Chapter One
Raelle-
Waking up from a nap in this cold ass apartment, you almost forget that it’s the end of summer and sweltering. The humidity in New York is insane. Although, I still feel a bit sluggish, the nauseous feeling is gone. I really hate missing work, on top of that, leaving Issac all alone in the office to take care of the office and the patients. It’s only a little after two, I bet I can make it back in time before he sees his next patient. Thankfully, he takes a late lunch, so I may be able to beat him back and surprise him. Quickly, I threw my scrubs back on and bolted towards the elevators. When the doors slid open, the woman in the elevator kept glancing at me, I was very close to asking her if I had something on my teeth or if my makeup was running. Seconds later, the bell dinged and the doors opened. The lady shook her head then stepped off onto the second floor, that’s when reality hit me faster than a freight train. In the reflection of the metallic wall, I seen the issue. My scrubs, my scrubs did not match. It was too late, I had no time to go change, so once the bell dinged again I dashed out the door, through the lobby and straight for the first available cab. It didn’t take too terribly long before I was dropped off downstairs in front of the lobby that led to his office. Being a dental hygienist didn’t bring in much money, but it brought in enough to make ends meet in this expensive city. I couldn’t ask for more than that. Plus, Issac made sure I never needed anything. Hell, he’d pay my rent if I’d let him. I wasn’t raised that way, though. I try my hardest to show that I appreciate all that he does. He’s always working late hours at the office, but I guess when you own it, that comes with the territory.
After battling the rush of pedestrians in the lobby, I managed to make it up the elevator and on the the third floor. His dentistry covered this entire floor, so when I stepped off, the crowd of people flooding to lobby entrance, was nonexistent. There actually wasn’t a soul in sight, so that’s a good sign that I beat him here. After rounding the corner of my desk, the amount of paperwork stacked on the corner was starting to look overwhelming. I’ve got, roughly, twenty minutes for he’s due back, so time to tidy up this mess he left here. While I was grabbing one of the the last folders to file from the first stack, I hear a loud crash come from one of the examination rooms. Not that it would do much damage, but I snatched the keyboard up and over my shoulder like a baseball bat. Taking short strides and being as quiet as possible, I made it pass the first two rooms and seen no signs of anyone. Brushing it off, as if I’m losing my mind, I start making my way back to the front desk to prepare for the next patient. Suddenly, I heard it again, but louder. This time, I have no doubt that I am not alone in the is office. At this point, being quiet was no longer necessary, I bolted back to the back room as fast I could. When I opened the door, I was not ready for what I was about to see.
I, clearly, did not beat Issac back to the office, it seems as though he never left. Straddled around his waist on the desk, was none other than our new intern. Heartbreak overwhelmed me and I didn’t even give him a chance to explain, Nataly being half naked straddling him with his pants down was enough to make it clear where I stood. I ran, I grabbed my purse and kept on trucking. As soon as I made it back to my apartment, I ripped everything off the walls. Stomped the picture frames and shattering every memory of us, just like he did to my heart. There were three large suitcases and a duffle in the spare room closest, so I grabbed them and started shoving anything I considered important in to them. Two and half of them being my clothes, though, can’t leave any behind. After everything was packed, I headed to the freezer and dug all the way back to the back. Fumbling my fingers around, I finely felt the wad. I can thank my coyote days for this, my fall back money. Three wads in total, I shoved in my purse. This should be enough to get me a fresh start and buy me enough time to find a new job. I’m not ready to face him, so it’s time to go. Where, I have no idea.
The cab driver was a champ and helped me shove my suitcases in the trunk and I kept the duffle and my purse in the back seat with me. After he climbed back into the driver seat, he asked “where to miss?” The issue was, I had no idea at all what my next step was other than I needed to get out of the city. Putting my trust into the driver, I responded with, “take me to the most beautiful place you know.” He gave me a wink through the rear view mirror and then took off.
We must of hit a bump in the road cause the jerk of the car snapped me out of my nap. The sun was setting and I was a little confused as to why we were still on the road. Looking at my watch, I was shocked, it was pushing close to nine at this point. The views of tall glass buildings was replaced with trees and mountains. Taking in the beautiful scenery, I was suddenly smacked with a god awful stench.
“What on earth is that smell?!?”
The cab driver chuckled at my reaction, it was pretty evident that I had never been to an area like this before. The views were just astonishing, all the way down to the little old style houses sitting back in the fields. There were not stop lights back to back, there also was no foggy sight to be seen. What better time than now to ask.
“Where, exactly, are we?”
The driver cleared his throat, as if he was about to give speech, “You are in the valley ma’am, the Shenandoah Valley. You said to take you to the most beautiful place I know, and well, the Eastern Panhandle was my home before I moved to the city to follow my kids. We are right on the outskirts of Jefferson County, in a small town called Harpers Ferry.”
Just looking out, I can see what he sees in the is magical place. I’ve been in the city for so long, but would never have thought that I would admire such beauty.
“So, you’re relocating to a new area?” he asked.
“Yes, things went down south in the city, it’s time for a fresh start somewhere new. Wouldn’t happen to know anyone in the area with a place to stay or rent would you?” I asked while, nonchalantly, scratching my the back of my neck in nervousness.
“Yes, actually, that’s why I asked, I reached out to a friend of a friend while you were passed out. She is leaving town after splitting from her husband, so she’s looking to rent out her small, quaint country cottage. She plans to eventually sell it, but for now she needs a renter and you seem to fit the bill, that is until you get settled here and on your feet.” he exclaimed.
“You don’t have to answer, but why did she live separate from her husband, is that common here?” I muttered, courteously.
He stayed silent for a bit and I thought maybe I did cross the line. It really was none of my business, I just found it odd. Not pushing the matter, I noticed the streams of water along the the outskirts of the trees, as much as I love the scenery it was getting too dark to admire it anymore. A split second later, he responded, “She was a photographer, it’s a cottage converted to a studio, but when they separated she had it redone to a home for an easy sell when the time came. Speaking of, it’s right down this dirt road on the left and she has let me know where the spare key is to give you.”
“Wait....she doesn’t even know me and she said yes?” I cautioned. “Shouldn’t I meet her first?”
“Not possible, ma’am, she’s already left town a few weeks ago. This is how she chose to take care of the situation, since she travels for work.” he chuckled. “Here we are, I’ll help you get in and carry your suitcases for you. Then you can explore the house, also all numbers to the owner are on the fridge in case of an emergency.”
Stumbling my way out of the car, I walked towards the beautiful, rustic porch. I can’t believe this is where I’m starting fresh. It’s so different than the city, I can only hope this is the right decision. After walking through the entire cottage, I made my way back towards the front where all my luggage bags were. Before walking out the door he bid a fair well and wished me good luck. One can only hope, that everyone in this town is just as friendly as that man was. It was time for me to hit the bed, but I was to exhausted to walk to the bedroom. Next best thing, was the beautiful quilt folded up on the back of the couch. I unfolded it as I flopped down on the couch, slowly, sliding down on the pillow. Within minutes I was sound out like a light.
