Puzzle House

Offer

Puzzle House

Lillian Duncan

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Puzzle House

COPYRIGHT 2017 by Lillian Duncan

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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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Publishing History

First Harbourlight Edition, 2017

Electronic Edition ISBN 9781522300359

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

This and all I do is for God's Glory.

To my amazing husband, Ronny, without you my stories wouldn’t get written. Thanks for all that you do.

To all those who suffer from Neurofibromatosis of any type. Life can be difficult but with God all things are possible, even peace and joy.

1

I hate you. Nia’s gaze shot little darts of anger at the woman standing by the car door.

The woman met her gaze with a smile.

Which infuriated Nia even more. I said I hate you and I do.

You don’t hate me. You’re just angry. Her voice remained calm, almost emotionless.

Don’t you care about me, Auntie?

I’m not going to dignify that question with an answer. She leaned down. Are you ready?

I said don’t you care about me? Why are you making me do this?

Because I do love you so very much. One of her hands moved under Nia, the other moved to her back.

Nia knocked her hands away. I can do it myself. If I wanted to. I’m not going in there. You can’t make me.

I would think you had better ways to use the little bit of energy you have than arguing with me about this. We agreed.

"No, we didn’t. Her lip trembled. No crying. Crying wouldn’t change anything. She flopped back against the car seat, exhausted. I never wanted to come and you know it."

Her aunt knelt down beside her, eyes filled with tears. Please. This will be a good thing, Nia. I promise.

How do you know that?

I can’t explain it but I know it will be. If you just give it half a chance. Please.

What if I say no?

Her aunt’s head drooped.

No one spoke.

When her aunt gazed back at her, there was no pity in her eyes, only strength. Her shoulders moved back ever so slightly. You’ll still have to stay.

So I got no choice.

Nope. None at all.

That ain’t right, Auntie.

I’m sure it seems that way to you. But I’m the one responsible for you. So it’s my decision. I love you and I have to do what I think is right.

I hate you.

Her aunt patted her cheek. I hear you, sweetie. She leaned in and scooped Nia up. A moment later Nia was in the wheelchair she hated almost as much as her disease. As her aunt wheeled her toward the house, Nia wiped away tears. She couldn’t help but stare at her surroundings, so different from her life in the city.

This place had more grass than her whole neighborhood. And a pond and trees and a barn. A barn? She’d never seen a barn in real life before—only in pictures and on TV. Were there really animals in it?

The house was pretty in a country hick sort of way. A long porch wrapped around both sides and there were a bunch of rocking chairs lined up. Two of the rockers had a small table with a checker set between them. How old-fashioned could you get? Still it was sort of pretty. Where’s my welcoming committee, Auntie? I would have thought they’d be thrilled I was coming.

Her aunt patted her shoulder. They are thrilled. I guess we should use the ramp. She made a sudden turn and pushed Nia toward the ramp at the far side of the porch.

When they got to the door, Nia’s aunt stopped. I don’t see a doorbell. Think we should just walk in?

Don’t see why not.

Maybe we should knock?

Nia leaned forward, grabbed the knob and then opened the door. She looked back at her aunt with a grin. Too late.

Her aunt tsked as she pushed the wheelchair into the house. A huge sign hung on the wall.

WELCOME TO THE PUZZLE HOUSE

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.

Yea, whatevs. Nia mumbled.

To their right there was a large room. There was a white boy sitting at a table totally focused on something on the surface.

An old white lady—older than dirt—sat in a chair in front of the largest picture window Nia had ever seen.

She was whispering with another white lady, not as old

Nia’s aunt pushed her and the chair into the room.

No one noticed them.

Ain’t nobody going to notice the sick girl in the wheelchair? Nia asked.

The woman standing by the old white lady turned. Oh, my goodness. I didn’t hear you come in. Of course there’s lots of things I can’t hear these days. She hurried toward them but then stumbled and fell forward.

~*~

Rachel grabbed onto the nearest table and righted herself. Oops. I know better than to rush. I don’t know what I was thinking.

Are you all right? The woman pushing the wheelchair asked.

Fine and dandy. She took a deep breath and walked toward them. Much slower this time. I’m Rachel and you must be Margaretta and Nia. It’s so wonderful to meet both of you. Welcome to The Puzzle House.

Yea, whatevs. Nia mumbled, clearly not happy to be here.

I wasn’t expecting you for another few hours.

We got an earlier start than planned. Margaretta stepped out from behind the wheel chair. I’m Nia’s aunt. We talked on the phone. Margaretta Johnson.

Ignoring the outstretched hand, Rachel moved closer and enveloped her in a hug. It’s nice to meet you Margaretta. Finally. Though I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances.

A momentary stiffness, then Margaretta relaxed in the hug. When she stepped back she smiled as if they were old friends. She wiped a tear. I guess I should thank you. Not just for accepting Nia but for…other things.

No thanks needed. I’m just so happy to meet you and your beautiful niece.

Nia was staring at the two of them with a confused expression. Good. A little curiosity could make the week go a little easier.

What are you thanking her for? For taking me off your hands? Nia’s tone said she wasn’t in the mood for niceties. She—

Nia, be nice. This is a very special woman and we are very blessed to be here.

