The Trunk

(part 1 of 13)

"Anna watcha doing up here in the dusty old attic

and why are you wearing Grandpas ratty old hat?

Anna, the funerals over, the lawyer gone and people arguing

downstairs about what they got or did not get...vultures."

'Hey, Linda, they are laughing at me because all I got was the trunk!

It's all I ever wanted anyway 'cause it's full of good memories."

"Wearing the hat because it's a memory of Grandpa and

everything he taught me over the years...

wish I could have gotten his fishing pole too."

The trunk had been sealed shut until Anna got the key from the lawyer

but none of the other relatives even wanted to trek up to the dusty old attic

all they ever wanted was the money old Grannie Moon left in her will.

They were all vultures that was the truth for sure.

Grannie Moon had set her will up ten years before and she had a very good lawyer, Jack, who helped her yearly with the updating.

Jack had been a friend to Grannie for many years and she trusted him to carry

out her last wishes exactly the way she dictated. He did just that and would never send her a bill.

Jack had loved Grannie Moon all his life. She loved him like a grandson also.

As a child Jack was very poor as his father had died when he was only ten years old. His mother was left with a large house, very little money and three children to raise. His mother did house cleaning and other odd jobs and took in female borders to help make ends meet each month.

Jack was the oldest and he helped early in the morning by delivering newspapers and after school doing odd jobs. Once he told his mother he would quit school and get a full time job to help her out but she would have non of that.

"Your father wanted you to become a lawyer and that you will do young man."

So life went on and Grannie moon made sure that Jack and his mother, Mable, would get lots of jobs from her. She also had Jack help her plant a large garden that was really too much for her and Grandpa.

Jack's mother knew what Grannie were doing the whole time, making sure she and her children had lots of food to tide them over in the winter. Grannie canned the "extras" and sent them home with Jack or Mable and Grandpa always seemed to have too many fish and too much deer meat so that went with them also.

Over the years jack excelled in his studies and went on to college and law school.

He got scholarships and there was always an anonymous person that helped him with the books and other essentials. Later on in life he found out it was Grannie helping him through his studies. He adored her even more for this help. Once he tried to repay her but she told him to pass it on to some other deserving student and that was something he did do each year.

Linda asked: " Anna may I ask what else was in the envelope with the key?"

" I think it was some pictures but I did not look at them yet...just wanted the key to the trunk." Anna nostalgically replied.

Anna finally opened the big envelope and her eyes scanned the pictures lovingly and then

her mouth flew open and a large gasp was heard by Linda.

The Trunk

(part 2 of 13)

Anna, what is it? Why is your mouth hanging open like a huge hole in the universe?"

"Oh, Linda there's a note from the lawyer saying that Grannie Moon also owned an apartment building downtown and she left it all to me! Look here's a few pictures of it, do you ever remember seeing this building?" The ladies scanned the four pictures but neither recalled seeing the huge building. Then they looked at the note and saw the address. They both decided that tomorrow they would go there with their cameras and scout out the building and surrounding neighborhood. "Linda if it's a safe place and big enough you and I could go live there because our apartments are so tiny and perhaps there might even be two more apartments that I could rent out to cover the cost of owning the building." The next day the two ladies got their bikes out and searched for 714 Mulberry Street. They found Mulberry Street easily but did not find number 714 and they searched the street 4 times. It was funny they could not find that number because all the buildings were pretty new and up to date by fire code standards and were well kept. Linda and Anna were tired and hungry so decided to go get a hot dog from a hot dog stand. The seller was a funny looking old lady with a long black dress and a big brimmed hat but her wares looked mighty tempting so they went up and asked for two chili dogs, and a couple of coffees. Then Anna spied some apple turnovers just like the ones her Grannie Moon had made for her long ago. Linda was amazed that Anna just stood and cried while she was looking at the turnovers and asked her if something was wrong. apple turnovers with red hots

Anna said out loud "Those are the exact turnovers Grannie made for me right down to the red cinnamon candy icing...I miss her so much."

"So you are Anna, don't you remember be Honey?” the hot dog seller squeaked out in a high pitched voice.

Anna thought she knew that voice and began to think back into her memory bank. She was a little girl when she last heard that voice. Yes, now she remembered it was Amelia her Grannie Moons best friend.

