Down on Daffodil Lane

She walked up the road which led her out of Daffodil Lane and turned right along the footpath, alongside which ran the road that led towards the shops and places to eat. As she walked, Maria inhaled deeply and caught the faint scent of honeysuckle in the air. On the opposite side of the road, a row of impressive houses sat proudly, tall gates secluding them from the rest of the area. She peered at them, with their double-breasted chimneys and stained-glass windows and wondered about the people who lived there. Families? Couples? Were the men within of the same kind as Mike? Playing away while their wives sat at home, loyally waiting for them to get back? How would she ever trust another man again? Did she even want to?

She forced her focus away from the houses, realising she’d gone off down a path of thought she hadn’t anticipated and didn’t want to continue down. She supposed the idea of another man coming into her life after Mike didn’t seem feasible. They’d been together for such a long time, since secondary school, and the thought of someone else taking Mike’s place in her life was terrifying. But could she really and truly cut herself off from the idea of another relationship in the future? Was she destined to now spend the rest of her life alone? She’d always been such a hopeless romantic and an avid believer in her and Mike lasting forever. She wasn’t quite sure what to believe now. Did true love even exist? These thoughts, amongst others, fluttered about in Maria’s mind as she began to approach town, keeping her occupied as the distance between herself and Harriet’s Place lessened.

When she arrived, Maria again began to notice things she hadn’t seen the day before. It really was a pretty little place. She passed by a bakery with its door propped open, allowing the heavenly scent of freshly-baked bread to seep out into the air. There was a florist too, with a brilliantly bright selection of blooms on offer. Colourful foil windmills had been propped amid the flowers, and the sight of them twirling in the breeze made her smile and reminded her of how much she’d loved playing with those as a little girl. Continuing on her way, she walked by a gift shop, the exterior painted playdough-blue, with a wonderfully charming display of photo frames, cards and teddies in the window. She couldn’t believe she’d missed it all the day before. It was colourful and eye-catching. And then, just a couple more steps away, sat Harriet’s Place, and just the sight of it lifted her heart. She knew that when she stepped inside, she’d be greeted like an old friend.

‘Oh, hello love!’ Harriet smiled when the door closed behind Maria. ‘Back again? Lovely to see you.’

‘Well, after the food you served yesterday I couldn’t keep away’ Maria laughed lightly as she peered around for a table to sit down at. It wasn’t yet busy, thankfully, so she had quite a few choices. She walked past the counter and couldn’t stop her greedy eyes from creeping towards the slices of chocolate fudge cake, moist and soft. ‘Do you make all of this yourself?’ Pulling out a chair, Maria took a seat and shrugged off her jacket. She hung it across the back of the chair and picked up a menu. She already knew what she would order, but wanted to have a proper perusal just because she had the time to do so.

‘I certainly do,’ Harriet replied. ‘All freshly baked by yours truly.’

‘Wow, that’s impressive. I have to say, they look delicious.’

‘Thanks, love. I’m proud of my creations. My mother was a passionate baker and I think it must be genetic. I’ve been honing the skill ever since I was little.’ Harriet winked. ‘So, what’ll it be this morning?’

‘I think I’ll go for the cooked breakfast again please,’ Maria said. ‘What you served yesterday was heavenly, I had to come back for more.’

Harriet chuckled heartily. ‘My, you keep going with those compliments and my head will pop. One cooked breakfast coming right up,’ she said, scribbling it down onto a small notepad. ‘Let me take this through to the kitchen and I’ll be right back to sort a drink out for you.’ Harriet slipped into what Maria presumed was the kitchen and reappeared just a few seconds later. ‘Coffee? Tea?’

‘White coffee please, two sugars.’ Maria looked around. ‘It’s quiet today.’

‘It is, but don’t be fooled by it. Just you wait until lunchtime. This place will fill up like a hot air balloon. Enjoy the peace while it lasts, that’s all I can say.’ Harriet delivered Maria’s drink to the table with a smile and sat down in the opposite chair. ‘I hope you don’t mind if I join you for a few minutes? I’ve been working my socks off since five o’clock this morning, and you seem like a nice enough person.’ She yawned as she wiggled around to get comfy.

Maria sipped her coffee delicately, aware of the steam curling up from the surface. ‘Of course not. Sounds like you could do with a break. Do you have far to travel to work in the morning?’

