Candy Shoppe Sisters

Mr. Lankaster

 

The elegant mansion on the stree named Della lies nestled into the side of a hill so far away from the road that many do not even know it is there. A couple miles outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this brilliantly structured home with four stories bares a man by the name of Franklin Lankaster. This particular French-derived man with short jet black hair and a mustache to match has had this property since his parents died; he was twenty years old. That must have been about the time he met the love of his life, Darcy Sevler.

Mr. Lankaster had just been picking up supplies from the local grocer when he laid his eyes on her. She was wearing a scarlet apron and a bonnet to match. Putting the cakes and breads on the shelves, Mr. Lankaster could not take his eyes off of the delicate and elegant employee. Even from across the store, he could see her magnificent amythist-colored eyes that sparkled even in the cheap lighting of the grocery market. Once she set the last silk pie on the rack, she turned away and started for the door; he did not know what he was doing but he raced after her and touched her arm and said, "Would you fancy some tea at my house later, my name's Franklin, Franklin Lankaster." She simply nodded, gave a small smile and turned around. He watched her light blonde hair dance down her back as she strodded away through the double doors at the end of the aisle.

Mr. Lankaster is just remembering this moment as he prepares some tea in his kitchen; a single tear falls down his face. He grabs the newspaper from the marble countertop and sits down at the large, oval table. Apart from the sadness he is feeling at the moment, Franklin is quite elated that he has been the first one awake this morning; maybe he could have an hour or so to himself on this beautiful Saturday. He begins reading while drinking in satisfaction.

Of course, he had been wrong. Only ten minutes later, one of his daughters comes down the magnificent spiral staircase that leads all the way to the fourth floor. Ginevra had a book in her hand and Mr. lankaster saw that it said "How to Factor Trinomials" on the cover. Her face is intent as she reads on even when she reaches into the refrigerator to get a carton of orange juice.

"Lovely morning isn't it sweetheart?"

 

"Oh yes," she replies "You know, it is better to start the day early, I believe I am smarter in the morning." Out of all of his daughters, Ginevra has the shortest hair, just below her ears, but definetly above her shoulders. Also, she has average-sized dark oak colored eyes; today she is wearing a minty-green plaid dress with knee-socks to match.

"Well don't let me intrude on your readings. Geez, you've only just started Junior High and I'm sure you've outsmarted your lawyer-of-a-father." They sit in silence for only about fifteen more minutes when they hear someone else coming down the spiral. Just as Mr. Lankaster is finishing his tea, nine-year old Valentina comes into the kitchen with her Minature french poodle trodding in her imaginary shadow. As she sits down in the eighth chair seated around the table, her blue-white eyes find her sister's book.

"What's that your reading Ginny?" a look of utmost curiosity crosses her face.

"Well, it's a book about math that your probably not learning in school yet, Vally. If you want to see it you can read it when I'm finished. It's kind of hard to understand, even for me."

"Oh, that's okay I was just wondering." As she says this her bright cherry-colored hair dances around her head as she shakes it. Still in her leopard print pajamas, Valentina starts for the carton of orange juice and drinks contently while petting her fluffy poodle. Pricilla was a gift from her aunt Jess, who resides in Paris, France. Every March, Jess stays at the Lankaster Estate for the girls's birthday; poor Valentina was slightly premature and was born in a month early. Since aunt Jess was late for Valentina's seventh birthday, she brought her an extra special present from France: a teacup french poodle puppy. She is the only member of the Lankaster family who inherited Jess's bright red hair: and she is very proud of that.