The Change of Time

CHAPTER 2

Elizabeth P.O.V

I must confess, it doesn’t look like the place had changed at all. You still get Ell’s Garage and Bell’s Diner as you drive into the little town and still only two rows of shops. Looks like some things never change. Well..., except for the prison, it looks like it has gotten an upgraded, for what I’m not sure. I can’t remember that their being any criminals around here. Perks of living in such a small town. I definitely need to stop at the Diner before heading home. The thirteen hour drive has taken its toll on me.

As I walked into the Diner, many people started staring at me and a much older Bella taking small steps towards me. “Hi aunt Bella.” I greeted. “Elizabeth...?” she asked, not believing that it’s me. “How are you, aunt Bella? It’s been a few years.” “O my dear child... it is so good to see you again. Look how beautiful you’ve gotten and you look just like your father.” She replayed with a hug that nearly broke my ribs.

“I’ve been good, thank you.” I replayed and noticed a lot of whispering between the people. “O don’t mind them. I’m sure they are all happy to see you again.” “No, it’s fine, I understand.” “Come sit and tell me everything.” “May I first get a cup of coffee and something to eat, please, as takeaway?“ “O where are my manners? Of course, you want the cheese burger with lots of sauce like you always ate when you were younger?” “Yes, please.” “It will just take a moment.” “Thank you.”

As aunt Bella was busy with my food and beverage, I took the time to look at the Diner. Not much has changed. The paint is still baby blue with old records against the wall and the Jukebox is still in the far left corner. The color of the seats has changed to a soft grayish color, but still in the same places. It feels strange being here, like I don’t really belong anymore. Most of the men and woman in here I knew from my childhood. They all loved my parents deeply, but somehow I feel being here is not what they wanted.

“All done, just the way you liked it. Now tell me, what have you been up to?” Bella asked. “Well, you know about me living with aunt Maria in the city.” “O yes, and how is that girl? Tell me she is at least married by now?” I chuckled a little at that.

“No, she is still a workaholic as always.” “That girl just needs to meet the right man, but what about you?” “Well, I was a detective for the last five years.” “Was… a detective, what happen?” Bella asked and now all eyes were on us again.

“I just decided it was time to come home and take it easy for a bit, that’s all.” Now everyone was looking at me as if I was hiding something and it was getting on my nerves. Something is going on here and my gut has just start clinching. “Well, I am sure you will get plenty of rest here and if you need anything, you can call on me.”

“Thank you aunt Bella, I will remember that. But I have to go if I want to reach home before nightfall, please will you give me the bill?” “O don’t worry about it dear, it’s on the house.” “Thank you, aunt Bella. I will probably see you in the morning.” “Drive safe and sleep well my child.” “Good night aunt Bella.”

As I got into my car, all eyes were still on me and I don’t know why. They were defiantly hiding something I just don’t know what, but as always I will find out, that’s just who I am.

I have always loved the drive up to my home. It’s so beautiful with the woods on both sides and now with the seasons changing, it’s all yellow, orange, some green and brown. It’s as if they painted it to perfection. As I get to the big black gate of my home, I can see how rundown the place has gotten, which is to be understood as it has been over 17 years.

I’m still struggling to believe it has been that long. I must admit, my nerves are shot. I don’t know what is waiting for me in there. I struggled for almost an hour just to get the stupid gate open and once inside, I can see the mess from up close. This is going to take me forever to sort out. .

The garden has become overgrown and there’re vines going up on the side of the house and I don’t think I want to know how the inside looks like. It doesn’t seem like anyone has come around to look if they can get anything thou, but they probably think that the house was haunted or something, people did died in here. My parents died in here...

The front door finally open after a struggle and as the smell of dust and mold hit my nose, I can’t help to scrunch it up a little. Entering the living space, memories started flooding in from all sides, as I see my parents and myself enjoying countless of hours in here. There is one memory I am very fond of and it is the memory of the last Christmas we had together.

I was so happy seeing all the presents around me and then one started moving; me being who I am, of course, I wasn’t scared, but more excited to open it. In the box, there was the most beautiful white kitten with black paws. He was mine, and I promised to love him and always take care of him.

The sound of the front door squeaking brought my attention back to reality as I swirl around, taking out my gun and pointing it in the door’s direction. There stood a man, hands in the air and looking all shocked.

“Who are you and what are you doing in here?” I asked, not lowering my gun. “I’m sorry, but I can ask you the same thing? No one is allowed in here and how did you get in?” “This is my home. I will not ask you again, what are you doing in here?”

