The Trunk

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