Because of you, I'm home

Chapter 1 - Bury me in satin

"If I die young, bury me in satin; lay me down on a bed of roses..."

Eyes closed, a young blonde pushed open the baby blue double doors of South Carolina's favourite southern B&B, 'Maggie's'. People from all over the U.S. with a love of country life passed through Landrum, SC for the friendly service and openness of the town. This, however, meant little to the young women standing curiously in the narrow cream walled foyer of the seemingly large three story home.

"...sink me in the river at dawn, send me away with the words of a love song."

The honey haired beauty's voice carried a melody through the rooms of 'Maggie's', grabbing the attention of the estates owner.

"Hello dear," the woman's frazzled voice captured the inquisitive gaze of the blonde, "My word! I wasn't expecting anyone in the off season, are you alone? Of course not, pretty young thing like yourself don't come to these parts alone. Looking for a room, my dear?"

"Yes, no and yes." The accented yet soft tone of the out-of-towner shocked the middle-aged women further. It could not have been any clearer to the woman that this person was definitely not from the South, or even the America's. British, maybe?

"Pardon, my dear?"

"I mean, yes I am alone, no I don't have company, and yes I would like a room, if that it alright ma'am?" The younger broke into a smile that could stop traffic, not that there was much traffic running through Landrum at this time of year. The coming marked a slow time of year for the town, especially for B&B's like 'Maggie's'.

Scrutinizing eyes swept the young blonde as the older woman – whom she assumed was the B&Bs' owner – took in the young girls' appearance; snug blue-jeans, a simple white tee, a weathered brown parker, topped off with a six-string slung off one shoulder and a less than impressive back-pack on the other. There was something familiar about the scene before her but the source of familiarity was beyond this aging woman's comprehension at that particular point in time.

"Right then, we'd better get you a room then. There's no one here other than my family at this time of year, so you have your pick of the rooms. I'll have one of the boys show you to your room. What's your name child?"

"Thank you." A relieved sigh escaped the girls lips, "...Claire, ma'am, Claire Nelson."

"Right Claire, I'm Maggie. My husband Al is in town right now but I'm sure you'll see him at dinner tonight – dinner is in the dining room at 6.00 p.m. – and my son is here with his daughter for some time so if you need anything just ask one of us."

While the women – Maggie – rattled off the running of the establishment she led Claire through the luxurious, yet comfortable building. The first floor consisted of a spacious dining room, kitchen, living room, sunroom, two small washrooms, and even a small kids area with some out-dated computers. The second floor, as Maggie indicated, featured 6 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and two master bedrooms, the first occupied by the owners while their granddaughter resided in the second. Finally they reached the third floor, where the older woman indicated Claire would be staying. Apposed to a Bed and Breakfast, this level resembled a spacious apartment or small home featuring a total of three bedrooms, a kitchenette, library with joining office and small eating area. The older woman informed Claire that the space was self-contained as it once served as her families personal space, but due to Maggie's aging joints she and her husband has moved to the second floor.

Finally Claire was shown to her room on which faced the back of the property and she dropped her things onto the double bed. Absorbing her surrounding the blonde noted a simple but welcoming room, with a double bed, wardrobe, small oak table and two chair, a portable TV/DVD combo and a small but entirely modern ensuite.