Chapter 4: Granny's

Aliyah strolled down the sidewalk, taking in the town. It was small and incredibly beautiful. Well, from what she could tell in the dark. She smelt the watery breeze off the beach and the fresh greenery from the woods. It was a town she personally would love. She missed the small town solitary and the lush greenery instead of the hustle and bustle of a city.

Her stomach growled. The smell of food wafting her nose. She came to, what she assumed, the main street of the town and saw the glowing neon sign of Granny's Diner. She smirked and quickened her pace.

The little bell went off as Aliyah opened the door and looked around. The diner was small and had a metro vibe. It was cute; she thought. In the back was the kitchen, where you can see the chef while in the front were seating tables. On her left were booths and on her right, the counter with red stools. The checkered floor was white and sandy brown, not your typical black and white. Different shades of green mixed with a forest motif wallpaper covered the walls. The few customers watched her cautiously. Aliyah nodded nervously and grabbed the closest seat.

"Hi," the waitress said. "What can I get you to drink?" she asked, laying a menu in front of Aliyah.

"Uh, water with lemon, please." She looked up as the waitress left caching a speck of red, then turned to the menu. 'That voice was familiar.' Aliyah thought as the waitress returned, placing a glass of lemon water in front of her.

"Have you decided what you would like?"

Keeping her head down, "yes, I'll take the BLT please on white and with mayo." Aliyah took a deep breath and glanced up, handing the menu to the waitress.

The waitress smiled, lips covered in bright red lipstick. She pulled her dark brown hair with red streaks over her shoulders and had a red headband. Her earrings were red and white checkers. The waitress tilted her head. "Have we met? You look familiar."

Aliyah gulped, "No… no, I'm new here. My sister and I dropped her son Henry off."

"The Mayor's kid?"

"Yes. You know Henry?"

The waitress shrugged her shoulders, "it's a small town."

"Ruby!"

Ruby rolled her eyes. "I'll be back with your order. Coming Gran!"

Aliyah looked towards the counter. The older woman, Gran, stared at her. She gulped and smiled nervously back. Granny returned the smile and nodded her grey-haired head. 'Does she know who I am?' Aaliyah wondered. She looked back at Granny. She was talking to the customers at the counter, her eyes wandering over to Aliyah.

A few moments went by when she smelt her BLT and fries. Ruby placed the plate in front of Aliyah and looked back. A whoosh sound came from the booth seat across from her. Aliyah slowly grabbed the pepper and ketchup, fixed her fries to her liking, and placed them back. Gradually, Aliyah looked up, Ruby eyeing her.

"Are you sure we never met?" Ruby asked, leaning back in the booth with her arms crossed.

Aliyah looked into the waitress's eyes, green. 'Just as I remembered.' She grabbed a fry, considering her answer. Then she looked at Granny, who was watching them. "Not that I remember, but there are parts of my memories that are blank." She answered looking back at Ruby who was studying her. Before anymore was passed between them, the bell rang. Ruby sighed, getting up to grab another menu.

"No need. Just wanting to talk to her." Aliyah heard as Emma plopped down where Ruby sat. "Want to see if you can get a to go box? I'm ready to leave."

Aliyah sighed, eating some fries, "I was thinking about staying for a bit."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Aliyah offered a ketchup drenched fry.

"This isn't because of Henry or what he said, is it?" Emma asked, grabbing another offered fry.

"No." Aliyah took a sip. "I want to see this town in the daylight." Emma looked at her. "You know, I have been wanting to get out of the city. I think this place maybe it."

"How long are you planning?"

Aliyah shrugged. "Don't know."

"Remember, you have-,"

"I know. It's a month away. I don't plan on missing it."

"Do you want your stuff?"

"Just put it on the bench outside."

"You are too trustworthy."

Aliyah looked outside, "It seems dead. I think it will be fine till I'm finished."

Emma sighed, grabbed another fry and a quick drink from Aliyah's water, "I'm heading out then. I'll call you once I get home." Emma hugged Aliyah and walked away, the bell ringing on her way out.

The whoosh sound of the booth indicated it was occupied again. "Couldn't help but overhear, where are you staying?"

Aliyah shrugged. "I don't think the Mayor would let me crash at her place for helping return her son. Probably in the forest. Wouldn't be the first time."

"No."

She looked up, seeing the grey-haired woman, Gran, staring at her. "Unless, you know somewhere for me to stay, that is the only option I have."

"I own a bed-and-breakfast. You will stay there." Granny stated, sliding out of the booth. "When you finish come to the counter, and we will get you a key."