Her Luna

Chapter five

The next week went by fairly well as I got used to my new role. My insomnia is actually getting worse and when I did get some sleep I'd awake in sweat shortly after. I don't think I've slept more than a few hours in the past four nights.

Gena has been keeping me busy so with my brain going to mush from the lack of sleep it has done wonders for me not thinking of Nancy, at least while I'm working. 

While I came by to use the showers or to get a meal here before moving in with Lizzy, I never stayed. I did have my car and I felt miles apart from everyone here. It wasn't drugs, alcohol, a boyfriend… well maybe it started out with one… the point is, my reasons for being here were different. 

Nancy? 

Shut up, self! Who's side are you on? 

Anyways,  I didn't realize just how much went on here. Hell, I didn't even know people got paid. Gena enjoyed that one.

"We need to eat too." She said with a laugh when I admitted it.

Initially she had me cleaning but then, John, the head cook here, had to request a leave as his mom is declining and he wanted to care for her. Turns out I have found my passion. Gena said if I want the job permanently it's mine.

I wasn't wanting to take John's job as I admire him for caring for his mom but who knows when he'll be back if ever. This is also the first job I have that actually seemed to matter. I don't have a fancy college degree like Carol or Gena so my work choices are limited, especially when it comes to the type of stuff here, but this I feel I can do.

I've even been devouring anything with Gordon Ramsey during my sleepless nights and am excited with all the meal ideas I've come up with. I think I'll tell her that I want the job. 

It's like an art form of thinking about what to make for several hundred people with the stuff that's donated and it makes the Wolfs Den feel like the gas station. 

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday we have dinner at 7:00 pm. Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays we serve lunch at noon. Then we have breakfast just one day a week on Sundays. 

Unlike the residence, the meals are available to anyone. There's also the food bank that people can get from once a month. While I'm not handling that directly, it's always a chore to separate what I think I'll use and what to give away but I'm getting a system in order.

Another perk is the help. Currently there's four women helping me today in exchange for some extra items so it's a win for everyone. They also tend to open up more. While we do have group counseling sessions here, most women don't say much in those. However, you get those same girls peeling potatoes, and they won't shut up. 

"Did ya all here what happened to that bitch, Josephine? I hear she just quit her new job just like that to go back to that asshole who damn near killed her. Can you believe that shit? Left all her things too. Hey, Crystal, you think I can get her radio? It  don't look like she wants it anymore and she owed me a pack of cigarettes. "

"Sure, Tyra. That's how things work around here. When someone leaves we just give away all their stuff to whoever wants it. It helps you and it saves us the task of cleaning. "

"Really? Sweet! You think I could see if a pair of shoes fit because these-"

"Noooooo. I was only kidding!" 

The other girls started laughing at her as I tried to set a better example and failing. Hey, I'm still new at this. I quickly pulled myself together 

"If she doesn't claim it we'll see if any family is listed who can take it for her. If that fails then her stuff can be donated. She hasn't even been gone for 48 hours yet. Let's give it some time, shall we?"