.”

“I can understand that, but you shouldn’t worry.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“Good,” Jim said. “So, do you want a ride home? I’ve got the station wagon.”

Before Trixie could answer, Honey and Di moved up to them. Honey put her hand on Jim’s arm and forced him to look away from Trixie.

“Jim, Di and I need to go to the library and get a couple books for a report that’s due on Monday.”

“Okay,” Jim said.

“And the library closes in an hour and we’ll be late if we walk, so we need a ride,” Honey finished. “If we don’t get these books today, we won’t get the report done.”

Trixie saw Jim look at her and she knew what he had to do.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Jim,” Trixie said.

She turned and quickly made her way to the bus so she could go home to Crabapple Farm before he could say anything.

As the bus pulled away from the curb, she saw Jim headed toward the station wagon with an entourage of girls following close behind. The group included Honey, Di, Amelia and two other girls.

She turned her gaze away feeling lost and alone.

Everything was a flurry of activity as the time for the open house drew near. When the first people started arriving, Trixie was doing everything needed to make sure a good time was had by all.

She moved back and forth from the kitchen replenishing good at the tables and ensuring the attendees has enough to drink. She was so busy that she could only have brief conversations in passing.

It was late afternoon when an uneasy feeling washed over Trixie. She returned to the kitchen just as more people entered the house. A voice that sent chills up her spine had just arrived.

Forcing a smile on her face, Trixie said, “Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, Jim, Honey.”

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Madeleine said.

“Thank you for coming,” Trixie said, ushering them into the kitchen. “Everyone is in the living room and the food is set up in the dining room. Go ahead and help yourselves.”

“Everything smells wonderful,’ Matthew said. “My mouth is already watering.”

“There’s plenty for everyone.”

The Wheeler’s and Honey headed into the other room as Trixie moved to the kitchen table to start slicing the pies. She knew some people would be ready for dessert shortly.

“It looks like you’ve been busy,” Jim said, moving to the table.

“It seems like there are more people here than last year,” Trixie said picking up a knife. “I haven’t stopped moving.”

“But you love every minute of it.”

Trixie smiled as she looked up at Jim. “I do.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Jim asked.

“I think everything is set.” Trixie sliced the pies.

“Let me take those for you,” Jim offered.

“I’ve got it,” Trixie said. “I need to make sure there’s enough of everything on the buffet.”

“Trixie, I want to help,” Jim insisted. “Give me something to do.”

She knew Jim wanted to help so they could spend some time together. She smiled at him. “Could you check to see if there’s more turkey needed? We have it all cut up, warming on the stove.”

“Got it,” Jim said and headed for the dining room.

Trixie couldn’t get the grin off her face.

She continued slicing the pies and then took them into the dining room as Jim returned to the kitchen carrying an almost empty tray that had held the turkey.

Once the pies were situated on the table, Trixie took inventory of the rest of the items. There seemed to be plenty of other trimmings for those who were still hungry.

She returned to the kitchen as Jim headed back with a full platter.

Trixie looked around the kitchen to see if there was anything that needed her immediate attention. But there was nothing. She knew she could sit down for a few minutes to catch her breath.

“Here,” Jim said as he returned to the kitchen.

She turned to see that he was holding two plates full of food.

“I figured you’ve been too busy to eat, so I thought we could eat together.”

“Thanks, Jim. And you’re right. I haven’t had a chance to eat.”

“Then dig in,” he said, handing a plate to her. “And if someone needs something, I can get it.”

“You are wonderful,” Trixie said.

They settled at the table and quickly began eating the tasty goodness Helen had prepared for the event.

The kitchen door opened revealing Brian and Mart. They closed the door and soaked in the warmth of the house.

“There’s plenty of food in the dining room,” Trixie said, knowing they were probably hungry as well.

“Good,” Mart said. “My mouth has been watering all day, anticipating this festive feast that’s at our disposal.”

“Go eat before any more big words slip out,” Trixie said.

Mart did not need any more encouragement and disappeared.

“Do you need any help out here?” Brian asked.

“I’ve got it under control,” Trixie said. “Go eat something and warm up. I can see by your face that it’s getting colder outside.”

“It sure is,” Brian said and headed for the dining room.

Trixie leaned back in her seat and surveyed the kitchen. She let out a sigh knowing all that needed to be done once the open house came to an end later. It would take hours.

