Unbroken

Chapter 25

I walked for a few hours before I discovered another town. I was worried that this town would be the same as the last one but I hoped that it would be different. After passing a few houses I realized that this town was a lot different than the last. There was the sound of laughter as children ran through the streets. There were mothers visiting with each other over fences and on porches. The air was filled with the smell of baking food.

As I walked through the streets children ran around me playing some sort of game. They looked at my trousers curiously when they realized that I was a woman. I waved goodbye to them as I rounded a corner. Up ahead of me there were men carrying tables and benches out into an open field. 

There weren't any people in the small shops that lined the streets. The doors of the shops were closed and the insides were dark. I was confused to why the shops would be closed when there were so many people around. My confusion ended when I saw a sign being hoisted up in between two large trees. The banner was colorful and announced the annual picnic.

I was hopeful that Grant might be there. That I just might catch a glimpse of him within the crowds helping with a table. But then I remembered Grant hated crowds. He wouldn't want to be surrounded by that many people. Even though I was almost positive that he wouldn't be there the idea of a free meal was too much of a temptation.

It was clear that the picnic was about to start when the women started carrying over all of their creations. Fresh cut fruit followed by hams and different meats were then followed by the most delicious smelling pies. My stomach rumbled at each tantalizing aroma.

A large man climbed up onto a stump that allowed him to be a full head over the crowd. He called everyone to attention and thanked them for coming together. Them he invited everyone to enjoy the day and enjoy the feast. There was a thundering round of applause and the people started to put food on their plates. The elderly went along the line first followed by the women and children then lastly the men clearing up most of the remnants from the meal. I was happy with my apple, ham, and slice of pie. They did wonders to help silence my complaining stomach. I sat with a tree to my back and ate my food happily all the while my eyes scanned the crowd.

As I sat eating by myself there was the sound of a throat being cleared loudly nearby causing me to jump. I looked up slowly glancing at the two long legs that went to a muscled torso and broad shoulders then a face that was hidden because of the setting sun that was shining directly behind him. I squinted and lifted my hand to block the light so that I might be able to see his face.

"May I sit with you?" He asked with a deep voice.

"Please." I said and extended my arm next to me indicating that he should sit. He sat down next to me.

"What's your name?" He asked me as he raised a piece of meat up to his mouth.

"My name is Rose." I told him as I extended my hand. "What's your name?"

"Peter." He replied taking my hand. "I haven't seen you before. What brings you to our town Rose?"

"I was passing through looking for my friend when I heard about your picnic and I decided to stop. My supplies were running dangerously low." I explained and he listened while he ate his food.

"I see." Was his answer. "Who is your friend that you are looking for?" He asked.

"He's an old friend that I have been trying to find. I saw him not very long ago he shouldn't be too far ahead of me."

"What does he look like?" Peter asked with another bite.

"He's tall like you. He has curly blonde hair and blue eyes. He should have passed through here maybe yesterday." Peter chewed for a moment thoughtfully before he replied.