September 17th, 2022

Fontaine Residence

7541 Richmond Blvd

McDermott, Massachusetts

Harriet's POV

"Breakfast!" I hollered. The smell of bacon from the frying pan, had my kids Alex, and Victor speeding down the stairs. Alex had one white sock on, while her other foot had a blue sock. Victor, on the other hand, was barefoot. My kids chowed down on the delicious bacon with scrambled eggs with melted pepper jack cheese, and washed it down with orange juice.

I had some pancakes, with Cool Whip, instead of syrup. "Mom, you don't put Cool Whip on pancakes!" Alex protested.

"Sweetie, sometimes you have to improvise!" I reasoned. "Beside, I always get syrup stains all over my shirt." My husband, David, was reading the McDermott Times, which was the local newspaper.

"Woman arrested, after stealing apples from the McDermott Market," he read out loud. "What some people do these days, is beyond me."

"She probably didn't have any money, Dad," said Victor, his mouth full of food.

"Sweetie, please don't talk with your mouth full," I said.

"Sorry, Mom."

"Babe, you didn't make my coffee strong!" David complained. "You know how strong I like my coffee!"

"Sorry, babe," I said. I finished the last of my pancakes, and then cleared my throat. "Attention, everyone! I have an announcement to make!"

"Are you and Daddy getting a divorce?" asked Alex, followed by a giggle.

"Not funny, Alex!" I snapped. I couldn't help but giggle myself. Then, I got back to business. "I was thinking that I should host a family reunion in November. Aunt Elaine was supposed to host it this past summer, but she died of a heart attack. So, I figured that it would be in my best interest, to carry on what she wanted to do."

"Family reunions are held during the summer!" Victor scoffed.

"And, we celebrate Thanksgiving in November!" Alex added.

"I understand that, but I just everyone to catch up with family members," I said. "This will also be a good opportunity for you, David, to get along with my mother."

"No way!" David barked. "I hate her so much with a passion! Before we got married, she had her doubts about me! She thought I wasn't gonna be the perfect husband for you! My father in law was different! He was a good egg!"

"I know you and my mother always have it out for each other, but I am getting sick and tired of you guys going at each other's throats. You will treat each other with respect. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, dear," David sighed.

"I miss Grandpa," said Alex.

"He would always take us fishing," said Victor.

"I don't see how my father in law got married to such an evil witch!" said David.

"Excuse you!" I snapped. "That evil witch is my mother! She may not get along with you, but she is still my mom, and I won't have you talk about her like that!"

"Sorry, dear," said David.

"Now, the family reunion will be on Saturday, November 12th. It will be held at the community center, downtown. Its a great place. They have pool tables, a cafeteria, and a basketball court."

"So, our family members are coming from Rhode Island to attend?" asked Alex.

"Yes, dear," I said. "And from Vermont. Okay, now clean up, so you help me wash the dishes."

A barking sound was heard from upstairs. "Gotta walk the dog!" I announced. I quickly put on my black Keds with my dark blue jeans, trotted upstairs, and got Cherry, my golden retriever out of my room. She was a very friendly dog, and licked my face a lot.

"Come on, girl, lets go walking!" I said, holding the leash on Cherry. We walked outside, greeted by a mild September breeze. It was a beautiful Saturday morning with the orange ball of fire, burning brightly in the clear Massachusetts sky. A man was jogging past us, working up a sweat.

Cherry had to use the bathroom. She was on someone's lawn. "No, get off!" I snapped. "You don't do that on people's lawns! That's not very nice!" She did her business on the side of the road, by the storm drain. After that, we walked back home to the beautiful brick house, with two garages, and two cars. A blue 1975 Lincoln Continental coupe, that belonged to me, and a white 2001 Honda Accord, that belonged to David.

I think this family reunion in November will be a good thing. At least I hope so.

A/N Hey guys! What did you think of this prologue? What do you think of Harriet's idea of hosting a family reunion in November? And what did you think of her husband and kids, and her dog? Don't be a silent reader. Please show some love and support by voting, leaving feedback, and sharing this book with others! Thanks guys! Love you all!! 💖💖💖💖💖😘😘😘😘😘