Aw, come on...just one?

I've had to put my little novel on hold for awhile. I've gone back and read what I've written so far and realize that it would be better if there were a few grammatical changes. Also, I need to review my outline...I've had a couple of ideas on how I want the story to go.

My husband has had the "crud" all weekend...began with sore throat, then head ache, then chills and freezing feet, and now he coughs a lot! I hope I don't get it...I think I've developed immunity to quite a few diseases because I'm around so many coughing, sick kids at school.

So that means I'll probably be sick by then end of the week. I'm trying to save my days off for April/May since that is the time I usually need a break from classes. I spend the day planting flowers and some seeds.
Actually, I have to go to work to rest!!!

...a weathered document rolled up resembling an ancient scroll tied with a leather cord. "How could that piece of paper be so important as to be stored in a drawer with an alarm?" Mary wondered silently. Her mother answered her question.

"Your uncle's will told us that the 5 carat diamond was buried somewhere between, under or near a cross and stone. Here is a map of the entire grounds upon which this mansion is built. I have no idea what he meant by that but I am hoping you will be able to figure it out and find the stone. Your Aunt Mavis and I have tried but to no avail. We never were very good at deciphering your Uncle Henry's puzzling thoughts. And, of course, you should have figured out by now that there is a room in this mansion for you now. We are beginning a new life, a nice life as one the THE Blume's of Blume Mansion Southwest."

Now Marissa was beginning to understand. Several times as she was growing up she overheard her mother and Aunt Mavis talking about BMS. She wondered if her father knew anything of the place. Surely he would have wanted to live here also...how could anyone want to live in an old ranch house in the "casual" part of town when they could be living in this lovely mansion!

"Do you mean it, mother? I can live here in this wonderful mansion? It's the house of my dreams...please let me take a tour and see the whole house before we talk about the map and unraveling Uncle Henry's map."

"Mavis, darling, take Marissa to her room and let her see the living quarters. We will meet for a late snack in the parlor in 20 minutes. We can discuss out next move then."

Aunt Mavis led Marissa out of the office and up the curving stairway to the second floor of BMS. At the top of the stairs, she had a beautiful view of the hanging glistening chandelier, which was dimmed considerably. Aunt Mavis led her to the right, the third door on the right fo the hall. She carefully put a key from her pocket in the lock twisted it slightly to the left and cautiously pushed the door open.

"Always be alert...and careful, Marissa" said Aunt Mavis as she opened the door, switched on a dim light, and motioned Marissa to go in. To her utter surprise, Marissa stepped in the room and saw...

(to be continued)

...her mother, the most honored Queen of Queens of the land of the planet Earth, whose every request is immediately acquired by the nearest human around. People of the entire world scramble to make sure she is comfortable and satisfied. After all, she is the keeper of the diamonds...all of the diamonds except the one missing which was referred to in the will. The look in her eyes confirmed that she would be the owner of the diamond when it was found regardless of what was in the will.

Marissa Mackenzie McDonald stood at the door, shocked to see her mother, Maude Lilian Camry McDonald sitting in the chair behind the desk. What was she doing here in this mansion? Did she have a secret life of some kind? Marissa had just been with her mother earlier in the week as they reviewed together the possible whereabouts of the cross and the stone. Now here she sat, staring at her daughter as though she had once again been victorious in making Marissa look like a fool.

"It took you long enough to find the right place!" sneered Maude in a sarcastic tone. "Yes, this is me, your mother, living my other life which, as you can see, is a little more enthralling that the life I lived with you father in the smothering little ranch house on Worcestershire street. I'm so glad to be out of there! Why don't you have a seat, Marissa, and let's get this diamond mystery out in the open."

Marissa's knees were shaking as she slowly made her way to the leather lounge share at the front of her mother's desk. Suddenly a shrill alarm sounded. Marissa covered her ears as her mother opened her right top desk drawer and pushed some kind of button which cut off the alarm. Her mother reached farther into the desk and pulled out...

(to be continued)

..."Aunt Mavis?" she questioned in a shocked tone. "What are you doing here?"

The tall, aging woman sneered at her, stuck her nose in the air and sniffed deeply. Aunt Mavis had never been a cheerful person and it was obvious she hadn't taken any steps to change. She motioned for her visitor to enter and although the foyer was very dimly lit, there were obvious objects of great value...huge paintings on the wall with gold plated frames, crystal and silver vases on rich, mahogany furniture, and oriental rugs on top of solid wood floors which were waxed to the max.

Questions raced through her mind as she followed Aunt Mavis through a narrow hallway towards a room with golden light emanating from it. It was though her visit had been expected and a welcoming encounter had already been planned. When they reached the room, she was hesitant to cross the threshhold...just a strange feeling in her gut. She saw a huge desk in the middle of the room with a large business chair behind it. The back of the chair was facing the door through which she cautiously peered. Aunt Mavis gave her shoulder a firm nudge which caused her to lose her balance and stumble into the room. A cold chill ran down her spine as the chair slowly turned. She gasped when she saw...

to be continued