Antique House - Book One

Chapter Two FLASH FLOODS

There were no specific defining moments just a pattern of events and experiences that rattled around in her soul like loose screws in an appliance. They were always present in her mind, but usually she could redirect her thoughts when something triggered her mind to relive them. It had taken a long couple of years for her to finally find the strength, peace and tools needed to get normalcy back into her life not that her world would ever be truly normal again.

Melinda had what some of her friends called a "respectable" and "envious" lifestyle before everything had been upheaved on her. She had a great job that paid her well, a beautiful apartment in the downtown area and was very active in her community. She had been in a few relationships but she wasn't ready to settle down as she was focusing on her career first.

She remembers vividly when her life seemed to take her off the original course she planned for herself. How she wished she could erase the memories that were embedded in her mind, but like many experiences in life there was many complicated emotions woven together.

Her day started off as usual as all her day offs from work as she always planned them out as she had only every second Monday off and wanted to ensure she made most of day.

Sunday night after she was done work, she perused her cupboards and fridge to see what groceries and supplies were needed as well as browsed the online ads from her favorite super markets and wrote down all the sales. She made sure it was ready for Monday morning's grocery run so she wouldn't waste valuable time this morning.

She woke up and pulled on her favorite fleece house coat and slippers and then headed to her kitchen to make her breakfast of toast with honey and banana slices. While she was waiting for the sound of the toaster, she started her kettle and grabbed a tea bag and mug. Once everything was ready, she headed to her small wood kitchen table to sit down and browse her favorite column in newspaper.

Once she was finished eating, she placed her mauve plate and mug in her sink and headed to her bedroom to get dressed in her previously set out clothes to wear grocery shopping. "Comfort is the most important element of grocery shopping because you do not want to be all stiff and uncomfortable pushing through aisles" she always told her friends and family. Ironically although they teased her about it, they couldn't argue with her logic as it made sense.

Once she got dressed in her pink leggings and knitted pink and white top, she slipped on her black loafers and headed to the counter to grab the necessary items that she had set out for her day – grocery bags, lists, car keys, house keys, cell phone and her matching pink purse. On her way out the door, she grabbed her warm black poncho and headed outside. Locking the door, she took a step ahead and took in all the aromas of springtime surrounding her neighborhood.

Melinda's first stop was to the supermarket to gather supplies plus get some new ingredients for a recipe she wanted to try. Cooking and experimenting with new foods and flavors was something that she loved to do especially in her time after work.

Some of her favorite things to make were bread, scones and soups. She always found it so relaxing and therapeutic when she spent time working in her kitchen. Many of her most precious memories from childhood were rooted around spending time in the kitchen with her grandmother

. One of her favorite things to make was her grandmother's "Blackberry Scones".

She had made the recipe so many times that she had it memorized. As she pulled up to the super market, she began to scan the parking lot for a space that did not have any cars near it as to not have to worry about anyone hitting her car. It was her pride and joy and her first brand new car and she spoiled the car and always kept it immaculate inside and outside.

Once she was parked and had grabbed her cart inside, she began her favorite part of the day grocery shopping. She loved the feeling of browsing the aisles as she picked out her favorite items and picking up new coupons for her next shopping trip.

While she was reading her list and walking the bakery department, she accidentally bumped into someone. When she looked up, she saw a tall, slender man with deep blue eyes and short reddish blond hair.

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry." she said "I was kind of absorbed in my list!" "I am such a stickler for lists, it can overtake me at times" she chuckled. She could feel her face redden as she spoke, she was so embarrassed.

"It is okay ma'am it happens to us all. Are you okay, did you hurt yourself?" He smiled at her with such a beautiful smile and a sincere look of concern.

"I am okay only thing bruised is my ego"

"Thank you for asking though!"

"My name is Melinda by the way, nice to meet you"

She figured she should at least introduce herself as he was so kind and understanding.

"Name is Jobe, but my friends call me Jo and it is a pleasure to meet you as well." he extended his hand to shake hers.

As she caught a glimpse into his eyes, she felt so drawn and captivating by the beauty they held.

As her hand touched his she felt a weird sensation and feeling run through as if they had a deep connection.

There was something about him that drew her to him and she couldn't put her finger on what. A strong sensation pulsed through her veins as if this encounter was not coincidence, but she dismissed it.