Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2)

by Marianne Spitzer

  Annamarie walked up to the fireplace and found the large matches her dad used to start the fires. She took two of them. She walked outside to the leaf barrel and pulled the letter out of her pocket. She struck one of the matches against the barrel and it burst into flame. She held it up to a corner of the envelope. When half of the envelope had burned, she dropped it into the leaf barrel and tossed the extra match on top of the burning envelope. It also burst into flame, and fire quickly consumed the balance of the letter. Looking into the barrel, she could see the burnt remnants of the envelope. Walking to the water spigot attached to the house, she picked up her mom’s watering can and filled it half full. When she poured the water onto the burnt envelope, the ashes scattered. She knew that the only evidence she had been on the bluff the night Daniel died was gone forever.

  Annamarie walked back into the house, sat on the sofa, and watched TV quietly until her mom arrived home.

  * * *

  Maureen and George were relaxing in the living room when Maureen brought up her worries to George. “Dr. Norse said my stress brought on the migraine and next time it could be a stroke. I’m scared and I need to change, George. I’ve been working too hard, harboring awful feelings toward Annamarie, and not properly grieving Daniel. I need to change my life, but I’m not sure how. Will you help me, please?”

  “Of course, dear, last night I was so afraid I was going to lose you. I decided our lives had to change or I’d lose you and then I’d be lost. I did some thinking.”

  “What about, dear?”

  “First, no more stressing over Father’s house or what Daniel left to Annamarie. We have more than enough to enjoy a good life. Second, I want you to take it easy and relax more. I know you want an office at home and we’re going to build the house we talked about. The architect said they could dig and build the foundation before it gets too cold and we would be able to move in sometime next spring. I want to do it right away and you’ll then have your home office.”

  “That‘s wonderful. I was worried after I took the birds you wouldn’t want to build our dream home.”

  “I understand why you took them. You were under too much stress and I didn’t do enough to help you.”

  “I’m so sorry,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

  “I know, and we’re going to grieve for Daniel together and do what we must to assure we can see our grandchild.”

  “I have been terrible to Annamarie and I must make it up to her. I’m going to start today by sending her a lovely bouquet. Maybe after it’s delivered we can phone her in a few days and invite her to Sunday lunch.”

  “I agree it’s a good beginning. It’s small and not overbearing. I think Annamarie would appreciate the thought.”

  “Do you think we can put our lives back together, George?”

  “Yes, I do, and we’ll begin with a phone call to the florist and one to the architect.”

  Maureen walked over to her husband and hugged him. “I forgot how much I loved you until last night, when I thought I was going to die.”

  “I forgot too, but I remember now and I won’t forget again.”

  After making their phone calls, George and Maureen sat together, discussing their plans. They wanted to add something special to the house to remember Daniel. They decided a special garden would be lovely and to be certain that the architect built an alcove near the living room where they could hang pictures and place mementos reminding them of Daniel.

  “Things will get better, George.”

  “I’m sure they will, slowly, and together we‘ll support each other through it all.”

  George hugged Maureen and said they should also go away for a vacation when Dr. Norse thought Maureen was up to it. Maureen eagerly agreed. Facing her mortality changed Maureen dramatically.

  The wind picked up outside their windows and the pine scent wafted in from the north. It was a delicate, sweet scent.

  * * *

  Paula returned from her shopping trip to find Annamarie watching TV. “I’m glad you listened to me and rested.”

  “I’m tired of resting.”

  “Maybe tomorrow we can do something to be sure we stay out of the way while your Dad and Carl work on the washer and dryer.”

  “I’d like to see them working.”

  “Not me; if something goes wrong, I want to be far away.”

  “Didn’t you tell me Don would be home all day in case they need help?”

  “Yes, it puts my mind at ease. Now, what would you like for lunch?”

  “Tomato soup, a peanut butter sandwich, cantaloupe, and ice cream would be wonderful.”

  “Okay, it sounds like your cravings are starting early.”

