On The Run!

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Looking at the help poster in her hand, Hazel tried to sight Moon Valley Ranch. Apparently it was impossible to miss. Taking out her map, she nearly tripped over a tree branch from the mini storm that had taken place the night before. Realizing the map would be no use to her, she shoved it into the pocket of her hoody.

She ran a hand through her messy, tangled hair. They were no longer ringlets; in fact they were mattered together and absolutely impossible to brush. Giving up on her hair, Hazel continued walking in the direction that the poster told her to.

Hazel’s stomach grumbled loudly, but she willed herself to keep walking, telling herself that soon she would be at a farm and they would provide her with food, water and shelter.

Hazel was on the verge of giving up when she spotted a massive sign, her face instantly lit up and suddenly she had the energy to climb a mountain. She ran as fast as she could with her suit case to the entrance of Moon Valley Ranch.  The gigantic, ached entrance was beautifully decorated with amazing smelling flowers and plants. Moon Valley Ranch was written in red fancy writing. Even from the gates she could see cows grazing in the paddocks, people riding horses, children playing with dogs. Hazel couldn’t wait to get started so she could live in peace.

Hazel knocked on the wooden door of the main building and a women stood in the door way. She was a fairly old lady, her grey hair tied in a tired bun. She smiled at the women who looked at her intently.

“How can I help you dear?” the women asked friendly. Hazel showed the women the poster that she had found.

“I would like to help out in exchange for water, food and shelter,” Hazel stated, trying to sound as kind as she could.  The women’s smile disappeared, she looked sad. Hazel wondered what was wrong.

“Oh I’m sorry dear, but someone has was already given that job and we can only house a certain number of people, I am so very sorry!” Hazel suddenly felt exhausted; all that time she had spent trying to find the ranch had all gone to waste. Hazel deflated like a popped balloon. The Women noticed how tired the girl seemed to be, she felt sorry for her.

“Well, tell you what. Come inside, get yourself cleaned up and stay for lunch. It’s the best I can do and I really am very sorry.” 

Hazel looked up at the women with hopeful eyes. “Really?” she asked, not quite believing she had heard right. The women nodded, kindness reflecting off her shiny eyes. The women moved out of the door way to let Hazel through.

The house smelled like a farm, the floral wallpaper was old and peeling off. The floors were poorly tiled, but it was a fairly large house. There was no carpet at all. Some areas were tiled and some were made of floor boards, it looked like an old fashioned house.

“The bathroom’s just up that corridor on the left. Go get yourself cleaned up and lunch will be ready soon,” Hazel simply nodded her head, grateful for the women’s kindness, but also too tired to respond.

***

Hazel turned on the tap, as the water hit her body she squealed. Ice-cold water massaged her body as it landed harshly on her skin. Hazel usually had a relaxing, warm shower, but she was willing to try something new, especially if it meant she could be clean once more.

Once she was finally out of the shower she grabbed a pair of ripped jeans and a sparkly tank top, throwing them on she tried to brush her tangled hair. It was a lost course; the brush was stuck in her hair. Hazel slowly pried the brush out of her hair, but unfortunately some of her hair was so tangled into the brush that she had to rip it out. She tried hard not to cry out in pain.