Chapter 1 - Inheritance

Has it ever felt like your life was planned before you were born? Like you're just a pawn following on a winding road that has already been laid out? Half the time that's what mine feels like. The other half is like a roller coaster going at the speed of light and never stopping. My name is Harmony Smith, and this is my story.

The interesting part of my life began when I was a young adult. You see, I grew up in the country living with my Aunt and Uncle. My parents died when I was really young, leaving me in the care of my Aunt and my grandmother.

My grandmother moved to the city when I was a teenager. In order to keep me close to all that I knew and loved I just lived with my Aunt. My grandmother Liana was my role model, and a year ago...she died.

My grandmother adored me above all else. She left me her house and all her belongings in her will. Today, I would leave my home in the country for her house in the city. I didn't know how I was going to adjust, but I just had to do it.

After driving for two hours I found my grandmother's house. It was nothing like what I remembered grandma owning. She was a farm woman, not someone who would live in the suburbs. But, there I stood in the middle of my new living room feeling more out of place than I had ever felt in my life. None of these material items seemed to even hold a candle to the flame grandma had. The only piece that was left of her was a small garden outside where she had been buried.

I sighed as I looked around wondering what to do first. I had never been on my own so I wasn't entirely sure what one was supposed to do. That was when I remembered that grandma's one wish was for me to make something of myself. Now I didn't know much about jobs, but I knew to get anywhere in the city I should probably get one.

I grabbed the newspaper that had obviously been delivered that day and instantly began to look through the different listings that were available. Did I want to be a teacher? No. How about a police officer? No. As I looked through the whole paper again and again, it suddenly jumped out at me. I could run my own business! It was perfect. Instantly I set the paper aside and grabbed my cell phone. I dialed the number and placed the phone to my ear. After two rings, someone answered.

"Hello, Slix's Business Complex how can I help you?"

I stuttered only for a second, "Uhm..yes, I'm calling about your ad in the paper. I'm very interested in being employed."

"Wonderful!" The deep male voice boomed, "Come in tomorrow at 1:00 PM."

"Great, for the interview?" I was very excited that I was one step closer.

"To start work." Was the only reply before the phone went dead.

Had I really just landed myself a job with one phone call? Fantastic! Maybe this place was going to be easier after all. I sat back on the couch to try and catch my breath, so excited over the new job that I had just gotten. I closed my eyes and began to silently thank my grandmother, who I knew was watching over me. That was when I heard the sound of the mailbox shutting.

I was unable to catch the person who placed something in my mailbox before they scurried away, and after I opened my mailbox I saw a pile of envelopes, one that was larger than the other. I pulled the larger one out first, seeing all it said was Current Resident in what looked like hasty, scribbled handwriting. With a soft sigh I opened the envelope finding a letter.

Dear Resident,

I understand that you have inherited this property from a family member. As a council city member it is my duty to inform you that the previous owner was behind on their payments on their taxes. It would be much appreciated (and very wise) for you to start payment on these past due payments immediately.

Thank you

and welcome to Bridgeport

With a sigh I reached in and pulled out what looked like a stack of bills, all with red stamps across the front of them. What had my grandmother been up to? I guess it was a good thing that I had gotten a job my first day here, otherwise all of these bills would have started to already weigh me down. Trying to still think positive about my new place of residence, I went back inside the house my stomach grumbling. I knew I'd have to start getting used to being on my own.

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A couple of hours later I was able to finally slide into my bed. I was able to learn how to cook on the new gas stove, something I had never used before, and I had walked the perimeter of my house at least a dozen times. It still felt weird being in this new place. It was almost like I could feel grandma looking down on me with the peaceful smile she used to always wear, and yet at the same time I still felt like a stranger lost at sea. With a final sigh I was able to drift off into a sweet sleep, coaxed into it only by the scent of my grandmother in the room.