A Friendship.

A Friendship.

The alarm clock went off at 6:00am as usual. Anna stirred under her blankets. She slowly opened her eyes as the birds started chirping in the tree outside her window. Anna sat up and swung her legs out from under the bedclothes and placed her feet on the floor.

As usual Anna got dressed and headed for the kitchen.First she checked the kettle,refilled it with water and then set the electric kettle back on its base and turned it on.She then went to the cupboard above the kitchen sink and got out her favourite tea cup.

She set the cup and saucer on the bench and pulled out a box of tea from the cupboard as well. Anna opened the box and selected a English Breakfast teabag and put it into the teacup. She had always loved tea since she was a young girl. She did have loose leaf tea and a teapot but she would only use them if she was hosting afternoon tea.

Anna went to the cupboard and took out a bowl and opened the drawer to get a spoon. She then went to the pantry and found the box of cereal. Anna walked over to the kettle and switched it on. She procceced to her kitchen table with the box of cereal and poured some into the bowl.

Anna went to the fridge and got a bottle of milk. The kettle let out a plaintive whistle to let Anna know that the water had boiled.She went over, lifted the kettle off the base and poured some water into the teacup.While she let the tea brew, Anna took the bottle of milk and poured some onto the cereal.

Anna put the bottle on the table and went to collect her cup of tea along with the spoon and a teaspoon. She put them on the table and sat down to her breakfast.Anna started to eat her cereal and poured some milk into the teacup and removed the bag.

As she sat at the table, Anna started to think about herself and reflected back on her school days. She remembered standing in a hall surrounded by other students not quite sure of herself. Anna had a quiet nature and was shy around big groups of people.A redheaded boy with freckles walked by and poked his tongue out at her.

"What is the matter with you," he yelled at Anna. She stepped back and found herself against a wall. He walked up to her with a sneer on his face. Anna looked around but the other students walked by. He drew up his arm and came closer.Anna closed her eyes hoping for someone to stop him.

Suddenly there came from nowhere a loud voice. It boomed out,"Joey leave that girl alone." Anna opened her eyes and saw a dark haired heading their way. She was taller than Anna and her brown eyes seemed to sparkle with a bright fire.

Joey turned around and glared at her. " It has nothing to do with you Deirdre."Deirdre looked Joey up and down. She came up to Anna and held out her hand. Anna took a step forward and stood beside Deirdre. Deirdre turned to Joey and said," You are all class not Joey."

Deirdre started to walk down the hall with Anna following her. Anna did not know what to say. She was happy that someone came to her aid. When they got to a classroom Deirdre turned and said,"Hi! My name is Deirdre. Pleased to meet you." Anna smiled the first time since the school morning had started.

''Hi! My name is Anna. Thank you for coming to my aid." Deirdre smiled with a wide toothy smile. "No problem. I am happy to help. Joey is a mean person and he is always causing trouble."As they stood there the bell for class rung.Deirdre looked at Anna and said,"Let's have lunch together."

As Anna sat at the table sipping her tea, she reflected about her meeting with Deirdre. From that moment they became good friends. Deirdre was outgoing,fun and had a zany sense of humour. She made Anna laugh when she was feeling sad.

Anna finished drinking her tea and stood up from the table. She started to clear away breakfast and carried her bowl and teacup over to the kitchen sink. She rinsed them and put them on the sink. She would wash them later. Anna looked up at the clock on the wall which read 8:30am.

She went to the back door where she picked up a pair of shoes and put them on. She opened the door and stepped into her back garden. The sun was bright and warm with a gentle breeze that slightly made the trees sway. Anna headed towards the back corner.

In the corner was a shed with a wire run attached. As Anna approached several hens came rushing to the gate. She waved her hand at them and said,"Stand aside girls so I can open the gate." She opened the gate and stepped inside and the hens waited. She walked into the shed and got some feed.

Anna fed and watered her hens. She loved animals and birds were her favourite.She always liked to sit on a chair in the garden watching the birds. Anna checked the nest boxes and picked up four eggs. She walked back through the gate and closed it. Anna headed back to the house.

Anna reached the back door and opened it. As she did so Pickles her ginger and white cat ran through the open door. Anna went into the kitchen and put the eggs on the sideboard.Pickles came up to her and rubbed himself against her legs. She bent down and trickled him on the top of his head.

Anna looked up at the clock. It was just after nine o'clock. She went to the cupboard and got out a tin of cat food. She found the can opener and opened the can.Pickles ran over to his bowl and wayched Anna spoon the wholecan into his bowl. He started to eat.

Anna put the can into the rubbish bin and washed her hands. She started to arrange her kitchen bench so she could start baking. Anna loved baking and her favourite item to make was scones. Eveyone loved when Anna baked. The local fete was always asking for her scones.

Wednesday was baking day. It was also when Deirdre came over for afternoon tea. Their weekly together to chat and share many fond stories of their friendship. Yes Deirdre a true friend. Anna wondered what would of happened if she had not met Deirdre?