The weather was perfect for a day trip into town, so that’s what the girls decided to do. Leaf dragged Oxalia into one of Aston Cove’s thrift shops, and soon enough, the two were walking through the aisles, with Leaf stopping every two feet to inspect a “vintage” sweater or jacket.

“Look, O!” she squealed, “Six dollars! I saw this exact same jacket for fifty online.”

“Why would anyone buy that for fifty dollars?” Oxalia asked, confused.

“They’re stylish!”

Oxalia inspected the jacket. The color blocked material was awful and crinkly-feeling, and the once vibrant colors were beginning to fade. It also had an odd smell. “Are you going to buy it?”

“All it needs is a good wash,” Leaf said, taking the jacket and putting it in her hand basket.

Oxalia didn’t really understand some fashion trends; she just liked stuff that was roomy and easy to wear. Thankfully, Leaf had her covered in that regard. The clothes she made for Oxalia are among her favorites, and she wore them all the time, even when gardening.

The two continued walking along, with Leaf gawking over pre-owned clothes and O looking at knickknacks. She came across a small glass pig and handed it to Leaf.

“That’s cute,” she said, “Where are you gonna put it?”

“I was thinking of giving it to Mabel,” Oxalia said, “She might like it in the kitchen.”

Leaf giggled. “You two are such old ladies.”

“What’s that mean?” O said, smiling.

“You two always like doing old lady stuff, like collecting glass pigs,” Leaf placed the small swine carefully in the basket. “I wouldn’t be surprised if either of you took up knitting.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” O said, thinking out loud, “Do you think it would be hard to learn?”

“I think you could manage it,” Leaf said with a playful nudge.

“I think that’d be more up your alley; you already make clothes.”

Leaf chuckled. “I do not have the patience to sit there and knit all day.” She glanced at her phone. “It’s almost time to meet the others for lunch.”

“Do you think you have enough dusty jackets?” Oxalia teased. Leaf just giggled and the two made their way to the register.

Once they were done getting rung up by the cashier, they made their way outside and were greeted by a pleasant breeze. Aston Cove was always so beautiful in the fall, or any season really. Across the street, Oxalia saw Mabel, Faye, and Annika sitting at a table outside the café.

“Have you guys ordered yet?” Oxalia asked as she approached the table.

“Not yet,” Faye answered, “we just got h—”

“Faye met a guy!” Mabel blurted. Faye grew red and covered a cheek with her hand.

“Interesting,” Leaf said, taking a seat next to Mabel. “What’s his name?”

“I didn’t meet a guy,” Faye said, clearly embarrassed, “I just chatted with the librarian about my donations—Jasper, I think? That’s it.”

“Well, it still sounds like you met someone,” Oxalia said, taking the last remaining seat.

“Yes, met someone. Casually.” Faye said, “You know what? Let’s move on.” Mabel nudged Faye, making her blush again.

The waitress came and took their orders, the table falling to silence afterwards.

“Have you thought about giving sewing lessons?” Faye asked Leaf. “They’re looking for someone to do it at the library.”

She thought for a second. “I don’t think so,” Leaf replied, “I barely know what I’m doing half the time. Hopefully they get a pro so I can learn some real skills.”

“You do have real skills,” Oxalia reassured, “If you didn’t, you wouldn’t get half as many orders in your store.”

Leaf smiled. “Thanks, O.”

Oxalia realized Annika hadn’t spoken since she and Leaf got to the café. “What did you do today, Anni?” She asked.

Annika perked up at the sound of her name. “Oh! Well...” she turned to Mabel, who gave her a kind smile. “Me and Mabel went to the farmer’s market and got some fruit and walked around for a bit.”

“Peaches?” Leaf asked, excitedly.”

“Yes, Leaf, I got the peaches. Two whole baskets of them. Try to pace yourself, okay?”

Leaf did a little happy dance in her seat.

Mabel continued, “We met up with Faye at the library and that’s where I saw her talking to Jasper.” Oxalia noticed Faye trying but failing to not blush again.

“Why don’t you work at the library, Faye?” Anni asked in her quiet voice, “We might be able to get the roof fixed.”

“The roof’s not that bad,” Faye said, though Oxalia knew that the leaky roof was the one thing Faye focused on when it rained. “Besides, I like working from home.”

The waitress returned with their food: Annika got a ham and cheese panini (extra toasted) and ice water, Faye got a savory scone and orange juice, Annika got the same as Faye, Oxalia got a cobb salad and lemonade, and Leaf got a Belgian waffle with peaches and lots of whipped cream and hot chocolate.

“It’s nearly two and you got a waffle?” Faye teased.

“Hey, it’s breakfast time somewhere,” Leaf said.

“It looks really good,” Annika nearly whispered.

“See? Anni gets it.”

The five of them ate in silence, but it wasn’t awkward silence; they enjoyed their food and each other’s company on a beautiful Aston Cove day.