I ain’t nothing and I’m sure not blessed. I don’t wanna be here with her. I want to go home. With you.

I’m sorry, but that won’t happen, sweetie. I promise I’ll be back in a week. But for now this is where you need to be, Nia. She looked up at Rachel. I’m really sorry. She’s…having a difficult day.

Rachel smiled at Nia. She was so thin, probably not more than ninety pounds. Her brown face was gaunt. She had only a bit of hair on her head, mostly bald from the chemo, no doubt. But in spite of all that, she was truly beautiful. Don’t worry about it, Margaretta. It’s such a blessing to have Nia here with me. I’m looking forward to spending some time with her.

A choking sound came out of Nia’s mouth but she said nothing.

Well, I hope Nia listens to—

Listens? What that old white lady gonna teach me about my life? She don’t know nothing about me.

Nia. Don’t be rude. We don’t talk about people by their colors. Her aunt looked horrified and embarrassed all at the same time. We don’t like that when people judge us that way.

Nia met Rachel’s gaze for the first time. Sorry. No offense meant.

None taken.

See, Auntie. She don’t care that I noticed she’s white. She looked at Rachel. So, what you think you gonna teach me that I don’t already know?

A challenge? That was good. Much better to be angry than apathetic. Just as it said in Revelation, better to be hot or cold than lukewarm. There was nothing about this young girl that was lukewarm.

Is that a challenge, Nia? If it is, it’s not one I’m taking. What you learn or don’t learn here at The Puzzle House will be up to you, my dear. She looked at Nia’s aunt. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine. Won’t we, Nia?

Whatevs.

Margaretta took a moment to glare at Nia but smiled when she looked at Rachel. I’ll go get her luggage.

The boy at the table jumped up. Not necessary. That’s my job.

Oh. Thank you so much.

His curly brown hair flopped in his eyes. He brushed it away. His blue eyes twinkled with curiosity as he looked at Nia.

Rachel was glad Brandon was here this week. The two of them could keep each other company. Hi. I’m Brandon.

What do I… Her aunt’s hand touched Nia’s shoulder. Nia rolled her eyes. I’m Nia.

Nia. That’s an awesome name. What’s it mean?

How should I know? Probably means sick girl with no hair. She touched the top of her head to emphasize her point.

Probably not. I didn’t even notice it. He turned his attention to Margaretta. Do I need the keys?

Margaretta nodded and handed him the keys. The luggage is in the trunk.

Great. I’ll be right back.

True to his promise, he walked back in with two suitcases. Margaretta took the smaller of the suitcases. Nia isn’t on any…treatment right now. She has a few meds to…help keep her comfortable. I’ve made a list of what and when she’s allowed to take them. The others are just vitamins which she will take every day, right Nia?

Sure, Auntie. The words were correct, the tone was not. Whatevs.

Rachel had figured that Nia would be a handful after several conversations with Margaretta. Most of the people who came to The Puzzle House wanted to be there. I’ll keep the one with the meds.

Why? I can take care of ’em myself. Nia’s hands went to her hips in spite of being in the wheelchair. Don’t need you checking up on me. I can take care of myself. I don’t need nobody to help me.

I’m sure that’s very true, but unless you’re eighteen, I have to take care of the meds. Rules are rules. So not much point in arguing about it. Rachel turned to Margaretta. You’re welcome to spend as much time as you’d like with us. Even stay overnight if you choose. We’ve got the room.

I’d love to but I can’t. If I leave now I can get back home by bedtime. Work tomorrow, you know. Her arms went around the young girl. I love you, Nia. Please understand. This is where you need to be right now.

I won’t understand. I don’t want to understand. I need to be home so I can die in peace. Not here with strangers. Don’t leave me.

Margaretta touched Nia’s chin and gazed into the young girl’s eyes. You will not die this week. I promise you that.

I might as well. Since you’re leaving me. What do I care what happens to me? You don’t.

I’m not abandoning you, Nia, and you know it.

Sure feels like you are.

Stop trying to make me feel guilty. Please, trust me. This will be a great experience for you. If… Margaretta’s chin quivered. If you give it a chance.

I don’t want to die here. Alone. Without you.

Margaretta stood up and straightened her shoulders. I will see you next week. I love you, sweetie. Have a wonderful time.

Nia’s anger dissolved. Please, Auntie. Don’t make me stay here. I want to be home with you. And my friends. And Cubbie.

And you will be soon, but not right now. She knelt down in front of Nia once again. You trust me, don’t you?

Nia nodded.

Then trust me this time. This is the place you need to be for now. If you…if you… She sighed, and then stood up. Just trust me on this. Enjoy the week here with Rachel. Think of it as a vacation.

A vacation in the middle of nowhere. She glared at Rachel. With nobody I want to be with. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Gotta go, sweetie. Tears were in Margaretta’s voice as she walked out of the room.

Nia gave Rachel a militant look. What? The sick girl gotta carry her own suitcase to her room?

Brandon moved closer. That’s my job. I’ll take it up for you and set it on your bed. He looked at Rachel. I’ll be back later.

And I’ll show you around while he does that. Rachel pushed the wheelchair toward