The Siren's Voice Calls

Chapter 3

So there I was, starting fresh all on my own. Coming out of the bathroom, I felt the hunger pains hit me. "At least this place has complimentary breakfast," I said to myself, reassuringly before heading out the door. I then walked along the pathway, heading to the office. I hoped I didn't wake up too late to have the good food. Thankfully, there was fresh coffee with sugar and a variety of choice flavors of creamer, which I went with white chocolate raspberry. I then snatched a bowl of fruit, some sausage links, and a blueberry muffin, and headed back to my room.

Pulling out my laptop, I set it down on the table and connected to the free wifi available to motel customers. Scrolling through emails of potential college and university options I was still receiving, I came upon one that I received the morning after I escaped. It looked interesting, so I clicked on it to open and read the email. There were images of the school property, listings of the studies and majors available, some more popular than others. One paragraph read:

Check out the brochure for the most popular class, Myths and Legends. Taught by the young renowned archeologist, Professor Sebastian Jones. He is one of the highest rated professors here at Mystery Spell University. The young Dr. Jones is also known for his generous contributions of artifacts to the Mystery Spell Museum he has acquired from many of his accomplished excavations.

"Wow! Impressive resume.... And very handsome," I quietly said as I looked at his profile picture below. Completely intrigued, I clicked on the link at the bottom of the email to take me to their website. First thing I saw was the header picture of the school and the logo. Next, I saw the address; up in the northeast part of the country. Fascinated by the fact that I could learn more about what I witnessed a few days prior, and it's so far away from my home state, my choice was already made.

Noticing a phone number on the left hand side of the webpage after filling out the online application, I chose to give it a call. "Thank you for calling. This is Theresa from Mystery Spell University Administration. How can I help you, today?" "Yeah, hi. I just applied online and was wondering if there are going to be any days to pre-tour the campus before the summer is over?" "Oh, yes. There is indeed. We can add you to the list for any day in the last week of July, which will be either the 29th, 30th, 31st, or August 1st or 2nd. It's an all day tour with a complimentary lunch ticket. What day would work best for you, uhh... Miss?" "Lydia. Lydia Marie Canteles." "Miss Canteles." "August 1st would be perfect." "August 1st it is. I've got you on the list for that Thursday. If you could provide me with your email address, I will send you the schedule for that day and a map of the campus, so you know where the administration building is. Hope you will enjoy the tour and get accepted to join us here. Thank you for your consideration. Do you have any more questions or concerns for me?" "No, thank you and goodbye." "Have a good day, goodbye."

Excitement overwhelmed me at the prospect of starting a new life in a new town. Still worried that Jacob might track the whereabouts of his car, I chose to drive down to the nearby sales lot of used cars. Speaking with the salesman and owner of the establishment, he was eager to buy it and paid cash for it. I guess it worked out in my favor that Jacob put my name down as secondary owner of the vehicle. His intention was merely due to being certain I'd marry him before we turned twenty one.

I called a cab to take me back to the motel, so I could get my things, and then have the cab driver take me to the bus station. I bought myself a one way ticket to the big city stop as close to Mystery Spell as possible. From there, I caught a ride via Uber all the way to my final destination. I was thankful it was a female driver cause I wasn't comfortable riding with a male stranger. We talked about our favorite music, movies, and food during the hour drive.

Booking for long term rates in order to get a discount at the local motel later that evening, I settled in, relieved I made it at last. Thankfully, I received a message from one of the school's administrators earlier that morning that my application was accepted and I could choose my class schedule anytime at least two weeks prior to the first day of school. Freshman were not required to have a major chosen yet, so my two additional elective curriculum classes I went with were Myths and Legends and Music Appreciation. Both of which still had available spots.

I had a month until the open house tour was scheduled, so that gave me the time to look for a job and my own place. I hoped not to have to stay in the motel too long. This one was a whole lot nicer than the last and also had free wifi, but still. Opening my laptop at the table, I plugged the cord into the nearest outlet. Pulling up job listings in Mystery Spell, I noticed a lot to scroll through. Department clothing store clerks, grocery store cashiers, along with sit down restaurant waitress positions, and fast food as well. "Oh, don't get me started on that!" I said out loud in frustration.

None of those job positions piqued my interest, especially the minimum wages starting out. I needed to make enough to afford room and board, utilities, food, not to mention everything I needed for school. The list not only included all the required books for the curriculums, but school uniforms as well. To avoid having to do laundry every day, five pairs of white button up blouse shirts, dark red sweaters with the embroidered school logo, and short gray pleated skirts were required. A thought crossed my mind. (I sure hope we all get a casual wear day once in a while. Jeans would be so much more comfortable than those short skirts.)

Continuing to scroll through the local job listings later that week, determined to find something worth while, I soon came upon a notice in all caps, "AU PAIR NEEDED." Clicking on the link to read the description, I saw that the position paid considerably well for taking care of someone's child. No application fee, live-in status, interview available in the home. "No rent or utilities?" I read out loud. "Well, that's worth looking into."

Pulling out my phone, I dialed the phone number listed. "Bartholy residence," a handsomely suave voice answered. "Hi, uh, my name is Lydia. I just moved into town to attend the university and am looking for a job. I came across your ad online and I would love to apply for the position if it's still available." "Yes, the position is open. Let's schedule a good time for you to come by the manor for an interview." "That would be great! What is the address?" "Don't worry about transportation. I will arrange for someone to pick you up. Where are you staying?"

I gave him the address of the motel I was staying at even though I was skeptical of being given a ride there by some stranger. We agreed to a ten o'clock meeting the following Monday morning, July 29th. I had the whole weekend to buy a proper outfit for an interview, so I went into town to check out the local clothing boutiques. While I was in town, I took the opportunity to go into the cell phone store and get my number changed. I had blocked Jacob's number, but better safe than sorry. I then sent a text message to my sister, stating it was me, that I got a new number, but not to tell anyone, especially Jacob because I broke it off with him. I didn't tell her where I was, though. Not the right time yet.

I thanked the gentleman and walked out to continue my search for a good clothing store. One of the stores had on display in the front window a white button up blouse and black knee length pencil skirt. I walked in and was greeted kindly. The lady guided me to the fitting room after I pointed out what outfit interested me. "You can go ahead on in, dear. I will bring it to you. Let's see... You look to be about a size five," she said as she eyed me from head to toe. She walked off before I could say anything in response.

Soon, she returned with the styles of the blouse and skirt I requested. They fit perfectly. (This lady is good!) After changing back into the clothes I came in, I thanked her and asked if she had anything that would be appropriate for going to a club or bar. She soon brought a black leather mini skirt and my choice between a black, dark turquoise, red, or purple off one shoulder, form fitting crop, in which I chose the purple. It's my favorite color after all. The rest of the Friday evening, I rested in my motel room and ordered in Chinese for delivery.