A place to call home again.
1196 Words
Getting up the next morning and everyone after, I arrived at work early, I’d gone to lunch at 12.30, bringing back a coffee for myself and Mr Walsh, and then headed home at 5pm.
We were becoming close, but finally it was Friday.
I was only a few books from finishing, the English novels and poetry section, the shelves and the books gleamed, I’d even cleaned the light fixtures and replaced the globes.
Now the globes glowed white light again, the dust and grime, no longer yellowed their light, and it did wonders for the display.
I rose to fetch Mr Walsh, when he came to inspect the finished section, his face was aglow at the sight in awe.
“I cleaned polished the shelves, wiped over every book cover and dusted the pages, I cleaned the glass light shades and replaced the grimey globes." I paused.
"Oh, and the dried lavender hanging between the shelves is supposed to deter book worms.” I grin, feeling very accomplished.
Mr Walsh turns to me, my smile fades, his eyes are full of tears, then he steps towards me, sweeping me up in crushing hug.
Despite his age, you’d think he worked out, for his strength was incredible, I choked struggling to breath.
He suddenly released me, then he grabbed my face he kissed both my cheeks, smiling through his tears.
“My wife was right to put that add in the paper, its been 20 years or more, since I’ve felt such life returning to my beloved shop and its all thanks to you Miss Ivy.”
He grinned his eyes sparkling; Mr Walsh let go of my face, turning back to the display.
I watched him eyeing the sign above the books, I’d carefully cleaned it, so the silver paint shone under the new globes.
I told him I would watch the counter, so he could have a moment, he merely nodded.
I leaned on the counter smiling to myself, when the door chimed, the tall woman I’d see in the coffee shop earlier in the week, took off her sunglasses eyeing me.
“Who are you? Did the old man finally kick the bucket?” She asked bluntly, I just about choked, something about her made me bristle, and growl guttled in my throat.
Her eyes widen, she suddenly looked posed to run, taking a step back.
I felt Agni come forward awakening at the sound I’d made, I couldn’t help it, as my instincts were taking over.
“What’s going on?” I blinked; Mr Walsh had appeared looking between the woman and I.
“Nothing, I mean not sure, she was ah.. asking for you Mr Walsh.” I replied, I avoided his look, embarrassed at myself, I growled? and at a customer.
He nodded hesitant, then told me I could start on the religions and beliefs section.
I nodded, appreciating the escape offered, and slipped past him.
I listened as I walked.
“Holy s**t?! Do you know what she is?!” The woman whispered.
“I wasn’t sure till just now, but yes.” Mr Walsh replied.
“She has to be the run away!” the woman hissed.
“She’s not the run away, just a rogue that’s looking for a place in the world, and she’s found one.” Mr Walsh retorted, I felt myself swell at his protective words.
“You’re kidding me? You aren’t thinking of getting involve in..affairs again are you?” She angrily whispered.
“No I’m not, I’m just a bloke with a bookstore, who likes his new employee's work, come take a look..” Mr Walsh trailed off.
I picked up my pace, grabbing the cleaning supplies as I passed, heading to the back corner.
The woman had grumbled and left soon after seeing the display.
It was almost 5 o’clock, so I stood and stretched, weaving between the shelves to the counter.
Mr Walsh looked up, then at his watch.
“That time already? Here is your pay for the week,.” he handed me cash, I couldn’t help but stare, my first pay ever.
“Now I didn’t pay you for today..” I snap up looking at him.
“Why not?” I ask.
“Because its insurance you come back Monday.” He replied, I blinked at him.
“That was the customer I’d been trying to hide you from, she’s a nosey…relative.” He pulled a face.
“I don’t intend to let you skip town, now it's out that I know you’re a werewolf.” He finished.
My eyes almost fell out of my head, he'd known I was eavesdropping on them.
“Yes, yes I’m observant, I suspected from day one, such an unusual scent." He mused
"But just the same, after the amazing work you’ve done, your not leaving my employment until the whole stores done, and after that if I can keep you.” He winks.
I smile, the old mans happy to keep me on and I don’t have to lie to him?
“Yes I would love to stay, thank you Mr Walsh.” I ran around the counter, it was my turn to hug him.
After grinning like an i***t, I collected my things, saying I’d see him Monday.
It was still light and I ran back to the motel as fast as my feet could carry me, I had something to do.
‘I was back at the motel; I’d bought a notebook and pen on my way home, as well as a stamped envelope.
I started my letter;
Dear mum,
Hope you are well, I hope you understand why I had to go, but I have found somewhere safe to train and learn.
No I didn’t find a pack yet, but I have somewhere to live, a job and am very happy.
I didn’t want to contact you, till I was sure, I’d be somewhere longer then a day.
My address will be on the back of the envelope, if you want to reply.
But please don’t come looking for me, I’ll keep in touch I promise.
I haven’t bought a phone yet, but when I do I’ll call you.
All my love Ivy. Xx’
I folded the letter, placing it in the addressed envelope I would post it tomorrow.
I decided I would have an early night.
Garrett POV
I had resorted to asking other werewolves, showing them a photo of Ivy, not a single one had seen her.
None had information on where she might be, I felt lost, I checked my phone everyday in case she texted, I’d called it endlessly the first few days, when her mum answered informing me she’d left it behind.
I had tried to keep my head, both the trail was going cold quickly, I decided I’d just go town to town, a few days in each, checking packs until I found her.
I missed her so much, did she still think of me?
With packed bags, we got in the truck the next town over name was West star, I’d start there and keep going, just wait Ivy.
- Writer