Deciding not to dwell on that gloomy thought, she turned to Jim. “I’m surprised you weren’t here earlier.”

“We actually just go back,” Jim said.

“Got back?”

Jim nodded. “When we got home yesterday, Mother and Dad said we were going into the city to see the parade. It was a lot of fun and something I’ve never seen in person before.”

“It does sound like fun,” Trixie admitted.

“It’s a different experience from watching it on television,” Jim said. “I never realized how big those balloons truly are and what is involved in keeping them under control.”

“That does sound like a sight to see,” Trixie said.

“It was. I know the television cameras try to pick up all the details on the floats, but it’s so much better seeing it in person.”

“I definitely want to go to the parade someday,” Trixie said. “We live this close and should it experience it at least once.”

“Absolutely.”

The kitchen door opened at that moment allowing two young men step inside.

“Hi, Dan. Hi, Regan,” Trixie greeted.

“Hi, Trixie, Jim,” Dan said.

“Happy Thanksgiving, you two,” Regan said, closing the door behind them.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Jim said. “We thought you were already down here when we returned home.”

“We were hanging out at Mr. Maypenney’s,” Dan said.

“Didn’t he come along?”

Regan shook his head. “He’s not too big on large groups of people congregated in one area. He did make us promise to thank your folks for the invitation.”

“You will definitely be taking him some food home with you, Dan,” Trixie said. “Moms would be livid if he didn’t have some Thanksgiving trimmings.”

“He told us to make sure no one made a fuss,” Dan said.

“And when have I ever listened to that?” Trixie asked with a grin. “And besides, when Moms realizes he’s not here, she’ll insist you take something home, but now we can tell her it’s been taken care of.”

“Take a breath,” Jim laughed.

“”I think Mr. Maypenney will appreciate that you thought of him,” Regan said.

Trixie smiled.

“Is everyone else in the living room?” Regan asked, seeing Trixie was getting uncomfortable.

“They sure are,” Trixie said. “And the food’s set up in the dining room. Go ahead and help yourselves.”

The two of them left the kitchen as Trixie moved over to the cupboards to find a dish to hold the food for Mr. Maypenney.

“You don’t have to do that now,” Jim said.

If I find something now and I see it later, I won’t forget it’s for Mr. Maypenney.”

“Good thinking.”

Once she found a container, she made her way back to the table. Before she reached it, there was a knock on the door. She grabbed the knob and stepped back as the door opened.

She looked up and saw Mayor Robert Williams and his family move into the kitchen. His daughter slid in behind him.

“Hello, Mayor Williams,” Trixie said. “Welcome to Crabapple Farm.”

“Thank you,” Mayor William said. “I hope we’re not too late. Peter invited us to stop by.”

“Oh, no, you’re not too late,” Trixie said. “If you head through the doors right there, you will find the food and beyond there you will find everyone else. Please make yourselves at home.”

“Thank you,” Mayor Williams said.

He placed his hand on his wife’s back before heading into the other room.

Trixie looked at the young woman still standing in the kitchen and tried to keep the dread  her presence inspired hidden on her face.

Amelia flipped her hair over her shoulder and sauntered after her parents.

Trixie closed the door and leaned her head against the frame. She wished the day had come to an end already. Her gut told her something was going to happen and it wasn’t good.

“You okay, Trix?”

“Yeah,” Trixie said, turning away from the door. “I'd better get back to work.”

She left the kitchen and headed into the dining room to check the supply of food. If shed didn’t keep busy, her mind would go into overdrive thinking about what could happen.”

Trixie made her way into the living room after she saw all the platters and bowls were full. She began collecting the empty dishes and dirty silverware so she could start washing.

She saw Mayor Williams and his wife engaged in conversation with her parents and the Wheelers. Regan and Dan were talking with Brian and Mart. Honey, Di and Amelia had their heads bent close together at one end of the couch whispering softly to one another.

Trixie moved about the room collecting dishes as people complimented her on the wonderful food.

“Thank you,” Trixie said each time. “I’ll let Moms know you enjoyed it.”

She moved toward the fireplace seeing that a couple glasses and a plate had been left on the mantle. She grabbed the items and started back toward the kitchen.

Trixie suddenly fell forward hitting the floor as the cups and plate shattered. She cried out in pain. Silence settled on the room.

