Chapter 1: Billionaire's Regret

Annie Black smiles while she balances herself on the ladder reaching for the books on the top shelf. She watched the teenager scrambling faster than her above her head in the right top corner. The day she found someone to build this crazy fun library she enjoys hanging around in the air.

“Annie, are you sure about these books? It looks ancient.”

“That’s the ones Billy,” She chuckles softly. “At least you seem to recognize the books.”

“I still say reading online is much better.” The teenager responds laughing as he stuffs the books into the back pack. He made his way towards the nearby ladder. Once on it he balanced his body dropping back onto the floor. He looked up watching Annie on a tightrope before she dived back to the floor, her own hands full of books.

“You are no normal girl, Annie.” The boy said laughing. “You are not even afraid of heights.”

“I told you Billy, being scared is boring. I love my library.”

“Do you still need me for anything Annie? The guys are waiting for me?” He put his cell phone back in his pocket.

“You go and thank you Billy. Make the promise.” She said with a serious expression.

“Fine…I solemnly promise to one day read a book.”

Annie laughed softly watching him bounced out the house where his friends are clearly waiting for him. She walked to a door in the corner of the library where she slipped through. A quick walk and she was in the garage. Reaching her destiny, she removed the tarp that covered the motorcycle. With her hand she caressed the bike before getting on. She promised her mom to no longer ride.

“Maybe Billy would love it?” She covers it again going back the way she just walked. He sometimes feels like a brother.

“Annie, where are you?” The man called from the hall.

“I am in the bedroom.” Annie called back as she stood with a handful of books. She carefully starts putting them into the empty box. As she straightens herself, she smilingly looked at the older man entering the bedroom.

“Hello, James.”

“Hello Missy. As usual I noticed you didn’t lock the front door.” The older man scowled gently.

“James, I told you many times, safety is an illusion.” She answered with conviction. “Bring that box a little closer, please. I don’t know why I always put them further than I needed it.”

“What are you doing?” James did what she asks. “I noticed those trouble-makers outside again.”

“They are just being boys James.”

“You are too trusting Annie.”

“I believe Billy is redeemable. One thing I learned in this life; you can’t force children to break bonds they are not ready to do themselves.”

A quick yet brief pain seared through her heart thinking about him. He was deeply hidden for both their safety. Only her mother knows where…

“Annie…”

“Sorry, my mind wandered a bit.” She smiles in her usual manner.

“I hope your faith isn’t misplaced Annie. What are you doing now?”

“I am donating these books to the local library. I spent many a joyful time with them. They are like family to me. I know each character by heart. Besides I want the kids to know what it actually feels like holding a well-worn, well written book.” Annie said smiling. “I need a little break.”

“I could use a mug of coffee that is if you are offering?” James said smiling enjoying the usual twinkle in her eyes.

“It’s always my pleasure.” Annie followed him to her kitchen. As usual she sits down watching him pour two mugs. After many years he was the closest person within her immediate family circle.

“How is Hanna?” James looked at her watching the sudden worried look washing over her face.

“I am waiting to hear from the doctor.” Annie looked at her watch. “Doctor Grace Stevens comes highly recommended.”

Annie and James looked surprised when a ball shattered her kitchen window. The missile just missed her head. Concerned but curious she stood going towards the back door. Once she opened it, she was just in time to see three boys disappearing around her garage.

“Do you want me to call the police Annie?”

“No, James. The speed with which they disappeared means it was an accident.” Annie went back to drinking her coffee leisurely. She looked at her watch again.

“You are too trusting Annie.” James looked at the shattered pieces of glass.

“Maybe…” she stood reaching for a broom to clear the mess away. The ringing of the front door made her look at the older man. “Curious.”

Annie went to see who it was. She instantly recognized the boy as one of the runners.

“Hello…” she said with a smile. The young mother looked embarrassed while holding her boy by the collar of his shirt.

“Annie Black?” she asked with a question in her voice.

“I am. How may I help you?”

“My son owes you an apology and a debt.” She said nervously. “He told me he broke one of your windows.”

“Come inside.” Annie stood aside waiting for the woman to make her decision. “While we talk, you want some coffee?”

“I am Maude and my son Ricky.” They both step inside and followed Annie to the kitchen.

Annie pours another mug of coffee and a glass of fruit juice before sitting down inviting Maude. “Okay Ricky, once you finish with the juice, I want you to check out the backyard. It’s autumn and the place is covered in leaves. Get a couple of your friends to help you clean the back and we are square. You agree Maude?” Annie asked with her usual twinkling in the eyes.

“Are you sure Annie? That window looks expensive.”

“I am. If he can help outside it will gives me more time inside. He is a boy grown up enough to admit his mistake. I like that about him.” Annie reaches out and touches her hand gently.

Annie jumped when the landline rings. She quickly excuses herself looking puzzled. That line rarely rings.

“Hello?” she queries puzzled.

“Annie Black,” The phone operator question.

“Yes, who am I taking too?”

“Would you accept a collect call from Thom Black?”

Annie becomes motionless in sudden shock. It had taken seven years for this call to arrive. She always knew it would come but she never knew what her reaction might be…

“Are you still there?” the operator asks again.

“I am not accepting the call.” She finally admits.

The line went dead but she still stood motionless.

“Annie…” James stood behind her concerned. “Is it your Mom?”

“No...No, but I think I will go to the hospital.”

“You want me to drive you or call a taxi?”

“I am okay James. I am going to take the bicycle.”

“That’s a long ride Annie.” James was concerned. He noticed she looked pale and a bit shaken.

“I need to think about something. Don’t worry James. I will keep you posted.” Annie grabbed her wallet and cell phone before leaving the house, not even bordered to lock. She was just gone.

Thom Black slowly walked away from the phone booth. It had taken all his courage to make that call but in truth he wasn’t surprise by the reaction. He made a huge mistake and paid seven years out of a fifteen-year sentence. The choices he made cost him his wife and only child.