Chapter- 1, Together in Fall

Hands clung to the passport, tears welled up in her eyes. As she stared out the airplane window at the lofty clouds, all she could do was repeat the complaint again. This time, she said it out loud. How am I supposed to do this without you, Father?

Hailing a taxi from the airport, she glanced at the familiar streets that went by. Her fingers pressed against the car window. The closer she got to home, more the turmoil within her began to settle. She left the ride at the outskirts of the town, as she wished to walk from there.

The fallen leaves crumbled beneath her feet. Orange surrounded her in a strange comfort. Can I really get them to step down? I cannot lose this too. As the sight of an old cafe caught her notice, she put the thought away. She pushed the door with her palm and the bell chimed as she set foot in the place.

The fragrance of coffee beans and baked goods took over her senses as she stepped inside. The place looked different from how she remembered it. She knew it would be, but it didn’t prepare her to face the change. She looked around the decorated cafe, taking in the scene. An artificial fall tree adorned the corner. Two fake pumpkins wrapped in fairy lights were placed at the base of its trunk. Dim warm ceiling lanterns gave the place an ethereal aura. At the wall behind the counter, hung a large autumn wreath, made primarily of maple leaves.

“Hello there”, she addressed the man behind the counter.

“Welcome to the cafe, miss! What would you like to have today?”, he greeted amiably and diverted his full attention to her.

“I’d like a pumpkin spiced latte and a molten chocolate cake, to eat here please”, she decided, scanning the menu behind him.

“Great. You’ve got an excellent taste in beverages, I must say. We even have it pre made this fall season. Here you go”, he said, handing her the latte. “A fresh batch of molten cakes is actually going to be ready in about a few minutes. How about you grab a seat and I’ll bring one to you when they’re ready?”, the man suggested.

“Sounds good. Thanks. I’ll be right there”, she said pointing towards a table. He acknowledged with a thumbs up.

She pulled out a chair and sat down, placing the coffee cup on the table. Taking a moment to herself, she moved to savour the latte. Lifting the cinnamon roll that garnished her beverage, she stirred her pumpkin spiced latte steadily. The foam blended in the latte almost like clashing waves. As the contents of the coffee swirled, the pleasant aroma of caramel emerged. She took in the smell and was instantly entranced. It brought back all her treasured autumn memories. Putting the cup to her lips, she tilted it to have her first sip. But the taste of the beverage gave nothing but disappointment. She could tell it wasn’t that bad, but lacked her grandma’s magic touch. I’ve never been able to replicate it myself. Was it truly her love that made the coffee so special? -she wondered. If that was indeed the case, she wasn’t sure if even the most accomplished baristas could help.

“New in town?”, the young man interrupted her thoughts. He offered her a charismatic smile, laying down the molten chocolate cake she had ordered, on the table in front of her.

“Not really, I live here”, she stated as her spoon cut through the cake.

“I could swear I haven’t seen you around though”, the guy was visibly puzzled. “It isn’t just an attempt to steer clear of me, is it?”, he asked jokingly.

“It’s not that, I assure you.”, she chuckled. Suddenly she realised- It’s the first time she has smiled since her father- With much effort, she regained her composure. “In fact I knew the previous owners of this cafe rather well- Mr. & Mrs. Woods. I suppose you acquired it from them? They were such great people to know. I was told they had to give up this place due to some financial problems. A pity.”

“Did you really now? I wasn’t much acquainted with them but they seemed like a nice couple. Indeed, they sold it to me before they moved. It was honestly such a beautiful cafe, I couldn’t possibly pass up the offer.”, he narrated.

“Can’t blame you for that. For what it’s worth, you’ve kept it well. As for why we haven’t met until now, I had just been away for a few years. I’ve only just returned, for some matters of business”, she explained. “I doubt things have changed much in this short span. Did I miss anything big?”, she looked at him expectantly.

“Why, thank you. When I think about it, everything makes sense now. Something major you ask? Let me think.. You wouldn’t happen to know that Mr. Ferdinand retired, would you?”,

“Really?”, she responded from reflex. “I can’t believe he’s that old, I still see him as the young leader who took charge when I was a little girl. The tourism he brought really uplifted our economy, you know", she added. “But who’s the mayor now then?”, she questioned out of curiosity.

