Lesson Four

Removing the key from the fake rock, Edie unlocks the back door.  She slips the key into her back pocket and lays the fake rock on the floor after she closes the door.  This is her reminder to return the rock after she leaves to the boxwoods that line up like soldiers along the side of the house.

She knows the Keller’s aren’t home.  She knows their whole routine, like she knows the inside of the house and the placement of their traditional furnishings and objects d’art.

“Hey, anyone home?”  Edie giggles when Smokey jumps into her arms.  The black cat snuggles and purrs.  “How’s my baby boy?”  She kisses him before releasing the furry animal.

Today is Friday and the Keller’s are grocery shopping, as usual.  Edie makes her way to the fourth bedroom.  The jackpot of storage rooms.  “Mommy and daddy on their date tonight?”  She talks to cat as it follows her to the reason she continues to visit the Keller’s. 

“Okay, let’s get down to business here.”  She remembers seeing some nice china pieces and silver candle sticks from the previous visit. 

“This item says Waterford.  I’m guessing crystal is expensive.” 

The Keller’s have boxes of stuff they never unpacked since moving into the old house.  Edie considers herself an angel on two counts.  One, she sells their stuff on eBay to get money for mama’s medication, and two, she’s helping the Keller’s get rid of stuff they’re not using. 

Of course, this is all done without the knowledge or consent of the Keller’s.  Edie’s mama needs medication her family can’t afford to buy and feed four children.  Her daddy is laid-off and collects scrap metal to keep the utilities on.

She lied to her mama and said she helps her friend distribute newspapers for money.  It would break her heart if she ever found out Edie was stealing from these nice people, but Edie loves her mama too much to not risk getting the medication.

“Some day…”

Edie freezes at the sound of a door creaking open.