Monday 6 July 2015

Bronté's day off

So I tried a new style of writing, it was very difficult for me and I'm not sure if I would do it again. It took so much longer. But I hope you will still enjoy the story.
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"Clare, stop moaning, this instance! I've had it with your constant whining! I said no, I will not buy the doll for you!" As soon as she uttered the words, Bronté regretted every single one of them. She doesn't usually speak to her children this way, not even to Clare who has tested her every minute of every single day for the past two years. Bronté's best friend, Margaux knew that Bronté was a caring and loving mother, and hearing her speak that way indicated that something else was wrong.

While Clare was having her tantrum in the corner, Margaux called Bronté over. "Bronny, honey, is everything okay?" she asked softly. "Clare has never before upset you like that?" Bronté swallowed hard at the lump in her throat, "Oh Margi, I'm just worried about Rosetti, he hasn't gotten any new work offers, and those that he is getting, he rejects, because he doesn't want to leave me alone with five children in a new village. Margaux looked puzzled, "He is such a silly man! Doesn't he know you have us, we share a house for heavens sake!" " Oh, I just think that he doesn't want to burden you, with our problems," Bronté tried to explain. 

After Clare was calm again, Bronté decided to go home. "See you at home later, and I hope you are in the mood for some stew, as that is what you are getting for dinner." Bronté said jokingly. "That sounds delicious, but listen, I just had a magnificent idea! Why don't you take the day off tomorrow, treat yourself, explore the village and I will look after the babies." Margaux was visibly excited about her plan. "Oh don't be silly, how will you handle five small children, and run a store?" Bronté asked. "It is a public holiday, we will be closed, and Innes will be here too, to help. Please think about it Bronny, you need the alone time!" Bronté just smiled and greeted her friend, but as she went along the idea became very enticing.

That evening after dinner, Bronté and Rosetti had a quiet moment outside in the garden, and Bronté told him about Margaux's suggestion. Rosetti obviously agreed with Marqaux and urged his wife to take Margaux up on her offer.

The next morning was quite a strange one for Bronté. When Dillon started crying for his morning feed, Rosetti jumped up and told her to return to bed. She drifted off, once more just to awake two hours later to a creepy silence. A silence she hasn't heard in 13 years. To her astonishment it was just before 9 'o clock. She quickly got dressed and rushed over to the Bercher's Toyshop.

For a third time that morning Bronté was astonished, because through the window of the Toyshop she could see her three little munchkins sitting quietly listening to a story that Margaux was reading. Even Clare was sitting still. "Maybe, I should then just treat myself to a few hours of 'me-time'." she thought out loudly.

Since the day they arrived in Sugarbush, Bronté longed to go for some retail therapy at the Country Market, especially the gifts department. There was also this quaint little Tea Room. So she headed over there straight away.

After admiring all the cute gifts, Arvey invited her into the Tea Room.

"So what can I offer you, Bronté?" Arvey enquired. "Oh I'm not sure! I've heard that you have an enormous selection of teas, what do you suggest?" Bronté said in reply. Arvey giggled and suggested that she surprise Bronté.

While Arvey made the tea, she watched the passersby, obviously going about their usual daily routine. She instantly felt guilty for having the luxury of sitting in a Tea Room, while others had to look after her children.

But just as she was about to jump up, and go back to the "real world" Arvey brought her, her tea as well as a petite little, delicious looking muffin. "So what did you pick for me?" Bronté inquired. "For you a very special one, I sensed that you needed some tlc so I brought you the jasmine-scented green tea with a subtle flavour of rose, but also a lemon poppy muffin, and here is list of MUST-DO-THINGS in Sugarbush valley." Bronté was a little scared off Arvey, it was as if this woman had an amazing 6th sense. How did she know Bronté needed some tlc, was hungry and that she had a whole day to herself to spent in the village.

Bronté soon forgot about her worries as she drank her tea, enjoyed the muffin and studied the list. Some of the things that was listed in the brochure made her laugh, but they all sounded fun, and there was some activities that they could do together as a family too.

She sat for a little while longer, watching passersby, and witnessing a very endearing event, which brought her to tears instantly. She thought back on Clare and decided to try even harder and be even more patient.

