Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Night came quickly, bringing with it a bitter chill. I dug into my bag, fishing out my sweater. I stared at the measly amount of clothes stored there. I wished now I'd planned better, but I hadn't expected Caroline to turn on me.

Shoving my hands in my pockets I kept moving. If I stopped for too long I would freeze. Panic tickled my gut; I squashed it down but couldn't quite stop the thoughts.

Where was I going to sleep? The sandwich and chips from Caroline were long gone and my stomach was making noises. I wrapped my arms around myself, fighting back tears. How had I gotten to this point? Scared, alone, with no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

My stomach rumbled again, painfully this time. I wished fervently I'd taken some food, some money. I thought of all the money I had tucked safely away in the bank. Untouchable without a parent or guardian. My mother's legacy all but lost to me now.

The wind kicked up, the cold sneaking into the fibers of by sweater. I had to find somewhere to go, somewhere to get out of the cold. I blinked, looking around for the first time, slightly surprised to find myself at the opening of an alleyway. The alley was close and dark, removed from the glow of the street lamps. But it was closed on three sides, offering protection from the wind. Biting down on my shame I moved into the alley, feeling instantly warmer.

An overflowing dumpster cast its stench into the night. The smell made me gag, but maybe it would keep others at bay. Something hanging over the side of the dumpster caught my attention. I didn't dare to hope as I moved cautiously toward the dumpster. A small sardonic laugh escaped my lips as my fingers closed over the blanket. It was thin, but whole. Greedily I yanked it from the smelly confines and wrapped it around me. Surprisingly it smelled of cinnamon and vanilla. I looked around for a place to sleep, my eyes were heavy and I could barely stand.

A large cardboard box caught my eye, seeming to call to me, offering shelter. Climbing into it I snuggled into the blanket, staring out at the sidewalk. A hysterical laugh bubbled up and out. Tears streamed down my cheeks as my laughter reverberated off the stone walls. Laughter dissolved into quiet sobbing. Pulling the blanket over my head I shut out the world and cried myself to sleep.

**********

"Good morning D.C! It's a beautiful Monday morning. Highs today look like they're going to be in the lower 60's, with lows dipping down into the 50's."

I let the weather mans voice faded into the background as I sipped a glass of water. Was it really Monday again? Had it been that long already? I'd been living in my box for two weeks now, if the smiling weather man was to be believed about the date.

My stomach rumbled, but I was used to it. It had taken me the better part of a week to find this place. It was a perfect little place, they never asked questions and the water was free, so I wasn't going to die of dehydration. The fact that they were twenty four hour was a major bonus.

Weather gave way to sports and soon the TV was lost to the sounds of a morning commute. The scent of bacon and coffee soon filled the diner, stirring my stomach. I clamped down on my hunger, willing myself to ignore it. The man next to me grumbled over something in the paper, threw some bills onto the counter and walked out. Two strips of bacon and a piece of toast lay untouched on his plate.

Saliva pooled in my mouth as I stared at the plate. Six inches, that's all I would have to move. My fingers itched. I didn't move. Even desperate and starving I couldn't steal. My stomach roared in protest at my decision. Forcing myself I looked away from the food and took another sip of water. This time my stomach revolted. The pain was almost more than I could bear. Just a bit longer, I thought, another hour and all would be fine.

The scrape of a plate and flat ware caused me to look down, before me sat a plate of eggs and bacon. Shocked I looked up into the smiling face of Eddie, owner and cook.

"I-I can't pay for this." I whispered, not daring to hope.

"Hate to see food go to waste." He grumbled, shuffling back to the grill. I watched as he expertly flipped pancakes and turned bacon.

A glass of orange juice was set beside my plate by a manicured hand. I looked up into another smiling face. This one belonged to Kim, a girl around Jessica's age. Her honey colored hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. She was pretty, even the garish orange diner shirt couldn't hide that.

"Better eat up, darling. Eddie don't do that for everyone, now." White teeth flashed before she moved down the bar refilling drinks.

Lifting my fork I speared a bite of egg. It practically melted on my tongue. Eddie winked at my soft sigh. I smiled at him, biting into a crisp strip of bacon. Somehow I felt I'd made a friend.

I ate slowly, savoring every bite, and yet it was gone before I knew it. I whiles away the afternoon in a back booth with the crossword and soap operas. I was pondering five down when Kim placed a ham sandwich before me. She didn't say a word, just set the plate and a glass of milk before me and walked away with a smile.

It continued on like that, Kim silently bringing me food through the night. The daytime dramas turned to prime time news. I watched the street lamps winking to life and thought of my alleyway and box. Tonight was going to be cold, and I was dreading leaving the warmth and comfort of the diner. I feared pushing Eddie's kindness more.

Sighing I lifted my backpack and made my way to the front of the diner.

"Thank you," I mumbled to Eddie, leaning against the bar. I wasn't sure if he'd heard me. I thought I saw his head bob, but I wasn't sure. I nodded to Kim, then stepped out of the diner, the silver bells above the door sounding my exit.

