Running From Hell

Chapter 1

He soon locked up the store and climbed in his beat up car that was in the parking lot. I climbed into my truck and started the engine and followed him.

After about ten minutes, we arrived at a little two story house. It was painted light blue with dark purple shutters. There was a stone walk-way that led up to the white wrap around porch, the door was painted the same shade of purple as the shutters. It was cozy and I could almost imagine little child running around outside.

I grabbed by small duffel bag that had some of my clothes in it. I grabbed my keys and wallet tucking them into my duffel bag. After getting out of my truck, I locked the doors then followed Dan up the steps and into the house. When I entered the smell of food overwhelmed me. My mouth watered and my eyes closed at the tantalizing aroma, you could smell the meat and potatoes and under that the smell of chocolate cake.

Dan chuckled as he glanced back and saw my reactions, which caused me to open my eyes. I grinned sheepishly and felt the heat of a blush creep up my cheeks, embarrassed a complete stranger saw me act that way. "Just wait 'til you taste it, my Mary-Beth is the best cook you'll ever find," I nodded knowing what he was saying was probably true. "Come on, I'll introduce you to her, then show you where you'll be staying," he nodded his head towards a hallway, motioning for me to follow him. I did as he wished and trailed behind him as he started forward.

The smells grew stronger the more we walked, making my stomach wanting to taste the delicious food. As soon as we walked into the kitchen, an older lady who looked to be about the same age as Dan greeted us. "Hey Honey, welcome back, and look at you darlin' I'll get some food in you and have you fattened up in no time." Her last comment directed at me. "Hello ma'am, I'm Zoey Springdale. It's nice to meet you." I stuck my hand out for her to shake. "Please, call me Mary-Beth, ma'am makes me feel old. Relax some, you're fine now." Instead of shaking my hand she pulled me into a warm embrace. At first I didn't know what to do, I wasn't used to the kindness, after a few moments I hugged her back. Her small arms squeezed me tighter, then she started rubbing my back soothing, I relaxed more, laying my head on her shoulder. This was what I had always longed for, someone to show me some affection, to know I wasn't alone. I felt like I had known this woman all my life, even though I had met her only moments ago.

She slowly released me, she grabbed my shoulders and directed me towards the small table and sat me down. She took my bag, and handed it to Dan then he left the kitchen. "I'm gonna' make you a plate of food, after you finish you can have a slice of chocolate cake. When you done eatin' I'll show you to your room and you can take a nice bath then get some sleep. I'll have breakfast ready for you in the morning, how do chocolate chip pancakes sound?" Wow, this woman was so kind and caring, it was like she was an angel. "That sounds wonderful, thank you, you are too kind. I don't know how I could ever repay you guys for your kindness." She looked like she was thinking, "You could stay here with us, all of our children have grown up and moved away, we hardly ever hear from them. I would be delighted to have you here, and there's a school a few miles west of here where you can go to school." Her eyes were lit up, hope swirling in them. "I'm sorry but I can't, I would be nothing but a burden to you and your husband. I already feel bad staying here with any way to pay you back." Determination glinted in her eyes as she said, "Nonsense, you can help me around the house, that's how you can repay, and by keeping your grades up." I knew I wouldn't win this argument, so I just gave in. "Fine," I sighed out, exasperated at her persistence. "Good, it's settled, now eat." She placed a plate full of food in front of me, it had beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and, macaroni and cheese.