The story of the Spinster house: The House, The Couple, Another meeting, The Shop, Anna's last year, The Disastrous Betrayal, Hope's Journal and Persistence.
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Surprisingly enough, the arranged lunch date between Kade and Anna went well. They laughed about Zoe's forcefulness, they ate the local diner special, and they talked. It was easy and fun, so Anna gave it little thought. After all, she didn't know a lot of people in town -- any friend was a good friend.
The next week or two continued on much in the same way.
Zoe created reasons she needed Kade to come by the shop or he dropped in touring coffees or just to chat on his way elsewhere. Anna got into her own rhythm of working in the shop, working on the house, and getting to know the little town again. Trouble also settled into the routine, often accompanying Anna to the shop and only being chased once or twice daily for chewing on something he wasn't supposed to.
Anna was content. For the first time in awhile.
She had started organizing the financial side of the shop. Receipts were starting to be copied, labelled, and filed instead of landing in a box beside the desk. Anna noticed happily that her aunt Hope had been as fastidious as she was so the books weren't entirely a mess. She thought she would be able to get them entirely in order before the end of the year.
Thinking of her aunt again made her reach for the journal. It sat quietly on the side table by Anna's favourite chair in the living room waiting for Anna to pick it up and get immersed again in Hope's tale. It was proving to be an easy task and Anna often had to keep herself from reaching for it when she needed to be working.
Sept 5, 1979
I have started searching for my future. One would think it was an easier task than it has come to be. I remain working at the factory for now as it is a steady income and I have time to consider my options. I have many people there who have become my friends over the years and I would be sad to let them go from my daily life just yet. However, as always, I find myself just on the outskirts of them all -- as though they know I do not quite fit and so do not try to force me to do so.
I have a small amount of savings put aside now. With Martin's scholarships and rather modest living arrangements, I have expendable cash for the first time in memory. I have considered what I should invest in as I know this is my opportunity. The economy is growing and seems fit to continue to do so. I believe I would like to be part of that. There is a space in a building just off main street that is longing to become something. It seems reasonably priced, so I could look into it if I choose.
I would like to be a shop owner I think. A place where people can come, be comfortable, sit and visit, poke around, and return time and time again to seek out new treasures. A book store would be lovely. Or a shop with little pieces of arts and crafts to decorate with. Oh the possibilities!!
I won't rush in to anything. If my life has taught me anything at all, it is to take my time and consider the options. I am just pleasantly pleased the options are so enjoyable.
Next chapter: Anna's Decision
Fun possibilities. I like the journal.
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