 "Amelia, Anna cried I have not seen you forever and ever where have you been?" You know my Grannie Moon pasted away recently don't you?"

"Yes, Honey I was there at the funeral way in the back but I slipped away to get back to work."

"I miss her too...quite a lot." replied Amelia.

Amelia closed down her cart and the three ladies all sat at a nearby picnic table and ate their hot dogs and finished off with coffee and turnovers.

Anna told Amelia that she remembered helping Grannie Moon and Amelia make these turnovers and she asked why they had made dozens and dozens of turnovers almost four days a week.

Amelia told Anna that it was her Grannie Moon that was helping her, Amelia, so she could sell them because she was very poor and had been sleeping out in the park and Grannie wanted her to be inside where it was safe and warm.

Anna and Linda both agreed that Grannie Moon was a wonderful woman who never turned anyone down that was in need of help.

"Now ladies I want to show you 714 Mulberry street so after I load my cart into the back of my truck you can put your bikes in there and I will take you home."

Amelia had a big new truck and the cart and bikes were loaded and off they went to see 714 Mulberry Street. Amelia drove down the same parts of the street that the ladies had searched but Amelia took a sharp right down a tiny street called

Moon Haven and there was a huge brick building with a sign that said Anna's Place.

©Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 3 of 13)

Amelia pulled up to a gate and flickered her lights and a big burly man pushed

a button to allow the gates open for Amelia to drive inside the apartment driveway.

Once inside, the mysterious plot of 714 Mulberry Street started to thicken!

A sign decorated with gaily colored flowers with the saying:

Friends are to be gathered into a bouquet and held close to your heart.

The trio walked in and over each of the eight doors were framed drawings that Anna

had given to Grannie Moon over the years. They were set over each door

so you could see them as you approached and a small light illuminated the drawing.

Linda was impressed and Anna was weepy eyed.

Amelia beamed and said " Your Grannie loved you so much and kept ever drawing

and painting you gave her...and Honey it was my idea to put the light under each one."

"Oh, Amelia I love you too." said Anna. Amelia got weepy too.

"OK enough reminiscing you two lets take a tour of your new digs." said Amelia.

The first seven doors were occupied by paying tenants but the eighth door

had a framed drawing of Grannie and Anna making apple turnovers

over the top

.

They went inside and there were four tables covered in assorted colorful tablecloths

and on each table there was a vase of fresh cut flowers.

An old but usable cook stove was in the corner near a large window.

There were shelves full of pots, pans dishes and linens on other shelves.

A refrigerator and freezer and a pantry with foods stocked to the limits.

Over in one corner there were overstuffed chairs, a sofa and plenty of lighting for reading.

Amelia said the kitchen was used and maintained by the tenants and everyone helped to keep it clean and well maintained.

Then they went upstairs using the small lift instead of the stairs.

"Your Grannie always kept the lift in good working order in case of a fire

or if someone were unable to walk down the stairs." said Amelia.

Upstairs there were also eight apartments but there were photos of people

hanging over each door instead of drawings.

The first door was a photo of Grannie Moon and Amelia said she would take them

in there later.

Over the second door was a photo of Amelia herself and the trio walked in for a short tour.

Once inside the room Anna and Linda saw that Amelia lived in a room with minimal

furniture but it was quite rich looking and well cared for with polish gleaming on the rich

wood grained tables. Amelia said she had this furniture in storage for safe keeping at a

sisters house before she had met Grannie Moon.

Linda noticed that on both sides of the wall there were connecting doors

to the next room but she did not mention it to Anna.

The third door had a photo of a lady that looked familiar to Anna

but she did not know who she was. Amelia said it was her sister

Carrie but they did not enter this room.

The fourth room had a photo of a dark and mysterious gentleman and Amelia

explained that he was the gardener and kept the court yard well supplied with flowers

and fruits and vegetables for all the tenants and the extra produce

was sold at the local Farmers Market .

"Court yard?" said Anna and Linda together. "Yes, we will go there for a tour also."

replied Amelia chuckling out loud.

The fifth room photo was that of the burly man that had opened the gate

for Amelia to drive in her truck. Amelia explained that he was the caretaker

and the fix it man for the building so there was never to be a problem for the tenants.

The sixth room was designated for Linda who was delighted that Grannie Moon

though of including her.

