Freedom Fought

Ch 4 It’s Perfect

Another cab ride took Penny from the airport to her new town. She sat anxiously in the back seat as the yellow sedan wound through backroads leaving town and out to the country. She stared out the window watching cypress trees, magnolias, and wild grasses go by. Soon they were approaching a gate with a security post and the driver slowed to a stop as the guard came outside and approached the car. He was in his mid 50s and he had the look of a man who used to be a pretty tough nut. Heck, probably still a tough nut. He had dark hair that was going a little salt and pepper and brown eyes that crinkled in the outside corners. He looked like he smiled often. He was a handsome gentleman and something about him reminded her of her late father.

Penny rolled down the window, “Hello! Good evening. My name is Penelope and I’m a guest of the Silva’s. Cabin 127 on Sargasso Ln.”

The guard looked at his clipboard clenched in his big hands and smiled, “ok yes, I see you right here. They called ahead and let us know. Gimme a second. There’s a key here for you.” He walked back to the post and the gravel crunched under his feet. He returned with a set of keys attached to a keychain of a palm tree made from moulded plastic. “Enjoy your stay, if you have any issues, the landline in your cabin can connect directly to security by dialing ‘0.'" My name is Doug but someone is always here 24/7, young lady. So don’t hesitate.” He winked at her, tapped the roof of the car, and waved them through.

The cab driver flipped on his headlights as it was getting darker, and cruised through the lifting gate. He followed the twists and turns before pulling up to a comfortable looking wood cabin. He stopped the cab in front of the cabin, there wasn't really a driveway more of a dirt and gravel lane. Penny got out and looked all and her, taking it all in at once. The siding was brown, salt stained clapboard and there were three steps that lead to a porch that wrapped around the front and left side of the house. On it was a set of Sun bleached blue wicker chairs with an end table of woven brown wicker between them. Hanging from the awning was a set of wind chimes, just barely singing in the light breeze. The ceiling of the awning was painted a light greenish blue. Behind the cabin was a path that led to a dense woods that separated it from other homes in the gated community. In front was the most beautiful view she’d ever seen in her life. The grass in the yard gave way to rocky sand, and then soft sand that looked silver in the moonlight. She could hear the waves lapping against the small pier and a small motor boat softly knocked against it where it was tied up. There were chairs at the end of the pier as well. The house was located on a small inlet, so the water didn’t open directly to the open sea.

The cab driver whistle low, “Shoot, this here is one helluva place! I could do some serious fishin!” he said, admiring the property.

Penny laughed, it was a light, happy chuckle, “You know, I’ve never fished in my whole life? I told myself I was going to start trying new things. I may just get a pole.” She handed him cash, gesturing for him to keep the change.

He got out of the car and he went around back to the truck to get her bags. “If you decide to, head to Lucky Lou’s Bait and Tackle in town. Tell him Bill sent you, that’s me. He’ll get you started without selling you a bunch of nonsense. Not like those big stores.” They walked to the porch and he set her bags down. He turned to her and for a minute it seemed like he was going to say something and then he walked away. Then he got back to his car and turned again, “Not that it’s my business, but starting over again ain’t so bad. You’re a real sweet, pretty little thing and you seem real kind. You’re gonna do just fine.”

Penny blushed and waived as he turned his car around and drove away. Maybe people were more friendly in the south after all. She put her key into the dead bolt and turn it and then unlocked the door. Pushing the door in a bit of moonlight glow from behind her and she could make out the furnishings. She looked and just to the left of the door was several switches. She flipped all three and overhead lights came on, illuminating the large, open floor plan. As she entered to the left she walked into a spacious living room with two big overstuffed blue plaid couches and two brown leather recliners. They were arranged in front of a fireplace and a giant tv hung above the mantle. It looked brand new and at least 70”. To her right was a big, well equipped kitchen. There was a long row of white cabinets, top and bottom with a big porcelain farm sink in the center. A long island had what looked to be a gas stove and on one wall was a set of double ovens and on another a big French door refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser. Three white leather bar stools were across the island from the stove and a rack hung above it with beautiful stainless steel pots and pans. They looked like something a chef would own.

She pulled her bags into the entry then shut and locked the door behind her. When Marie said she could stay in their cabin, she was not expecting an expensive, luxury home. She had pictured something more rustic. What did Maria’s parents do for living!? She walked into the kitchen and opened the top cabinet closest to the fridge. Good guess! There were the glasses. She put one to the dispenser and got a big, cold glass of water with crushed ice. On a whim she opened the door, not expecting anything but to her surprise it was fully stocked. There was orange juice, eggs, milk, butter, lunch meats and cheeses for sandwiches, a big bag of salad mix, fruit, and all sorts of things. She opened the freezer at the bottom and it was half full as well. There was chicken, hamburgers, steaks, frozen vegetables, and even a half gallon of triple chocolate chunk ice cream. She looked on the grey and white granite counter and saw a breadbox. She peaked inside and there was whole wheat bread, brioche hamburger buns, and a few bagels. Next to it was one of those fancy home espresso machines and a canister filled with rich, dark ground coffee. This was so thoughtful. She teared up a little, overwhelmed by the kindness she was being shown. She felt like she didn't deserve it.

