Gossip Boy

Chapter 1

"Here I am." I said to myself as I held my cardboard box and  looked at the cozy little cottage that is going to be my home for god knows how long. "Time for a fresh start." I said holding back my tears. I don't even know how I still have those in me. I've cried so many times within these past few months. Every single time I close my eyes it brings me right back to the chilling memory.

...

"Bye ma, bye pa! I'm going to class!" I said as I kissed both my parents on their cheeks and grabbed an apple from our fruit bowl.

"No good morning? You're just going to leave us like that?" My pa said as he and my mother laughed. I smirked.

"Okay, good morning, now bye." I smiled as I headed out the door.

"Love you sweetie." My ma shouted as I headed out the door. I stuck my head back in for a brief moment.

"I love you more!" I blew her a kiss and walked to my university. Little did I know I was going to come home to officer sitting on my front porch telling me my parents have died in a tragic car accident. They were on their way to work at the office when a drunk driver t-bones their car, killing them on instant when they hit the telephone pole. Ever since then, it's been a struggle getting up each morning.

...

After their funeral I've been nonstop looking for places to move to. Sitting alone in my childhood home was eating me alive. I'm so used to my parents greeting me every morning. My pa will be reading the morning newspaper, drinking his coffee while in his business attire. Minus his loafers, those were always put on as he was heading out the door. My ma will be doing her hair and makeup in the mirror while talking to my pa about whatever was on her mind. Always greeting me and giving me her world-winning smiles.

I was looking on every website imaginable until I came across this listing for a little cottage. It was put up by an elderly woman who just wanted someone to maintain it and enjoy the space. I talked with her over video chat and it was legit. She decided to move in with her daughter and would not be around to take care of the property. She was so excited that I was so eager to move in and said it is move in ready. She mailed me the keys and said I was all set to move in whenever.

Moving out was the hardest thing I have ever done. I didn't have many belongings, just a basic amount of clothes, basic necessities and my childhood stuffed animals, I could never leave those behind. Definitely not now. As I was done loading everything into my car I took one last look at my home for the past 24 years and that's when the last  piece of my heart cracked and shattered.

It was a long drive from The Big Apple to this tiny little town in Washington let me tell you. Not just physically either, mostly mentally and emotionally. Having no one to talk to. Just the radio and I. Most of the times I was just staying in cheap motel and eating fast food until I arrived here this afternoon. I can't even count on both hands how long I laid awake in bed in those motel rooms and just wanted to turn back and go home. Well, used to be home. It will never be home t me again. I need a clean slate. I just hope this town can provide that for me. If not, I'm screwed.

...

As I was bringing my boxes inside the cottage I decided to take moment and lean over the porch railing and just take in my surroundings. There's a dirt road, in front of my house, a barrier of trees and then if you walk into the trees there's a clearing and then a crystal clear lake that looks so tempting to take a dip in. I sniffed the air and it smells so clean and woodsy. Not like the polluted, toxic air that I took in everyday in New York. For the first time in months, my heart thumped with excitement.

"Finally the last box is done." I broke down the last box and shoved it away in the spare bedroom. "Should probably start looking for a job, can't pay the rent with my good looks." I chuckled half heartily and made my way down the dirt road path into the city. I would take my car but I just want to take it slow for once in my life.

Once I got into the middle of the town I came across a little cafe that had a help wanted sign in the window. Again, my heart starting fluttering. I walked inside and immediately everyone in the cafe turned towards me. What? I started to get anxious and I timidly walked up to the register. A woman, probably in her mid forties greeted me. "Why hello sweetheart, what can I get ya?" She smiled.

"Um, I saw your sign in the window...and I was wondering if I could apply." I said as I looked down and played with the rings on my fingers.

"Did I hear the words apply?!" A elderly woman shouted as she busted out of the back room. The action made me jump.

"Oh calm down Marie, don't scare her off. She was wanted to apply."

"Skip the applying, we can go straight to the interview! Come over here dear, have a seat." The woman I now know as Marie ushered me. I pulled the seat out and sat up straight. "We should probably start off with names. My names Marie and I run this little joint with my granddaughter, she's around your age, sweet girl, you'll love her. We opened this cafe about three years ago and it's been such a hit in this small town. What about you hun? Tell me about yourself.

That dreaded question. Lately I've been 'the girl who's parent's got hit by a drunk driver a few months ago.' I've basically molded to that identity within these past months and it stuck ever since. I don't know anything about myself lately, or who I used to be.

"Well, um, I'm new to town and I do have a passion for coffee. I drink it everyday." Marie laughed at this. It made me giggle a bit. "I'm very friendly, I can be sociable when I'm comfortable, it just takes me a little bit to break out of my shell."

"What make you decide to move to this small town?"

"I needed a change of scenery." It's not a whole lie, I can't just flat out tell her I'm running away from my problems. That would definitely turn into a conversation I'm not ready to have. Won't ever be ready actually.

"Do you have any customer service experience?"

"I was a waitress in a restaurant for a little bit during high school."

"You're hired!" Her statement took me back a little bit. That's it? "When's the soonest you can start?"

"Um, I can start tomorrow?" It came our more of a question than a statement.

"Think you can handle the morning rush?" She grinned.

"I'll do my best!"

"Perfect! See you at eight o'clock sharp!"

"Thank you so much!" I extended my hand for her to shake but she ended up pulling me in for a hug.

"We're a family here dearie." That statement alone made my eyes sting with unwanted tears. I quickly blinked them away and smiled at her.

"Again, thank you."

"No, thank you. You just saved my behind." She laughed and I smiled. I walked out of the cafe feeling excited for the next day to come. It's such a strange feelings.

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed! :) -Danielle