Just a small, short one-shot for the fall. Also, check the end of my story for an announcement.
A Beautiful Fall Day
The air was crisp as Anna stepped out onto the path that led to the gardens. She decided to spend her half-day outside reading a book. It was rare she got some time to spend on her own.
As she walked down the path, she paused when she spotted the mysterious Mr. Bates sitting alone on one of the benches. She felt the edges of her lips twitch upwards and warmth spread into her cheeks.
With a breath, she continued her steps until Mr. Bates looked up. He lifted his cane and set it beside him, giving her a small smile.
"Ah, Anna. What are you doing out here?"
"It's my half-day," Anna said. "I thought I would find somewhere to sit and read. It's such a lovely day."
At that, Mr. Bates glanced around and nodded.
"It is," he agreed. "The leaves have changed and fallen onto the ground."
"When I was younger, my sister and I would stomp on the leaves after they'd dried out to listen to the crunch."
"I didn't know you had a sister," Mr. Bates mused. "Older or younger."
"Older," Anna answered. "Do you have any siblings?"
"No," Mr. Bates said. "Not sure my mother could have handled another of me," he teased.
Anna moved closer wondering if it would be rude if she sat down beside him. But before she could think on it too long, he patted the bench.
"If you don't think I would interrupt your reading that is," Mr. Bates quickly said. Anna took the seat beside him, shaking her head.
"Oh, not at all. I will enjoy the company."
The two of them sat there in silence for a moment, enjoying the day and the time off. Anna thought to herself how lucky she'd been to have the same half day as Mr. Bates and find him out here at the right time. The two had small conversations here and there, but they'd never really had any time to themselves.
"Did you have any special fall traditions growing up?" Anna asked, breaking the silence.
"Hum," Mr. Bates thought on it. "My mother always baked pumpkin pie and apple pie. She also made the most delicious stews. Did you?"
Anna creased her brows. She tried to remember life before her father passed. Her happiest childhood memories were then. After her father died, so much of their lives had changed.
"I remember my father bringing home a large pumpkin, once. He cut off the top and my sister and I scooped out all the seeds inside. Then we cleaned up the seeds and baked them."
"And you never did it again?"
"No, never," Anna said. "My father died soon after that."
Sadness swept over Anna briefly as the memories of losing him settled on her mind. When she realized Mr. Bates was looking at her with concern, she shook them away and grinned at him.
"Have you ever eaten pumpkin seeds before, Mr. Bates?"
"No, I have not."
"You haven't?! Well, now, how do we make this happen?"
She watched as Mr. Bates's eyes lit up and a small laugh escaped his lips.
"I know. We'll go into Ripon in search of a pumpkin. I'm sure if we do all the hard work, Mrs. Patmore will bake them for us. Or perhaps…" She stopped talking when Mr. Bates placed his hand over hers, making her heart skip a beat. They sat like that with his hand on hers for several seconds.
"Or, for today, we can just sit here and enjoy one another's company," Mr. Bates said, his voice warm.
"Yes," Anna agreed.
Slowly, Mr. Bates's hand slid off hers, but he remained turned toward her. Anna took her book off the seat beside her and placed it into her lap.
"Do you mind if I read?" she asked. John smiled at her.
"Not at all."
The End
*Hello everyone. Today, I announce that my time on this website is coming to an end. I have begun a different journey in my writing. This will be my last one shot. I will be finishing up my She's Having story and then I will be removing myself from here. Though, as a thank you for reading my stories and following me for a while, I would like to offer you a free copy of my newly published book. If you are interested in getting this copy, you would have to go to my website at aghawkins/dot/net and sign up for my newsletter. On Halloween (October 31st), I will be sending out a newsletter with a link to download your free copy of this book. Also, following my newsletter will help you keep up to date with stories I have coming out in 2023.
I want to thank you all for all your kindness and being part of my fanfiction writing journey. I wish you all the best - AlexisRose