Page 13 of Smuggler’s Cove (Twin Lights #1)

As they pulled into the long drive of Hackley, several other vehicles were arriving with students and parents. Mr. Bridwell and Gladys stood on the walkway and greeted everyone. There was a buzz of excitement in the air. Gwen’s concerns were further alleviated.

Mr. Bridwell immediately welcomed Gwen and Madison and introduced them to another girl the same age as Madison. “This is Niko. Her family is from Japan. They work at the United Nations.”

“Niko, this is Madison and her mother Mrs. Taylor.”

Niko bowed. “ Hajimemashite . Nice to meet you.”

Madison did a little curtsey. “Nice to meet you too, Niko.”

“Both of you will be staying here during the week,” Mr. Bridwell announced. “You’ll be across the hall from each other.”

Madison was pleased she had already met someone her age. “Have you seen your room yet?” Madison asked with excitement.

“No. Today is my first day here.” Niko’s diction was precise. Deliberate.

“There’s a game room, and craft room, and all kinds of things.” Madison took Niko’s hand. “Come with me.” Madison was in charge. She walked over to Gladys. “Is it alright if I show Niko our rooms?”

Gladys was taken aback. In a good way. “Of course you can. You remember where to go, right?”

Madison nodded. “Niko’s room is across the hall from mine.” The two girls gaily walked into the building as Gwen watched on.

“I guess she’s going to be alright.” Gwen chuckled.

Gladys nodded in agreement. “It’s nice that Madison is so outgoing. Niko is new to the States, and having a pal her age is terrific.”

“Are her parents here?” Gwen looked around.

“No. They had to fly to London or Scotland, somewhere in the U.K. Poor child arrived with her nanny.”

“Oh?” Gwen sensed an undertone.

“The nanny didn’t even bother to take Niko’s suitcase to her room.” She jerked her head toward a lonely piece of luggage sitting on the sidewalk.

Gwen knew all too well about certain types of nannies. There were those who really loved children and wanted to care for them; then there were those who used it as a gateway to America; and then there were others who used it to gain access to the wealthy, and often their husbands.

Mr. Bridwell picked up Madison’s and Niko’s suitcases. “Let’s see how they’re settling in, shall we?” He led the way while Gladys stood guard for the new arrivals.

Gwen had the linens for Madison’s room delivered several days before. Madison and Niko hurriedly rummaged through the shopping bags. Madison yanked on the package with her new white comforter with the gold stars.

Niko smiled in approval. “Very nice. Shiny.”

Madison wrapped it around her like a shawl. “It feels so snuggly.”

“Speaking of snuggly,” Gwen said, standing in the doorway. “Mr. Jinx?” She handed the stuffed cat to her daughter.

“This is Mr. Jinx.” Madison held him up. “They say the word jinx is a jinx, but not him! He’s my lucky cat. My uncle gave him to me.”

“We have lucky cats, too.” Niko unzipped her bag and carefully unwrapped a white cat with one paw in the air. “His name is Maneki Neko.”

“Niko, Neko! Niko, Neko!” Madison responded in a singsong.

“My name means ‘kindness.’ His means ‘luck,’ ” Niko explained.

Gwen leaned against the doorjamb with her arms folded. “I think that is a wonderful combination. Kindness and luck.”

“We have two lucky cats!” Madison exclaimed.

“And two lucky girls!” Gwen added.

Gladys appeared in the doorway. “Niko, would you like me to help you unpack the rest of your things? We can take them to your room.”

Niko had been completely engrossed in her interaction with Madison that she forgot she hadn’t been to her room yet. “Yes, please. Apologies.”

“No need to apologize,” Gwen jumped in. “You girls are having fun. I’ll help Madison, and Gladys can help you. When you’re both finished, we can take a walk, or . . . ?” She looked up at Gladys, begging for a suggestion.

“Go down to the pond. There are a whole bunch of baby ducks splashing around.”

Madison looked at her mother with wide eyes. “Can we?”

“I don’t see why not. What do you think, Niko?”

“I must wait for my parents to call.” Her face turned sad.

“I’ll tell you what,” Gladys broke in, “you go with Madison and Mrs. Taylor. When your parents call, I’ll get you. How does that sound?”

Now Niko’s eyes went wide. “That would be very nice, Miss Gladys. But my father may be disappointed.”

“I’ll snatch you up real quick. I can run pretty fast for an old lady.” Gladys chuckled. “Come on. Let’s get you unpacked and ready to have some fun.”

Gwen smiled at Gladys. She was a good egg.

It took the better part of an hour for Madison to unpack her clothes and decide how to drape her comforter, and where to place the pillows.

Gwen thought it was interesting how Madison had an eye for detail, and placement, from her room to her clothes. Madison was particular, but at the same time, not fussy.

When Niko returned to Madison’s room, the three of them went to the lobby area, where Gladys was waiting with two small bags of cracked corn.

“The ducks love this.” She handed each girl a packet.

Gwen, Madison, and Niko strolled through the gardens and then on to the pond, where they spent a half hour enjoying the hatchlings.

Gwen spotted Gladys scurrying toward them.

“Looks like your parents may be on the phone.” She nudged the girls in Gladys’s direction, and Niko ran quickly toward her.

Gladys waved and then took Niko’s hand as they bounded back to the residence.

Gwen and Madison stayed until there was no corn left. “Mommy? Do you love Daddy?”

Gwen stopped abruptly. That was a question she had not anticipated. She didn’t know how to answer honestly. She remembered something her mentor taught her: “When in doubt, answer a question with a question.” So, she did. “Honey, why do you ask?”

Madison looked a little sheepish and shrugged. “I dunno.” And that was the end of the brief conversation, although Madison wondered for the next ten years.

By the time she was in fifth grade, she asked for access to a sewing machine where she would tailor other student’s uniforms. It had started with Niko, who was petite and thin.

Her uniform hung on her like an oversized bedspread.

Madison pinned, tucked, and sewed it to fit her as if it were custom made.

Not only did Niko look more polished, but it also elevated her self-esteem.

When the other girls heard about Madison’s magical talents, they pleaded with her to do the same for them.

Over the years, Madison became active in the school theatre.

Not as an actor, but as the head of costumes and wardrobe.

It inspired her creativity and made her one of the most popular students at the school.

By the time she was a junior, she made up her mind to go to one of the best fashion design schools in the country.

Not only was she accepted to FIT, but she also won a scholarship for a design she created as part of her entrance exam.

There was nothing her father could say or do to keep her from pursuing her goals. Not that he cared.