EPILOGI 'The Choice'

Chapter 2 - New Home

A trunk full of my suitcases, a cup of coffee, music and a map. That's all I need to start anew.

After I handed Linda all the necessary paperwork, I decided to immediately leave town. Linda will handle everything and will send me a check once the properties are sold.

I drove past the lake and bid a silent goodbye to them. It's the only thing I can do. The mere distance that I have with them makes me take back my decisions and stay. But I know staying won't help me. People are already spreading the word that I'm losing my head. Who would not lose their mind if the same thing happened to them?

I quickly drove away before I end up in a pool of tears. "It's the only way." I whisper to myself.

With my map in hand, I checked out possible destinations. I checked out property listings on the internet in those areas and see if I can get a hold of a place to stay or even a small business I can acquire to get me by.

I twist the key roaring my car back to life, as I have decided where I'm headed. 

___________

After hundreds of miles, three nights and a truckload of gas, I have arrived.

The cool wind that carried the sweet smell of pine caressing my face welcomed me as I move out of my car. All I see are trees, different kinds of greenery blanketed this lush mountain. I looked down the pathway and see the large cabin situated in the middle of tall pine trees. I knew heading for this small town of Willowcreek is not a bust after all.

I have been in contact with the owner, Mr. and Mrs. Luangrath during my drive up here.  The cabin has been in their possession for thirty years now. They built it right after they got married, but life has been quite cruel on the couple, as they were not blessed with a child to inherit this majestic place. Yah I know, Mr. Luangrath, or Eric has been quite the talker. He told me everything on the phone.

As I come up to the stairs leading to the large patio, I envelope myself in the homey atmosphere the cabin is giving off. Towards the center leads to the main entrance of the cabin. In the far left of the patio are tables and chairs fronting the lush forest. I already find myself staying in one of those chairs every morning enjoying a cup of coffee. The right side of the patio is also filled with chairs and tables with a small entrance that leads to what I think is the mini cafe.

I am so lucky I found this property at a cheap price. With what I have left from my savings and all that mom and dad have given me, I am about to start my life again. Away from all the pity, blame, sadness and grief. Nobody knows who I am, nobody knows my story, here, no one will blame me, no one will pity me. I will still be sad, I know. But eventually, hopefully, I'll find peace.

The wind blew away my thoughts as the doors to the cabin swung open and revealed who I think is Eric. "Ah I'm guessing you, young lady, are Miss Ambrose." He squints his eyes waiting to be corrected or affirmed.

"Yes Sir, call me Rachelle," I said as I extend my hand for a shake.

"Naaah come here" he calls me in for a fatherly hug. "And don't address me, Sir, I am not your boss, call me Eric."

I smiled as he pulls away. "Sure Eric". Eric is not the grumpy kind of man as to what I can see. I think he is a happy, loving, free-spirited old man. He is already in his sixties but still strong and gleeful. Always smiling and with happy thoughts. That's what I got from all the chat we had over the phone.

We entered the cabin and is welcomed by another hug from who I'm guessing is Eric's wife Lily. "Oh dear! It's like I've known you my life" she chimes. "I'm sorry about how Eric read you his autobiography over the phone. He just can't shut it." She says laughing as she led us to the lobby's receiving area.

Well if you haven't noticed I'm about to purchase a three-story cabin which is built as a small Inn for tourists who would hike up to the mountain's summit and for some locals who would just love to stay and enjoy the forest. The Inn's mini cafe has been the town's go-to place for relaxation too.

The cabin has seven rooms. Six are to be rented out and the other one will be my private room. A few days ago I was just looking for a place to live and a business I can put up in a small town far away from all of it. And to be honest, despite all the unfavorable events in my life, I  am still fortunate to have found this place, where I can stay and do business at the same time. A place I can call my own.

Now going back to the lobby, Lily has prepared for us some coffee as we sat and chat about the cabin.

"We have been here too long, my dear. I want to go away and travel with my husband. With a little time we have left in this world, I want to savor life away from our comfort zone." Lily tearfully says.

I immediately hold back tears. I know I'm here to start again but Lily's mention of life and how I remember all the life that has been taken away from me makes me well up in tears.

"Aw look at what you did Honey!" Eric says to Lily as he points at me. "You just made her cry."

I composed myself and breathed out slowly. "Wow, Lily! That's just lovely, I'm touched of how sweet the two of you are." Then I laughed as I wiped the tears "Don't worry about it Eric, we women tend to gush a lot" I say pretending that the tears were all because of Lily's story.

We finished our coffee and head up to the rooms. Eric and Lily gave me a tour around the cabin. I saw all 6 rooms, 3 of them can accommodate a family of five and 3 rooms for couples. My curiosity hit me as I observed that the rooms were not numbered but named with people's names, and I can't help but ask why.

"Well back in the days, when we had this cabin finished, I specifically asked Eric to name the rooms after our children, or the other way around, name our children after the rooms." Lily laughed, but quickly faded away. "But we were not blessed. Not even one."

I wished I could take my curiosity back and shove it somewhere else. "I'm sorry for asking Lily."

"Don't you worry about it" Eric waved his hand like it's no big deal. "We may not have children of our own but we gained four boys that love us dearly."

I got confused, but as if on cue, a truck came to the driveway and loud chunks of wood hitting the ground was heard from upstairs.

"Ah, they're here!" Lily squeals. Yep, like a high school girl she did.

We continued down the stairs as we hear voices from outside. Low growly voices, some laughing, some chatting, some bickering.

We reached the entrance and the owners of those voices are on the driveway piling up firewood on the side of the cabin dressed in only their trousers and boots. My mouth fell to the floor as I trail my eyes on their bodies. Heat rushes to my cheeks and I can feel the redness spreading all over my face.  My trance was soon cut off by Eric's voice. "Boys!" He shouts. No, these are not 'boys', these are men... or gods or food or drugs.... s**t I need to stop.