Chapter Nine

Just as she finished eating a light breakfast, she heard the knock on the door. Opening it, she saw three woman, carrying cleaning supplies. “Hi, we’re the cleaning sisters.” The middle woman said.
“Hi, come on in.” Jayme said and opened the door for them. “When I called yesterday, I explained that your job would be to clean up a murder sight, you do understand, right?”
“Yes. Of course. I was the woman you spoke with on the phone yesterday. We’re all really sorry about your husband. Our guarantee is that we will be quick and thorough.” The taller woman said.
“I will pay you an additional three hundred dollars if you pack things up in that room for me. I just listed this house on the market.”
The three girls looked at each other, quickly but quietly discussing it. “Yes. We’ll take that job.” The taller one said.
“Ok. Great. Let me show you the room and I’ll get you some boxes. You can start with packing, then clean, or clean as you go, however you want to do it. And I have no where to be today, you have as long as you need.” Jayme said.
As the three sisters packed up the room, they packed fragile items with newspapers and labeled the boxes accordingly. With the three working together, it took six hours to completely pack and clean the room. After the three girls were done, Jayme ordered pizza for them to all eat as it was past lunch and they were all hungry.
Although she didn’t want to, Jayme went into the office to see the job they did. They gained her permission to pull up the carpet as it would need to be replaced. But Jayme already assumed that. It was still hard for her to be in that room, especially seeing the large blood stain on the carpet. She stayed for only moments before she had to exit the room.
After the sisters left, Jayme went to the flooring store to order new carpeting. She had the dimensions in hand when she ordered and scheduled install for the following Monday morning. Returning home, she spent the rest of the day packing her everyday things. She knew most everything would be going into storage for an undetermined time, but her clothes and a few other things would be going with her to her parents.
She was prepared for the movers the following day as they arrived, backing into the driveway and as close to the house as possible. There were three men who climbed out of the truck, looking like a father and his two teenage sons. In the hours that it took for them to load their truck full of Jayme’s belongings, she had the rest of her things still in her bedroom, in boxes to go into her car..
By the time they pulled out of the driveway, her house was empty. Jayme drove before the men in the truck, leading the way to Hillman and to the storage unit. Keeping watch in her rear-view mirror, Jayme made sure the men in the truck were still behind her.
Pulling into the storage unit, Jayme used her card to open the gates to let them both through. She watched as they utilized their packing skills, packing her entire house into a single large unit. When they were finished, she paid them, giving them extra. From there, she went to her parents house. It was around dinnertime and she was hungry.
Again, she surprised her parents at dinnertime when she walked through the door. But this time, her brother, and his girlfriend, were there. Jayme hugged him tightly, knowing it had been longer than a year since she saw him. Then he introduced her to Sheryl. It was ten minutes before dinner and everyone had just gathered in the dining room.
As everyone sat down, Garrett remained standing, tapping his fork on his glass water glass. “I have an announcement to make…” He said, gathering everyone’s attention. “I have asked Sheryl to marry me, and she said yes. So you are meeting your new and upcoming daughter in law, sister in law.”
“Oh Garret…” Paige said, excited.
“Garrett, congratulations.” Jayme said.
“I’m so excited for you…” Paige finished.
Simon sat silent but he was just as excited as everyone else. He just knew everyone was throwing words out in excitement. He waited until the rush died down. “Sheryl, Garrett, I’m very happy for you. Welcome to the family, Sheryl.”
“Thank you so much, all of you. You’ve already made me feel welcome.” Sheryl said.
Sitting on Garrett’s other side, Jayme lightly smacked him in the leg and smiled when he looked at her. “Oh Jayme… I’m so, so sorry… I wasn’t even thinking… I was excited.” Garrett said and turned towards her, embracing her tightly.
“I know, Garrett, don’t worry, I’m alright.” Jayme said and hugged him back with the same force.
Garrett leaned back and looked into his sister’s eyes. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes. I’ve already come to terms with it, except for the whole unsolved thing.”
“What are your plans?” Garrett asked.
“I’m moving back home.” Jayme answered.
“Really? When?” Garrett asked.