She took her glass and walked into the living room, setting it on coaster on the coffee table that looked like it was hewn from one giant log. Penny sank into one of the plush couches and heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Even though she'd been sitting almost all day, airplanes aren't exactly cozy and her stress and fear kept her from relaxing the whole flight. Finally, she could calm down. She wrapped herself in the crocheted throw folded on the couch and took out her phone and texted Marie.

“OMG! You said a cabin. Not luxury resort! Are you sure this ok!?! I don’t want you in trouble with your folks. I don't want to take advantage."

She hit send and immediately three dots appeared. Ugh, The anxiety of waiting. The dots disappeared and then appeared again. Then the chime of a message received.

“Girl plz. I already told you they said it was fine. Besides, it’s not just theirs. It’s more of a community resource. It’s made for guests. There’s a housekeeper who also has a key. She should have gotten you a few things to start you off “

“LOL a few? She stocked me up AND left me ice cream.”

“Yesssss! Her name is Ms. Doris and she’s the best. She’s like an extra aunty. She’s gonna come over in the morning and help you settle in. Have you been upstairs yet?”

“Omg, she doesn’t need to do that. I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine. No, not yet. What’s upstairs?” Send.

Marie replied immediately, “shut up, she’s coming. It’s fine. Go upstairs and take a look around. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Penny locked her screen and shrugged. This was too much. How could she ever repay them? She took a drink of water and then stood up to get her bags. She only had two suitcases and one carry on. She hung the small bag over her shoulder and then pulled out the handles on the other two rolling pieces of luggage. She walked past the kitchen and she could either go upstairs or turn left into a big dining room. Even in the dark of the room she could see the table sat at least twelve people. “Geez, big family,” she thought. Then she lugged the bags up the stairs and abandoned them on the landing to her left was a door open into a room with two sets of bunk beds, a tv on the wall and twin dressers. In front of her was an open door where she could see a bathtub/shower combo, sink, and toilet. To her left was another bedroom, It had two queen beds, two armoires, and a TV sitting on an antique trunk. This place was definitely set up for family to share. Further down the hall, double doors opened to the master suite. Directly into the room was a huge, California King bed with a big, fluffy white duvet and a pile of soft looking pillows. Across the room a set of glass double doors opened out into a balcony with a settee, and in the corner next to the doors was a small sitting area with two plush armchairs and a small end table with a delicate brass lamp with a glass shade. It was a touch lamp, she hadn’t seen one of those since she was a kid. It reminded her of her grandma and she smiled.

Ah, but there was the real attraction, she turned and behind her was the door to the master bathroom. It was amazing. There was a big beautiful white granite counter and sink with a built in vanity table. The shower was big enough to fit at least six people and were two rain shower heads above and body faucets all over. There was even a built in stone bench. The greatest thing of all though was the tub. It was built into the corner and was big enough to share. There were jets all over inside and there was detachable shower wand. Several glass jars sat on the ledge filled with soaps, colored bath salts, and beads. Next to them was expensive looking shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. A three tier shelf held plush looking folded towels and washclothes.

This was what she needed. After spending all morning packing, then all day in airports and in the air, this is exactly what she wanted! She gave a little squeal and turned on the hot water and added bubbles and Epsom salts. She undressed as the tub filled, pulling her long sleeve shirt off and unhooking her bra was like it’s own mini freedom. She had developed quickly and young and having big breasts was as much a curse as a blessing. She stopped the water and finished undressing, stepping into the hot water, slowly lowering herself into the steaming foam, and then looking at the panel she turned on the jets. Penny leaned her head back into the head rest and sighed once more. She couldn't seem to stop doing it.

She kept reminding herself this was real, that she was here and she was free. All day long she saw Jeremy around every turn and from the corner of her eye, waiting for him to show up and make her come back. But he didn’t, he couldn’t, he wouldn’t. She wondered what his reaction was, certainly he was home by now. “Maybe he’s relieved,” she thought. “I bet he’s going to be mad at first but in the morning he’ll be glad that I pulled the trigger for both of us. I saved him the trouble.” Still though, as she sank down into the water, a tiny seed of worry dug itself in. This was no game and she was going to keep her identity a secret for a while. Better safe than sorry. She chewed her bottom lip and sighed again, then Penny closed her eyes and drifted. She knew she was going to sleep great in that bed.