  “Cravings?”

  “Yes, odd foods you want to eat at odd times.”

  “Oh, like pickles and ice cream. But I asked for cantaloupe.” Annamarie giggled.

  “So you did. I’ll heat the soup, and you can make the sandwich.”

  They enjoyed their lunch, wondering what was taking Carl so long, when the doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get it,” said Paula. She returned a few minutes later with a huge bouquet of brightly colored flowers.

  “Wow, who sent you flowers, Mom? What did Dad do this time?”

  “Very funny; they’re for you.” Paula set the bouquet on the table and Annamarie reached for the card.

  “They’re from George and Maureen. The card reads, ‘We have all been under a lot of stress, but we’re still family. We hope you’re feeling better. Love, Maureen and George.’”

  “I think they might be feeling some guilt.”

  “I know Maureen can be difficult. Maybe the family can get along better. It was what Grandpa wanted,” Annamarie said.

  “Let’s hope so, for everyone’s sake.”

  “Mom, something has me confused.”

  “What is it, dear? Maybe I can help.”

  “It’s about my wedding ring. Do I have to take it off now that Daniel’s gone?”

  “No, dear, it’s a personal decision.”

  “I still feel married and I don’t want to take it off. People here in town know Daniel’s gone, but others places I go, people don’t know what happened. They’ll see a pregnant woman without a ring. I know it’s the Sixties, but people can still be so cruel.”

  “If you’re concerned, then, by all means, wear it. You have enough things causing you stress. The ring is a small thing, easily handled.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I feel better about wearing it, now.”

  “Glad I could help.”

  “I hope you can help with Maureen. Something is odd about the flowers.”

  “Try not to worry, dear.”

  Annamarie said she was tired and wanted to take a short nap. She went to her room and fell asleep, thinking about what George and Maureen might be thinking.

  * * *

  A slight breeze blew through Annamarie’s hair as she walked in the meadow. A slight scent of pine encircled her and she looked for Magdalena, but didn’t see her. She heard her voice say softly, “I promised you the witch would never hurt you, and you can be sure she will only bring you kindness now.”

  When Annamarie awoke, she wondered if the witch was Maureen. She hoped her dream was true and that Maureen was changing. She heard Carl’s voice and she knew he was home from the plumbing store and that he had her car. She hurried downstairs.

  “Hey, squirt, all the plumbing supplies are in the breezeway and Dad and I are going to get started in the morning, but right now I’m going to get cleaned up. Bonnie and I are going to supper and a movie.”

  “Then hurry and don’t be late. I don’t want you to make her upset. I can’t wait for her to be my sister.”

  “In time, squirt. Don’t worry. I still have two years left to serve and she has two years of nursing school. When we’re both done, we’ll discuss the future.”

  “Sure, you’ll discuss it a lot before then. I know Bonnie.”

  “Mom, would you do something abo
ut your daughter, please?”

  “She’s your sister; don’t complain to me.”

  Carl left the room, laughing.

  Chapter Eight – More Changes

  Annamarie and her parents enjoyed a quiet supper. They discussed the washer and dryer move planned for the morning. Theo thought of all sorts of problems that might arise and delay or stop the installation.

  Paula laughed. “Keep coming up with excuses; they won’t help. Carl has the article with instructions and Don said he’ll come over and check on both of you. You won’t be able to get out of this one. I might even reconsider wanting a shower.”

  Theo shook his head saying, “No shower.”

  “Yes, dear, we’ll see.”

  Annamarie was amused by her parents’ friendly bantering. She knew that with Carl home, everything would work out well. She wished Daniel could be with them, but she knew life was changing and she was sadly moving forward without him.

  Changing the topic, Paula said, “Where would you like to go tomorrow, Annamarie, while the men destroy the house?”

  “Could we go somewhere in Oaklin, away from all the people who look at me with sad faces? Maybe we can go shopping and then have lunch.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me. We’ll leave when they begin working.”

