Page 49 of Autumn Secrets
“Is that where you are heading off to as well?”
“Actually, no.”
“Really? You want to stay in Angel Falls? I mean, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I assumed from how you girls talked, that you were all heading off next year to study.”
“Yeah, they are definitely leaving, but I actually like my life here. I love horses, and I spend a lot of time in the stable. For me it’s hard to understand why so many are so desperate to leave. I couldn’t think of a better place to grow up. Besides, I already know what I want to do.
“And what is that?”
“I’m going to be a teacher. I can study a lot of it online from here and go into campus only when it’s necessary. It will include some travelling from time to time, but I don’t mind. At least I can stay at home for most of my education.”
“That’s awesome, Jasmine. I really envy you.”
“Why on earth would you envy me?”
“Because you know what you want to do and what makes you happy, and I don’t. I have no idea. All I know is that I like Angel Falls and I’m glad that we moved back.”
Jasmine put her hand on mine. “And it’s good to have you here, Aurora.”
“Excuse me ladies, two hot chocolates, one apple pie and some cinnamon buns.”
“Oh, I only ordered one,” I replied as she put the hot chocolate in front of me.
“The extras are on the house.” The young waitress smiled and bowed her head slightly.
“Wow, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled again and left us to devour our treats.
“That looked so funny. It looked like she bowed for us.” Jasmine giggled, picked up a spoon and shovelled a piece of apple pie in her mouth.
“I know.” I watched as the girl went behind the counter where another woman was standing. The woman’s eyes landed on me and she gave me a genuine smile. I smiled back. People were really friendly here.
“Want some?” Jasmine asked.
I tore my eyes off the people behind the counter. “Huh?”
“Do you want to try some apple pie?”
“Sure, why not?” I smiled and shifted my focus back to Jasmine.
Almost two hours later, we’d had enough of apple pie and cinnamon buns.
“God, I have to unbutton my pants.” I laughed and stood up from the table.
“That makes two of us.” Jasmine sighed with a satisfied grin and pushed her chair in. “Ready to go?”
I nodded. Jasmine led the way, and just as I passed the counter, the woman standing next to the girl who served us called out in a low voice.
“I thought my grandmother had gone a bit delusional when she told us she’d met you, but it’s nice to see that wasn’t the case.” She smiled.
I stopped, my heart suddenly racing. Was she talking about the old lady I had met yesterday?
“Jasmine, I’m going to buy something to bring home for Mum,” I called after her, before turning back to the woman again.
“Okay, I’ll wait outside,” she called back and continued walking towards the door.
“Sorry, what do you mean?” I said with a shaky voice as soon as Jasmine had walked outside.