‘Oh, no!’ Harriet laughed. ‘I live right upstairs, in the flat above the café.’

Surprised, Maria placed her cup down and looked up at the ceiling. ‘Really? Gosh, it must be tiny. Have you always lived up there?’

‘No, not always. My late husband and I moved into this place about thirty years ago. We had a vision in our minds of opening up our own café and, with hard work and determination, that’s exactly what we did. It didn’t look like this at first, I can tell you. It was a complete mess. I’m not sure what the place had been previously but it had stunk to high-heaven of cigarettes and booze. We practically had to fumigate the place. It took a while to really take shape but it was worth it once we’d finished. I’ve never lived anywhere since. I don’t think I could leave because it’s where we spent so much time together, side by side. And as for the flat? It is very small but the perfect size for me. I have everything I need up there, and it’s been home for so long now. It’s quite comfy when you see it, everything has its own place and I do enjoy watching my soaps up there of an evening. Peter used to love watching them too, surprisingly. He seemed to enjoy anything that I enjoyed. We were like two peas in a pod.’

Maria smiled softly. ‘I’m sorry about your husband. Was he very young?’

‘He was rather young, yes. But then again, any age would have been too young in my eyes. He’d always had problems with his heart, and this one turned out to be a bigger problem than all of the others. Still, he hasn’t left me, not really. He’ll always be with me in here.’ Harriet placed her hand upon her chest and closed her eyes momentarily. ‘Plus, I have this place which we both built up from the ground, so I’ll never really forget him. I suppose what I could have done once I found myself alone was go and see the world but, for me, it didn’t hold much appeal. This place is my home and always will be. I think I’ll remain here forever, or at least until I join Peter again.’ She smiled, and Maria realised she really liked the woman sat opposite her. There was a softness about Harriet that rubbed off and seemed to soothe even Maria herself. She enjoyed being in her company very much, and she’d only sat down at the table a short while ago.

‘That’s lovely.’ Maria took another sip of her coffee. ‘And no one can blame you for staying anyway. The area is gorgeous. You could travel the world but afterwards, I suppose there’s no place like home, is there?’

‘You’re right there. So, what’s your story?’ asked Harriet. Her eyes sparkled and she sat up a little straighter in her chair.

‘My story?’ laughed Maria, wondering what Harriet meant. Did she have a story? Perhaps, but she didn’t think it was an interesting one, not the sort she’d like to share with Harriet anyway. She’d probably bore the poor woman to death.

‘Yes. You know,’ Harriet continued, ‘what you’re about, where you come from. Why you’re here, too. I always remember faces, so I know I definitely haven’t seen yours before. It’s Maria, isn’t it? I haven’t gone and got your name wrong?’

‘It is,’ Maria nodded.

‘Don’t worry,’ tittered Harriet. ‘I’m not stalking you. I overheard your friend yesterday. He’s a handsome chap. Brother, is he?’

Maria laughed. ‘My! You really don’t miss a trick, do you? That was my brother, Robert.’

‘I thought as much. You look so alike. So come on then, what’s your story? You mentioned that you’re only here temporarily yesterday, when your brother mentioned the job to you?’

‘I’m here for a bit of a holiday, I suppose. Life’s been a bit… surprising recently, so a bit of time-out was very much needed. One of my mother’s friends has a cottage which she and her husband are planning to rent out next year, a bit of a holiday home if you will, over on Daffodil Lane?’ She saw Harriet’s eyebrows lift, she was obviously impressed. ‘She offered it to me, as a place to sort myself out and relax for the summer. I’m going to be doing a bit of painting and decorating while I’m there too. I suppose I’m here to get away from the stress of… recent events. So, here I am.’ She grinned. ‘Thankfully, I think it’s beginning to work.’

‘So what surprises has life thrown your way? I’m intrigued.’ Harriet leant forward on the table.

‘A divorce.’ Maria drank more coffee, feeling that there was no point in lying about it. ‘A cheating husband, which was very surprising. I certainly didn’t see it coming, anyway.’ She felt her muscles relax. It was a relief to be able to get it out, and Harriet didn’t seem like the type to judge, so it wasn’t hard to confess the truth to her.

‘Oh dear,’ Harriet murmured. She had the grace to look away, but then turned straight back. ‘I’m so very sorry to hear that. It sounds like you’ve been through a tough time of it lately. Well, you’re here now, that’s the main thing, and if I know one thing, it’s that Loland Green will fix you!’

