Lost Treasure: Into the City

I couldn’t sleep, fearing the images that haunt me. So, I go downstairs to the pool. I take the elevator. As I’m going down, I notice the hotel is shaped like a cylinder, each floor is a ring. The elevator is at the very middle of the whole building. The walls are all beige coloring and all the carpeting is the same as my room.

Once I get off the elevator I look up. It’s like ripples on a water’s surface. I find the pool and sit in a beach chair. No one else is in here. I gaze at the simple water slide. There are a few palm trees in pots next to the stairs that bring you to the top. The tube only does one corkscrew then drops you into the pool.

I don’t have a swimsuit, but I want to have a go down that slide. I look around as I strip down to my bra and panties. I notice clean towels laying on a shelf in the corner. I grab one and leave it and my clothes at the bottom of the stairs of the slide.

Once at the top I sit down at the edge hanging my feet into the stream of water. It feels cool against my skin, it causes goosebumps to go up my legs and down my arms. Before I change my mind, or someone comes in, I scoot forward sending me down the chute.

I hit the water skipping like a stone then sink. I come up for air and paddle over to the ladder near the bottom of the slide stairs. I slide four more times before I grab the towel and dry off. I get dressed and go back to my room.

It’s one in the morning, and I’m really tired. I climb into the nice warm bed. It’s so comfortable compared to my bed roll. I suppose I should get my supplies tomorrow and be on my way. The farther away from here the better. I wonder how long it will take to walk to Knoxville from here. Oh well, that’s for the morning to figure out.

I drift off to sleep...

It’s black, I can’t see a thing. I’m running into the darkness. My heart is pounding, my lungs burning. My feet hit the ground, but they feel so heavy. I must get to them; I must save them. I see the twins; they’re calling to me. They’re with him, that rogue! Just before I get to them, I relive their death. A blood curdling scream leaves my mouth as I fall to my knees. I feel a hand on my shoulder...

I jolt up, sweat drips in my eyes. I look around and remember where I am. I see its 7:15am. I go to the bathroom and splash some cold water on my face. I take a quick shower and pack. I order breakfast from room service, then sit out on the patio staring out over the town.

Judging by Father’s map, Knoxville is Northwest from here. I could see if they have a bus transit. If not, I can skirt the edges of the towns. I don’t want to keep using my father’s debit card. It’s all the money I have for Goddess knows how long. I wonder if I’m old enough to get a job.

The sound of knocking on my door takes me from my thoughts. I get my food and eat. Then I grab my bags and check out. The receptionist greets me with a warm smile as I hand her my key card.

“We hope you enjoyed your stay, hope to see you again.” She chatters with a sweet southern twang. I smile politely in response.

I step out and take in the May spring mountain air. I start walking to the nearest sporting goods store.

Nantahala Outdoor Center is the one I find. There I buy all the things I’ll need. Outside the store I pack them in my bag. I sling my bag onto my back. I ask around about a bus, but to no avail. I head North on Highway 321 staying in the tree lines. I don’t want to risk being seen by those rogues. I estimate it will take me a week to get there, but I may linger and check out the scenes.

On my way to Knoxville, I stop at Pigeon Forge. I check out the zip line adventure. I did some fast talking as why I was alone. Watch a great show at Dolly Parton Stampede. We used to hear her on the radio. I didn’t realize we were close to a town dedicated to her. Then walk through the Hollywood Wax Museum.

I stay about a week before I move on to Sevierville, which has a lot of restaurants and shopping centers. I get a job, busing tables. They didn’t seem to mind my age.

It takes me a few days to walk to Seymour. I go west through the wilderness. Once I arrive, I rent a room, mainly to shower and get a hot meal. I restock my supplies. I only stay a few days.

It takes me less than a day to reach the Tennessee river. I cross the bridge and rent a room at the Super 8 motel more in the middle of the city. After a shower and a meal, I climb into bed. I’ve reached my destination. I just hope though nasty rogues don’t find me here in this city.

Tomorrow I will start looking for a job. And I fall asleep.