FOUND A TREASURE!

VIOLET'S POV

Oh, Thank God! I have completed my list of items for the garage sale.

All I needed to do now is to collect them and set them up outside.

I have done posted it on all my social media account and some of our neighbors promised to come.

I'm so glad that most of them are not blinded by Darcy's stories and rumors about me.

It's quite a challenge to put up a garage sale on things that might be low quality for others and especially after the incident with Darcy.

But I have no choice. I'm puffing for air to calm my nerves.

I entered my mom's room to starts to declutter everything, from all her dresses, shoes, clothes, and divide it into three, things to keep, things to donate, and for sale.

Then, as I collected everything in her dresser, I found something, a treasure that I wanted to buy for a long time.

It makes my hand shaking, I couldn't believe what I found at the back of mom's folded clothes.

It's a Canon camera! And it has a model printed in front of the EOS D30. I'm speechless! I have never thought that mom had one.

She never talks about it and I couldn't remember that she had been using it during my birthdays, which we barely celebrated.

The excitement to check on it and its content boost my energy to get over with the garage sale.

Then suddenly, I heard a knock on the door.

"Violet... Violet?" I head out of the room, took the camera with me, and approached the door to open it.

"Hey, Violet! Are you ready to set up outside?" Ellie took her day off and offered help.

She has known about my resignation and about leaving Smithson Village.

"Darcy is not worth it, Violet! If she's the reason behind your leaving!" She talked to me that night after I have submitted my letter.

Mr. Smithson announced to everyone about my decision and they are all surprised.

Ellie keeps on asking why and I just told her that I'm leaving to search for my aunt then told her about my garage sale and now she's here as she said, "I wanted to pay it forward, you have helped me with my encounter with Darcy. This is my way of thanking you for being a great Assistant Manager."

And she hugged me tightly before we start our bike ride home after our shift.

"Hey, Violet! Are you okay? Is that camera included for the sale?" Her voice awakened me from my reverie.

"Uhm... No, this is my mom's camera and I will keep it as a remembrance of her." She nodded and look around and lead her inside while I put the camera on my backpack at the back of the door.

"I have already listed everything it's on the table and we will collect each on the list."

Then we started picking up things from tea sets, oven toaster, sewing machine, painting collections except for the painted photo of her and me when I was very young. Her old coats, her shoe collections, bags, and her doll collections.

I keep one of each of her clothes that would fit me, her famous brand sneakers, and her designer matte yellow box bag.

Mom is not a fan of all those luxury things but her designer clothes, shoes, and bags are all gifted to her.

All of those are being shipped from someone, she received them with no names on the boxes except hers.

The packages come during Christmas celebrations, Thanksgiving, and her birthdays.

Then every time I ask about it, she keeps shutting me out.

"Are you ready?" Ellie asked while holding the opposite side of the dining table.

We are taking out the dining set, and I left my favorite couch. Then, we carried the washing machine and the refrigerator outside in the garage.

We are all set on the garage after 3 hours of putting it up together.

The time says it's 9:30 am, I handed Ellie some water and clubhouse that I have prepared in advance.

I let her rested and eat. Then people started coming and checking things.

My first sale was sold 15 minutes after we have set up. It's the painting collections, designer shoes and bags, the dining set, and her doll collections.

That was a good start.

Then, someone called me from my back while checking on the customer, who is interested in my mom's old motorcycle.

"Hey, Violet!" I turned to face him. I knew it's Dawson.

He's wearing his black leather coat, black jeans in his sneakers, and his hair so sleek like a model for men's shampoo.

"Ellie..." I called out and signaled her to assist the customer.

Then face Dawson again. "Hey, you're here! I dunno, if there's something you want from my garage sale since mostly, are all for women?" I flashed my smirk, hiding the feeling of awkwardness, having him around.

"Yeah, I just want to check on you and I... wanted to see you." He scratched the back of his head.

Then he continued. "Uhm... I'm sorry... if I was not there during your mom's wake, and I'm sorry for all the troubles caused by Darcy, and I was not there to protect you."

