Fields of Iris

Unexpected Customer

As I tied the fishing boat to the dock, I listened to Raymond ramble on about how he couldn't wait to start his new job in the city. "I mean, it's only part time serving, but as soon as I find myself a sugar daddy I am going to be bringing in the big money. I'm telling you, we can move to the city together," He spoke, his feet hanging off the dock.

"Well it sounds like a nice plan, but for now, can you go stock the bait so we can get out of here before 5?" I complained with a small smile.

"Oh, you just want to go back to the Dodson's and see Chase," He spoke, making me whip my head around. "Everyone knows he's in town. No one sees many shiny fancy Ford Trucks out this way. Not unless it's at Whitmore's house," He said.

"Mary said he went up there. I wonder what business he had? You think the Mayor is getting involved in building factories and stuff here?" I wondered, continuing to clean up the dock from the mess tourists left behind.

"I wouldn't doubt it. He wants Brooksedge to grow into more than fishing and farming. And who could blame him. I'm tired of stocking bait next to chips which is next to the soap, right by the counter where you can rent a boat with a can of worms included," he harped as we both laughed about how hillbilly this small town could be.

"Yeah well soon enough we'll all be working for some warehouse corporation or making them fancy drinks at one of those chain cafe's," I harped seeing Raymond shake his head.

"You know, I don't really care. We are going to be living in a much prettier apartment in the middle of BrookeCity soon enough," he spoke looking up at me as I rolled my eyes at his ambitious ideas. "Just think, Iris! We can get a three bedroom! You can have your own studio and sell your work which is fabulous. We can have fun and Billy told me that Chase lives in the City," Raymond spoke, making me turn my head his way once again, hearing that.

Our neighbor Billy talked to Chase every once in a while and I would casually ask how he was. It almost slipped my mind that he moved to the city, but it wasn't a surprise. He always hated living on a farm. His ambitions were a lot bigger than what this place could offer. Billy was as well, except he decided to stay home and work under Mayor Whitmore learning the way of politics... Whatever that meant.

"I don't know Raymond. I like the farm. Rusty's sick and I don't want to leave until I'm sure Karen and Jerry get more help. And Gally is so lonely," I added, thinking of our boss here at the Docks. There wasn't much to know about him besides he hated people and how he often mourned his absent daughter who left the town and never returned just like other young people who yearned to leave this place.

"Oh, Gally is old and sour. And the Dodson's will be fine. You need to start worrying about yourself. We are blessed with being orphans, which means we are genetically inclined to only care about ourselves. It's the ultimate excuse!" Raymond chirped as I couldn't help but laugh at his absurd observation.

"I do worry about myself," I argued. "Look, the city sounds like fun. Once you start your job, we'll see how things go," I said, knowing I was only stalling as I was still undecided. I was stuck my whole life and I didn't know if it was because I never knew who my parents were or that they could still be out there wondering what happened to that girl they left at the fire station 23 years ago.

"I'll take that answer for now, but soon it will be a hell yeah," Raymond harped.

"I don't pay you to soak your feet, do I?" Gally suddenly spoke from a distance. Raymond hopped up quickly at his sudden presence and began putting his shoes on.

"No Sir! I was just taking my lunch break, but I'll get back up to the shop," Raymond said, giving Gally a smile. He stood with the same moody smug frown, yet he had a soft spot for us two and we knew it.