How ’bout this, dear friends. We are almost into Spring. On with the shorts. . .almost Welcome to WEWRIWA and one more snitch of Reconstructing Charlie, a story that had me crying for six months until the end. I didn’t want to raise another kid. Mine were grown up and then I had a dream. Oh well. She turned out fine so here goes. Last week she killed her father to save her mother. Mom packed a bag with Charlie’s clothes and told her to run for the bus. She also gave her a note to deliver to relatives in Chicago, an aunt and uncle she didn’t know existed. She arrives, at age fifteen, in this wondrous city, hitches a ride with a cop to Lake Shore Drive. The name sounds so pretty.
excerpt: I watched the cop named Patrick Donnelly drive away and stood before the front door of a tall building that looked like a picture come to life. Mom’s letter in hand, I rang to hear chimes echo somewhere in the house; a man in black opened the door.
A woman who looked familiar , an older version of Mom, walked down a curved staircase to move as if she floated toward me and cried out,”Elizabeth,” with arms outstretched, she embraced me.
Mistaken identity I thought because she looked like my mom and she believed I was her sister; for a moment we both cried but just for a moment.
With hands so soft, she’d never washed a dish, she held me at arms length to declare, “You are Elizabeth’s daughter.”
She lifted a silver bell, shook it , and the man in black appeared. “Edgar, this is my niece and she’s hungry.” His expression didn’t change as if nieces showed up every day.
“The dress you’re wearing is one I purchased for her long ago.” My elegant aunt spoke in a voice like a movie star so different from back home.
for more snippets from talented writers:
http://www.amazon.com/Reconstructing-Charlie- Charmaine-Gordon/dp/0615909175
http://www.amazon.com/Reconstructing-Charlie- Charmaine-Gordon-ebook/dp/B004KKZ6WS
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product- reconstructingcharlie-511663-152.html
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/38890
If you’d like me to continue with this story, raise your right hand and yell YES! Otherwise, I can move on. I don’t want to bore my pals here. Just speak to me. I listen, hearing aids and all.
Author Charmaine Gordon 
Interesting situation you’ve forced her into. Not only is she in turmoil because of killing her dad, she gets to visit strangers. I wonder how this woman would react it she knew what Charlie had done.
Her aunt and uncle will never know Charlie’s secret. The fourth book in the series is where only the brother and twin sisters know and the story builds to a crescendo. Nifty! Thanks, Ed. 4th book coming soon.
I love this description of when she arrived at their house. A little girl in a big world.
Yes–spring. Soon. We turn the clocks in a couple of weeks. Evenings will seem longer. 🙂 I love this time of year. We’re on the cusp of it all.
Cusp. What a fine word, Teresa. Brink is a good one as well. Maybe that’s the reason a reborn feeling has come over me. Thanks again for your neat descriptions of Charlie’s life.
A wonderfully warm reception tempered only a little by the mistaken identity. But even after the aunt recognizes who Charlie really is, the warmth is still beautiful. It makes us cheer for this young gal who has been through so much.
Chelle, your reaction to my story warms my old heart. Hugs to you, dear friend.
What a fascinating twist! I vote for continuing with this story, at least for a little while.
One vote and counting. Christina, you are a fan C’mon over and let’s dance and write.
Interesting! Sounds like she’s in for a life so different from what she knew before. Great tease! 🙂
Rags to riches, Charlie begins a new life with guilt hidden inside her, determined to become a someone.
Ed, mistake here. Eventually aunt and uncle find but only because he’s a lawyer and checks up on Elizabeth as time goes on. Wonderfully complex!
I like the setup of the story. Also like this week’s snippet, that she is welcomed with open arms.
Open arms and more. Tune in next week for more about Charlie’s new life and nightmares.
What a contrast between the home she has fled from and the one to which she has arrived. I would love to hear more of the story. It is intriguing.
Thanks, Rachel. A bit more is forthcoming as she fits into this wonderland.
A comforting place to be in – after the horror of what just happened.
lol on shorts – we’re getting snow and freezing rain for the better part of the week. But I can dream about shorts.
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Sweet dreams of summer clothes and tans. Thanks for your support, Daryl.
What an intimidating setting to stroll into. Good think her aunt seems so nice!
Her aunt and uncle make it easy for her and she is a brilliant girl. You will love her defiance against all odds.
Talk about a different world. She’s certainly not in Kansas any more. I hope this gives her the new start she deserves. Everyone should have an aunt like this! Great snippet, Charmaine!
Thanks, Jenna. Smiling at your comment here in New York with the sun shining.
Quite a life change here! Probably very disorienting for her – I like that she doesn’t immediately relax. Can’t wait for more developments, great snippet! Hugs 🙂
She watches and waits, smart girl and is haunted by what happened. More next week, dear friend.
I’m thrilled her aunt welcomed her right in. Great snippet, Charmaine.
And this is just the beginning of the story. A bit more next week. My thanks for a lovely comment, Paula.
Another vote for continuing! Poor thing, Charlie must be reeling. This sure is a gripping story you’re telling. I love that line “His expression didn’t change as if nieces showed up every day.”
~Marcia
GF, you’ve made my day. Edgar is a fascinating character. He becomes a best friend to Charlie through out the story. Thanks for the comment and support.
Well I want more! Great beginning.
Cindy, you want it, you’ve got it. Tune in next week. So pleased to see you here.
It’s good to be back! Thanks for noticing. 🙂
The special, different writers are always missed. You are one of them, high on my list. You missed my 85th birthday, however- Feb 13-a major celebration as I write a hot new story.
What a welcome. Everything must seem so surreal to Charlie, like she’s living another life. Leaving home. Meeting people she never knew… Interesting plot.
Her Mom forced her to run for the bus with a suitcase and a note to a place she never saw before at age fifteen. And what a welcome. I love this story that came to me in a dream. A writer’s dream. Thanks, Karen.
She’s just stepped into a totally different world. Scary, yet, probably a relief after what she’s been through.
So true and yet she’s guilty in so many ways to leave her brother and little sisters and mom to live in this wonderland with a staff of help in the beautiful home. Good tale and to think I wrote it. I still shake my head in amazement.
An act of violence and a new home with strangers would be a lot to handle, but I think she’s a strong girl who can cope.
Right on. You and I see eye to eye. See you next week.
Must be so strange for her aunt, to see the ghost of her past in her niece. Love how calm the guy is!
Edgar is a piece of work so unique. Thanks, Caitlin.
I like her reaction when she comes to the house. Good snippet!
Hi Frank, we’re here again doin’ our stuff. Best to you.