"Dawson... you do not need to say sorry. I am not your responsibility but thank you for your concern and thanks for dropping by." I turned my back on him when another customer asked something about the sewing machine.

"Could we talk again later? At the Junction by lunch? It's my treat! You can bring Ellie with you." He interrupted.

"Please excuse me! Violet, I need the price on the motorcycle." Ellie blocks Dawson and dragged me towards the customer.

I know that I need to accept Dawson's offer. If mom is around she will be mad at me if I don't.

"Yes, we will see you by lunch!" I called out and his facial expression changes from guilt to delight then left in his motorcycle.

"What is that Violet? Darcy will hate us more if she knew about our lunch with Dawson." Ellie whispered in my ears, she's afraid that we will be in trouble.

We completed the garage sale in just a matter of 2 hours, everything was sold for two thousand dollars and it makes me happy.

Then, I checked my phone for the time, its says 11:30 am, it's time for lunch.

"Are you sure about this Violet? We are going to have lunch with Dawson?"

"Hey, just relax Ellie! Dawson is a friend of mine. I just wanted to take this chance to clear things with him before I'm leaving." I'm trying my best to convince Ellie to come with me to have lunch.

"Yeah, I just hope Darcy will not be around at the Junction by lunch!" I understand her, she does not want any trouble with Darcy again.

"Don't worry Ellie... everything's gonna be fine." I hold her hand and squeezed them.

After cleaning up everything and locked up the house, we are heading towards the Junction for lunch on our bikes.

The parking area is full as we parked our bikes on our parking spot.

It looks like the Junction is crowded for lunch.

And I saw Dawson's motorcycle parked already.

Ellie and I walked towards the entrance and customers are lined up on the counter.

I could hear Mr. Smithson's voice putting up the orders on the kitchen window and Lily is on the counter.

She smiled as she saw us entering the doorway.

Then, I scanned the dining area and look for Dawson, and saw him on the back portion of the dining.

He stood up when he saw me coming while Ellie followed me and whispered "Could I just seat at the next table?" I nodded just to keep her feel comfortable.

Dawson helped me seated like he always does in the past when they come to visit our house for occasions.

He cleared his throat and said "I already ordered your favorite food and I asked Lily to decide for Ellie. Hope you do not mind?"

"No, it's fine! That's quick thinking especially there are too many customers coming in today. Thank you!"

"I have heard about your resignation and your plan of leaving. Why?" His questioning eyes meet mine and I lowered my head.

"Yeah, I need to. I have to search for my aunt and I need to travel far. I'm not sure if I could return in Smithson."

"Oh? Do you have an aunt? Never heard your mom talk about it." He looks at me sternly.

"Yes, I know but before mom left. She handed me a letter addressed to my aunt. So, I guess... it's just right to find her."

Then suddenly, the waiter interrupted us by serving our lunch.

"Thank you!" we said in unison.

Then we started our lunch and he asked again, "And when are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow or the next day. I still need to get in touch with her before going. I just settled the house first to help me raise some funds to use."

"Do you need help? I could always talk with Dad about it. You know well, how he favored you so much." He giggled.

"No, it's okay. I'm good!" I chewed and enjoyed my double patty burger with cheese, veggies, and tomatoes.

[I do not want to take advantage of Mr. Quest's kindness, he might expect something in return.]

"Are you sure? Or maybe I could drop you off at the airport?"

[Yeah, Dawson is a nice guy. Everybody loves his kindness and his almost perfect character.]

I nodded and said, "Thank you!"

"Could you do me a favor? Please let Mr. Quest know about my leaving? And thank him for everything that he does for my mom. I appreciate it."

"Yes, will do!" Then, we silently completed our lunch.

Then suddenly, my phone rings.

I took it from my pocket and tap to received the call, "Hello? Margaret! What? I couldn't understand you. Where are you?"

"Can you hear me?" Margaret asked.

"Yes, that's better!" I signaled to Dawson that I need to take the call.

I stood up and walked towards the door and exited.

"Hello, Violet! You listen very carefully, okay?"

"Yes, what's the matter, Margaret?" I could hear her shaky voice on the line.