Maria smiled. ‘How so?’ She was genuinely intrigued by Harriet’s comment.

‘Well, it’s a beautiful place, isn’t it? Those cottages on Daffodil Lane are like something out of a magazine. They’re so dreamy, and I imagine the place you’re staying in will work its magic on you sooner or later, if it hasn’t already.’

‘I have to admit, Loland Green is utterly gorgeous. I was sat in the conservatory yesterday admiring the view. Fields upon fields upon fields. Not a single office block or row of houses in sight. It’s a refreshing change, I must say, especially from where I live. Everything is so straight-edged and plain. It’s different here. More open and it makes me feel quite free.’

Harriet nodded in agreement. ‘That’s it. You’re already noticing how wonderful it is, and you’re right. Why do you think I’ve never left? On a Sunday, when this place is closed, I take myself off for a walk. Sometimes I’ll even pack some sandwiches and eat them by the lake, watching the swans and listening to the birds. You’ll have to join me one day. You’ll love it.’

‘That sounds nice. Thanks for the offer. I’d love to.’

‘Excellent. That’s settled then. I think by the time summer reaches its end, you’ll be feeling better than ever. You mark my words.’ She winked playfully.

‘I hope you’re right.’ It was then that Maria remembered the vow she’d made to herself the day before – to be happy once more by the end of summer. It seemed like a good omen that Harriet was echoing that promise, and Maria felt renewed optimism for her time here in Loland Green.

‘Anyway, I must stop chatting. I’m trying to get ahead of myself for the lunchtime rush, what with no waitress to help out. Have you thought any more about it? The vacancy, I mean? No pressure of course, but I think you’d fit in quite nicely here.’

Maria squirmed. ‘Not really. I just don’t think I’d be of much use.’ It was a stupid excuse but the only one she could come up with right then. The more time she’d spent chatting to Harriet that morning, the more she’d felt herself warming towards her. Even the story of how the café had come to be had made her feel more connected to it. It had a whole history, and Harriet and her husband’s life had taken place here. It was more than just a business to make money, she realised. It was full of memories for the owner, and Maria wasn’t surprised she’d never left. She didn’t think that she’d ever want to, if she was in Harriet’s shoes. It was obvious how much the café meant to its owner and, after that morning, Maria felt like she’d known Harriet for years.

‘Nonsense. You’d be fantastic as my waitress. As long as you’re friendly and quick on your feet, you’re perfect for the role. It’s only part-time hours so you wouldn’t be here all of the time, which could work quite well alongside your painting? Still, I don’t want to force you into it. It certainly sounds like you need the break, so if you’d prefer to take it nice and easy while you’re here, I’ll completely understand. There are better ways to spend a summer than waiting on people, but it’s there to think about anyway.’

A customer entered the café then, and Harriet’s attention shifted from Maria to the harried newcomer. ‘Good morning, Millie!’ she called brightly.

‘Hi! Hi! Oh, bugger.’ Millie, in her haste, had walked straight into a chair and was now flapping her hands about her face to calm herself down. Hastily, Millie pushed the skew-whiff chair back beneath the table she’d kicked it out from and closed her eyes momentarily to calm herself. ‘I’m late. For everything,’ she declared dramatically, like a movie star, and she certainly looked like one too. ‘Susie was an absolute nightmare this morning, refusing to get dressed, refusing to eat her breakfast. I had to carry her into nursery, because she decided to lie down on the ground and wouldn’t get back up. The people walking by had to step over her. It was a little bit embarrassing.’ She finally took a breath and it was then that she realised she and Harriet were not alone. ‘Oh, hello! I’m Millie. Sorry, didn’t mean to bore you with the trials and tribulations of my life.’ She rolled her eyes and laughed lightly.

‘Come on over, Millie. This is Maria, she’s new to Loland Green.’

‘Hello,’ Maria smiled and gave a little wave of her hand. ‘It’s nice to meet you.’

‘You too,’ Millie grinned back, walking towards the table. ‘Sorry about that, I didn’t realise anyone else was in here. I thought it was only Harriet and she’s more than used to my morning babbling.’

‘No need to apologise. It certainly added a bit of excitement to my morning.’

Laughing, Millie took a bow. ‘Here every day!’