The cold took my breath away. I couldn't wait to get to my blanket. I scanned the sidewalk quickly for quarters. I had fifty cents in my pocket. I needed two dollars at least, then I would be able to wash my clothes. It would do little good as I would still be unclean, but I couldn't stand the smell.

"Wait!"

I turned, fear gripping my stomach. Kim stepped out of the diner holding a jacket.

"Someone left this here a few months back. It's too small for me and Eddie said to get rid of it. Maybe it'll fit you?"

Tears stung my eyes as I took the heavy winter jacket. How could I have gotten so lucky as to meet these people? All the diners in the city and I somehow managed to pick the right one.

“Thank you,” I whispered, slipping into the coat. It was a high quality jacket; grey in color and filled with goose down. Whoever left it would be missing it, I knew I would have. It was a little big, but it was warm and comfortable.

Kim smiled at me, her eyes full of questions I knew she would never ask, then turned and walked back into the diner.

I watched her go. I wasn’t ready to go back to my alley. I longed for the comforts of home. Were they still searching for me? My heart clenched at the thought of Margret. She would cry over me, I was sure. Deep down she knew the truth, but she was blinded by a mother’s love. I couldn’t fault her for that.

My breath steamed out before me as I walked the lonely streets. I shoved my hands into the pockets of the jacket, thankful for the warmth. My mind wandered as I walked, not paying attention to the world around me.

“Hey, Darlin’. Need a warm bed for the night?”

I jumped, my heart clutching as the slurred voice split the night. My eyes fell on a man leaning against a door frame. His jeans were torn and dirty and unbuttoned at the waist. His shirt too was unbuttoned and open, offering a fair glimpse of sallow looking skin. He leaned forward, waggling his eyebrows at me. “Come ‘er little darlin’, I got some candy for ya.”

He lurched out of the doorway, stumbling toward me. I froze. My heart sped in my chest, threatening to break free. I knew I should run, I wanted to, yet I was rooted to the spot. The stench of unwashed man wrapped around me, invading me, causing me to gag.

“Back off, Papa. You’re out of line.” The sultry voice flowed out into the night, wrapping around me like a balm and pulling me from my stupor. I looked up into a pair of startling amber eyes. She walked toward me, black leather and lace clinging to her body. Orange hair hung in ringlets, bouncing off her shoulders. She was sex personified.

I stared, I couldn’t help it. I knew my mouth was hanging open. I’d never seen anyone like her. She stopped before me, looking down at me. Her eyes were kind, and she smelled of mint and jasmine, a strangely intoxicating scent. The man she’d called Papa cursed softly, then retreated into his house, muttering.

“What are you doing out so late, honey?”

It took a moment of working my jaw before words formed. “Just walking.”

“Mmhmm,” She didn’t sound convinced as she looked up and down the empty street. “You’re alone aren’t ya?”

I bit my lower lip and looked down. My chest hurt from my heart slamming against my ribs. I just wanted to feel safe again. I just wanted to be warm again.

“Come with me.” She wrapped her hand around my arm and pulled me along with her. I had to quicken my steps to keep pace with her long stride. Before long we came to a brick building. I caught glimpses of what I could as she tugged me inside. Laughter and the scent of alcohol filtered down to me as we climbed the stairs. She stopped at a door and smiled at me.

“In you go.”

The apartment was larger than I’d expected. The furnishings were mostly second hand, but beautiful. A long white couch dominated the main room, accented with deep purple pillows. A bright blue throw clung to a hunter green chair opposite the couch. The room smelled of unknown spices, and offered an unexpected warmth.

“Welcome to my home.”

“I don’t even know you’re name.” I stood just inside the door, afraid to move.

“I’m Rosalie.” She smiled at me, unwinding a scarf from her neck. The color was the same tone as her hair, and that was funny for some reason. She pulled off her leather jacket, revealing a low cut black top. Bright orange straps peaked out from under her arms. She watched me as she sat on a bar stool and pulled off her boots.

“I know you,” I stepped forward, looking closer. “I’ve seen you before. It was morning, and you were arguing with a man.”

Rosalie laughed the sound a sweet tinkle that filled the room. She laughed with her whole body. I liked that.

“That must have been Armand. We have a volatile relationship.” She looked at me, leaning her elbows on her knees. “I still don’t know your name.”

“Ashley, Ashley Jones.”

“Ashley, welcome.” She stood and walked around the bar into the kitchen. I followed, not wanting to be left alone. I sat on one of the bar stools, almost sighing as my butt sank into the soft cushion.

“Are you thirsty?” Rosalie called over her shoulder as she pulled open the door of the refrigerator. Saliva pooled in my mouth as I caught sight of a fully stocked fridge.

“Jesus, Rose. Did you pick up another stray?”

