Slender - Creation

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Next Morning

Today I was going to meet my new neighbours; my friends, who lived here, told me that the neighbourhood was very friendly here.

Also I called the meat shop owner and apologised for not applying for the job yesterday. I said I had some 'business' to do. I thought that saying that I was daydreaming about my wife's death would be slightly inappropriate.
I would apply for the job at noon.

I went outside after eating some fish and potatoes for breakfast. I was instantly greeted my the sneer smell of my garden, and the chatters of happy children.

I waved at the children and their parents, and they waved in return. Some mothers - who seemed to be widows - winked at me. They were truly charmed by my tall, tanned muscular body.

I bought some apples from a trader on the way, and knocked on a door to the house next to mine.

A beautiful young woman opened it, and smiled happily at me. I liked her, because she didn't really LOVE me for my looks.

She insisted for me to come in, and introduced herself as Lilly. It was a beautiful name, which reminded me of the flowers Elisabeth used to like.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a small girl jumped out in front of me.

"Hi!" She smiled brightly, "I am Lisa! And who are you?" She asked.

"John," I cleared my throat, "John Leville. Nice to meet you Lisa." I smiled.

Lilly and Lisa offered me some herbal tea with honey, and I drank it without hesitating. They also offered me some bread with butter and home-made strawberry jam.

"I like you." Lisa said, blue eyes shining.

"You are such an angel." I smiled, and ruffled her light-blonde hair.

Lilly laughed, her grey eyes blazing like fire.

Their house was not very different from mine- by size, I meant. The living room had a completely different design from my own. There was an old sofa at the corner, no carpet and an old fireplace. There was no crystal chandelier, just a few candles which stood on a wooden table at the corner. The room smelt on pine, which gave the house a 'homey' touch.

Lilly and Lisa seemed to be poor. However, they were more generous than a rich merchant. My friends were tight; the neighbours WERE kind.

I told them I had to go, and waved them goodbye. I promised Lisa to come everyday, because she told me I reminded her of her father. That comment melted my heart.

I visited a few more neighbours, which were equally as kind as Lilly and Lisa.

A large family lived in the other house next to mine; it consisted of two parents, four grandparents and three children. Their names were Jack, who was the six years old; Peter, who was three years old and Stella, who was two years old. They all had brown hair and brown eyes. They slightly reminded me of Elisabeth, my wife. Only she had different eyes. Her eyes were hazel, however when she was in the sunlight her eyes glistened with the colour gold.

The couple that lived in front of me was hospitable as well; a two 80 year old couple lived there. I respected them a lot; they lived together for 60 years. I wished I could live like that with Elisabeth. The old woman's name was Emily, and her husband's name was Arnold. They had dull grey eyes, and grey hair, however their spirits seemed to be young. I guess their love for each other was rare. May God have been with them.

Once I finished talking with Emily and Arnold, I rushed to the meat store. Thankfully, I made it in time; the owner didn't seem to be impatient. However, he was slightly grumpy. My friends warned about him; his name was Wilbert. The 'whiner' people called him. Wilbert was always unsatisfied and grumpy. However, I was sure I would be in a good relationship with him; even the grumpiest people off all would like me in the end.

"Hello!" I smiled cheerfully at him.

"Hi. My name is Wilbert." He mumbled, "I am going to see if you are WORTHY to have this job."

He said worthy as if I was garbage. I sulked a bit; nobody was that rude to me.

However, I still wanted to get this job. I showed Wilbert all my special skills; knife-cleaning, hygiene tips, and even showed him how to separate meat from fat of a cow.

"Fine." He whispered, eyes wide. Probably he had never seen such a skilled butcher before.

"You got the job." Wilbert half-smiled. He hoped that I wouldn't see him, but I did. He slightly sulked.

"Thanks!" I said in my most happy, polite voice.

I jogged home, a wide grin on my face. Maybe I would settle in this town after all.

Picture: Lisa