“Elizabeth, is that you?” I lower my gun, r****g my brain, to figure out who he is, but I’m sure I’ve never seen him before. “I’m sorry you don’t know me. I have only seen pictures of you, when you were a lot younger.”

“You need to give me a little more than that. What’s your name and where did you see pictures of me.” “My father used to work here, he used to be the Butler for the Williams family that lived here.” “Your father is Mr. Richards?” “Yes... and my name is Eric, nice to meet you.”

“Well, no affiance, but you are defiantly older than me. Why haven’t I seen you before?” “My father never brought me here, he said it wasn’t professional.” “O... and where is your father now.” “He passed away about three years back.” “I’m sorry to hear that, he was always so kind to me.”

“That’s fine he used to come here when he needed to think and before he passed, he asked me to monitor the place so that no one will come and destroy it. When I saw the light on, I had to come and see what’s happening.” “You say when you saw the light on, where you just checking on the place or...”

“No, no, nothing like that. I live just down the street and I saw in the distance when the lights went on.” “O... well everything is alright here so thank you.” “Have a good night miss Williams and please if you need any help to clean up here or in the garden, you can always call on me.” “Thank you Eric I will keep that in mind. Sleep well.” “You to Miss.”

At that he left, and I was once again alone in this big old home. I think I will just get my bedding from the car and sleep here in the living room tonight and tomorrow a whole new adventure awaits me as there is defiantly a lot of work to be done.

I was lying on the couch with a fire going in the fireplace and looking at our old families portrait. I remember the day when they painted it; it felt like hours sitting there smiling and waiting for the painter to finish. My father scolded me a few times, but come on, which seven-year-old is going to sit still for that long, it was totally torture.

I miss them.... the touch of my mother’s hand on my cheek as she kissed my forehead when saying good night and the smell of her perfume. I will never forget that smell. It smelled like daisies just after the summer rain and the way she would sing when she was busy cleaning the kitchen after dinner, and the way she would pick me up and cuddle me like I was the most imported person in her life.

The way my father would tickle me when he came to say goodnight, he always smelled like the outdoors, like... the woods. The way he would listen to me when I wailed in his ears because my mother won’t give me another cooking and then he would sneak me a cooking from out of his desk draw without mom noticing. I wish they were still here, helping me... telling me what I need to do...

The day they died, it was like a part of me got ripped out. I remember laying in bed crying myself to sleep night after night for almost a year. My aunt even thought of sending me to a psychologist, but never did. She would just hold me night after night, whispering sweet nothing into my ear as my little kitten would curl up on my legs and purr. It got better, but the pain never goes away, never.... With that thought, I drifted into a deep sleep, as it felt that my parents were right there with me.

The next morning I was stiff all over from sleeping on this old couch and I seriously needed a shower. Luckily, I remembered to put the geyser on, so the water should be hot by now... if it still works. Only one way to find out. It’s definitely my lucky day. The guest bedroom bathroom was not too dirty, just dusty, and the water was nice and hot.

Now I just need coffee and food. Before I left the house I needed to open a few windows. This place needs some fresh air, but I only opened the windows in the living area and guest room. I’m not ready to go through the house. Too many memories lurking there...

As I got to Bell’s Diner, I remember Eric. I really need to see with Bell if what he said was true. “Morning aunt Bell,” I said as I went into the now empty Diner.

“Morning sweetheart, did you sleep well?” “Better than suspected...” “O come here and sit down, coffee and breakfast?” “Yes, please.” “Coming right up.” “Aunt Bell,” “Yes love.” “Can I ask you something?” “Of course, what’s wrong?”

“O no nothing’s wrong, I was just wondering about a guy I met yesterday. His name is Eric, you know him?” “O... Eric, well, of course I know him. He was Eric Richards’ son, your Butler.” “It’s so strange I never met him before, how old is he.” “AAA his handsomeness caught your eye.” “O no no it’s not that.”

Now that I think about it, he was quite handsome with that black hair of his waving across his face and those dark brown eyes that seems to look into you soul and how can I forget that nicely toned body that you could have seen under the tight shirt and jeans he had on. Focus, Elizabeth, now is not the time to drool over a boy. As I scolded myself, I looked up at a now smiling Bella.

I cleared my throat. “No... I heard Mr. Richards has passed away.” “Yes love, about three years ago, you know he still went up to your home at least once a week to tend to the garden, he loved that garden.” “I know, I still remember times when mom and dad had to leave on one of dad’s working trips, Mr. Richards will always take me into the garden to help him plant new flower and he would always tell me everything about each flower, were it came from, for what you can use it and the purpose of planting it in that specific spot. What happened....?”

