by Becky Rule

True story. Clive lived next door to the Meeting House, so it fell to him to keep the keys. When the Historical Society hosted a talk on graveyards or the Firefighters Auxiliary sponsored a pancake breakfast, Clive would open and close the building, sweep off the landing, shovel the walkway, adjust the heat, and so forth.

One day, Gretchen, had a call from Clive.  There was to be a roast pork supper on Saturday. Would she contribute a roast pork and have it at the hall piping hot by 5:00? She said she would.  She and Paul lived within walking distance of the Meeting House so it was no skin off their teeth.

When they arrived at the appointed hour, pork in pan, there was Clive behind a table by the door, a basket set out for $5 donations.  Naturally, Gretchen and Paul paid their $5, not a bad price for a roast pork dinner.  They’d brought their own plates, mugs and silverware, as Clive had instructed. Others trickled in, some with steaming pork roasts. Some with vats of mashed potato, homemade apple sauce, green bean casserole.  Sally Hutchins had the coffee percolating in the big urn in the corner. Several pies appeared.

When the dust settled, about fifteen people tucked in at the two long tables.  Gretchen looked around.  Everyone lived within a mile or two of the Meeting House.  Everyone was a neighbor.  Every face familiar.  Come to think of it, she hadn’t read anything about this pork roast supper in the paper or seen notice of it at the P.O. or Gould’s Store.

Then it struck her.  Clive had a hankering for roast pork, but wasn’t much of a cook, so he made a few calls and voila.  That’s French for Clive got a good supper, good company, and a few dollars he planned to donate to the Meeting House restoration fund.  Gretchen liked to think that was what he had in mind, but she never asked.

Becky Rule has lived all her life (so far) in New Hampshire. She has written several popular books set in her home state, including her latest collection of stories, “Live Free and Eat Pie” (Islandport Press), and hosts live storytelling events, many sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. She posts stories regularly on her website, www.livefreeandeatpie.com.