Lemon and April's cafe was a popular eatery on the outskirts of Stonebrooke. The restaurant originated as a small diner owned by Lemon's parents years before, but they soon felt it necessary to pass down the family business so they could go into retirement.
Lemon's diner was the name of the restaurant until the 20-year old decided to partner with her dear friend April to turn the iconic, town landmark into the place they always dreamed of it becoming. Now, it was known as Lemon and April's cafe; a place where things grow. It was bright and full of life. There were windows all over the store and plants hanging over ever archway and countertop they could find.
Outside was a patio eating area beneath a terrace infested with flowers. From the patio stretched a cobblestone path that served as a trail through the woods of which bridged the gap between Stonebrooke and Sunny Heights. A small wooden sign read "follow the yellow brick road." This was because on either side of the cobblestone path were wild sunflowers.
Audrey loved this place more than anybody because it was bright and beautiful. It advocated the creation of new things and she'd seen it happen firsthand. She watched two friends' dreams become a reality here. She'd seen friendships blossom. She'd seen tiny, flower seeds grow like nothing else. The place was brilliant to her; warm and welcoming. And Audrey always craved the feeling of belonging and friendliness. When she was here, everything seemed to be right with the world and she was always excited to share it with her friends.
She and Nicole walked inside the store and found their seats in one of the polished, wooden booths. Each seat cushion was a different color; some were bright blue, others were chipper yellow, lime green or salmon pink. The two owners had managed to meld the rainbow explosion so naturally with the modern rustic theme of the restaurant.
Shortly after settling into their seats, the welcome bell rang and Andrew and Jack walked excitedly over to their table.
"Guys, we have so much to tell you. It's crazy! And you're not gonna believe it but you have to hear me out because it's true! We w-"
"Woah, calm down Andrew," Nicole interrupted. "We can't keep up with you."
"Are you okay, Jack?" Audrey inquired, looking at her friend as he leaned against the wall, looking somewhat pale.
He nodded.
"Oh, yeah. he ate a really huge ice cream sundae so he probably won't be eating anything else today." Andrew explained. "He's feeling kinda nauseous so maybe we should eat outside so he can have some air."
"Okay," Audrey led the group to a table on the outside patio. These quaint, little tables were painted a chalky white and a vase of lavender sat in a china glass at each center.
"Wow, they really fixed the place up since the last time I was here!" Andrew quickly took in his surroundings and noted the pathway into the woods as well.
"Isn't it great?!" Audrey giggled. "I love it here."
"Wait, so why did you eat before you got here?" Nicole cast a glance at Jack who looked even more horrible than he did thirty seconds ago.
"That's a part of the long story we have to tell you!" Andrew replied. "But, I think we should order first. I'm starving."
Nicole picked up the laminated menu and flipped through the lists of sandwiches, salads, and soups.
YOU ARE READING
When Darkness Dawns
Mystery / ThrillerWhen the world as we knew it was about to take a sip from the chalice of death, who would take grasp of the cup of fate and drink in our place?