Bell knew exactly what I meant by that as she started tearing up. “O sweetheart, he was very sick for a long time... Cancer.” I look down at my plate, not knowing what to say about that. I missed him. He was always there for me when my parents could not be. Which makes it difficult to believe he had a son, and I never knew.

“Why didn’t he introduce me to Eric? We could have been friends.” “Your parents had strict rules love, they didn’t want you to be seen with a boy at such a young age.” Something in that statement did not sound right. I can see it in her eyes that she is hiding something, and I met with Eric last night. There is nothing bad about him. If there were, I would have known about it.

“O I see....” is all I said as I paid and gotten myself ready to leave. I have a big day ahead. As I was about to leave, Bella spoke, “Elizabeth, please be careful, there are some things you rather not know.” Now.. I definitely needed to know what they are hiding.

I left the Diner and walk down the street looking at all the shops neatly in two rows, nothing has changed. I went into the Supermarket and got some groceries and cleaning chemicals as I would need to get that big house cleaned and livable again. I hope everything still works in there. I need to get my mind off of what Bella said or it will certainly drive me crazy. After that I went home and as I got to the front door another memory started....

“Elizabeth... Elizabeth!! Don’t run so fast you can get hurt.” My father said as I was running towards the Koi pond. “But daddy they are hungry. We need to feed them.” “We will just slow down a bit.” “Okay daddy.” Once at the pond, my father gave me a bit of food in my hand and I fed the fishes. “Daddy, that big fatty is eating it all.” “Here is more. Go and throw it in on that side of the bridge.” I smiled brightly as I watch them eat the food.

“Daddy, will you please push me a little on the swing?” “O my Little Flower, I still have a lot of work to do.” “Please, daddy just for a little bit, please, please, please.” “Just for a little bit, okay Flower.” “Okay daddy.” as he pushed me on the swing I felt so free with the wind going through my hair and my little feet in the air, it was wonderful. “Come now, Flower, let’s go inside. Daddy has work to finish up.” “AAA... but daddy.” “No, no we said a little bit.” “Okay daddy.” My father could never say no to my puppy dog eyes, but also I knew when to use them and when not.

Now to get courage for this big old house. I will clean the guest room so that I at least have a bed to sleep in tonight and work my way further on. As I pulled the bedding off, I heard a knock on the front door. Now who would come here? That front gate needs to be fixed so that the motor will work again. I don’t like surprise visits.

“Good day Elizabeth. O, you have grown into a beautiful woman.” “Good day Mrs. Dawson, this is a pleasant surprise.” “I thought maybe you’ll be too busy with cleaning this place to make yourself a decent meal, so I brought you a little something.” “O thank you, I appreciate it, it will definitely help.”

“I almost forgot how this place looks like.” She said as she walked around in the living area. “You going to clean this place yourself?” “Yes mam, it’s something I have to do.” “I understand, if you have time, you must go see James, he’s the towns Sheriff now.” “I will do so I promise.” “Well you have a lot to do so I will not keep you up any longer, you have a nice day.” “Thank you, Mrs. Dawson, and thank you for the food.” “My pleasure, darling.” At that, she left.

That woman I don’t know. I see a gigantic snake in her. She is someone you need to keep a sharp eye on. I remember when I was about eight years old, whenever she had the opportunity she will speak to my parents about an arranged marriage between her son and myself and every time it looks like my father wanted to kill her. But luckily my mother would intervene and change the subject to something else. I still believe my father was right about her. She was just after my family’s fortune and power, and it looks like she is starting again.

Well, it seems if most of the things in the house still work. The bedding is in the dryer and the curtains in the washer now, and the vacuum is also doing its job perfectly. The bed and carpet look brand new. I dusted the rest of the room and then moved to the kitchen. I also put some rat traps everywhere. They have made a cheerful home for themselves here, but I am sorry I’m not living with them.

The Kitchen is huge with a big island in the center, everything is white even the marvel countertops. Definitely changing that. I would love to see the cupboards black and the backsplash greyish... maybe. O and a new stove, I like the gas range and most of the other appliances will also need to be changed out.

That's just it, this may be a small town, but if there is a new thing on the market one of the shop will have it. It took me nearly the whole day just to get the two rooms cleaned. I think I will call it a day and just eat this Mac and cheese that Mrs. Dawson brought. Then have a long, hot shower and sleep in a nice clean room.

