Tom and I - 1. New World

I arrived at Taernsby in late August, at the height of summer. It was truly a lovely little town, one that I loved visiting with my parents when I was younger. My dad was born and raised there, so we used to visit it often when grandma and grandpa were still alive.

It was a tiny agricultural place with less than two thousand people, nothing like my home city of Ryderville. Still, I had some nice memories of it. My little sister Kim and I spending our summer breaks with our grandparents, trying to feed the animals and chasing them around the yard. They always had a lot of chickens and pigs. Kim was scared of the birds, to utter amusement of my grandpa. Whenever she would misbehave, all he had to do was threaten her that she would have to go into the chicken coop and get the eggs, and she would become as quiet as a mouse. It worked like a charm every time.

On the other hand, I loved feeding the little chicks and pigs. My grandparents also had at least two dogs at any time, sometimes more. They were always generous with food, which the neighboring and stray dogs seemed to have picked up on, so they always came by to get their servings.

I can’t say that any of this holds much charm for me now, though. I’m no longer a kid. At twenty-four, I have grown accustomed to a comfortable life and everything a big city has to offer.

Still, I decided to try my luck at Taernsby. I have just graduated from college and unlike some of my friends, I was lucky enough to get a job offer right away - a teaching position in the elementary school in Taernsby. Maybe I was too hasty, being all excited to have my first full-time job and make my own money, but I accepted it right away.

Friends’ and family’s reactions varied from cautiously optimistic to incredulous. When I told my best friends Jae and Alison that I’d be leaving them in the big city and moving to the countryside, they thought I was joking.

“Yeah, I can just imagine you coming from school and milking cows on your farm. Just make sure it’s low-fat milk!” Alison was quick to laugh, but when she saw I wasn’t, her expression changed. “Wait, you’re not kidding?”

“No, I’m really moving, guys.”

“Wow, that’s a big step,” Jae said. He was a cute Korean guy, my best friend since I could remember. Very intelligent and kind. “Have you thought this through?”

“Yeah, I did. I know it’s gonna be a big change, but I’m excited. I feel ready to change my environment. Plus, it’s not like I’m going into the unknown, I’ve been to Taernsby a million times,” I explained.

“True,” Alison nodded, remembering me talking about my grandparents. “You have to invite us to come over when you settle in!” She loved to travel and could never stay at home all day. Any excuse to go somewhere - she would take it.

“Of course,” I confirmed. “You guys are welcome to come anytime.”

“Have you found a place to stay yet?” Jae asked. I could see the wheels turning in his head. He was already thinking about how all of this would work out for me - where I would live, get my food, go out, and so on. He meant well, but sometimes he worried too much.

“Yeah, I’ll be in my grandparents’ old house.”

Dad never sold it and I was immensely glad for that. Even though he had several offers over the years, he could never bring himself to do it. Too many memories, I guess. He wanted to have the possibility to go over there if he felt like it.

It turned out well because I would now have a place to stay without having to pay rent. One point for countryside!

It wasn’t a large house - just two bedrooms, though it did have a rather big yard that used to be filled with farm animals. Of course, it was now empty. The house was old, but as far as I remember, it was renovated a few years ago, so I expected it to be in reasonably good condition.

That day, when I parked my trusty old Ford Fiesta in the driveway, I stepped out and smiled. There it was, the house where so many of my memories were kept - most of them nice. Probably because we would mainly visit in summer, which is my favorite part of the year. We had no worries, no obligations. Grandma and grandpa would spoil us, letting us play outside and stay up as long as we wanted.

I took my luggage out of the trunk and carried it inside. The small wooden fence around the property was not exactly the best protection, but in a small town like this, it was more than enough. Everyone knew everyone, like one big family. Maybe I’ll manage to become a part of it? I admit, I was nervous but hopeful.

When I entered the house, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of grief and nostalgia. I usually like feeling nostalgic - don’t ask me why - but this time it was too much. I felt sad seeing the once lively and vibrant house all dark and abandoned. The air was stale, as no one had entered it in years. I turned on the lights to check if everything was functional. It turned out that would be harder than I thought. First I had to get through all the cobwebs and dust. The house definitely needed a good, thorough clean-up before I could do anything else.

Luckily, I had a week before the start of the school year, which was plenty of time to clean the entire house. There was a big living room, a joint kitchen and dining room, a small hallway, bathroom and two bedrooms in the back. More than enough space for a single person. I started wondering if I’d be lonely living all by myself. I had roommates all through uni, so this would be another thing I needed to get used to.

I took one more trip back to the city to bring the last of my things before the school started. I said goodbye to my family - mom and dad had mixed emotions, I could tell. Even though they were sad I was leaving the city, I think dad was glad I chose to move to his childhood home. It was as if I was helping preserve the memory of his parents.

Mom was more reserved about it. She always thought I’d stay in the city or move to some even bigger place and become this successful university professor or something. She wished me luck and was not happy to see me go, but I could tell there was more to it. She didn’t think this was a good opportunity for me, as if it was beneath me.

Anyway, they both said they’d visit me soon to see how I was getting along.

My sister Kim cried and wasn’t even trying to hide it. I laughed at first, but then she made me cry too.

“What’s this puddle we’re standing in? Oh, it’s your tears,” she teased.

“Yes, you’re not the only crybaby in the family, alright? Are you happy now?” I rolled my eyes and she laughed, wiping her cheeks.

We had a special bond, Kim and I. She was four years younger and kind of looked up to me, even though she would never openly admit it - at least not to me.

“Promise to call me often?”

“Of course,” I said, meaning it. “And you, you need to come and visit me on the weekends.”

“I will, as soon as I get my schedule sorted out!”

