Chapter four: She's here!

I can’t believe mister Jackson refuses to check out back, there is absolutely no way that was just an echo, there’s no way the sound of a tv could carry in a way that it sounds like there’s a battle going on just outside the door I was standing at, even if he had the windows open and the volume at it’s maximum, it just can not be, the shouting, the cussing, the sound of that angry dog, that was undoubtedly real and it was close!

The firm grip on my shoulder made it almost painfully obvious he didn’t want me to know what was going on, if it really had been his TV, he wouldn’t have had such a firm grip on me, he wouldn’t almost have dragged me away, would he? Maybe he’s hosting illegal dogfights, I think to myself, could that be the reason he’s trying to make absolutely sure I am kept away from the back of the garage?

I’ve been in his office for at least 20 minutes now, being asked all kinds of questions about the make and model of my truck, what’s wrong with it, if I had done any maintenance myself or if I had it serviced somewhere else and I’m starting to get angry. He’s obviously trying to stall me, he knows what kind of truck I drive, he knows it’s a heap of rust held together by tie wraps and duct tape, he also knows I only have enough know-how to put gasoline in the tank and he sure as hell knows I don’t have the money to go anywhere else, so how on earth would I be able to get my truck serviced without him knowing about it huh?

He saw me drive into to town six years ago, he probably heard me coming from miles away with that gaping hole in the exhaust pipe and the V8 engine rasping and rattling due to barely having a drop of oil left in it.  He had my truck in his garage for weeks, made it his personal little project, welding all kinds of bits and pieces together, using old scrap parts he had laying around, just to try to get it running at least somewhat smoothly again without it costing me more than the two hundred dollars I had left in my pocket. Him working on my car that long is the whole reason I stayed here instead of just passing through like I had intended. The plan had been to drive all the way to Acapulco, although I knew I probably never would have made it that far,  I never intended to stay in Georgia.

“Mister Jackson, please! I screech when he throws yet another absurd question at me. “You know all of this, will you please just tell me if you can tow it back into town?” I sigh and pitch the bridge of my nose, “please” I repeat in a less agitated tone. “I need to get back to work before the lunch rush starts and you know more about my truck than anyone else does, you practically rebuilt the whole thing and know it inside and out.” I haven’t heard a thing from outside since being in the office, so what ever he was trying to keep me away from has ended. He looks at me with an expression I can’t really place, it’s almost like he’s trying to determine if I’m telling the truth or maybe figure out if I know what he’s trying to hide from me, I’m not sure but I don’t like it either way. Once he apparently found whatever he was looking for in my eyes he nods. “all right, I’ll see what I can do.”

Today is just getting weirder by the minute I mutter while I make my way out of the repair shop, I look back over my shoulder, just like the rest of the town, Jackson’s auto-repair like the worn-out sign says, has definitely witnessed the passage of time, the metal siding bearing the traces of years gone by.

Just for a second I contemplate turning back and taking a peak behind the patchwork of faded colors on the metal siding of the old garage. A quick glace at my watch helps me decide against it, I can’t let Linda hang during the busiest time of day, so for the second time in less than 3 hours I set off in a hurried pace and make it back to the diner in record time.

Stepping inside, the sights and sounds instantly transport you back in time, everything in this town seems to be stuck in the years gone by. The space is filled with an inviting atmosphere though, exuding the nostalgic charm of an era that has long since faded from most people’s memory. The interior is adorned with once vibrant colors and playful patterns. Checkerboard tiles, though obviously worn out, cover the floor, their black and white squares leading the way to cozy booths and chrome-topped counter stools.

The air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. The walls are lined with what would now be considered retro-themed posters, showcasing classic advertising and iconic images from what’s probably the 1950’s and I suspect they’ve hung in the same place since that time, there’s even a jukebox still proudly displaying rows of vinyl records. The vocal point, of course, is the gleaming chrome counter with red vinyl stools lined up in perfect symmetry. Behind the counter the old, but pristine stainless-steel kitchen where Sam skillfully prepares the burgers, fries and milkshakes that make up most of the lunchtime menu. I suppose the diner catches the essence of a simpler time, a place where friends gather, couples share a milkshake and memories that last a lifetime are made. Funny how I never saw it like that before, the diner isn’t dingy, it’s nostalgic.

