Second Chance

Chapter 1

Red Oak, Vermont, loomed like a specter from Lucy Finn's past, a place she never imagined returning to. This town, with its protective red oak trees, held a reservoir of memories from a brutal history she preferred to forget. A community where everyone knew everyone, Red Oak was the kind of town where running into your entire graduating class at the local grocery store was routine. For Lucy, it was more than a nostalgic reunion; it was a haunting reminder of a past she sought to escape. However, despite her reluctance, her longtime friend Abby Gonzolaz had successfully persuaded her to make this unexpected journey back.

As Lucy's eyes scanned the familiar landscape, a chill ran down her spine. The town seemed frozen in a time capsule; every shop and house stood as if untouched by the years. Citizens turned heads, casting curious glances at the unfamiliar vehicle idling down Main Street. Lucy knew her return would be the talk of the town by the next day's church service. She pulled up to the small bungalow, her temporary residence – chipped paint, sagging porch, and all. Lucy didn't mind; it held more promise than the dilapidated trailer she shared with her emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend, Derek. Anything was an improvement compared to living with him. Her return to Red Oak was a desperate move, her back against the wall with nowhere else to go.

Stepping onto the gravel driveway, Lucy studied her new home. It was a rental property, but she saw its potential with a little tender loving care.

"You're finally here," a voice said behind her.

Turning around, Lucy couldn't help but smile. It was Abby, her childhood best friend – the one who stood by her side through thick and thin, ensuring they kept in touch even after Lucy moved to Kentucky.

Abby rushed toward her, wrapping her arms around Lucy. It felt like no time had passed. Abby's tan skin radiated in the sunlight, and her glowing brown hair framed her face. Unlike Lucy, Abby was now married and five months into her pregnancy. Her oldest son, Griffin, was only four years old.

Abby cupped Lucy's cheeks, staring into her eyes. "I didn't think you would follow through with your promise to move back."

Inhaling deeply, Lucy held her breath before exhaling the warm August air. "Yeah, well, here I am," she said, forcing enthusiasm.

Abby, the cheery best friend, pulled Lucy toward the bungalow and forcefully pushed the door open. "Sorry, it could use a little work. David and I stopped renting it out years ago."

Lucy didn't mind; as long as she had a roof over her head, she was content. She knew how to survive with the bare minimum; it was all she had ever known.

"It's more than enough, Abby," Lucy praised.

As Abby showed her around the one-bedroom home, Lucy couldn't help but wonder if her parents were still around. She had cut off contact with them the moment she graduated high school, eager to hit the road with Derek. At the time, Lucy felt like she had the world in the palm of her hand.

The home lacked a washer and dryer, so Lucy would spend her weekends at the local laundromat. Besides that, the house had everything Lucy needed. She was ready to take this year to heal, move on with her life, and hopefully leave Red Oak for good.

Twiddling her thumbs nervously at the kitchen table, Abby soaked in her friend's response to the house. Abby tended to be a people pleaser, and nothing would please her more than her best friend being happy.

Lucy tentatively sat across from her and gave her a weak smile.

"It means a lot you were willing to give me a place to stay, not to mention also lowering the rent," Lucy said.

Abby smiled from ear to ear, happy that her friend was content with what she could provide. "I know it looks like a dump now, but you are more than welcome to change anything to your comfort. Like I said before, David and I don't rent it out anymore. We thought it was more of a waste to rent it out."