“Why don’t you take a guess- Reuben or Spencer?”, the man counters.

Something twists within her upon the mention of the later name. It brings back unpleasant memories. But she collects herself in time, pondering over the question. “I’d have to say Reuben. He was the councilman if I recall correctly. I feel it fits his field of job much better. Spencer is a great fellow, but he’s not really a politician. Our paths have crossed once actually. His construction business is more his calling anyways. He might be more popular but I don’t think he’s got what it takes”, she concludes. “So, who’s it really?”, she asks finally.

“I’m afraid you’re wrong. It’s Mr. Spencer, instead! It came as a surprise even to us. The town likes to joke that he won unfairly. But we all know that’s far from the truth”, the man revealed.

“That does appear odd.. But I agree, he’s too noble a man for such a deed”, she nodded.

Their conversation is interrupted by a chime of the door bell. “I think we’ll have to cut it short here. Kindly excuse me, I must tend to the other customers. In the meantime, enjoy your food”, he says leaving the lady to herself. She waves him bye and returns to her coffee.

After a while, she walks to the counter having finished eating. “Could I have my bill please?”, she grabs the man's attention.

“Sure, that’ll be $15.75 for one pumpkin spiced latte and a molten chocolate cake”, he read from the monitor.

“I’ll pay by card, if that’s fine,” she said, unclasping her clutch. He nodded, “Of course”. Turning the swipe machine towards her, he pushes it forward. She pulled out her credit card from the purse, entering the pin after swiping. “Done”, she said.

“Thank you, let me just pull up your bill now”, he said putting the cash in the register.

In the lingering silence, she sensed a perfect chance to ask something that had been bothering her. “Hey, I actually needed to ask you something. Would you happen to know when the festivities begin this year?”

The man looked up at her from the monitor, “Haven’t you heard? The participants must apply by dusk to be introduced tonight.”

“The opening night is today?”, she looked surprised.

“Yes, were you thinking of entering?”, the man asked, clearly interested.

“Oh no.. I would’ve come by to watch. But I’m afraid my work affairs cannot wait. It’s a shame having to miss it, despite being in town.” She was visibly disheartened.

“Bummer, I guess. It would've been great having you.”, he said, giving her the bill. “Good luck with your business though and have a great day.”

“Good day to you, thanks”, she replied, heading out the door.

-x-

“Faith?”, the lady called out in the hall.

The receptionist stood up from her seat behind the desk, recognising her voice. “You’re here, madam? I thought you were flying in after the weekend”, the woman sounded startled.

“That was the initial plan. But I realised I need to act quick if I’m to succeed”, she said.

“I’m sorry for what happened, mam. This must be so overwhelming for you this soon after-”, Faith empathized.

“It’s okay, Faith. I’ve taken all the time I needed. Tell me- where are the associates?”, she cut Faith off.

“About that.. there is a slight problem, miss. Some went home to spend thanksgiving with their families. But the majority of them are partaking in this year’s festivities- as sponsors”, Faith hesitated.

“Those little..”, she fumed.

“I understand, mam. But our hands are tied, there’s nothing we can do. Why don’t you rest for now? It must’ve been a long journey. I’ll call a meeting for the weekend, as soon as I get a hold of them”, the woman tried to prevent a volcano before it burst. “Let me open up your room, please take it easy”, she pleaded, grabbing the keys in a hurry.

“Thank you, Faith. You may go back now, I’ll handle myself”, she thanked her after she helped her settle in.

“Alright mam. Ring me up if you need anything”, Faith said.

“I will”, she assured.

-x-

As the dusk fell, she emerged from the shadows of her room. Having slept a few hours, she was ready. She slipped into her best black dress,and brushed out her long hair. Taking out her cherished pearl necklace, she clasped it around her neck, admiring how good it looked on her. She approached the mirror to put on the earrings. Facing her reflection, she knew it was time. The lady declared-

Beware usurpers, I’m coming to put an end to your schemes