Free Destination D by Lori Beard-Daily

found what had to be the most beautiful finished product of a basement that she had ever seen.
    The craftsmanship was meticulous. The custom cabinetry was tucked neatly underneath the wet bar. The crown molding was stained oak and the recessed lighting added a soothing touch to the room. Amanda took off her shoes and dug her toes into the soft Berber carpet. The padding underneath seemed to mold to her feet like a good pair of broken-in bedroom slippers.
    The tall columns that divided the basement were decked with green and gold balloons, Tracey's high school colors. Hanging from the ceiling were matching streamers and a glittered sign that read: “Congratulations, Tracey! We are so proud of you!”
    She walked over to the other side of the columns and saw Tracey sitting in the corner with her head buried in her arms.
    â€œHey there, you!” Amanda called as she bent down and lifted Tracey's narrow face with her hands. Tracey's tears flowed into her palms.
    â€œMama!” Tracey's gray eyes danced with joy when she saw her mother standing in front of her. “I didn't think you were going to make it. I'm so glad you're here,” she gushed, hugging her mother's neck.
    â€œI told you, I wouldn't miss this party for anything in the world,” Amanda said as she choked back her own tears. “I'm so glad you made it back home safely. I missed you.” She took a step back to look at her daughter in full view and then hugged her. “Is everything all right, baby?” She hoped that Tracey would finally open up to her.
    â€œI'm good. Now that you're here, everything is fine Mama,” she said as she thought about how she had just made it back in time to change clothes and not arouse her mother's suspicions.
    Why are you lying to me, Tracey? What are you keeping inside of you? “Well, good, then. I guess getting out into that fresh air did you some good, huh?”
    There she goes again, trying to pump me for information. I wish I could tell you where I went Mama, but you would lose it…I just know you would. “Yeah, I guess it did!” she said, trying to sound upbeat. More than you want to ever know.
    â€œSo come on, girl, let's go get this party started! Where's the outfit we bought? While you're getting dressed, I want you to tell me all about your trip to Salt Lake City. ”
    â€œMy clothes are upstairs,” Tracey said as she took her sleeve and wiped her runny nose and her tears from her face. “And the trip was a lot of fun. I can't wait to tell you all about it.”
    â€œWell, let's go on upstairs so you can get out of those raggedy jeans and baggy sweatshirt before your guests arrive!”

    Melvin got out of his red pickup truck and grabbed three bags of groceries and carried them into the house. He steadily kept bringing in more bags as he saw the guests arrive. There was still one hour left before the party.
    â€œHey there, young man.”
    â€œHi, Mr. Landers. Let me help you with those, sir,” Tony said as he placed a freshly cut bouquet of flowers on top of one of the bags Melvin was holding.
    â€œThanks,” Melvin said, handing him both bags.
    Tony hoisted the bags in front of him and followed Melvin, who opened the storm door partway with his foot and held it open for Tony to walk in.
    â€œThank you sir,” Tony said, placing the bags on the kitchen counter.
    â€œNo problem. Hey, Tony, let me talk to you for a second,” Melvin said, walking toward the living room.
    Tony was nervous as he turned to follow Melvin. Melvin was not Tracey's daddy, but he could be worse than some biological fathers.
    â€œTracey's mama and me have been a little worried about her. Is everything all right?” Melvin looked at him suspiciously.
    Tony felt like this was a trick question. If everything wasn't all right, then Melvin would probably blame him for it and kick his ass. If everything was all right, then he would want to know why Tracey