Second Chances: Lucas

Miracles And Loneliness

Elena Pov

After last night, I was a bit confused and scared. I was lucky to be alive, wasn't I? I woke up super early as I usually did. I turned on some music and sang while I got ready for the day.

"Gran?" I was ready to head out for the day but I wanted to make sure my gran knew I was leaving. I ran inside and smelled the delicious aroma of apple pies.

"What's all this?" I asked her.

"I donate a few pies to the local shelters in town," she said.

"Well, aren't you as sweet as pie, and for me?" I pouted.

"You can head into my bakery later and I'll give you a slice," she said.

"Deal," I grabbed my purse and keys as I headed out the door. I drove around looking for some shops that I could see if they were hiring. There wasn't much around but I figured I would park and walk around a bit. It was a good way to get to know the town. I saw a couple of clothing boutiques and decided to try my luck there. They weren't hiring but took my name and number down said they would call if anything opened up. After walking for about an hour, I finally found a coffee shop that was hiring so I headed inside.

 It was called the Pug Mug and its name lived up to it. As soon as I entered I was greeted by a dozen or so small pugs. They were all so cute I immediately fell to my knees to play with them.

"Welcome," I heard a female voice say. I didn't bother to look up as the pugs all had my undivided attention. A cute little black one came towards me and tried to jump on my lap.

"Hey, hey, calm down folks," the voice spoke again. "My name is Carmen." Her smile was wide and her dimple piercings prominent.

"Hey, I um wanted to know if you guys are still hiring," it was hard to speak with all the pugs running around me.

"Yeah, we are," she extended her hand out to me and helped me up. Carmen had jet black hair and a few tattoos but she looked nice and sweet.

"This is Rachel and Ken, they own the shop," she said as she pointed to the couple coming out from the back.

"Hey, this girl wants to work here," Carmen said to them.

"Oh, nice, what's your name honey," the red-headed woman asked me.

"Elena Carver," I answered.

"Carver? Are you Lana Carver's granddaughter?" Carmen asked.

"Yeah,"

"Are mortal enemy," the three of them laughed. I looked at them a bit confused. "No, she is so sweet but she has those delicious treats we can't compete with."

"She talks about you all the time," the redhead said. "My name is Rachel and this is my guy Ken."

"We would love it if you joined us," Ken said.

"Um sure, really?" I was shocked but delighted. I spun around like a fool. The dogs did the same and we all laughed.

"Alright, well how about you come back tomorrow and fill out some paperwork then we can discuss your work schedule," Rachel said.

"That sounds perfect," I smiled. "Thank you. Thank you so much." I patted a few dogs on the way out and headed back to my car. I drove back home with the thought of having an opportunity to start over. Everything seemed to be falling into place but my heart still wondered what was waiting for me on the other side. I wanted to make a living and a life for myself here but working at this little coffee shop was that all it was going to be? Would I have more? I was still so empty and lonely. I drove over to my gran's bakery instead and had that slice of pie she promised me.

"Wow, I am so happy for you, that place is so cute and I know you will love it there," my gran said as she complimented me on getting the job. I think she noticed my worried mood. "You're going to be okay honey."

"Thank you," I kissed her on her cheek and told her I was headed home. I drove home and decided to go for a walk. I knew I was crazy for doing so but something just had me wanting to come back. I walked slowly as soon as I made it to the woods. I looked around and saw nothing or no one. A part of me was disappointed and I really didn't know why.

"Okay, well I am officially crazy," I was turning around to head back home when I felt it. The air shifted and a cold breeze hit my face blowing my hair in the wind. I didn't need to turn back around to know the wolf was behind me. It howled suddenly and I felt my heart begin to race. Why was I not scared and running for my life? I turned around slowly and I noticed the wolf's eyes on me. It was looking so intently at me. I was unsure about what to think. I moved in closer and so did the wolf.

"Am I crazy or what?" I said softly to the wolf. "I was just in a room full of small puppies but you are somehow are more adorable." The wolf came closer and begin to caress my leg.

"I don't know what kind of miracle this is but I guess I'll take it. The loneliness I feel might just go away with you near." I reached down to pet the wolf.

"Hope you don't mind," I giggled. "Maybe your a part of my parents still looking out for me or something." The wolf began to lick my hand and I pushed him off a bit.

"Hey, hey," I laughed. "Well, I have to go now but hopefully I can see you again tomorrow."