Page 4 of Old-Fashioned

Once I made it to the address, I took just a few moments to breathe, trying to stay calm.

Gathering all my courage, I opened the door to Anderson Law, stepped inside, and headed to the reception desk.

A young woman, a few years older than me, but no more than five, smiled at me and asked, “How can I help you?”

I nodded, and I would apologize for not smiling, but I just wasn’t in the mood for it, “Yes, I need to see Mr. Anderson, he knows I’m coming.”

She smiled kindly at me, “Take the elevator and go up to the fourteenth floor. Once you step off, head straight, and you will find Mr. Anderson’s assistant.”

I nodded, thanked her, and did as she asked.

Just as I stepped off the elevator, I headed straight and saw an elderly woman with amazing bone structure and fabulous hair.

She saw me coming and smiled warmly at me, “I have a feeling you’re Birdie Vergano. Am I right?”

I nodded and smiled timidly at her, still trying to wrap my head around the news Mr. Anderson had given me.

“I thought so. And I would have recognized that locket anywhere,” at her words, my hand found its way to the locket Miss Maggie had gifted me on my sixteenth birthday.

Dearie, every girl needs something beautiful. You’re already beautiful but this is to always remind you that beauty is only skin deep. I want you to always remember that you are gorgeous on the inside.

At that memory, tears again hit my eyes, I blinked them back.

She saw it.

Read it.

Stood up and motioned for me to follow her to the doors to her left.

She knocked once, poked her head in, and said, “Ms. Vergano is here to see you, sir.”

I didn’t hear the reply, but alas the woman stepped to the side, and before I passed her, I asked, “What’s your name?”

She smiled, “I can definitely see Ms. Goldstein had a hand with you. My name is Hilda, lovely.”

I nodded and then walked into the office where an older man with silver hair stood up and smiled at me.

The moment Hilda closed the door, I walked over to his desk where he gestured for me to take a seat in one of the two black leather chairs.

Once my bottom was in the chair, he too sat, and then clasped his hands in front of him, “Now, I know this is a shock to you….”

I didn’t recall everything that was said. I should have. I very well should have, but I hadn’t.

“Is there anyone I can call for you?” He asked kindly.

Was it funny that I allowed that thought to enter my head?

Seeing as I didn’t have anyone?

My father was in prison. I found that out one day when I was nine and was asked by my mother to open the mail because she couldn’t read.

My mother, well, I couldn’t even tell you what happened to her after I left home the day I graduated. I do know she lost the house and Miss Maggie was glad for it.

And my big brother?

Well, I couldn’t tell you where he was.

Sighing, I shook my head.