"Clementine? Where are you going, honey? It's seven in the morning." My mothers voice cracks as she yawns between the words.
"Seven?! I'm already late! I'll see you at three in the afternoon! Love you Mother!" I yell before I shove the last of the oatmeal in my mouth and chug some water. Then I grab my lunch box and head out on my bike.
Upon arriving to the address I was given I lock my bicycle to the fence and do a 360 to take in the place, which is surrounded by grass and fields of plants. Part of it is open planes while the majority is different crops. In the distant I spot a faded red barn and a one-story home.
I grab my lunch bag and head to the barn. Once I reach the door I accidentally knock with enough force to shake the structure. I'm anxious for my first day at my new job and want to make a good impression but feel as if I'm being clumsy, as usual.
My mother's closest friend, Cheyenne, recommend I get a summer job because that's what girls are doing nowadays. Apparently the women's movement is picking up. Plus, they both said it's a good way to meet a gentlemen caller, since I am twenty-three and not getting any younger.
Any who, Cheyenne's brother owns this farm also happens to have five sons around my age. Of course my mother forced me to accept the job, and here I am now, nervously waiting outside a rusty building to clean up feces and pull weeds. What a way to find a husband. "Hello you must be Cheyenne's friend, Catie." The rather old man holds his wrinkled hand out for me to shake.
However, I become offended anytime someone doesn't pronounce my name correctly, it's a common fruit and not that unusual. I grab his large, calloused hand and shake it firmly. "It's Clementine, actually" I say with a huge smile across my face to hide the annoyance I already built up.
I don't think he hears me because he cuts me off and begins to explain my duties. "Okay Miss, you'll be tending to these three horses every need. You'll also be cleaning up after them. My son Caleb will assist you. And last, I need all the chickens in the coop to be cared for. Jacob's already started so he'll show you the ropes. Eggs out, food in. Any questions?" He explains with his thick Tennessee accent.
I half smile and shake my head. "Great. I'll be inside of you need anything Cate." I roll my eyes and try to brush off his stupidity. Unfortunately, as I begin to work I find out all his children are unintelligent, dimwitted, and unattractive. I am definitely not interested in them but slightly about this job.
A few hours and a lot of dirt later, I'm let off early. "I'll call you tomorrow, Girl. Write your telephone number here. I'll let you know when to come." I grab the pen and scribble the digits. "Thank ya, Lady." I fake smile for the millionth time today.
On my way home I realize he's not going to call me. I suppose I did a terrible job according to his standards, or perhaps it's because I declined his eldest son's, Jonathan, offer of a date. If I arrive home at one-thirty I know Mother will be curious and I do not want to talk about it. Instead, I head to the local post office to pick up our mail and chat with Paul, our mailman.
"Afternoon Clem. Here for your letters?" I nod and grin. I've been waiting for a postcard from my aunt. She travels around the country and sends one anytime she moves to a new place, which is usually every other week. Paul graciously hands me all our mail and I instantly tear through everything for the token from my aunt. As suspected, it hasn't arrived yet. However, I did receive a letter with no return address. I furrow my eyebrows and wonder who sent it. Without further hesitation, I tear it open to reveal an ink-stained piece of paper. It's filled with script front to back of three pages. After the first paragraph I nearly choke but force myself to read until the end. Sincerely, JimmyRadford.
How dare he write me after all these years? I've been waiting for something from him for seven years and now he decides to pop back in my life! His excuse was that his mother died and he had to work everyday. I feel sorry that she passed away but honestly I don't care for his reason. I find it extremely hard to believe that he had no time to write me anything in the past seven years!
I think back to all the letters we sent to each other and smile. I'd usually get a letter every other day, that's how often we'd write. It was such a lovely time back then. Neither of us had a care in the world, besides school. I fell in love with him and he did me. We told one another a week before he disappeared, that's why I'm suspicious of his story. I thought we were dating for that brief week, though it was never formally said, up until now. In fact, I have suspicions that he stopped writing because he wasn't interested in me that way and couldn't figure a way to end things smoothly. I can't understand why he'd write me now though. Maybe he wants to settle down and could not find anyone else.
Now I'm biking home on a cold autumn day with the orange and red leaves crinkling under the tires, which reminds me of the memory burned into my mind. Jimmy would always tell me, every fall, how much he loved the color change. He found it absolutely wondrous that the Earth would make death look so stunning. Jimmy was such a smart fellow and that's part of the reason I fell for him. But now all I'm left with are the old letter, this new one, dangerous thoughts, and a face full of dried tears.
The worst part is Jimmy didn't even mention romantic feelings towards me in this letter. In fact, he just wrote he's sorry and wants to keep in touch. It's silly to be this upset over a boy whose appearance I've never looked upon. I just realize how strange it is that we never exchanged photographs. Although, we have spoke of the phone several times but I would usually fun to the telephone booth because Mother said long distance can would run up the bill.
