Washington
"Katie
Little, future Hollywood actress" was the greeting given to Keith by
the young woman with red hair. She was at least ten years younger than
Keith, in her early to mid-20s. She explained that right now she was
working as a waitress. Katie quickly excused herself, saying she had to
use the bathroom. Just as she went indoors, an Asian man tapped Keith
on the shoulder.
"I wouldn't get myself involved with Katie Little," the man advised
Keith. He was wearing a suit and pants that were way too big. He began
to walk back the way he had come. "Wait!" Keith shouted. "Who are you?"
"Lee Woo" the man said. "If Katie gives you any trouble, I live next door. I'm always ready to help."
"That was odd," Keith thought aloud as Lee left. He didn't have time to
think about it though, as Jacob and Violet got off the bus. Jacob ran
inside, hoping that Sara was making dinner. His mom was in the kitchen,
talking with a red-haired woman. He decided not to bother them. Keith
called Jacob over. "What's wrong with Violet? Did something happen at
school?"
"The teacher died."
"What? How?"
"I dunno. She just sorta died."
"That's horrible. Who's going to teach you now?"
"Some lady names Mrs. Woo. I think she lives next door."
Keith recalled what Mr. Woo was like. Oak Valley sure was a weird place.
Outside, Violet's mood was improved by the arrival
of a stranger. "You look funny" Violet said as the woman smiled at her.
The white teeth was the only normal thing about the way she looked.
Spiked green and black hair stood on top of her head. Beneath it, was a
face covered in dark purple and black makeup. "My brother looks even
more funny" the woman laughed.
"I have a brother too! His name is Jacob. What's your brother's name?"
"Ben. And my name is Cassie."
"I'm Violet. Nice to meet you, Cassie."
Both Cassie and Katie stayed for dinner. They both
praised Sara's cooking. After dinner, Jacob went into the den to play
piano. Katie and Cassie went to listen, with Violet close in tow of
Cassie. "Jacob's really good at piano," Violet told Cassie.
That night, as Keith and Sara got ready for bed,
they discussed their new neighbors. "Katie and Cassie seem nice" Keith
said.
Sara nodded. "Katie's nice. As for Cassie, well, can't say I approve of
her fashion statement with her facial makeup. But she does seem nice."
Keith didn't mention his encounter with Mr. Wood. No sense in making
his wife worried. "Such a lovely little town," Sara whispered as she
fell asleep.