Chapter 3: Rain, Rumors, and Rebellion

That night, a soft rain fell until morning.

The sound of rain on the roof was soothing, washing away the day’s bitterness. I lay in bed, listening, letting it lull me to sleep.

I thought I heard the apple blossoms outside the fence begin to bloom.

The scent drifted in through the open window, sweet and sharp. I closed my eyes and breathed it in, letting it fill the empty spaces inside me.

I couldn’t help but recall the girl who sold apple blossoms in our neighborhood last year.

She’d come by with a basket on her arm, hair in loose braids, smiling shyly at everyone. I wondered where she was now.

Caleb complained they were wilted, upsetting the flower girl.

He’d muttered about getting better flowers at the grocery store, not realizing how much his words hurt. I’d nudged him, trying to make him see.

I just laughed, “You can buy a little spring from her, but her face is still prettier than the flowers.”

He’d blushed, ears turning bright red, and the flower girl had smiled, just a little.

He mumbled something about allergies, but I knew better.

The flower girl glanced back, shyly walked away, and plucked a green plum to smell.

I watched her go, wishing I had her courage.

The drizzle kept falling, just like my mood—like strings of rain that never quite let up.

I yawned, watching water drip from the eaves, tree branches tapping the window.

The world felt both huge and tiny, every sound magnified in the quiet.

“Miss,” the housekeeper knocked softly, “Miss Zoe from the Morrison family sent someone to invite you out.”

Zoe?

With all the gossip going around, and she’s not avoiding me?

I lounged lazily, thinking, “Just tell them I’m not feeling well, too tired to dress up…”

I pulled the covers up to my chin, hoping to disappear for a while longer.

“—Autumn, your airs are getting bigger and bigger!” Zoe’s voice called from the hallway, bright as spring willow.

Her laughter rang out, light and teasing. I couldn’t help but smile, even as I groaned.

Looks like there was no escaping. I couldn’t help but laugh.

I threw on a sweater and ran a brush through my hair, resigned to my fate. Zoe never took no for an answer.

Years ago, Caleb’s mom made a vow and sent Zoe to church camp to pray for blessings and temper her character. She was clever and open-minded, more so than her siblings, though still girlish at heart. She was closest to Caleb, and by extension, to me.

Zoe was the kind of friend who could talk you into anything, then make you laugh about it later. That was Zoe for you.

The Rainy Day Café on Main was a famous old spot—Caleb’s favorite when he was bored.

The place smelled of coffee and cinnamon, the walls covered in old photos of the town. It felt safe, like a second home.

Zoe tasted a piece of pecan pastry, frowned, poured herself some tea, and said, “Didn’t expect Caleb to like this—it’s so greasy.”

She wrinkled her nose, pushing the plate away. I grinned, knowing she’d finish it anyway.

She looked so young, yet so mature, I couldn’t help but smile. “They say the Rainy Day just changed chefs. I used to think it was too greasy, but now, with time on my hands, I don’t mind indulging a bit—who knows how long our stomachs can handle such luxury?”

I sipped my tea, savoring the warmth. With Zoe, even the world seemed a little softer.

Zoe frowned, shocked. “Autumn, you’ve only been gone a few days, how did you get so world-weary? Young people shouldn’t talk like that…”

She wagged her finger at me, but her eyes were kind.

I sipped my tea. “It’s nothing. Water finds a way around rocks; clouds get over mountains. No need to overthink.”

I tried to sound wise, but Zoe just rolled her eyes.

“Don’t mind what Mrs. Parker said,” Zoe tugged my sleeve gently.

She squeezed my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. I felt a little lighter.

What else could I say?

Might as well own the nickname, instead of hiding.

I smiled, “If an underdog doesn’t shoot their shot, are they even trying?”

Zoe looked at me quietly, then after a while, said, “That’s something my brother should hear—he’d appreciate it.”

She grinned, mischief in her eyes. I pretended not to notice.

I pretended not to hear, blowing on my tea.

The steam fogged my glasses, giving me a moment to hide.

“But don’t worry, I’ll write it in my next letter home.”

That would ruin everything!

I shook my head. “Zoe, spare me—if your mom finds out, she’ll skin me alive!”

I clutched my mug, heart pounding at the thought. Mrs. Morrison was a force to be reckoned with.

It wasn’t a joke.

As a kid, I used to sneak around with Caleb, always in the thick of things. Once, I saw a rich lady fighting with her maid—hair flying, like a soap opera. The grand lady and the gentle daughter were at each other’s throats, supposedly because the lady thought her son was bewitched. I never wanted to be that embarrassed.

Zoe hid her smile behind a napkin. “What’s there to fear? Even if people gossip, your mom hasn’t done anything yet.”

Her eyes curved like a crescent moon. “She’s annoyed right now—if my brother misses the top spot, not just the mayor’s daughter, even the local girls will look down on him.”

“But isn’t Caleb sure to win?” As his friend, I felt bad complaining after all the snacks he’d bought me.

I twirled my spoon, hoping I hadn’t jinxed him.

“Hey—nothing in this world is guaranteed. There’s always uncertainty. I think my brother’s in trouble this time.” Zoe was always clear-headed—she’d say everything, no half-measures.

She leaned in, voice low. I felt a chill, wondering what she knew that I didn’t.

I didn’t reply, just scraped the tea leaves with my cup lid.

The silence between us was comfortable, filled with unspoken worries.

“I can tell Caleb’s heart isn’t steady this time. People keep saying he’s got it in the bag, but even if he knows it, it still gets to him. If it were just that, it wouldn’t matter—but right before he left, he really got angry! Scared my parents so much they tried everything to calm him down.” Zoe was as cheerful as ever, not bothered at all.

