Blackwell - The 100 thing challenge: how I got rid of almost everything, remade my life, and regained my soul

Copyright 2019 by Dave Blackwell
All rights reserved.
Cover design and Book design by Dave Blackwell
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Dave Blackwell
Visit my website at www.facebook.com/DBlackwellNovels/
Printed in the United Kingdom
First Printing: April 2019

SOUL

ONE

Catherine stood by the door looking out at the falling snow, shivering at the gentle ice-cold breeze. She had not been home long, having celebrated her eightieth birthday at a local restaurant. She removed her full-length black overcoat and draped it over the old worn leather armchair in the hallway. Catherine was tall and slim, pale brown skinned and long grey hair which was tied up into a loose ponytail. She wore grey trousers, a white blouse, and a grey jacket. She removed her flat shoes, kicking them under the chair. She laughed to herself when she looked down at her big toe popping out through a hole in one of her black socks.

Need to get that sorted. She said to herself and wiggled her toe. Another sewing job.

Jackson walked through the door in a hurry, slipping on the wet tiled floor. Catherine reached out to catch him, but he managed to steady himself.

Always in a rush! Catherine said with a smile. Slow down. She shook her head. Not patching you up if you slip and bash your brains all over my floor! She chuckled.

You know me. Jackson said with a grin on his face. So, are you going to be ok?

Catherine groaned in frustration.

I am a grown woman so stop worrying. I think I can look after myself. She said with a hint of sarcasm. So, go away and enjoy yourself.

Jackson was slightly shorter than Catherine and was a muscular build. He was in his mid-forties, however, looked much older. His head shaven and his trimmed goatee was greyed. He had a thick scar from his right temple down to his cheek, jagged and deep. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt and silver tie. The suit fit him tightly and looked as if it would tear if he flexed a muscle. He had a thick grey overcoat over the top of it which was worn with age. The collar was caught up at the back where he had put his coat on in a rush.

Come here. She got hold of his collar and straightened it, pulling it down neatly. Enjoy the hotel, both of you. I have left you a little gift behind the reception. Catherine winked and smiled.

We can cancel if you want us to stay. You have not been well, and I am not happy to Jackson was cut short by Catherine who talked over the top of him.

You have worked for me for many years, so stop it. You need a break. She sighed. Both of you do. I will be fine. I promise you. Catherine assured him. So, get in the car and bugger off.

Jackson reached forward and hugged her, rubbing her back.

Thank you for today, I had an amazing time with you both. Catherine said. However. Shaking her head in disapproval. The cake was very unimpressive.

Jackson broke away looking shocked.

What? He stuttered. Why what was wrong with it? He words panicked. It was your favourite.

It said I was eighty! Catherine said in shock. Two big candles with an eight and naught! She shook her head. Eighty indeed! She clicked her tongue.

Jackson was lost for words.

Lost for words? Catherine asked with a smile on her face. Well? She snapped.

But. He hesitated. That is your age. He looked up and worked out the date in his head.

Im winding you up. She smiled and shook her head. You need to get a sense of humour my friend.

And you. He pointed to her sock. Need to buy some socks instead of repairing them. You can spend some money. Jackson scoffed. Right I am going to go now otherwise we will be late if this snow comes down any heavier. Everything is in the kitchen that you asked for. You have no meetings this week.

Yes, yes stop worrying and leave me in peace! Catherine exclaimed. I am not a child. Get lost go on! She jokingly pushed him out of the doorway.

We will be back on Monday afternoon at the latest. He added.

Jackson! Catherine laughed. Go. She pointed to the car. Give my love to Elizabeth.

Hesitantly he smiled and walked away, briefly looking back as Catherine waved him away. She watched him get into the car and as he pulled away, she waved and slowly closed the door.

Leaning against the door she looked down the brightly lit hall. The black tiled floor, polished and sparkling. The pure white walls and ceiling that had recently been painted. On her left a black door leading to the reception room which was closed. Down each side of the wall were three large frames each with a differently designed dream catcher displayed in them. All mounted immaculately and facing each other. Spotlights from the ceiling aimed at the frames and at the centre of the hall was a large three spoked silver chandelier. At the end of the hall was a staircase leading up and curving to the left. Next to the staircase were three steps that led to the kitchen, under the staircase a door leading to the basement. In front of the banister was a small black metal stand which housed a large slim red antique vase.

Right. She sighed. Im still hungry. Her hand went to her rumbling stomach. Wonder what is in the fridge? She asked herself and started to walk to the end of the hall when a mobile phone began to ring, a traditional ring tone.

Damned thing. Catherine groaned and stopped, walking back to the chair. This better not be you Elizabeth. She muttered and felt around inside her coat for the phone.

After a few seconds, she looked at the display and pressed a button, putting the phone onto the speaker.

Thought it would be you Elizabeth. Catherine smiled. And before you ask. I am perfectly fine being left alone for a couple of days. She sighed. In fact, I would be more than fine if it was a week. A month or longer.

We are just worried Catherine. Elizabeth said. You havent been well. Her voice crackled over the bad connection.

I am a grown woman. Catherine said. And you know that I have managed with worse. So seriously. Stop worrying and enjoy yourself.

I am happy to come back. We both are. Elizabeth said with Jackson confirming in the background.

One more and I will sack you both and change the locks. Catherine said abruptly.

I cannot tell if you are serious or not? Elizabeth asked. Are you?

You tell me. Catherine smiled. You have known me long enough.

Ok. Elizabeth was hesitant. As long as you are ok.

I am fine. Have a great time. Catherine said and ended the call. She then turned the phone off and put it back into her coat pocket. You are staying in there for the weekend. She grinned.

Catherine walked down the hall and descended the steps into the kitchen, flicking the light on.

The fluorescent lighting hummed into life, flooding the kitchen with harsh light. Catherine shielded her eyes and groaned.

Need to get the lighting sorted. She said to herself. Never have liked it.

A large rustic oak table took up most of the kitchen, positioned down the middle with four chairs either side and one at each end. At the back was a large ceramic sink and draining board with a window behind it. At the far end was a wooden oak door. To the right were stainless steel worktops, a black hob and oven with a stainless-steel extractor and hood above it. In the corner a large double refrigerator. To the right were cupboards which spanned the length of the kitchen, polished oak with silver handles. Black polished tiles covered the floor. Grey tiles covered every wall and the ceiling white with spotlights around the edges.