Lost Tribrid

Chapter 5

Enthralled by this woman’s appearance, I hadn’t noticed that she was speaking to me. Until I was jerked from my trance when slender fingers gripped my shoulder. Jumping back with my hand pressed firmly to my chest. Trying to force air back into my lungs as I stared with wide eyes. With much surprise, the woman didn’t seem startled by my reaction at all.

“I apologize, it wasn’t my intent to scare you dear.”

Her smile made her appear younger than I could guess her true elder years to be, but more radiant than I originally thought.

“No, it was my fault. I guess I zoned out for a moment,” I spoke while sheepishly looking down at my fingers. “Harry suggested I could get a room?” I questioned.

Not sure if the elderly man was telling the truth about this really being an inn. Or now seeing this elderly woman, thinking maybe they knew each other, and she just helped people out.

“Oh Harry, my dear, does make sure to take care of those he feels have been wronged. Which, by the looks of things, he was most certain with you.”

My head jerked to meet her gaze, as it wasn’t full of pity as I had suspected. She looked at me with what I considered sympathy. The same as Harry, which I couldn’t grasp. Why were they being so kind to a complete stranger?

“As you can see, my inn isn’t what you would consider typical, but we also don’t get very many tourists. I only have two spare rooms, along with my room that is here on the first floor. Do you know how long you are passing through?”

I allowed my head to fall back down, pondering what in the hell I was going to do. The thought of running for the rest of my life had bile rising in my throat. Though to even imagine settling down and Jeremy finding me, had me choking on that bile. My heart was racing, and I could feel the verge of a panic attack settling in my chest. I tried to take a deep breath but the lump in my throat wouldn’t allow air to pass. My nostrils flared as I felt the dizziness consume. Swaying on my feet, unsure if the blackness would take over. Or if I would feel my head bounce off the floor as I felt my knees give out and my body slowly fall.

Fluttering my eye lashes knowing I would have to adjust to the bright light. Surprised when I opened them to find more soft lighting. Even more shocked when I didn’t feel throbbing pain throughout my head. Slowly sitting up, my hands unconsciously felt the cool softness beneath my now warm skin. The lack of pain in my body was registered first before I noticed the simple but beautiful room. Observing the flames flickering in the fireplace nestled away in the corner of the room. A small tv hung on the wall above the mantle with a small sofa sitting just off the side in front of the fireplace. Tucked in the opposite corner sat a small table with a few chairs placed around it, looking as though they were all homemade. The wall on the right side of the bed had a small window with beautiful floor-length navy-blue drapes hanging. Looking to the left of the bed, I could see a closed door and then beside that was an open door. Which I could see was the bathroom, only to assume the closed door would be a closet. The giant log bed sat in the middle of the wall with two matching end tables on either side. A lamp on each table emitted the soft glow of light. With the help of the glow from the fire, it had the room looking more radiant than I had ever seen in my life. It was the first time I could ever imagine feeling safe!

Wanting to panic or jump up and figure out what the hell happened. I couldn’t bring myself to leave or panic. Enveloped in warmth and a sense of peace, I just allowed myself to nuzzle back down into the bed. Bringing the soft down comforter to my chest as I breathed normally for the first time in who knew how long. Feeling my eyes start to get heavy, I peacefully allowed them to close so I could fall to a quiet and peaceful sleep. The soft sound had my eyes opening and looking toward the door. Nothing happened and I wondered if I could be imagining the sound. When the soft sound came a moment later, I knew I couldn’t have imagined it a second time.

“Come in,” I whispered, unsure if I really wanted anyone to come in.

The silver-haired woman leisurely walked through the door as she held my gaze. “I was hoping if you hadn’t woken that I wouldn’t disturb you,” she smiled.

“I woke just a few moments ago, but this bed is so comfortable that I dare not move,” I smiled back.

That was when I noticed the small tray that she was holding. Pulling myself to a seated position while scooting back to rest against the headboard. She came closer and I couldn’t see any concern on her face. Though she continued to approach slowly so as to not startle me anymore than I already appeared.

I felt bad that the woman felt she needed to tread so lightly. I already felt like a huge inconvenience, and this didn’t help the matter. She was sweet enough to help me when I knew my appearance showed how troubled I was. Even giving the sense that anyone near me could come into contact with that same trouble. However, she or Harry didn’t seem to think anything of it as they helped me without question.

“You frightened me when I saw your skin turn so pale. I hope you don’t mind that you were brought into a room and changed.”

She sat the tray down on one of the end tables as I looked over my body. I was wearing a very large t-shirt and when I shifted my legs, I could tell that I wasn’t wearing any pants. My heart rate picked up when the thought that someone touched my body registered.

“Don’t worry dear, you are in no danger here. I wouldn’t allow anyone to inappropriately lay a finger on you,” she smiled as she patted my hand.

“Why?” I crocked

“Not every person you meet will be cruel. There are good people in this confusing world and some of us just help because it’s the right thing to do.”

I felt the tears well in my eyes and before I could wipe them away, the tears had escaped. She was already wiping it away with her thumb. Her contact didn't make me feel frightened or withdraw from fear.

“Thank you,” I paused when I realized I didn’t know her name.

“Holly” she smiled, “and there is no need to thank me, but you do need to eat.”

With a smile, I looked down at the tray she had brought with her. It had a plate with two pieces of butter toast. As well as a small glass of orange juice, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the light food she offered.

I wasn’t sure that my body could handle anything too large or greasy at that point. Being with Jeremy, he barely allowed me to eat, only consuming enough to make sure his house was cleaned, and meals were cooked. Humming as I slowly ate the wonderfully toasted bread and taking small sips of orange juice. Having finished everything faster than I expected, while being surprised I was able to consume even a small amount.