The Matchmaker

Rants back and Forth

Grace arrives in Plain Meadows. 

As she stepped outside and saw the new stores and establishments. The weather was dry and humid , something she was already used to. She started walking and put her hoodies on to avoid anyone that could possible identify her.  She could feel her stomach empty and it even growled while she was walking. She saw the people pass by her with brilliant gold threads attached on their backs, it seemed that every person she meets had already found the one meant for them. She sighed heavily and pouted, wishing she didn't have to see those darn threads. As she opened the door to a small store she locked eyes on the rude guy, he looked startled as she was. She rolled her eyes and ignored him and passed him without a word and grabbed two bags of Doritos

"And a coke please which is far beyond my normal reach" she eyed on the hidden fridge behind the counter

The old man chuckled "Young thieves come by often" he says while he took  Diet Coke out of the fridge

"How did you know I like mine in Diet?"

"City girls like you prefer it. I'm Willis Brown" the old man looked rather gentle by nature "Welcome to Plain Meadows and that would be twenty dollars"

Grace smiled as she handed the twenty dollar bill to him "Thanks"  the annoying guy was still there but he didn't look upset or angry. He just had this blank expression, and still his back was threadless which was strange and unusual. Did his soulmate die? Well she didn't care, he is rude and handsome. Rude and handsome does not mix well.

Mr. Willis Brown looked at his grandson and eyed him "Do you know her Ethan?" he asks

"I saw her in the bus earlier, I think she recognized me" he replies while scratching his head

"Oh yes you did" Mr. Willis says wryly " Since when did you make a career out of upsetting young city ladies?"

"I had a bad day" he reasoned while taking his jacket off and hanging it on the corner "Seems she took it quite personally"

" You don't know say?" his grandfather snaps " When you see that lovely girl again you better apologize or let your grandmother handle it"

Now Mrs. Willis was away for a vacation but she had quite a temper which scared Ethan that is why Mr. Willis loved to use her as blackmail for his hardheaded and ill tempered grandchildren such as Ethan Vankugen - the main heir to the Vankugen Palace up in the hills. He watched his grandson grow into a much more simpler man which his late daughter would have wanted. Out of the surmounting wealth that destroyed the Wells Family which formed into greed culture. 

Grace finally took an Uber ride, she planned to stay in the Wells Farm where here dear friend Marga Schade the family cook stayed. She wanted to surprise her. As Grace saw the sign she asked the Uber Driver to stop

"Visiting a friend?" the driver asks 

"Yep" she replied quickly hoping he stopped asking more questions "Keep the change".

Marga was collecting eggs from the homes of 400 hens, she was careful and soft as she did not want to stress the chickens. She heard the footsteps and the dogs started to bark excitedly, she peered out and saw someone standing and waiting in front of the barnyard. She stood up and looked at her watch, it was too late for visitors

"What do you want?" she called out

the visitor went nearer, she slowly put her hoodie down revealing her long light brown hair and soft eyes. Marga recognized that smile almost immediately and nearly squealed " Gracieeee!!" she ran and hugged the youngest member of the family, she was like a daughter to her already 

"Look at you, such a young woman and my have you grown...I am at loss for words" 

" You still look the same Miss Marga" Grace replies " Can I stay for the night?" 

"Of course! Does your mom and dad know about your arrival?" 

Grace shrugged "I just decided to pay a visit to Lukas" 

"He will be thrilled to see you, all of them will be. It's been years , oh let me take your bag" 

Grace watched Marga leave with her things, and looks at the scenery around her. Nothing has changed, the barnyard looks the same and the gardens and orchard that was bountiful with fruits and vegetables. Grace followed Marga to House A which where the family or relatives usually stay. As the door opened, the room was clean and smelled like cinnamon and vanilla - her favorite

"Mrs. Wells missed you, she made sure the whole mansion smelled like cinnamon and vanilla" Marga says softly "They often visit here as well, will you move back to the Main tomorrow?"

Grace thought about it "I'll stay here for a while, not the Main"

When they talk about the "Main" it meant the main white mansion up in the hills next to the Vankugen Palace that was a bit more grander which her Father despises the most. Mr. Wells is very competitive although he may looked calm in the outside, his anger was in another level. He hated the Vankugen family for some odd reason, he never explained why but she figured it was rivalry amongst the rich. But he never hid his distaste with any Vankugen bloodline, as for her, she hardly cares but she was always curious about the Vankugen Palace, it looked different and bizarre yet mystical at the same time. The structure was elegant but gothic yet she only can see it from her window before. She had so many questions, but her mother would just disregard it or change the topic when she starts asking telling her that it's a historical hatred that has been passed from generation to generation which even sparked more interest. 

"I'm really glad you came back Gracie" Marga spoke up "It feels like forever" 

" Forever? It wasn't that long" Gracie joked "Besides, I'm only here to visit"

Marge smiled slightly, she still looked hopeful.