Destined by Chance

Unexpected Gift

It was a few hours later when they reached the state border. Eva had finally decided that she was going to stop and get some supplies while Elizabeth was sleeping. She wanted to get some make-up, new clothes, and some hair dye for Elizabeth. She needs to get into some new clothes before her abuser sends out a missing person report. Angel sent her money to really make her feel like a princess with a make-over. Eva pulled into a little shopping center, being careful not to wake her. Elizabeth looked so peaceful, that it made Eve wonder when the last time Elizabeth had a peaceful rest.

She parked the car where she would be able to see it from the window of the store she was going into. As she locked the door she eyed the car one last time, hoping that Elizabeth would stay asleep. Eva hurried as quickly as she could, watching out the window, making sure nobody was being noisy or that Elizabeth woke up in a panic. She quickly got everything she needed to help cover up the bruises and help her feel better about herself. Eva decided that Elizabeth should go blond for the time being because she would be unrecognizable if someone saw a picture of her. She quickly cashed out, hurrying back to the car. With relief, she looked into the passenger side window and saw Elizabeth still in dreamland before climbing into the driver's seat. Eva continued their journey.

It was almost nightfall when Eva pulled into a hotel to check in for the night. Elizabeth was just rising from her nap. Eva smiled at her gently as she asked, "Did you have a good nap?"

Elizabeth was still a little out of it when she finally remembered what had occurred earlier that day. She was even grateful to still be alive. Elizabeth winced as she smiled, not realizing how much pain she was in. She replied gratefully, "Yes, I slept better than expected. How far are we now? Do you think we can get some food? I'm starving."

Eva laughed as she looked over at Elizabeth. "Let me check us in here first. Then we will settle into the room where you can change. If you would like, we can do a makeover. It gives you a new look. Not only will it make you feel good, but it will allow you to look different. That way, if Jim decides to put your picture out there, nobody would be able to recognize you easily. I also thought you would like some aspirin for your pain. They are in the bag behind my seat."

Elizabeth was so thankful because she didn't realize how bad her pain was until she tried to smile. She was numb up until now. Elizabeth nodded as Eva left the car, whispering, "Thank you, I'm not sure if I can ever repay you back."

Eva smiled as she closed the door. As she walked away, there were tears flowing from her eyes. She wasn't sure why, but all she knew was that she wanted to make sure she was protected no matter what. She felt this girl's pain so deep that she was now deeply connected to her. As she entered the office she paused to wipe her eyes, showing no sign of tears. She greeted the elderly man with blue eyes and a white beard at the window with an angelic smile. "Hello, sir, I need a room with double beds for me and my sister for tonight. She had been in a terrible accident or else she would have been here to check in with me. I do have her id if you need it though."

The man carefully eyed Eva, which made her very uneasy. As he got up off his chair, the elderly man asked, "What kind of accident was she in? Is it something serious?"

Eva was now feeling better and smiled carefully, testing the waters as she said. "My sister's husband beat her. She is embarrassed about the way she looks right now. Is there, anyway, just for one night you can have compassion."

Something deep in the elderly man's eyes changed from hard to compassionate. He looked over at Eva, "If your sister is truly running away from an abuser, just give me your id. Nobody needs to know she was ever here. There is no need for a man to ever hit a woman. If there is anything I can do for you while you are here, please let me know. If I can do it for you, I will."

Eva knew this man was about to help her. She smiled as she handed over her id for the room. She replied with a soft grateful voice, "How much do I owe you? Also, what are some good places to eat? I know we have been driving for hours, and we are starving."

The man behind the counter smiled, "Give me thirty for the room. I also have a sister who owns a restaurant. There is a menu in the room. If you would like to give me an order, I can have her bring it in for you girls to eat if you don't want too much exposure."

Eva was grateful for the gift, knowing that the room was much more than what he was asking for. She had to be sure it was safe for him to do, so she asked, "Would your boss be mad if you charged me a cheaper price for the room? I know this hotel is a bit pricier than what you are charging me. I don't want to get you into trouble."

The elderly man laughed as his blue eyes sparkled. "I won't get into trouble, that I can promise you. Your room is room 33A. It's the best we have. It has a private entrance and two exits just in case you need one. You can park your car behind the room and that way it doesn't have to be in the parking lot where it can be seen."

Eva was impressed with the accommodation, but it was still unsettling that she had to repeat her question. "I just want to make sure that you won't get into trouble. I would hate for you to lose your job over us."

The elderly man nodded carefully, "I won't because I'm the owner. I know you were sent here. I also know this place stood out. This is because of what I do. When I first bought this hotel, many women on the run would stop here. So, I decided to help them by giving them cover. This room is used for those who are escaping abuse. It's my way of helping them regain their lives. You're welcome to stay as long as you need to. That thirty dollars will cover it all. Just let me know when you are ready to leave. I can help anyway I can."

Eva nodded as she finished checking in and watching him file under a different system. She was convinced he was one of the good ones. When she was satisfied, she finally said, "Thank you, this means so much to us. I will let you know what we decide about dinner. Let me talk to my brother to see what our next plan is. I will let you know what we decide."

The elderly man smiled once more, giving Eva the key. "As you see, I didn't take names, but I did make a bill for you. This is so you can see that you are safe here. That your name will never be found in my system. Please take as much time as you need."

Eva nodded as she walked out the door. When she was out of sight, she was on her phone trying to figure out what to do about this unexpected gift. Wondering if Angel would want her to stay there for a few days or continue with their plan.