‘Vanilla latte, two sugars, extra milk,’ called Harriet from over by the coffee machine. She was holding a takeout cup over the counter and wobbling it a bit at Millie, who hurried over and took it gratefully. After paying, she took a quick sip and grinned again at Maria.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever been on time for anything in my life. Not once. Hey, if you’re ever after a haircut, pop by the salon. I’ll give you mates’ rates.’ She winked and, with a final wave at Harriet, left the café. Maria watched her hurry up the street, shiny blonde hair fluttering behind her.

‘Well, she seems nice,’ Maria said to Harriet.

‘Who? Millie? Oh, she’s a lovely young woman. Although I think her daughter is giving her a rough time at the moment. You should definitely visit her in the salon. She’s fabulous with a pair of scissors.’

Maria ran her fingers through her hair self-consciously. If she was going to be honest, she hadn’t made much effort with her appearance since, well, since everything had happened. Had Harriet noticed? Did she really look that terrible? Was that why she’d brought up the topic? Or was it merely a throwaway comment?

‘Oh, no! I didn’t mean like that,’ Harriet said quickly, eyes wide, as she noticed Maria’s flushed face. ‘You have lovely hair. Really nice. I just meant that you should take up the offer if you ever fancy it.’

Maria burst out laughing, once again enjoying the sound and feel of it, how it vibrated and rumbled up her throat before bursting out of her mouth and filling the space around her. She really didn’t do it enough. Hopefully that would change now that she was here. ‘It’s fine, honestly. I suppose you’re right, really. I could do with a trim. It’s been a while. Yes, I think I will visit the salon.’ Maria nodded firmly.

A few moments of silence passed as Harriet continued busying herself behind the counter. Maria wasn’t entirely sure of whether she felt comfortable with what she was about to say but she went ahead and said it anyway. After all, what else was she going to do while she was here, other than paint? No, this was what she needed. And after all, now more than ever was the time to start taking chances. If it didn’t work out, then fine. But what if it did? ‘Harriet,’ she began slowly, ‘I think I’d like to take that waitressing position. I’m here for the summer, you need help, so it’s perfect really.’ Her heart was thumping madly in her chest. It was exciting but nerve-wracking all at the same time, but as she said the words, she realised she didn’t regret her decision at all. It was something new, something to look forward to, and alongside Harriet, she knew she’d feel right at home. It was, now that she’d done it, the perfect opportunity.

‘Are you sure?’ Harriet frowned and stopped what she was doing. ‘I mean, you didn’t seem too keen on the idea…’

‘Yes, I’m sure. I’d love to see if I’m any good. Plus, it will keep me busy while I’m here. As lovely as the cottage is, it’ll be great to have something else to do besides painting walls. I can’t paint for the entire summer, can I? It might become a bit dull. I need to throw myself into something new. Besides, you seem lovely, and I do enjoy being here, even after only visiting twice. It’s grown on me quite dramatically in such a short amount of time. It’s odd, actually.’

‘Maria, you are a life-saver. Thank you!’

Chapter Three

Following another delightful morning at Harriet’s Place the next day, in which Maria and Harriet went through the details of the vacancy and sorted out her shift pattern, she decided to take Harriet’s advice and pop into the salon to visit Millie.

The evening before, she’d taken a good, long, hard look at herself in the mirror and decided that she wasn’t happy with what she saw. Was it any wonder Mike had looked elsewhere? No, that was a stupid thought to have. She couldn’t blame herself. Whether she’d looked rubbish or not, he still shouldn’t have done it. Appearance wasn’t everything, and there was no way on earth that she’d start to believe that. It wasn’t her fault he couldn’t keep it in his trousers. But besides all of that, she really did need a tidy up if she were to begin as the café’s new waitress. She wanted to make a good impression and a haircut was just the ticket.

Maria was eager to learn more about Millie, and excited about being in her bubbly company once more. She hoped they could squeeze her in, because the more time she’d spent faffing with her hair, the more she’d realised how much it was actually in need of a cut. How had she allowed it to get this bad? Well, considering everything that had gone on, her hair had shifted down her list of priorities so she supposed that explained it.

Millie grinned when Maria entered the salon that afternoon. ‘Hurray, you came! And what do you know, we can fit you in! Here, take a seat.’ She indicated to the chair an elderly woman had just got up from. It was clear that she enjoyed her job, and Maria hoped she was as good at it as Harriet had said she was. Maria did as she was told, swept away by the wave of enthusiasm which seemed to emanate from Millie constantly, and sat herself down in the chair.

