Going Home

Part 140

Later that afternoon, sitting under the tree where Josh had showed her the stars last time Grace and Josh enjoy some time alone before the evening festivities. After a few minutes silence Grace broached the subject she and Margaret had discussed earlier. Grace was sitting between Josh’s bent legs leaning back on his chest as he leaned against the tree trunk. Turning her head to look at him she said “hey?”

Looking down at her Josh said “yeah”

But Grace was not as confident of Josh’s reaction as she had made out to Margaret so she was hesitant to discuss this with him and turned back to look out over the paddock again before answering. There had been a good feeling between him and his parents lately and she did not want to ruin it but she knew that it may be worse if she did not warn him. So with caution she waded in. “I was talking to Margaret earlier.”

Josh was not sure what was coming but he could tell from Grace’s manner that he may not like it so when she had been silent for a few seconds, he said “and?”

“She’s a bit worried.”

He sighed with impatience when Grace paused again. Josh wanted to know what was going on. In a stern voice he prompted “about?”

Taking a deep breath Grace took the plunge. “About how you’ll react if your relatives call you Brendan instead of Josh” she said.

Josh was silent. He had not thought about this for a while and it took him a minute to figure out that really it did not matter anymore. As far as he was concerned he was Josh but the thought of being called Brendan did not have the devastating effect it once did.

Worried by his silence Grace turned around again to look at him. His expression was serious as he stared down into her eyes. “Will you be okay with it if it happens?” she said.

Without a change of expression Josh said “no doubt I’ll cope.”

But watching him Grace could sense the humor lurking behind his response and relieved she smiled and teased “so does that mean I can call you Brendan?”

Trying to maintain his serious expression Josh growled “no it doesn’t and let me warn you if you try it I’ll be forced to take action.”

Laughing Grace said in a playful tone “oh what sort of action?”

Grinning now Josh dared her “try it and you’ll find out.”

Smiling Grace said “ok….Brendan”

And before Grace knew what had hit her Josh had her lying on her back, holding her arms above her head as he pinned her to the ground with his body. In a slow movement he lowered his head and watched as she raised hers trying to tempt him to kiss her. But staying just out of reach he gave her a cheeky grin and said “this sort of action.”

Sighing as she realised that he was not going to give her what she wanted Grace relaxed back on the ground. Glaring at him she said “well that’s just mean.”

Josh laughed and allowed her to pull her arms out from under his hands.

 Grace pulled his head down towards her and said “and you know it hurts you as much as me.”

Smiling Josh raised an eyebrow and said “true” then added more firmly “so don’t make me do it again.”

Grace pulled his head down so that his mouth was close to hers and said “ok” but then smiling against his mouth she added “Brendan” and kissed him before he could react.

Going Home

Part 139

Leaving father and son to examine the ute in detail Grace went inside with Margaret “so what’s the plan?” she said.
Smiling Margaret turned to look at Grace and the excitement she was feeling was evident “well this is the first Christmas we have celebrated since Gavin died, and I want to make up for lost time. So tonight we are having drinks here with some of the neighbours. Then tomorrow we’ll do the traditional Christmas morning thing and have a family brunch. My sister and her family will be here too. After that I thought we would get packed up and head to town about two. Does that sound okay? It won’t make us too late to your parents place will it?”

Smiling at her enthusiasm Grace said “Margaret that sounds wonderful and Mum doesn’t care what time we get there. My family will all be there for the evening and she knows we have to travel from here. But anyway if we leave here at two it should be perfect.”

All of a sudden a frown appeared on Margaret’s face, reminding Grace of Josh. Wondering what had caused it she said softly “what?”

Serious now Margaret said “it’s just that I’ve explained to Judy, my sister, and her family about calling Josh, Josh not Brendan. But who knows if they’ll remember. With that many people you just never know what someone will say and I don’t want Josh to be upset so it’s got me a little worried.”

Giving Margaret a sympathetic smile Grace said “I wouldn’t worry about it Margaret, Josh has come along way since you first contacted him. I’m sure that wouldn’t affect him now but if you like I can talk to him about it.”

