Here's the next chapter of this series, sorry it's a short one but in the grand scheme of things it sort of works as to explain a few things and set up later moments that will become all too clear very soon. Also, because this is a science fiction story, there are aliens, good ones and bad ones, and yes, the good ones are here to stand against those who would subjugate the more physically fragile human race.
In this chapter Maura continues to learn that Ravenswood isn't really a 'pollyanna' world, there are those who harbor ill feelings towards her, but because of what she fears. Besides, the people that surround her, Vera, Lisa and others, love her as part of their world very much.
I hope you enjoy the read, leave a comment once you've read it. Good feedback is the lifeblood of any writer...dreamweaver594.
11-The General Store
The bike ride from Vera's cottage to the little store that Maura visited when she first came to Ravenswood was a pleasant journey. They rode across the rolling fields and through the forest that surrounded the tiny village.
It was a beautiful fall day. The air was crisp with the scent of turning leaves and new mown hay being put up for the coming winter filled the air. The sights and smells of Earth almost overwhelmed her, it was so sweet and sensual compared to the arid nature of her home planet. Why would anyone want to ever live anywhere else but here?
They rounded a corner and there it stood, just like she remembered. "This place is so cute!" Maura had a whimsical lilt in her voice.
Jason laughed as they pulled up to the side of the building. "Don't let old man Caruthers hear you say that, he prides himself on his 'curmudgeoness,' if that's a word. And the thought that his place looks cute or quaint will set him off like a firecracker. Course sometimes it is fun to do it, I will admit. But let's give him a bye today."
Maura grinned from ear to ear. "Okay." It was times like these when she loved Jason the most. He was just so easy going and fun to be with. They walked their bikes over to the side of the porch and leaned them against the building. They turned to walk around to the front porch but stopped when they heard two men talking in the front.
An old man moved his checker piece across the board in short jumps. "King me." He paused a moment then added. "I heard that two more Terrians got through the other day."
His partner grumbled as he put a second checker atop the first. "Just like the ones before, they always seem to come in pairs, but from different parts of the weave. It's like they're directed to the weak points."
The first man reached over and lifted a pint of beer, took a swallow and wiped his lips. "They seem to be finding them everywhere. Four more scout teams were sent out yesterday. It's like we're patching holes in a leaky dam. If this keeps up the whole village will be pressed into service."
"There has to be someone letting them through," his partner replied.
Maura turned to Jason, there was no escaping what confronted her and she knew she couldn't keep running away from the issue. "Jason I just have to face up to the fact that people will have a hard time accepting me until they know me." She set her jaw firmly and put her arm through his. "Let's go in."
Jason nodded and whispered to her as she walked up to him. "You know, you really are beautiful when you're determined."
A little smile crept across her face. Her neck flushed crimson as they headed for the front steps. She wanted to smile and flash a little fang at them but that would probably have made matters worse. They were harmless, funny old codgers, as Lisa would say. The thought amused her as she passed by the old men, chuckling to herself.
Thankfully, her mood changed once she walked inside the store. It was festooned in fall garlands and harvest colors. There were displays of freshly canned preserves next to of all sorts of hand made candies and mints; a sign above each row indicated the maker of the homemade jams. In the center of the large store was a display rack of new coats, scarves and mittens. Everything seemed to sparkle and shine. Maura felt like she was in shopper's heaven.
She danced about the store like a kid in a candy shop, flying from one display to another. She was the epitome of unbridled joy.
Jason laughed at her antics. "What do you want to buy, Maura?"
"Oh, there's so much, I can't decide. Maybe a coat because I don't really have one and you said winter around here can be brutal."
