My legacy

It all starts here

Ding. Ding, ding, ding.

I swear if he rings that bell one more time I'm going to shove it where the sun doesn't shine.

"Come on Penny! Orders are backing up!" Chef yells.
"Hold your horses, I'm only one person here." I replied while side-eyeing the other waitress behind the counter hoping she would take the hint to help. She's been flirting with a guy as she holds the coffee carafe in one hand and twirls her blonde hair in the other, oblivious to the help I need. The things she can get away with being the owner's daughter.

   I huff and wipe the stray red hair off my damp forehead with the back of my hand as I balance a tray with the other. The lunch rush has been a nightmare today. My feet are screaming, sweating from places I didn't know could sweat just waiting for a minute where I could sit that hasn't come.
   Just as that thought left my brain a group of about five young men entered the diner and plop down in one of the booths. Please shoot me now, I thought as I rolled my eyes. It's a never-ending cycle today. You got one table out and two more came in.
   I put on my waitress smile and pulled out my order pad.
   "Hi, I'm Penny and I'll be your waitress today. Can I start you off with something to drink?"
   "Well, aren't you a pretty penny?" He smirks revealing a set of perfect pearly whites.  Like I've never heard that before, ugh. Just as I opened my mouth to repeat my question, Krystal, the other waitress who hasn't done a damn thing, sidled up next to me.
   "Hey Penny, I think it's your break now, I'll take care of these handsome boys." She winked at me and I took the cue willingly. Her father thinks that having her work here would give her a sense of responsibility, all it's given her is a larger dating pool.

   I sat down heavily in an empty booth in the back with a soda and some fries. I put my feet up on the opposite bench and let out a big sigh. If I keep this up I'll be a washed-out waitress by the time I'm thirty.
   I leaned my head back and closed my eyes waiting for the throbbing to subside when a shadow came up beside me. Without opening my eyes or even waiting for the person to utter a word, I spoke.
   "I'm on my break. See the other waitress." The shadow didn't move.  Throwing open my eyes to give the person a death stare I was shocked to see a little old lady standing next to me. She was old, but not frail looking, wearing a multi-colored fraying sweater, floppy hat, and oversized sunglasses.
   "Are you Penelope Henderson?" She spoke softly as she leaned in. I nodded my head silently still in awe of this funny-looking woman.
   "Oh I'm so happy I finally found you honey." she said with a wide wrinkly smile. She took a pause as if she was admiring me like a grandmother would admire her grandchild.
   "This is for you." She set down a thick manilla envelope gingerly on the table in front of me. On the envelope in a large black sharpie print was my name.
   "What's this?" I asked. She didn't reply so I looked up. She was gone as quickly as she appeared. I didn't hear the bell above the door ring so I looked down the aisle, but she wasn't there. Well, that was strange.
   I picked up the envelope and looked it over. The heft of it surprised me and it was lumpy. Why would I be getting a package here at my work? I took the last sip of my soda and decided to put it away until my shift was over. If it was bad news I would rather not look at it now.

   Two hours later I walked out of the diner into the cool evening air. Taking a deep breath I began my long walk home. My bag was much heavier tonight from the forgotten envelope, but it didn't bother me. I have the next two days off, which didn't happen often, but after two weeks straight with some double shifts thrown into the mix, I threatened to walk. I know they are short-staffed since Megan went on maternity leave, but I could only take so much.
   When I was almost to my apartment I started to feel a little uneasy. Just a creepy crawly feeling running up my back. I usually don't because my neighborhood isn't a bad neighborhood, but tonight felt different. I picked up speed and took a quick look behind me, but saw no one.
   The evening shadows felt ominous and seemed to slither in the darkening skies.  My instincts were heightened causing an explosion of goosebumps on my arms. I fought the urge to run, but something was willing me to get moving. My heart raced from the instinctual fear I was imbued with. My apartment was only about 500 feet away so I sped up my pace nearly tripping on the sidewalk. I made it to the front door of the secure building and darted inside and didn't stop until I was behind my locked apartment door.
   Breathing heavily I leaned against the door letting my bag drop and some of the contents slid out. I looked over and saw the corner of the envelope. Oh yeah, that damn envelope. After a few calming breaths I grabbed it and placed it on my coffee table.
   I exchanged my work clothes for some comfy pajamas and a cardigan I wrapped myself in. After closing all the blinds I made myself some tea to calm my nerves. I felt safer inside, but still with an edge of unease. I sipped my tea, eyeing the unopened package. Something tells me that the contents didn't bode well. Was I being served, sued, or something? That can't be, my life is plain and ordinary and it's a little too lumpy to just be legal paperwork.
   Working up the courage I began to slowly rip it open. I shook it to release the contents and an old key fell out first. It was tarnished with smoothed ornate runic-like carvings I didn't recognize. As soon as I touched it I felt a sharp tingle like a static shock that took me by surprise, making me drop it on the table. I slid out the papers and began to read the handwritten note on top.

My Dearest Penny,

My name is Geneva Henderson and I am your great-aunt on your mother's side. If you are reading this then I am no longer here in this world.
When your Mother passed away I felt it would be safer for you to live elsewhere for my lifestyle was not one for a child. I have kept an eye on you through the years to make sure you were safe. My dear, there is so much to tell you.
I am leaving you my house and all of my possessions. There you will find all of my journals to explain everything you need to know and learn.
My fortune will keep you comfortable for a very long time. The only thing I ask is to keep my housekeeper and groundskeeper employed, take care of my cat Fergus and live in the family home. You will understand later why I ask this of you.
   Here is where I leave you, my love. I wish you to have a blessed and full life.

Fondly,
Aunt Geneva