Summer in Walden - A 'Vanilla' One Shot

Summer in Walden - A 'Vanilla' One Shot

"Hey Grams, where's that wrapping paper?" I called out, rustling around her next project. Canvas upon canvas littered what used to be the dining room. This summer's focus was once again Gram's beloved Walden. The current project started off as a small something for Nora to keep to remind her of the - sometimes - sunny shores. Gram's got a little caught up in the project however, and kept painting away. Now strewn throughout the house were dozens of windows. Windows painted from all of Walden. From Gram's simple living room window to the refined glass of the ice creamery, were images glancing out into the treasured town.

"Did you check the table?" came a distant answer from the other room. That was easier said than done. Regardless, I tactfully began sorting my way layer upon layer across the centre point of the dumping grounds. Old magazines, numerous paint brushes and bucket loads of scrap paper later I emerged victorious. I held the spotty pink and white, slightly crumpled, gift wrap in my hands. Now I just had to find the sticky tape.

~*~

Just an hour and a bit later my gift had been officially wrapped.

Why the gift? Today just so happens to be my favourite - albeit only - niece's birthday. The memory of the birth of Summer Moonbeam Kennedy was one I would never forget. Last summer was full of change, it brought me my first days apart from Nora, my first niece and my first kiss. I let my mind wander hopelessly to the thought of my boyfriend. His slightly messy brunette locks, his gorgeous eyes and the way they twinkled like a thousand stars as I stared into them.

Daniel.

Wait, Daniel. I darted into the kitchen and checked the illuminated blue digits on the microwave.

9:53. If I didn't crank into gear I was going to be late for work. I climbed over the artwork towards the front door. Picking up my bag I shoved my wrapped parcel in as I shouted out a quick, "Bye Grams," and left in a hurry. Luckily for me Walden was a small town and before you could say double fudge chocolate sundae I was pushing through the glass door of a diabetic's heaven.

"Hi gorgeous, just in time," Daniel's sweet voice rang, "mind flipping it to open?" I complied turning the sign and using the time to catch my breath. "When's Nora getting here?"

"I'm not sure," I smiled, making my way behind the counter. I gave Daniel a quick peck on the cheek before tying a bright yellow apron around my back. Just as I secured the fabric the door swung open. In piled a group of five - four kids and one already exhausted mother.

"Hi ma'am, what can I get for you?" Daniel beamed, keeping his eyes off the three boys currently running along the display of frozen treats.

"Umm, just four vanilla's with sprinkles please," the woman detached the fourth child, a girl of about two, from her hip and pulled out her purse. I set to work, digging into the solid milky ice cream.

As each finished cone was handed out, the whirlwind that had just moments ago been rushing around the store progressively calmed down. I couldn't help but think of the poor woman after the ice cream was finished and the sugar rush kicked in. Daniel and I watched in silence as the group left the store.

"So, how about tomorrow," Daniel cautiously brought up the topic I'd been steering clear of for the past couple of weeks.

"So, what about tomorrow?" I was honestly curious, but a few images of what could be danced across my mind. Colour began to form in my cheeks. I diverted my eyes, suddenly fascinated by the ripples of colourful dairy set out before me. The hopeful thought that just looking at the frosty treats would cool my flaming face flashed across my mind.