Jennifer pulled up a long gravel driveway. Stopping, she looked out he windshield, taking in the beautiful location. The Novotny Shelter was out in the country, surrounded by lush green grass and trees. The shelter, from what she could see through the gate, was pretty good size.
From her car, she could see that the gate went quite a ways. She couldn't tell how far, but she'd bet that Debbie Novotny had quite a few acres of land.
After a few minutes, Justin spoke. "Mom, I think you're supposed to push that button." He was pointing to a button located below a camera.
Jennifer nodded. "I was just taking in the beauty." She pushed the button and a few minutes later, she heard a woman's voice.
"Yes?"
Jennifer cleared he throat. "My name is Jennifer Taylor. A woman named Natalie Meadows was supposed to inform you that I'd be arriving with my two children."
"Ah, yes. Well, let me buzz the gate open, then just drive on up. You can store your car in the garage." A minute later, the iron gate swung open, allowing Jennifer to drive through. When she was far enough away, the gate closed.
Driving to the end of the driveway, she saw a red-headed woman who was wearing black pants, a pink shirt, and a red vest with buttons pinned all over it. Jennifer hadn't been sure what she expected, but it hadn't been her. Oh well, she wasn' one to judge a book by it's cover. The woman walked over to the driver side window and leaned her head in.
"Hey, I'm Debbie Novotny."
Jennifer shook her hand, hen introduced herself. "I'm Jennifer Taylor. These are my two kids, Justin and Molly."
"Aren't they adorable!" Debbie exclaimed as she chewed her gum. "Well," she continued, "just follow me to the garage. Then we can all go inside. Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes."
Jennifer slowly drove her car to the garage and parked it inside. There were three other cars there, plus a good-sized van. The garage was huge. It looked like it would be able to hold at least twenty cars.
After the car was settled in; Jennifer, Justin, and Molly followed her into the house. The house was beautiul inside. It had hardwood floors, a wooden staircase, and a fireplace in the foyar. "I'll show you to your rooms." Looking at Molly, she asked, "You don't mind sharing do you? There's another girl here about your age."
Molly shook her head, "No, ma'am."
Debbie smiled. "Such manners."
A few minutes later, Debbie lead Jennifer and the kids to their rooms. Justin and Jennifer had their own rooms. Molly was sharing her room with a girl named Marie who was thirteen. Marie was helping to set the table in the dining room, so Molly would meet her at dinner.
Debbie told them how to get to the dining room. "Just come downstairs, then take a left and go through a set of double doors." With that said, Debbie left them to get settled in.