Fair

Before

Have you ever thought about life and how it works? If you haven't then your life must be going ok or is in some way not that bad. They also say that you can't dream or even fathum the thought of not being a live. But have you ever thought what if my life was easyer or not so hard and a lot of people have. It's not a bad thought or a crime it's just some of us have it harder than others. We dream of one day getting out of that bad place and never looking back. I wish I could've done that. Leave and not come back but life had other planes for me I guess.

So let me take you back to were it all started.

my name is not important to any one really but its Nova. I was given up for adoption when I was a baby. The couple that said they wanted to make me apart of their family named me because my birth mom didn't. Then they found out that they didn't have to adopt to start a family because she was pregnant. So they gave me back after that I just went from home to home hoping one day I would find that one family to call mine. Sadly it never happened I just bounced around until I turned eighteen. I'm in my last year of school and even though I have no friends it's easier this way. I don't have to send out invitaions to a party or get together for after i walk the stage. All I plane on doing is driving to the beach and watching the ocean. I never really knew why i liked the water so much but it's like it calls to me. Some times I think it wispers my name. I have thought about what I'm going to do after high school and it simple. I'm going to just disapper in to the world and leave this all be hined me. I don't have a real family and I don't have any friends so one will miss me. The only thing is I was never given a last name. The first couple didn't want to give me their name and every parent I had after that didn't want to ether. So I'm just Nova and that's ok with me because its easier to just move around. I know this seams like some sad story about my life but it's not. The truth is I have something no one else will ever have and its true freedom. I'm free because growing up not know the feeling of having a real home. A place that I can call mine has let me be who I want and go were ever I want. But it is lonely and it's the only feeling I have ever felt. That why when the waves sweep over my feet while I sit here in the wet sand. I'm thinking of where to go first but then I hear someone coming and there on the phone. Their talking about the boom fire on the beach. I don't turn to look in the direction of the person but I do hear them walking away. I get up and head to my truck to go back to the house and get ready for work. As I walk up the stairs I hear someone say hey. Not knowing if its me they are talking to or if they're on the phone again. They say it again and they start walking over. I know this with out looking over my shoulder because I can hear the sand moving. As I turn around this guy is standing in front of me now. He puts his hand out and says my name is Scott what's yours. As I'm Standing there in a amazement I shake his hand and say I'm Nova nice to meet you. Scott then asks me if I'm going to be at the boom fire later and I tell him no I have to work tonight sorry. He asks were I work and when I will be off. I blush a little and then tell him the little dipper cafe. Scott then asks me. Do you like coffee? Cause if you do then we can sit down for a cup after your shift. I can feel myself blushing and the next thing I know is his phone rings and he picks it up quick. He tells the other person its two felts and a right. I turn and walk to me truck he runs over and asks me what my number is and I tell him.If you really want my number then you will have to get a cup of coffee. I smile and back out of the space I'm in he waves bye. While I'm cruse down the road theres this flash off to my right and it makes me stop and look around. I pullover and get out thinking it might be someone trying to get help or just kids playing. I carey a can of mais with me every were I go and out here int he woods it's best to. I start to get closer to were I saw the light and it gets cold in the middle of spring. The smell comeing off the trees and bushes around me. All I can remember from the smell the frist time I went in to a bakery. I can't help but want to keep walking but then I hear foot steps and someone talking. While stoping to clear my head who ever is on the other side of this hill calls my name. It's a women and she sounds caring and friendly but I keep my distince as i walk up and over. She has a fire in the woods but it not like an fire I have ever seen. She tells me that we are ok here and no one can fined us that it's ok to ask questions if I want. First I ask who she is then I ask how she knows me and last I ask what she is doing. She replies you know who I am you know what I'm doing and you have alway known me you just never wanted to see me untill now. She stands up and tosses some herbs in to the fire and it gose from blue to green. Then she looks at me and hands me what looks like a knife and a really small purs mad from animal skin. I don't know what this means but then there a flash of light at the to of the hill. The women then stands waves her arms and smoke gose every were. I hear someone say hello is anyone there are you ok I saw your truck on the road. I stand up and everything that she handed me rolls off my lap and on to the ground. The guy that was trying to get my attention says that my truck door was open. I ask what he means and then he sees the stuff on the ground and truns around he then starts up the hill. I start to walk up after him and then he start to walk faster. We get to the top and he says with worry in his voice.If your going to be down there with that stuff you should hide it better before they fined it. I start to ask him what he means but he gets in his jeep and leave in a hury. I look at my phone and realize im late for work and its almost time for my brake so I hop in my truck and leave. I can't get that women out of my head and when I pull in to park I see her siting there by the window. As I run in the back door my boss asks me where I have been because Jenny is out sick for the fith time this week. What he dosen't know is shes planes on leaving and is packing all her stuff up and will be gone by morning. Me I have had all my stuff packed for the paste three weeks I'm leaving tomorrow. Today is my last day and I have the hole caffee to my self I hope there will be good tips becuase Jenny never show up on time or in the right clothes. Well looking over the the counter at everyone it not to busy but it looks good. I start to take orders then Jenny walks in past me and strait to the boss. She yells what the hell is wrong with you my mom is pissed and my dad wants me out tonight what did you tell them. The funny thing is she must of forgot that night she came in drunk and messed up. She called in sick and then went partying came back in to town all messed up and told her mom and dad that she was leaving this small dum town and never coming back. So I think they just brushed it off untill they saw her things weren't in her room any more. She come out of the back and truns to look at me only after Al our boss tells her to leave and that shes fired. But after she turned to look at me she just lunges and screams you b***h this is all your falt. She rips my shirt and apron then pulls my hairout of the ponytail its in. Just as Jonh the cook comes out pulls her off me and out the door. At that very moment scott walks in and sees me in the messy hair and riped clothes. I quickle run to the back and fined my extra shirt and change in the bath room. The apron is ok for now but i will have to get a new one. It's pined up at the moment and then the lady from the woods puts her hand up and asks if she can have a coffee refille. Then this big crazy thing happens.

