Finding Comfort

Chapter One

Monday, May 17th.

I awoke to the sound of the train driving past in a hurry. The smell of dirt and grime forever present in this shack I've found on my first day in Kingston. Not being worth what I'm paying but thankfully my previous jobs in other towns has allowed me to afford this shack comfortably. Comfort. That's all I've ever wanted. 

Today is my 3rd day in this small town. I have yet to go outside and walk around town or even attempt to find a job. Which is high on my list of things to get done today. Already knowing what jobs I'm good at and what jobs I completely suck at will make it easier. Deciding to get the day started, I go up to the small shower in the corner that is just covered by a curtain and rinse and wash my body and hair to the best of my ability. Although the water is slightly cold, it's better than not having a shower. Something I've experienced more times than I wish to explain. 

After my shower, I get ready in a pair of jeans that are too baggy for my now small frame, my cleanest shirt that I own, which happens to have what looks like a million stains on it, and my worn out converse. Combing my hair with my fingers and styling it to the best of my ability I figure I look good enough to get a job today. 

Leaving my shack and walking a mile or four to the town center. I start with the first shop I come across... Rejected. This happened up and down the town center. Finally, losing hope as the time in the town center reads a little after three in the afternoon, I travel back towards my shack. 

Getting lost along the way, which is how I stumbled into Kingston, I come across a cozy looking diner. Needing some food in my stomach, I stop to eat. 

"Hi, welcome to Manning's Cafe, my name is Cheryl and I'll be your waitress. What can I get you started off with?" The older woman asked me as I sat down in a booth.

"Hi, um.. can I just get a glass of water and like a small order of fries?" I question Cheryl, finally looking up to her eyes. 

"You sure you don't need nothing else, honey? You look a little thin for my liking. I swear if you were my kid I'd shove a burger down your throat." She says with a little laugh. My eyes grow big at her statement. 

I fumble with my fingers and shyly glance up at her, "No ma'am, I can't afford more than that at the moment. I'm still looking for a job around town so all my money is going towards rent at the moment, ma'am." I said with all the manners I could muster up. 

"Rent? You don't look a day over 17 and you're paying rent?" She questions, obviously having no filter or personal boundaries. Good guess on the age though, I'll give her credit. 

"Ma'am, I'm sorry and no offense, but I really don't feel like discussing my problems with a stranger, but I really must be leaving now, I'm sorry for holding you up." I said standing from the booth to exit this diner. Although I was still hungry and thirsty I couldn't stand having this waitress question me about such personal things and semi lecturing me on my eating habits. 

"Oh no, honey, I'm so sorry, please sit back down." She said softly gripping my shoulders and pushing me back down in the booth. I let out an aggravated huff and sat down non the less. Knowing that what I say next would be extremely rude and uncalled for I kept my mouth closed. 

"I'm sorry if I offended you in any way, I'll just go grab your food real fast. Please stay and eat." She said backing away. 

I mumbled a soft thank you and turned my head to face out the window. The trees in Kingston were really the most breath taking thing I've ever seen. So full of life and oh so green. I've never experienced such nature in my life. By the time I was 3 I was locked away in my birth parents basement, only coming up if the house needed cleaned or meals needed to be made. When I was 13 I was brought up from the basement to clean the house before the guest arrived. Usually the house was locked like a fortress when I was out of the basement, but on this day the back door was left open. 

I was beaten black and blue, with a sprain ankle and a broken arm from a "fall" down into the basement, but I was determined to get the fuck away from the house of horrors. Never knowing why I was kept down in the basement, I was an only child, well as far as I knew. I don't remember anything from before the basement so the knowledge of why was always a mystery. 

For four years, I've ran from town to town. The first 2 years, I never stayed in a town for more than a month. The first town I stayed in for a while was Whitebridge, I was there for 5 months. I learned Whitebridge was 5 states over from where I ran from. Pretty far for two years traveling underage and on foot. However, it wasn't far enough, not for me. 

Now since I'm in Kingston, a little town on the south east coast, I'm across the country from where I am originally from. I feel for once, at peace. Although not knowing my next move in this town. I just have a feeling that I'm going to like it here. Even if some of the people in this town are rude and overbearing. 

"Ok hun, here's you a burger and fries and I also brought a chocolate milkshake with your water. I know you said you can't afford it so it's on the house. However, I feel like you won't like that too much so you can still pay for your fries but the water is free, water is always free." She said with a shy but genuine smile. 

A starred dumbfounded, because although I'm practically dying of starvation, there is no way I can accept this generosity. "Oh, um, ma'am.. is there anyway that I can work off the meal then? I don't feel right just taking. I can wash dishes or clean tables.. anything." I said shaking my head and pushing the plate away from me. 

"Well honey, you're in luck. We actually have a job opening as of right now and we could use you. No need to interview as my husband and I run this diner." She said smiling, as I just looked like a stupid girl with her mouth hung open.

Cheryl takes a seat across from me in the booth. Slowly she pushes the plate of food back towards me. "Honey, what's your name?" She questions.

Hesitant, I whisper, "Serena, Serena Hill"

"Serena, I want you to eat this plate of food. I want you to go home and rest because tomorrow you are coming back here for training. No discussion. if you are not here by 8 in the morning than I will send a search party after you. understood?" She questions, giving me a look that literally says don't try me. 

I nod my head, showing I understand.. "Ma'am, there is just one thing that I should mention...."

She nods telling me she's listening, "Um, well you see, I travel by foot everywhere, and the place I'm renting is a good few miles from here. I just don't want you to get worried if I'm not here at exactly 8. I'm still trying to find my way around. This is my first day actually being out of my little shack."

"Shack? Honey, what?" She says with a dumbfounded look. before I can answer she continues, "I will have my son pick you up before he heads off to school. Oh wait, maybe you should enroll in school? Maybe I'll have him take you there and then here after class, how does that sound?"

"Oh no, you don't have to do that. I'll be here by 8. No problem." I tell her trying to drop the subject.. I've never attended a school before and there is no way I'm starting at the age of 17. I'd rather just be an illiterate for the rest of my life. 

Cheryl says nothing in response for that just gives me a small smile and stands from the booth. "Well Miss Serena, I will you see you in the morning. Please enjoy your meal." she says walking away. 

Finally free from a suffocating conversation, I relax and eat the food that was provided for me. 

After eating I see the time, nearly 5 in the afternoon, I stand and make my way to the exit locking eyes with the most beautiful shade of green I've ever seen. Not wanting to stare to long I turn towards the door and venture on my way to the shack. Hopefully I'll make it back before the sun goes down.