The seventh room was for Anna who got to peek inside

and it was empty except for her old doll house that she though was long gone.

"So Grannie had my doll house and saved it for me all these years."

"Yes, she kept it wrapped up at the old house and was saving it for you." said Amelia.

Over the eighth door was a strange photo indeed!

It was of a man with his back partially to the camera but he looked like

he was at some sort of ceremony.

Anna was about to ask who he was but a bell started to ring

and Amelia said it was time for tea in the kitchen.

Who was this very mysterious man Anna thought.

The Trunk

(part 4 of 13)

The three women went downstairs into the kitchen where

wonderful smells were all around permeating the air.

Grandmas recipe for Apple Turnovers was framed 

and hanging on the wall on the side of the stove.

Anna's Apple Turnovers

3 c. pared apples, coarsely chopped

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Pinch of salt

1/3 c. butter

FLAKY CRUST:

4 1/2 c. flour, sifted

11/2 c. shortening

1 tsp. salt

6 to 8 tbsp. cold water

MIX FLAKY CRUST: Sift flour and salt.

Cut in shortening, add water.

Roll 1/8 inch thick and cut into 4 inch squares. Set aside.

Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt.

Place 1 heaping tablespoon apple mixture in center of each square. Dot with 1/2 teaspoon butter.

Moisten edges with water, fold into triangle and press edges together with fork.

Place on greased cookie sheet. Prick top with fork.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

After cooled drizzle icing sparingly and

sprinkle red hot cinnamon candies on top.

Icing Recipe:

2 c. powdered sugar

1/ 4c. melted butter

1/4 T. water

1 t. vanilla

red hot candies

Makes 16 turnovers.

"Oh,my goodness there is Grannie Moons recipe....I know it by heart." exclaimed Anna.

Amelia introduced Anna and Linda to everyone in the kitchen and they all sat down for tea and turnovers. When they were finished Amelia took the two ladies out to the court yard to see the grounds.

Almost one fourth of the area was a vegetable garden and a very neat one. Everything was weeded and the straggly plants tied up or trimmed to look like a picture in a garden catalog.

In another part of the garden there was a wonderful herb garden. Everything was neatly marked and the plants were well tended. Next to the herb garden was a small shelf with cutting baskets so the fresh herbs could be used in the kitchen.

There were miniature fruit trees sprinkled in various parts of the garden with small concrete benches near each tree. In the very center of the garden was a round picnic table big enough to seat thirteen people and surrounding the table were Lavender plants. Beautiful Lavender that was Grannie Moon's favorite herb. She not only wore Lavender but she used it everyday in some form for food, such as salads and stews or baking usage.

Everyone who was at tea were so nice to Anna and told her how they loved her Grannie.

It seemed that everyone that lived in the apartment house on 714 Mulberry Street was a friend of Grannie Moon.

Amelia told the ladies she would take them back to Anna's apartment and see them in a few days. They exchanged phone numbers and started out the gate...but had to wait until a blue 1937 Citroen came speeding through the gate. Linda asked Amelia "Who was that driving?" Amelia replied "It is the tenant in apartment eight."

Amelia drove the ladies to Anna's apartment and they went upstairs to Anna's place.

"Anna you're awfully quiet what are you thinking about now?" asked Linda.

"Grannie Moon had a blue 1937 Citroen automobile just like the one that drove through the gate."

"It can't be the same, Anna, there are still a few left you know and why would you think it was the same anyway?"

"I know because there were two Lavender sprays painted on the hood!"

Linda, seeing that Anna was not in a talkative mood, said she was going home and that she would see Anna the next morning.

Later on that evening Anna got a call from the delivery service that they would be delivering the trunk in the morning at 8 am. She went to bed early but had some strange and vivid dreams that did not make a bit of sense.

"Anna, they delivered the trunk, why didn't you call me ?"yelled Linda.

"Oh, you scared the stuffing out of me, I forgot you had a key to get into my place."

"Sorry I did ring the buzzer first but I knew you were home and you didn't answer."

"That's alright, I was absorbed in the the contents of the trunk."

"Look at this paper Linda it's about my Grandpa Moon. His real last name was Ooljee which is Navajo meaning Moon. I knew that but I did not know he was a Marine code breaker in the second world war." Linda looked at another paper and squeeled out

"Anna your Grannie Moon was one of the Maquis groups in the French Resistance !"

