Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
The small town of Oakville came into view as Frank's pickup truck rumbled down Main Street. Camilla took in the quaint storefronts and historic buildings that looked like they hadn't changed in decades. American flags fluttered from lamp posts, and cheery window displays welcomed visitors.
"You girls sure you don't want me to wait?" Frank asked as he pulled up in front of the diner. "It's no trouble to drive you to the airport later."
"We're sure, Dad," Jade said, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "We want to walk around a bit first. I’m sure we’ll be able to get a taxi. If not, I’ll call you. Thanks for the ride!"
They climbed out, shouldering their small weekend bags.
Camilla waved as Frank drove off, then turned to take in their surroundings more closely.
The town square was dominated by a stately brick courthouse, its clock tower stretching toward the overcast sky.
Around the square, locally-owned shops and cafes beckoned with colorful awnings and hand-painted signs.
"So this is your old stomping ground," Camilla mused, linking her arm through Jade's. "It's like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting."
Jade chuckled. "Wait until you see inside Rosie's," she said, gesturing to the chrome-fronted diner. "It's like the 1950s never ended."
A bell chimed as they stepped inside where the aroma of coffee and bacon enveloped them. Red vinyl booths lined the windows, while chrome stools fronted a long Formica counter. Behind it, a waitress was refilling coffee mugs for the morning regulars.
"Well I'll be!" the waitress exclaimed, her face lighting up. "If it isn't Jade Thompson! Get over here and give me a hug, you Hollywood star!"
Jade laughed and obliged, embracing the older woman warmly. "Hi Doris! It's so good to see you. I’m sorry to disappoint you though; I’m still no Hollywood star.”
"Well, you’re a star to me. Let me look at you," Doris said, holding Jade at arm's length. "Still as pretty as ever. LA hasn't changed you a bit." Her gaze shifted to Camilla. "And who's this lovely lady?"
"This is Camilla," Jade said, reaching for Camilla's hand. "Camilla, this is Doris. She's been keeping Oakville caffeinated and well-fed for as long as I can remember."
"It's wonderful to meet you," Camilla said, shaking Doris's hand.
"Likewise, honey. Any friend of Jade's is welcome here." Doris winked. “Now, you two grab a booth and I'll bring you some menus."
As they slid into a booth by the window, Camilla noticed how easily Jade slipped back into small-town life. "It seems like you’re famous around here," she teased.
Jade rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Small town, big dreams. I think they all expected me to be famous by now."
"Well, I for one think you're incredibly talented," Camilla said, giving her eyes from across the table.
Before Jade could respond, a booming voice called out from across the diner. "Jade Thompson! I thought that was you!"
They looked up to see a burly man in a sheriff's uniform approaching their table, a wide grin on his face.
"Sheriff Dan!" Jade exclaimed, standing to greet him. "How are you?"
"Can't complain," he said, tipping his hat. "How's life in the big city treating you?"
"It has its ups and downs," Jade replied. "But I'm doing well. Oh! Let me introduce you to Camilla. Camilla, this is Sheriff Dan. He coached my high school drama club."
Camilla's eyebrows rose in surprise as she shook the sheriff's hand. "Drama club? I wouldn't have guessed."
Sheriff Dan chuckled. "What can I say? I contain multitudes. Jade was one of my star pupils. Her Juliet brought the house down."
"I bet it did," Camilla said, smiling warmly at Jade.
As Sheriff Dan and Jade made small talk, Doris returned with coffee. "On the house," she said. "Consider it a welcome home treat."
For the next hour, their conversation was punctuated by a steady stream of visitors to their table.
It seemed everyone in town wanted to say hello to Jade and meet the woman who had captured her heart.
There was Mr. Chen from the hardware store, Ms. Perez, Jade's high school Spanish teacher, and Mr. Abernathy, her high school principal.
Once they were finally alone again, Camilla leaned back in her seat, shaking her head in amazement. "Wow, Jade. It's incredible how everyone remembers you. They all seem so genuinely happy to see you."
Jade shrugged. "I’m happy to see them too. That's just how it is in small towns like this. Everyone knows everyone. It's not really about me specifically."
"Still," Camilla insisted, "it's special. I can't relate to this at all. I've lived in LA my whole life, and I never casually bump into people I know, let alone have them remember details about my life from years ago."
"I get that,” Jade said, stirring her second coffee. “It's definitely different here. But you know, it has its downsides too."
“Like what? Don’t you miss living here?"
Glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot, Jade leaned in and lowered her voice.
"Honestly? I prefer LA. Don't get me wrong, Oakville will always be home in some ways, but.
.." She paused, choosing her words carefully.
"It's nice when not everyone is up in your business all the time. It can be suffocating."
Camilla nodded. "I can see how that might be challenging."
"Don't get me wrong," Jade added quickly, "it's nice to visit. In small doses. But I love the anonymity of the city. The freedom to be whoever I want to be without the weight of everyone's expectations. Being gay in a small town… it wasn’t easy growing up."
“Were you bullied?” Camilla asked.
“For a while.” Jade paused, her eyes distant as she recalled those difficult times.
“And then there were the stares, the way some kids suddenly stopped talking when I entered a room…
It all took its toll. Mr. Abernathy, the principal who stopped by earlier?
He wasn't exactly supportive when I first came out.
He's changed his views since then, but back then, his silence spoke volumes.”
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," Camilla said softly. "It must have taken incredible strength to stay true to yourself in that environment."
"It wasn't always easy, but I had some amazing supporters too. My parents, Sheriff Dan, even Doris here at the diner. They helped me believe in myself." She paused, her eyes meeting Camilla's. "And now I have you. Sometimes I still can't believe how lucky I am."
“I’m the lucky one.” Camilla rubbed her foot against Jade’s underneath the table. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Jade smiled, then checked her watch. "We should probably get going if you want a tour of the town before heading to the airport," she said. As they stood to leave, Doris rushed over with a paper bag.
"I packed you some of my famous apple pie for the road," she said, pressing the bag into Jade's hands. "And Camilla, it was wonderful to meet you. You take good care of our girl, you hear?"
Camilla thanked her, touched by the warmth of this community that had shaped Jade.
This trip had given her more than just a glimpse into Jade's past; it had shown her a possible future - one filled with love, acceptance, and the kind of connections that transcended time and distance.
Hand in hand, they set off down Main Street, ready to explore the rest of Oakville and whatever lay beyond.