Lady from the woods: I would also like the special if you still have it and to explain everything when you get the chance. When will you be free? It's very important because it about you and where you came from.

Nova: yes we still have the special on and you can explane everthing tomorrow at the park on Blue Creek Dr. If you know were that is if not we can meet here and go for awalk.

Lady from the woods: By the way my name is Grace.

Nova: After that the thought of not going to talk to her still runs around in my mind. After giving the cook the order I see Scott wave at me. I walk over to his table and this happens.

Scott: Hey would you like a shake instead of coffee? It' just a little warm for coffee if thats fine with you.

Nova: Thats fine but it will have to be after my shift because I showed up late due to some crazy stuff. If that's ok with you?

Scott: Thats fine I will be here when you get off.

Then the bell dings leting me know there's an oder ready. As the walk to the conter to pick it up and take it to Grace seams a little long I get this sudden smell that's all to familyur. I grabe the plate and trun and there's this guy standing in the door way of the caffee. He dosen't seam to know where he is or where hes going. He walks up to the counter and leans over asking for directions. As I try and find my words over that smell from what I believe it is his clone. Scott jumps up and says hey man over here. He turns raises his hands and says man you can't give directions for s**t. They smile then laugh at each other and then kitchen bell dings snapping me back to reality.

Scott: Hey waitress can we get two chocolate milk shakes over here please.

