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“Hi, yes, my name is Solia Anderson. I sent in an application last month and was just stopping by to introduce myself and check on things.”
“Oh, sure, sure, I remember that name. Come on in.”
After an ear-piercing buzz, I pull the red steel door and wait for the second steel door to unlock.
“Hi, Solia. I’m the principal here, Christine Smith.” She takes a sip of the iced coffee in her hand.
“Nice to meet you. I apologize for showing up unannounced, but I figured it couldn’t hurt.”
“Certainly not. I remember seeing your name come across my desk. I’ve done the hiring I need to do, but we are desperate for substitutes. They are so hard to come by these days.”
I run my tongue along my teeth and try to buy myself a few seconds. “I was hoping for a permanent position, but I will keep it in mind.” The pitch of my voice lowers after each word.
Mrs. Smith rests a hand on my shoulder. “I completely understand, but listen, I’ve been working with the superintendent to post a building substitute position for this school. This would be full time, but this person will move around the building to wherever he or she is needed. Would that be of any interest?”
“I would be willing to give it some thought. I’ll continue to look for a permanent spot, but in the meantime, will you keep me in mind in case the posting is cleared with administration?”
“I certainly will. Thank you for stopping by. You should hear from me soon.”
The conversation didn’t go in the direction I’d hoped. The last thing I want to do is hop from one room to the next every single day. I didn’t even ask for the pay scale; from my experience, that would’ve sent me running. But with no other options in sight, I have to be open to other possibilities. Paying my bills is not something I can avoid. Starting in September, I need a steady cash stream to support myself.
Widening my job search is in order.
The last stop on my list is Stable Farm—my father mentioned he’s ordered firewood from them in the past. Seems absurd to order firewood when I just lived through the first official day of summer. However, Dad swears this is the best time of year to get a couple cords of green wood. I remember my father repeatedly explaining to me that since green wood is still wet, it is much cheaper than seasoned wood, which has dried out completely over a year or so and is ready to burn. He taught me to buy cheap in the summer, stack it, cover it with a tarp, and it will be ready to burn come winter.
I pull off Ragged Highway and travel the long winding road lined with fields of wildflowers stretching toward the sun. I forgot just how vibrant these flowers can grow out here in the country. Years ago, I tried to grow them at home, but they ended up being another meal for the hungry deer in my yard.
The plots of wildflowers guide me to the left, and I spot a quaint farmhouse in the field on my right. A wooden sign directs me to the Stable Farm. I park my truck and walk toward the woman working behind the farm stand.
She sees me approaching and waves. She reminds me of my mother—petite, her brown hair cut just above her shoulders, and warm brown eyes framed with stylish glasses.
“Hey, young lady, how can I help you?” Her smile is welcoming.
“I’m here to order two cords of wood to Chasm Drive.”
“Sure thing, hon. Are you staying in that beautiful log cabin on the hill?”
I sometimes need reminding of how small a small town can be. “I am. It’s my family’s cabin. I moved in last week.”
“No kidding. I’m Janice—I remember your folks. Your father used to buy wood from us, and I saw your family at the lake in the summer a few times. I never would’ve recognized you all grown and mature. How are they doing these days?”
“Nice to meet you, Janice. I’m Solia. They’re well, heading to more sunshine and living near my brother and his family for a while.” I extend my hand, which she shakes in welcome.
“That’s great. Good for them. I’m glad to see that beautiful log cabin stay in the family. That’s the way it should be.”
“I agree, but my parents haven’t sealed the deal yet. We agreed to a summer trial. They aren’t sure I’ll be happy here, that I’ll be able to enjoy it and still work through the tough winters, but I’m going to show them I’ll be fine. Better than fine.”
“Good for you. It isn’t easy here in the mountains. The snow can be difficult, but there’s nothing that can replace the peace and tranquility it provides. As long as you embrace the locals, you’ll do all right. It’s that kind of community around here. Supportive and always willing to lend a hand, as long as you pay it forward. At least that’s what I’ve learned through the years.” Janice’s love for this town is palpable.
“Absolutely, that is exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve met a few new people and am looking for a teaching job for the fall.”
“No one should mess with a woman who’s got a plan. You’re on your way. OK, today is Thursday. I can get your wood to you on Saturday around eight a.m. If I remember correctly, they keep the wood racks out back. But you’ve got that house sitting on a big hill, right?”
“Yes. You’ve got an excellent memory.”
“How’s this? I’ll have my son, Ryan, and a few of his buddies come to unload and stack it for you.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I can work on it little by little.”
