Love’s Suicide(25)
Author: Jennifer Foor

One thousand and forty-six dollars later, I was stuffing my savings account into my purse and praying it would last me until I could find work and a place to call home.

After driving another day, only stopping at rest-stops to use the bathroom and buy stale vending machine snacks or get gas, I had entered into South Carolina. Not only did I enjoy the country views, but it felt like I was meant to call it home.

I kept going, deciding not to stop until my car needed gas again. When I came to a town called Sumter, I looked at my gas gauge and knew I’d found my new home.

Once I’d fueled up and proceeded with new directions, I was standing in front of another restaurant and motel. This one seemed just as old as the last, but not as scary. The restaurant was a local tourist favorite, and very reputable at that.

I sat down at a table and ordered something to eat, not being able to remember the last time I’d had a meal.

The first thing I noticed was that not a lot of people were in the establishment. One waitress was running around serving the four tables occupied by patrons. I was patient, waiting for my turn to order.

After getting my food, nearly a half hour later, the waitress approached me. “Sorry about the wait, hun. I’m short-handed. It’s been that way for the last week when my best girl decided to pick up and move in with a man she met only twenty-four hours earlier.”

I smiled, imagining her dilemma to try to find someone on such short notice and wondering why someone would hook up and plan a future with someone they barely knew. “It’s really okay. So, are you looking for help? I’m just arriving in town and I’m looking for something. My former job was waitressing near the beach. I’m used to working hard, if given the chance.”

The lady put her hand on her hips and gave me a good once over. “You runnin’ from somethin’?”

I shrugged. “Only a broken heart, if that matters.”

“You got references?”

I had references, and probably good ones too. The thing was, I couldn’t have them knowing where I was. “I’d rather not contact them if I don’t have to. It’s just that I don’t really want certain people knowing where I am.”

“Are you in trouble with the law?” It was a good question to ask. I’d want to know if I was helping out a criminal.

“I’m a runaway bride, not a murderer. Look, I get it if you can’t trust me.”

She kept looking at me and I looked down at my hands, feeling completely uncomfortable. “Be here tomorrow mornin’ at seven. I’ll give you a shot for one shift and see how it goes. No promises.”

I smiled, feeling like I’d succeeded in making the first step. “Thank you. I promise you won’t be sorry.”

She raised her eyebrow and shook my hand anyway. “I’ve heard that before, but I hope you’ll be different.”

She started to walk away. “My name is Katy, Katy Michaels.”

“I’ll see you at seven, Katy Michaels.”

Once I’d paid for my check and gotten a room at the motel, I settled in and drove over to a local grocery store. My room had a microwave, a mini refrigerator, and a sink. I knew I could find a few things to eat that weren’t considered junk. After getting a few bottles of water and a bag of microwave meals, I stood in front of a wall of prepaid phones. Feeling naked without mine, I picked one up and headed to the register.

The clerk looked at me like I didn’t belong. It made me feel uncomfortable. I tried to shake it off, understanding that people in small towns worried about newcomers stomping on their lives. I didn’t mean anyone harm. I just wanted a chance to start over.

I climbed in my car and turned the key, but it wouldn’t start. I tried two more times and got nothing. The motor would turn but it wouldn’t come on. “Great! Just great!” I said as I stepped out of my car and looked around.

A woman with two young children came walking out with her hands full of groceries. I approached her. “Do you need some help?”

She handed me one and smiled. “Thanks. I’m always afraid one of them is going to run out into the street.”

The two children climbed in the back of the car, leaving us adults standing there. “It’s no problem. Have a good day.”

I started to walk away. “Are you new here? I haven’t seen you around.”

“Yeah. I just got here actually. I stopped to get some groceries and my car won’t start. Do you know a tow company?”

She looked at me long and hard. “I usually don’t do this, but you seem harmless. Hop in, I’ll give you and your groceries a ride home.”

“I’m just staying down the road at the motel. Are you sure it’s okay?”

She smiled. “You’re really not from here, are you?”

“No. I’m from the city. Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah. You see around here everyone knows everyone. If someone is in trouble we help them out, knowing that one day they’ll return the favor.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Get your things out of the car. I’ll call Bobby, who runs the repair shop, and have him pick your car up. “I climbed into the passenger seat and buckled my seat belt. “So what city?”

“D.C. originally.”

“Wow. This must be like a ghost town. Why would you want to live here?”

I looked out the window and admired the scenery. “I’m starting over. My parents perished in 9-11, and it’s never been the same for me. I needed a fresh start, somewhere quiet and equally beautiful.”

“I’m so sorry about your parents. I can’t imagine what that was like for you. How old were you when it happened?”

“Twelve. I was twelve when it happened.” It still hurt to talk about.

“I guess you had family to take you in?” I’d answered these questions so many times in my life and it never really got easier. They were still gone and I was alone.

“My parent’s friends took care of me.”

“Did somethin’ happen to them?” She shook her head. “I’m so sorry. It’s none of my business. Please excuse me for askin’.”

“Nothing happened to them. I fell in love with both of their twin sons, and on the night I was to wed one, I spent the night with the other.”

She pulled the car over and stared at me. “Tell me you’re kiddin’? When did this happen? It must have been just awful.”

I sighed, imagining her kicking me out of the car. “Two days ago. I woke up, leaving my mess at the hotel and everything and everyone behind.” I started to cry and she threw the car into park. I felt her hand touching my arm and I looked up at her. “Are you okay?”