"Sam I can't help but notice you cleaning that same spot on that table a couple of times" said a gray beard man
I look confused and wonder what he meant. Looking down I finally understood what he meant. Half of the table had left over food crumbs while the other side could pass for a five star restaurant clean. Heat took over my face when I saw this. Cleaning the whole table this time I tried to focuson the task at hand.
"Sorry about that and thank you for letting me know" I said in a akward voice
Mr. Jim happens to be one of the few regular customers that I get along well. And it's more so because he reminds me of an average grandpa, but don't let his fast speed fool you he is one hundred in one years old making him the oldest man in this place so he knows everyone and cares for everyone the same way. Kind hearted to all and very knowledgeable about the past of the town. He happens to be the one person even Wonda lessons to. That's when it click, maybe he knows what's going on with her.
"Mr. Jim can I ask you a question" I moved in closer to him
"What's wrong Sam," Mr. Jim ask me just like a real grandpa
Not being able to stop my self I ask, "What's wrong with Wonda? I can't help but notice her change in attitude during this time of the year. But this time she can't seem to stay still" Taking a moment trying to explain myself or at least try to make heads or tails out of this "What happen in the past?"
Mr. Jim takes a moment to think. I never left his face. His face changes from on of anger and regret to one of sadness and lost. He then focus his eyes on me and smiles a sad smile.
"It's that time again" he said in a whisper.
I move closer to him just to hear what he's trying to say. But nothing he says makes sense to me. He chuckles, I guess he knows why I look like this. Taking in a breath, thinking of the beat way to start a long story. Finally set on how to start he says.
" As you know we live a place full of myth and superstition, right?" I nod "Their is a tradition in these parts as well. Every thirty-five years some girls go missing. It could he one of our towns girls or from out of town. Non of them have many things in common other than their age gap and beauty. From six teen all the way to eight teen non of them have gone over that age gap."
A shiver ran down my spin when he said that. How close I am to their age, sure I'm closer to twenty then eight teen but still. Being taken like that and never being seen ever again. True my family hasn't seen me but I at least left a note so I think they know I'm ok, besides I'm planning to go see them ones I make up all the money I took from them.
"You just past the threat, but Wondas friend didn't have such luck. Just like you she was an outsider of our town. Beautiful and graceful with a kind heart, the same way as Wonda the only difference between the two of them, Lisa happened to be super shy while our Wonda always spoke her mind out." a smile play on both of our lips.
"But that all change on that day. Lisa went out to for a walk. After being gone for over two hours Wonda set out to look for here. But with no luck she came back crying. The police search for weeks for her but just like Wonda no one found her."
Wonda change so much after one incident? But why, people disappear all the time. What can be different, maybe they are closer then I thought they were.
"I can tell from the look in your eyes you don't understand" saying with a grandpa smile, "Let me explain. As you know I'm a very old man, so old I happen to have seen this kind a thing happen many, many times but out of all those times I only remember seeing this kind twice before."
I took a step back not wanting to hear anymore but I know myself well enough to know my own stubbornness.
"It happened when I was an infant a group of girls disappear close to my home. I would be lying if I said I remembered them in person after all I wasn't even born yet, but I saw their pictures throughout town for a couple of years. And if I remember they were all very beautiful. I kept look at their pictures until the last family finally gave up. The second time was when Lisa and three other girls disappear. Just like last time they search for many months and just like last time they were all very beautiful. And by the looks of it I'm going to live to see the third group disappear "
"What are you trying to say" fear now really taking over soul
"Tomorrow night will be thirty-five years since the last time this happen." He pause to look me with the saddest eyes I've ever seen him make, "Sam I have only known you for a couple of years but promise me you will be safe"
I couldn't say a word. Know I can understand why Wonda is acting this way, but I can't do nothing.
"Ok" is the only thing I could say