Chapter 2: Dinner

With a smile, he tilted his head, walking toward me. His accent was thick, "I'm Cayden, the one I assumed Jane talked to you about."

When I heard my sister's name, I smiled and felt a little relieved in my heart. I extended my hand, saying, “Hi”

We shook hands. 

"I was lucky, Jane gave me your picture" he mused while grabbing my bag from me, which I reluctantly allowed. "How's the trip?" 

"Tiring. I feel like my bones are so stiff" I chuckled. 

"Well, now you have a chance to loosen," he said and began motioning over the cabin.

"The cottage's owner, whom you talked with, affirmed that the home was ready for occupancy even though she was currently out of town” 

I simply nodded, looking at the cabin. 

"Should we enter and have a look around?” Cayden inquired.

"I would love to," I said, and followed him.

I was given a tour of the charming, incredibly modest area after entering the cabin. The living area and kitchen were both in one space and had vibrant colors and vintage-inspired décor. There is one room that serves as the bedroom. The toilet and tub in the bathroom were fine as well. When he finally showed me the backyard, I gasped in awe at seeing the beautifully vibrant flowers scattered across the entire garden. 

Cayden remarked, "I'll go first so you can settle in and rest. In case you need something, you can call me or knock on the house I came out of earlier.”

I smiled back and said, "Thank you.”

After escorting Cayden outside, I went inside after he had departed. But I find myself doing nothing except standing there and scanning the space. The cabin indeed held its beauty, far from the places and establishments I was used to seeing every day. 

As I stood in the cabin, I oddly felt at home despite the fact that I was standing in an unfamiliar land. I silently praised myself sarcastically. “Way to go, Jaidyn Murray.”

The thought of charging my cell phone suddenly crossed my mind. I am sure my sister will call me to let me know if I am fine. She was that protective of me.

 ...

The door creaked softly, echoing around the space. I hurriedly set down my phone and hurried to the door, opening it to see Cayden waiting there.

Cayden murmured, "Hey."

I waved back, a bit bewildered, "Hi."

"Have you already had dinner?”

I shook my head. One of the topics I wished to discuss with him was this. “Not yet. Truth be told, I have a question for you regarding that.”

“We can discuss it at our house.  If it's okay with you, my sister would want to ask you for dinner. She got so excited after learning that you are Jaxon's sister-in-law.”

I nodded and muttered. “Sure.”

I'll be OK; my brother-in-law knows them. 

Later that night, we made our way to Cayden's place. The cabin I was staying in is only a short stroll away. 

As soon as we walked inside, a woman with dark blonde hair like Cayden came out of one of the corridors. As soon as she saw me, her almond eyes widened, and a smile spread across her plump lips.

“Hi!” she beamed. 

I waved at her and began to speak when she grabbed my hand and gave me a hug instead. I was so stunned that I remained still until she beamingly released me.

"You look a lot like Jaxon's wife, who is also quite stunning. We actually didn't see you, you know. Only your parents were present when Jane and Jaxon came to see us, so we are all curious about you." 

I muttered, "Oh," trying to mask my surprise. "My parents visit this town? ”

She casts a quick peek towards Cayden, who is wearing a very serious expression. Before she turns to face me, they exchange a brief look as though they were communicating.

She shifted the subject by saying, "Claire here."

I shook her outstretched hand and murmured, "Jaidyn."

“I will just prepare the table,”

“I can assist you,” I offered.

"It's alright. Thank you nevertheless,” Claire replied, giving me a wink as she strode away. She then exclaimed, "You can just sit there."

Cayden said, turning to face me, "I warned her not to do that." He gestured toward the living room. "Please excuse my sister. That is exactly how she is. She always likes meeting new people and hugging them.”

I smiled and replied once again,” It's okay,” unable to resist asking the query that had been nagging at the back of my mind. "Do my folks actually come here? ”

Cayden gave a nod. "Yes, with your sister a few days after their wedding. Jaxon was a good person and a close tie of the people in this town."

"I didn't know," I said with a short chuckle, continuing to sit on the couch with a floral pattern while he came to sit beside me. I had no idea my parents would accompany my sister on her trip here. How come they didn't tell me?

"So what are you doing here? Vacation? " Cayden remarked, grabbing my attention.

Although there is more to it than the fact that I was compelled to book a trip, I nodded. "To spend some time away from the city,"

“Does your sister suggest this place?”

"No, I just happened to see the mountain nearby on the brochures and was immediately captivated by it. Gotta put my legs and spirit to the test”

Cayden began to chuckle. “Wishing you luck on that.”

"I felt like I really needed that," I turned to scan the area, figuratively and emotionally. 

Claire's living room was small but inviting, with bright folk art that somehow made her feel at home. She had a little TV on a polished table.

"You're married?" 

I faced him only to find him glancing at the ring on my finger. "No, engaged until the other day." 

Cayden just gave me a reassuring glance and didn't press the matter further, which I appreciate. We discuss many topics, including school experiences and other things, for a while. I also learned that the huge supermarket is just in the next town.