The late summer sun sparkled through the store window. Genny sat sipping her iced tea and relaxing after her day checking out the town and the general store. She liked the small town where the general store also was a small restaurant with a gas station out front and rooms on the second floor to serve as a hotel. The school had no more than 30-40 children. When she had driven into the town earlier this week she smiled when she read the city limit sign, “Welcome to Carne Park, Population 106”. Small town, fresh air, everything clean and natural, this is exactly what she was looking for.

"Well, I say, I don' think I know you miss. Bein' a small town 'n' all," the woman said as she sat herself down at Genny's table. She looked to be in her late 60's with short grey hair. She was very petite, no more then 5 feet tall and skinny as a pole. She reminded Genny of "Grandma Clampett" from The Beverly Hillbillies TV show. "I'spect y'er not from 'round here."

Genny smiled over her glass. "No, I just moved here from the city a few days ago. I heard about the teaching position at the school and thought that I would apply. I'm lucky there were no other applicants. I’m Geneveive Crane, but most people just call me Genny." She put out her hand and the woman shook it.

"Well, Genny. Most people 'round 'ere jus' call me Ma Parker. We live 'bout two miles outta town by the ol' woods. We bein' me 'n' my boys. I say they’re just about your age. I'd love for you to meet 'em, seein' as it don' look like your attached. No ring 'r nothin. Not too many young men 'round these parts. They're either already hitched or no good. Not too many young ladies 'round 'ere neither, makes it hard on the boys sometimes. You meetin' many of the folks 'round town?"

"I've met the other school teacher, Beth Foster, and her husband, Dr. Foster. And I've met Sheriff Biggs and one of the Deputies, Joey Carnes, I think."

"Oh, that Joey. He's a bad apple now. Same as his big brother Billy. They's always causin' trouble 'round town when they're younger. Billy even tried burnin' down the school. The Sheriff’s the only one can keep 'em in line so that's why they work there."

"Really? Joey seemed like such a nice guy, and the Sheriff seemed very proud of him."

"Ol' Joey knows when to b'have 'imself. He looks to 've settled down a bit since getting’ married. Some women 'ave a calmin' affect on boys. His brother hasn't changed t'all. 'Specially when there's a pretty lady nearby. He'd charm the coils offa snake if given a chance. Well, I best be goin'. I don' wanna take up too much of your time." She stood up.

"It was very nice meeting you Mrs. Parker."

"No. Jus' Ma Parker 'ill do."

"All right then, Ma Parker. Anyway, maybe I'll see you or your boys around town sometime. I'd like to meet them."

"Well now, why don' you come over for dinner sometime. It'd be better then eat'n all by yourself. Why don' you come over t'night?"

"Well, tonight I'm eating with the Fosters. They wanted to introduce me to some of the parents of the younger children that I'll be teaching when school starts next month. The Sheriff, his family and the other Deputies are supposed to be coming over too."

"Oh well, how 'bout t'mmorrow night then?"

"That sounds good."

"Aw'right then. 'Bout 5 o'clock?"

"All right."

"Good. Now the house's down the road 'bout two miles east t'ward the woods. There'll be a side road with a big ol’ rock on the corner. That road goes straigh' to the woods, you'll wanna take that till you see the house. It's not fancy, mind, but it's nice 'n' homey."

"I'll see you tomorrow then." Genny said.

"Good, good. Now don' forget what I said 'bout Billy, ya 'ear."

"I will. Thank you," she called after the woman.