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'Green Dale' was a small hill station, where everyone
knew everyone. Most of the inhabitants of this small sleepy town had opened a
shop each to cater to the needs of the townsfolk as well as the tourists of
which there were many. People from nearby towns and cities as well as small
villages liked to come to 'Green Dale' for short holidays. The town had a Post
Office, a Police Station and a small Hospital. There was one School, a College
and a Hostel for both boys and girls. The town had one good Hotel, one Motel but
several small inns and paying guest accommodations. The town's Church was in the
middle with gardens surrounding it. The town also had a small Museum and several
shops which sold handmade gift items.
Mr. Swift had a tailoring shop while his brother was a butcher. Penny Goldsmith
was the local women's Hairdresser while her husband Paul had his own Men's
Salon. Jeffery Smith had opened a General Store while his wife Nadine sold jewellery. Mr. Sobers was in charge of the local Club and his uncle Theodore had
opened a Stationery Shop.
Clothes both readymade and otherwise were sold by the Bennets. Matt and Pete
were brothers who owned the shop called 'The
Cloth Shop', whole their wives Gabby and Millie, both sisters, helped in
the Ladies Boutique attached to the Cloth Store. Every item from lingerie to
coats could be obtained here together with all types of material. Angie was the local Florist
whose shop also sold gift items.
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The main street of 'Green Dale' named
'Rose
Street' was the home of 'Yummies',
the one and only Restaurant in this small town.
It was owned by Giles Denver, a tall lanky man, who was both a
master Chef
as
well as a beautifully mannered man. His charm was such that anyone visiting 'Yummies'
always found time to come again. The restaurant had a quaint look and at the
door stood a Dwarf who ushered people in with a bow and a dazzling smile. Jacko,
the dwarf was extremely loyal to his master Giles with whom he had been for
nearly two years. The red and white painted Restaurant was quite large and
pleasant music greeted the customers. The ambience was such that people relaxed
instantly and Giles himself helped people choose what was best for them. Tea
time rush at the 'Yummies' was indeed to be reckoned with because that was when
Mrs. Hope served freshly baked tarts and quiches to the customers.
'Yummies' catered to all kinds of nationalities hence, Chinese, Japanese,
Continental, Thai as well as some Indian dishes were prepared by different
master cooks. |
Today the restaurant was booked for Pinky's Birthday Party in the evening at 5.
It was her sixteenth birthday and many guests had been invited. Sid and Sophia,
Pinky's parents were there at 4:30 to see if Giles needed any help. "Do sit down
you two and have Coffee. Everything is ready for the party. Belinda, Mrs. Hope
is putting finishing touches to the Chocolate and Vanilla Cake. Ronny has
finished making the Cheese, Chicken and Ham Club Sandwiches. Moira has made
small Sweet Buns and pastries, while Timothy has turned out lovely Mushroom and
Cheese Patties.
The guest will be served Lemonade and Ginger Beer which will be
on the house of course," smiled Giles. "We can't thank you enough you good man.
You seem to have everything in order. All we need do is enjoy, it seems,"
laughed Sid. Just then, Pinky arrived with her sister Ashley. She was looking fab in her new dress of Magenta and Grey Satin designed specially for her by
Gabby and Millie of the Cloth Store Boutique. "Oh! Mr. Giles, I see you have
cleared space in the middle for some dancing as well. How nice. Thanks a lot,"
said Pinky. "You are welcome my dear. When are your friends arriving?" asked
Giles. "They should be here any minute now," replied Pinky twirling her skirt
around. Just then the gang entered and the cake cutting ceremony took place with
everything singing 'Happy Birthday to you'. Jacko the dwarf had wished Pinky as
she entered and had presented her with a bouquet of Red Roses. Pinky was
delighted with the flowers and thanked Jacko again as he joined in the chorus of
singing Birthday Songs.
Next month was the time for a big dinner at 'Yummies'. It was given by Mr. and
Mrs. Roland Smith who were celebrating their 5th Marriage Anniversary. About
thirty guests would be coming and Giles was busy with the shopping and
preparations. He was going to make the Lemon
Souffle Pudding for dessert himself while the rest of the menu had been
divided between Belinds, Moira, Ronny and Timothy.
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One day, while Giles was outside his restaurant talking to Jacko, a girl of
about twenty something came near them and said - "You must be Mr. Giles. I'm
Wendy. I have just been thrown out of my aunt's house because she doesn't like
me staying there. My parents died last year and I stayed with Aunt Cathy in the neighbouring village. She doesn't want me anymore and I have no place to go. If
you will give me a chance, I could sing at Yummies for a pittance and a place to
sleep." "Well, I don't know. What do you say Jacko, should we try Wendy out?"
"Yes master, I think we should. First we have to hear her out." So Wendy was
asked to sing and her voice was so lovely that everyone at the restaurant
clapped for more. |
Every evening, Wendy sang beautifully for the customers and more people started
visiting Yummies. Sometimes people waited outside for their turn at one of the
tables. Moira had agreed to share her room with Wendy who was both well mannered
as well as hard working. Throughout the day when Wendy was free, she helped
everyone who wanted help doing odd jobs happily.
Giles had developed a soft corner for Wendy and within 3 months of her arrival
he asked her to be his wife. Everyone was happy for them and in the coming
November, Giles and Wendy became husband and wife.
This evening, Belinda, Moira, Ronny and Timothy had thrown a private party for
the newly weds and Yummies was sparking with coloured lights and Jacko had a
special smile on his face which reflected happiness and satisfaction.
Contributing Story
Teller::
Amita
enjoys writing about her
experiences as well as short stories for children and poems. Contact her at :
amita17149@hotmail.com
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