Page 3 of Secrets on Sapphire

Sweet Red Wine

She was opening the door to her future. As she looked at what was in front of her, she noticed all of the tiny cracks, but saw perfection shining through. Every dip and curve of the wood had its own story. The paint tried to mask the door’s uniqueness, but the flaws shone through. However, the door was perfect. The door was now hers. She placed her hand on the cool, silver handle and couldn’t help but smile.

She walked inside and pictured how everything would look once she unpacked the multiple boxes that were strewn across the floor. The house was already furnished, but not all of her personal belongings had arrived.

Her fingers slid across the rough edge of the cardboard box that contained letters from her brother and the books she admired so much when she was pulled out of her internal thoughts and thrown back into reality. The doorbell rang. She took her time walking across the beautifully finished hardwood floor, feeling the cold material underneath her bare feet. A few seconds later, she opened the door and there were four new faces staring at her. The faces contained the most comforting smiles and the most welcoming eyes. Before she could say hello, one of the women handed her a gift basket filled with a variety of treats. The woman introduced herself as Brielle and let the newcomer know she and “the ladies” could not wait to get to know her. After a brief exchange of words, before stepping off of the porch, another woman from the group handed her a bottle of sweet red wine. As the four women walked away, hair blowing in the wind and seemingly walking in slow motion, as if they had just walked onto a Baywatch set, she noticed a small note attached to the bottle. She opened the crisp white piece of paper and read.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Bitch.

From the members of the Books, Booze, and Bitches Club.

At that moment, she knew the five of them would get along just fine. Fine enough for her to complete the task she was given.

Every Brookston housewife is caught up on her gossip, and this is what can be gathered of the new neighbor. Her name is Edie Daniels. She’s a thirty-nine year old, divorced mother of two. She’s your average Plain Jane, with long light brown hair and brown eyes. She’s of average height and weight. Though there is nothing too significant to discover in her looks, she has a face that is never going to be forgotten.

Without her children, as they resided with their father, Edie Daniels moved into the house in the middle of Sapphire Court. The house was a two level cape-cod style home. It was painted in a pale blue, donning gray shutters and doors and had the most magnificent front porch you’d ever see. Just beyond that grand porch, if you opened the door, you’d find something hidden inside. Secrets. The secrets, along with the house, belonged to Calista and Edie Daniels’ brother, Tim.

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