Chapter Three -
814 Words
Gaia POV -
We slept for hours, exhausted from our escape and long journey. By the time we woke up, it was noon. We freshened up in the charming, simple bathroom and headed downstairs. Since the complimentary breakfast was long over, we decided to walk back down to the Black Cottage Cafe where we left our car. As we walked in, a little bell above the door rang.
*Ding Ding*
We seated ourselves at one of the smaller tables near the window. It was a beautiful autumn afternoon, leaves orange, red and yellow. The small town looked much different in the daylight. The streets are lined with little shops, flower beds and benches. Day-dreaming in my own little world, I didn't even notice the waitress standing at our table.
"Oh! I'm sorry, what did you say?" I said sheepishly.
"Haha, that's quite alright. I said, Hi, welcome to the Black Cottage Cafe! What can I get you both?" she said with a smile.
I quickly skimmed over the menu to see what I wanted.
"Can I just get a cup of coffee and a BLT please?" My mother asked.
"Of course! And what about you dear?" she turned to me.
"Um, I'll get the same please"
She jotted down our orders on her little notepad and took our menus.
"Be back in a jiff", she said cheerfully.
She turned and headed through some saloon-looking doors, which I assumed led to the kitchen.
"She seems nice."
I nodded my head, turning back to the window. I inspected the whole street from where I was sitting. I could see a book shop, a hair salon, a thrift store, a bank and a few restaurants.
"I'd like to explore this little town a bit today", I told my mother.
She agreed and before I could say any more, our waitress was back with 2 mugs and a pot of coffee. She poured us each a cup and began the small talk.
"Where are you ladies from? I haven't seen you around before." I couldn't tell if she was being curious or nosy.
I didn't want to say too much in case my uncle came looking for us. "Uh..."
"We're from back East", my mother lied through her teeth.
I thanked my mother silently.
"Oh how nice!" she smiled. "Food will be out soon."
After a few minutes, our food arrived. My mother and I ate in silence, enjoying our new-found freedom. For some strange reason, this little town felt different. It felt like something was pulling me, wanting me to stay.
After lunch, my mother went back to the Inn. I went off on my own exploring the little town. I grew to love it the more I walked. No one I came across was overly friendly, but no one was rude either. I got simple nods or hello's here and there. I wanted to check out the bookshop and thrift store.
*Ding Ding*
No one was in the bookstore, not even someone behind the desk. I browsed through a few shelves and found a few novels I thought I might like. Mystery and Romance, of course! There was a little reading nook in the corner with a soft looking beanbag chair and a little table with a reading lamp. I took a seat and began reading. About 30 minutes later, the bookstore clerk appeared. I quickly bought my books and headed back to the Inn, desperate for some sleep.
A few days had passed in Sim River, my mother and I frequented the Black Cottage Cafe and learned about the waitress who always served us. Her name was Amelia. An older woman, very sweet and very kindhearted. Her scent was human, of course. In fact, everyone in town was human. Not a single supernatural being, no werewolves, no vampires, no witches. We were safe. My mother and I both really liked Sim River, so naturally we extended our stay a bit. I've finished 1 of my 3 books over the last several days, with not a clue what to do in town or anyone besides my mother to talk to. I read morning, noon and night. I enjoy reading in the park or down by the river. Unsurprisingly, it's named Sim River. One afternoon, I was reading in the cafe alone. My mother didn't feel up for lunch today. I was looking out the window when I saw a car pull into the parking lot next to my car. It was a black Jeep Gladiator with a light bar on the top and the front bumper. It's windows were tinted and the music was very loud. I went back to sipping my coffee when suddenly I froze. Looking up from my mug, there was a tall, gorgeous man standing in the doorway to the cafe and he was staring right at me.
"Mate..." he whispered.
*Gasp*
- Writer