I choked on my tea.

I coughed, nearly spilling my drink. Caleb, angry? That was new.

Caleb, angry?

That was unheard of!

He’d never lost his temper—always quiet, gentle, meticulous, sometimes exasperating. Even when mad at me, he’d still buy me snacks… Such a softie.

But maybe it was a good thing—he was too smart, always calculating, never letting anything slip. Maybe this would help him let off steam. When he got back, I’d tell him—acting up in front of your parents is wrong, but if you need to blow off steam, come with me to catch wild chickens in the woods!

I said, “Even if it’s understandable, he still needs to be reminded. Acting like that in front of parents—”

“—No, no!” Zoe interrupted. “He wasn’t mad at our parents—if he was, he wouldn’t act so harshly.”

She shook her head, eyes wide. I leaned in, curiosity piqued.

“Then who?”

“My third sister. You know my brother hates being used as a bargaining chip, so my dad never talks about marrying him off to powerful families in front of him.”

That was true—Caleb was gentle but always had his own mind, hated being forced by those close to him.

I remembered the time he refused to join a club just because his mom suggested it. He’d gone quiet for days.

“But my third sister—she’s set up with Charlie Evans, and promised to help her friend date my brother. She talked my mom into it, secretly told Charlie all about my brother’s habits, and sent gifts—cookies, embroidery, presents for my mom. It’s awkward to accept, but rude not to.”

Charlie Evans? I’d heard of her—beautiful, proud, wouldn’t give an ordinary guy the time of day.

I pictured her, tall and graceful, always surrounded by admirers. She’d never given me the time of day.

“My mom was puzzled by Charlie’s eagerness, so she asked my sister. After some smooth talking, my brother figured it out.

It’s normal for girls to have crushes, but if it’s not mutual, the family can politely refuse.

The problem was my sister’s loose tongue—she gossiped about other girls who liked my brother, gave them nicknames, and stirred up trouble.

My brother was already unsettled by the SATs, and this made it worse.

He scolded my sister—not with words, but by slamming the table so hard it scared my mom, who was also worried about her niece’s future.

He skipped all the send-off parties, left early with just a friend.”

I thought about it—Zoe’s sister was at fault, but knowing Caleb’s usual calm, he wouldn’t lose his temper unless something big was going on… What was I thinking?

“Don’t overthink it…” I hesitated.

Zoe saw through me. “Autumn, I’m not my parents—I see clearly. Getting a top score is just a moment of glory—who knows what the future holds? If my brother gets it, he’ll be forced to date some rich girl, have a big wedding, and take all the credit. I don’t know much about politics, but I doubt it lasts.”

Her words made sense. I felt a pang of sympathy for Caleb—and maybe for myself, too.

That made sense. I sighed, “You really hit the nail on the head.”

I smiled, grateful for her honesty. Sometimes, you needed a friend to say the hard things. Even if you didn’t want to hear them.

I continued, “I read some Emerson the other day—‘For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind’—who can have smooth sailing all their life? Better to face some storms now and hope for peace later. Life has its ups and downs—gains and losses are hard to measure. Maybe fate has its own plans.”

I traced the rim of my cup, thinking of all the times I’d tried to control the uncontrollable. Maybe it was time to let go.

“I want Caleb to be safe every year, but thinking of all the drama, I hope he stays out of it…” I caught myself—Caleb’s future wasn’t something to discuss with outsiders. Zoe had led me astray today!

I blushed, realizing I’d said too much. Zoe just smiled, not judging.

“Why worry so much?” Zoe smiled. “Now I get why my brother likes you.”

She winked, and I felt my cheeks burn. I ducked my head, pretending to study my pastry.

“These pecan pastries are great with tea—I’m actually getting hungry.” I played dumb.

I took another bite, letting the sweetness distract me.

“My brother is clever, so he judges others by his own standards. If a girl is clueless, she’ll never get his heart; if she’s too sharp, it’s a battle of wits. But you—you see through things but don’t say it, prefer to act simple, and that matches his hopes for a quiet life with books, music, and good wine.”

I nibbled my pastry, embarrassed.

Did she really think that was true? I wasn’t sure, but it was nice to hear.

Do you think I can talk Zoe into forgetting all this before Caleb gets back?

I made a mental note to bribe her with cookies next time.

The dogwood tree by the street had started to blossom, and the heat was coming on.

The air smelled of promise—new beginnings, old hopes. I breathed it in, letting it fill me up.

I pulled on my new pale yellow blouse and strutted down Main, feeling pretty good about myself.

The fabric was soft, the color bright—a little sunshine on a cloudy day. I walked with my head held high, for once not caring who was watching.

Upstairs at a café outside town, I leaned on the railing, biting into a fresh Red Velvet Roll, then a Lemon Bar. The filling was sweet, though the lemon a bit tart.

I licked the sugar from my fingers, watching the clouds drift by. The world felt wide open, full of possibility.

“Autumn, you’re really wild,” the housekeeper sighed. “Didn’t you hear the gossip about Caleb Morrison coming back? Yet here you are, out for snacks instead of staying home…”

She shook her head, but her eyes were kind. I grinned, unrepentant.

“Enough, enough. Even if I stayed home, people wouldn’t stop talking. Might as well enjoy some peace.” I laughed, tossing a piece of pastry in my mouth, gazing at the misty countryside.

The hills rolled away, green and endless. I felt small and infinite all at once.

Ink-dark skies, pale green fields, a hint of red amid the endless landscape.

A cardinal flashed through the trees, a tiny spark of color in the gray morning.