When I finally woke up I thought I was still in a dream.  Cal had taken me home!  Cal was safe!  But where he brought me was not home.  The Jeep pulled up a long rocky driveway.  Finally he stopped and parked the car next to an old bungalow. 

             "This is Victoria's place.  I think it would be safer to stay here for awhile," Cal explained and pulled out my suitcase. 

             We walked into the old house and were welcomed with the smell of apple pie.  Sadly, summer was ending and trees started to bear fall fruits.  Apple pies and pear crisps were now in season compared to vanilla ice cream and watermelon. 

             "Shea!  Cal!" Victoria called and placed the steaming hot pie on the stove.  She ran to us.  First she hugged me then she kissed Cal. 

             "Welcome to my house!" She said and led us up the stairs.  She opened the first door on her right and said, "This can be your room Shea."  Cal placed the suitcase on the floor and followed Victoria to the master bedroom.  I plopped down on the soft bed and looked around.  The room was much smaller than the one I had at Aunt Penny and Uncle John's, but it was nicer than the one I had at my real home.  This room had a country feel, red and white checkered curtains, pictures of log cabins, a pine dresser and night table.  I looked out the window which overlooked a small farm.  Three cows were in a field next to the small barn.  Chickens roamed the farm freely and I swore I heard a horse neigh. 

              I met Cal and Victoria at the Jeep and Victoria gave us a formal tour.  When she led us to the back yard I smiled widely.  Not only were there chickens, cows, and horses, but she also had three ducks and two pigs.  A golden retriever rubbed against my leg. 

             "That's Quinn," Victoria said looking at the dog.  I petted Quinn and walked into the stable.  Two horses, Princess and Jess were in stalls. 

              "Jess is my sister’s old horse and this is my horse Princess.  You can ride her later if you want," Victoria explained and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. 

             Next she led us to the pigs.  The fat one was named Elmer and the smaller pig was Wendel.  They were covered in mud and rolled over the hay as we entered their small enclosement. 

             "Do you take care of all of these animals?" I asked her.  Victoria looked towards the house next door and replied, "My sister, Brenda helps me with them.  She actually lives in that house."  I looked to the small house next door and watched as a young woman, about twenty- five years old, walked over to us.  She had long blond hair and dark brown eyes.  She was my height and looked really skinny. 

              "I'm Brenda," She said in a soft voice.  She winked at Cal and smiled at me. 

              "I'm Shea and this is my dad, Cal," I explained.

              "Nice to meet you sweetheart," I couldn't help but smile.  Brenda also had a southern drawl and seemed very kind.  We talked for sometime about the farm, then we went inside and had some of Victoria's delicious apple pie.