“Took you long enough.” Mister Mason wheezes, “ I’ll be taking that out of your pay, I only pay for the hours you actually work.”  And just like that that, he snaps me out of my daydream, turning the quaint little place back into the daily drag of simple routines and mundane interactions. I sigh and join Linda behind the counter.

People come and go, one hamburger, than two, a cheeseburger and a side of homemade fries, Chicken strips, hotdogs with everything on it, a Caesar salad, the orders just blend together, a strawberry milkshake or was it vanilla? Does it really matter?The day seems to drag on and by the time my shift ends I’m absolutely beat, my feet hurt and to make matters worse, I will have to walk home.

My record breaking time of 50 minutes this morning wasn’t going to happen now, first of all I’m tired, running is definitely out of the question and second, I sure as heck am not making my way through the forest again, which means I’ll have to take the long way around. Walk right past the town lines till I get to the fork in the road, take a left there, walk for about a quarter mile past the Johnsons farm and if I keep following that road, instead of turning right onto the graveled path that leads to my home, I’ll end up on the road that got me here all those years ago, desperately looking for a place to spend the night and a hot meal. I remember catching a glimpse of the little white cottage-style house in the distance, nestled up against the tree line. I immediately felt drawn to the place, I’m not sure why, it wasn’t anything like what I had pictured the place I would spend my life in to be like, not even close! but when curiosity got the better of me the next morning and I went out to take a sneak peek, I knew I would do whatever it took to call that little abandoned house my home one day.

Benjamin Franklin, (yeah, I know,... who would do that to their child? Name your kid after a long gone former president? ) is our local realtor and had a hard time tracking down who owned the place, he didn’t understand why I was so interested in it to begin with, the place had stood empty for decades, but if there was money to be made, Bennie, as most people call him, would always go the extra mile. So about a year after I first walked into his office, he let me know he found the owners and they were willing to rent it out. The trip down memory-lane made time pass quickly and it wasn’t until I felt the familiar crunch of gravel beneath my shoes that I realized I was over half way home.

The sun was beginning to set by the time I laid eyes upon my tranquil refuge in the middle of nature. The exterior emanates a sense of warmth and coziness. The lush green garden, filled with vibrant flowers that sway gently in the breeze, a white picket fence lining the perimeter adding to the idyllic charm and the front porch, adorned with a rocking chair and beautiful, overflowing hanging planters beckoning me to sit down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This is home, I sigh with a content smile on my face when I finally kick off my shoes and make my way inside, breathing in the welcoming atmosphere. The main living area boasts a cozy fireplace and during the winter months where temperatures can drop in the 20’s, the crackling flames will cast a warm glow on the hardwood floors and exposed beams, on an evening like today though, soft, natural light filters through the small windows crating a comforting ambiance. Most of my furniture is thrifted but its vintage touch adds character to the space. A plush sofa sits across from a well-worn armchair, both inviting you to relax and unwind. Quaint decorative accents such as antique picture frames and kick-knacks line the walls and would be telling stories of cherished moments, were it not for the fact that I pulled them out of a dumpster not too long ago and don’t even know who the people in the picture frames are.

Walking into my kitchen, with white cabinets and a big farmhouse sink, for a much needed glass of ice-cold water, my eyes are drawn to the window above the kitchen counter. The moon already making it’s way up into the darkening sky, turning the woods just past my little white picket fence into an almost impenetrable wall of dark greens, browns and black, without any streetlights nearby it gets really dark out here but tonight the moon is almost full and casts a cold light across my garden and I’m feeling a strange pull deep inside my chest, beckoning me to step outside. It’s almost as if someone or something is calling to me. I quickly gulp down my glass of water and turn away from the window.

Unknown p.o.v.

I saw her! she was moving fast through the woods and heading towards town, I kept my distance, her eyes darting around frantically told me she wasn’t comfortable, she almost seemed scared, of what I don’t know, I didn’t smell any thing other than the regular forest animals but kept my eye out for any kind of threat. There’s no way I’m going to let her get hurt now that I finally found her.

