Chapter One: Audra's Decision
Heath Barkley angrily stormed into the foyer of his family's mansion , not forgetting to slam the door behind him. That action only led to his mother's usual sage talks. "Heath Barkley I thought after twenty four years of life at least you'd have figured out that slamming doors never really help our problems."Said Victoria who slowly entered the foyer from the living room. Heath turned and quickly protested. "It sure felt good to me." Victoria bit her lip and stared her motherly stare at him. Heath sensing he was in the wrong sighed a regretful sigh. " I'm sorry mother. You know I didn't mean it." "Oh it's alright Heath. Is it Nick again?"Asked Victoria as Heath stopped on the second step of the staircase. " Yes it was that brother of mine again." Said Heath not turning to face his mother. " Oh Heath you know he's just worked up about that business transaction with the Petersons. Don't take his words to heart."Said Victoria. Heath knew she was right as usual and turned and gave her a lopsided grin. " Yeah I know. Oh and what's for dinner?" He asked as Victoria started back into the living room. " I have no idea what Silas has planned yet." Answered Victoria from the living room. " Well alrighty thanks anyway." Said Heath as he continued to trek up the stairs.
Audra Barkley sat in her favorite chair by her bedroom window reading Poetry of The Ages quietly to herself. This wasn't just any book, it had been Eric's book. Audra felt a lump enter her throat as she found his favorite poem and began to read it. It seemed like only yesterday they had been riding horses, going for walks in the hills and discussing life in general. Eric had loved living and had taught Audra how to love it too. But now she wondered how she could if she didn't love living, not without Eric. Just then Audra heard footsteps accompanied by spurs outside her door. "I bet that's Heath." She thought. She'd really wanted to talk to him lately and now was just as good as any a time. "Heath?" She called. She heard the footsteps stop. "Could I talk to you for a minute please?"She then heard the footsteps retreating back to her door. Audra smiled slightly as Heath slowly opened the door and stepped in. "Well long time no speak little sister."Teased Heath as he shut the door behind him. Audra smiled again and yes it had been awhile since she'd seen anybody else in her family beside her mother who occasionally checked on her. "Well I've been in mourning." "For over a week now. Sis I think you should move on. Eric would want you to." Said Heath stepping deeper into the room. Audra rose from her seat and faced him. " Don't you think that's what I'm trying to do?!" "Yes, but…."He was cut off by Audra." But what?! You think I like just sitting in here all by myself?!" Heath shook his head." No that's not what I'm saying at all Audra. I'm just saying you should maybe go riding or visit some friends in town. Or anything as a matter of fact to get your mind off Eric." He said calmly. Audra took a deep breath and swallowed back tears. "I know Heath, but everywhere I go I see him. Outside, in the living room, the hall. I just wish this would leave me." Heath stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I understand Audra. Believe me I know how you feel."He said softly giving her his lopsided grin. Audra looked up into his eyes and saw compassion, concern, and most importantly love in them.