The PickAx House

(Chapter 2) Hopes Bluff

1.

As Abby pulled up to the Lone Wolf Gas Station, the only gas station in town, she wondered how Mr. Grady was doing and was excited to see him. Mr. Grady had owned the gas station as long as she could remember. She remembered back when she was young, he always gave her a sucker when her and her dad would check out. It had been a short while since she had seen him and her other friends in town. Which is why she decided to volunteer to come. Abigail Woodland was very popular with the town's folks. She was most friendly out of all the Woodlands. She was at the church every time the doors were open during the warm season, and it was her responsibility to get the mail from the post office when she would visit the church. She had several friends at the school where her daughter attended in the warm season. In the small town of Hopes Bluff the school season was different as was many things. The school season was in the summer and was shorter because of the awful winters that kept many from making it to town.
As she pulled up to the gas pump Mr. Grady stepped out of the gas station with a smile on his face. She could see that he had recognized her as he waved and walked around the pump to meet her at her door. "Abigail Woodland, long time no see." "Mr. Grady, it has been a long time!" She responded. "How have you and Mrs. Grady been doing, staying busy?" "Oh yes terribly busy, Mrs. Grady sees to that. I mean just the other day she had me put in all new kitchen appliances just because she seen on a cooking show that they were better in some way." "Oh wow, busier than I thought." Abigail said as they both exchanged a laugh. "Well, I am just here to make sure we have gas for all the equipment and to make sure we don't get stuck out on the farm. We don't want that now do we?" "No," Mr. Grady responded, "not with these weather conditions." As Mr. Grady started to feel the gas cans up one by one and load them, she tried to remind herself of all the things she needed to pick up from the Feed and Seed and then to the grocery store to pick up the remaining rations for the winter. Last but not least just a quick stop by the post office on the way home. As she was leaving, she exchanged one last pleasantry with Mr. Grady. "Stay warm this winter Mr. Grady!" "You too Abigail, you too!"

2.
It would be a short trip because all trips were short in the small town of Hopes Bluff. A mere ten minutes passed by and she was already pulling up at the Feed and Seed. As she walked in expecting to see Mrs. Grainger behind the counter. She quickly realized she is nowhere in the store. Abby thought to herself, she is probably outside having a cigarette. When suddenly a woman taps her on the shoulder with a familiar voice.
"Abby!" the lady said. As Abby turned around excitement filled her up. "Mrs. Prine! So good to see you! We have all missed you." "Not as much as I have missed you all!" "How is the new maid working out?" "She's great but she is not you. The kids really miss you and ask about you all the time. Why did you leave? Dad never explained to us." An awkward look fell over Mrs. Prine's face followed by and awkward silence. "Oh, it was just time for me to move on." "But we always thought of you as part of the family," Abby said fondly. "I know, I will always think of all of you as family as well," She said as she looked down, avoiding eye contact. "You at least have to come to dinner some time." "No." Mrs. Prine said in a stern voice "I would love to, but I don't think it would be a good idea." "Why not?" Abby pleaded, "Please!" "I don't know Abigail there is just something about that place." "The farm?" Abby said, "There is nothing scary about the farm other than the isolation." "Not the isolation Abby, what hides in the isolation. What you are isolated with. Ask your father about it. He knows." "Oh Mrs. Prine I would have never thought of you being a superstitious woman. Now my dad that is a different story. He is hopeless!" Abby said with a smile. Mrs. Prine laughed and said "Your right. I am probably just becoming and old superstitious woman." "But we love you anyways and you will always be family to us." Abby expressed with compassion. "I know and thank you!" said Mrs. Prine. At that time Mrs. Grainger walked in and asked, "Do you need help with anything Abby?" Abby replied, "No thank you. I think I have it under control." "It was good to see you Mrs. Prine" "You too Abby. I'm sure I'll see you around in town." As soon as the emotions of excitement followed by awkward confusion and brief sadness had come, they passed. Abby turned once again to Mrs. Grainger and said, "On second thought, where are your pickaxes?" "Sorry, we're all out" she responded.