Call Me Anna

Chapter 2-Paradise

It was two days later, and I was going for a walk. Of course I had a car, but I didn't want to drive today. Mamma was expecting another guest, and I wanted to be out of the house before they (who ever they was) came and I was forced to entertain again. The route downtown was short, but since I was all for wasting time, I decided to go through the back roads and take the long way.

The fields out behind town were always one of my favorite places to be. They were always so lush and green, and there was rarely anyone there. The pond was perfect for skipping rocks, or having a picnic in the shade of the trees. And crazily enough, what I loved the most was the rural unpaved roads twisting through the hills. It was especially beautiful at sunset, I'd noticed.

I decided I would take a break from walking, and go sit and relax in this little secluded spot I had found years ago. If you went off the road (that got rid of most people), went across the field over to where the pond was, into the trees behind it (that pretty much deterred the rest), and crossed the small stream that went through the woods, there was this amazing little clearing, carpeted with moss and overlooking a second hidden pond connected to the first by the stream. Huge rocks made perfect seats on the ground. The best part was no one ever knew where to find me when I came here. Leave the cell phone at home, and I was untouchable.

Today, I simply visited my secret place, not taking the usual time to stay there for hours on end. I did want to get to town eventually, but not home. On my way out, I promised myself that If I came home to early, then I would stop here again and write. My best inspiration always came when I was in the clearing. Back in the bright June sunshine, I skipped back to the road.

The beautiful smell of flowers slowed my pace still more as I ambled down the road. I stopped to breathe in the scent. But all to soon, I started to hear the distant sounds of cars driving through town. I pushed on.

Our down town was a pretty place, all hundred year old buildings and large gardens. The stores were all small businesses with friendly owners that everyone knew, and there were quaint little houses with window boxes overflowing with flowers spread here and there along the main street. Yes, the back fields were my favorite place to be. But this downtown was definitely second.

First, I stopped in the clothing store, just poking around. The door jingled merrily as I walked in the glass door. Mrs. Stanley, the kindly owner, said, "Good afternoon, Miss Anna!" as she looked up from her desk. I gave her a small look, and she corrected herself. "Oh right, just Anna!" I laughed, because I'd corrected her about that every time I had ever walked in the store since I was eleven. But when Mamma was around, she knew better than to leave out the Miss. Mamma was convinced that our money put us above all the other people who lived in this town.

I looked around for a few minutes, but didn't buy anything. I waved goodbye to Mrs. Stanley, who smiled at me, and continued on my way. Or, because I really wan't going anywhere in particular, to the next store. I'd maybe gone ten feet down the sidewalk when something happened that changed my life. Trust me, it didn't seem very pleasant at the time.

A/N- I hope you keep reading! Thank you!