"Can you imagine little Grannie Moon blowing up railroads and attacking German Army equipment ?"

"Actually yes I can because she spoke fluent German and French but her Navajo dialect was only spoken to Grandpa Moon."

"Now I understand why they got along so well."

" I am so happy your Grannie Moon did not get captured because it would have meant death for her not prison camp."

©Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 5 of 13)

Linda and Anna found many treasures in Grannie Moon's old trunk that afternoon

including Anna's Mothers music box with a beautiful man in the moon gold locket

that had a photo of Anna as a newborn and a lock of Anna's baby hair.

Another box contained family jewelry with labels and photos as to who it had belonged to many years ago.

Anna knew some of the relatives but was so glad Grannie had included photos and information and history

about these people. She would read and study about them when she had time.

In a well wrapped satin lined box some of Grannie's favorite handkerchiefs were included and the smell of Lavender wafted in the air to Anna's nostrils bringing back the most pleasant of memories .

There were family photos in frames lovingly wrapped in white tissue paper and Anna's tiny baby bowl and cup.

On the bottom was the old crazy quilt that Grannie Moon had made from Anna's old worn out dresses

and the stitching around in bright red was done by Grandpa Moon.

"Ohhhh yes, yes, yes" Anna squealed "it's Grandpas fishing pole!"

"Linda the quilt and the fishing pole...I am rich."

Linda and Anna decided to spread the quilt out on Anna's bed to check for any damage

that might need repair and out flew a small book.

There was hand written notes in a language Anna did not understand

but she knew the handwriting was from Grannie Moon.

"Linda its our days off so lets get out of here and go for a bike ride and go see Amelia."

They rode all over town and through the park stirring up pigeons and other wild critters.

Soon they ended up at Amelia's cart and the three of them sat down for a snack and talked.

"Amelia I got the trunk and all the contents are wonderful memories especially the quilt and fishing pole"

"I know Honey I helped your Grannie Moon fill the trunk but she never told me of what were in the contents that were wrapped."

"I found a small book with Grannie Moon's handwriting but it is in a language I do not know."

"Was it in the secret compartment?" asked Amelia.

"No, inside the quilt...I forgot all about that secret compartment so now I might

have more information to search for in the trunk." replied Anna.

"Secret compartment, wow, Anna this is great news." replied Linda.

Just then Amelia got a call for an order of two dozen hot dogs and she complained

that she needed more onions and would have to leave the cart.

Anna and Linda volunteered to take their bikes to the apartment on Mulberry Street

and bring back some of the onions from the garden.

Amelia was quite happy she would be able to stay at the cart

and get some work finished while Anna and Linda went after the onions.

Off they went as fast as their bikes could go to the apartment house.

The burly fix it man was there to let them inside and

Anna introduced herself and Linda and asked his name.

"My name is Jack Trader but people call me Jackie and it is so very nice

to finally meet you Anna and your friend Linda. Amelia called and said

you were coming for onions so lets go to the garden."

Out in the lovely well kept garden they all pulled onions and Jackie carefully

cut the tops to be used in soups. He wiped the onions but left the roots

so they would not deteriorate at the cart in case Amelia did not need to use them all today.

Then Jackie loaded the beautiful pungent onions into two mesh bags

and hauled them off to the two bike baskets.

"Be careful and steer straight those onions are heavy." cautioned Jackie.

Jackie had the gate open for them to pass through but of course Anna had to stop just inside the gate

to pick a small bouquet of Lavender and when she followed Linda out the gate she almost tipped over.

All at once there were two very strong hands that caught her fall gently steadying her

and in a deep husky voice the words she would etch in her heart forever said:

"My darling Anna you must be careful not to get hurt."

Linda came back to help and Anna told her what happened but

all they saw was a blue 1937 Citroen speeding off.

©Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 6 of 13)

After delivering the onions Anna and Linda went back to Anna's place with four of the large onions Amelia had given them and started dinner. When Anna was down in the dumps she always made her Grannie Moon's recipe for potato pancakes.

She took grated the onions added grated potatoes, one egg and a bit of flour and salt and pepper

then started frying the potato mixture until they were a lovely golden color. she then placed them on a rack to drain. With small bowls filled with sour cream and applesauce on the side the two ladies devoured the pancakes without a word.

