Page 5 of Autumn in Sycamore Park
Oak Leaf Café.
The front was wood paneled with the name carved into a larger piece over the door. The tables were also wooden, and while Jennifer suspected they were pine rather than oak, each had a little vase of autumn twigs and leaves in the centre, adding to the quaintness. Next to a triangular menu, salt and pepper pots were also made out of wood.
‘What do you think?’ she said to the little dog, who appeared insistent on inspecting each chair leg in turn. ‘Although, it’s a little chilly.’
‘Feel free to bring the little guy inside,’ came a voice from the doorway, and Jennifer looked up to see a middle-aged woman leaning on the door frame, wearing a maple leaf-designed apron over jeans and a white t-shirt. Grey-flecked light brown hair was tied back into a ponytail. Bright green eyes sparkled through the glasses she wore, and a face that still retained a hint of youthful beauty gave Jennifer a warm smile.
‘Oh, would that be all right?’
The woman waved. ‘Sure. I’ve even got some food out the back somewhere if he’s hungry.’
‘Well, thank you.’
‘Come in and have a look at the menu if you’re interested. I love the wind off the park in this season, but it gets a little chilly once the sun goes behind the theatre.’
Jennifer went into a pretty, wood-panelled interior. Six wooden tables stood neatly arranged in front of a countertop. In little nooks and alcoves, pots of dried flowers stood, giving off a gentle lavender aroma. On the wall, framed posters identified various varieties of pumpkins and squashes. Antique cooking pots and utensils lined shelves in front of the windows delicately framed with lace curtains.
One table by the window had a view of Sycamore Park. ‘That one,’ Jennifer said. ‘I’d like to sit there, please.’
‘Take your pick,’ the woman said. ‘We’re not exactly bursting at the seams.’ She smiled again. ‘My name is Angela. Angela Dawson. With only the two of us here, I don’t think it would be proper to remain strangers, would it?’
‘I suppose not. I’m Jennifer. Jennifer Stevens. I just moved to Brentwell. Yesterday, actually. I work at the local primary. Today was my first day.’
‘Busy times! I don’t know how you young people handle it. I get tired just walking around the park in the morning. And who’s this little guy?’
Angela bent down to pet Bonky, who lapped up the attention with a frantic wag of his tail.
‘Ah, his name is Bonky. He’s two years old.’
‘I had a toy poodle as a child, many, many years ago. Lovely little things.’ Angela stood up. ‘Bonky? That’s … interesting.’
For the first year or so, Jennifer had always felt a flush off embarrassment telling people the name of her dog, but she had got used to it. After all, it was just a name, albeit a little unusual.
‘Yeah, the kids at my old school chose it. I was having a few issues with some of them, and I thought getting them to choose the name for my dog would be a form of bonding. I was expecting something generic like Harry or Rover, but … nope. Bonky. They came up with Bonky.’ She shrugged. ‘And so it stuck.’
‘Well, it’s kind of cute, isn’t it?’
‘I suppose.’
‘Is that why you came to Brentwell? Because you were having problems at your old school?’
Jennifer might have expected the question from Rick or Amy or one of the other teachers, but due to the new-term rush she’d so far avoided it. Hearing it from Angela had caught her off guard, and she stared at the older lady openmouthed, then gave a little shake of her head.
‘Uh, that’s not all of it.’
Angela gave a shrug. ‘I’m sorry, I was prying. How about we sort you out with something to eat. There’s a menu there, but I’m afraid we’re out of season so you’re stuck with whatever I’ve got cooking. Today’s special is cheese, apple, and potato pie with homemade gravy, seasonal vegetables, and fried pear fritters for desert. Would that do?’
Jennifer stared. She thought about the meagre supplies back at her flat and gave a slow nod.
‘That would be just great. In fact, it would be more than great.’
‘Excellent. Coming right up.’
Angela disappeared into a kitchen behind the counter, and soon delightful smells began to waft through, reminding Jennifer that she hadn’t eaten anything since a sandwich at lunchtime. Bonky settled down at her feet, and Jennifer picked a home décor magazine off a nearby rack and began to browse through picturesque designs of autumn-themed homes and gardens. Even before Angela reappeared with a large plate loaded with steaming pie and vegetables, the day’s traumas already felt resolved and compartmentalised. Tomorrow was a new day, as they said.
‘Well, here you are.’
‘I’m not sure I can eat all that,’ Jennifer said with a smile, even though she fully planned to try.