“Trixie! Are you all right?” her mother asked.

“I’m okay,” Trixie whispered, not bothering to look up. She knew everyone was staring at her.

“Let me help you,” her father said.

She felt Peter take hold of her arm and gently lift her off the floor. She could see the broken pieces scattered all over the floor. She saw some shards had colorings from Grandma Belden’s holiday serving dish. She couldn’t believe she’d broken it.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Trixie said looking her father in the eye. “I never meant to break it.”

“It’s all right,” Peter said. “Go ahead in the kitchen and take a break.”

“Let me clean this up first,” Trixie said.

“That’s okay,” Peter said as he moved around the broken items. “We’ll take care of it. Don’t worry.”

Trixie looked back at the broken mess before going into the kitchen. She felt terrible that she has broken a family heirloom. She moved over to the sink and turned the water on to clean her hands. She winced and saw she had a long gash on one of her fingers, but it wasn’t bleeding badly.

Once her hands were washed, she grabbed a paper towel and dried her hands, applying pressure to the wound.

I can’t believe I broke Grandma Belden’s serving dish, she thought. I just can’t believe it. I know they were downplaying the seriousness of it, but I am going to be in so much trouble later. And I was being careful. There was nothing in the way that would make me trip. But I don’t know what made me fall.

“How’s your hand?” a voice asked.

Trixie turned away from the sink to see Brian coming toward her.

“I think it’s okay,” Trixie said, pulling the towel away from her hand.

“Let me take a look.” Brian took her hand in his and carefully looked at the cut. “This should be bandaged.”

“What should be bandaged?” Jim asked entering the kitchen.

“Trixie’s hand,” Brian answered as he grabbed another paper towel and pressed it against the wound. “She fell and got cut on some broken glass.”

“I’ll go get the bandages” Jim said and left the kitchen knowing exactly where the supplies were kept.

She settled in one of the chairs as Brian sat beside her.

“You don’t have to make a fuss,” Trixie said. “I’m going to be all right.”

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Brian said.

Trixie knew her brother was right and that she wouldn’t win the argument.

“Here you go,” Jim said returning to the kitchen with the bandages and the antiseptic. He set them on the table by Brian before settling in a chair next to Trixie.

When Brian was finished, there was a bandage wrapped around her entire finger. He said, “You’ll be as good as new in no time.”

“And how am I supposed to do my chores with this?” Trixie asked holding her hand so that Brian could see. “I assume you’ll be doing the dishes for me?”

“You can still do dishes,” Brian said.

“But I can’t get it wet,” Trixie said. “It won’t heal if I get it wet.”

“Then Mart can do the dishes,” Brian said with a smile filling his face.

“And you can tell him that,” Trixie said.

“Yeah, that’ll to over real well,” Brian chuckled. “Don’t worry, Trix. We’ll get it done.”

“Okay.”

Brian grabbed the antiseptic and extra bandages before heading out of the room.

Trixie looked at the bandage in disbelief. It just made the day so much better.

I can’t believe I did that, she thought. And worse it was in front of a bunch of people from town. Mayor Williams and his wife are probably stunned that Peter Belden’s daughter couldn’t walk on carpet without falling. I am going to be the laughing stock at school on Monday. I know Amelia, Honey and Di will play up what happened making me look like a complete fool.

And what’s even worse is that I broke Grandma Belden’s dish. Every year Moms reminds us how Grandma Belden truly cherished that dish because Grandpa Belden purchased it with the last of his money one year so that they had something to hold the turkey. Grandma Belden loved it until the day she died. And I went and broke it. Dad is going to have a fit. I know Dad didn’t say anything because there was company, but the roof will be blown off the house when he does lose his temper.

Why can’t I do anything right? All I ever seem to do is make a fool of myself and embarrass everyone around me. Maybe I should just go to my room and never come out. That would solve everyone’s problems.

“You okay?” Trixie felt a hand on her arm.

She turned to see Jim’s worried gaze searching her face.

“I’m okay,” Trixie lied. “I just have a headache.”

“I’ll go get you some aspirin,” Jim said and started to get up.

“That’s okay, Jim,” Trixie said. “I’ll get it. A few minutes away from the noise will probably help.”

“All right.”

