Prologue
A/N this story is set in 1965.
I left school at sixteen. But have been working and saving money since I was fourteen all for this day.
I packed what little I had into my car and with my pockets full of cash I left.
My father tried to stop me. But that was only after he asked me what I expected to do for money. He had no idea I had any until then. I had managed to keep it a secret because otherwise it would have just ended up in the local barman’s hand like the rest of my father’s money.
I’m not saying he was abusive, but he was neglectful. I have basically raised myself since I was old enough to reach the cooker top. My mother left when I was still a baby. She purposely fell pregnant but when she had me reality set in and she left.
My father tried hard to juggle me and a job. But when his mother died, he fell apart and I was more or less left to care for myself.
Yes, there were sober times he apologised and promised to get clean, but they never lasted.
I blame the shame and embarrassment of my home life for the fact that I grew up with no friends. I am an eighteen year old loner, who had never so much as had a guy hug me, let alone kiss.
Now, I’m not saying I’ve never spoke to a guy. But that was normally to take an order at work. Boys aren’t interested in me.
Apparently I’m too big. Yes, I have big breasts and big ass, which guys love. But I am not stick thin like the other girls the guys like. But I’m not fat either, though I do have a little extra.
I heard one bit describe me as short and dumpy.
I like to eat too much to be a skinny mini.
I personally love my body. I have the hormones and dreams of any teenage girl. But staying in this judgmental town it was clear I’d never have the family and love I craved.
It’s not like I didn’t try. I went social events – when I wasn’t working. But that was a bust.
It was just another reason for me to leave town. I wanted… No, I need to leave town to find myself and maybe love.
I don’t really have a plan, I just planned on driving and seeing where the road takes me. When I run low on money I’ll get a job for a while and continue my trip.
And that is what I planned when I drove into the next town.
The sign said ‘Woodford.’ It looked a little old but so many signs on my journey so far have been.
The only useful piece of advice my father gave me was that a young girl shouldn’t go away alone. I thought he was being bigoted, but now I think he might have been right. Because the further I went, the more it looked like a ghost town.
It was immaculate, but there were no people and the shop displays in the windows looked like they were suck in the twenties or thirties.
Just when I had given it up for a ghost town a man exits what looks to be the town hall.
He must have heard my car because he stopped and watched me pull up in front of him. He was a handsome older gentleman who looked to be in his mid fifties. I bet he was gorgeous when he was younger. If I was older I think I would date him. But he’s a little old for me.
Climbing out my Chevy I see his eyes widen in surprise. I glance down at myself. I am dressed in a pair of high waisted shorts and a crop top, with a pair of sling backs. I’m curvy but you couldn’t see anything, even though I’m a little overweight I still have a relatively flat stomach. I thought I looked good.
I dismissed it and take a few steps forwards.
“Hello there. Are you lost?” He asked politely. “I can give you directions if you tell me where you are heading.”
I shook my head. “I’m not lost. Not going anywhere in particular, just driving and seeing where the road takes me.”
I’m surprised but happy to see him smile. “Girls sure are different from when I was young,” He commented but I said nothing. “Can I ask how old you are? Are you a runaway?” He looked more concerned now.
I force myself not to roll my eyes. It wasn’t the first time I have been asked this.
Walking back to my car, I lean inside and grab my driving licence turn back and hand it to him.
“Winifred Dixon,” He read.
“I’m eighteen, almost nineteen. Yes, my father knows I left. No, he doesn’t give a damn.” I sighed and quickly apologise feeling bad for snapping.
“I’m sorry to be rude, but I answer these questions at every stop. I am really just looking for somewhere I fit. At least a job for a while until I find the place.”
He gave me a sad smile and hands me back my license. “I completely understand what you mean. If you care to come with me I should be able to help you out.” He holds out his arm for me.
I stare at him a moment. “Just to make it clear, I’m not having sex with you. I’m not that type of woman.”
He looked ready to chock on his own tongue.
It was another reason people didn’t like me much, I’m too honest. I say what I think.
He quickly shook his head. “No, you completely misunderstand. I only have the purest intentions. I am Graham Jones, I am the mayor of this town.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. But you can never be too careful. There are a lot of perverts out there.”
“I understand. I think it is good. Girls need to learn to defend themselves.”
I smiled. “I think I like you, Mayor Jones. You have a good way of thinking. Too many people are stuck in the past. The world needs more men like you,” I say and take his arm.
“I can honestly say that’s the first time I’ve been told that.” He led me inside the town hall.
“Small town?” I asked as we reach his office without seeing a single person in the building.
