Writer's Excerpts

Annie and Freda

by Jennifer Marston

published in TOK: Writing the New Toronto - Book 6

Freda blows back into town on a Sunday. Annie is facing away from the counter when the door opens, her sleeves rolled up, elbow deep in a batch of chilled coffee mix. She’s concentrating on stirring steadily, with enough force to dissolve the sugar but not enough to take it over the edge. Annie doesn’t like making messes.

“Hey pretty lady!” Freda drops her heavy backpack with a thump and slides onto the vinyl barstool directly behind Annie. “Still doing favours for the management?”

“Freda.” Annie says it before she turns, taking a second to stifle the smile that’s spreading across her face. “You’re here.”

“I’m here.” Freda reaches into the bin of biscotti, ignoring the tongs. She pops a chunk into her mouth and grins at Annie while she chews. “Here I am.”

Annie turns and leans against the counter, arms folded, eyebrow raised. She watches Freda for a while before breaking the silence. “So?”

“So what?” Freda bites off another chunk. “So it was fun, and now I’m back. Mind if I crash for a while?”

“Of course not. Are you back for good?”

“Maybe.” Freda widens her eyes and shrugs, as if the idea is new to her.

To read the full piece, purchase TOK: Writing the New Toronto - Book 6