Chapter 3: Tale of a misfit
When I drive back to my cabin, I see a familiar guy sitting on his front porch. I smile and decide to drop by his house, for a change. "Hi Mort, what's up?"
"Hey Joan. Nothing much. Wait, did you drive all the way to whatever the place is called to do grocery shopping while you can do it here as well?"
"I was considering shopping here in Tashmore but then I remembered how much I disliked small towns and decided to drive to a bigger one instead."
"Why do dislike small towns so much?"
I shrug. "It's easier to be a misfit in a small town than to be one in a big city. When I went to Tashmore I saw the local population stare at me since I'm new here and I got reminded of my years as a little misfit kid."
Mort's PoV
I swallow loudly. So she thinks the people stared at her because she was new here? I'd better warn her.
"Look Joan, I'm afraid I have to tell you that the town's people didn't only treat you like they did because you're a new face here but also because they saw you hanging out with me. I'm the local misfit here and perhaps, not without reason."
I see her shrug again.
"Right now I don't really care what they say about you Mort. If I'll ever be bothered about whatever they say about you, I'll give you a chance to give your side of the story."
"Are you sure?''
"Positive. Even though I'm glad the people back home in New York aren't like that. Excluding you of course." I nod as I close my door and sit down next to her on my worn couch.
"When are you going back to New York and your beloved book store?"
"Friday. But don't worry Mort, I won't forget you," she says, winking at me.
"You better not," I reply, smirking at her.
Joan's PoV
I smirk back and move closer towards him. "Are you flirting with me mr. Rainey?"
"Maybe…"
"Wait, let me get my phone." I grab my bag and after I quick search I pull my cell phone out of it. I can't suppress a genuine smile when he gives me his number, knowing I'll definitely stay in touch with him after I've left Tasmore Lake.