In this new home, a place that one's belonged to the Price Family, I laid on my comfy bed. With boredom in mind, and have nothing much to do, and on a tight budget to begin with; freelancing was the only thing that keeps me from going completely broke. Now, don't get me wrong…. I do have my job at the new School, but won't start until the Fall of this year, and thankfully, I do get paid based on the photos I take of the landscapes and other unique places I encounter along the way. Scouting my surroundings of the empty room where I am resting at, I stood in same room that once belonged to Chloe…. I chose this room for it was the only place I felt relief and safe from the outside world. Staying in this room doesn't feel the same without Chloe in my life, but it will have to do for now.
I slept all day until 11 am, on a Saturday Morning, with my plain white shirt embedded with my old favorite mascot hero called Mr. Hawt Dawg Man, along with my PJ shorts. Is funny as a young adult, and acting like a child from time to time, but it keeps me motivated and allows me to open up more and not be stick up low-like geek. However, once my alarm stereo hits, I know that it is time for my ass to get up. It is now a new day, and time doesn't wait for no one, even it comes from me, who was able to rewind time or jump to alternative timelines; that is similar to the one I am currently at. But, time is no longer by my side, and with my powers no longer working in this alternative reality, it will have to do for now.
"Great, another day, but this time I'll have breakfast at that new Diner that Glen mentioned last night," I said to myself as I prepared to take a warm descent shower.
The mornings here in Arcadia Bay have started to get warm as spring started to roll by for the summer, and thankfully I have air conditioning in this new home. Gifted to me by none other than, Victoria herself; who she was indeed a charismatic person to begin with…. My guess is that ever since the aftershock of the storm, she somehow had a change of heart and wanted to make amends in life, and doing so she wanted to make things right for all her wrong doings she has done during her High school years.
Anyhow, looking at the unique design the restroom had, it had indeed a small window for the light to shine in where the top cabinet's ones stood, but other than that everything else kind of remained the same. The only difference was the bathroom design, with painted light blue colors and its glossy tiles that gave the bathroom a positive vibe; I was indeed fascinated. As I turned on the shower faucet, the cooling breeze of the water was enough to get me fully awake from the tiredness I just got out of; it was indeed refreshing to begin with. Humming a sweet tune that was in my mind…. The type of sound of Music I enjoyed listening too was the one that I enjoyed during my wake up routines called "Something Good" by Alt-J.
After taking a well relaxing shower, I immediately, put on my descent clothes that I enjoy wearing during my free time; besides I don't care what others think of my taste in clothes just as long as I am comfortable. With that in mind, I immediately brushed my hair, and applied some make-up to look descent; I got my things…. Including the new camera that was gifted to me by Yasmin herself, on my birthday of last year; found out later on that it was Safi's idea to gift me a good camera for my upcoming projects. This camera was indeed helpful in the long run, as a faculty member back in Caledon University, it helped me give clear visual of the vintage stuff that I enjoyed reminiscing and capturing it to a canvas. It was bond between Safi and me, when things were normal and not all strange, we will always go exploring new abandoned places like the old Bowling alley that had its unique aura of vintage items that has been left behind, and picking dust.
I locked the place up real good and headed towards the center square of Arcadia Bay where the new diner stood. A place once called "The Two Whale Diner", the diner brought back memories that had its uniqueness such as their famous burgers and their well made Belgium waffles. I got out of my vehicle as I made my way from the parking lot and onto the diner that has been rebuilt, and altered to fit a much bigger crowd than its original size back when I was a teenager. Stepping foot into the pavement of the surrounding, I felt the cooling breeze of spring and admiring the full crowded people as they all wandered simultaneously in the town square. In plain sight there are some rude passerby's who have nothing to do than to cuss to whomever they bump into, or go into a fitting rage for no apparent reason.
"Out of the way….BITCH!!!" Said one of the passerbies's who was indeed drunk in the middle of the afternoon, and almost picking up a fight with another passerby who was just minding his own business.