After finishing her third cup of tea and thanking Arvey for the delicious tea and muffin, she headed home. She wanted to clean their house as a surprise for Margaux and thanking her for watching the children. But as she approached the door she noticed another woman about to enter her house. "Excuse me, what are you doing?" Roxy turned around and when she saw the worried looking face of Bronté, she wanted to laugh, but decided against it. "It is my day to clean your house, it a standing arrangement I have with Margaux." Roxy answered. "Oh, interesting, okay. And I guess I will only be in your way, if I tried to help?" Bronté asked.

"Indeed you will!" and without another word Roxy turned around and entered the house. Bronte sighed, maybe she should just make peace with the fact that she has an off day and embrace it. She studied the list again, and the activity she chose to do next, kind of surprised her.

There was quite a crowd gathered in front of the Tourism and Realtor Centre. It was obvious that the first bicycle tour of the day was just about to start.

"Uhm, sorry, excuse me, where to I need to sign up for the bicycle tour?" Bronté asked a friendly looking bear lady. "It is with me, but unfortunately we are fully booked, I have a spot open for tomorrow though." Rose replied.

"Oh nonsense, and sorry for chipping in, but my daughter will not be joining us. She got an invite by her best friend to go horse riding, so we have a spot open." This time it was Suzette Simpkins. Bronté immediately liked her.

And just like that everyone hopped on their bikes and they were off. Bronté giggled by herself, they had to make for a funny picture.

After a wonderful tour, they returned to the starting point and Bronté couldn't thank Rose enough for the wonderful experience. Not only has she seen some pretty amazing spots, but she will find her way around the village much better now.

It was already past lunch and Bronté decided to stop by Pippa's delicatessen, as she was hungry and in the mood for something sweet.

Bronté was amazed by all the confectionery sold in the small shop. She inspected, every single item...

... till a point that Pippa was worried, that this lady was not a regular customer, but some kind of food critic, or even worse a health inspector.

To Pippa's relieve she quickly found out that Bronté was, much like herself, just a lover of all things sweet. The two ladies had a nice chat, talked about some of their favorite recipes, and Bronté, not only bought a treat for herself, but also for everyone at home.

As she stepped out of Pippa's shop she noticed the Periwinkle Shoe Shop, and she couldn't resist, not going in. Though the selection of shoes was small, she immediately noticed the remarkable craftsmanship that went into every single shoe.

Not wanting to be trouble, she rejected Alex's invitation to try on some of the shoes, as she couldn't afford any of it, but with his charming manner, Alex convinced her to try on a few pairs.

After having a fantastic time at the shoe shop, she was brought back to the real world, and on passing by Ben's Fishmonger, decided to get something for dinner. 

She also wanted to buy Margaux some flowers as a token of her appreciation. 

As Bronté made her way home, laden with parcels, she felt refreshed and ready for the challenges that this new life may bring. She sure does love living in this little village.

10 comments:

  1. What a great way to start the week! I liked this story a lot, because it showed more of village life (like how Bobby's son was returned to his father!) and more of the village itself (like seeing the Fishmonger set up next to the Florist). I'm sure Bronte enjoyed herself as much as I did :)

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    1. Thank you Aranera, and thank you for mentioning all those things that I try to incorporate, that really inspires me to do it again.

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  2. This was a great story and really showed the life in SV. What a wonderful place to live in:) Loved Pippa worrying and the bicycle tour among other things like Roxy and Arvey

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  3. I really liked the new writing style you used, but I agree it takes longer too write! Funnily I thought of trying out your normal/old style of writing too :D
    I enjoyed every little part and picture of the story. But my favourite was the part in the tea shop. Bronte had a lovely day :)

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    1. Im still in too minds what to do, but thanks for the comment.

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  4. Loved the new style, you should use that again sometime!
    The story was wonderful, I really liked the bicycle tour part! I could imagine cycling through SV, how fantastic would that be!

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  5. Loved this story! It's sweet that Bronte could have a bit of a day off from all her children, all mothers deserve days like this!
    Great job on the new writing style, it was beautifully written but I have to agree, it takes a lot longer to write in prose!

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    1. Niamh, it is your fault that I wanted to try this. Because you use this style too and do it so fantastically well! But I will never be as good as you, but I will keep on trying.

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