Smiling Margaret said “oh thank you Grace, it would be a relief if I knew ahead of time that he will be okay about it.”

Grace’s smile appeared again “no worries. I’ll tackle him on it later.” Then turning to practical matters she said “now what can I do to help?”

The Locked Door

Part 25

For the next few months Jaya and Walker moved backwards and forwards between the city and the small country town. It was not ideal as Jaya did not see nearly enough of Walker and Walker felt the same, but they made it work. 

Over that time Jaya met Walker’s sister whom she liked. They became good friends and Jaya became very attached to their mother. Therefore it was with a great deal of sadness that Jaya learnt of her death six months after she had first met Walker.

Jaya went back to the small town to be with Walker and stay for the funeral. When she pulled up at his mother’s house Jaya had only just opened the door when Walker appeared and walked towards her. His expression was sad and Jaya opened her arms. Walker stepped into her embrace and buried his face into her hair as his arms closed around her waist and held her tight.

The Locked Door

Part 24

Two days later it was the night before Jaya had to go home. She was once more staying at Walker’s mother’s house. Jaya didn’t mind it so much second time around and she made sure to go up and speak to the older woman for a few minutes when she arrived. Not wanting to tire her though, Jaya didn’t stay with her long. Afterwards while Walker spent some time with his mother Jaya made them some dinner. As usual the nurse that came in during the day had given the older woman dinner before she left for the day.

When Walker came back down Jaya had everything ready and they sat at the island bench to eat. Walker took a couple of bites but then stopped. Jaya looked over at him wondering if he didn’t like what she had prepared.

The Locked Door

Part 23

It was only twenty minutes later that Walker reappeared. Jaya looked up from her seat on the couch.

“She’s asleep” he said and holding out his hand to help her up he added “thanks for talking to her.”

“My pleasure” Jaya said “I like your mum.”

He smiled “she liked you too.”

Jaya was pleased and she hugged him.

After bending to give her a quick kiss he said “let’s eat.”

Jaya smiled and with his arm wrapped around her shoulders they walked into the kitchen. 

The Locked Door

Part 22

When Walker opened the door to her and saw her bag the smile he had greeted her with widened, “you’re staying?”

Jaya grinned and nodded “if your invitation still stands?”

“Definitely” he said and drew her into his arms and kissed her.

When he eased back a few minutes later he said “do you want to come and meet mum?”

“Sure” she said as nerves had her heart beating faster.

He smiled “give me that” he said taking her bag “I’ll be back in a second” and he walked off in the direction of his bedroom. In a few seconds he was back and clasping her hand he said “come on” and led her up the stairs. 

The Locked Door

Part 21

It was later that night that Jaya broached the subject of was going to happen when the week was over. “What are we going to do after this weekend? I have to go back to town.”

“I don’t know” Walker said in a flat tone.

“I mean we don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. I was just wondering what you were thinking.”

He looked over and met her gaze. “I want to see you but I can’t leave here.”

Jaya nodded “no I know you can’t” she said.

“I don’t feel right asking you to come up here either” he said. “You have a life in the city.

Jaya chest tightened. “So what are you saying?”

The Locked Door

Part 20

When the heat of passion had passed Walker kissed her head and said “still weird?”

“If I think about it, yes.”

He grinned “then I’d better make sure you have no time to think” he teased as he rolled over to lie upon her. Leaning down he kissed her and for the next little while Jaya did indeed stop thinking.

“So are you staying?” Walker said a little later as he stroked her bare back.

“No” she said turning her head to smile at him to take the sting out of her refusal. “I don’t feel right about that at the moment.”

“Okay” he said “you’re call. Miller will be here tomorrow night so I’ll be able to stay with you.”

Jaya smiled “I’ll look forward to that” she said.

“Same here” he said leaning over to kiss her.

The Locked Door

Part 19

When Jaya was done preparing dinner Walker still had not come back down so she put it in the oven to keep it warm and after cleaning up she poured herself a glass of water and sat down on a stool pulled up to the island to wait. While she sipped her drink she pulled out her phone and went through her emails. She answered those she needed to and filed those she had to keep. That done and still no sign of Walker she brought up the news on the internet and caught up on recent events.