Trixie got to her feet and made her way upstairs. She found the aspirin and quickly shook two pills into her open hand. She turned the water on and allowed it to run for a minute. After filling the glass slightly, she lifted it to her mouth. She tossed the two pills in followed quickly by a swallow of water.

She dumped the rest of the water down the drain and turned the faucet off. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and wondered if there was any other way she could embarrass her parents.

I better get back down there, she thought. When everyone leaves there’s going to be a mess to clean up and I don’t want to be up until midnight. I know Brian and Mart will pitch in some, but there will still be so much to do.

Trixie left the bathroom and made her way toward the stairs. As he was about to take her first step down, she stopped when she heard two voices talking.

“I was surprised to se you here when I came in,” a female voice said, which made Trixie’s skin crawl. Amelia.

“I’ve come to every open house since I’ve lived in Sleepyside,” Jim said.

“That’s very neighborly,” Amelia said.

“It’s great to get together with family and friends,” Jim said. “Especially at this time of year.”

“I feel the same way,” Amelia said. “And it’s even better when you’re making new acquaintances that will last forever.”

“Exactly,” Jim said. “And this is such an event. The Beldens put in a lot of hard work to make sure that everyone that attends has a good time.”

“I certainly did,” Amelia said. “So, do you have any plans for our long weekend?”

“Probably some riding,” Jim said. “It’s tough to get in a long ride when I get home from school since it gets dark so soon.”

“I understand,” Amelia said. “So many things get put on the back burner.”

“Exactly,” Jim said.

“But some things have to be done, no matter how dark it gets.”

“Like what?”

Trixie heard the kiss from where she stood. The tears rolled down her cheeks. She was hurt that Jim would kiss Amelia when she was his special girl. She silently spun around and hurried back to the bathroom, locking herself inside.

She sank to the floor beside the bathtub shedding silent tears. She felt utterly alone. First Honey and Di had turned on her and now Jim.

I thought he cared, she thought. I thought he truly felt something for me, but I guess it was all just an act. He doesn’t care. No one cares. No one wants anything to do with me. Why am I even here? What purpose do I have?”

Knock. Knock.

She stared at the locked door, being as quiet as possible. She didn’t want to talk to anyone.

“Trixie? You okay?”

It was Jim.

Part of her wanted to open the door and run into his arms, but the part that won out was the part telling her to stay quiet.

She listened as the knob was turned, trying to get the door open.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Trixie? Answer me. Are you okay?”

She remained silent.

After a few more knocks on the door, she heard the footsteps walk away. She rested her head on the cool white porcelain of the bathtub and closed her eyes.

She was unsure of how much time had passed when she felt someone slowly lift her head. Her eyes fluttered open and gazed into her mother’s worried face.

“Sweetie, what is it?” Helen asked. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“She said he had a headache before she came up here,” Jim said.

He gaze shifted slightly to see him standing in the doorway. He caught her look and offered her a small smile. She allowed her eyes to close, unable to look at the mask he had on his face.

“Let’s get her into her room,” Helen said.

“I’ll pick her up,” Jim offered.

Trixie listed as her mother and Jim moved about the small room. She felt Jim gently lift her up and cradle her close to his chest. She rested her head against his shoulder as she was carried to her bedroom. A moment later she felt herself get lowered onto the soft mattress.

“Thanks for the help, Jim,” Helen said.

“You’re welcome,” he said. “Is there anything you need me to do?”

“I’ve got it,” Helen said. “But thank you for the offer.”

“I’ll go down and make sure everyone is all right with the buffet,” Jim said.

“Thank you.”

Trixie listened to his retreating footsteps and was grateful he was gone.

“Sweetie, look at me, please,” Helen said.

Trixie slowly opened her eyes and looked at her mother.

Helen took a cool damp cloth and placed it on her forehead. “Where does it hurt, Trixie?”

“Everywhere,” Trixie whispered as tears coursed down her cheeks.

“Did you get the aspirin down?” Helen asked.

“Yeah.”

“All right,” Helen said. “I want you to try and rest. I think if you’re able to sleep that headache will go away.”

“Okay.”

Helen brushed a feather light kiss on her forehead before standing up. “I’ll check on you in a bit.”

Trixie nodded slightly and her mother left the room.

Closing her eyes she allowed the tears to continue falling. She wanted to sleep and never wake up. She had been hurt in a way she never thought would happen. And by Jim of all people.

TO BE CONTINUED….