A World Unknown

Chapter 2 New faces

Finally, my shift was over. I really have to stop taking everyone's shifts when they call off; it feels like this place is becoming my second home. Not that I truly mind, but I miss spending more time with Anna. This is the only way I'll be able to get us into our own home someday. After clocking out, I jumped into my car, heading towards home. Then it hit me—I'd forgotten to grab milk. I didn't want to turn around since I was just two minutes from home. Luckily, just past Mom's hollow was Hardesty's Express Mart. They made food and pretty much carried what regular convenience stores do.As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a jacked-up Dodge truck trying to pull out. The truck's massive tires kicked up dust and gravel, making it clear that it was no stranger to rough terrain. I swerved to the left to get out of its way, but my car sank clear out of sight into what felt like quicksand. Pressing the gas pedal only caused my tires to spin mud everywhere, splattering the sides of my car and digging me deeper into the mire.

His rugged good looks were the first thing I noticed—dark hair, chiseled jaw, and a confident swagger. Normally, I'd think, "Look at this guy waving like an i***t," but he was hot—a hot i***t coming straight at me. I threw the car into park and tried to sneak a look in my mirror to make sure I wasn't about to make a fool of myself as I got out.

"Hello, ma'am. I didn't mean to run you into the mud there. I never thought it would swallow your car like that. I can give you a pull out of there," he offered with a slight smile, his voice carrying a hint of a Southern drawl. I tried to respond with a smile, causing myself to stutter slightly. "Yeah, That would be alright.

"I've never seen you around here before," he said. "My name is Ty, what's yours?"

"My name is Lizzy. I just moved here a couple of months ago with my family. We bought that small house on Hardesty Run Road."

He let out a little chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought I noticed a different accent. Where are you from?"

"Connecticut," I replied, watching as he went to his truck, grabbed a heavy chain, and hooked it to the back of my car. "Just be easy as I pull you out. A little pressure, and your car should come right out."

With that, he returned to his truck and started the engine. The truck roared to life, and with a gentle tug, my car was freed from the muddy trap. I laughed, looking at the clay-like substance now covering my tires. "Thank you so much!" I called out.

"No problem," he said, walking back over to my car. "Hey, I can show you around sometime and introduce you to some of the people around here if you'd like."I tried to play it cool, knowing my cheeks were a bright rosy red as I blushed. With my number in hand, he hopped into his truck, waving as he pulled out. A little embarrassed, I decided to wait on the milk and just turned around to go home.

My mom was sitting outside, enjoying the warm summer air while immersed in her book. Anna was right below her, splashing happily in her little blow-up pool with her toys.

"Hey babydoo," Mom called out as I walked up the driveway. "What took you so long to get home? I thought maybe you got lost again."

Laughing, I told her about what happened at the store and how this wicked cute country boy had helped me and even took my number. Anna was just as happy to see me, instantly pulling herself up to stand at the side of the outdoor chair next to her nanny.

I ran inside to change quickly and made my way right back to sit beside Anna on the ground. Boy, she was the cutest. With the summer humidity, her hair had pin-tight curls, and her arms and legs each had three chunky rolls. She had beautiful big brown eyes and was always smiling. When I say I was blessed to have such a good baby, I meant it.

I started to get hungry and figured Anna would like to have something too. I picked her up and headed to the kitchen to see what we could find.

Anna wasn't picky and was starting to really enjoy her oatmeal. She didn't mind trying different kinds of baby food either, with pears and chicken soup being her favorites. Thinking about this, I decided to make her a bowl and feed her while I fried up a grilled cheese for myself.

After she finished eating, I cleaned her up and changed her into some dry clothes. Though she wasn't walking yet, I could set her on the floor, and she would pull herself up on the coffee table and use it to walk around the edge before plopping down on her little bottom.

'Ding!' My phone buzzed, displaying a 304 number. "Hey beautiful, it's Ty, What are you up to now?" His compliment made my cheeks instantly turn red. I quickly wrote back, "Not much, just hanging out. How about you?"

"Oh, nothing. Just couldn't stop thinking about you since I saw you at the store," he replied. Now I knew my cheeks were fire-red as I felt the heat radiating off of them. Before I could respond, another message popped up. "How about I take you to dinner tomorrow night?"

I couldn't believe he had just asked me out. But wait—I had to work the second shift tomorrow. "I can't tomorrow; I have to work," I replied.

A few seconds later, he asked when I’d be free for him to take me out. Since I had been working so much, I skipped to the door to holler out and ask Mom if she had any plans on Thursday since that was my next day off. Sending Ty a quick message to let him know thursday would work for me i put my phone down. I grabbed Anna and decided to enjoy the rest of the day with mom outside, Before calling it a day.