Sweet Maple Pines

Chapter One: A Warm Welcome

The Sweet Maple Pines welcome sign stands like a beacon with a cheeky old woman holding a pie which says the population. Population 802. The two is freshly painted over the zero in a cranberry red.

Dad being the one who ignores all shrugs says, "Mabye they knew we were coming."

I snort.

"Sure, not weird at all. A town of eight hundred people knowing we were coming."

"Look, Morris. Rumor spreads fast in towns. Realtor talks to friend, friend talks to sheriff, sheriff talks to wife and next you know the whole town knows." Dad gracefully goes around a cow "Try pointing out nice positive things instead of negative stuff."

Okay.

"Like how the town's going to have pies." I mutter.

"Oh,come on. I used to love those pies as a kid." Dad laughs.

"Hardy har har har," I mimic his laugh " Well, good thing your not allegric."

Yes, I'm allergic to pies. To the gluten in pies. One bite can lead to swelling in thoart, diarrhea, and other painful wickedly disgusting symptoms. First pie I ever ate and Mom had to pamper me like a baby. It was the second to first most embrassing thing in my life.

"What was Moms favorite?" I ask gazing out the window at the green wavy plains.

"Pecan." Dad says. I can hear the smile on his voice.

I test the waters in the the subject of Mom. Dad's not fond of talking about Mom but when he does his eyes would sparkle and he'll stare into space almost like he can see her ginger head and hazel eyes. I almost miss her. But cheaters will stay cheaters.

"Okay, Here's the plan." I blurt breaking him out his daze.

"I'm all ears, Morry."

"Good because I plan on giving this good for nothing shack of a town a shot." Dad smiles. I continue. "However first sign of anything and I split."

By anything, I mean something straight outta goosebumps. And so far I'm not getting good vibes about Sweet Maple Pines.

"You'll like it trust me." My father promises.

"I bet-" I can't even get the rest of the sentence out.

We pull into a smoother pavement free of cracks and utterly spotless. Trees line both sides of the road shadowing the car.

"Un.believe.able." Dad gushes.

I hide my amazement. The beauty of the lined tree, the red and green leaves ,the too perfectly trimmed grass is astounding. Compared to the scenery in the city, this is heaven.

"You catching flies over there?" Dad jokes.

I close my mouth.

"Maybe. It'll sure beat eating a pie." The warm aroma of freshly baked pies is already starting to wraft into the car making my stomach growl.

"Easy buddy." I pat my belly.

"You want a pie don't ya." Dad tickles my stomach. I conceal a smile.

"Not cool, That doesn't work anymore." I say attempting to look serious.

"Oh no." Dad reaches over assaulting my stomach with his hand. I burst out laughing.

"Okay! Stop! You win." I squeal laughing hysterically.

"Like always." Dad nods pulling to a stop in front of metal gate. A woman in a booth comes over to our car.

"Howdy." Her country accent comes out really heavy. So does her outfit that exposes a lot of tan skin. Her pink flannel is cut up to her chest showing half of her bra and her shorts. Wow, her shorts are really short.

"I'm Becca." She drawls twirling a blond braid in her head "who are you?"

Dad- too busy staring- doesn't hear the question so I answer.

"Hi," I lean over so she can see me " I'm Morris and this is my Dad, Paul"

Dad let's out a feeble "Hi"

Becca happily screams jumping up and down. I frown startled.

"OMG, we've been expecting y'all." She chirps.

"See" Dad nudges me finally taking his eyes off her. Yes I can see. A girl with a lot of skin and little clothes.

"And OMG We have tons of gifts and presents." She drags out gifts and presents in a excited whisper.

"Oh, we can't wait!" Dad returns Beccas enthusiasm.

"I know! Me neither! Dortha's been setting up for the annual bake off and Tim! Oh! Tims been cleaning his house so he can give you the good ol' fashion tour! And you would not believe the golf court! And the pool! And-"

I drown out Beccas annoying voice as she goes on and on and look through the bars of the gate on the otherside. Woman walk in bright floral dresses holding baskets. I catch sight of a boy with khaki shorts and a collared shirt petting a dog. A man trims his bushes with determined precision. A couple stops to talk to a little girl both wearing formal outfits. Odd. Did we just drop into Pleasantville?

"Right, Morris?" Dad laughs.

"Uh, yeah." I say " Sounds great"

Becca smiles. A full gaped mouth smile. I'm not gonna lie. Becca is beautiful. If not for her cheery attitude. It's creepy. She's just too happy.

"OMG!," Becca squeals "Let me open the gate! I think I'm going to cry." She dashes to the booth.

I look at Dad.

"Oh, don't give me that look."

"I'm not looking like anything." I respond sarcastically

"Morris, she's a sweet girl." Dads eyes leer on Becca as she bounces to the booth and opens the gate. Her heels clack on the road as she comes back to the car.

"Yall mind if I catch a ride?" Becca asks. Dad doesn't hesitate.

"No, not at all."

So little miss sunshine catches a ride with us. Kill me now.