"So, you see... Mr. Baron Evans needs a new secretary and I referred you to him. I know you need a better job with higher compensation, now that you are alone."

"But Margaret! There's something that I need to do. It was on that letter that my mom gave me."

[Ugh! I'm now getting confused on how to do things as I plan.]

"You could always work in England and you can do things as you pleased on your days off."

"England? So, you mean Mr. Evans is in England?" [How could that be? That's very coincidental. Castle Quest is in England too!]

"Yes, that's right! And I'm already on Mr. Evans's plane. In 2 hours, we will be at the Ted Stevens Airport. We will meet you there!" She seemed so excited and happy, opposite the last time that we've talked.

"You are going to pick me at the airport? Is this for real?"

"Yes, it is! Better pack up your things and I will see you soon." Then the call ended without my response.

I run back inside the Junction and saw Ellie stood up and meet me halfway.

"Hey, Violet! I need to go home. I need to do some errands as mom requested." She smiled and hug me, "See you around Violet! You take care of yourself. Hope you could come and visit again."

"Yes, I will. Thank you, Ellie!" Then she left.

I never thought that Eleanor the blabbermouth is the sweetest person in the world!

[Yeah. Don't judge the book by its cover or don't judge the book by its character, but instead read more to know what's inside the content!]

Then I returned to my seat and told Dawson about Margaret's call.

"Thank you for the lunch, Dawson! I need to go now. I need to pack my things."

"Can I help you? I could spare some time just to be with you before you go?"

"Uhm... Alright, thank you!" I couldn't say no to him, his family has been so kind to us.

"Can you just give me a minute?" I run towards the kitchen and bid goodbye to Mr. Smithson, Molly and James.

Then, I drop by the counter to chat with Lily while nobody's on the line and bid goodbye.

Then we left the Junction.

I ride my bike for the last time, taking in all the beautiful views of Smithson Village.

Dawson drives his motorcycle slowly next to my bike and we silently followed my secret route towards the house.

After 8 minutes, we're parked outside.

I jump off my bike and locked them up and rushed towards the door to open them.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is an hour ride from Smithson Village.

I should be able to pack everything in 30 minutes!

And I have decided to leave my fat bike, the couch, the gas range, and other things that were left inside the house to Dawson.

"Are you sure? I could always sell them and send you the money! You just need to leave me your bank details." He said while he's helping me packing my things in my room.

"Hey, Vi! I just want to say... I'm sorry about what happened to you and Darcy. I have heard people are talking about the incident at the Junction, at the supermarket, and your encounter on the road. So, you see... we already broke up last month. I couldn't handle her attitude and character anymore." I could feel the pain in his voice and tilt my head up to face him.

"Hey, cheer up! Darcy does not worth our time and emotions. It's not your fault! I think she's sick, she needs medical help." Then lowered my head, started taking in my shirts, jeans, undergarments, and toiletries inside my luggage and my shoes and other stuff goes to my hand carry.

"You have a lot of clothes Vi! Do you still have a bag for this?" He is handing the portrait of me and my mom.

"Could you keep it for me, please? I will get it back once I'm settled in England." His eyes spark and nodded.

Then, he looks at me and said, "That's a beautiful necklace!"

I stood up to avoid talking about it and rushed towards the door to get my backpack, I do not want to forget the camera.

And he didn't bother to ask more about it.

Then he cleared his throat, "Do you want me to send you off to the airport?"

[Oh Gawd! I forgot to tell Mr. Smithson about my transportation and I know he couldn't send me off since it's quite a busy day for them! I have no choice but accept Dawson's offer.]

"Uhm... Yeah, yes you can but we couldn't bring all of these on a motorcycle?"

"Give me 10 minutes, I'll be right back! I will take Dad's car since he's home right now." I nodded and he left quickly.

Then I packed the last items that need to go in my luggage and closed everything.

I breathe in and out, releasing the tension inside my head.

Too many questions keep on rolling on my head.

What's the connection of Mr. Baron Evans with my mom?

Why does mom never mentioned him?

Who is Mr. Evans in my mom's life?

Well... I need to find it out.