I jerked around, almost toppling off the bar stool. A young woman in her mid twenties walked into the room. She wore a tight blue sweater and white mini skirt. Her blonde hair fell in golden waves around her face, framing it perfectly. Her blue eyes were hard and suspicious as they locked on me, pinning me in place, before they moved on to Rosalie.

“Back off K, you were a stray at one time too.” Rosalie came around the bar and handed me a glass of milk. Her tone was light, playful, and yet firm. She was an interesting combination of the two. I was glad I’d met Rosalie first.

The blonde woman tossed her hair moving toward me. She was chewing gum, and the fruity scent wafted toward me. Offering her hand, she blew a large bubble, then popped it.

“Kandace.”

“Ashley,” I muttered, shaking her hand.

“Mine’s the blue room. Stay out of it.” And with that she was gone.

I stared after her, jolting at the sound of a door snapping shut.

“Don’t pay Kandace any attention, querida. She’s always prickly when meeting new people.”

Lifting the glass I took a long drink, the coolness of the milk soothing my nerves.

“Don’t worry, querida, you’re safe here.”

I looked up at her, trying to understand her. She didn’t know me at all and yet here she was opening her home and her life to me.

“Why did you bring me here? You don’t know me. I could kill you both in your sleep and take your valuables.” My voice rose with hysteria, my hands shook, sloshing milk from my glass.

“Shh, hush now, querida.” Rosalie took the glass and set it down on the bar, then gathered me into her arms. A great sob escaped my lips and I clung to her, breathing in her scent. Mint and jasmine.

“I’m not afraid of you, querida. You won’t harm us. And you’re right, I don’t know you, but everyone has a story. Should you choose to tell me, I’ll listen. But I’ll never pry.”

There was something about Rosalie that seemed to calm my soul. We sat on the couch, talking and sharing cookies until the first faint hues of pink began to paint the sky. With my stomach full and my soul satisfied, Rosalie led me to the spare bedroom.

“I always knew I would need the extra space. I’ve had a few other pass through for a few nights, but it’s been empty for about a month now.” She moved into the room, flipping on the light and stepping aside so I could come in.

The room was beautiful, yet simple. The full size bed was draped with a deep blue bedspread; sunny yellow sheets peaked out at me. There was a small desk on the left side of the room, a dresser with vanity mirror, and a small closet. I frowned inwardly; my clothes wouldn’t even fill half a drawer. The paint on the walls was a sunny yellow, and made me smile.

“You just stay here as long as you want, querida.” Rosalie stepped up behind me, resting her hands on my shoulders.

“Thank you, Rosalie.” I whispered, undone by her kindness. Maybe, even after all I’d been through, someone was watching out for me. Whether it was God or not, I couldn’t say, but maybe, just maybe, things were beginning to look up.

“If you need anything, just let me know. My room is straight down the hall.” She offered me a cheery smile, despite the lateness of the hour.

“Rosalie? Could I maybe, take a shower?” I chewed my lower lip and barely resisted the urge to twist my fingers. I’d picked up a lot of nervous ticks over the last year, and getting rid of them seemed to be harder than acquiring them.

“Of course, follow me. Would you like me to wash your clothes for you too? I think I have a shirt you can sleep in.”

Tears pricked my eyes once more as I followed her to the bathroom, She handed me a stack of fluffy white towels, then left me with a smile.

The tub was wide and deep enough to soak in. I set the towels on the counter and turned on the water. I quickly undressed and stepped in. A low moan escaped as the hot water blasted my skin. Nothing, I was sure, had ever felt so good.

I stood there, enjoying the feel of the water beating away the last two weeks. It was cleansing. I remembered something my Boppie had said, something about being washed by the water of Christ. Well, if that felt half as good as this I couldn’t blame them.

The water chilled and I reluctantly stepped out. Wrapping the towel around me I simply stood and relished being clean. Rosalie had brought me a shirt and a package of underwear. I didn’t even think, just tore into the package and slipped on a pair. I pulled the shirt over my head. Searching the drawers I found a brush and began to untangle my hair. Mindlessly I pulled the brush through my hair, staring at the mirror, watching the condensation dissipate.

My hand stopped mid-motion when I focused on my reflection. I was a mere shadow of myself. My shoulders protruded sharply from my skin, my cheeks were gaunt and my eyes hollow. My skin was pale and my hair was lank and listless. How could it have happened so fast?

But had it really happened so fast? I’d only been homeless and starving for two weeks, but I’d been slowly killing myself for months before that. I dropped the towel into the bin and made my way back to the room that was to be mine.

A muffled laugh and murmured conversation sounded from behind Kandace’s door. A smile crept to my lips at the normality of it all. For tonight I would get to sleep safely and comfortably.

With a giddy little laugh I climbed into bed and pulled up the covers. They had a light, summery scent to them, and I snuggled down deeper, breathing deeply.

I drifted off to sleep with the sun coming up, warm blankets surrounding me, and a roof over my head.