Sally's is a bit crowded this morning. It seems like most of the people in town decided to have brunch today than exactly coming for breakfast time.
Sally's is a little Diner that is originally a minimart. Mr and Mrs Goodman runs the minimart way back but when both passed away, their children decided to turn it into a Diner.
Sally's, named after Mrs Goodman, is practically located beside the only gas station in town. Apparently the Goodman twins (Harry and Larry) are more interested with cooking than retailing.
The place is packed with people who know each other since Bellmont is just a small town. Since everybody is familiar with each other, Sally's look as if a small town gathering event is taking place right now than just some random people who coincidentally decided to eat there at the same time.
Though the place is extra-filled with people, no one apparently mind the crowd. They all enjoy the loud atmosphere of the Diner.
The place is bustling with excited chattering when Anna, Caspian, Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose walk in for their spur of the moment plan to grab a bite.
"Hey there Reed!" Harry Goodman greets them as he leads them to an empty table for four at the corner of Sally's.
"It's good to see you this morning. It's nice knowing that Larry's cooking is much appreciated around here." Harry laughs at his own joke.
"Hi Harry!" Popsie Reed shakes Harry's free hand, while the other one takes the menu.
"What's your special this morning?" Marmee Rose inquires, smiling at Harry too.
"Good morning Rose. Try Larry's Rosemary Chicken. He has been bugging me to put that in our regular menu. So by popular demand it’s on our specials menu now. I guess he was right after all. It's a big hit! My brother really knows about good cooking. Maybe I'm the only one too skeptical about it." Larry replies proudly.
"I am sure Larry knows what he is doing. You're doing a pretty good job too. Mama Sally would be proud of you two." Popsie Reed says cheerfully.
Harry gives them a warm smile upon Reed’s mention of his mother. He mostly does the managing of the Diner while Larry sticks to the kitchen. It makes the twins well-coordinated that way. So far, the Diner is a success. The twins have made the right decision after all.
Harry stayed single while his twin Larry was married to Beverly for fifteen years now. Their son Roger is the same age as Anna and goes to the same school.
Roger is helping out today. Apparently, Sally's is really full this morning.
"I think I will try the Rosemary Chicken." Caspian decides.
"I will have that one too please!" Anna blurts out.
"Okay, Popsie and I will have the breakfast buffet” Marmee Rose says as she stands. Popsie Reed leads the way to the packed buffet table.
"Are you sure you're okay being here?" Anna whispers a bit conscious, to Caspian when they are alone at their table.
"Why shouldn’t it be? I told you I will try to set aside worries today. I would like to spend some extraordinary day with you. Relax Anna." Caspian responds with a smile.
A blonde boy with blue eyes approaches their table carrying a tray with four mugs of hot water.
"Hi, there Anna! It's nice to see you here at Sally's. I haven't seen you around lately." The boy says with a warm smile while looking at Anna.
Caspian suddenly frowns when he sees the blonde boy. He ignores him and stares at Anna instead, observing her reaction to the blonde boy.
"Hi Roger! I'm with my Mom and Dad. By the way, this is Caspian." Anna replies to the blonde boy but glances at Caspian as she introduces him to Roger.
"It is nice to meet you, Caspian! I'll be back for your orders." Roger says with a smile, not noticing the dagger looks Caspian is sending his way. He gives the impression of seeing a target at the back of Roger’s head.
Anna nudges Caspian's elbow and says, "Hey, what are you doing? He's a school mate of mine," she explains.
Caspian's face relaxes a bit, "I felt weird when he was smiling at you like that." He seems confused.
"Are you jealous?" Anna starts teasing him.
"Oh, okay, if that is the word for it, yes I am!" Caspian admits shamelessly.
"Don't be like that, you silly!" Anna holds Caspian's hand to calm him down.
Soon Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose return carrying their plate full of assortment of dishes from the buffet.
"You should try the buffet Caspian! It's half the price! No wonder Sally's is packed today!" Popsie Reed says excitedly.
Both Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose start eating. Caspian stares at their plates. The food looks truly delicious.
Roger comes back with two plates of Rosemary Chicken saying, "enjoy your meal. See you around Anna!" then turns around with a wave.
"That boy of Larry has grown to be responsible. It's good that he is helping out his old man here." Marmee Rose narrates.
Caspian looks glum for a second. Anna pinches his elbow and he smiles immediately. Both start eating too. They all focus on their food for now as the chattering of people continues in their background.
Caspian finishes first and stares at Anna and her parents. He smiles again and says, "Thank you for always letting me join you every time I'm with Anna. I really appreciate spending time with you because you make me feel at home."
"You're welcome kid! Anyone special to Anna is special to us too," Popsie Reed replies.
"Now, who wants coffee?" Popsie Reed asks.
"Let's try that." Caspian immediately replies excitedly.
"Anna, can we be the one to get them?" He asks with anticipation.
"Okay kids, you do that. I will have a black coffee." Popsie Reed turns to Marmee.
"What about you Rose?" Popsie asks as he caresses Marmee Rose's free hand on the table.
"I will just have coffee with a little milk and sugar." Marmee Rose replies.
Anna and Caspian stand to get coffee for the four of them at the coffee machine. They line up for a while because there's a queue at the coffee machine. It seems a lot are in need of caffeine today.
Caspian keeps staring around him with a smile and a look of wonder in his eyes. He is fascinated with everything going on at Sally's.
"I love this extraordinary day!" blurts out Caspian on their way back to their table. For him, everything happening there is extraordinary but ironically, just trivial things for others.
Anna can't help but smile at Caspian. She is happy that he gets to do ordinary things with her though she knows they have different worlds.
After their conversation early this morning and finding out how seriously troubled Caspian is regarding what's going on in his realm, she is thankful that he gets a little break from all of it. Now, Anna can't help but wonder about Caspian's world too after he spends time with her in her world.
Caspian notices the frown on Anna's face and asks her in a whisper, "What's wrong?" to avoid Marmee Rose and Popsie Reed from hearing.
Marmee Rose and Popsie Reed are busy chatting with some other people at the table near them. They don't notice anything.
"Now I'm wondering about your world." Anna whispers back to Caspian.
Caspian is about to reply but they suddenly hear a loud explosion. It sounds like it came from the valley. Caspian quickly stands.
"Sorry, but I have to go. Thank you for a wonderful morning!" Caspian excuses himself politely.
"Do you need a ride, son?" Popsie Reed offers with concern on his face.
"It's alright Popsie. Marmee, I have to go. Anna, I will talk to you later." Caspian glances at Anna apologetically. Then he exits the Diner as fast as he can manage.
Everyone in the Diner heard the explosion. Now the townspeople start chatting loudly to each other that they did not notice Caspian's sudden departure.
"What's going on in the valley? I hope Caspian will be okay." Anna exclaims without asking anyone in particular.