Nova: Ok be right there. The only thing with two is that I can only make one at a time and it takes for ever because the owner refuses to up grade anything. So it takes like thirty minutes to make one milk shake let alone two. So now I have to walk over to their table and explain to them why its going to take one hole hour to make two milk shakes. Then right as I start to make my way over this man walking turns and smiles this creepy smile. He seams as if he is looking for someone but doesn't stop smiling that creepy smile. I just keep walking other to Scotts table and as we pass each other he grabs my arm. He pulls me close and whispers where is she. The only thing that is going through my mind right now is who dose he want and why am I always the one caught in the middle. I firmly but nicely pull my self lose and reply. I don't know who you're talking about. If you take a seat I will see what I can do for ok sir. He smiles and says thank you I would like a number one if that's ok. I get to Scotts table explain about the shakes and they say its fine they are going to be here for a little bite. The next thing I know is a bunch of young people or others around my age have come in to the cafe. They sit at a booth set and start to yell hey can we get some menus other here. The only thing with walking that way to their booth is I have to walk past the creepy man and then grace. Right as I turn around to go get the menus I get hit with that smell again. I have no clue where it's coming from or why it grabs my attention so much. It gets stronger as I walk to the booth hand them the menus. The two point five seconds it takes to look up and out the window there is a glimpse of a tall handsome guy right out side the window. When he sees me looking at him he turns and walk away. I get through my shift and by the time I get ready to go Scott and his friend have left and Grace is gone but the creepy man is still here. With it just being John, Will and me he gets up walks over and says. That he will be back tomorrow and would like the same thing if thats ok. I tell him thats fine and to have a nice night. Will asks me if I'm going to the beach for the fire. Then John says no she's going home to pack and leave just like everyone that comes out of that house when they get out of high school. The next few words that come out of my mouth even shock me. Really you think I'm going to leave without going to the beach one last time you're crazy I will see yall there. Then I turned and walked to my car. I turn on the radio and drive right by the beach it's not right that everyone that gets the chance to leave wants to but can't because they have family that needs them here. I thought I was different because the only reason I'm in this town is because every other house I was put in couldn't handle me. Now that I'm out of school and can drive it's time for me to leave. After showing up here I told myself one day since there's nothing tying me to this town I was going to leave. Well now as I site out side the place I called home for the past five years the kitchens light in on and living room is dark. I know that she is waiting to ask me why im home late and what happened to my clothes because they have always bought me new clothes when I needed them if you call shopping at the five or less store brand new. Janie is the women that let me stay in her house because everyone els didn't want a trouble maker in thier homes. Her sister told her about me and the reason she took me in was for the check she would get before I turned eighteen. I walk up to the back door and click the handle to go in but it's locked. Then I look up and see a note and it reads. NOW THAT YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE LEAVE MY HOUSE I PUT YOUR THINGS IN A BOX IN THE GARAGE AND CHANGED THE LOCKS SO YOU HAVE NO REASON TO BE HER STRAY CATS LIKE YOUR SELF ALWAYS FINE A NEW HOME SO I SUGGEST YOU DO SO. PS I NERVER EVEN WANTED YOU IN MY HOME. She really didn't like me and now I guess leaveing is going to be easyer for me. Her kids alway blamed me for everything no matter what it was. Hell her son was caught red handed stealing for the store and told them I mad him do it. The inn keeper likes me because I help out around there when his mom is sick and he has to cloes early for he night. He will let me stay a night untill i find out where to go. I drive by the beach and see everone partying and haveing fun. It's just I was never the one for partys and all that stuff. While pulling up to the inn the no vacancy sighn is on so I'm out of luck staying here. Then Freddy flages me down so I pull over to his moms house. He tells me that he needs my hlep geting her to the hospital cause her heart is acting up. So we get her in the car and I race to the hospital. We get there and get her help. I wait with Freddy and the doctor tells him that she isn't doing good and it's not going to be long for her so they are going to keep her there and make her comfortable untill the time comes. Freddy dosen't protest or argue with them he just agrees.

Fredd: Could you take me home I have to get her thing in order and cleane the house so when the family come down they have a place to stay. Atleast before I sell it my mom has lived here her hole life and she will die here as well. She never really got out of town.

Nova: Yes I will take you home. You need any help cleaning the house it wount be a problem. I really don't have any planes for the night. I also don't have a place to sleep eather but that's not your falut.

Freddy: What happend to Jaines place? Did she kicke you out or something?

Nova: She kicked me out after I got home from work. Jaine also told me she never wanted me in her home

.

Freddy: She sure is a real b***h. She never thinks her boys do any wrong. Just like when they were caught on camera she still said it wasn't them. I never like them hell in school she was always trying to get someone to steal the keys to the school from the cleaning crew. I would love help cleaning and you can stay in one of the guest room tonight if you want. That's if you want to there's an extra room at the Inn that I use when I'm working it has a bed and mini fridge. After fiftysix years she has finaly started to except the facte that her friend is not coming home and that she did run away. My mom always told me that her friend was missing and she was going to finde her but never left town or the house after the stor accident

.

Nova: What do you mean her friend that's missing like she just disappeared with out a trace or like ran away.

Freddy: She claims that she was kidnapped or something like that but everyone says she just ran away to get out of this town. If you haven't noticed that a lot of people that leave never come back or they don't leave at all. The ones who stay only stay because they have family or a business here that they can't move elsewhere. The Inn is something that my mom started and when she couldn't handle it any more I took over. The only thing is I'm the only one thinking about selling it and that's because all my brothers and sisters left. They mad a life out side of this little town and now that it comes down to it they don't want that part of the family history to be forgotten.

Nova: Well they just don't want what your mom worked hard for to just go to any one. They probable just want someone in town to take it and not some big company to get. They might try to change things or even rebuild things else there. I do see were you are coming from though it's not like they put their whole life and effort it to unlike you did. I just have one question for you. If you did sell it what would you want to happen with it. All I'm asking is if you could change a few things to bring in more customers so it would boost your place instead of bring it down or bring you to sell it. Would you do so?

Freddy: If I had help to make improvements and do what little things need to be done to upgrade the place I would. I just don't have any help now since all the high school seniors are going to leave. It really seams like this is the last generation to come out of this town but there will be more. Once a few people see that they are needed here more than they think.

