The Fall Bride (TSBS-3) ON HOLD

Chapter Two

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. 

– Barbara De Angelis

Janet Julien

"Ms. JJ, are you busy?"

The sixteen year old boy hesitantly stood in the doorway of the employees' room, clutching his backpack over his shoulder. 

As the water mixed, the aroma of the roasted coffee beans whiffed over the room, and in the midst of twirling the spoon, I looked over my shoulder, a small smile already present on my face in order to appease the nervous boy.

"Of course not, Noah." 

Fidgeting from one foot to another, Noah grimaced apologetically. "I have a science assignment due by tomorrow. I forgot about it."

"Right away." Instinctively, I swirled the coffee at a first rate before gathering my curls into a ponytail, and binding the unruly mess with the elastic band on my wrist. With the cup in hand, I stepped out of the room, Noah following me a step away. 

"I didn't mean to disturb your break, Ms. JJ."

Gracing him with a warm smile, I assured the boy. "Noah, I'm always ready to help. It's okay."

Making a quick stop at my desk, I picked up the vintage reading glass, a gift from my Grandma before walking past the row of bookshelves to the long table. As soon as Noah took out his books, I got into my librarian mood. For one straight hour, I made Noah come up with ideas, sharing my insight whenever he needed and adding a suggestion here and there. When we wrapped up his assignment, he finally had a beaming smile on his face.

"You're the best, Ms. JJ."

I felt the satisfaction washing over me with his words. Seeing his face without any worry made me glad I chose to substitute for the fellow librarian today. Usually, I worked part-time on the weekends as a librarian in the town's library, but when a fellow asked for a favor, you could never say no. It was the way of small town people.

Glancing at the clock, I shooed him away. "You should go before the lunch break ends." I bet he had soccer practice after school so he chose to sneak away at lunch break to get his assignment done. Fortunately for him, I hadn't left for the diner yet. 

After Noah left for school, I stopped by Cindy at the front desk, putting in my logging out time and saying my goodbye for the day.

Today was Friday, I would be seeing her tomorrow after all since the weekend was here. Taking my leave, I stepped out of the building, breathed in the fresh air, and bathed in the warm sunshine. It had been raining yesterday, but today, the sun shone brighter making me hum throughout my walk. The diner was just around the corner so I always preferred to walk. 

The town was by no means small. Just on the outskirts of Philadelphia, our town had a population that could rival a small city. Under the guidance of Mayor Mason, we were equipped with good schools, hospitals and a big library. Using a secret stash of fund, Mayor Mason added another level to the library since he was an avid book reader.

As the crunching sound came from beneath me, I stopped, picking up a fallen leaf among the lot. The burnt orange color of the leaf gave me an idea. Pressing it flat, I slid it inside the back pocket of my jeans. Humming my way, I reached the diner just as a rush of mechanics from Jeff's garage sauntered in, hollering at the waiters for their order. 

The diner was owned by my best friend, Mia and occasionally, I volunteered to help my friend in the afternoon rush. It was a narrow, elongated typical diner with bright colors, designed by the owner herself. Along the windows, there were at least ten booths, five on each side of the door and the long service counter had another ten bar stools.