AllFreeNovel
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My last day of work was three days ago, and I’ve spent the days following packing up my entire life.
I don’t have much, sadly, and everything fits easily into my car. I moved my bed and the furniture I had back to my parent’s house, and I never really gave myself the opportunity to collect muchstuff. It’s really just my clothes and my books.
I had another goodbye dinner with Elizabeth the other night, and then one with my parents last night. They really don’t understand why I’m moving, and kept asking me question after question, to the point where I was ready to just get up and leave. But they love me, and I’m an only child, so I just sat there and took it.
These are the times I wish I had siblings so they could focus their attention and energy on someone other than me.
Looking around my empty apartment, I breathe a sigh of relief. This place was my sanctuary, but it was also my prison. Living on my own gave me reason to work too much, and stay in on my days off. I used it as a hideout and a place to rest my head, rather than what it was supposed to be – my freedom.
Turning the lights out, I carry my last bag and purse down to my car, and just sit for a minute. I technically have another week left in my apartment lease, but I refuse to wait any longer to move.
Taking a few deep breaths, I start my car and head off.
∞∞∞
Pine trees and color. It’s everywhere.
I just made this drive a month ago, but it’s even more beautiful now that the trees are bright orange, red, and yellow, woven in with the pine trees.
It’s beautiful. Breathtaking.
I’m having trouble focusing on the road because I’ve never seen autumn colors so vibrant and bright.
When I’m finally in Pine Cove, I make the turn onto Main Street and slow down, checking out all of the shops. There are clothing boutiques, an antiques shop, hardware store, a hair and nail salon, a bookstore, and a few others that I miss as I drive. There’s an Italian restaurant, The Blueberry Café where Ally works and Courtney owns, a dentist’s office, the lawyer’s office where Ashley works, and then Dr. Taylor’s Family Practice where I’ll be working.
I’m loving that I’ll be working by Ashley, and across the street from Courtney’s delicious coffee and treats.
Speaking of which, I’m meeting Ally at the cottage, so I think I should stop and pick up some coffee and pastries for us.
Parking a few stores down, I enjoy the crisp fall air on my short walk to the café, and when I open the door, the heavenly scent of coffee and sugar envelopes me.
Oh, I’m definitely going to love working across the street from here.
“Hi, Courtney,” I greet, walking up to the counter.
“Mel! Hi!” she exclaims, smiling wide. “Ally told me the good news. I’m so excited you’re going to be living here now.”
“Thanks, me too. And I’m really excited I’ll be right across the street from all this deliciousness while at work.”
“We have Linda to thank for that.” She laughs. “Her pregnancy has brought us you!”
“I guess you could say that.” I laugh.
“Oh! You remember Dara, right?” she asks, waving over her employee – a cute girl with wavy brown hair and soft brown eyes.
“Yeah, hey, Dara,” I greet, smiling warmly at her.
“Hi,” she says softly.
“Good news is that she’s finally 21, and can now come out to celebrate your move here!” Courtney tells me excitedly while Dara laughs. “So, The Rusty Anchor tonight? Tomorrow?”
“How about tomorrow? I’m pretty tired from days of packing and the long drive today.”
“Okay, perfect! I’ll let Ally and Ash know so you can’t bail.”
“I wouldn’t bail,” I tell her. “But I am on my way to meet Ally at the cottage and could use some pastries and coffee. I have to sign some papers and get the keys from her.”
“What would you like? It’s on me as a welcome to Pine Cove gift.” She smiles.