  “I would like to look at appliances. Then I‘ll have ideas when we meet the contractor on Monday. I also need bedroom furniture.”

  “I always enjoy shopping for things for the house. We’ll have a nice time. Let’s hope we have a home to come back to.”

  Annamarie giggled.

  Theo grumbled, “If you want me to do this, I would think you’d be nicer.”

  “Poor Dad. We’ll be nice to you when the work is done tomorrow.”

  “I’ll even grill a steak for supper,” Paula added.

  “You have a deal,” said Theo.

  They enjoyed dessert, watched a little TV, and went to bed early. They would be starting the morning with the birds.

  * * *

  Annamarie woke to the sounds of laughter and the aroma of freshly perked coffee. Why did they let her sleep so late? She wanted to see what was going on. She climbed out of bed and stopped in front of her dresser. Annamarie vaguely remembered a dream about Daniel. He had been standing in the mirror on her dresser, surrounded by gray fog. His eyes had turned from blue to black as he told her no matter what she did, she’d never be happy in Grandfather’s house. She shook off the memory.

  Daniel wasn’t supposed to be in her parents’ home. Magdalena would take care of Daniel, she hoped. She dressed quickly and hurried to the kitchen. She saw her Mom standing in the doorway to the breezeway, holding a cup of coffee.

  “Good morning, Mom.”

  “Good morning, sleepyhead. We didn’t want to wake you too early, but they’ll be drilling holes soon, so it’s a good thing you’re awake.”

  “How’s it going so far?” she asked, pouring a bowl of cereal.

  “Not bad. Don stopped in for a few minutes and told Carl the instructions he had were correct. He also reminded them he would be doing yard work all day, if they needed him. Your dad offered to trade places and Don laughed, saying, ‘you have to learn sometime.’”

  Annamarie smiled. Her dad scowled at her and then grinned, saying, “Morning, princess.”

  She curtsied, saying, “Good morning, your majesty.”

  “Good grief, are they still doing that? I thought you grew up?” said Carl.

  “Never too old to be Daddy’s Princess,” Annamarie replied.

  Everyone laughed and Paula said, “Let’s give the men some room and get ready for our day.”

  “Don’t spend all your money. I might have to hire Don.”

  “No worries, Dad. Annamarie said she’d pay for everything,” said Carl, laughing.

  Annamarie and Paula called out, “See you later!” as they left for their shopping excursion.

  * * *

  “Where should we go first?” asked Paula.

  “We could try the large department store. They have appliances, furniture, and everything else I might need.”

  “Good idea.” Paula put the car into drive and headed for Oaklin.

  “This is nice, Mom, two ladies on their way to shopping. No one thinking, ‘Oh there goes pitiful, pregnant, widow Annamarie.’”

  Paula smiled and said, “I don’t think people refer to you as pitiful or pregnant. Not many people know.”

  “Maybe, but people still say ‘widow’ and I hate the word. I was barely a bride. It’s a joyful word, full of promise. ‘Widow’ is sad and cold. It’s a harsh word.”

  “Pregnant and mommy-to-be are lovely words. Concentrate on them and you’ll feel better. Soon people will see you as Annamarie again and forget about the word ‘widow.’”

  “I hope you’re right, Mom. Oh, look! We’re at the department store.”

  * * *

  Back at home, progress on the washer/dryer project was moving right along. Theo was humming and Carl took it as a good sign. The ringing phone broke their attention. Carl said he would get it; he was closer.

  “Hello. I’m sorry, Mrs. Logan, but Annamarie isn’t home right now. She’s out with our mom.” He listened and replied, “Yes, I’ll tell her when she gets home, but I’m not sure when that’ll be. Okay. Bye.” Carl returned to the breezeway and said, “Mrs. Logan wants Annamarie to come for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Absolutely not; the last time we saw her she was mean to Annamarie. I’m not going to let her go into the tiger’s den alone.”

  “I agree. They need to rebuild her trust. They scare me. I can imagine how Annamarie feels.”

