swritinghubClaire - Part two

This is my submission to Creative Writing- Part One - Write Something And Win Some SBD run by @aubreyfox

photo courtesy of pixabay

Claire stepped around Banshee and stooped to scratch behind her ears. Funny Banshee, didn’t cause a ruckus. The 10 year old Collie mix always barked when people came to the door.

Through the heavy screening on the door, she could make out a tall, shadowy figure. Goodness. She wasn’t expecting any parcel deliveries this week.

A deep masculine voice called out, “Good morning. I hope I’m not disturbing you?”

Holding the rickety old door closed, she leaned a little closer. “No, not all.” came the hesitant reply. Truth be told, any diversion these days was a welcome respite from her mundane life.

“How may I help you, sir?”

The figure stepped closer to the door. She could see he was tall, lanky and wore a battered stetson cocked jauntily on his head.

“Just dropped by to introduce myself. I am your new neighbor, Jake Rogers. I moved into the old Eaton place a few weeks ago and thought it was time to meet my neighbours.”

Claire cautiously opened the door and stepped out onto the well worn porch. May as well be neighborly. Perhaps he has a wife she could visit. It had been some time since she had a friend.

“Hi. I’m Claire. Claire Monteith.” She reached out to accept his proffered weathered hand and tentatively shook it. She felt as awkward as a schoolgirl. Now what was supposed to do? Oh, yes. Make some polite conversion.

“I just made some fresh coffee. Would you like a cup?” What was she thinking?

“Sure. If it’s not too much trouble.” He spoke with a deep and rich voice. His steely blue eyes seemed to twinkle when he spoke.

“No, trouble at all. Why you don’t you have a seat and I’ll bring us a couple of cups.” she indicated that he should take a seat at the small wooden table in the corner of the large porch. She turned and quickly entered the house. What on earth was she thinking? She knew Frank didn’t like having strangers around...

She almost tripped over Banshee lying in the middle of the hall. “Well, you’re some help today, aren’t you?” Banshee just looked up with her soulful eyes and made a disgruntled ugh sound. Obviously, she didn’t like to be disturbed either.

Claire could hear a soft whistling coming from the porch while she busied herself preparing the coffee. Something stirred inside her. She shoved it out of her mind. Task at hand. She reached for some cinnamon buns she had made late last night. Hoped her guest liked the buns. It was all she had to offer.

To be continued...