A Place In The Sun {Short Novel}

Three

Monday ushered itself in with the usual humdrum. A classroom full of children eager to express their displeasure with the day's lesson plans and fellow teachers that didn't seem to care nearly as much as Theodore did for the well-being of the impressionable souls in their charge.

Enjoying the warmness of the sun during his lunch break, Theodore found himself with the familiar company of a child that often reminded him of himself. A loner, searching for acceptance in a world that often turned without a second thought or reason.

"Edgar, how come you always insist on eating lunch with me. Aren't you afraid that will make you look like the teacher's pet."

The boy shrugged his shoulder, sitting two steps below his teacher. "They tease me for worse things. At least when I sit by you, I know I'm not a burden."

"You're not a burden Edgar, not to me or your friends."

"They're not my friends. I wish they were, but they're not."

Theodore nodded, understanding perfectly. Reaching into his lunch pail, he pulled out the other half of a sandwich, wrapped neatly in parchment paper and handed it to the child. "Anything particular you care to talk about today? Or is this one of our silent days?"

Edgar chewed at his bottom lip, looking towards the playground for a moment before shaking his head. "You worry too much about what goes on with us."

"Is that such a bad thing? Many of you tell me that it seems no one worries over you at all."

Edgar grew silent, and Theodore allowed it. His approach had always been a simple one, offering the space for his students to approach when they felt comfortable. If they didn't approach it was always understood that he would be there if ever they were ready. It was effective, and left him adored, even by students that had said their goodbyes to Harlow Grove Elementary in past years.

Both he and Edgar took synchronized bites out of their sandwiches, tapping their feet at the flavors that married and danced around. "Who made this sandwich? It's delicious."

"Thanks, made it myself. Got a special kind of sandwich spread, instead of mayonnaise." It was pretty much all the man could make without burning the kitchen down or harming himself with sharp utensils. 

"What kind?"

"It's a secret. If I told you, I'd have to throw additional homework your way to assure you keep it to yourself."

Edgar's eyes bulged. "Keep it."

Theodore laughed, allowing the comfortable silence between them to take over until the child spoke again. Their conversation was an easy one about the future and plans the child had for himself outside of their little town. It gave him an idea. 

The remainder of the day ticked by slowly, leaving students and teachers alike drained of energy as they filed out of Harlow Grove Elementary. For only a moment Theodore regretted his decision to walk to work.

Suddenly, his long legs felt like putty, threatening to give out as he walked the long dirt road home. He detoured himself, stopping into Maxwell's Market just around the corner from his home. Stepping inside, he found immediate relief from the sweltering heat in the small and cooled space the little corner store offered. 

Slowly he walked the aisles in search of a few things last two dollars could buy, something he could snack on while working on new lesson plans. Grabbing a few packs of cookies, he made his way to the front counter. Politely, he distanced himself a bit from the patron before him.

"One last question, Sir. Would you happen to know a place, a boarding house perhaps?"

The cashier eyed both the patron and Theodore, didn't bother to hide his annoyance and disgust with the sight before him. "No, now take your things and git on, Girl." He threw her change on the counter, motioning for Theodore to step forward.

"Thanks."

Theodore set his items on the counter, watching for half a second as the woman trekked out with her bag and a suitcase in tow. "Calvin, I don't think your father would appreciate you speaking to and looking at customers in such a harsh way."

"And I don't think I asked for your opinion on how to run my family's business, now did I, Boy? If I had it may way, none of your kind would even be able to step foot in here."

Theodore nodded, tossing the two dollars on the counter. Retrieving his cookies, he bid the ignorant young man adieu. "Well, allow me to assist in that grand wish of yours. Tell your father thanks for many years of his wonderful service."

Shaking his head as he made his way back towards the dirt road that led home, Theodore noticed the woman that'd been in line before him. She stood in the center of Maxwell's parking lot, a look of dread resting on her face.

Acquainted with everyone in his quaint little town, hers was an unfamiliar face. Couldn't even place her with a particular family. Her small hands raised and reached for her hair, pulling at a set of pins that held her jet black tresses. Waved hair tumbled down her back, the humidity causing her roots to puff and frizz.

Typically, he'd have gone on about his business. But she looked lost, and troubled. His helpful nature urged him to take a few steps towards her, to call out gently for her attention.

"Do you need help finding someone, getting somewhere?"

The woman turned, her tense shoulders dropping at the sight of someone else just like her. "I haven't the slightest clue where I am, I certainly don't know my way around or anyone here."

Theodore nodded, keeping an appropriate distance between them as he spoke softly. "You're in Harlow Grove. We're so small, everything can be found within a pretty reasonable walking distance. There isn't much to do, but if you're looking for a break or time to relax, then you've stumbled upon a paradise."

"Paradise. Is that so?"

He chuckled, shaking head. "No, not really but there is a theater and lots of events for women if that's your interest. I'm Theodore Goodwin, and now you've met someone."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sunshine Hamilton."

"What brings you here, Sunshine?"

She shrugged her shoulders, answering honestly. "I haven't the slightest clue. Found myself walking away from something, next thing I knew I was on a bus, and another, miles away and still not far enough. Decided I needed a place to rest, a break from worry, and here I am. Lost, and more confused than I was when I began."

"Do you plan on staying long?"

"No, just a little tumbleweed passing through." Their eyes met and locked for a long while, intrigue settling in as time and the world went on around them. "Well, Mr. Goodwin, I don't want to hold you up any longer. I greatly appreciate your kindness, I was beginning to think I wouldn't find it outside of where I come from. The only thing I'll ask is if you know somewhere that I can board for a few days?"

"Yes Ma'am. Allow me to get my car, I'll take you myself."

"I don't want to put you out of the way."

He gave a warm smile, pushing his hands into the pockets of his slacks. "It's no problem at all."

She obliged and thanked him, following Theodore once gathering that the walk to his home would be a short one. He kindly took hold of and carried her suitcase, assuring that she walked on the side away from traffic as they continued with a light conversation to pass the time.