“Right now.” Jayme said. “I’ve already put my house on the market and moved all my things.” Jayme said.
“You’ve already moved your things?” Paige asked.
“Yes, today. I put them in the storage unit, where the rental place is…” Jayme said. “I have to return in a few days to meet with the people who are coming to install new carpet in the office.”
“So, you haven’t found a house yet?” Garrett said.
“No, I’m planning on staying here until my house is built.”
“Built?” Garrett asked.
“Scott left a life insurance policy. Let’s just say it’s enough to buy my house and keep me home with my baby for the first year.” Jayme said.
“I’m sorry, Jayme. Garrett told me about your husband, but I don’t think I knew you were pregnant.” Sheryl said.
“Yes, seven months.” Jayme answered.
“So you’re due around Christmas?” Garrett estimated.
“Yes, Christmas day to be accurate.”
“Wow. That’s cool.” Sheryl added.
“That reminds me, I’m going to have to find a new doctor, here in town.” Jayme thought out loud.
“I can recommend someone.” Simon added.
“Oh, good, ok.” Jayme responded.
Sitting around the table, Jayme ate while she listened to Garrett speak to their parents. Sheryl threw in an answer here and there, when asked or available. Jayme seemed to like Sheryl but she seems like the type who would constantly talk. Excusing herself from the table, Jayme took her dishes and rinsed them before setting them in the sink.
Locating her jacket and purse, Jayme grabbed her wallet then threw her jacket over her shoulders. The temperature outside was dropping but she needed some fresh air. Deciding to walk instead of drive, Jayme walked towards Mrs. Humphreys old house. Walking up to the porch, she sat down and pulled a wildflower from the ground where they had grown over the steps. Slowly, she peeled off the petals, thinking of Rex and the youth they shared. She almost longed to see him.
Jayme paid no attention to the traffic that was driving by, until she heard one pull into the driveway. Looking up, she saw a man in an old Chevy pickup. At first, she didn’t recognize him, until he shut off the headlights and got out of the truck. It was Rex in plain clothes.
“Jayme… What are you doing, aren’t you cold?” He asked, draping a heavy, folded blanket over her.
“A little…” She answered. “I was just getting some fresh air.”
“How long are you in town for?” Rex asked.
“Well, I’m moving back.” She answered. “So, indefinitely.”
“Really?” Rex sounded suddenly excited.
“Actually, I’m thinking of buying this old house, tearing it down and rebuilding.”
“I would very much like that. This place brings back so many great memories but right now, it’s like a wrench in my side, seeing it go to hell. To rebuild this home would be great. Like bringing old memories back to the surface.” Rex said, taking a seat beside her.
“Yes, the memories…” Jayme said as she cocked her head back, closed her eyes and inhaled the nostalgia.
“What are you doing right now?” Rex asked her.
“Sitting here, talking to you.” Jayme smiled. “Why, what’s up?”
“I want to show you something.” Rex said and stood up, holding his hand out to her.
“Ok…” Jayme said, taking his hand and standing up.
“We have to hurry before it gets dark.” Rex said, walking around the corner of the house.
Following him, Jayme walked up beside Rex as he led her towards the woods. It was the old path they took to swim in the river. The path was still visible, but it too, had grown over with foliage. Pushing branches and bushes from their path, they walked towards the river. As soon as the site came into view, Jayme immediately noticed the beach they turned it into.
“Wow, how long has this been like this?” Jayme asked.
“We build this a couple of years ago. I noticed that a great deal of the neighborhood kids use this path to the river so, we put in a beach. So, if you decide to purchase this property, keep in mind the kids will still use the path to go swimming. Adults use it in the winter time to ice fish. It ‘s active all year round. However, there are no motorized vehicles allowed. No four wheelers, ATV’s…”
“I understand. It’ll be good to see the kids.” Jayme said.
Turning fully toward Jayme, Rex reached his hand up and gently touched her face. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you…” Rex said.
Jayme leaned in and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him tightly against him. “Me too, to see you…” Jayme said just above a whisper. Rex gave her a warmth deep inside her. She wasn’t sure if it felt warmer in her gut or in her heart. But she liked it. And she loved Rex. She always has.