The Rustic Papers Book Club

Saturday rolled around the corner faster than I expected. It's been a long time since I showed up at a gathering. While I was in the city, I always spent my free time in isolation with Mocha and writing my blogs. The only reason why I used to pop at reunions was the hope of seeing him among all those loud laughs and clinking of beer glasses. Though no one acknowledged my presence I would still go to every single one of them without fail. I was at the point of giving up when I heard one of the guys say that he was going to meet Daniel next week as he has come back after finishing his study abroad. My eyes were glistening right after hearing that. I was going to stop coming to these but hearing his name made me gain back some of the hope that I lost. Soon my friends started getting married. Another place to show up. But I was still left disappointed. He never showed up to any events. Then I moved here leaving everything behind and here I was standing in front of my closet dazing into it wondering what I should wear. I saw Mocha looking at me through the mirror from the bed, still half asleep. I smiled at his cuteness and brought my attention back to the clothes hanging. A satisfied smile slowly crept to my lips as I moved closer, picking up a pale beige pleated skirt and a lilac oversized crop sweater. 'Come here you little devils... Today is your day.' I said as I placed them on the bed and went back to the closet picking up a beige trench coat.

A good forty minutes had passed and I was all ready for the night. I looked at the watch and it was 8.45 pm. I looked at Mocha, gave him his snack and left him in the house after planting a kiss on his forehead. I was going out for the first time in a while. What's more special is that this time it is not with the hopes of seeing someone but for myself and have a good time there. I headed to the cafe with a warm feeling even though the weather was chill.

I could see the cafe from a distance as I reached closer to it. All the shops around the town were shut and the cafe was the only place from which light illuminated. I walked closer and finally reached the cafe. As I held the doorknob, I took a glance inside. I could see people, maybe ten, maybe fifteen talking to each other. The bell on the door did its duty to bring all the attention to me as I entered. I made eye contact with Chris. Chris made his way to me smiling and everyone went silent, curious to know the new face in the club. He stood next to me and faced the rest of the people inside the cafe.

"Everyone, this is Jane. She moved to our town a few days ago. So I thought I'd invite her to our club so that she gets to know some of the people here." He said as everyone smiled at me as a welcome. I returned the smile. But boy oh boy the awkwardness of being in a crowd was making a comeback. I tried to be as normal and natural as possible while making my way through the people getting to know them. Everyone was very friendly to me. I couldn't remember everyone's name but I remembered a few people's names.

There was Mr Adams, the owner of the paint shop around the corner. He was very friendly but there was a certain vibe with him that made me a bit nervous to talk a lot. He seemed like the type to be into really dark literature. Maybe it's the deep and sharp complexion he has even in his mid ages. Then there was Miss Wooder. From just a glance you can conclude that she was a strong and independent woman. Her high waisted pants, brown pants and boots and white shirt with a high ponytail was perfect for completing the vibe. She owned a studio and a tools shop adjacent to it in the next block from the cafe. I made a few more but out of all those people, I could talk a lot more with ease with Sylvia. She was around my age. A beautiful and sweet brunette with hazel eyes. She and Chris are childhood friends and neighbours and they seemed very close too. I was making small conversations with Mr Adams again when Chris came to the middle of the group and asked everyone to take their seat. He continued, "As Jane is not used to the club I'll tell you how it works. Every week we choose a book and read it. We take turns to suggest the book. Usually, we pass around the book that one has. Sometimes when someone goes to the city we get two-three more copies. All the books will remain in the small library that the cafe has so that the customers can read them too. Only regulars know about the library. It's more like a hidden spot. We get people who come from other cities who come to visit the cafe and the library hearing it from blogs and such. Last week was Sylvia's turn and she suggested that we switch things up a little bit and read this quite popular blog." I looked at Sylvia and smiled and she returned it. I looked back at Chris and he was waiting for me to say something. I didn't know what to say. Sylvia spoke at that moment. "You might have heard about the blog, It's called ' Hi Daniel'. "

My eyes widened so much that they would pop out. I mean I do know my blog has quite a good number of readers but I thought that someone will be introducing me to my own blog. "Have you read it, Jane?" asked Miss Wooder. I snapped out from my thoughts and nodded slightly in agreement. "Actually, the writer Irene also moved from a city to a small town like this recently. Such a coincidence!" Said a guy who had a similar complexion to that of Chris' from the back. "I'm Jack, Chris' younger brother." I smiled at him and turned to the front to face Chris again. So why don't we get into the discussion?" suggested Chris and everyone agreed.

Sylvia asked for a hand to pass the cookies and tea. And I got up to go to the back of the cafe. While I was putting the glasses in the tray I heard the bell ring indicating that someone had come in. I heard everyone welcome him by saying that he was late. "The voice... His voice seems very familiar... I have heard it before... I wonder who it is...." I thought as I took the tray to the front and the face that I saw did not fail to shock me.

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