Little Red's Café

TWO

Although mom hardly ever talked about family, I would say the closest thing she probably ever had to a sister was Ruth. She told me her and Ruth met when she moved into town with me as an infant. Aunt Ruth would always say, "You were so small I could hold you in one hand, now look at you! Growing like a bad weed." To which my mom would chuckle and say, "My little wildflower" and cup my cheeks. Back then I used to think it was embarrassing, as I got older, I loved the affection. Now, I miss it.
I remember asking one day, "How did y'all meet?" This was the first time I ever asked this, and it was right after Aunt Ruth had went on a tangent, reminiscing about my toddler days. At the time of the question, I was 12 and was curious about everything. Aunt Ruth beamed at the question and sat the photo album down that housed way too many of my baby photos. Mom was in the kitchen fixing us lunch, since it was Sunday, the Café was closed, and it was our usual "girls' day" -as mom would put it. Since it was raining that day Aunt Ruth dug out the photo albums. 

Aunt Ruth put a finger over her lips, "Don't tell your mom I told you this, you know she hates to talk about the past." She was right, for some reason mom was only sentimental towards the "in the moment" things. When asked why she would respond with, 'If we spend too much time immersed in the past, we often lose sight of the memories being created before us'.
"It'll be our little secret Red," Aunt Ruth said and we both giggled together. She had a fire behind her eyes, and it was fumed with excitement. Thinking back now she looked like she was twelve herself sharing secrets at a slumber party. I listened intently and amused by her story as she continued.
"Your mom had just had you; you probably weren't even a week old. But I could spot her a mile away", she smiles thinking back. "You were screaming in your carrier as she rolled you down the aisles of the supermarket getting the essentials. Then we bumped into each other. 'I am so sorry,' she had said. Poor thing was so exhausted. 'I wasn't paying attention dear" she goes on. All the while you're still carrying on. I remember asking her when the last time was, she had a good night's sleep, and she laughed. She told me she couldn't remember. I asked her if I could try and she nodded, "Please." That is when I told her it takes a village sometimes. She told me she didn't have anyone else, so she was doing everything alone. I picked you up and held you face down on my arm where your arms and legs were straddling my forearm and you instantly quieted." Aunt Ruth laughs, "Your mom sighed with relief and come to think of it I think the entire supper market did too. You had some lungs on you, child." She said, winking at me, chuckling. "From that moment on we became the best of friends, and your momma wasn't alone anymore. She had Tom and I and we helped her whenever she needed it." Once Aunt Ruth was done mom had walked into the living room holding a tray of sandwiches. "What are y'all talking about in here," she says smiling. Aunt Ruth and I looked at each other and giggled, "Nothing!" We said together which sent us into a fit of laughter.

I pull up to the Café and park the bug in the alleyway, saving the parking spots in the front for guests. It's a small town so most people walk to their destinations, but a few tourists still drive. The Café is located on Main Street, lined with a series of gift shops, boutiques, bookstores and a few other businesses. Each building having their own personalities, which makes our little Café stand out. The exterior is coated in a fresh layer of white pant that mom had done recently. The front door is crimson red and sits snug between two windows with window seats usually filled with avid readers sipping on their coffee. The balcony above houses an enormous number of plants with an iron garden table set. That is where mom would spend her lunches. The same tables populate the sidewalks below.

When I opened the door to the Cafe it was filled with our regulars, but instead of smiles I was met with sympathetic stares. Awkwardly I make my way to the counter, returning a few strained smiles with my own. The small bar doors swing open and Trix run to her plush bed behind the coffee bar. Aunt Ruth is crouched behind the counter and is a breath of fresh air as usual. As I approach, she stands and turns to face me tucking her short blond locks behind her ear and reaches her arms out to me. Instead of the usual looks I have been getting she is beaming at me despite her own sorrow, which is visible in her deep brown eyes. "Oh, Anny dear! You look so tired." She says as she places a kiss on my forehead caressing my left cheek like momma always does...did. I hold back the burning in my throat and give her a hug. "I'm okay." I say, surprisingly composed.