Shattered

Chapter 3

I've been in Willowfield a couple of days now, exploring the town and seeing what it has to offer. Every evening, I find myself drawn to this spot by the river. It's quiet here. So far, I've only seen a couple passing through once, and they didn't seem to mind the peace as much as I do.

Until now, as I'm reading my book, I hear the rustling of branches behind me. Startled, I slam my book shut and turn around. My heart races until I see someone walking towards me, and I stand up.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he says with a deep, soothing voice that calms my nerves slightly. I look up at him. He's tall with a lean, athletic build that seems almost effortless. His light brown hair frames his face perfectly, and his dark brown eyes carry a hint of mystery. He's dressed casually in a fitted shirt and long, scruffy jeans that don't draw much attention but fit him well. "I'm not used to people coming here."

"No worries," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant as I go back to my book. I hear him chuckle softly before he takes a seat on a cut branch of a nearby tree. I look up to see him sitting on a cut branch of the tree and take out some colors and a small canvas.

The next morning, after having a quick catch-up call with my parents, I redo my burgundy nails, slip into a black short dress, and head out of my apartment. I need to find a job. ASAP. As I walk through town, I notice a "Help Wanted" sign in the window of a restaurant called Sicilia.

I step inside and approach a waitress. "Hi, I saw the help wanted sign outside. Who should I talk to?" I ask.

"Welcome!" she replies with a warm smile. "I'll go get the manager for you. Make yourself comfortable." She's strikingly beautiful, with long wavy auburn hair and deep green eyes framed by freckles. After she goes to fetch the manager, she pours me a glass of water and strikes up a conversation. "So where are you from? I can tell you're not from around here. We only have one school, so I would have seen you if you were a local."

"Yes, I just moved here a few days ago. I'm originally from Grove Ridge," I respond.

She seems nice. I wouldn't mind making a friend, but I'm not interested in opening up too much. I'm here for myself, and I can't let myself lose focus again.

"That's a big change. Did you move here for a change of scenery or just a fresh start?" she asks.

"A little bit of both," I say, not wanting her to know the real reason for my move. I'm leaving that behind.

"Well, I'm Valerie. If you need anything or any suggestions on where to go, I'm your girl," she says, smiling.

"I'll definitely keep that in mind," I answer.

"That's our manager, Sylvia. She seems intimidating but she's extremely nice, trust me," Valerie says as Sylvia walks our way. Valerie goes back to work, and I see Sylvia approach. I shake her hand.

After some questions and a small quiz, she tells me I can start tomorrow as a trial. It seems like a friendly restaurant, and Valerie's welcome made me feel more comfortable. I say goodbye to Sylvia, and Valerie approaches me.

"So? How'd it go?" she asks.

"I'm starting tomorrow," I say.

"Omg, that's amazing!! I'm so excited to finally have another waitress my age," she says happily.

"Well, I'm glad I have a friendly waitress with me," I reply, smiling. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then. Have a good shift."

As the days go by, I settle into my role at Sicilia. Though I was nervous at first, having never worked before, Valerie's guidance makes the transition smoother. Each day, I also see the mysterious guy by the river, painting as if he's part of the landscape.