Annie chided herself on driving into the backwoods so late. It was the last antique shop. The crib, rocker, the canopy bed was just perfect. She had already figured out which client would pay top dollar. It was the thrill of the hunt. Driving along the road she looked as she saw the dusk come in wrapping her deeply inside of it. She loved her cabin no phone, many amenities yet rustic. Getting away from the rat race always caused her to feel refreshed when she headed back to city life.
Bending around the curve exactly one mile to her front door she watched the sun slither down out of sight. Her land had tree's, a beautiful lake. She had everything she worked for it. Finally pulling her car up she let the head lights shine on the rough hewn logs. It stood like a fortress, her fortress. She could catch fish, clean and cook them. She could pick fresh fruit bake it in a cobbler and let it cool down in a window sill. The wrap around porch went all the way around, rocking chairs stood sentry in case company came a calling.
The moon hung low looking as though it was resting in the tree's. As she opened the car door she heard far off thunder. Walking towards the double doors she thought of all that needed done. She would have to turn electricity on. Water on would be something she enjoyed taking her shower in the shower that was on the top floor. Ceiling to floor glass windows making her feel as though she was showering outdoors.
She was built for the outdoors. Tall, lean, muscular very feminine. Upper body strength, one with nature. She cut her own wood. Wore her hair in a long french braid. Took self defense, had a sixth sense of people. Her soft skin was supple, soft, velvety. Her green eyes could pierce a soul. Place a man in his rightful place clear across the room. Her laughter was like wind chimes tingling on a summer's eve. Teeth straight and like a fine strand of pearls. Her scent was intoxicating without adding perfume.
She was gentle, tender, a great listener. A teacher of great knowledge of her surroundings.
Her interests were many. Indian folk lore, nature, cooking, dancing, avid reader. She wrote a couple of books. She had hidden talents. Great swimmer, hiker, could shoot a gun better than most men. She loved antiques, sewing, painting and great conversation.
All this and she was alone. Rarely dated, didn't miss it. She always thought she was a self made woman.
Her cabin was readied quickly she realized she was hungry. Going to the kitchen she found some eggs and scrambled herself the perfect egg. After washing the dishes she walked towards the stairs. She was in her home. Her life was blessed, she had the everything she could ever want.
Turning on the bathroom's light she walked over the stone floor to turn the shower on. She had been looking forward to this. Getting the week washed off of her. She slowly undressed to the stately looking thunderous clouds banking up. Living so far from society she was comfortable taking a shower in a free open glassed in shower. She stepped in the shower as she finished the last twist to her braid.
The water was luxurious her skin was pelted with it's warmth. As she looked outside she could see the lightening far off. She knew she would have to have a quick shower. Thoughts of tomorrow came crowding into her mind as her hands washed her curves. The fullness of her breasts, the wide hips, her magnificent developed thighs and delicate ankles. She was a stunningly beautiful woman, without noticing the affects she had on men. Besides the men she came in contact with were married. She had been married one time a life time ago. She was now her own woman.
Turning off the shower heads she thought about getting to the lake early and catch some fresh fish. Taking the Turkish towel it slurped the water that was left standing upon her porcelain skin. She hung the towel up, walked to the four poster bed with her long legs she swung her leg onto the extra high bed. Sitting gently she slid under the cool covers as the first bolt of lightening clamored just outside of her windows.
Each bolt of lightening proved to light the land around Annie's place. As Annie slept soundly not knowing her life would be changing starting in the early morning hours.
~~~~~
Daybreak came early for Annie she grabbed a few pieces of fruit knowing better. Walking down the path towards her favorite fishing hole she hummed a song. The rain was so wonderful to sleep to. She seen her place and ran the last few yards. Pulling out her rod she re-strung the reel so that she wouldn't lose the fish due to rot. Putting a Lazy Ike on her line she cast out expertly. The fact it barely had time to touch the water when a fish grabbed it caused a thrill Annie loved rushing through her body. Reeling the fish in she was smiling to herself, when she heard a thunderous crash. She managed to bring the fish in without losing it. A three pound bass, enough for her to have a perfect lunch.
Sitting her rod down she stepped over closer to the sound. What in the world could that sound be? She immediately realized the sound and became livid. Grabbing the fish she went tearing out to the cabin. Throwing the fish into the refrigerator on the porch she jumped in her jeep. It was from WW II but she restored it. Flying down the drive she took a quick right at the end. Flying over the hill tops she came to the sound. Her mouth gaped open, for where once tree's stood were ugly holes. She came to a dirt throwing, dust covered stop. Barely waiting for the engine stopping before jumping off.
"Who the hell is in charge of this mutilation?" She spat looking at a man four inches shorter than she.
The man jumped again. The first time was when she almost ran him over. He shrugged at her he didn't speak English. Her beauty was appreciated though through his black eyes.
"Carl take a break tell the men to take fifteen." His voice was filled with authority. 'Hell-o my name is William may I help you?" He finished with a sincere sound to his masculine voice.
"Yes you may. Stop this!" Annie said a little to loudly.
"Stop what?" William still didn't know who he was speaking to.
"I'm sorry my name is Annie. Stop this mutilation of the land. You have no right. Alberta and Hank will be so genuinely upset by this." Annie said more calmly.
William looked at Annie seeing beauty and knowing this woman was a woman of great convictions. He walked closer to give her his hand in friendship. She didn't move. He saw in her eyes pain. Taking his hand back he spoke again.
"My aunt and uncle knew what I was going to do when they left me this land. The locals are good with it. You must be the part timer. You have a beautiful place, Annie." He said with a twinge of jealousy.
"You can't just cut down these tree's. These tree's are majestic. They are hundred's of years old. What could be more important than they stand and growing for nature's beauty?" Annie said as she looked upon the multitudes of empty spaces.
"How about a grocery store, beauty shop, clothing store and furniture store?" William said unaware of the anger he had just stoked within Annie.
"You can't be serious William. You can't sacrifice this land for a strip mall. I will stop this I will not let you defile this land anymore. We have Miller's grocery. We have Tangle and Frizz beauty shop.
We have David's for clothing and anything else a person could want. Furniture store? We have outlets two towns over. You haven't a soul, William." Annie hollered as she jumped back into her jeep.
Speeding off she knew her jeep spit out gravel and dust covering William, she didn't care. She was so livid she almost didn't make her turn. It wasn't until she was stopped in front of her home that she burst out crying. She hated to cry she laid her head down on the steering wheel and sobbed. This was going to have to be stopped. She didn't know how though. How could this man come upon her mountain and manage this destruction? As she climbed out of the jeep her mind was in constant action. Somebody will help her.
Building a strip mall of all things. Her solitude would be interrupted who was this William? He must be close to her father's age. His razor cut hair, his stance was a stance of a man that didn't lose. His crystal blue eyes, framed in the darkest black eyelashes. She found his face quite unmarred from being a man that worked in the sun. He just didn't realize the devastation to her peace of mind. She built her home saving all the tree's. It was hard to do, but it was well worth the extra work. A furniture store for the cheap made furniture from left over useless wood.