She was half way through her second article when Walker arrived. “Sorry” he said.

“No problem” she said with a smile “ready to eat?”

“I’m starved” he said “whatever you made, it smells incredible.”

“Don’t expect too much” she said as she got up and opened the oven to remove the plates. “I’m no chef.”

“It’s food, it’s hot, how bad can it be?”

“You obviously haven’t eaten in some of the places I have” she said with a laugh as she set the two plates down on the bench.

“It looks good anyway” he said with a smile “thanks for this.”

“You’re welcome” she said returning his smile and they began to eat.

The Locked Door

Part 18

The house when they pulled up was a beautiful old stone building and Jaya was in love from the moment she saw it.

“What a beautiful house” she said as she met Walker beside his car.

He smiled “thanks, I guess it is. I don’t tend to notice after all this time.”

She nodded. It was like anything you become familiar with, you stop paying attention.

 Walker reached out a clasped her hand “come in” he said.

On entering the old house Jaya was just as awe struck. It was very well cared for and furnished in a way that fitted the heritage of the building. It was lovely.

Walker led her into a living room and said “take a seat I’ll just go and tell mum I’m back. I won’t be a minute.”

“Don’t rush” Jaya said sitting on the couch. “Do what you need to. I’m fine.”

The Locked Door

Part 17

The next day while Walker worked, Jaya cleared out the hidden room. Her mother had said she wanted to see the baby clothes before they were given away. The rest of the items were to be donated. Jaya called the charity again and they picked up the furniture. So by that afternoon, once again Jaya was finished her task. As she waited for Walker to finish work she thought about what was going to happen when her week there was over. Walker had to stay to help look after his mother but her life was in the city. How on earth could they make any sort of relationship work when they were going to be so far apart? Then again maybe he wasn’t interested in anything beyond the next week. Either way Jaya knew she was better not becoming too emotionally involved. Maybe she should have thought about that before she slept with him, she acknowledged. Now she had a horrible feeling it was too late.

The Locked Door

Part 16

It was therefore late afternoon before Jaya got around to calling her mother.

“Hi mum” she said when the call was picked up.

“Jaya, sweetheart, did you find out what was behind the door?”

“I did” she said “would you believe it was a room.”

“Really? What was in it?”

“Did you ever hear about your parent’s losing a baby or a baby dying?”

Her mother was quiet of a moment. “I do remember hearing something about a baby who died. I can’t be sure it was your grandparent’s however.”

“I think it may have been” Jaya said “the room was a nursery. Everything was still there.”

“Oh how sad” her mother said.

“I know, you can feel it as soon as you walk in the room. Would you like to see it before I clear it out? I could send you a video?”

“Yes please” Christa said.

“Okay I’ll send it in a minute.”

“When are you coming home?”

“I think I’m going to spend some more time here. I don’t have to be back at work until next week.”

“Are you sure honey? Won’t you be lonely?”

Jaya had to fight not to laugh “I’ll be fine Mum” she said. “I’ll send the video in a minute and I’ll call you later in the week.”

“Alright, if you’re sure?”

“I am mum” she said “I’ll call you later.”

“Bye honey” Christa said and Jaya hung up the phone.

After filming the secret room Jaya walked into the kitchen where Walker was finishing a cup of coffee.

“All good?” he said.

“Yes your idea of the video was a good one. I’ll just send it to her now.” With her back leaning against the bench next to where he was sitting she sent the video of the nursery to her mother.

“So what now?” he said.

“Nothing for me” she said “my job here is done. I just have to list some things to sell when I get home. What about you?”

“I have to work tomorrow” he said.

“That’s okay. I’ll find a way to amuse myself until you finish.”

He smiled “what will you do?”

“No idea. I guess I could list the items for sale from here. I’ll also have to clear out the nursery.”

“Are you going to keep anything?”

“I won’t but my mum may want something. But that’s for tomorrow” she said with a smile “what are we going to do today?”

“I can think of something” he said before kissing her.