"Get a life.... ASSHOLE!" replied the other passerby who was in a hurry, and looking at his cell phone for the time.
"Hey break it up you two…." Said the upcoming police officer who was sipping his coffee and enjoying his donut on his patrol car.
I lingered for a while and decided to turn my gaze back to the new Diner, where Joyce one's worked. The Diner was indeed exquisite and with is Silver color, gives that classic 60s vibes a metallic sheen. The place was still in the same area, but the structure was extended to a degree that it even had an outdoor eating area for locals and new comers to enjoy at the left side of its corridor. As I lingered the view of the Diner, I took my Camera out and aimed it at the new Logo that was on top of the Diner.
With the snap of my camera, I was able to get the perfect lighting from the rays of the sun that was coming out from behind the clouds….
"Perfect…." while seeing the results of my captured image in my camera.
I placed my camera back on my carryon bag and walked to the entry way of the Diner's side door. The area was a lot bigger; with couple of employees all wearing the same structural Uniform with the whale logo on the left side of their blue button T-Shirt, and wearing the white apron that covers partially the bottom part of their body. As mesmerizing as it was, the area was indeed homier with the smell of eggs and bacon, as I made my way to one of the booths; showing the front view of the Town Square itself. I sat down, and thankfully the Diner wasn't too crowded, and shifted my gaze out the window and seen the new Gas station that was across the street, and next to it was in fact the new Harbor where all boats are docked.
"This place sure has changed a lot, but some places are still the same…. And I am glad…But, I will probably stop by 'The Silver Dragon' and pay Charlotte a visit," remembering the surrounding areas where I grew, it helps me to forget the past. I even promised Ms. Charlotte that I will stop by her shop and pay her a visit.
One of the waitresses approached me with fresh coffee at hand and gave me that warm smile, a smile that reminded me of Joyce… "Why hello there gorgeous…Can I offer you some fresh coffee to brighten your afternoon?" She said as she poured me a cup of warm coffee.
"Oh yes please…." I replied feeling all jittery, like a child asking for candy.
She notices me and suddenly recognized me, "Max Caulfield? Is that really you sweetheart?"
Feeling all confused, I tried to picture who she was and that was until I noticed her name tag, 'Maggie Wallace'…. I now understood who she was and she was in fact one of Joyce old acquaintance who worked alongside with her, back when the old 'Two Whale's Diner' was standing.
"Ms. Wallace, of course I recognized you…. You and Joyce worked together as a couple if I remember correctly," I replied with clarity in mind, and reminiscing the old days when I came by the Diner with my folks to enjoy some delicious grub.
"It has been nearly 15 years hasn't it since I last seen you with your folks…. If I recall you and your folks had moved to Seattle…." Maggie said, giving me a strong vibe.
I was mesmerized by her natural beauty, knowing full well how much she aged and seeing her for the first time, she did mentioned having to leave the job due to a family emergency; leaving Joyce all alone. Maggie noticed my curiosity and started to mumble about wanting to come back to Arcadia Bay and start fresh a new opportunity in life again, by reviving the old Diner and bringing back the old menu and adding new stuff to it as well.
Not a care in the world I got out my booth and immediately embraced her…. she without hesitation giggled, as we exchanged glances, she noticed my sadness and loneliness in my eyes.
"Is something wrong Max? I can see it in your eyes…. You can tell me, if you want sweetie…" Maggie said, all cheery.
I hesitated at first, but started to confess how I felt coming back to this town and feeling odd of seeing some of the old places, now restored and well rebuild. Yet somehow, memories tend to flood back causing me to remember friends and love ones who are no longer here after the destruction of the storm.
"It's just that coming back to this town really brings back that loneliness in my heart, and regretted ever since, I came back to be honest, for me to abandoned this place…. Again…." Feeling regret and sympathy, I looked at Maggie and she continued to give me a smile and gave assurance.
"Now Max….darling… You must let go of the past. If you don't let go, it will slowly eat you alive, so don't blame yourself for what has happened to this town back then. The important thing is you are here, you are home now…." Maggie indeed had a way with words, as a wise person. She does have a way to make me feel better.
