Read Mrs. Shepherds Dolls - A Christmas Story for Free Online Page B

Because he has no right to that money, it’s mine.”
Eunice said.
    “No, as a matter of fact it was not Mr.
Duncan who closed the account, and I am not at liberty to tell you
who acted on her behalf.” The manager stated.
    “I…um..I don’t understand. Mrs. Shepherd is
my aunt and I’ve been taking care of her. I have carte blanche to
any money that is in that account.” Eunice stuttered.
    “Would you like to come into my office where
we can discuss this in private?” He asked looking over at the
security guard.
    “Certainly not. I will talk this over with my
aunt and get it straightened out. I’ll be back.” Eunice said
storming out of the bank.
    “Stupid old woman.” Eunice said as she left
the bank.
    ******
    Taylor hurried up the walkway to Ruth’s
house, to warn Brenda about the closed account.
    “Now Brenda, I have no doubts that Eunice
will be back to stir up trouble. She’s broke now since her private
well has run dry. I just want you to be prepared.” Taylor warned
her.
    “Don’t worry, I’m ready for her. I’m just
going to take this tray up to Ruth. No one starves while I’m
around.” Brenda laughed.
    “I’ll be back this afternoon to bring Ruth
downstairs for her to see her tree and decorations. I don’t know
what we’re going to do about her dolls. She’ll be heartbroken.”
Taylor said shaking his head.
    “I know this isn’t going to help, but both
children and adults have been filling Ruth’s shelves with their own
dolls. They’ve been in and out all morning.” Brenda said.
    “This town is full of kindhearted people,
that’s why I can’t figure out who Eunice sold the dolls to. No one
that I know of would have bought Ruth’s dolls. They all know how
much those dolls mean to her.” Taylor pondered.
    Brenda just shook her head and continued up
the stairs to Ruth’s room.
    ******
    By the 24 th of December, Eunice
had still not shown up. They were starting to believe that she had
possibly left town.
    All day people came by with food. Casseroles,
baked goods, cookies even a turkey. This was what Christmas was all
about.
    By now Brenda and the girls were practically
living at Ruth’s house. Keeping it warm and making sure Ruth had
plenty of food and water.
    Brenda prepared the turkey to be put in the
oven first thing Christmas morning. She also made her famous
Christmas morning casserole for breakfast. The house smelled
wonderful and it wafted its way into Ruth’s room upstairs.
    Christmas morning came and the Sheaffer’s
were enjoying the breakfast casserole when there was a knock on the
door.
    “Glad I made two casseroles.” Brenda called
out and she went to the door.
    Taylor came by to keep his promise and bring
Ruth downstairs, however, he stopped to his a bite of Brenda’s
food. When all were perfectly sated, it was time to bring Ruth
down.
    She had just finished her breakfast and she
was wide-awake and happy to finally get out of that bedroom. Taylor
carefully carried her downstairs and to her delight some friends
and neighbors had dropped by to see her.
    “Oh it’s just lovely. It looks like Santa’s
workshop exploded, I just love it!” She said as she smiled at all
the decorations.
    “Jen did the kitchen, and she’s very proud of
it.” Brenda said, as Jen beamed.
    Taylor took her into the kitchen and she just
gushed at all of Jen’s handiwork.
    “All right now, I need to see my girls.
Please Taylor, take me to see my girls, I’ve missed them so much.”
Ruth said.
    “Well Ruthie, don’t you think you should rest
a bit on the sofa. We’ll bring you some cookies and tea if you
like.” He said, his heart beating out of his chest.
    “Oh no, I must see my girls.” She
insisted.
    Reluctantly Taylor carried Ruth down the
hallway to the doll room.
    When he opened the door and took her into the
room, Brenda and the others were close behind.
    Ruth’s intake of breath caused the group to
rush to her side.
    “Where…where are my girls?” She could