~BOOK THREE~

~BOOK THREE~

(10/2 11.00pm)

Tarts and orchids.

Those old people are fond of saying, in a neighbourhood, it is best to get to know everyone. To greet everyone whenever you see them walking past you, to bring baked cakes and wines to the new neighbours, to share your basket of plucked roses with them, to play poker together, and to have tea at times together. 

     "Zoe, look!" Sarah pointed out at the window. 

The panes were blue and they had soft white laces covering them. The windows were like those that you see in old classical movies where there will be a latch in the center, which you will have to pull down and push out the window glass to let air come in. Zoe attended this to her manager who then searched all through Alaska for those old timer carpenters. I guess Mr. Chen Jacque was the man. Weird, but the he was a Chinese. About 55 years in age. And in that age, his skills were undoubtedly impressive.

     "What?" Zoe headed to the window.

She drew the white laces aside and then looked. Sarah was at her side too. Her glass of water was kept on the counter. Both of them peeked through. 

     "Where is Mrs Valley?" Zoe asked.

     "No idea girl, I guess she sold off her house. The neighbours were gossiping that she had debts all over her waist and had no one to attend to. How much you do you think the Semi-D would go for in this era?" Sarah briefly explained.

     "It will be a good cover for Socks. 'Lady in debt. House goes for sale!' What' cha think?" Sarah then continued before Zoe could speak up. 

Socks was the tabloid company Sarah worked for. Being in there for almost a decade has positioned her in a stable rank. Sarah Apples had her own office and her own desk. She even had her own mini refrigerator where she stored her daily pack of  lime soda. You see, Sarah has this weird addiction to lime soda that without it, her articles never go right. 

     "Pretty good! But look, the guy unloading his stuff. You can't be kidding me that Mrs Valley actually sold her grand home to this young chap? Not to mention, her annoyance for youngsters especially the guys!" Zoe told.

      She was quite shocked.

     "Hmmm, i guess when you're desperate, even young guys appear to be your savior!" Sarah replied.

The both of them stared at the guy. It was rather sunny and the heat was scorching. Sarah and Zoe felt they needed to do something.

     "Lets pay our neighbour a visit later!" both of the girls cried.

     "I'll get some tarts at the pastry nearby. Uncle Zee's tarts are good" Sarah volunteered.

     "Great. And, I will just stay around and make him some marigold tea...." Zoe said and then her voice went down thinking.

     "Er..do you think it sounds ok?" She said feeling a bit shy.

     "C'mon, he's new to the neighbourhood. Thats what people give. Pastries and teas!" Sarah told and zoomed upstairs to get changed.

     The car keys were already in her grip.

     Those old people used to say that it is good to get to know everyone. To greet everyone whenever you see them walking past you, to bring baked cakes and wines to the new neighbours, to share your basket of plucked roses with them, to play poker together, and to have coffee at times together. 

     Tarts and teas as well.