Roslyn

1

C H A P T E R O N E - S T R A N G E R

Alicia Jones drives along the fully crowded roads of Roslyn in her beat up Prius, packed with everything she owns. Heads turn as she slowly passes by. The radio spews out Amy Winehouse's 'Back to Black' as she anxiously grips onto the steering wheel.   Memories of the town fleeing into her head all at once. They're too painful for her to deal with at the moment so she shakes her head and sings lowly to the lyrics to take her mind off it.

She slowly pulls up into an empty parking space in front of a 60s themed diner. She turns off the engine to her vehicle and grips the car keys in her hand tightly. Inhaling deeply, she climbs out of the vehicle, shuts the door and steps out onto the pavement.

She walks into the diner and smiles brightly when she instantly catches a glimpse of her father. Her father, Richard enters from the kitchen and stops in his tracks. Their eyes meet and a smile that mirrors her own makes its way onto his face.

Without a word, they embrace one another in a hug. Alicia chuckles when her father places tender kisses on her cheeks and forehead. Lifting her up in his arms to spin her around.

"Everyone, my only daughter, Alicia. Pride and joy of the Jones'. My beautiful daughter, you're finally home-"

Richard beams at the customers who momentarily look up at Alicia before quickly going back to their meals. As he speaks, Alicia focuses in on the way he's cradling his arm against his side and notices that theres a large bandage wrapped around his hand.

"What happened to your hand?" She reaches for his hand but he swats her away.

Richard hurries back into the kitchen and Alicia is right on his tail.

"Nothing, just burned myself on the stove." Richard waves her off as he chuckles. "No big deal."

"I almost didn't recognise you with your hair black. It looks good though. It suits you." He grins.

Alicia, still unconvinced decides to overlook it.

"Just needed something different."

She leans against the counter and looks out at the customers. The place is packed, but it's nothing she can't handle. She opens a familiar drawer and pulls out an apron.

"Take a break, I can go on from here."

Richard instantly shakes his head and heads over to the stove. Alicia chuckles at his stubbornness and instantly blocks his way. She places her hands on his shoulders and begins to push him to the exit that leads up to the Jones' home.

"I'm back now. I want you to rest dad please." She smiles at him gently and kisses his cheek. "I know you're exhausted, just let me do this for you."

Richard looks down at his daughter and sighs, giving in. He was in need of some long awaited rest. He's been working for most of the year without any breaks because he didn't trust anyone else to run his business. Besides Alicia, Jones' Eats was his pride and joy. He knew that Alicia would be able to run the place for the day. She's done it plenty of times before.

"So bossy." Richard chuckles as he removes his apron.

Alicia places the apron around her waist and begins to tie a knot in the back but Richard scowls at her. She looks up at him in confusion.

"What?"

"Girl, get up there and put on your uniform."

Alicia cringes and instantly shakes her head.

"Dad there's no need for all that. This apron works just fine."

Richard eyes his daughter momentarily before placing his apron around his waist.