Captured

{4} First Impressions

Sara Beth's POV:

"Good morning, Mr. Miller! I'm ready to work!" I smile as I enter into the hardware store.

"Ah! Sara Beth! So glad to see you! Come in, come in. Let's get you started, okay?" I simply nod. "First, let me show you the employee work room where you can put your stuff and then I will give you a grand tour of the store."

"Lovely! Thank you." After dropping off my keys and purse, Mr. Miller hands me an apron to wear with the store's logo. He mentions getting me some work shirts, but will have to order some. He shows me around the store, pointing out popular items and common supplies customers come in for, as well as the labeling and pricing system for when new stock comes in. Finally, he walks us back to the front counter to go over the register, which is where I'll spend most of my time. We don't open for another thirty minutes, so he has me practice ringing up items before wiping out the sale.

"I'll also go over opening and closing procedures with you because, depending on the schedule, you may be here alone. I hope you are okay with that." He smiles at me, but not before I note a little concern.

"Of course. I'm a night owl, so the dark doesn't scare me. I know, I know, creatures of the dark lurking in the shadows! Oooooo" I laugh while wiggling my fingers at him. He chuckles nervously. What's up with him? "Anywho, I'll be fine. Don't you worry." He let's out a sigh of relief and moves toward the stock room. Weird. I shrug and continue working on the register.

Mr. Miller walks back to the front counter carrying two clipboards and a set of keys.

"Okay, here is the morning checklist for when you open the store and here is the closing checklist for when you close up shop. And, here are your own set of keys. Please keep them safe. I usually hang the clip boards in the store room for easy access. Whelp, I think that's everything. How ya feeling?" He looks at me.

"I feel....excited! Thank you again for the opportunity. I just hate to think of my dad carrying all of the financial weight of our house when I'm perfectly capable of working. He wasn't thrilled when I told him, but he came around after I said I would save most of the money to fund my photography business."

"A father only wants to ensure his child's safety and happiness. I'm sure at 19, he isn't quite ready for you to go full on adult on him. He still sees you as his little girl. Don't forget that. He wants to feel needed and if you are Miss Independent, then that need goes away." His words ring true. I know my dad feels this exact way, especially after mom. I feel a little guilty about how I begged for the chance to earn my own money and help pay bills. It was as if I slapped him with the idea I didn't need him any more. It hurt me to see it in his eyes. I will forever need my daddy.

"You must have kids, Mr. Miller."

"Three, all girls. And two grandchildren, Seth and Riley. My girls all moved away, but they come and visit when they can." I sense a little sadness, but pride, too, in his voice. "Well, I guess we should unlock the door and get the day started." I nod and take a deep breath as I hear him click the lock back and flip the sign toward the open side. Okay, Sara Beth, here we go! I psych myself up.

The workday went surprisingly well with only one hiccup on the register. Although some customers gave me odd looks, most were polite and welcoming after our interactions. I know small towns can be a little leery of outsiders, but I was happy most customers changed their demeanors after speaking to me. It made me feel less "new girl" and more accepted into the daily lives of Mountain Springs.

As the day wans on, it is getting closer to closing time. I am beginning my closing checklist when I hear the front door chime.

"I'll be right with you." I say from the back as I head back to the front counter. I stop in my tracks when I see a very familiar, very tall and muscular man standing at the counter with a scowl on his face. Does he permanently look pissed off or what? It wouldn't kill him to smile. I clear my throat. "How can I help you, sir?"

"What the hell are you doing here? Where's Richard?" He asks angrily.

"He went next door for a coffee and I work here. Now, how can I help you?" I stand my ground. He looks down at me and takes a step forward. I don't move.

"Ballsy, I see. Or just plain stupid." His words are harsh, but I don't react. I've dealt with plenty of assholes in my day and they all have one thing in common...attempts at intimidation. Unfortunately for Mr. Ice, my dad raised me to kill people with kindness and wit over brute strength and emotion.

"I see you are having a bad day based on your words. I'm so sorry today has been rough for you, but hopefully I can help you find what you're looking for so you can be on your way." I smile. "So, What. Can. I. Help. You. With?" I think back to how he spoke slowly to me in the grocery store. Payback's a b***h. We continue our stare down as the front door chimes again. I break my stare and see Mr. Miller walk back in with two cups of coffee. That man is so thoughtful, unlike this Neanderthal in front of me.

"Ah alp—" he coughs and begins again. "Mr. Turner, what brings you in today? I see you've met my new employee, Sara Beth." I give him a confused look, but let it go.

"Yes, I was just being greeted by her." He looks over his shoulder at him. "I came by to pick up the parts I ordered last week."