She didn't stop there and told me her reason for returning back to Arcadia Bay, "I know what happened to Arcadia Bay, and since I had to leave town due to a family emergency, I regretted it too, and sadly I left Joyce all alone during her time of need. She knew that I, as her friend had my own personal problems as well…. apart that she had lost her dear husband William in a car accident"
"You really think so, Ms. Maggie? I mean, look around us, this people all took this time to come to this old Town and give it life again, and yet I am afraid of what the future might hold for us…." I replied, feeling afraid of coming back to this old hometown. A place I swore to never return to.
"Now Max, no need to be afraid, and besides I chose to return after my husband retired and needed a place to relax, and Arcadia Bay was indeed one of those we, as a couple felt the need to finally return and settle down. After I heard that the town was finally restored, I chose to reopen the new diner, here in the same spot where the old Diner ones stood…. My husband of course gave me a suggestion to rename the diner in honor of my dear friend 'Ms. Joyce's Famous Two Whale Diner'," Maggie immediately shifted my gaze to a picture of Joyce in her uniform that was placed on top of the mural where the Jukebox stands in the same area where Chloe and I sat.
Astounding as it was I saw Joyce's image all smiling and looking bright as she had back then. I didn't hesitate but to glorify her mature beauty that even Chloe would have indeed smiled…. Seeing how much her mom meant to those who cared for her. Even though she is no longer with us, I still felt her presence from time to time watching over me and Chloe, and even seeing her in my dreams when I sleep.
We immediately shifted our conversation of her wanting to take my order, however, I noticed that the Diner was all quiet and didn't have that music vibe the customers always bragged about, until Maggie noticed my odd look as I wouldn't stop staring at the Jukebox….
"I know what you are thinking Max," She said, admiring my curious glands at the Jukebox, "Your probably wondering as to why my Diner is on silent mode, and why the Jukebox is not playing any music,"
"You read my mind….Guilty as charge," I laughed at her bizarre question.
"Unfortunately, the guy who sold us the Jukebox didn't tell us that it was not functioning properly and was in fact a refurbished one. Sadly, ran off with my money before I could get a hold of him, and I been trying to get a hold of anyone who can fix it since. But, for some reason their excuse was that they don't have the right materials to fix it, others wanted to overcharge me more than what is worth just to see the type of problem it has, and lastly, they expect me to get a new digital version of the Jukebox where Record players are no longer needed…. Obviously, I said to all of them…. 'Hell No' I got this Jukebox for a reason and I want to give this new place something vintage people can enjoy. Not some random techno stuff that kids these days listen to…" She said with a disappointing look.
"Well, I hope you get your Jukebox working, and in the meantime, I would love to try one of the old classic famous Belgium Waffles, with a sweet donut please…" I replied, with a grin in my face.
"Finally, you ordered something…. We of course still have that old Belgium Waffle recipe and is one of our top selling items on the menu. So one Belgium Waffle and a delicious sweet donut…. COMING UP!" feeling all jittery, she immediately retracted to the kitchen and addresses the staff to make my order.
Sitting back in my booth I scouted my surroundings and had immediate flashbacks of how things were with people ordering their meals, and Ms. Joyce taking anyone's order who approach the Diner with appetites in mind, or simply chatting with anyone she meets. Than all of a sudden my concentration was interrupted by the sound of music coming from the Jukebox, and out of nowhere a young man's head popped up as he slowly rose from the side of the counter, adjusting his glasses looking pleased as he approached the Jukebox and pressing one of the buttons and picking a song to play.
My eyes without deceiving me noticed who he was, and he was the same person I spotted in the academy, walking to the forest with his big luggage at hand. Only this time he was wearing proper attire, and not the old baggy sweat pants and sweater. As curious as I am, I wanted to approach him and ask him some questions at hand, but before I could Ms. Maggie came with my order in hand and set it down in front of me….
"Here you go sweetie, and enjoy…" She said with joy in her eyes, and walking towards the young man who managed to get the Jukebox fixed.
