An Inheritance

Chapter 19

They were now in the cottage, and headed toward the kitchen. 

“It smells as though you’ve been baking.  Those cookies really look inviting.”  Odilia said pointedly.

“I don’t know what got into me today, I can’t remember the last time I baked anything.  I had found this oatmeal cookie recipe of my grandmothers that looked like the one my Mom used to make.  I couldn’t resist trying it out.”  Lauren went to the refrigerator.  “Sit down and help yourself.  I made some fresh lemonade.  It will be good to share the cookies; I understand they don’t have any calories if you share.”

Odilia smiled as she sat and accepted the glass of lemonade.  “That’s always been my understanding too.  These have always been my favorite, although the raisins are a nice change.  Whenever I’d come over to visit with your grandmother, there would be a big batch waiting for me, plus more in a doggie-bag.”

“Well, if we don’t go through all of them, I would be more than happy to resume that tradition.”

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes as they savored the still-warm cookies.  They were delicious.  Lauren had some time to give Odilia a once-over and decided she was probably more likely to be in her sixties, but very well ‘preserved’.

As though on cue, they both eyed the remaining heap of cookies and pushed themselves away from it.  Lauren refreshed their lemonades and ushered Odilia into the living room toward the couch, while she sat on one of the chairs.

“Have you had a chance to meet any of Alma’s friends?  I know many of them wanted to come visit, but they felt they didn’t want to bombard you right away.”

“Well, Sarah Young came by, I met with Pastor Paul, and grand-mere’s mechanic, Jerry Washburn brought back her Range Rover.  And of course, Sam Deveaux was here with his class and even took some of my garbage.  It seems as though everyone I meet really thought highly of my grandmother and are so very willing to help me.”

Abigail had been watching everything from one of the bookshelves where she had headed to as soon as the door had been opened.  Jumping down with a thud she went over to the sofa and rubbed the length of her body against Odilia’s legs, then leapt up and sat next to her, purring loudly.

“Abigail!  Don’t just assume company wants you begging for attention.  Get down!”

Odilia scratched Abigail’s ears which caused the purring to be set up a notch.  “I love cats.  I have two myself, along with an old hound dog and a parakeet.  Love animals.  Abigail: named after the false accuser in the Salem Witch Hunts, right?”

Lauren’s jaw dropped.  “How could you know ..?”

Odilia laughed.  “I bumped into Sam the other day, and he mentioned it.  It’s the perfect name, especially for a familiar.”  She smiled teasingly.

“Well, if anyone does have any powers, then it’s Abby here.  I swear she knows what I’m thinking or what I’m going to do before I do.”

“I think that’s inherent in all cats, but just like us humans, some are just more attuned.  Isn’t that right, sweetie?”  Odilia said as she scratched Abby under the chin.  Abby’s answer was an even louder purr.

Odilia looked up from Abby and continued their original discussion.  “Yes, you’re right.  Your grandmother had quite a following around here.  She was always willing to help anyone who needed it.  Of course, down South here, we respect our elders, even when there isn’t much reason to.  But your grandmother, she earned all of the adoration she received.”