While she waited for Millie to come over, she studied the salon with interest. It was impeccable in terms of style and cleanliness, with glossy hair products lining the shelves, and black and white counters placed strategically throughout, dotted with brushes and sprays and all manner of hairdressing items that would come in handy during an appointment.

‘So, what are you after today, Maria?’ Millie stood behind her and smiled, hands on her shoulders. She began to run her fingers through Maria’s hair, studying the ends and length.

‘Oh, I don’t know. Nothing too drastic, I don’t think. Perhaps just a trim?’

Millie scrutinised Maria’s reflection in the mirror for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she took in Maria’s face. ‘Do you know what would really suit you? A full fringe and perhaps a new colour, too. Just to spruce you up a bit.’

Maria laughed. ‘No way! This has been my style and colour for as long as I can remember.’

‘All the more reason to try something new then,’ shrugged Millie. ‘Go on. Honestly, you’d look fantastic with a few layers to give it some volume.’ She puffed up Maria’s hair and tilted her head as she studied it some more. ‘You have amazing cheekbones as well, the fringe would shape your face just right.’ With a knowledgeable nod, she waited for Maria to decide.

Maria licked her lips nervously. Was it time for a change? Maybe something different was exactly what she needed to begin the brand-new, Mike-less version of herself? She’d always played it safe previously, worried in case it turned out that Mike didn’t like whatever she decided to try. But it wasn’t Mike’s hair, was it? It was hers. She was sick to her back teeth of trying to please everyone else except the one person who mattered most. Herself. No. Bugger it. Her life had changed in the blink of an eye, it was only right that her hair was part of the process too, and she felt like she was in capable hands with Millie. Well, she sounded like she knew what she was talking about, and once again, it was all about taking that chance.

‘Do you know what? I think you’re right,’ Maria decided. ‘I’m going to go for something new. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything different. Let’s go for a fringe and a new colour. It’ll be nice to see something different when I look in the mirror. I’ve been staring at the same old mop for far too long now.’

Millie grinned with excitement and gave a little clap. ‘Excellent choice.’

Maria sat back and relaxed as Millie brushed out her hair. It was just past her shoulders now, although not in the best condition she had to admit, probably from all of those times she’d shoved it up into an unwashed, greasy ponytail and left it there, not caring about how she looked. No doubt the bad treatment had caught up and had its effects. Fingers crossed that once Millie was finished, it would look and feel completely different.

Just over an hour and a half later, Maria stepped out of the salon alongside Millie, who’d finished her shift, and grinned when her new friend turned to look at her for the third time since she’d left the chair.

‘I can’t believe how brilliant it looks. You look like a brand new woman.’

‘Mission accomplished then,’ Maria laughed, running a hand through her softer, shinier locks. ‘Millie, I love it. Thank you so much.’ It felt silky smooth and she loved the fringe and caramel colour. It was only a small step towards getting her confidence back, but who knew how much a simple haircut could boost a woman up? She felt so wonderful, she could have flung her arms around Millie right there and then.

‘Right,’ Millie announced. ‘Now that you’re feeling fabulous and I’ve finished work, fancy a quick drink in the pub? It’s only around the corner. Mum’s got Susie and she won’t mind keeping her for a little while longer. I’ll send her a quick text to let her know I’ll be a bit later.’

‘Go on, then,’ nodded Maria, wanting to make the most of this new friendship she’d found. She felt carefree and footloose. She had a feeling that Millie’s sunny company was something to do with it. It was near impossible to feel glum when around her, which was exactly the sort of person Maria wanted to spend time with. Millie’s chatter and fascination in everything from celebrities to food did a brilliant job of keeping the realities of Maria’s life at bay. ‘Let’s go,’ she grinned.

*

The Rose and Horn was situated perfectly beside a magnificent lake, the same lake – Maria guessed – as the one Harriet had referred to the day before. When they arrived, Millie went inside and ordered their drinks at the bar before returning to the table out front. It felt nice to be sat in the late-afternoon sunshine. Maria swallowed a mouthful of the cool beer and relaxed, completely at ease in her surroundings. It was calm and beautiful and something she realised she hadn’t done for a long time.