I remained in my booth and got a little nosey on the conversation Ms. Maggie had with the mysterious young man who looked descent enough to have a normal conversation…. Meanwhile I started to cut piece by piece my waffle and begin to nibble on it, while sipping my coffee at the same time.
"Oh my God this waffle is so good…. Not to mention the coffee here is fresh and well made," while savoring my waffle, I was eavesdropping on Ms. Maggie and the young man on their conversation.
…. "Well madam, I manage to locate and fix the problem of the Jukebox" said the young man while giving her a satisfying look.
"Oh, finally the old Jukebox is in working order again…. By the way what was the problem with it?" Ms. Maggie replied, with curiosity in mind
"Well madam, I found out that the old mechanism that runs the gears for the records to spin was fried, and some of the old wiring had to be replaced…." He showed her the old worn out things that came from the old Jukebox, "So it should be working fine now….Now if you need anything else that you need fixing…. Please don't hesitate to call me,"
I noticed her all excited to finally have the Jukebox in working order that she immediately gave the young man a nice hug and gave him some money for his troubles…. But he retracted himself from accepting it.
"No madam, you don't need to pay me…. You gave me a meal early this morning, and it's the least I can do and giving something back to society…." He said, demonstrating sincerity in his eyes and a kind smile.
"No son, you deserved this for your hard work, and don't you worry about the meal. I deduct this already from your pay and I am glad to have met a descent person like yourself, who gives his time in helping others in time of need…. So please take it, or else I will regret it, but other than that please stop by anytime…. For I may have some other things for you to look at," Maggie was indeed humbled as the young man accepted her offer, and took the money.
"Thank you Madam and yes you can count on me…. I will be around for now. Anyways I have to get going for I indeed am in need of supplies…. So take care Ms. Maggie, and be safe," He said as he gathered his things and had them neatly placed on his luggage.
He said his farewells to Ms. Maggie and slowly walked past by me, and in a mere second he and I made eye contact. I admire his unique wavy light brown hair, and seeing his glittering brown eyes that were sort of covered behind his glasses. He gave a warm smile as he headed out the door. My eyes never left him until he made a quick turn in the alley way of the street, and immediately disappeared from my plain of sight.
Ms. Maggie approached me and started to pick up my empty plate and cup, and without thinking much I asked her who he was and she replied with a smile….
"Who was that young man who fixed your Jukebox?"
"Oh that young man, his name is Allan. We met down the road when I had car troubles, and without any roadside assistance, he approached me and told me that he was able to fix it…. And in just two hours he found the problem of my car and had it running again, after words I offered him a free meal for the first time and he joyfully accepted it. Other than that, that is all I know about him," She said with sincerity in her eyes.
"So what does he do for a living, a part of fixing your Jukebox and vehicle?" I replied all confused and in need of answers.
"Well he does all kinds of work calling himself… a handyman for a living. Sadly, he doesn't have anyone to rely on to be fair, and he doesn't like to talk about himself much, but he is humble and always helps those in need of assistance from time to time," She said while slowly making her way to entrance of the kitchen.
As Glen once said to me….curiosity will kill the cat, and she was right about that for I was eager to find out who he is, and where he came from. Without second guessing myself, I got up of my booth and paid Maggie for my meal and hastily jested towards the door. Knowing me well, I always love to go on exploring old abandoned places, and what place to begin searching than the old Junkyard. The Place where Chloe and I used to hangout, a place she calls it her own sanctuary to unwind without a care in the world.
I drove the stretched highway to where the old abandoned Junkyard stands, I know it is there for it was the place where worthless things go, and I so happened to have stumble upon it during my move here to Arcadia Bay. However, I heard from Moses, that the Junkyard will sadly be removed due to the towns growing rate, and are in need of adding new project buildings in that area. Luckily, the town was able to relocate most of their disposable junk onto another site further away from the town. Leaving me with enough time to at least get some descent pictures along the way and hopefully look back on the things I enjoyed doing with Chloe before the site is completely gone for good.