“Haven’t we done that already” she said when his mouth moved off hers.

“Is there a limit on how often we can do that?” he asked with a grin.

“No” she said “I was just asking.”

“Good” he said and he went back to kissing her. Then sliding off the bench he sat her there instead and positioned himself between her legs. After a while he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

The Locked Door

Part 15

It was late morning when Jaya decided it was time to rouse herself. She and Walker had not slept much but she did not care and she did not feel any the worse for the lack of sleep. Her muscles ached pleasantly from the unaccustomed activity and with each twinge she remembered with delight how it had been caused. Leaving Walker asleep she jumped in the shower. However before she could get out she found that she had company as Walker stepped in behind her.

“Morning” he said.

“Morning” she said and turned to face him.

He grinned and bent to kiss her which ensured that the hot water had run out long before they emerged but neither of them had even noticed. 

The Locked Door

Part 14

When they were sated and satisfied sometime later Jaya said “that’s one thing I never imagined doing in my grandmother’s house.”

Walker laughed and kissed her temple “would she mind?”

“Are you kidding, she’d be horrified” Jaya said with a laugh.

He chuckled.

They still had not turned on a light and they had not moved from the living room floor.

“If it helps” he said “I didn’t plan this when I took on this job.”

“That doesn’t help at all” she said “it makes me feel like a frustrated house wife who seduced a tradesman.”

He laughed “I’m not a tradesman, not really and you didn’t seduce me. If you didn’t notice, I wanted this as much as you.”

“Phew” Jaya said with a grin. She was feigning relief but in truth she was aware the he wanted her too.

Walker chuckled again “and for the record I don’t normally sleep with my clients.”

“That’s good” she said “because I don’t normally sleep with people I employ.”

“So we’re all good then” he said kissing her throat.

“Almost” she said as her heart rate went through the roof.

The Locked Door

Part 13

Jaya was surprised but not displeased. She closed her eyes, and opened her mouth as a shiver passed through her.

For several minutes they kissed without touching other than with their mouths. When the need for air forced them apart Jaya sighed. “Wow.”

She saw the gleam of his teeth as he smiled “just what I was going to say.”

She laughed and then asked “so if you were going to do it anyway, why did you say it was a shame?”

“Because I knew even before I did it that once wasn’t going to be enough. That I would want to do it again” and his voice dropping lower he added “can we do it again?”

The Locked Door

Part 12

Now that the mystery had been solved she was aware of a feeling of excitement at having dinner with Walker. It seemed that she had known him for longer than an afternoon and remembered with pleasure the feeling of his large hand wrapped around hers.

Within twenty minutes Walker was back with the beer and right behind him was the pizza. It was still light as she closed the door on the pizza boy and carried the pizza into the living room. She had given away all the seats so they sat down with their backs against the wall and after opening a beer each they clinked bottles. “Cheers” Walker said.

“Thanks for helping me solve the mystery.”

“As I said that was the most enjoyable job I’ve had in months. I’ve never been called on to try and pick a lock before.”

“How long have you been a handyman here?” she said as she offered him a slice of pizza.

“About six months” he said. “I’m actually a steel manufacturer by trade but when mum got sick and I came back here to live, there wasn’t much call for that.” His smile was wry.

“Is your mum okay now?”

The Locked Door

Part 11

Jaya got to her feet and as she turned back to face him she realised she was holding him up “crap” she said “you must want to go. Sorry I guess I got carried away.”

He smiled “no problem.”

“What do I owe you?” she said.

“If you think I’m going to charge you for uncovering a decades old mystery, you’re crazy. This has been the best job I’ve had in months.”

Jaya laughed “I have to give you something.”

“I know it’s not exactly ethical and you can say no, but I’d settle for a beer and some pizza” he said with a warm smile.

Jaya blushed “oh” she said and looking at her watch she was surprised to see that it was after five o’clock. Where had the time gone?

The Locked Door

Part 10

Walker pushed the screw driver further in and levered it against the door jam. The door swung forward and he grabbed it and pulled so the lock parted. The door was free of the opening now and lifting it he set it against the wall to one side.

