(Complete) New Year's Day is a time for resolutions. Jack Harris, still mourning the tragic death of his wife, vows to start living again. Maddie Evans dumps her boyfriend and vows no more meaningless sex.
Jack moves to The Point to live in his pa...
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The snow fell steadily from the early morning into the afternoon. As expected, the schools, and the library were closed. The wind blew and Maddie could hear the house rattle, but the power stayed on. High tide was scheduled for two in the afternoon and thankfully the storm let up before then. Maddie saw some figures braving the wind and blowing snow. She knew that after being shut in her neighbors would one by one venture out to meet at The Landing.
Feeling the need for company, she put on her snow boots, down coat and bundled up with a hat, scarf, and gloves. Her first breath of fresh air felt great. She lived just around the bend from the local store and so it was a very short walk. She missed her daily exercise outing that morning, but the weather couldn't be controlled.
Pushing open the door, the warm air hit her. As soon as she had unwrapped her scarf, Rick called, "Maddie."
Others turned and waved to her as she approached the counter for coffee. She had mentally prepared herself. She was there only for coffee and no treats. Her neighbors gathered as the children ran around and the adults talked.
Megan approached her and teased. "So I hear you've been meeting my husband regularly."
"Yes, Peter's a good sport to encourage me."
"I think you're a big sport to keep at it. He left early this morning to get to work before the roads were too bad. I hope the causeway doesn't flood. I'd like him home." Megan looked worried as she turned to the window towards the causeway.
The water was rising and high tide was still an hour away. Terms like astronomical high tide and storm surge were being discussed around the room. It looked as if most of the men went to work. Megan was with her children as was her neighbor Kristi. Even Megan's mother, Marie was there. She was trying to keep her youngest granddaughter, Abbie, from pulling merchandise off the shelves.
Megan called over, "Mom, bring her to the table. She'll sit and eat."
Alex was one of the few men because the weather would have put a halt on his building projects. Maddie walked over to greet Cassie, a young teen who was reading. "So how do you like it?" Maddie asked, referring to her book.
"It's better than the movie."
Maddie swelled with pride and smiled. "I'm so glad."
The other children ran over to her calling, "Maddie, Maddie..." One by one they shared with her the books they were reading. She prided herself in being friends with all the children. Some were easier than others. Sophie, Megan and Peter's daughter, was talkative and truly thought Maddie was her friend.
Maddie approached Alice, Rick's wife, and Marie, who asked, "Maddie dear, what's the word from Florida?"
"Bragging about warm, beautiful weather."
"They're missing all the fun," Alice laughed.
"If Ed doesn't take a week off this winter, I'll go get warm in Florida by myself," Marie said.
