The new beginning at the one way sign

(Previous story – Chapter one)

The house sits back from the road. It is on a small slope, and has a small stand of woods behind it. It appears small at first but reveals its size the closer one gets to the structure. The house is a split level contemporary. It has been updated to modernize its appearance. In a past remodel the size of the home was expanded. The addition almost doubled the size of the house.

They managed to get the truck around the loop and stationed in front of the property. While Jamal helped the movers get started April walked around the spacious home and made her plans. Of course there was more room than she and Jamal needed. However, they had plans for some expansion work of their own. Therefore the extra space was just what they were looking for.

April climbs the stairs to examine the bedrooms on the second floor. There are two. One has a small bathroom attached. there is also a small office, or study, depending on what she and Jamal decided. Then there is the laundry room, and a full bathroom. In other words they had plenty of room for expansion. She smiles just a little. They haven’t had any smiles lately. It feels a little strange, but also, like hope.

The New Beginning

The movers are quick and already have the cargo door opened when Jamal joins them. They have enough people to do the work so they don’t need Jamal to participate. However, Jamal wants to get things in their right place. From the start. He knows this has been a struggle for April, and the sooner they can start living a normal life, the better. After what happened in the city, they needed this.

The morning passes quickly and by noon they have half the truck unloaded. Furthermore, they have everything in its place. In fact, April has been so busy unpacking Jamal has hardly seen her. At this pace they would have the truck unloaded by the early afternoon. Then with the movers gone, they could begin the process of settling in for their first evening. Jamal is contemplating what they will have for dinner, when a Sheriff’s car pulls onto Cedar street.

The Sheriff’s car pulls up behind the moving truck. Jamal is just returning to the truck for another box when the cruiser pulls up. A moment later the door of the patrol car opens, and a Sheriff’s deputy steps out of the car. The movers have stopped what they are doing, and are silently watching the officer, as he approaches the truck. Jamal is lifting his box, when the officer arrives and greets them.

At the One Way Sign

April is busily putting away their things, and thinking about their new beginning, when she passes by the window. Down at the street, by the one way sign, is a Sheriff’s car. This is such an unexpected sight, she stops cold, and stares out the window. She watches as the officer gets out of the patrol car. She continues to watch as he approaches the moving truck.

Nothing about what she is seeing on the street below, is cause for alarm. However, she feels that something isn’t right. Down on the street below the officer has reached the open cargo door of the moving truck. She can see him speaking with Jamal in the street below. The movers have gathered at the door of the moving truck, to watch Jamal.

Then, just behind her, Jamal whispers her name. She freezes, not understanding. She is watching Jamal, down there on the street. Then, from behind her, he whispers her name again. And April screams.

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New beginning

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