Starting Anew
The sun rose slowly over the fresh green fields giving the world a warm bright glow. It been two weeks since Ashley returned home, he had took the time to adapt to the new household he came to see. As he slowly got up into a sitting position he can't help think back on the past as he look through the window at the old weeping willow tree, it was when he was five years old on a Saturday morning when his grandfather took him into town; he saw an old lady selling flowers and plants suckers. He noticed her everyday when he go out for lunch with Andrew or when he's going to school. That day he decided the purchase the most expensive one which was the willow plant. He also remembered his grandfather telling him that he most take very good care of it for just like us that tree was also alive. They decided to plant it outside of his window so when it grows up, it will be the first to wish him a good morning. He also remembered the smiles on their faces as he stoop down to talk to the willow tree. "You better grow up fast, I'll will help you by giving you delicious food and water everyday so you can grow up health like me little willow." He giggled at the thought of his little innocent self back then, who could have forgotten those days in ones life.
He rose out of the bed as he heard footsteps coming towards his door. Knock, knock.
"Honey it's time to get up," it was his mother Kathrine."Breakfast is ready down stairs so get up and come eat." Every morning since his return his mother would come to wake him up like she did when he was one til nine, it kind of made him wonder why they changed when he turned into a teenager. Well it's a question to ask another time. He got up, slipping into his slippers, he stretches while letting out a small yawn. The month of January is to be cold yet it seems warmer than the ones spent in the city. Maybe it was this house with this family, feeling he will never want to lose again. When he entered the dinning room, everyone was seated at the table with their plates filled with strawberry pancakes, his favorite, poached eggs with a bowl of salad in the middle of the table. Andrew was seated at the at the end of the table reading his newspaper, while his son and daughter-in-law sat at each sides. This never happened before, they always sat as far away as possible sometimes Job don't eat at the table but in his study. But it is different now, this is now once again a loving and heartwarming family. Right beside his father was a plate set with the same content, this must be me seat, he thought to himself every time he enters the dinning room. As they ate his grandfather looked to him saying.
"Well Ashley, it has been a two weeks since you came, I know you don't like being kept up in the house all the time so I spoke to my friend Mr. Rodley, you remember him, he has the coffee shop. If you'd like you can start working part time there till you decide what you want to do next. Well what do you think?" There wasn't any need to think, Ashley was planning to look for work in town to keep himself busy. Grandfather spoke at the right time plus it was old Rodley's shop, the one he said he will own when he grew up because of it's best tasting coffee and pastries they started serving the draw in younger customers. He felt so excited that he almost started laughing.
"Why do want him the work there, he can just come work at the company, it will be his soon anyway," said his dad cutting in. Disappointment could be seen on his face, why do I need to work at one of your factories. His father owns four factories that sells and make fabrics, ready-made clothes, packages of food produces and decorative antiques, each has their own unique propose. He started it himself while his father was still a famous painter and pottery maker until he retired, he even used his father savings and name to develop his antique factory. After his father retired he then created the other three, the main office being at the antique factory. It's not that he can't work there, it's just the he don't want to work there, neither in the office nor as a worker.
"I think I would rather the coffee shop, it's more peaceful and am looking to relax and getting out in to the town is the best way than to work in the factory don't you think so too papa."
"Indeed you should listen to your son instead of wanting to overwork him in one of your factories." Said Andrew half jokingly.
"Honey, it true it's up to our darling Ash to decide what he wants to do anyway," says Kathrine with a brightly lit smile on her face. With that Ash decided to work at the coffee shop instead, there was no more protest from his father so he would start that very day at noon till six in the evening. He was really looking forward to it, this chance to change his life and go back the the regular old town youth. It was a town far from the city, peaceful with clean, clear air with the only bad thing which is people gossips and curses over politics. His heart felt warmer, lighter as if it was melting in his heart; he is so glad he came back.
The day was one that is busy because of the cold weather, but because it was Ashley's first time behind the counter, Rodley lets him take break every three hours till his time to be off. Before going back home, Ashley sat down the enjoy his coffee and lemon cake beside the window. It has been a long time since he last taste his favorite dessert here so he had to do so before leaving. He also ate it for lunch before he started work, his boss gave it for free since they were good friends from he was young but then again he never payed for anything here from the day he was born. He still don't know why. He remembered every time he ask Ray Rodley would always reply with,"A little town like this we need to look out for each other, no one comes here, just us common folks. Everyone knows everyone so why not give you some freebies sometimes." Though that 'sometimes' is actually an 'every time'. He finished his cake and coffee, as he got up to head towards the register the wish Rodley a good night, he can't help but feel as though the person standing in front looks familiar. Their backs were turned and he had already given his order. As he comes up nearer, his eyes lingering on the person's back as if was glued there, then the tall, dark haired man, turned his wide shoulders around and their eyes met. For a moment Ash just stood there frozen and eyes wide open, a person he never thought he would see again is standing right in front of him. As he saw Ash's surprise face a smirk forms on his lips, blue eyes glistens as sapphire, a beauty non-comparable to and a person he always will be thankful to. He quickly turned around and walk out the door.
Forget about saying good night to the boss, Ashley thought as he leaves, I must get far away from that person behind me. It not that he was scared, its just that he don't want to see that person. It not that he was not grateful, he is very grateful towards that person. It no that he is an bad terms with him, it just that he don't want him to disturb his now peaceful life. Is it not that the person is a bad person, it's just that he can make him remember some bad thoughts. His boss was a kind person to him and will always be, but he just don't want to see Albert Jay Jones.