Macy was the first person to move into the renovated brownstone at 105 Shawnee Road. She moved in with her colorful, long fingernails, fish bowl and cluttered mind. Aside from being raised in the foster care system, she is confused about her identity. Her honey brown skin is as much a puzzle to her as it is to everyone that asks her "What nationality are you?" When Macy feels as good on the inside as she looks on the outside, maybe she'll stop nude dancing. Amber moves into the building and quickly becomes friends with Macy. But Amber with her curly hair and brown eyes with golden flecks, is innocent and trusting. She doesn't listen when Macy warns her to stay away from the handsome owner of the hardware store. Amber doesn't think Jason is going to cause her any pain. But she does begin to wonder why he won't give her his home telephone number and why she can't go to his home. Janice showed up at the building in a vehicle with only two suitcases and two small children. Her daughter looks an awful lot like Macy, and why does the little girl introduce herself as a different name from what she calls her? Janice becomes worried when she sees a small boy sitting on the front steps of the building. He's alone and can't speak English. She doesn't know that he is not supposed to be outside at all because his mother, CeCe, has instructed him to stay hidden. He's too young to understand that they are illegally in the country and must be careful about who sees them. When the blonde, beautiful Sam moves into the building, she doesn't care about any of her neighbors. She has her own agenda for success. As soon as she and Macy meet, an invisible battle line is drawn in the sand. Let's see who will win. Mae-Bell is the owner/landlord and lives on the top floor of the building. Her wardrobe consists of muu muus and matching head scarves. She becomes the nurturer of the group, and watches the comings and goings of her tenants from her window. She watches the lives of the women change for the good and in some instances, the bad. The building takes on a life of it's own as tenant after tenant moves in bringing not only furniture but tears, fear, anger and pain. Friendships form into a sisterhood. Because in all truth, no one can make the winding journey called life alone.
About the Author: Portia is a divorced mother of four and grandmother of one. She considers herself a nature spirit, enjoys writing, and crocheting. She lives in Attleboro, MA with her youngest children and her lovebird. She feels called to be an advocate of those dealing with mental health concerns, domestic violence and teaching people to be accepting of each others differences and usually writes on those subjects.