The country hills were peaceful as the morning sum shown out onto the farmlands. Rows of cornfields flew past as she went just above the speed limit of 35 to 50. The sky was baby with only a few puffs of cloud hanging around the fringe of the rising horizon. My window was rolled sown as a country radio station said good morning to the world in their southern accents, all gentlemanly and all that. Hills were rolling by and she was in a peaceful silence. Sun kissed blond hair flickered into my face, ruby red sun glasses hiding cool grey eyes. Arm skin and bare legs were perfectly tanned, outfit casual. I wore an elbow length tired gray flannel shirt and white washed out faded blue jeans. Her blood red cowboy boots pressing on her light red chevy pickup trucks gas pedal. In one hand was a lit cigarette and the other was rested on the wheel to steer. The birds were chirping merrily. The morning still waking up. Sunday was the only day ol' farmers and the Southern folk took an hour to actually sleep in. Then again it's all your perspective on 'sleeping in'. For them sleeping in was waking up at 7 am, if that late.
An army green billboard sign written in fancy cursive announced the 'Welcomes' of the small town of Jolly, Texas. Small cows and horses started appearing every other farm house. The homes were classic with their white rimmed windows and tall maple or oak trees offering shade for their quaint porches. Flower gardens were at their prime and the yard the sharpest green you could ever see. She smiled softly at the sight. Finally she came into the heart of the town which was littered with a few townsmen. A chappy baker that was clapping his hands of flour as he stepped into his shop. A few elderly men were talking by a bench that was near the towns fountain holding newspapers in their armpits as they conversed probably about their families. A few other citizens occupied the coffee shop and they all sat by themselves in the shop. Finding a parking spot by the shop I stopped my truck there and headed into the shop. When I entered, a soft bell above my head rang alerting the shop of my entrance. Roasted coffee beans and half and half wafted into my nose and I felt my stomach growl. I hadn't eaten this morning yet and the smell of food was mouthwatering.
The shop was small but cozy. Pictures of past festivals, important people and families were framed on the wall. An old guitar was in the corner and small leather seats were occupied by the other customers. A soft gospel song of country origin was playing softly in the background. Stepping up to the cashier, an older women with red hair and glasses greeted her with a smile," Hello dear, what can i do for you this morning?"
Faintly smiling back I said," A latte please?"
Nodding the lady, Tracy from her name tag, replied sweetly," Oh sure. Anything else dear?"
Shaking my head no I went over to the other counter to wait. Though I hadn't given any sign of wanting to talk, but Tracy seemed to," I have never seen you around this part of town dear. Why, what's your name?"
Glancing up from my feet I said kindly back to her," I'm Jocelyn Ryder, but most call me Joe."
"Well Joe," Tracy said tipping her head slight as indication of addressing me," Welcome to Jolly. And how old are you dear?"
I paused slightly," Eighteen."
Her brow furrowed slightly, her hand hesitating in continuing her making my latte. Noticing this I shifted on my feet and stood there.
"And are you here with anyone?"
"No."
She smiled faintly with me and said," Not your parents at all?"
I stiffened slightly and said with too much strain,"No."
Noticing my strain she said," Do you got to school?"
I said looking the women in the eyes, even though it was none of her damn business," No Miss."
Tension filled the air as she went to reach for her coffee that was now done, resting on the light wood counter. The other customers were now watching with judgement in their eyes. This was the only down side of the small seemingly sweet towns. One, first impressions were critical in getting along with anyone, and gossip was a wild fire. Everybody knew everybody's business, and if they didn't you were looked at with suspicion, and judgement.