“Take a seat and I’ll explain. Can I get you a drink?”
I nodded and he disappeared coming back a minute later with a glass of orange juice for me. His choice alone made me feel like a child. But I didn’t say anything because he seemed kind. I sat in the plush armchair opposite the one he sat in.
“It’s really hard to believe now, but forty years ago this place was booming with people.” He had a coffee.
“What happened? It looks like a really nice place to live from what little I’ve seen.”
“It really is. I’ve lived here my whole life, as has the remaining people,” He told me.
“It was nineteen-twenty-nine, my dad was mayor. We were always inundated with visitors. We were known as the place to go if you wanted to have multiple births.
“But then people started getting sick with a sore throat, cough and fever. At first no one thought anything. We all thought it was a passing virus. But then slowly people got worse. Our doctor was the first to die. After that many more died. But just as many packaged up and left, never returning.
“By the time it ended there were only several families left and most either very young or elderly. At the time one of our resident was at medical school, he returned to help. But it was too late. We later discovered it was diphtheria.
“That was thirty-six years ago and as you’ve seen, we never recovered. There is only twenty of us left.”
I was in tears. He stood up and sat on the arm of the chair, placing an arm around my shoulder.
“Do not cry, Winifred. It was a long time ago.” It was clear he didn’t have much experience comforting a crying woman, but he was trying.
“I’m sorry. It’s just such a sad story.” I wiped my face.
“Do not be sorry for caring. You are a big hearted girl. It is good. But I would like your help.”
“My help?”
“Yes. I have a proposal. We have many empty businesses and homes. I will happily give you one, if you settle here.”
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch. I promise. I am simply trying to build the town back up and you will be the first of many new people, I hope.”
“And I just have to settle here?”
“Yes. If you have any family, they are welcome too.”
“It’s only me.”
“Then you alone. This town is small, but very close and self-sufficient. Most have never left town, even on vacation. We are a family. You would make a lovely addition.”
“I can cook and bake if that’s any good?”
He gave me a bright smile.
“That would be great. I actually run the diner, but I’m no chef. I’d be happy for your help and when we have more people you can move to the bakery, if you wish?”
“Can I have that in writing?”
“I will have my lawyer draw up the papers. The only thing is, you will have to stay at my house, only for tonight, just until I can have a house cleaned out for you.”
“Nonsense. I’ll clean it. I don’t want to put you out. You have already been so kind. You are amazing.”
“Ha. You are good for my ego,” He laughed.
“But if you insist, I’ll take you to the house tomorrow. Today you can come to the diner with me. Most of the town eats there. Is that alright? You’ll get to meet the other residents.”
“As long as I can eat too. I’m starved.” I stand up.
“I must tell you one more thing, it may make you change your mind. There is no women in town. There hasn’t been any since the illness.”
“That’s alright,” I was surprised but didn’t mind.
“Remember I said many of the survivors were young?” I nod. “Well, there is thirteen men, they are all much older than you. But were only babies and small children when it happened. They have never left the town to my knowledge.”
“You mean they haven’t seen a woman?”
“Out of the movies, I doubt very much. You are very safe. They are kind men. I just wanted to warn you because they will likely stare.”
I laugh. “That wouldn’t be the first time. I’m often stared at, normally in disgust because I’m too fat.”
“What?” He scratched his head looking genuinely confused. “Now I am certain that is a lie. You are a beautiful young girl. If I was twenty years younger I would court you myself.”
“We’ll agree to disagree. But thank you.” We exited the building to find a man stood outside, he was leaning against a sheriff’s cruiser.
When he saw me he stood up straight and had the same expression as when I first met the mayor.
In fact he was identical to the mayor. Only he was dressed more causal.
“You’re one of the twins you mentioned?” I asked the mayor as we approached his brother.
“Yes, most of the town are.”
“Hello. Who is you friend, Graham?” The other man stepped closer.
“Gary, this is Winifred Dixon. Winifred, this is my brother, Gary. He is the sheriff and runs the local bar.”
“Good to meet you,” I held out my hand for him, he smiled and shook it gently.
“Pleasure is mine, Miss Dixon.”
“Call me Winnie.”
“Winnie… What are you doing in our tiny town?”
“Your brother has just offered me a job.”
“Let’s walk and talk. The diner is just across the street.”
“Let me just grab something from my car.” I quickly went over to my car and leaned into the backseat, grabbing the thing I was looking for.
“Got it,” I get back to where the guys are waiting.
Both held an elbow out for me and together we walked across the road to the start of my new life.
Little did I know what was coming.
