Accidentally, On Purpose

A Romantic Comedy, Episode 10, the Finale

With a little Faith, Hope, Charity…and love.

“What’ll you have, kiddo?” Faith Louise stood behind the lunch counter casting concerned eyes at the lovely young woman sitting hunched over, staring at the wall of fame behind her. There was a sadness in Cara’s expression that she hadn’t seen since the poor girl’s mother passed away three years ago.

Without missing a beat, she replied, “Chocolate malted milkshake, please.”

“Coming up.”

Faith Louise pulled out a tall glass and proceeded to mix up a thick chocolate malted with whip cream and a fresh cherry on top, just the way Cara liked it. She ambled back, setting it on top of a white paper napkin before her.

“On the house.”

“What? Oh, that’s not necessary. I can pay for it. I just started my new job at the high school.”

Faith Louise leaned her hands on the edge of the counter and cocked her head sideways. “I know you can. I hear things. Congratulations, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Cara took a long sip from the pink-striped straw letting the frosty chocolaty goodness chase her blues away.

“It’s gratis just because. You look like you could use a little TLC.” The old woman sighed, a half-smile on her face. “So, what’s got you down?”

Cara shifted on the stool, unsure how to answer Miss Faith’s question. Before she had a chance to reply, someone did it for her.

“The girl’s got a broken heart. Can’t you see?” Charity Rose hollered through the pass-through window.

Faith Louise tossed a look over her shoulder. “Thanks for the input, Eagle Eye.”

Hope Margaret came out of the double swinging kitchen doors carrying two plates of hot meatloaf and mashed potatoes. She bustled past her sister and Cara and set them down in front of the two gentlemen at the table by the plate-glass window.

“Nothing gets past Charity Rose. Double Oh Seven ain’t got a thing on her.”

“True,” said Faith Louise. She returned her attention to Cara. “Things didn’t work out with you and Beau, huh? Is that on account of you being the one who blinded him?”