Later that night, I heard scratching noises coming from the floors and ceiling. Those damn rats. I’ve also noticed some lights in the house need replacement, as some of them flickers from time to time. Maybe the rats ate through some of the wiring. I will have to see to that.

The next morning, I went for a run in the woods, the way my father and I always did. So I put in my headphones and started playing my favorite songs, but I had this feeling that I’m being followed, so I turned the music off and concentrated on my surroundings. I hear something at my back, so I turned my head to see if I can see anything and then... wham... I ran into something rock solid. I was falling back and when the pain was shooting thru my back; I knew I just landed on my ass... hard.

“What are you doing on our land?” The blond guy, or more like blond headed boy, asked. There were three boys standing in front of me, and all of them were shirtless and not too bad to look at. “What...you’re just going to sit there and stare at us the whole day, or are you going to explain yourself?”

He was pissing me off and there was something strange about what I saw. Usually I can see the dark in people’s soles, but these guys were kind of greyish color and my gut was going mad inside of me. What the hell are they. I stood up, standing face to face with the young boy, yes I was taller than normal girls, making me a little more intimidating.

“Listen here, you little brat. My father and I have been running this trail almost every day when I was younger... and since when do people own the woods?” “If you speak to me, you will speak with respect...do you know who I am....little girl.” O f**k this if it is a fight they want, it’s fight they get.

“Hey calm down guys no need to fight.” Eric appeared behind me, also shirtless. What is up with the guys in this town?

“O what do you want... kitten?” “Come now, no need for name calling...dog, but my friend over here has not been in town for a few years, so she is not aware that you have bought the land. I’m sure she won’t make the same mistake again.” As he said that, the blond boy was looking me up and down and if it wasn’t for Eric grasping my arm, I would have ripped that smile off his little face.

“Make sure your girlfriend over here behaves and stay on her side of town.” “What the fu...” “Come Elizabeth, now is not the time, I will explain later.” I took in a deep breath and turned to walk away. It was harder that I thought something in me just wanted to rip their heads off. I knew this feeling and it helped me kill a view bad people for example, the one time I caught a r****t that r***d and killed almost ten women. I didn't even hesitate when I caught him.

“What the hell was that Eric and who are those guy’s?” “About ten years ago the Carpio family moved into town and made generous donations to the town development, so the Major sold most of the woodlands to them, as they apparently loved wide open spaces.”

“So they own most of everything now?” “Mostly yea, after your parents passed, their funding to the town were stopped by the Lawyers and the town was feeling it, so when they came into town they were given the royal treatment and still are.” “No wonder those boys think they can do and say what they want, but what was that kitten dog story about?”

“O... ha ha... that, no that's nothing, we went to school together and because of the power their family holds, even know they younger than me, they still did and say what they wanted. That was just the nicknames we called each other.”

“Wait... where are you following me back there?” “No! I always run this time of the morning, I just heard your voice and thought I will see what’s going on.” “Well I was handling things back there.” “O yes I saw you were doing a great job.” “Whatever...”

“So have you found anyone to do your garden for you?” “No not yet, what...you offering?” “Ha ha, I have some time on my hands. I would not mind helping you. Only if you want help, of course?” “It’s fine by me if you want to help me with the garden. The house is going to keep me busy for quite some time.” “Well, I have a few things to do now, but I will be done in about two hours, then I will meet you there.” “Fine by me. I still need to go into town as well.” “See you then.” “Okay, see you.”

It’s been almost two hours that I have been stuck in town, ordering the appliances, paint and furniture, but the view I came back to made me feel almost better. There was a half naked, very well build and sweating man busy in my garden and the view was... well, it was as if I was looking at a sculpture made from marble.

“O hey, Elizabeth.” “O... hey, you here early.” “Ya, I finished up with the things I had to do faster than I thought. Do you want me to look at that gate for you?” “O please, I will very much appreciate that.” I responded as I was going inside.

“O... Elizabeth?” “Ya...” “Next time when you ogling a guy, maybe you want to do that where they can’t see you.” At that, I could feel my cheeks flaming up. “I wasn’t ogling you, I was just...” “Whatever you say, beautiful, now let me get back to work.”

Hmm beautiful... now his giving me a pet name, what a flirt... I thought to myself as I walk into the house and then froze... I had this cold feeling going thru me and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. Something is not right, so I took careful steps towards my living area, listening and looking around if someone was in the house, but there was no one. Maybe it’s just the events of this morning playing with my head. I just needed to relaxed.