Blackwood

Chapter 2: Autumn

With the beginning of school right around the corner, many things in our small town have started to change. The town's mail center, which is normally quite desolate, is now full of people bustling around. Even summer, in preparation for school, the town sends out for school supplies as well as our fitted uniforms. They always arrive last minute before school starts which creates a mad dash to get everything distributed in time. Every year I usually volunteer to help, however this year the garden harvest is my priority since many of the younger volunteers have abandoned it in the excitement of school starting.

The biggest change in Blackwood is the scenery. Walking outside is like walking into the pages of a photography magazine. All the beautiful oranges and reds displayed in the trees made the town feel that much more cozy. Nature in fall is gorgeous and my personal favorite. You could almost smell fall in the air. All the final pickings from the town garden were coming ready.  Harvesting and winterizing the garden were on my to do list today.

When I woke up this morning I quickly got dressed and walked to 'Nana's Diner'. There are two diners in town but 'Country Kitchen' is ran by the town gossip, so I avoid there as much as possible. I don't need to know everyone's business like the owner, Cindy, seems to. However, when I walked into Nana's to hear everyone buzzing about something I knew it must be something big to our small town.  I grabbed my own cup of coffee and sat down in my regular corner booth.

I really don't mind people gossiping, I just steer clear myself. However, I really dislike being gossiped about. The main reason I avoid the other diner is because someone always feels the need to bring up my sister (my birth mother). Her death was shrouded in mystery so the town has never forgotten it. At Nana's I usually never have an issue. Hearing everyone buzzing automatically made my stomach clench into a knot. Even though I tried to ignore it. The anniversary of my mother's death was close but there was no reason for anyone to bring it up I hoped.

Marleigh Ann from the grade above my walked over to take my order. She's a bouncy blonde who always seems to be chewing gum. She was always friendly enough, but did typically enjoy spreading gossip when she had the chance. Though Nana would snap at her if she heard it. Nana was basically the town's grandma, rumor is that she used to live in the Blackwood estate. Before even asking for my order she sat down in my booth across from me, folded her hands together and leaned in. Never a good sign.

"Did you hear?!" Marleigh Ann whisper shrieked at me. I glanced at her over my menu and shook my head before looking back to the menu. Not that I needed the menu but I didn't want involved in whatever gossip she was busting at the seams to deliver.

"There is a new guy in town! He's right about our age and living alone in the apartment above the diner! He is so handsome! Just wait til you see." Marleigh Ann gushed. She carried on but I didn't really pay attention. I was relieved it wasn't anything connected to me, but otherwise couldn't care less. I was curious, but I was sure to meet him eventually. Better to meet him personally than listening to rumors. She didn't even seem to notice I wasn't paying attention.

"Can I just get Nana's special, eggs over easy, with ice water?" I ask Marleigh Ann once she finished prattling on.

"Sure thing, I'll be back soon." Marleigh Ann smiles as she stood up and walked away. I was sure she was disappointed I didn't gush about the boy with her but she should know me better than that by now. I enjoyed my food before leaving to head directly to the garden. Everyone I passed seem to be in a good mood, and per the norm everyone greeted me as I did them.

It didn't take long to reach the garden. Always such a beautiful site to me. So much love and hard work had gone into it and in return we had harvested lots of food from it. The produce harvested today would mostly be canned by some of the older women in town, I loved learning at their side.