Soon Anna started humming “Somewhere in time”

Linda said "Ok 'fess up Anna, what did he whisper in your ear? I know he said something because every

time you get into that romantic mood you think and you hum somewhere in time. "

Anna blushed and quickly changing the subject said "Let's go in and look at the secret compartment."

Linda knew something was up but she followed Anna and they emptied the trunk contents on Anna's bed.

"Well Missy 'somewhere in time' where's the secret compartment?"

Anna laughed and fumbled her fingers inside the trunk at two corners then pushed with all her might but the trunk didn't open. Then she asked Linda to help her turn it over

and on the bottom Anna saw that it looked rusted.

"Now this is funny there shouldn't be any rust on the bottom because Grannie Moon kept it polished well and up on little

wooden blocks all the time."

They turned it over and they both took the two corners and pushed together and the bottom finally parted. They were now in the secret compartment.

There was a letter on the top addressed to Anna from Albert Jack Brown Attorney at Law in regards to the estate of Carolina Bell Moon.

"Albert, so that's his name, Albert such a noble name.

I wonder if I will ever meet this man who was so kind to my Grannie Moon?" said Anna.

"Anna, who gave you the key to the trunk and read the will?

think, you were there with everyone else." said Linda.

"That lawyer was Jack Brown and probably the son of Albert Brown.

He was all business like and I was in the back of the room crying.

I have to meet Albert to thank him in person."

They got up to go answer the buzzer and there was a delivery man

with a box for Anna. Inside was a big pot of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ).

A note attached said: To my Dilly ~ Dilly from your True Blue.

"Aha Miss 'Somewhere in Time' you have an admirer." responded Linda.

"Oh, Linda, aren't these lovely Lavender...I wonder who he is, I really truly do not know who True Blue is and no one has ever called me Dilly ~ Dilly!"

"Let's see what other goodies are lurking in that trunk " said Linda.

They found a letter from Grannie Moon stating how she made the trunk have the look of being rusted.

Anna, Dearest,

Now you know I am gone to join Grandpa Moon

and you are looking in the trunk. I did not want those

vultures to have or destroy the contents of the trunk.

I knew that you were the only one that would love and cherish

these things so I "aged" the trunk on the edges so you

would have a chance to keep the treasures.

All I did was save some urine in an old coffee can

( I'm in Heaven but I hear you laughing )

and painted it on the bottom until it tarnished

and was the "aged" color I wanted.

This was the best I could do because in the old days

for the aged look they used to use horse manure!

Enjoy and love the contents especially Grandpas rocks...

I love you so much Grannie Moon.

They looked in the trunk and found Grannie Moons wedding dress carefully wrapped and next to it a beautiful Tiara in the shape of Lavender sprigs with with a few pearls

embedded in the white gold metal.

A small red box contained Grandpa Moon's well worn

Swiss Army knife and whetstone for sharpening.

A box of gold colored rocks and another with polished rocks or stones of various shades of yellow, black and milky white.

At the very bottom were two books about the rocks.

When opening one of the books there was a photo of the blue 1937 Citroen citron framed with gray background

and a map of Arkansas fell to the floor.

The mystery continues.

©Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 7 of 13

The next day Anna called Linda and asked her if she would go with her to see Amelia and she agreed. When Linda got there she and Anna each took a box of the rocks and placed in their backpacks and road off to see Amelia at the food cart.

When they got there Amelia was not there so they took off towards the apartment house and Jackie was there to let them pass through the gate.

"Howdy ladies sure nice to see you I was about to go in for lunch come join us for chicken soup."

"That sounds like a nice idea ...I'm hungry" said Linda.”

"Yes and we also came looking for Amelia" replied Anna.

“Amelia's here she made a giant pot of chicken soup for her sisters head cold and there's enough to feed an army. She's upstairs with Carrie fussing over her like a mother hen... let me help you with the packs. Those are heavy packs ladies heavy as rocks." said Jackie as he grunted.

Linda and Anna just giggled.

Once inside the ladies were greeted with wonderful aromas permeating from the kitchen area. They smelled chicken soup, fresh baked bread and Grannies Apple Turnovers. The mixed aromas smelled heavenly.

