Lost Treasure: Into the City

The people here are nice, they hold doors open for you, say hello or nod when you make eye contact, call you sweetie or honey. We’ve vacationed around humans before, but I expected humans from a city to be much more reserved and busier. Here they are very much relaxed.

At this point, I have checked out five restaurants to look for work. I know I’m underage, so I spoke with the manager directly. It’s almost lunch time and none of them wanted to take the risk. My feet are sore. All of them are walking distance from the motel I’m staying at.

I have one more place to try. A little bell rings as I open the door. I look around to find a place to sit.

It’s a small hole in the wall cafe, but it’s clean and the food smells delicious. There are booth tables in front of the only two large picture windows. Across them is the bar, the stools in front the whole length. All the upholstery for the furniture is blue and white. The tables and counter tops are white. There are posters on the wall, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, and Rod Atkins.

There are five people here; some eating, some waiting scattered throughout the cafe. I walk up to the bar and climb up into the stool. The lady behind the bar is busy at the other end taking a young couple’s order.

She has blonde hair pulled up into a messy bun. She is wearing oval glasses over her blue eyes, low on her long round nose so she can look over the frames. Her bright red lips made her white teeth whiter. She has a husky build under her loose gray and orange t-shirt and apron.

After hanging the ticket in the window for the cook, she stands before me.

“May I help you with something, sugar?” She smiles and pulls out the note pad.

“Well, yes. If you don’t mind. I’d like to speak with the manager of this place.” I’m a little nervous. I fidget with the napkin dispenser in front of me.

Her brows furrow with concern, “Of course, dear. You’re speaking with her now. I’m Kimberly, manager and owner of Kim’s Cafe. Is everything alright?”

“Oh, okay...yes I was wondering if you needed someone for dish washing or busing tables. I’ll work whatever shift any day. Pay me whatever you want. I just really need a job.” It kind of spills out of me. There may have been too much desperation in my voice.

She studies me for a few minutes. “How old are you honey? Does your parents know you’re here?”

She was the first to ask me that. So, I guess I had to tell her something.

“Well, you see, I’m kind of homeless right now. I’ve managed to get some money for a room up at the motel at the moment. But I’m running out of money. ” I lie.

She looks around then back to me. “I do have trouble staffing the closing shift with my dishwasher and closer. However, I don’t think that’s good for a little girl. I’m usually the one who has to work it. I tell you what if you come and stay with me. You can come and work when I do, and I’ll pay you. What do you say?”

I'm shocked, and speechless. I don’t know what to say. I certainly didn’t want to impose but I am desperate.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose or burden you.” I reply.

She smiles really big, “Ah no! I have a spare bedroom. I can’t have children so if I can help one out, I’m going to do this for you. Have you eaten anything yet? I’ll have James fix you up something.” Before I could respond she has her head in the window talking to the cook.

After I eat, I go right to work, busing tables, cleaning floors and bathrooms. By 3 o’clock I’m tired but proud of my work.

“Great job, Jewel. I’m done with my shift for today. Aaron is closing tonight. Come with me, I’ll swing by the motel and pick up your stuff, okay?” Kim says gathering her purse and keys. I nod.

I run into the motel to grab my things. Ten minutes later I’m back out. We drive under the bypass of 75 and turn left. After passing an intersection, we’re gliding by small suburban homes. We pull into a driveway across from a nursing home.

A white one-story house with red trim and front door. We go inside, we walk into the living room, beyond it is the kitchen.

“Okay Jewel, first door on the left is my bedroom, second door is the bathroom.” Kim sings.

We go into the kitchen. “This door here to the left will be your room. This door in front of me is the back door. The washer and dryer are on the back porch. Ok? I’ll get you some bedding. Go ahead and unpack. I’ll see what I can do for supper.” I nod. She heads to the bathroom.

I walk into the room for me. It was small, ten by ten, but enough for me. It had a full-size bed and a cotton pillow. A closet, dresser, and a nightstand with a lamp. The carpet is maroon and cream squares. The wall is a cream color will maroon crown molding.

I unpack my clothes, brush, and toothbrush; and lay them on the bed. I throw my survival pack on the floor of the closet. I put my clothes in the dresser. Then Kim comes in with the bedding.

“I hope you like it here but know this, I do have rules and expect you to follow them. We can discuss it at dinner. Which will be in twenty minutes.” Setting the linen on the bed.

She smiles with a wink and leaves. It makes me feel good to be cared for again. As much as I like doing whatever I want, I’m glad she took me in. And I like Kim, she’s nice, for a human.

Which reminds me... I’ll be growing up with humans. Eventually I’ll go to school this fall to learn the things human children are taught. My peers will not be pack members. I’ll be physically stronger along with my senses. I have no idea how the social network works in a human school. Will I be able to make friends?

I dread this time next year, and I’ll have to go through my first shift. Only the first shift happens mechanically, after that I can shift at will. This is my new life; my true nature must stay hidden.