I Don't Need A Promise

Chapter 1

            "Ariana, would you mind making something special for dinner tonight? I'm expecting a visitor later today."

            "So sudden? Who?" I turned, broom in hand, to old Miss Annie.

            Miss Annie smiled, leaning back in her rocking chair. "My grandson, Ash. He's coming up for his twenty-seventh birthday; its actually more of a present for me to see him, since he's so busy. He was originally going to be busy today too, but he managed to get an opening in his schedule sometime this morning."

            "Oh, so that's what the phone call was about. Should I make a cake for him?" I asked, resuming my sweeping of the porch.

            "No, no, Ash doesn't like sweets. You should buy some champagne," she replied. "Just a small bottle, though. He has to be up bright and early tomorrow to go home."

            "How does chicken parmesan sound? I think we're out of cheese, though. I might have to go to the market..."

            "No, that sounds lovely, Ariana."

            "Alright, I'll be off then," I propped the broom up against the porch railing; flower petals were blowing onto the porch faster than I could sweep them, anyway. Miss Annie gave me some money for groceries and I grabbed my bike from behind the house. I grabbed my sunhat and waved Miss Annie goodbye, then started pedaling down the hill to the marketplace.

            It was a windy spring day, with the flowers in full bloom and their smell filling the air; the sky was cloudless, so you could see the tips of the mountains were still covered in snow. It was nice to bike on the dirt roads around the neighboring farms and hills, especially since everyone was out enjoying the weather.

            When Matt the mailman passed me on his bike I waved happily; he smiled in return, and handed me Miss Annie's mail when we were in arm's length of each other. Placing the letters in the basket attached to the front of my bike, I continued pedaling.

            I reached the market after what felt like no time at all, and I hopped off my bike when I reached the crowd. I navigated my bike through all the people, greeting everyone as I passed and trying my best not to roll the bike's wheels over anyone's toes.

            "Afternoon, Gerard," I said, wheeling my bike up to the cheese stall, and the stocky man greeted me with a grin.

            "Good to see you, Ariana. How can I help you on this fine day?" He stroked his beard, admiring my hat. "That's a mighty fine hat you got there, girly. Brenda's work, I presume?"

            "Got that right," I said, picking out a small wedge of parmesan cheese from the counter. "There isn't a better hat maker till you hit the big cities."

            "That'll be seven eighty-one," I handed Gerard the money and placed the cheese in my basket, being careful not to crush the mail.

            "Do you know any good brands of champagne that are sold in small bottles?" I inquired suddenly when I turned to leave. "I know if I ask Emily at the wine stall, she'll recommend the most expensive brand I can afford."

            "Wise girl," Gerard laughed heartily, patting his round belly. "My personal favourite is a local brand, called Serendipity. My wife thinks it's a bit too strong, but she isn't much for alcohol in any case. What's the occasion?"

            "Miss Annie's having a visitor; her grandson, actually. It's his birthday today."

            "Well, give him my regards," Gerard called as I left into the crowd. Serendipity, I'm not even sure what that word means, but I'm sure the champagne Gerard recommended would be less expensive than Emily's recommendation. There was a small crowd at Emily's stall as everyone took their time to sample her various drinks and converse.