"I wonder if he's married. He'd have a beautiful wife and kids by now. I bet he has a house in the country and two cars. Maybe he's a doctor or lawyer-type. That would be just my luck."
* * *
Another water tower loomed up ahead with the name Nielsen printed on it. The street names were commonplace, Maple, Elm, Main.
"Okay, now I just need to find one eleven Main Street, Nielsen, Nebraska."
Seeing a tall church steeple ahead, she felt the excitement grow. Just like her great-aunt's house, the town had remained homey and quaint. A statue of a Civil War soldier stood on a pedestal in the town square surveying the area. It stood proudly surrounded by flowers, shrubs and sidewalks, other streets ultimately scattering off into the half dozen side streets filled with other well-kept homes. Surprisingly the town had grown and as she drove in, she'd noticed a large subdivision of neat, modern homes being built. Her aunt’s house sat in an older section of town, further back than the others on the lot with a large yard and old-fashioned wrought-iron fence surrounding it.
The old house loomed large and silent in the afternoon light as she drove by slowly to get a look. Maddy stared thoughtfully, trying to remember it. Somehow she thought it would be different, even bigger. As a child it seemed huge, but now, it was roomy, just the right size. Of course any house was larger and more impressive than her apartment.
"You know, I think I could get used to this. Imagine, having a home of my own and not a cramped apartment with a part-time roommate."
As she looked at her aunt's home she got an odd, familiar feeling gazing at the old, two-story, white frame Victorian. With black gingerbread trim and shutters and a porch running the length of the front, it looked cared for even though one shutter hung by a hinge. The lawn furniture lay stored haphazardly against the porch wall. The lawn was a bit scraggly, but cut, and for the most part, well maintained. It looked comfortable and homey.
The funny feeling came over her again. Warmth that she wasn't used to enveloped her. Was it a welcome home? Hardly, she'd lived here such a short time. She brushed it off and parked in front.
"Oh, brother, what am I trying to do? I need to keep a clear head and not read something into all these feelings." Her imagination was leading her into a romanticized version of her childhood. Her parents loved her, which had been enough. Why was she so afraid of being disappointed? She got out and stretched. The drive from Omaha seemed endless and she was bursting with questions and feelings about what to do next. Hands on her hips, she gave the place a good once over.
"Ready or not, here I come. Not to sound greedy, but I wonder just how much you're worth today. Before I start counting my chickens, I better find where the realty office is. The letter said down the street and near the town square. I should be able to find that."
Maddy turned around casting an interested eye at her new surroundings, vague memories surrounded her. She finally recalled her directions to the center of town and frowned, wondering if she should walk or drive. Slinging her purse over one shoulder she started out walking, she'd had enough driving for today.
An older woman sat rocking and staring from the porch of the home next door. A cheerful flower garden and vine-covered archway connected the two properties, and was well-used according to the worn path.
The thought made her chuckle. "If you think this outfit is bad, you ought to see my roommate's wardrobe," she said under her breath, thinking of Marie's flamboyant outfits. She was surprised that she didn't miss her roommate that much. Marie could be very bossy at times and with her mild nature, Maddy would always let her have her way. Had she finally had her fill?
Maddy couldn't explain how free and unencumbered she felt now that she was actually here. Nielsen, Nebraska, population 4,500 was a small town in Nebraska, her great aunt's home. Could it be a home for her? She didn't even know if she owned anything yet, and she didn't care. She was here, making her own decisions. Free to go, free to stay if she wanted. The giddiness of choice was invigorating. She might just hang around a little while, the place looked really interesting and the feelings, the memories were starting to return as well.
"I better find out what is involved and not linger
over memories too much. That won't pay the bills." She
stepped up her pace.
"Well, Aunt Madeline, here I am the unknown niece who
carries on the family's black sheep bloodline as well as your name. I wonder if I am as brave as you." She looked down the road at the small town's main street. Festive flags on the streetlights waved in the breeze.
She wondered aloud, with a sigh, "I must be. I'm here."
Chapter 2
Maddy gave one last look over her shoulder at the house on Main Street and picked up her pace. She needed to find the realtor next. Dozens of questions were forming in her mind, mostly about owning a home. She knew it was a big responsibility and wondered how expensive it would be to heat and cool. How much the taxes were, practical things.
Her friends kept saying things would work out but Maddy was never sure. Right now her car was in the shop and her dentist had sent a letter threatening to repossess the last crown in her mouth. Yes, the money was part of it. She was tired of being broke. So, it hadn't taken her long to realize this might be her way out.
"People from Illinois always talk to
