Recluse Island

Chapter 25

November 2013

"Have you seen the latest edition of Scuttlebutt Scoops?"

Josiah Weismann tossed the newest edition of the monthly circular into the middle of their table where it landed beside the vase of peonies.

It was breakfast, the third week of November. Josiah had been on his way to the Meadowlark Café when he spotted the paper lying on one of the benches in Summerdale Station.

As he rode the Chartreuse Line, he quickly scanned the article, the more he read the faster his heart began to beat. This wasn't good he frantically thought, this wasn't good at all.

When he arrived at the café, he dashed to their table, bypassing the serving line until he reached his friends out of breath. Now they all looked up at him curiously and probably a little concerned as well. Josiah generally didn't make dramatic announcements.

Leaning forward Edwin picked up a single piece of paper with a large picture of Ralph Rafanoli on the front. The name "Scuttlebutt Scoops," was written in large block letters at the top of the page and emblazoned in ivy green. The title of the article was just below that in a smaller Arial font immediately followed by four precise paragraphs ending with a vibrant splash of red curly cue script where the name of the article's author was written.

The circular was distributed by the mysterious Miss Ruby Dee, a woman whose identity has remained elusive over the years though many have tried to unmask her. The circular first appeared in 2009 and since then has continued to arrive by being shoved under resident's doorways and casually dropped on empty tables in Sunrise Court or, in Josiah's case, a bench in Summerdale Station. Each article has continued to retain a central theme. It would seem Miss Ruby Dee's sole focus in writing the circular was to attack Rafanoli's leadership abilities and demean his administration at every available opportunity.

"What does it say?" asked Millie, sprinkling cinnamon on her toast.

Nelson as usual sat beside her, a large stack of napkins between them as he tucked into the bowl of mixed fruit before him including cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, and red grapes. When Millie was done adding cinnamon, she stole a piece of pineapple. Nelson appeared not to notice, which wasn't surprising as it was common for the two to share food. Sometimes Josiah thought it seemed like they shared one brain.

Edwin quickly read through the article. "Miss Ruby Dee's up to her usual antics," was Edwin's response when he was finished.

"I think she's on to something," said Josiah who remained standing.

"Why?" asked Andrea.

Andrea, who was now a regular at their table, had since shed her shy exterior over the last few weeks. Initially after their first introduction Andrea has been extremely embarrassed by her brother's behavior but Glenn (who'd had a stern talking to with them) had proceeded to act as if the instance had never occurred aside from the fact, he still intended to win their bet.

Generally, Andrea joined them for meals at their table though on occasion she did revert to her old table, no doubt she felt guilty abandoning her friends. In Josiah's opinion, however, if it wasn't for her guilt, she'd never miss a chance to sit by Glenn.

As with Olly, Glenn had developed a protective role when it came to Andrea, which she seemed to revel in as her own brother had only ever tormented her. Thankfully, Louie had not made any more appearances at their table.

In the past month Josiah had seen Andrea and Glenn spending time together in Sunrise Court after the workday and sharing secretive looks between each other. The two sat side by side, Glenn was peeling her orange while she showed him her, "Label This Word," journal.