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Oh no...
I forgot about that. I didn’t need scent blockers at the village, but now there are so many things I need to be cautious of.
“I’m a beta,” she adds, pulling me from my thoughts. Beneath all the sweet-smelling things in the bakery, I think I can smell that. “And I have a daughter who’s an omega. I know what it looks like when one is trying very hard to convince everyone she’s fine.”
“I…”
“Here,” she says, gesturing for me to sit at a small table and chair against the wall. “Let me get you something to eat. It’s on the house.”
“R-really?” I ask.
“Of course, honey. There are still good people in this world.”
I can’t help but feel relief as I sit in the chair. She promises to be right back, and as she leaves, I can’t help but wonder if she’s running off to tell someone I’m here. But I don’t lose sight of her for a second. She goes behind the counter and opens the glass door that’s attached to the glass case filled with pastries. Then she works on something at the counter a little further away. Five minutes later, the biggest muffin I have ever seen is put down in front of me, along with a large cup made out of paper.
“Everyone loves hot chocolate,” she says as she walks toward the door. She flips the sign that’s hanging on the door. It’s now showing me the word “OPEN.” Then she locks the door. “I was closing up anyway. It’s been a slow day. Eat up. I’ve got some cleaning to do.”
I nod as she walks back behind the counter, keeping my eyes on her as I reach for the muffin. It looks too good to ignore. Eventually, I lose track of what she’s doing because all I focus on is eating this delicious muffin and taking small sips of the hot chocolate that is still too hot but tastes too good to wait.
“Do you have somewhere to stay?” the woman asks as she sits across from me some time later.
I look over at her, and don’t have anything to say.
No, I don’t have anywhere to stay tonight, but I’m not sure I should tell her that.
“You’re not from Falling Oaks, and that’s okay. It’s not that I expect you to tell me your story or anything, we’re all allowed our secrets, but if you need help, I can help you.” I just stare. “Are you in trouble?” she asks carefully
“Not exactly,” I say slowly. “I’m just… running from a bad situation.”
There. Enough truth.
“Oh, okay. I understand that. I’ve had my fair share of bad situations in my lifetime.” She gives a small laugh, the grabs my trash from the table to toss in the barrel. She comes back and offers me her hand. “I’m Trinity but call me Trina for short.”
“Rae,” I say, shaking her hand.
It’s warm, like her eyes.
“Well, Rae, I have a spare bedroom in my apartment above the bakery if you need a place to sleep for the night. It’s a mess. Full of boxes and my daughter’s old things, but you’re welcome to sleep there for a night or two. She may have left some old clothes that’ll fit you.” She gives me a kind smile. “And I have hot water.”
Hot water? I rarely get hot water. In the village, if we want to take a hot bath, we need to heat the water on the stove. It’s not always worth it, unless the temperatures are too low.
My eyes burn with tears.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” I ask.
She smiles again, taking my hand. “Because if my daughter were in your position, I hope someone would help her.”
After spending too much time trying to figure out the running water situation, something I’ve never used before, I’m finally laying in a bathtub full of hot water. Soaking and enjoying the heat that’s soothing my aching muscles.
The lights, because she has electricity, are dimmed low so they aren’t too bright. I’m so relaxed that I could fall asleep, but I know that’s dangerous to I keep my eyes open.
When the water starts to get cool, I wash up, rinse off, and get out, wrapping myself in the fluffy pink towel Trina gave me to use.
I dry my hair and braid it, then dress in the pajamas she gave me that once belonged to her daughter. They’re slightly big on me, but comfortable. I can faintly smell the omega scent on them. Fruity. Blueberries maybe. It’s hard to tell.
“How do you feel?” Trina asks when I step out of the bathroom.
“Much better,” I say. “Thank you for this.”
