Wicked Games

Chapter 1

Sam's OOTD: http://www.polyvore.com/sams_first_day_in_westchester/set?id=144974526

Sam's POV~

        My heart was racing as I quickly stepped onto the Greyhound bus without hesitation. Paranoia caused me to look over my shoulder every minute or so just in case he woke up before anticipated. I handed the driver my ticket and took one last look at the lit up destination at the front of the bus. The lights moved quickly yet it was still easy to make out the words Westchester, Pennsylvania. I guess I made it right in the pinch of time because almost immediately after I took my seat, the bus roared to life and started making its way down the worn out road. There was a long 10 hour ride between here and Westchester but that was perfectly fine with me. The farther away from place I can get the better.

        I tried sleeping for a portion of the ten hours but I can't quite remember the last time I got, at the least, five hours of sleep. The only thing I could possibly do is either read or think about all the  nightmares my life has been over the past 6 years. I stared out the window and into the night for about 4 hours until the bus stopped somewhere in Kentucky only to pick up a very nice man. This man was about 6'4 with long black hair and a scruffy black beard. He told me that his name was Mick and he mostly just talked about cats, his wife, and the band he was in. Mick was a really big guy but it was okay because I didn't take up much room in the small bus seats. I don't talk much and Mick was swift to pick up on that character trait as he just started asking a bunch of questions. Mick obviously liked to talk but that was too alright as I enjoyed listening to him talk. His voice was very rough and deep, much different from Derek's. Derek's voice was as smooth as warm molasses. The thought of Derek led me into a total change in attitude which Mick unfortunately noticed. Our conversation gradually dwindled down until 5 more hours passed by and Mick said his goodbyes and got off. I only had one more hour to go until I reached my destination so I just decided to pull out one of the few novels I had brought with me and began to read.

        Finally, the Greyhound came to my stop as I grabbed my black duffel bag and made my way off of the bus, dropping a five in the tip box. I hopped down onto the pavement and grabbed the folded up piece of paper out of the pocket on my duffel bag. I dialed the number on the folded up piece of paper in my phone and held it up to my ear. I leaned up against one of the poles surrounding the small bus station while it rang, hoping someone would pick up.

"Hello? April's Hair Salon, how may I help you?" A nasally feminine voice said through the phone.

"Um Hi may I speak to Mrs. April please?" I asked nicely. 

"This is her" Mrs. April replied sweetly.

"Hi this is Sam Clearwater?" I stated.

"Oh! Yes you've arrived! Are you at the bus station now?" Mrs. April asked.

"Yes ma'am!" I replied cheerfully. A surge of joy rushed through me as I remembered I am over 10 hours away from Derek for once in my life.

"I'll be there in about ten minutes just hang tight!" Mrs. April said at last. The line went dead right after I agreed and we said our goodbyes. 

        Soon enough, a plum colored PT Cruiser rolled up on the pavement before me and a sweet looking lady hopped out. She rushed around the small car and embraced me in a tight hug, smiling the entire time. Seeing this woman, who I am assuming is Mrs. April, so filled with life brought a smile to my face as I hoped that I can soon be as happy as her. 

"Hello! I am April it's very nice to finally meet you!" Mrs. April said after letting go.

"Hi! I'm Sam! I can't thank you enough for giving me a job just off of what Shirley said." I exclaimed, showing my gratitude.

"Oh listen to that southern accent!" Mrs. April said with a smile and my face reddened a bit. "Oh it's no problem of mine! I can always use an extra hand around the shop. Shirley and I have been longtime friends and it's the least I can do! Now let's get going so the shop isn't in too bad of shape before I get back." Mrs. April said with a laugh as she got back into the car and unlocked the passenger door for me.

        Mrs. April and I made small talk on the way to the shop since it was only a short ride. I am really beginning to like Mrs. April as she reminds me of my own mother who I miss ever so. Mrs. April asked about the trip here and how Shirley was doing. She also told me a lot about the shop and what I would be doing. My job here was no different than it was back in Sweetwater. Derek was more than likely awake and wreaking havoc on the salon I used to work at. I worried of Shirley the most and I already miss my dog, Mud, who I gave to Shirley to take care of as I surely couldn't bring him with me and I wouldn't dare leaving him with Derek. My mood darkened once more with the thought of Sweetwater in general and it was Mrs. April to take notice this time.

"Sweetheart, Shirley told me some of why you had to leave but not much. I would just like for you to know that nothing will happen to you under my watch and you have a whole new life now. I think it's time to leave your old one behind." Mrs. April said with a reassuring smile. I returned the smile as her statement brought tears to my eyes, I blinked them back and cleared my throat.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. April you have no idea what that means to me." I told her.

"Oh no need for the formality of Mrs. April, you can call me just April if you'd like!" April told me, smiling big. I accepted that with a simple nod and a small smile as we pulled into the parking lot of a small salon. There were few cars in the compact lot  so April just swung into the closest spot to the entrance.                                                          "We're here!" April announced happily as she turned off the car and got out, walking towards the door. I immediately followed with ease as I quickly walked to the door that April was holding open for me. I muttered a thank you as I walked into the salon. The familiar smell of hair dye and an assortment of fragrant products hit my nose. The strong smell made my scent glands tingle as I allowed April to walk in front of me.        "This is where you'll be working on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday" April said with the smile that hasn't left her face since I met her at the station. The salon was very small but cozy. Mirrors with bright lights lining them were stationed on both walls.         "It will be a bit before I let you cut costumer's hair so for now I will basically need you for maintenance and to run the front desk" April explained. I nodded along with her instructions while listening closely.         "Now, what about school? I seemed to have forgotten to ask Shirley about school." April asked.

"I dropped out this year, my Junior year, and Shirley has been teaching me ever since for basically fun. There is no need as Shirley has touched all the vitals." I told her while lowering my voice. I noticed that there was one other girl in the shop, doing a woman's hair. April nodded before speaking again.

"Okay that makes it easy!" April said with her smile remaining on her face. April was a rather plump lady but pretty, she had blonde hair and dark blue eyes. I could tell her teeth was yellow by solely coffee but they were still taken care of.         "And where will you be staying?" April asked.

"Oh! Yes I was meaning to ask you, are there any motels nearby?" I asked sweetly.

"Oh heavens no! Any Friend of Shirley is welcome to stay at my house. Please, you must come and stay with me!" April's voice suddenly heightened in both tone and volume.

"Thank you so much but it's quite alright! You have done so much already but thank you again!" I told her.

"Absolutely not, I insist." April stated with the slight stomp of her foot. I opened my mouth to persuade otherwise but I was quickly cut off.        "No. You will be staying with me and that is final. Shirley has came to my aide more times than I would care to mention it is the least I can do." April added enthusiastically. Not wanting to argue any longer I nodded my head again with a warm smile and gave April my gratitude.

~I have attached an image of Mud, Sam's dog back at home