Amelia came in and they said they would like to see Carrie

so Amelia took them upstairs after lunch. Amelia introduced them then said

"What brings you two here?"

Anna told here about the "rocks" and the book with the map of Arkansas that fell out.

"Better show everything to Carrie she's the expert rock hound in this family."

Anna replied " I'll go downstairs and fetch the backpacks." but when she opened the door she almost fell over the packs but out of the corner of her eye she saw a shadow of a man near the steps and she heard light footsteps going down the stairs.

Funny she thought that didn't look big and burly like Jackie. She hauled the packs inside and opened them up to show to Carrie.

Carrie told them Anna had a small fortune in gold and diamonds.

"Diamonds! " said Anna and Linda together.

"I thought the one box was was gold but never did I think diamonds were in the other box" exclaimed Anna.

"Here's the book and the map for you to look at Carrie." said Anna.

Carrie told Anna this was her Grandpa Moon's map because she could see the secret marks he made and the book was his because she had seen him reading it many times over and over.

"Carrie how do you know this?" asked Anna.

Amelia and Carried both giggles and told her that Grandpa Moon and Carrie were equal partners in the mining operation and now Anna was partners with Carrie.

Anna asked Amelia why Grannie had an apartment here when she had her own home. Amelia told her that when Grandpa Moon and Carrie were off mining Grandma Moon would come to the apartment and she and Amelia would do things together and go on trips. Anna wanted to hear more but a tap on the door was heard and Carrie asked Anna to see who was there.

It was a delivery boy with flowers.

Anna said " Carrie someone has sent you a beautiful pot of purple violets.”

Carrie asked Anna to open the card enclosed and read it aloud. Anna read

'A purple pot of violets given to you Anna as my symbol of for love for you "

All eyes were on Annas perplexed face but no one said a word. After a pleasant visit the ladies returned home to their respective apartments. Anna was looking in the book that had the map of Arkansas and out slipped two Christmas Cards. One was from :

Mable Mines Inc a gold mine and the other Bf 109 Diamond Mines

She decided to phone Carrie and ask her about these two mines. Carrie said they belonged to her Grandfather Moon and herself as they were equal partners but now she and Anna shared ownership.

She asked Anna over for tea at four and she would have all the legal papers ready for her and the information needed for them to plan a trip to the mines.

Anna asked Linda to come with her and taking the book and the two cards they leisurely biked off to the apartments. They dropped by Amelia's cart to tell her where they were going but she was not there.

The ladies the biked on to the apartment and was met by Jack Trader and he opened the gate saying

"Amelia and Carrie are inside waiting for you in the kitchen."

"Thank you, Jackie." replied Anna.

©Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 8 of 13

Anna and Linda went into the kitchen and there were balloons and streamers and other decorations all over the kitchen.

They figured it was someone's birthday so they sat down at a table and waited for Amelia and Carrie to arrive.

Soon there was singing and clapping and music and they turned around and everyone came in with Amelia first

carrying a big Chocolate Sour Cream Cake. Anna asked what was going on and everyone laughed then started singing

"Welcome home Dear Anna " to the tune of Happy Birthday to you. Anna was overwhelmed and started to cry.

Amelia said,"Don't cry honey, this is your home and we want you and

Linda to leave your apartments and come home where you belong."

This even made Linda weepy and everyone started hugging the two ladies.

After the festivities Amelia asked them to join her upstairs in Carrie's apartment.

Anna showed Carrie the two Christmas cards she found and then she brought out the photo of Amelia.

Amelia said "I sure was a looker back then wasn't I ? My husband had me change my name to Amelia because it was more American and we both loved America because it was the land of the free and the old country we fled was not that free anymore."

Carrie told Anna that her Grandpa Moon had inherited the gold mine from his relatives that kept it hidden.

It seemed that after the Civil War there were outlaws living in the hills of Arkansas that would rob the gold miners that were working for a living to support their families.

Grandpa's father was a clever Indian man and he kept the secret mines hiding place for over 40 years because it was in an underground cavern. When the highly soluble limestone in the Ozark Range chemically activated the ground waters it formed these caves. Knowing he was about to die summoned his only son, Grandpa Moon to his deathbed and told him where the mine was and that his long gone partner had two daughters.

