The Brooch

A Change In View

Andrew, did as he promised and got Maple safely home...

When Mama Woods, saw his vehicle pull up in her driveway with Maple in tow, she came bursting out her front door with such elation!

"Why Andrew! As I live and breathe!"

"Afternoon Mrs. Woods..." he said getting out of the car.

"Andrew, you are a sight for sore eyes! Why I was jest about to send out a search party for Maple." Mama Woods teased winking at her unamused daughter.

"No worries." I came to save the day!" He joked.

He went to get the groceries out of the car.

"It's alright, Andrew. I kin get it from here." Maple uttered.

"Nonsense." Mama Woods said giving Maple a peculiar look. "In fact, Andrew, if would be so kind, could you carry, whut I am sure, are jest heavy groceries, inside?"

"Course." He obliged.

Mama Woods and Andrew, merrily carried on a conversation, while Maple lagged behind...

"Hurry up Maple." Mama Woods said waving Maple to come along...

"Comin Mumma." Maple mumbled.

Maple walked passed the living room and into the kitchen where Andrew and Mama Woods already were awaiting. Maple looked at a sweet smiling Andrew...

"Thank you, Andrew for taking me. It was mighty kind of you. And I'm sure you have other more important thangs to do today. So I kin see you out the door, seein as I'm sure Mumma needs my help finishing up."

"No I don't!" Mama Woods suddenly interjected. "I mean I do. But whut I really mean is, Andrew, why don't stay for suppa?"

Maple gasped with her mouth ajar...

"Flies, Maple." Mama Woods uttered motioning Maple to close her mouth. "I mean we do have plenty. Not to mention, Clarence, our next door neighbor is comin. But he's always here." Mama Woods mumbled. "This time he's actually bringin his wife Estelle. And my brother and his new sweetheart are on the way! So I say the more, the merrier!" She replied still looking at her stupefied daughter. "I mean, I'm sure Maple would just love it if you would stay and keep her company. Wouldn't you, Maple?"

"Umm..."  Maple deeply gulped.

"Wouldn't Maple..."

"Ssssssure."

Maple couldn't believe what her mama had just done. It wasn't like it was the first time Maple had dinner with Andrew. In fact it was her second, after that fall festival of course. It just would be the first time, she would be having dinner with him, with her family's eyes all on them and their supposed relationship of what not. Because, Maple honestly didn't even know what it was herself yet.

"So wouldja?" Mama Woods asked.

"Well I would be just delighted!" Andrew cheerfully agreed!

"Well that is jest wonderful!" Mama Woods remarked in sheer elation! "I will jest have Maple set another place at the table!"

"Wonderful." Maple mumbled.

While Andrew went and joined Daddy Woods and Clarence in the living for the time being, Mama Woods made Maple go up the stairs to shower and change. She said she would take care of everything. Maple reluctantly obeyed...

Dinner was finally complete. Mama Woods had set up that dining room table like it was Thanksgiving already! She was just so overjoyed that Maple had a guest for dinner. A cute one at that!