by Dina Mcnulty

Created on: August 09, 2008

The wooden tables, chairs, and flooring was perfect dcor for the little log cafe nestled in the mountains of Colorado. It was lunch time and travelers from different parts of the country begin to crowd into the little place. It didn't appear there was going to be a table large enough to fit our family of six. Much to our delight, this meant that my sister and I, two little girls ages 10 and 11, would get to sit at our own table, several whole yards away and practically out of sight from the rest of our family. We both felt so privileged to be treated like grownups.

I didn't know who looked more out of place, two little girls in t-shirts and shorts seated at their own table without any adult supervision, or the two elderly women next to us who were dressed in their Sunday best with stockings, heels, and fancy hats fastened securely into place on top of neatly coiled buns. As these elegant ladies sipped their tea, I couldn't help but be impressed by their brightly polished nails and delicate hands adorned with what looked like real diamonds and rubies. They appeared to be engaged in a very serious discussion.

Every now and then, the exuberant chatter of my sister and I must have reached an unacceptable volume as the two women would interrupt their discussion to glance in our direction in a non-approving manner. I don't think that I was aware that I was rocking back and forth on the back legs of my wooden chair until I smiled at one of the ladies who looked at me with a perturbed expression on her face. She pursed her bright red lips together, took another sip of her tea and directed her eyes away from me without smiling back. It was obvious, that though I hadn't intended to, I annoyed her. I immediately rocked forward so that all four legs touched the floor and I was sitting up straight.

I imagined that these two old ladies, dressed like they were about to dine at the governor's mansion, were wondering why two scraggly little girls were allowed to sit by themselves. Suddenly I felt awkward and humbled to be in the presence of two very proper women discussing something of obvious importance. I decided to be on my best behavior and prove to these ladies that we were indeed capable of behaving properly in a restaurant without our parents. They would see that it was never our intention to be rude. Before they left, I was sure we would gain their respect and they would eventually be impressed by our mannerly ways.

I lowered my voice and resumed conversing with my sister.

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