When I caught a whiff of her just after sunrise I boulted, turning my nose against the wind, desperate to prove to myself that I wasn’t crazy, that she truly did find her way back home to me.

My breath caught in my throat when saw her shadow move between the trees, she must have learned to mask her scent because even though I could see her just a short distance ahead of me, her smell was so faint I nearly missed it, but it was real! She has returned! My heart leaping with joy for the first time in twenty years. When she dashed out into the field and ran on to the road I could see her shoulders relax just a little, whatever she was running from, she believes wont follow her into town. Not to worry baby girl, I’ll watch over you I pledged to her in silence.

I kept to the shadows because even though she seemed to deem herself safe, I knew she was anything but, she was walking right into the lions den, her scent being masked is probably the only thing that kept her out of harm’s way,… until now, now she has me.

She seems to be working for the grumpy old bear that owns the diner, that’s a safe enough place, David Mason may be a bastard but he is protective by nature, especially of woman and children. I once saw him tear the head of a guy who was harassing a human girl, he was much younger and better looking back then but I’m pretty sure his attitude hasn’t changed.

I perch down between two buildings across the street, a weathered road sign, pushed to the side giving me perfect cover. The sign warns people to be on the look out for potholes, a warning sign for patches of actual tarmac would make a lot more sense if you ask me, I think to myself while suppressing a snort, man I crack myself up sometimes. I’ve got a clear view of the building and whoever comes and goes when a burst of energy suddenly sizzles in the air. I’ll be damned! That’s Jack fck’n Morrison, I thought he was dead! I see him move towards my girl at an inhuman speed and I burst out of my hiding spot, ready to tear him to shreds if I have to but just as I run through the door, he calmly turns to face me and guides me back outside. “Don’t worry old friend, I was just making sure”  In that same moment a guy rushes by us in haste, but doesn’t seem to see us, it would appear Joe hasn’t lost his touch and can still wield his powers over humans and shifters alike.

“she wasn’t affected, not completely anyway, it’s her, she made it home” he says with a huge smile on his face. “Now you know you can’t be out here, you’re putting everyone in danger by trying to protect her, my boy Sam works the kitchen, I’ll let him know, he will keep an eye on her, I promise” I look at him stunned, he has a son? When did that happen? But then again, I did think he was dead  and yet I’m staring right at him, when it comes to Jack Morrison I guess you just never know.

“you know I can’t leave her, not now, not after all these years, and how the hell did you figure out who she is anyway?”  I ask him suspiciously.He looks at me as if I just slapped him in his face, “you think so little of me” he says in mock hurt in his voice, but gives a quick smile when he sees my expression turn sour. “It would seem the girl doesn’t know who she is, or where for that matter.” He must’ve noticed the big question marks dancing around in my eyes because he continues to explain. “she nearly told the whole town she moved through the barrier, Don’t worry, I wiped it all before you came storming in trying to be a hero, though that big old bear could have some residual memory, I always had trouble with his large ass.” Jack tells me, but I still fail to understand. “damnit’ he mutters, “you’d think all that time away gave you at least some sense, geez! she told everyone how she came to the diner through the forest, the only ones able to do that, are you and her! And since you’re here, I assume you know damn well how she made her way here! If word gets out she’s back, all hell will break loose!” Of course I know she went through the barrier, it’s where I first caught a glimpse of her.

 “I didn’t know she told anyone.” I mutter quietly.

Jack slaps his large hand on my shoulder and steers me away from the diner, his eyes cloud over so I’m guessing he’s letting his son know what happened. “you can’t be here friend, I know you love her but if anyone sees you, we’re all in a heap of trouble.”  I know he’s right so I reluctantly let him guide me back towards the woods. 

I stick to the shadows, patrolling just behind the barrier, my eyes purely on the town. Jack might be right about me moving out of territory is just putting her in danger, but I’ll be damned if I let her out of my sight for another minute. I lost her once, that will not happen again!

** Authors note: Have you figured out who this unknown person is to Tara yet? let me know what you think in the comments!**