After Grandpa Moons father passed on grandpa looked at the papers his father had given him and found Carrie and Amelia the two lost daughters. Amelia was married and gave her rights to Carrie but Carrie always was there for her sister if she were ever in need. Grandpa and Grandma Moon named it

"The Mable Mine."

Anna asked why that name and Amelia and Carrie together said that was what your Grandma wanted so we said yes.

Anna asked about the diamond mine and Carrie said that Grandma Moon and Amelia were partners in that venture

in Arkansas and now Anna was partners with Amelia.

Amelia said the papers would be arriving soon with the lawyer.

"Amelia why is it called, Bf 109 Diamond Mines?" asked Anna.

"Because your Grandma Moon named it after an airplane called The Messerschmitt Bf 109

a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s.' "

Do you know why she named it after that airplane?" replied Anna.

Carrie and Amelia together said that was she wanted so that was the name.

Anna was about to ask more questions but there was a knock on the door and Linda answered.

It was a delivery boy with a large letter and a small box.

The letter was from the lawyer stating that he was sending the papers for them to sign but would not be there

because he was flying to Arkansas tonight and would be back next week. They looked over the papers

and signed them and then Carrie asked about the small box. Linda said it was for Anna.

Anna's eyes grew wide and she opened the box. Inside was a small gold angel lapel pin and a note which read: 

Dearest one please wear this angel on your shoulder to protect you from all harm...

Linda and Anna were in their apartments packing and labeling their belongings for the move to their new homes.

Over in Anna's apartment the phone rang and it was Amelia asking her how much more packing had to be done.

"Hi, Amelia, said Anna, we are both finished and didn't even take a break for lunch."

Amelia said she was at her little cart and that the three of them could have lunch together.

Anna got together with Linda and they rode their bikes over to the cart and had a nice lunch and talk with Amelia.

After lunch Anna said " I sure wish I had a little truck like Grandpa Moon had

to haul our belongings to the apartment at 714 Mulberry Street.

Amelia informed her that she had enough money now to buy even a brand new truck.

Anna thought about it and said "you are right Amelia I do and I'm getting a truck and a little car for Linda."

Linda protested but Anna insisted that they could both use the truck and the car and that was final!

Amelia sent them off with a card to Sid's Custom Cars and off they went on their bikes.

Sid's was located in an older brick building with a boxing ring in the center. The boxing ring had two antique desks

with modern office equipment and over on the side were antique chairs for the customers.

In the showroom were gleaming autos and trucks from the 1940's to 1980's.

It was now time to put the bikes on hold and search for vehicles!

© Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 9 of 13

In Sid's Custom Cars showroom were gleaming autos and trucks from the 1940's to 1980's.

All the vehicles were restored and painted with the original colors the vehicle had first been painted.

Anna found her beautiful 1978 Red Chevy Luv with a 4 cylinder gas engine, including the original paint.

Chevy Luv 1978

Sid told Anna that it was funny she was able to purchase this particular truck because the owner kept changing his mind about selling and just today he called and said he might as well go ahead and sell.

Linda was awestruck when she saw a 1950 Chevrolet deluxe red convertible

with a black rag top,fender skirts,bumper "bar" guards and wing tips.

Sid told her the undercarriage was solid.

Anna told Linda it was hers!

Anna said she would take both and was about to make arrangements with Sid when he said:

" I have known Amelia a long time and she said you were good, so you two go take a spin in each vehicle and when you come back we'll have the papers all ready."

Anna took to the Luv like duck to water but Linda was a bit slow at first then she sped off comfortably.

They each went their separate ways but soon both ended up at Amelia's cart and showed her their new wheels.

"Oh, my, aren't you the two uptown gals." replied Amelia with gusto.

They all laughed and talked about the move to the new apartments. Amelia said to wait until Saturday and she and Jackie both had trucks and now that Anna had a truck all their boxes and big items could all be moved in one day. They agreed and then Anna and Linda went back to Sid's to finish the deal. The papers were signed and Anna and Linda dropped by the apartment and met Jackie who took their bikes and put them in the storage shed.

Then they went inside and had coffee and turnovers and when Amelia came in the four of them decided what time to meet Saturday to start bringing their belongings to their apartments. Then Carrie called down to them and said:

"The rooms are ready for them come on upstairs."

Amelia took Anna and Linda upstairs to each of their own new apartments and to their surprise both had been vacuumed and dusted all ready for Saturdays big move.

