A happy, chirpy cardinal outside Abby’s bedroom window ushered in the morning. Glancing at the clock, she saw 6 A.M. and groaned. Maybe she’d slept an hour total. With so much to think about and to accept, her eyes had refused to close. Her mind had refused to hush.
The bright red bird tapped on her window and added a few more loud chirps.
“What’s with you? Don’t you have a female to woo?” Abby padded over and lifted the sash, realizing too late there wasn’t a screen.
The bird flew into her closet and perched by the cubby she’d done a good job avoiding. He pecked on the door and tilted his head Abby’s way.
“Did Gita send you?” she asked, smiling. Was this Charm’s latest messenger? “I’ve got a cardinal in my closet waiting on me to open the blasted cubby and read about portals and who knows what else. And I’m talking out loud to a bird. Yes, it’s going to be another mystifying day.”
The continued chirping rallied Abby to retrieve the chain and face Pandora’s box. As soon as she inserted the portal key, the cardinal flew out the window. “Guess I’m doing something right.” Opening the door, Abby retrieved a gold embossed envelope sealed with an unusual multi-colored wax. She returned the chain to the inlaid wood box on her dresser.
Taking the envelope to the kitchen, Abby made a cup of hibiscus tea. She waited to break the seal until seated on the terrace. It seemed the ideal place to receive her portal instruction. Glancing around and seeing no evidence that the sisters would intrude, Abby pulled the parchment pages from the envelope and read.
She learned of three portal locations meant only for her use. The first was a type of locked box located on the living room bookshelf, behind the Jane Austen novels. Abby’s smile was replaced by a raised brow when she read about the second location. A hidden drawer in Building Three belonged to her. “I guess that cinches my answer for Daisy and Nash.” The last location and explanation gave her pause. She’d find lock three on a fence gate if the detour road ever appeared.
Abby reread the instructions stating the third lock would become activated if, and only if, she successfully completed the lessons and other unnamed actions. A unique gold charm would find her and serve as proof. Both the charm and key were required to operate the gate. Upon receiving the token, she’d have a designated amount of time to decide whether to leave Charm or remain a permanent resident.
With a soft exhale, she folded the papers and placed them in the envelope. Time was needed to absorb the information and instructions of how her life might unfold in Charm. At least the path home was explained. She felt empowered and with options. That truth would carry her toward her next steps.
For now, she’d make a quick trip to the market for seeds and nuts. Disappointing the friendly birds and squirrels while on Aubrey and Will’s flower outing wasn’t an option. Full of gratitude for her many gifts, she went to dress for her fifth day in Charm.
~*~
Abby heard Bella and the kids’ excited voices and hurried outside to greet them. “Good morning, everyone.”
Aubrey and Will waved and ran past the two women, heading toward the backyard.
“Hi, Abby. As you can see, I’ve got two eager ones ready to spend the next hour or so with you. My eagerness is about getting this mop coiffed.” Bella fluffed her hair. “Thank you again for inviting them.”
“It’s my pleasure, and I’m going to have a ball introducing Aubrey and Will to the specialness of flowers. So, don’t rush back here. Savor that pampering.”
Bella smiled. “I plan to. As promised, here are the cookies and punch.”
Abby accepted the sack. “Super. Get yourself gone. I’ll take good care of your kids.”
“I know. Wait, I almost forgot. Nash said to tell you he’d swing by after lunch. He’s inviting you to their baseball game, assuming you’re free. It’s a lot of fun watching these guys play. My brother said he scored a major coup getting Sander to join.”
“I’d say he did. That outing can only help poor Sander. Without your brother’s help and kindness—”
“I know, Abby. Nash is a terrific man, and I keep hoping he finds someone to appreciate and love him. I know all too well what he’s missing.” Bella’s expression mirrored sadness.
Abby returned and touched Bella’s shoulder. “I hope one day you find love again. You’re a terrific woman. Terrific runs in your family. Now, skedaddle. I’ve got to find those terrific kids.” Abby waved and jogged toward the backyard.
Aubrey and Will were doing somersaults on the soft carpet of grass and came running when they saw Abby on the terrace.
“Hey, you two. Come sit at the table so I can explain our flower hunt.” Abby waited while they got situated.
“What’s that in your hand?” Will asked. He pulled stray grass from his hair and gave it to Abby.
“This is a special photo book of flowers I found on my bookshelf.” Abby opened the bookmarked page.
Aubrey spoke up. “Those are daisies.”
Abby nodded, smiling. “You’re correct.”
“I picked some yesterday and gave them to Mommy,” said Aubrey.
“I picked some too,” Will added.
“I’m sure your mom loved her daisy bouquet.” Abby smiled at each child. “So, here’s how we do a flower hunt. I’m going to show each of you three pictures of the flowers you’re going to hunt on our walk. If you find them, I have a cool prize waiting with the punch and cookies. How does that sound?”
“Fun,” answered Aubrey.
“Fun,” parroted Will. “Can we go now?”
“We sure can. I’m going to bring the book in my backpack so you can match the photos to the flowers.” Abby grabbed both children’s hands and led them toward the path.
“Look. A kitten is waiting by the rock.” Aubrey took off.
Will galloped behind his sister.
When Abby reached the kids, surprise found her once again. She knelt beside a too familiar lilac point Himalayan kitten. The little female ball of fluff looked like the one from the pet store window. Abby remembered thinking she’d like to have another Himmy. “You know, kids, I bet this kitty escaped her new home to go exploring.”
