A Light At The End Of A Tunnel

Chapter 4

I'm standing in the middle of an airport, in California. I have no clue where I am going, all I know is that I am free. First thing is first, I need to find somewhere with a map so I can find a cheap hotel, and I definitely need to go get something to eat.

I look around the airport, I see a spot where there are maps and a Subway is right beside it. How convenient. I take my bags and I head over. I grab a map and I go into Subway. As soon as I walk in, I can smell how delicious the food is and my stomach starts to growl.

I head over to the counter, and I am greeted by a tall, black haired girl. She had the name tag, "Gloria" on it. "Hi, how may I help you?" She asked me.

"Hi, I would like a 12'' sub on white flat bread, and toasted please."

She smiled at me and got the white flat bread out and started to put the bacon on. She looked at me, "Any cheese on that?"

"Provolone, please."

She put the provolone on top of the bacon and put it in the toaster. After the toaster went off, indicating that it was done, she put the sub by where the vegetables are. "And any vegetables on that?" She asked.

"Just lettuce and tomato."

"Any sauce for that?"

"Mayo, please."

She put the mayo on it. "For here or to go?"

"For here please. Also, a small Pepsi to go with that."

"Okay," she smiled at me, "that will be $12.99 please."

I handed her the money, grabbed my food and went to sit down. After I sat my bags, and my food down on the table, I went over to the machine to fill up my drink. After I filled up my drink, I went to sit down and eat.

The first bite I took was so mouth watering. This was the first time I could enjoy something good, and not have to be scared of getting beat. After I ate the first half of my sub, I took out the map and looked at it while I was eating the other half.

I found where the airport I was at on the map, and see that I was just outside of Sacramento, their capital. I could get a cab after I'm done eating, and try to find a cheap motel there. I am praying that they have one.

I finish the rest of my sub and my drink, then I go throw it away. I grab my things and walk outside the airport. When I get outside, it is nice and sunny out. The perfect temperature. I feel so relaxed already. I look around me and see that there is a lot of Taxi's out front.

I wave one down and get in. He turns around and looks at me, "Where to, young lady?"

"Sacramento, please."

He took me into the town and dropped me off at a small cafe. I handed him the money I owed him, grabbed my things, and got out. I just started walking. Walking and looking around. After about an hour of walking, I was tired. My feet started to ache. I was so thankful when I seen a sign say, 'Hotel; $25 a night'. I smiled and walked inside.

I was greeted by an older lady, but she seemed so nice. "How may I help you, dear?" She asked.

"Hi, I was looking if I could rent a room."

"Of course, dear! Do you know how long you will be staying?"

I looked down at me feet then looked at her again, "Not really, but I promise I can pay for each night that I do stay here."

"Well that's just fine, dear." She took out a guest book and handed it to me and the pen, "I will just need you to sign this with your signature, and your ID please so I can have a copy of it."

I smiled at her and signed the book and handed her the ID. She smiled at me and took my ID over to the copying machine. After she was all done she handed me back my ID, and handed me a set of room keys. Room 25D. I thanked her and headed upstairs to my room.

When I got to my room, I found a clock hanging on the wall and seen that it was almost noon. If I unpacked and took a shower, I would still have enough time to go job hunting. I took all of my things out of my bags, and put my clothes in the closet that was there. I put my shower supplies in the bathroom, and my toothbrush and toothpaste on the sink.

I set my bags on the top shelf of the closet. I fished out a pair of black jean shorts, and a flannel top to go with it. I walk into the bathroom and set my clothes on one side of the sink. I walk back into the bedroom and took my shoes off. I walked back into the bathroom and started the water.

When I got into the shower, it was hot. It relaxed every muscle in my body, and I didn't feel so dirty anymore. All of a sudden, I remember the nice guy William I met on the plane. Why did he buy that for me? Also, why would he leave first class to come talk to me?

I push the memory out of my head. It doesn't matter anyway. I would never see him again in my life. I also promised myself I wouldn't get close to anyone anyway. It's too much pain, and what if they turned out to be like my stepfather? I shuddered at the thought of him. I never wanted to be treated like that again.

When I finished with my shower, I got out and dried my body and my hair. I put my bra and panties on, then my clothes over top. I didn't have any beauty tools yet, so I just brushed my hair and let it go natural. I brushed my teeth then looked at myself in the mirror. I look a lot better now that I am free. I feel a lot better now too.

I grab my wallet, and I walk out of the room. I shut the door and lock it behind me, then I walk down the stairs and out of the hotel. It's beautiful for it only being noon. I could get used to this kind of weather.

I start to walk on the sidewalk, and I keep my eyes open for help wanted signs. I see a help wanted sign on a library door. I would love to work in a library. Reading is kind of a thing of mine.

I take the crosswalk, over to the library. I walk inside and it's so quiet. Just like a library should be. I walk over to the front desk and I am greeted by a woman in her mid 40s with a bob. "Hi," she smiled at me, "how may I help you?"

"I'm here for the help wanted sign on the door."

"Follow me this way." She stood and took me around a corner and into a small room. "I hope you're ready for your interview right now, we are in desperate need." She said to me.

My anxiety spiked a little, but I tried to calm myself down. "Yes, I can do the interview now."

"Why do you think I should hire you for this position?"

"I am great with people, weather rude or nice. I love to read. I do it all the time. A nice quiet place is just the type of environment I should be working in."

She nodded her head, "Do you have a reliable way to work?"

"I am currently staying in a hotel a couple blocks down the road from here until I save enough money to get an apartment."

She smiled at me, "You're hired. You start in two days at 8 am sharp."

I smiled widely at her, "Thank you so much!"

I got up and walked out of the library. I think I earned myself a relaxing night at home, with a pizza and some soda. I smiled the whole way back to the hotel. I was so busy in my own little world that I didn't see who I walked into.

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A/N
Hey guys! I don't know if these chapters are too long, too short, or just right. Please give me some feedback! Thank you!