A Change of Heart

AuthorHouse

Chapter One

What a wonderful and successful trip it had been. LA has never been one of her favorite places to go. It's just too busy and congested. However, the book signing was such a success, that it made up for the hustle and bustle of LA's life styles. Not to mention the unique down to earth, yet modernized bookstore that sponsored her book signings for three days, but with some persuasion and flattery, turned into four full days and half of the fifth, George Thimbleton, the owner of the bookstore, had almost begged her to stay for two more days, telling her that every day there were so many people waiting in line, and only being able to allow so many in each day. It just would be so unfair to have to turn them away completely. Please could she stay two more days, of course he had to add in the kicker, "all these people have come to meet you, the talented and very successful author, Mia Bentley. Your books are on shelves upon shelves of bookstores nationwide."

So letting her conscience get to her and not wanting to let any of her readers down, she agreed to compromise, hence the four and a half days! George thanked her endlessly, and invited her back anytime she wanted to visit LA again. He reassured her there would be no problem scheduling another signing. George Thimbleton was a tall and lanky, kind man in his mid fifties. He wore dark rimmed glasses and a sort of short messy style haircut. He is extremely kind and generous, not only with his compliments, but to his customers. You could without a doubt see that he valued and cherished everyone who entered his bookstore. It didn't matter if it was a customer of fifteen years, or fifteen minutes. George was a man of passion for his career and the business he built. His store was cozy and comfy, which was not what she had expected in LA. Very welcoming and inviting, and maybe someday she will return, even if it is just to visit. Letting her mind wander again, lost in the sea of blue sky, Mia relaxed and enjoyed the rest of her flight. The best she could, since airplanes have never been her favorite choice of travel.

* * *

Finally she was almost home, as the stewardess instructed the passengers to fasten their seatbelts, she heard the landing gear of the plane engage. She really does love going on book signings. Meeting all of her readers and autographing novels, her novels, it is the most amazing reward. It is always so exhilarating. After all, this is what she's worked so hard to achieve. Becoming a successful author was always a dream, but now is a reality. But, there is something about returning home after a long busy week of signings. Once the luggage is found and everything is loaded into the car it will be homeward bound.

Starving for the privacy of her home and looking around the plane and realizing she's not the only one anxious to get home or get to where ever it might be the other travelers are going. Settling in her seat a bit, and accepting that she won't be one of the first ones off the plane. Next time she'd have to splurge and fly first class. Not only are the seats more comfortable and the service better, getting off the plane is a lot faster. Taking a deep breath, as the plane descends onto the runway, and hating the jarring effects of it.

"Welcome to Denver International Airport. Thank you for flying and we hope the rest of your travels are safe, and look forward to having you fly with us again."

The pilot clicks off the intercom and everyone starts grabbing their carry on bags from the overheads and filing off the plane. Praying the other passengers move along and that her luggage made it, there's almost nothing more irritating than when your luggage doesn't make it. She finally gets her carry on and makes her way down the aisle of the plane. She can't wait to be home and how nice a long soak in the hot tub would feel right about now. Rubbing her neck as the stiffness is only tighter after the long flight.

Heading towards the luggage center and fighting the congestion of the airport. Okay well, there are longer flights than from LA to Denver, but still. Trying to keep her patience as everyone seems to be going the same direction, except for the few that cut cross ways through the crowd, in a desperate rush to the bathrooms. Seeing a mom with two young children up ahead, and trying to rush them through the crowds. One of the children was pulling on her mother's arm and pointing to a fast food stand, the other child tugging on her other arm, seeming to want to run ahead. Little children are wonderful, but she's grateful she doesn't have to herd any through a crowded airport. Especially knowing how tiring traveling can be. Seeing her luggage almost immediately, she had to restrain from shouting with excitement, settling for a quiet comment. "Oh, this is a fabulous end to a perfect trip!" Looking towards the heavens and sending up a little "thank you!"

Grabbing her suitcase and in almost a jog, heads towards the parking ramps.

Once there, she tosses her bag into the back of her vehicle and jumps in, locks the door and is on the home stretch!!! "Now, please God, let traffic be in my favor! I just want to be home." With that said, she should be home with in the hour.

Prayer is great but even better when they are answered. Merging with the rest of the traffic leaving the airport, Mia is soon on the free-way. Great, that wasn't so bad, smooth sailing now. Turning the radio on and just loud enough for some noise to fill the silence, and smiling a smile of triumph. This was definitely one of the most enjoyable trips yet.

Remembering the young girl, who couldn't have been more than eighteen, blonde and very shy; she stayed towards the back of the group, yet listened intently, and waited patiently for her copy of Whispers in the Wind to be signed. Being the last one, she finally approached, and quietly and a bit shakily thanked me for signing. Then just as she was about to turn to leave, she stopped, and looked back. She could tell she wanted to say something, yet was a bit hesitant. So when asked if there was anything else she could help her with, she let it all out on a rush of words. Remembering how she so sincerely thanked her for such a wonderful book. She had said the story and characters had given her hope and faith in brighter days.

Her name was Noel Sells, and I signed her copy, always believe in yourself, never loose faith, and you can do anything you set your mind to. Then she wrote one more thing, her personal email. Which she never does, but in this case, there was something telling her it would be okay to do. This girl was not what one would classify as troubled, but someday she might need someone. Call it one of those gut instincts, but she also felt Noel would be fine and she's and she's grateful that there was something in the book that helped this young girl. Whatever her problems in life may be, or her fears or heart aches, she believed Noel has or is...