Now I'm home from work, which I probably am fired from, with a letter from the love of my teenage years. As suspected, when I walk through the front door I am bombarded. "You're home early, sweetheart. How was it?" My dear old mother asks with a high-pitched voice.
I grunt quietly and exhale loudly. "It was alright. I'm sure I messed up a lot but it was my first day. Any who, Cheyenne's brother said he'd call me when needed," I say between bites of grilled chicken. I try to act as hopeful as possible. I don't want to let my mother down so soon.
She claps her hands together and squeals. "That's marvelous, Clementine! Now, have you met any gentlemen?" She beams while leaning over the dinner table.
I roll my eyes, hoping she doesn't notice. I would rather not explain that all five of Cheyenne's nephews are imbeciles quiet yet. "No, Mother." I watch her giddy expression change to a frown. I grab her hand and try to cheer her up. "It's only the first day."
Of course, she perks up again and smiles. "I'll get you some pie. You deserve it after today! Plus, we need to get more meat on you!" I nearly spit my water out in laughter. My mother is always trying to fatten me up because apparently curves are in- even though I have some.
"Mother! I'm not skin and bones! Look at these breasts you gave me!" I say then burst out into laughter. She looks back at me with a large piece of strawberry pie and chuckles.
"Your husband will thank me, Clementine! Men love a woman who's well endowed!"
After a long, but delightful, conversation I head to my room to re-read the letter. Once I lock my door I plop on my hard mattress and tear the letter from my satchel.
Please write me. Send it to the post office in Hobe Sound, Florida and write my name on the top. I'll stop by everyday for two weeks to see if it's there.
I allow the water to fall from my eyes again but this time I quiet my sobs. I won't let this affect me. He'll just disappear again! Instead of wallowing in pity, I pick up the telephone to call the most exciting person I know- my aunt.
I rest the phone between my shoulder and ear while counting the rings. By the fifth one I lose hope but stay on the line; it's not like I have anything better to do. Finally, thirteen annoying jingles later she answers the phone with her thick, and new, accent. "Hello?" I can already tell she's a bit drunk but it's when she's most herself.
"Oh hello Auntie! It's Clementine!" I chime with a huge smile across my lips.
"Oh darling! How are you? I've missed you and Jude so much!" I move the headset away from my ear as she yells into the phone with the too loud background noise seeping through.
"Mother's okay. Me, not so much. Jimmy wrote me." The instant I utter the words out an overdramatic gasp escapes my aunt's mouth. My mother tells her sister everything, especially about me. They were so positive that him and I were going to get married but clearly they were mistaken.
"After all these years? Oh sweetheart, what will you do?" she gasps and speaks with concern.
I sigh and bite my lip. "I don't know! That's why I called you."
She chuckles softly but I still catch it. "I suppose because I have such experience, ya?" I giggle and nod although she can't see. "Well, I say screw him! Come work for me, darling!" She practically demands.
I open my mouth to kindly decline but pause to think about it. I would be able to leave this depressing town and get Mother off my back for a while. Perhaps I can even meet a boy! "Really? You want me there?"
"Yes I do, Clementine. I've been looking for a stage manager and who's better than my niece?" I smile at her compliment and open my mouth to speak when she cuts me off. "I'll call your mother tomorrow about the train ticket. Pack your bags, darling. I'll be seeing you in two days." She hangs up and I immediately run to my mother.
Two days later, I'm on a train headed to Jupiter, Florida. I'm not entirely sure what my aunt's career is but it has something to do with show business. The ride is longer than I expected, twelve hours to be exact. I fall asleep several times on the stranger next to me, who is extremely attractive. The final time it happens, I feel more than embarrassed. I try to stop myself but when I'm in a deep slumber I can't help it. "I'm so sorry, sir. I'll move over." I mumble while grabbing my purse to hop down a few seats.
"Nonsense! I have no problem with you resting on my shoulder. It's not often that a beautifully stranger invades my space." I turn back to him with red cheeks and flash a smile. Then I slump back into my chair and try to clear the awkward air.
"So, where are you headed to?" I ask while flipping through a book.
"Jupiter, Florida. And you?" When he finishes his sentence I nearly scream. He's attractive, possibly into me, and headed where I am going? This could be the sign Mother always talks about.
"Same place!" I squeal a little too loudly.
He places his newspaper on the seat next to him and extends his hand towards me. "Well, then I guess we'll being seeing each other around. Dandy Mott." I look up from my novel with curls flying around my face and attempt to blow them out of my face. "Clementine Murray," I say while shaking his soft hand.
