Winter's Mate: Fated on Ice

7

Rosie

The driver's words latched onto me as I sat on the bathroom floor in the motel. Where did I want to go, and how could I get back at them? Do I have the guts to retaliate?

I rubbed my face, my hands still cold and white, still relishing the earlier suicide attempt. If the driver hadn't pulled me back, would I have gone?

God! I shivered. I didn't want to think about that again.

My eyes fluttered closed, then warm amber eyes flashed beneath my eyelids, and my breath hitched. I've gotten my answer.

I was going back to Highland Creek where no one knows me or my past... start again, then after that I'd come back and shove it in their faces.

Sophia.

Josh.

My parents.

And myself.

I needed to prove it to myself most of all. That I wasn't weak. That I wasn't broken beyond repair. That I could save myself.

I stood up from the floor, patted my jeans as I entered the shaggy motel room and started packing my clothes in the duffel bag. I had a destination. A place to look forward to.

I checked out of the motel, strolled down to the ATM machine to withdraw everything remaining in my account. I've noticed my parents have cut my trust fund.

They really didn't want anything to do with me.

I couldn't wait any longer as I took the last bus to Highland Creek. It was pure luck that made me snag this bus before it left.

I walked to the last row and sat quietly at the window side, hugging my duffel bag as I stared out of the window, staring at the snow falling. I sighed out, fog coming out from my mouth as I rubbed my shoulders from the cold with my mittened hands.

Hours of traveling, my mind was blank and my brain was empty, nothing to process, as I pressed my forehead against the cold window and tried not to think about it. I tried to focus on the passing scenery, even though there was nothing to watch in the darkness.

Relief flooded through me when I saw the green signboard of Highland Creek and I sighed. I've made it. I was here to start afresh. People started to get down from the bus and I got down also.

Although I didn't know anywhere to go, I was lost, new and hungry in a new town. I was only here once during the Christmas holiday. And the destination was already planned and known, but not now.

I walked around aimlessly to find a motel to sleep for the night. The streets were empty, the shops were closed and I brought my phone out to see the time. 10:47 PM.

It was too late. Well, no one would be open now. As I wanted to give up-maybe sleep outside this night inside the snow and cold, maybe hypothermia would take pity on me and take my useless body.

But my eyes caught a small building. The lights were still on and I breathed out in relief and hurried there. I could feel my teeth chattering from the cold. I walked closer to see Moonbone Café in faded letters and an "OPEN" sign glowing in the window.

I cried in relief. The place was open and I was happy. At least I would get heat, warmth and something to eat. My coat was wet from the cold, and I stumbled to the café door, my hands shaking so hard that I could barely turn the handle. The bell chimed as I pushed inside. Warmth enveloped me and I exhaled. The smell of fresh bread made my stomach grumble and my knees nearly gave out from walking too much.

I stared at the young woman behind the counter. She looked like she was in her early twenties, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and her brown eyes widened as she saw me... which made her stop wiping down the espresso machine.

The woman came around, worry already etched on her face. "Oh my God, are you okay?" the woman asked as she came to me and guided me to the nearest table. "Sit down. You're soaked through."

I appreciated the woman's kindness and collapsed into the chair. My legs were shaking as I shivered, my teeth chattering. I couldn't speak. My eyes stung from everything.

The young woman looked at me again and disappeared into the back door, then returned with a towel. She draped it around my shoulders.

"I'm Maya," she said gently, "Hold on, let me get you something warm." Maya went back to the counter and operated the machine, then returned with a large mug of coffee, steam rising as she pushed it in front of me.

"On the house. Drink."

And I nodded. I couldn't say anything or even thank her. I wrapped my hands around the mug. Warmth seeped into my frozen fingers. I took a sip and quickly removed it because it was scalding hot, but I needed it to blow off the cold in my body.

Maya sat across from me, staring at me yet didn't say or ask anything, which I was grateful for. After sipping, feeling warmth within, "Are you passing through?" she asked.

My voice came out hoarse. "I... I don't know," I answered truthfully. I just made the decision to come to this town, yet I've not thought it through.

As if Maya noticed the expression on my face, she gave me a small knowing smile. "You need a place to stay?"

I looked up in surprise, like she could read me. "Yeah, it's true," I responded quietly, "but I don't have much money..." I dropped my head down.

"My parents own a cottage on the edge of town. Small, but it's got heat and a bed," she explained. "Usually rent it to tourists, but it's empty in winter."

My throat tightened with emotion. Just this night, two people had shown me kindness. "I really don't have-"

"You can pay what you can, when you can. Small amounts. No pressure."

"But you don't know me?" my voice cracked as my eyes shone with gratitude.

"Right now you look like you need rest more than anything." Maya leaned back, her brow scrunched thoughtfully. "Actually, we could use help here," she said, gesturing at the café. "Nothing fancy - serving coffee, clearing tables. Some light baking if you're up for it, though the pay isn't amazing, but it's steady. Plus tips," she paused uncertain. "You interested?" she added, unsure if I'd accept.

"Why are you helping me?" the question came out before I could stop it.

Maya's expression softened. "Because you look like you need it and I want to help you," she smiled.

I tried to speak but nothing came out. I've not even introduced myself to her as tears came rushing out and I just nodded.

Maya smiled gently. "Good. That's settled then." She stood up. "Let me close up and I'll take you to the cottage." She turned to me. "Have you eaten?" and I shook my head.

"I'll pack you something," Maya said and disappeared into the back door again. Maya returned with a takeout bag. "Leftover soup, some bread," she handed it to me.

We walked out together. Maya locked the front door, flipped the sign to CLOSED and turned off the lights, leaving only the Christmas lights glowing. She grabbed her keys and coat. "My truck's out back. Follow me."

I clutched the food bag like my life depended on it as we strode to her truck.

It's about five minutes from here," Maya said as she started the engine. We rode in comfortable silence as I ate the bread and soup. It was the best thing I've tasted in days as warmth spread through me and tears welled up in my eyes.

God!

Maya turned off Main Street onto a side road. Trees on either side, light snow now falling from the sky. The cottage was isolated.

"Here we are." She turned off the truck, walked to the door and unlocked it. She flipped on the light. It was small and cozy. A living area with a couch and fireplace. Tiny kitchen in the corner. A bedroom door to the right, bathroom to the left. Everything looked clean and simple.

"Firewood's stacked outside. Matches on the mantel," she pointed. "Hot water works fine." Then she turned to leave. "Get some sleep. You look dead on your feet," she said. "You can come by the café when you're comfortable and we'll talk about the details." She walked to the door. "And don't worry about the rent. Seriously."

As she reached the door, I stopped her. "Maya?" and Maya turned.

"Thank you. I... thank you," I stumbled out, rubbing my arm nervously.

Maya's gaze softened and she smiled. "Welcome to Highland Creek..." she trailed off and paused. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"I'm Rosie."

"Welcome, Rosie. Get some rest." And the door shut behind her. I stood in the middle of the cottage, listening to Maya's truck drive away. The engine faded into the distance. Silence settled around me.