Kissing Mr. Bradley

Chapter 32

It was a different kind of day.

I couldn't remember the last time I had enjoyed a weekend to myself.

After Ethan had given me the keys to the Hastings Manor, I drove out of the city to my childhood home, feeling bittersweet at the moment I never thought would come so easily and so fast.

As decrepit as it was, The Hastings Manor was still standing strong, welcoming me with the sound of the shutters slamming against the window from the late afternoon breeze and the wooden creak of the floorboards with every step I took.

I entered the building that had future potential. I remembered what Ethan had promised, to help fix it up until it's livable again. I thought about what could possibly come after. Moving the rest of my family into our home was a dream that was a lot closer than I thought.

I was brought back to a time I almost completely forgot about. I could see our family's Christmas tree touching the high ceiling. I could smell the fresh, warm cookies my mother made every Sunday afternoon during the Springtime. I could hear the pattering footsteps of my siblings as they raced across the foyer to the outside where the trees were once alive and well. A recollection of my memory brought me to tears.

I dropped to my knees, overwhelmed with emotion. I felt like a complete idiot sobbing uncontrollably and I was glad no one was around to see.

I thought about my father's last dying wish and the promise I had made to him before his passing, for the Hastings Manor to be revived by his offspring. If only he was alive to see that I had finally granted what he wished for.

I went upstairs to my bedroom and sat on the bed, remembering all of the days and nights I spent in that space. It brought more happiness through my tears of sadness. The memories flowed through my mind like a stream of water. It brought happiness to my heart. It was like reuniting with a friend after years of being away.

I grabbed the stuffed bear and my diary. I sat down on the floor and began reading all that was written. My words of wisdom at such a young age brought more tears and laughter. I must've stayed there for hours because the sun was beginning to set.

I carefully made my way down the stairs and stopped short when I noticed something.

The scent of burning smoke quickly caught my attention. The smell immediately soared through the entire home.

I ran down the rest of the stairs, my foot almost getting stuck between a crack when the smoke became stronger, making it difficult to breathe clearly. A thin haze of smoke imperfected my vision, making it hard to see.

By the time I got to the kitchen, I could see the spark of orange near an electrical cord and plaques of wood but not even that could put the fear in me like the woman standing on the other side of the burning smoke with a wry smile on her face.

"Donna," I said, trying to catch my breath at the startling sight of her. "What did you do?"

"It was a little cold," she said, folding her arms as if to warm her body. "I thought I'd start a fire to warm the place up."

I looked around for water but there was none. The fire began to burn more with its light brightening the dark place.

I turned to leave before it got any worse but Donna caught up to me with a tight grip.

I swung my arms at her to break free but she wasn't going to let me go.

"Stop!" I yelled as she grabbed the back of my hair and dragged me across the floorboard toward the fire.

"I've had enough of you!" she screamed. "This is what happens when you become a threat to my family's business!"

I could feel the heat getting closer until I pleaded for her to let me go.