Jaya hadn’t moved. The space beyond the door was dark and for some reason she could not bring herself to go in there.

Walker turned back to look at her and he must have read her expression. Bending he pulled a torch out of his tool box and holding out his hand he said “I’ll come with you.”

Jaya lifted her eyes to look at him. She felt stupid but she could not move. To her relief he did not appear to be making fun of her. His expression was serious but kind. Jaya put her hand in his and after turning on the torch he turned towards the door. “Sorry” she said.

He turned back and smiled “forget about it, a room that’s been locked up for decades is a bit creepy.”

Jaya smiled. She did not believe that he was affected in any way but she appreciated him pretending he was. She also liked his large warm hand wrapped around hers.

“Right here we go” he said and led the way towards the doorway.

Jaya’s heart was beating fast as she followed the torch light around the room. 

The Locked Door

Part 9

 In the second bedroom again it took less than a second to see that there was only one window.”

“That answers that” she said and thinking for a minute she said “but why isn’t there a door into the hall instead of into this room?”

“Maybe originally it was one large room but at some stage it was divided up?” he said.

“Yes, that would explain it but it still doesn’t tell me why my grandparents blocked it off.”

“I guess you won’t know that until you get in there” and with a smile he added “and that’s my cue to get back to work.” He finished his coffee and smiled at her.

Returning his smile Jaya put out her hand to take his mug.

“Thanks” he said.

“No problem” Jaya said and took the mugs back to the kitchen before returning to the bedroom. 

It took Walker another ten frustrating minutes before he finally got the pin to move. Once started, it still took some time to inch the pin out, but eventually he got it, and he turned his head to grin at her.

“What do we do now?” Jaya said as excitement bubbled up within her.

The Locked Door

Part 8

Within a few minutes she walked back into the bedroom with two mugs. He dropped his tools and took the mug she held out.  “I got the top one out” he said. “The bottom one doesn’t want to be as co-operative.”

“Well we are one step closer anyway.”

“What are you thinking is in there?” he said.

“I have no idea” Jaya said. “I had a look and going by the surrounding room to me it looks like it might be a bigger space than just a cupboard.”

“Mind if I check it out?” he said.

The Locked Door

Part 7

“I’m not much of a lock pick but I can give it a go" Walker said. "Anything else I try is going to cause damage I’m afraid.”

“Then please let’s try picking the lock first” Jaya said.

“Okay let’s see if we can find some instruction then” he said and as Jaya watched he pulled out his phone and typed “how to pick an old door lock.”

She smiled and said “is there anything you can’t google?”

He looked up and grinned “if there is I haven’t found it.”

Jaya laughed and looked over his shoulder as he scanned the answers. She could smell his aftershave. Without warning he turned his head and met her gaze. A slow smile spread across his face.

The Locked Door

Part 6

The handyman Jaya had called did not think it would be a problem getting the door open but he could not come out until the following day. Jaya sighed and agreed. So much for going home she lamented.  

For the rest of the day Jaya cleaned up the mess that she had made looking for the keys, repacking all the boxes she had emptied. Once she was done she decided to make the most of the time she had with nothing to do and relax. With this in mind she ran a bath. After soaking until she was wrinkly she ordered a pizza for dinner and went to bed. 

The next day, just after lunch, there was a knock on her door at the time she had agreed with the handyman.

Excited to solve the mystery at last Jaya was already smiling when she answered the knock. However one look at the man on her doorstep and her smile faded away.

The Locked Door

Part 5

“Mum” Jaya said when her call was answered.

“Hello darling” Christa Hughes said. “How’s it going?”

“I’m just about finished but I’ve come across something weird.”

“Weird?” he mother said “what is it?”

“A door” Jaya said “it was behind that huge old wardrobe in the second bedroom. Do you know anything about it?”

“No, what sort of door? What does it lead to?”

“An ordinary door” Jaya said and I don’t know where it leads, it’s locked.”

Her mother was quiet for a minute.

“Mum” Jaya said wondering if she was still there.

