Damaged

2. Home

I allowed the open road and the stolen 1998 corolla to take me where I would start my life over. I pulled out the ripped napkin, holding it up to the light to see it better. I was still in shock that I had given my last pennies to an older man in a diner 50 miles back for this used tissue.

How would anyone believe me?

He promised isolation and a fresh beginning over a pie and cup of coffee later that day.

He wanted a new start in the city with his family and I wanted one far away from it, where no one could find me, especially Bones.

I felt more at peace the further I drove into the trees. The fresh air covered my face and freed my stomach from anxiety.

This was what I needed.

I drove through the small town where children played in the road and people sat outside their shops laughing. I was utterly surprised anyone could live this far south where no traffic noises or subways shrikes.

When I pulled up at the broken 22 mailbox off Dixon rd., I breathed. This was it, my new house. It was a small wooden box with a high foundation and a cute porch.

I grabbed the plastic bag from the back with my belongings and stared at the small one bedroom shed.

It was perfect.

I did everything but jump for joy as I saw the attached barn. The structure was shit, but it was all my shit.

Inside was musty and dirty, which only caused my sinuses to act up. I sneezed uncontrollably until I successfully opened a broken window by ripping off the nailed board. I placed my bag on the table and fanned the air filled with dust particles. Dirt and food-stained dishes pilled the broken sink and the walkway was filled with splinters and broken wood.

I spun around when I heard a knock at the door, startled out of my mind.

"Sorry darlin', I didn't mean to scare you." She walked into the room uninvited and took my hand. "I'm Danny."

"Angel, nice to meet you. You just walk right in?" I stared blankly at her. She was the same height as I was, but her long brown hair differentiated us, as well as our skin tones.

She busted out in laugher "I could tell you're new out here. Everyone is family. I'll stay out if you want me to from now on, I wouldn't want you to call the sheriff."

"Sherriff," I nodded. "Right." I was used to the police, but this was a small city, I guess it wouldn't work that way.

"Anyho' I just came by to say hello. I thought Mr. Sam got a new car. I can't believe he actually sold this place." She looked around in disgusted and I felt offended.

"Yeah, he did." I spoke with irritation in my voice.

"I don't meant to offend you honey." She shook her head and touched my shoulder. I flinched and moved out of her reach, flashbacks of unwanted contact coming back to me. "I just seem to be making a fool of myself. I'm sorry for touching you."

"It's fine," I walked around the small table and gazed into the living room at the broken couch and the tiny television set.

"how bout you come by the diner, down the road and around the pond. I'll serve you up something nice, to apologize for my manners." She seemed friendly, but I wasn't use to friendly, I didn't trust it.

"I just moved here and I don't really have any money to eat out. Next time." I nodded.

"How bout a job then? My Pa owns the joint."

"Pa?"

"Papa. My granddaddy?" She clarified.

"Oh right." I didn't know her or trust her, but I wasn't in any position to turn down a job as a server. "Are you sure?"

"He'd be more than happy to help out a beautiful girl like you."

"Wow," my first hour here and this. This was a sign. "I don't know how to thank you. Stop by anytime," I smiled, "After knocking though." We shared an awkward laugh before I showed her out and down the steps.

"Stop by Monday at 5 and we'll get started."

"5 am?"

"This is the south darlin'. Everyone wakes at 5."

I saw a small hen run by and I scurried up the steps, dusting off my clothing. I noticed amusement on Danny's face as she walked down the gravel road. I didn't see houses for miles when I drove in; I began to wonder why I didn't notice her on my drive in. I cleared my thoughts and began opening all the boarded up windows. I walked to the bedroom around the corner and winched when I saw an old looking mattress on a silver frame.

I grabbed the post and pulled it out through the back door leading to an open field. I have slept on worse but I didn't want this in my new house. I'd rather sleep on the floor until I figured something out.

My weekend was filled with cleaning, including the closets and the drawers. There were no cleaning supplies so I simply used a cloth and water to get rid of the dust. I had no money to shop for anything, including food, so I lived off of the small amount left behind by Mr. Sam.

Regardless of my situation, things were looking up and I was surprisingly happy.