a/n Please read and review I was playing around with some story ideas and this was one of them.
This takes place after last weeks episode when Jim returns to Melinda.
The bus to Granview seemed to take forever. The only good thing about the ride is all the sleep she was getting. Waking when the bus came to a stop she looked around and gathered her stuff. Stepping off the bus the air was damp and cool. Gathering her meager belongings she began walking towards the park in town.
Pulling the directions out of her pocket she quickly looked around to get her bearings. Sighing deeply she sat down on a bench in the park. Watching families playing and older people feeding the birds. Deciding it was time to face why she traveled all this way to a small town that she didn't even remember. Glancing down at the directions she pulled the picture out from behind them. It was her favorite of her mom. A single tear slid down her cheek. Wiping her face with her hands she stood up. The store she was looking for was across the park. Walking toward the antique store she attempted to pull herself together. Opening the door she cautiously entered the store. Behind the counter was a beautiful young woman with long brown hair.
"Can I help you?" Stuttering slightly she struggled to form an answer.
"Um...Y-Yes. I am looking for Melinda Gordon. I was told she owns this store. Is she available?"
"Oh. I'm Melinda. How can I help you?"
"Is there somewhere we can talk? In private?" Fidgeting she looked around the store at the other people shopping.
"Sure. Let me get my friend Delia to cover the store and we can go for a walk to the park. Is that okay?"
"Yeah perfect." While Melinda spoke with Delia she looked around at all the pretty items in the store. Reaching out she felt compelled to pick up a picture that looked really old. As she touched the picture flashes began flying through her mind. She was seeing the couple in the picture getting ready for a party. The picture slid out of her hand and hit the floor as the flashes stopped. Blinking she saw Melinda walking toward her. Using her sleeve she picked up the picture and placed it back on the table.
"Sorry."
"It's okay. Ready?" Nodding Melinda led the way out of the store. "So I am sorry what was your name?"
"Haleigh."
"Okay so Haleigh what is it that I can help you with?"
"My mother's lawyer sent me to you. He said you could help me."
"A lawyer? Sounds serious. What kind of help are you looking for?"
"He said you know or knew my father. I never got to meet him. When my Mom died two months ago she left me a stack of letters that he wrote her while they were together and some pictures. I had no idea where to start looking for him. Since I am technically still a minor I can't live by myself but since he is my only living parent he can keep me from having to go into foster care for the next two years. Right now her lawyer Mr. Kindle took temporary custody to allow me time to find him. I looked everywhere I could think of but I couldn't find him."
"You think I can help you find your father? I don't think I understand."
"A couple of weeks ago Mr. Kindle found an article in the paper about a woman who helped rescue a sanitation worker from drowning. The picture in the paper had you and another man in it. Do you still talk to him?"
"You mean Sam? Yes, I still talk to him. Do you think Sam knows your father?" Melinda looked at Haleigh confusion filling her face. Handing her a picture Melinda looked at the happy couple.
"I don't think Sam knows my father, I think he is my father." Melinda looked at her and then at the woman Sam had his arms around smiling. She suddenly felt her world turn upside down.