Several hours later we arrive at the station. Dandy and I talked a lot and found out we both love unordinary things. Dandy also confessed that he has money, which doesn't matter to me but would definitely thrill Mother. In fact, he asked me on a date this weekend at a local diner. I bid him goodbye as I exit the train and am hit with a hug from my aunt. "Oh Clemmie! You are looking more beautiful every time I see you. How are you sweetie?" I look back and see Dandy has vanished.
"Fine, Auntie. Just fine," I say with a huge smile.
"What is it, darling? What's going on?" She stares at my giddy expression and then gasps. "Oh you've met a boy, haven't you?" I nod she screams. "Your mother will be so happy to hear the news!"
Ten minutes later we arrive to a seemingly deserted field. The driver halts and unloads my luggage. Then, a muscular man appears from the darkness and carries my belongings. Once we walk towards a dim light I make out tents and trailers. "Aunt?" I murmur at the sight. Is this a circus?
"Clementine, please, call me by my name," she insists while filing her nails.
"Right- um, Elsa, what is this exactly?" I murmur, trying to not offend the muscular man incase he's apart of her business.
"It's a freak show!" She exclaims with her hands on her hips and chest pushed out. Before I can say anything else we arrive to my trailer. The man kicks open the door and tosses my suitcases in. "Thank you," I mutter and then slam the door behind me. Expecting Elsa to be behind me, I start talking. "This is a lovely place. Do you own it?" After thirty seconds of silence I spin around but am alone.
Instead of unpacking, like I should, I sit on my bed and take out the note Dandy gave me. Dandy Mott. Saturday 6pm. 626 Carrollton Road.
I clutch the paper to my chest and smile. Just as I am on the verge of forgetting the unhappy memories, I spot the letter from Jimmy in my bag. I snatch it out and debate what to do with it. I could tear it up now, keep it for memory sake, or toss it out. After careful consideration, I decide to forget about him and throw it out. I then begin to unpack my belongings and lay a nightgown on the bed. While removing my shirt I hear a loud knock at the door and quickly pull it back on and stroll to the door.
"Oh hello Clementine! We've all hear so much about you!" The middle age, but spunky, woman pulls me into a tight hug. " Oh where are my manners. My name is Desiree." She takes my hand and guides us out of my trailer. "We're having a welcoming party for you. The rest of them are dying to meet you," she explains while fast walking to a large tent.
Once we walk in the loud roar settles to quite whispers. I smile but it fades when I notice they're all stare at me. Feeling extremely uncomfortable I continuously switch my weight from foot to foot until Desiree breaks the silence. "Well, don't all jump at once! This is Clementine! Elsa's niece! The one you've been waiting for!" Then a soft 'Oh' comes from the table when they realize I'm not a costumer.
I look around at the table and spot two pinheads holding hands, the strong man from earlier, a woman with no lower body, and Siamese twins. After being forced to socialize, I find out they're all very nice and actually quiet normal. The pinheads, Pepper and Salty, are married and in love; it's really sweet to watch. And the Siamese twins, Bette and Dot, are hilarious because you would think they'd both be so happy and get along but Dot seems to strongly dislike Bette. I feel sad for Bette because she seems to love her sister unconditionally.
"Where's Lobster Boy?" Dell, the strong man, yells. The room turns silent and I look up with worry in my eyes. "Why is that boy always out? Where is he?" He demands but no one looks up from the floor. "I'm the man around here and I will be respected. Someone find the damn boy or when he gets back he's going to get it." Again everyone is quiet and I start to wonder who this Lobster Boy is and why Dell calls him that.
Instead of yelling more, he just walks out of the tent, leaving everyone scared. Once the silence lifts, I lean in to Bette and Dot and whisper "Who's Lobster Boy?"
Bette smiles and opens her mouth but Dot cuts her off. "Someone you don't want to be around. He's nothin' but trouble. A real heartbreaker." I nod and look at Bette, who seems disappointed but she just agrees with her sister.
After an hour of getting to know them all, I head to my trailer for sleep. But firs I finish unpacking and then change into my nightgown. While reading my favorite book for the tenth time, I fall asleep.
An hour later I wake to the loud sound of my door opening. I pull the blanket over my exposed body and squint to see who's there. I make out a silhouette of a tall and built man. He's stumbling over and headed to my bed. I try to think of something to say, since I'm unsure of what's going on. But luckily, the stranger realizes he's misplaced. "S-sorry. Wrong trailer," A deep voice mutters then the man quickly slams the door. I immediately scurry to make sure it's locked this time and then attempt to fall asleep but can't with the screaming between Dell and someone else. I try to listen and figure out it is Lobster Boy. Apparently he just arrived from town. Then I realize he was the one who came in my trailer.
This is going to be an interesting job.