“Abby, look what’s tied to her collar.” Aubrey pointed.
“Show me. I want to see first.” Will bent down.
“Let’s both check it out. Maybe it’ll tell us where this furry one lives.” Abby spun the collar around and found a gold bell with a latch. She heard the kitten’s purr grow louder. A piece of paper folded tightly inside the trinket fell to the ground.
“What’s it say? What’s it say?” Aubrey danced around.
Abby read the words to herself. “Only in Charm,” she mumbled yet again. “It says her name is Orchid, and she belongs with me.”
“You’ve got another new friend,” declared Aubrey. “She’s so fluffy. May I hold her?”
Abby managed a nod as she tried to process this latest surprise. She’d been given a kitten named Orchid. Plus, she’d been told the feline belonged with her versus to her. Who’d delivered Orchid? More, what had kept the kitten waiting in the yard? Abby’s quester self hadn’t a clue. She watched as Will took a turn cuddling the kitten.
“What are you going to do with Orchid while we go on the flower hunt?” Will giggled when the kitty sniffed his nose.
Abby was wondering the exact same thing. “Well—”
“I know.” Aubrey’s eyes grew bright. She took the kitten from Will and passed it to Abby. “Tie your scarf around you so Orchid can ride inside it when she gets tired of walking with us.”
“From the mouths of babes.” Abby hugged Aubrey. “That’s a perfect idea. Thank you.” Abby noticed Orchid’s purr had changed to a higher pitch as she held the kitten closer. “You’re too cute. I don’t know how or why we got paired, but your name tells me you bring more lessons and direction.”
“Can we go now? Please?” asked an impatient Will.
“Hang on. I forgot to grab the seeds and nuts. I’ll be right back,” Abby promised.
“It’s okay. We’ll stay right here.” Aubrey reached for Will’s hand.
“Great.” Abby and Orchid hurried inside the cottage’s kitchen, where the bag of treats waited on the counter. She did a double-take, spying a new addition in her laundry room.
She released Orchid to investigate full dishes of cat food and water. A new litter box waited in the corner. Abby leaned against the wall and glanced out to see Aubrey and Will waiting patiently.
Orchid took a few laps of water and returned purring to Abby as if to say, “I’ve seen my new home, and I’m ready now.”
“Okay, Miss Orchid, let’s go.” Abby scooped up the kitten and closed the door. Wait until she told Gita about the kitten’s appearance. Then again, maybe Gita already knew. Perhaps the whole town knew. Abby chuckled at her growing ability to think outlandishly.
~*~
A smiling Bella arrived at the cottage with her new hairstyle while Abby and the kids waited on the porch.
Aubrey and Will went running toward their mom, waving their prizes.
Abby followed. “What a cute cut, Bella.”
“Thanks. I like it too. Styling it should prove easy and fast. Did my monsters behave?”
“I’m not a monster.” Will’s lower lip pouted.
“My mistake. Come here for a hug.” Bella opened her arms, and a tired Will tucked his face into her neck.
“See my prize?” Aubrey held up a packet of flower seeds and a set of yellow-handled gardening tools designed for a child’s smaller grasp. “I found all of my flowers. Didn’t I, Abby?”
“You certainly did. Will found his flowers too.” Abby tousled his hair. She passed Bella the same tools, only in green. “Those go with him.”
“What fun prizes. We’ll have to get Uncle Nash to help us make a new flower bed this weekend.” Bella opened the car door for the kids to climb inside. “Thank you again, Abby. I’m so glad you’re a part of Charm, and I hope one day you’ll feel the same.”
“You know, Bella, I think I already do. Bye, Aubrey and Will.” A grinning Abby waved, hearing Orchid’s name from inside the car as they drove off.
~*~
She swallowed the last bite of her peanut butter sandwich when she heard Nash’s voice. Abby opened the front door as he whizzed past, nearly tripping over Orchid. She noted his baseball attire and tomato red ball cap. “What’s got your tail feathers lit? You’re decked out in…Black Bears team spirit?”
“Myrtle and Edna caught sight of me. Shut the door, or they’ll see it as a welcome. I assume Bella told you about the game?” Nash snatched off his cap.
“She did tell me,” Abby chuckled, watching Nash glance out the window. “Tell me, what do the two sisters want from the mayor? By the way, say hello to Orchid.” Abby passed the kitten over to Nash.
“Aw, she’s adorable, like you. When did you get—?”
Abby shook her head. “First, the reason you’re dodging the sisters, and then my Orchid tale.”
“Nice play on words. The spinsters have been after me to take out this gal who’s a weaver.” Nash rubbed Orchid’s ears.
“You might enjoy dating a weaver. I hear—”
“Stop there.” Nash grimaced. “So, do you want to go to the baseball game and cheer me on, or not? You might like to know the Black Bears haven’t lost this season. If so, grab your purse or whatever it is women carry. I still want to hear the story of this lovely furry lady.”
Abby lifted her tote from the coat rack hook. “I definitely want to see if you possess any athletic prowess.”
“I have plenty of prowess.” He placed Orchid on the chair cushion. “I’ll see you later, and don’t claw anything.”
Giving Orchid a pat, Abby waited for Nash to open the front door.
He poked his head out, glancing toward Edna and Myrtle’s house. “All clear. Let’s go.”