The Locked Door

Part 4

Finally Jaya shut the front door on the men and with a determined stride she walked into the second bedroom. Standing in front of the door, she inspected it. It looked like an ordinary door but did it lead to a cupboard or a room? Jaya walked back into the hall and then into the main bedroom that shared one wall. She studied the three spaces and came to the conclusion that it could be a room. There appeared to be an area that was unaccounted for. Jaya walked back into the second bedroom and once again looked at the door. Why on earth would her grandparents have blocked off a whole room? It didn’t make sense. 

Jaya stepped towards the door. It was time to find out what this was all about. She put out her hand and grabbed the handle. Taking a deep breath she gripped it and turned and….nothing. The door was locked. “Damn” Jaya said out loud. She tried again, she shook it and tried to force it but it stayed locked.

The Locked Door

Part 3

The next morning, as planned Jaya called the charity she intended to donate to and they agreed to come and collect the items by mid afternoon. So she set to work on the last remaining room, the third bedroom. She was done before the truck arrived and sat done to drink a cup of coffee. It was the first time since she arrived that she had taken time out. She was pleased with what she had accomplished but she was exhausted and looking forward to going home. 

Just as she had finished her drink the charity truck arrived and for the next few hours she was busy helping load everything into the truck. It all went to plan until they started work on the second bedroom. In this room the old wooden beds, the wardrobe and a chest of drawers were to be removed. The chest of drawers was taken out first and then the huge old wardrobe. However when the latter was moved away it revealed something surprising and a little puzzling.

The Locked Door

Part 2

For the next couple of hours Jaya filled garbage bags with clothes and linen, some to go to charity, others to go in the bin. Next she tackled the kitchen, boxing up anything that was still useful and throwing out the rest. By one o’clock, satisfied with her efforts Jaya set out to walk to the local shops to get some lunch.

After buying a pasty and a cold drink Jaya found a seat in the small patch of green in the middle of town and ate her lunch in the sun. Half an hour later, she made her way back to her grandmother’s house and continued her task.  By six that evening she had cleared out her grandmother’s bedroom, the kitchen and started on the living room. The two piles of garbage bags and boxes had grown steadily and although her back ached, Jaya was pleased with her progress. While in town at the shops earlier she had bought some supplies for a simple dinner and after cooking it she ate it outside with a glass of wine enjoying the last of the daylight. 

As the light faded, the temperature dropped and Jaya moved back inside. She washed the dishes, closed most of the windows, made up a bed and after a warm shower got into it with a sigh. But although Jaya was tired she found she couldn’t sleep. The house was too quiet. She was used to living in the city with traffic and industry and here there was just not enough noise. So getting up, she retrieved her ipod and turning it on with the volume low she got back into bed and was asleep in minutes. 

The Locked Door

Part 1

Jaya Hughes unlocked the front door of her grandmother’s old house and was hit with a musty smell and a million memories. As kids, she and her sisters had visited their grandmother on their school holidays. She could still picture the diminutive old lady walking slowly ahead of her after she had let her in, leading the way to the kitchen which was where she spent most of her time. A twinge of pain squeezed Jaya’s heart as she walked down the dark empty hall way. It had been five months since her grandmother had passed away but still it hurt. Jaya’s mother felt it even more. She could not even tackle going through her mother’s belongings which was why Jaya was there. Someone had to do it so the house could be sold and with no partner or children, unlike her older sister’s, and time off work owed to her, Jaya was the obvious choice. She was happy to do it.  

Jaya blinked to stop tears forming in her dark blue eyes and she shivered. The house was cold and dark and it held a sad, depressing air. It was almost a creepy sensation. But at the age of thirty three, too old to spook easily and nothing if not practical, Jaya shrugged it off. She knew that once she got the curtains and windows opened letting the sunlight in and airing out the house it would feel very different. So after putting her bag down in the bedroom she always used when she stayed there, this is what she did. 

Within minutes Jaya had changed the feeling in the house completely. After opening as many windows as she could, flooding the rooms with light and fresh air, Jaya plugged in her ipod and speakers and music filled the house. Then tying up her long brown hair she wrapped her grandmother’s old apron around her curvaceous form. Now she could get to work.