Born Wild

Settling in

Later in the morning, she woke up to light rain. She stretched her arms and let herself wake up slowly before she tore down her tent and packed everything back in her bag. Then she walked into town and into a small diner. The town was quite busy compared to yesterday, but she felt at ease. 

She walked into the diner and plunged down into a chair at a table for two. She ordered a small mocha and chicken noodle soup. She took her hands out of her gloves and placed them on her pink cheeks, trying to warm them. She looked around. All the tables and chairs were made of dark wood. The walls were brown and the diner was filled with rustic decorations. She sat there delighted with her warm meal. One of her favorite songs then came on the radio and she couldn't help but tap her foot to the beat.

While sipping on her hot soup and letting her eyes wander around the room, she noticed a cork board with several papers on it. She was close enough to read an ad for a job.

Howe's family farm...well paying...needs a helper who is willing to work in a barn and outside. Contact us or visit us at... It labeled the phone number and address at the bottom.

The waitress was walking by and Tala asked her if the farm was close. 

"Yeah, it's not far. If you get on the road to the left of the diner it will be just a short walk."

 Tala thanked her and finished her food. She grabbed her backpack and walked out of the diner and to the left. She kept walking and spotted the farm shortly. It was a nice, large house with a big front porch. She took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air and exhaled the fear. She held on tightly to her backpack straps as she walked up to the door and stood there for a moment. She raised her fist, knocked, and prepared herself to talk.

A large black lab ran through their house to the door's side window and wagged its tail, smiling at Tala. A woman who was most likely 65 opened the door and smiled. She was older but still beautiful and healthy. The heavy lab just sat there. 

"Hello, I saw your job advertisement in the diner and was wondering if you were still hiring."

"Yes! What is your name dear?" 

Tala told her. 

"How lovely! I am Diana Howe. Give me a moment to go find my husband. You are very welcome to come inside." 

Tala smiled and entered, and Mrs. Howe took off into the house. It was warm and the air was fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla. The furniture dark brown, orange, and a deep red. The house clean and welcoming.

Mrs. Howe returned with her also friendly husband. He smiled and shook her hand.

 "I'm Ed Howe, nice to meet you... So I hear you are interested in working on our farm? That's perfect because we are in great need of someone. Let's walk around and I'll tell you what I need help with."

They walked around the property, the air nice and chilly, the grass dewy and fresh. He talked about his animals and plants. He was just getting too old and needed a couple of younger adults to help out. 

 They made their way into the warm barn with fresh hay in the air, and brushing one of their horses was a young man. As he stroked the horse's mane with the brush his tan skin glowed under the barn light and his dark chocolate hair swept down onto his forehead. He seemed at least part Native American.

"Tala, this is Koda Cypress." Mrs. Howe said.

 Koda stopped and turned towards them. They made eye contact and said hello.

All of his features were smooth and gentle. He had a small wide nose, plump cheeks with dimples, and a soft jawline. He had dark brown eyes that were rich like the soil after rain. They were dripping with swirls of honey and gold.