The Giving Tree

Corrinne Anelise Gemini, the Giving Tree of White Capped Falls.

That's me, the Giving Tree. The one always being used for other people's needs and desires, the one who wants to give and give.

Not wood of course, but love. And not romantic love, just neighborly or friendly love with my actions and words.

So why am I so unsatisfied when I give? My mother was the original "Giving Tree" of the town, but since she was murdered, I was given her job. Sort of an inhertitance I guess. I don't mind really, but sometimes it's hard to give. 

 No one ever pays me back, I just gradually grow "new branches". 

I also don't think of myself a whole lot. People think I'm self centered if they don't know me because of where I live. Mariana, my godmother, is extremely rich, so we live in her 8 bedroom mansion with her 9 year old daughter and 14 year old son. 

I get lonely sometimes, but I shouldn't complain. I have friends, a home, and people who love me. I should be dispersing my love to those who need it. 

As I walk along Main Street, I can smell summer. Strange, right? It's not. Try it.

 

It smells sweet, like the lilacs and lavender. There are flowers everywhere, and wild blackberries grow in the thickets. Summer smells calm.

Nothing much every happens in White Capped Falls. I smile and wave to Mr. Mercado in his small tax office. He's the "tax collector" of the town. A kind man, but all business. He waves back and motions for me to enter the small building.

I push open the door and let the scent of old papers and books hit my nose. It smells like a library. 

"How are you this afternoon, sir?" I ask politely, knowing he probably needs me to run an errand for him.

"I am well Corrine Anelise. Does our "Giving Tree" have enough time to do me a quick favor?" Mr. Mercado questions, looking up from his papers a moment. I nod, and he gives me a small bundle. 

"Give the blue envelopes to Mr. Dartmouth at the store, and the white ones in the mailbox." he instructs.

"Yes sir." 

He bids me a good day and I do the same and run out the door to deliver the envelopes. I carefully put the white envelopes in the mailbox, seeing that they are addressed to the Office of Education and Department of Water.

 

I pause on my walk to the Dartmouth's Grocery Store to talk with Mayzie, the "Grandmother" of our town. She has me help her bring her bags into her house and kisses me on the cheek before handing me a cookie and shooing me out. 

 

When I finally reach Dartmouth's I see a car I don't recognize. It's a small white Avalon. There's no one in there, but I see a sweatshirt and some duffel bags in the backseat. 

 

Shrugging, I head inside, calling, "Afternoon, Mr. Dartmouth!". He's busy with some people, but smiles at me nontheless. 

"Corrinne, just the girl I wanted to see!" he chuckles. "C'mere my girl."

I head over to him at the register and realize he's talking to some strangers. One is a man, about 40, with sandy  blonde hair and an almond tan. He has friendly brown eyes. He has on a suit and tie, much too formal for White Capped Falls. 

The other is a teenager, about 16, my own age. He's wearing a navy blue cotton t-shirt, khaki shorts, and gray Vans. He has dark brown, wavy hair that comes down to the top of his ears with hazel eyes. He stands about 5'11, 4 inches taller than I am. 

"This is Corrinne Anelise Gemini, the town's "Giving Tree". Corrinne, this is Mr. Stacy Prior and his son, Andrew Prior, I hope you'll help them if you see them in need?" Mr. Dartmouth asks. I nod and he laughs, saying, "Of course, you would, ya good girl."

I smile politely. Every time someone new is in town, I get asked to "Help them out". I don't mind, but c'mon guys. Really?

Mr. Dartmouth leads Mr. Prior away to show him a map of the town (not that we need one, there's only 959 [Well, now 961]  people here).

"So, Corrinne, right?" Andrew asks. I nod. "Can you show me around?"

I nod again and lead him out of the store. Andrew tells his Dad as we pass, and he nods briefly before going back to his discussion with Mr. Dartmouth. 

Andrew and I set out among the streets of White Capped Falls. It's about 3:15, so it's a little cooler now because of the breeze. 

I point out some of the small shops, like Bart's Bread and Baked Goods and Melissa's Mexican Cuisine. They're all in small, rundown buildings. Dispalys with bright colors and decorations consisting of flowers and butterflies. 

" So, Andrew-" I begin, wanting to ask him why here moved here.

"Please, call me Drew." he grinned, giving me the notion that only some people can call him that.

I nod and restart, "So, Drew, how come you all moved out here? There's nothing to do or see really." 

He shrugs and stares off down the street, where Darla Morgan is pushing her three year old triplets in their stroller. Davy and Donny, the two boys, are crying and screaming, Abigail, the only girl (Darla has 2 boys that are 16 and 15), is peacefully sleeping and clutching her doll.

"My dad used to live here, and he figured it would be best for me to live here for a few years away from drama." Drew answers, and turns to look at me. "I don't mind, I thought there'd be no pretty girls in this place until I saw you!"

I blush and look down at the ground.

"What's the address?" I ask, my voice sounding a lot higher than normal. Why was I suddenly so nervous?

"93 Gillan Street." 

"Oh, I'm 95 Gillan." I smile, and when I glance at him, I can see a grin on his face as well.

We're almost at the house, rather mansion, and Drew suddenly stops. He looks all around to see if people are watching, then pulls me towards my house. I'm confused by  his actions.

"Show me your room so I can visit later." Drew winks. I turn red and unlock the door, not hearing anyone. 

"Sorry it's a mess." I apologize, being slightly embarrassed that this gorgeous boy had to witness our disorganization.

"It's quite all right," Drew chuckles, "My room isn't much better."

I pull him up to my bedroom, and he observes the pictures on the walls. His gaze turns to me, and Drew bites his lip before looking away. 

A door opens downstairs, and I can hear Mariana's voice echoing as she announces she is home. I open the window and whisper to Drew, "Come on she can't see you. She'll freak!"

He laughs and kisses me on the cheek before clambering out and onto the limb of the large tree next to my window.

 

"Until next time, princess."

My heart flutters as I watch him disappear into the leaves. What have I done?