Chapter 2 Adjusting

Jenna had worked hard in town for the last month. She had avoided church, but knew she couldn't avoid it much longer. But what church was best to attend. She decided to ask Fanny.

She baked some raisin cookies and grabbed a homemade dog treat. Fanny was tending her front flower beds.

"I love the smell of your baking. What do I owe the pleasure Jenna?"

"Well Miss Fanny I am wondering what church is best to attend." She handed the woman the cookies.

"Well your family and mine all attend the protestant over on Elm." She said while eating a couple cookies. Butch as she had learned the dog was called loved his treat.

"You ought to think of getting a pet. I will allow dogs and cats while I own the house still. Oh I meant to tell you that in case a tornado hits my shelter is over by that lilac."

"I had been wondering about that." She admitted.

Oklahoma was notorious for tornado outbreaks. It was right in the infamous "tornado alley". In the convent they had a huge concrete basement that also had tunnels that spread out like a spider and had enough room to hold the small city if needed.

She needed to grab some clothes appropriate for church services. She decided to go to the local clothing store. If she remembered correctly her Aunt Ruth owned and operated the place. She decided it was a nice enough day to walk.

She bought a few outfits. She had found they had a nice sale going on. She found a couple dresses, skirts, blouses, t-shirts and 2 pairs of shoes.

"Find everything you're looking for?" Ruth asked though not in a friendly tone

"I sure did and a few extra things. You have a lovely place here." She replied pleasantly.

"You might think you're fooling everyone. But I intend to let your folks know your here. You almost ruined my sisters life you witch." She spat out. While counting change.

"I moved here for more reasons than seeking acceptance. You probably know I was raised at Our Holy Spirits School and Convent. I was raised on the good book. I don't seek nor deliver malice or ill will. Maybe you should try it. She smiled past the tears she was on the verge of spilling. She stopped at the grocery for some groceries and baking supplies.

Church was the next day. She had this weekend off. So she made herself busy baking, cleaning and doing her yard work. While weeding her flowers Butch ran over showing affection. Fanny right behind him. She hadn't even realized she was crying until Fanny asked what was wrong.

"I simply went to buy clothes to go to church. I am into helping small and local businesses. So I went to my aunts store not intending to do anything other than make my purchase and leave. I moved here because this is a small town. Sure my family is here, but I know I wasn't wanted. But I would thought we could co-exist at least. Was I hoping for too much moving here Fanny?" She pet Butch.

"Ruth has always been a self righteous bitch. Your grandparents are coming to dinner at my house tonight. I will speak to them. Is that the reason for the baking and keeping busy?" Fanny was a close friend. Easy to talk to.

"Yes. I baked 3 cakes, 2 pies, 6 different kinds of cookies and 2 different types of dog treats. Have a nice pasta bake cooking and a bunch of yarn I can do my yarn work with. In between baking I thoroughly cleaned the house. When I am stressed or emotionally tired I try to keep busy. Tomorrow afternoon i need to do a little car maintenance." There was a bad squeak coming from the fan belt area. She planned to replace the belt and pull tensioner.

"I am a person who likes sweets and I am sure Butch would like to try the treats. I have heard the squeak from your car. But my dear young ladies don't work on cars. Your grandfather used to be a mechanic. I am sure he will do that if you have the parts." She went inside her house and used her home phone to invite the couple over earlier with a promise of a little busy work and dinner with their granddaughter who they wanted to meet.

She returned to Jenna's to tell her the plan. Jenna then rushed to put another 2 pasta bakes to cook both meat. One had chicken the other had meatballs. She then put 2 types of homemade garlic bread to bake. Butch made himself at home in the picture window. Jenna put on a nice summer skirt and pink top, then put a hair covering on to keep long blonde hair from falling into her face. She then put the table leaf in and pulled out her tote of table linen. Fanny came in as she was arranging the nice lilac purple table set. She then realized she was low on her iced tea she usually made on Monday and Wednesday mornings using tea bags. She had a few pitchers and powder drink mix. She put together iced tea, lemonade and ice water. She then set to cutting a lemon, an orange and a peach. She organized a cookie platter and handed Fanny a plate of cookies.

"I see your anxiety is up. Honey relax a bit. That runs in my family. There are pills that help. Try one of these. It's a PRN they have me on it melts under the tongue."