Nova: Well we are here I guess its time to get cleaning and if you really want to upgrade The Inn I will help.

Freddy: OK thanks and you can stay here until you find a place or pay me rent if you want. For you it's only two hundred a month. You have helped me out a lot plus it seams like you're not liked to much in town. Probable from Jaine telling lies about you to everyone.

Now that we are back at Freddy's moms house I can't help but think of how beautiful it is on the outside and that I've never seen the inside of it. With all the times that I have brought them food or helped at The Inn for the past five years. As we walk in to this beautiful gorgeous home, she has all these little nick knacks and trinkets. That makes this place fell like a home it's like I was suppose to coming to this house along time ago but never really got to. The fact that Freddy never married any one is because he didn't want to have to move is what I would think. His mom knows how to make her house real homie. Freddy tells me to just start in the living room with the boxes that are there. Telling me to just put them at the top of the stairs and he will take them to the attic. I left my stuff in the car so it's not in the way but there sure are a lot of boxes in here. As I start to move the boxes off the coffee table I see news paper clippings and other papers along with some books. Then Freddy comes in and tells me it's nothing and to just pack it away. So with out trying to look at it I begin to box it up then what looks like a picture of Grace is in my hands. Freddy walks in and tells me that's just a picture of his moms friend the one that went missing. Then I remember what happened right before work. As I site there Freddy comes in and askes me is everything ok. I shake my head and hand him the box. After a few hours of cleaning Freddy and I have cleaned the living room and kitchen spotless. He says he's going to get some pizza and drinks and it should only take a few minuets because the pizza place is right down the road. Now knowing that Grace is someone who everyone think left and she has just been hiding from what it looks like I have more questions now than I did before. Not being able to stop thinking about those pictures it get the best of me and I head up stairs just as Freddy coms in the door.

Freddy: Hey what you doing the pizza is right here or are you looking for the bathroom because if so it's the third door on the left. My room is on the right just so you know if you need anything later.

As I walk down the hall I can't help but think how has a thirty two year old not had a guest in so long but its not to crazy in this town everyone really keeps to their selves. The pizza is great and it starts to get late Freddy helps me clean a room out and I bring my things in from the car. As I walk passed a picture hanging in the hall way I notice grace and a lot of other people in it. Then Freddy walks by me and I catch him off guard by asking him where was this taken and when. his response was.

Freddy: Oh that's from when my mom was at summer camp it's her and all of her friends. Before the accident happened. Some of the girls heard about this legend and wanted to see if it was true after they went in to the woods only two came out and now only one knows what really happened in those woods. My mom and like eleven friends went in to the woods only her and one other girl were found in the canoes under a blanket. The camp had to shut down and go looking for the girls but they never found any one. They just closed it and said that the girl ran away but my mom said that's not true and that her friend grace and her know what happened and they were next since they mad it out of there. The only thing is that she will never talk about it I think she believes if she dose she will go missing just like the others. The doctors just say she watches to many crime shows and its drove her crazy. The only thing is she started to talk to the birds when they would land on the porch but after last Friday it's like she was sacred to go outside. That's why I needed your help getting her to the doctor she would leave until I said you were across the street at The Inn. She said she wasn't going any where without you with her. It wasn't normal for her to want others around here but she really like you for some rezone. She never misses getting the paper either but I can take it to her tomorrow.

He waves the paper in front of my face and I see what looks like something righten in pen on the side. I ask if I can see it because of the cross word and he tells me that its his favorite part to.So we sit down and he hands me the paper I open it up and find the cross word puzzle just as we sit on his moms bed someone knocks on the front door. Freddy looks at me and says I'm not expecting anyone he leans over and grab a baseball bat and heads down stairs. I can't help but think he might need me so I make my way down the stairs and he is just standing in the door way looking out side. He's in a dazed until I call his name then he just shakes his head looks down and sees a small box. Without thinking about it he opens it and inside is some sort of puzzle. He just looks at me and says do you know what this is or who it's from. He flips the box over and on the other side is a bird a blue bird at that.

Freddy: My mom loves blue birds but the only people who would know that would be me and one other person. Grace is gone and we have been here but when I opened the door there was this smell like it was familiar but I couldn't see anyone.

He takes the box in to the living room and sets it down I sit across from him with this mystery box in between us on the table.I open it up and pull out everything that is inside of it. Which is a small little disk he tells me that his mom has a player that will play this and he would be right back.I look in to the box and see what looks like a small peace of paper with a note on it which reads.

Hello the birds would love for you to.