The Old Farm

Chapter 1

                                                                                     The Old Farm

     Hope Brooks, a young beautiful woman who lives at the biggest ranch in her hometown. Her father lives about five miles down where she lives; her father is a hard worker. Hope grew up in this small town with population of fifteen hundred and she decided not get involved with relationships because they will cause nothing but trouble. She raises horses and races them in Derbies. It was early Sunday morning and it was cold and raining, it was usual weather since it hadn't rain for months.

Hope was making breakfast when the phone rang. It was her father.

"Hope, can you come over this morning"? said her dad Mike.

"Sure dad, I'll come over soon as I can." Hope was puzzled with the phone call.

Hope was driving down the wet road when she came across her neighbor Mr. Jones.

He was driving his tractor on the wet road. Hope stop to say hello.

"Hello, Mr. Jones. How is it going with you today?"

"Oh, I'm doing just fine. The misses is little under the weather." Mr. Jones was just about sixty years old. He lived in Springfield most of his life. Here he met his wife Maggie and they have two children which they live in big cities. He was just a simple farmer who work all his life.

"Where are you off too?" asked Mr. Jones.

"I'm going to see my dad" said Hope.

"I hope nothing wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong." as Hope drove off the rain was pouring harder than before.

Hope drove up in her father's farm just in the neck off time. One of his horses was loose in the front yard and Hope got off the car and helps him. Hope was very good with horses after all she raises pure breeds at her ranch and races them.

"Dad, what happen here?" as Hope tied the horse down.

"That rascal got spook and ran away from me."said Mike Brooks. Hope's dad lives in a small farm and he was happy living there. He lives alone since Hope's mom died about ten years ago. Hope's mom was the most lovely, tender, caring, person in the world. Since her death, Hope's dad has had financial problems and she tries help out when she can. But, her father doesn't want any charity because he is a proud man.

"Dad, come on lets us go inside it's beginning to rain." said Hope.

"Ok, honey."

They went inside the house and Hope look around and found a messing room. Her dad might not have time to clean up. Hope found a chair and sat.

"Ok, dad what's up?"

"Honey, I've received a letter yesterday and I got some bad news. Your Aunt Lucy died. I'm sorry. The letter says she died in her sleep. You know she was your mom's only sister. So, her attorney mention's that she left a will and named you as her beneficiary of her farm. Honey, you need go to Clarkdale. There the attorney will meet you." explained her dad.

Hope was in disbelieved and shock of the news.

"When do I leave?"

"You need to be there in two days."

"Whatever you decide on of your Aunt Lucy's farm I'm right behind you, sweetheart." as her dad got up to answer the phone. Hope can't believe about the news. She was amazed about it. "That was the attorney, his name is John O'Bryan." I've told him you will meet with him in two days."

Hope said goodbye to her father and headed off to her ranch to start packing.Hope hasn't seen her aunt since her mom died. Her memory of her Aunt Lucy was so far from remembering anything. As she was six, she remembers the animals and the large yard where she played with her dolls. When she was ten, her uncle died of cancer, her aunt was very sad and scared to be alone at the farm. Her aunt struggle most of her life, but she was strong and courage's. Occasionally, Hope will help her on the weekends. As the years pass, her aunt will have help for the farm.

     It was early morning; Hope got into her car and left for Clarkdale. It was still raining and fog developed along the way. Hope arrived at Clarkdale around twelve o'clock. She went to a small café to wait for John O'Bryan. Clarkdale was a small population of seven hundred and fifty. It surrounds with hills and fields. The town has a small church, two cafes, one bank, and couple of small shops. The people are quiet and friendly. Just one school with of all ages of children just a typical small town.      It has been years that she had come to Clarkdale. Hope was about fifteen when she stayed with her aunt at the farm for one summer. She remembers when it was hot and nothing to do. She will go swimming at the pond and help her aunt with dinner; spent quite evenings at the farm. She loved her aunt no doubt, but something wasn't right about her. One room she remembers that her aunt will tell her not to go into, it is a mystery room. Hope respected her aunt privacy. She was freighted with she heard a man voice.

     It was John O'Bryan. He was about five ft. and eleven inches tall; he has dark hair with blue eyes and dress nicely. "You must be Miss. Brooks?""Yes I am." answered Hope while staring at his blue eyes."I was your aunt's attorney and she left a will naming you her beneficiary.""Let me get to the point, Miss. Brooks. Your aunt wanted you to have her farm, for some reason you can't handle her farm, you can sell it. Since, you are the only niece she has it was her wish to leave the farm to you. Oh, miss, may I have a glass of tea. Thank you.""Look, Mr. O'Bryan, I haven't seen my aunt since my mother died. Don't get me wrong, I loved my aunt. I had come here stayed with her in one summer and that's it. If necessary, I will go over her farm to see how everything is.""In the morning, we will go over her farm and to see what we decide on. Are we in an agreement?" said Mr. O'Bryan.Yes.     It was early morning when Mr. O'Bryan came to pick up Hope. They drove downtown to get some supplies because her aunt didn't have any at the farm. It was foggy and cold. It took some time to get to her farm, but they got there the farm was not keep up due to some bushes, high grass, and the gate was uneven. It was a small farm with one horse, ducks, chickens, and a dog. They came up to the porch. The house was white with blue trimmings. The dog was lying on the porch. Hope opened the door and went in. She looks around. It was damped and the furniture was covered with white sheets and the floors were dusty. Hope listen to the sounds of a small child running down the hall. It was her as a small child with pony tails. Hope saw the photos on the shelves and went to the kitchen where her Aunt Lucy will prepare supper for them. Although it's been years, the house inside was neat and everything was in place. Hope pass through the mysterious room which her aunt will tell her not to go in. She was just staring at the door and wonder what was inside that room. What so mysterious about it?