In Anna's room there was her childhood doll house displayed on one of Grannies favorite tables and Grannies feather bed.

In Linda's room there was a brand new computer on a new desk.

"Oh, cried Linda, now I can do all my work faster and I'll donate that old computer to a worthy cause."

Jackie asked if he could see it first and do some tinkering on it before she donated it and Linda thought that was a really good idea.

Everything went smoothly Saturday except during the last load of boxes a big truck backed out of a driveway too quickly and smashed into the back of the drivers side of Anna's truck. She immediately reached to her shoulder touching her angel pin and said: "thank you for keeping me safe."

Jackie was on the side in his truck waiting for Anna and spoke to both the driver and the police. He said she could drive the truck to the apartment and that he would then take her truck to a repair place that the insurance company approved and have it put back to new.

© Julia A Knaake

The Trunk

(part 10 of 13)

Meanwhile in the next few days the ladies in the apartment building all helped Anna and Linda unpack their belongings. Amelia brought in an old polished wood mannequin for Grannie Moons wedding dress to be displayed in the corner of the room where the doll house was displayed and Anna thought that was grand. Grannies quilt was on the bed and both of the apartments were finally finished.

A knock on the door of Anna's apartment was a delivery man stating that if she would come downstairs her truck was repaired. Jackie was already looking all around the Chevy Luv to see that everything was repaired.

"Look Anna, they even washed and polished the truck for you." replied Linda.

The delivery man gave Anna the keys and she went to get into the truck and noticed there was an envelope inside. She opened it and it read : My beloved, the angel was watching over you ,drive in safety with the lavender.

Linda was stumped at what was written in the note but Anna said

" look there are two sprays of white lavender painted on the hood of my truck !

" Anna, you got a beau that loves you. " said Linda.

" I know but I can't for the life of me figure out who. " replied Anna softly.

" Well the way you touch that Angel pin and finger your locket I thought you knew but just wasn't saying who. " said Linda.

"It's a mystery that will be figured out someday." replied Anna.

"Linda, lets take the day off and take the car out for a ride...anywhere just cameras and a ride..ok ?"

Off they went in the red convertible with the top down. They went out to the country zipping all over the place with the top down their hair was flying all over and messy but they were laughing and listening to John Denver tunes all the way. Linda noticed that Anna got quiet and serious when the tune Country Roads was playing and then Leaving on a jet plane actually made her cry.

Linda stopped the car at a roadside table and got out. Anna followed and said: "I'll drive for a while maybe find a place to eat, I'm starved!"

"Come on,Anna, we never keep secrets,we're best friends,why were you crying?" "Fess up unless it's none of my business."

"Oh, those last two songs gave my memory a boost from the past."

"Are you wanting to share then?" said Linda.

Anna explained that she had totally forgotten about her little playmate Willie and the songs brought back wonderful memories from the past. Anna and Willie were friends for a short time but were always together. They would play tag and baseball and go for walks and when it grew close to dark he would come inside her Grannie Moon's house and Grannie would feed them and give them Apple turnovers for a treat.

Sometimes Willie would go into the parlor and watch Anna play with her beloved doll house that Grandpa Moon had made her and before his Mother came to pick him up he would pull her into the corner of the parlor and whisper softly in Anna's ear:

" Someday I will build you a house just like this one , it will be out along the winding country roads and I will marry you and love you forever." then he would kiss her on the lips and run like the wind.

Anna also told her that Willie loved flying and wanted to become a pilot and soar like a bird.

"Oh, now I understand why the songs triggered your memory." said Linda.

"Whatever happened to Willie and his Mother?" asked Linda.

Anna explained that her parents and she had moved away and lived in another town. They did not get to visit her Grandma and Grandpa Moon that much and when they did Willie and his mother did not come over when they were there visiting.

After a while she did ask Grandpa Moon what had happened to Willie and his mother.Grandpa Moon said the mother had moved closer to the boarding school that Willie attended because he would come home on weekends to be with her at her apartment.

Grandpa Moon had said to her one day, Honey, it seems that your little boyfriend is a very smart young lad and someday he's going to amount to something and I do know he will ask you to marry him you just wait and see...

These were the words Anna had stuck in her mind that Grandpa had told her long ago.

© Julia A Knaake