  Both men nodded and continued their project.

  * * *

  As she walked into the department store, the first thing Annamarie saw were the clothes: all the beautiful new fall styles that she wouldn’t be wearing.

  “Do you want to look?” asked Paula.

  “No, Carl said I’ll look roly-poly soon. That would be too depressing.”

  Paula smiled, remembering the conversation between her children, and said, “Let’s look at furniture.”

  Annamarie was excited and hurried to the department, leaving her mom to catch up. Heading straight for bedroom suites, a set caught her eye. She had seen it in the decorator magazine and Daniel said he wouldn’t sleep in a room decorated that way. It was her room now and she could do what made her happy.

  She stopped in front of the colonial-style white dresser and gazed into the mirror. She knew this was her dream bedroom set. A salesman and her mom arrived at the same time.

  “May I help you?” asked the polite gentleman in the blue suit.

  “Yes, I’m interested in this bedroom set.”

  “Lovely choice. Did you know it also comes in walnut and maple finishes?”

  “I’m only interested in the white.”

  Her mom interjected, “White is harder to keep clean, and you might tire of it easily.”

  “I won’t. It’s exactly what I saw in the decorator magazine. Daniel hated it, but I love it. I need to make myself happy whenever I can now. Besides, I have Elaine to help me. I’ve decided to hire her permanently.”

  The salesman asked into what style room she was placing the furniture. Annamarie explained she had dark walnut hardwood floors and the wood on the windows and floorboards matched. There were two large windows to let in the sunlight. She planned on painting the room a shade of medium pink.

  “Then I think you have made a wise choice. This set will accent the dark wood and soft-colored walls. Adding brightly colored bedding will be the ideal touch.”

  “That’s what I had in mind. When I find the perfect floral bedspread, I’ll know the exact pink for the walls.”

  “Wonderful.”

  Paula stood and watched her daughter take charge as if she had been doing it all her life. She had definitely grown up in the last few weeks.

  Annamarie added, “I won’t need this for a few weeks, since we�
�re renovating.”

  “That’s not a problem.” He took a sheet of paper and wrote down the description, stock numbers, and price of each item Annamarie wanted. He stapled his card to the paper. “When you are ready, simply call me and I’ll place your order. Before I forget, what size mattress did you have in mind?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Let me show you our selection.”

  The salesman quickly explained the difference in sizes. Annamarie’s mind drifted back to her mini-honeymoon and the wonderful big bed she and Daniel had shared. Looking at the mattresses, she decided the king would be too big and decided on the queen.

  “Could you write the measurements down, please? My husband was concerned we might not be able to get a queen-sized up the stairs. I have an open staircase, so I am hoping it’s possible. Will I be able to let you know, when I call?”

  “Of course,” he said as he walked off to write down measurements and prices while Annamarie lay down on different styles until she found the perfect mattress.

  “This is wonderful, Mom. Daniel would have…” Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks so quickly she couldn’t stop them. Paula was ready with a hanky. Annamarie regained her composure by the time the salesman returned. He handed her the information and she said she would be calling soon.

  “Enjoy your afternoon, ladies.”

  “Thanks. You, too.”

  They headed towards the appliance department.

  “What’s wrong with me, Mom? I can’t keep crying like this.”

  “Yes, you can and you will for a while. The tears will subside over time and you’ll be able to control them until you’re alone. Worrying about it will only make it worse. Let’s check out those appliances.”

  * * *

  Maureen was singing quietly as she dusted the living room. George smiled at the change in her.

  “I do hope Annamarie can come for lunch tomorrow.”

  “She might feel a bit apprehensive.”

  “It’s not good for the baby. I have an idea. Let’s invite them all the way we did when Daniel…” Tears choked her words.

  “I understand, dear, and I think it’s a splendid idea to invite her entire family. It’ll be nice to see Carl again, too. The last time, in Townsend’s office, wasn’t pleasant. We want her to feel like family.”