"Yes, they've just arrived. Uh, Sara, can you go into the store room and bring the two boxes with Mr. Turner's name on them. Zachary Turner." I simply smile and nod, leaving the two men by the front counter. I find the boxes easily as they are the only two in there. As I head back to the front, I can hear the men speaking in hushed tones, so I can't hear what they are saying. I decide I should announce myself.

"Here you are, Mr. Turner. Will that be all for you today?" I smile again as both men turn to look at me. Bingo! That worked! Neither move or say anything at first.

"I'll finish this up if you want to start on your checklist." I set the boxes on the counter and grab my clipboard. The tension and stares start to overwhelm my senses.

"I'll start with the bathrooms, then. Mr. Turner, I look forward to you shopping with us again." I smile as his face drops into a surprised look. Ha! Guess you weren't expecting that tough guy! I quickly make my way toward the back of the store.

After what seems like forever, I hear the front door chime followed by the lock latching into place. I feel it's safe for me to exit the bathrooms, which are now fully stocked and clean. I head back to the front counter where Mr. Miller is calculating the daily sales and printing out reports. He gives me a slight nod while adjusting his glasses.

"Is he always like that?" I finally get my question out. He looks at me again quizzically before he realizes who I'm talking about. He laughs.

"Actually, yes. He has a thing about "outsiders" and anyone new, but as head of security and safety for the town, I suppose it's part of his job."

"So, he's the sheriff or something? I didn't see a badge or anything."

"No, no, nothing like that. We actually don't even have a sheriff's office. But, the town knows who its leaders are and everyone respects the rules and them. I know he can come off a little rough around the edges, but he's a great guy who would do anything for the people of this town. Including you." I scoff at his last statement.

"That man would eat me alive like a hungry wolf if I so much as look at him the wrong way." Mr. Miller chuckles nervously at my words. "Well, luckily, my dad always taught me to handle negative situations with positivity and kindness. Plus, I would never disrespect you or your store." I smile back at him. He comes around the counter and gives me a hug.

"You handled yourself very well today. I'm proud of you." With that, we got busy with closing up and walked out together. I wave goodbye and drive home. I am deliciously tired and feel accomplished as I walk through the door. It is quiet, which means dad is probably still at work or has gone back out to the office. I enter the kitchen to find something quick to eat for dinner. Sure enough, there is a note on the counter explaining he would be back later. As I'm fixing a sandwich my phone dings.

Leah: hey chick! You're still coming Friday, right?

I had honestly forgotten about the bonfire with starting work and settling in. I sigh. I'm not much of a partier, but being new with no friends sucks too. I guess I should go. At least I can meet people my age. Right now, I only have my dad and Mr. Miller.

SB: I'll be there. Do I need to bring anything and where should I meet you?

Leah: Yay! I'm so excited. You don't have to bring anything, expect maybe a coat if you are easily cold. Scott and I will meet you on the trail behind your house. It's the one that swings to the left away from the clearing.

SB: I gotcha. What time?

Leah: How about 8 pm? Most people usually arrive a little after that.

SB: Okay, sounds good. I get off work around 7, so there should be plenty of time for me to get ready and meet you guys. I'll see you then.

Leah: Perfect! See you then!

I finish my sandwich and go upstairs to my room. I suddenly feel a mixture of emotions crashing into my brain. It's so strange starting over. New place, new people, new daily activities. There's still a void. I look down at my bedside table where I keep my mother's picture. She's so beautiful. I miss her terribly. To think, if she were alive, we wouldn't even be here.

I decide to take a long, hot shower. I let my mind wonder. Suddenly, his eyes pop into my head. Cold, distant, annoyed, harsh. Like I'm the plague. I've never been an outsider to this extent. Yet, it's only him. Leah, Mr. Miller, customers all welcomed me without any issues. But he, Zachary Turner, treated me like a leper. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of our interactions and I refuse to be bullied. I feel my anger rise and then, fall. Why can't he just accept me? I'm not dangerous or threatening. Hell, my dad is even helping set up their security systems and monitoring programs. Guess I will just try to stay out of his way and ignore his rude antics.

I climb out of the shower and look at myself in the mirror. I sometimes see the girl I used to be, but most of the time I see my shell. I take a deep breath and change into my pj's. I head back to my room and sit on the bay window seat, staring out into the forest. I haven't seen my wolf in a few days. My wolf, silly. He's not mine by any means, but still, I'm oddly comforted by his presence. I need to get my dark room set up so I can see if any of my photos have come out.

With tomorrow being Friday and I still had to work, I'm off to bed. This bonfire is sure to be interesting.