With going to uni soon and having a part-time job as a waitress, she had her hands full. Still, I knew she would keep her promise and I was looking forward to seeing her again.

The first day of school - and my first day of work - was exciting to say the least. I woke up extra early, just so I’d have time to prepare - mentally and physically. Despite my university education and giving some private lessons here and there, I was nervous about actually having my own class of students. They would be young kids and I couldn’t help but feel anxious about whether they will like and respect me as their teacher.

When I entered the teachers’ office, I realized I may have been overdressed for the occasion. I wore a nice light blue shirt, navy pants and tie, along with black shoes. Well, it turned out that the most popular clothing style among the teachers was casual. There were two other male teachers, Mike and Shane, who wore jeans and polo shirts. The female teachers wore simple, yet nice skirts and blouses. The school principal was the only one dressed more smartly.

Oh well, you live and learn. I got some compliments for my looks, though mostly from middle-aged women. Still, I didn’t want to feel out of place, so I decided I’d wear something more casual the next day.

When it comes to the kids, it turned out I didn’t have to worry that much. My class had fifteen pupils aged seven. Most of them seemed curious and inquisitive, while a few were quiet and spoke only when spoken to. Anyway, they seemed to me like a good bunch of kids.

I don’t know if it was because it was the first day or what, but everything went pretty good. At least according to my opinion - as inexperienced as I was. After the final class for the day, I packed my stuff and headed out, feeling thrilled. I had just successfully completed my first day at the job without getting fired or making any of the kids cry. That was a success in my book - one point for countryside!

However, I had no idea that my day was about to get even better!

As I left the school building, a bunch of kids rushed past me, happy to be free to go home and play. That was when I saw him - he was standing near the edge of the lawn, wearing a red tank top and grey boardshorts. He had flip-flops on his feet and a big smile on his face. His skin was tanned, probably from all the work outside. His brown hair was curly and messy. It was hard not to feel attracted to him even though he was nothing like the guys I was used to.

I always used to go out with sophisticated, well-groomed guys, dressed to a T. My dates usually consisted of going to a bar for drinks, a nice restaurant for dinner, or one of the many attractions available in the city - concerts, movies, bowling… I’m a bit of a hedonist, I suppose, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I like to enjoy myself. And I definitely did enjoy observing the cute guy in front of me.

One of the girls from my class, Kayla, ran over to him and he scooped her up in his arms, kissing her on the cheek. She giggled and wrapped her little arms around his neck.

“Uncle Tom!” the girl shouted happily.

“Hey princess! How was your first day at school?” he asked.

“It was fun! And I told you, I’m not a princess. I’m a pirate!”

“Ohh right, sorry! Pirate Kayla sounds good!” He put her down and took her backpack to carry it for her. “And what am I then?”

“You’re my first mate!” she responded readily.

As I passed them by, smiling at the scene of affection, Tom stopped me.

“Hey, you’re the new teacher, right? I’m Tom,” he smiled, showing off his dimples and white teeth.

“Yeah, I am. Little Kayla here is in my class. Nice to meet you, Tom, I’m Charlie,” I shook his hand and smiled back. I swear I started to get hard as soon as I felt his skin touch mine.

“Greyston, right?” he asked, unaware of what he was doing to me.

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“I knew your grandparents. I remember your folks coming here every summer. We’ve never met, but Mrs Greyston talked a lot about you and your sister,” he nodded, looking at me with his sweet brown eyes.

“That sounds like her,” I replied, remembering my lovely grandma.

“How are you getting along here in Taernsby?”

“Good, I guess. I just moved in, though. First time on my own.”

“Hey, if you need any help, just call, ok? I can show you around,” Tom offered and shook my hand again as Kayla started dragging him to go.

“Thanks, maybe I’ll take you up on that offer!”

As our hands touched again, I couldn’t help but notice how pale I looked compared to his farmer’s tan.

“I think I should catch some sun while I’m here,” I chuckled.

“Yeah, it’s easy to get a tan here even if you don’t want to. Being outside all day does that for ya,” he observed with a smile. I had to wonder - did he ever frown? “Now that it’s summer, it’s nice down by the river if you like swimming.”

“I love swimming,” I said enthusiastically. Although I was used to clear swimming pools, not muddy rivers with God knows what kind of animal and plant life inside it. Would it even be safe? Knowing me, I’d probably get some kind of an allergy as soon as I stepped a foot inside it. Hmmm, one point for the city.

“Well there you go. Don’t forget sunscreen! See ya later, Charlie!” he waved as he and Kayla walked off down the street.

“See ya, Tom,” I waved back and headed to my car.

Suddenly, I felt awkward driving around while everyone around me was walking. To be honest, I was too used to driving everywhere. I got my license as soon as I was legally able to and would drive my dad’s car as often as I could, until I could afford to buy this used one.

The drive from school to home took me two whole minutes, and I had to laugh when I parked in front of the house. Maybe tomorrow I can try walking to school. That’ll help me catch some sun and stay in shape, at least until I find a gym. I hope they have one around here. I made a mental note to buy some sunscreen and ask if there’s a gym.

As I opened the fridge, I realized I couldn’t just call and order a pizza. I’d have to actually prepare dinner for myself. One more point for the city.

Still, I felt good about myself for having the common sense to stock up on groceries, I pulled out some tomatoes, a couple of eggs and some bacon. As I started frying them and the kitchen quickly filled with the delicious smell of food, my mind wandered off to Tom. I enjoyed our brief encounter and found it interesting that he knew me from my grandma’s stories. I wondered if he came to pick his little niece up every day after school? I sure hope so.

Fifty points for countryside!

If you're reading this - thank you! I hope you'll enjoy my new story!