Finding My Way Home

by Green, Vicki

  Finding My Way Home

  Vicki Green

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Vicki Green Copyright 2013©

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form with authorization of the Author.

  Cover Design by Sprinkles On Top Studios

  Editor: Kathy Krick @K2 Editing https://www.facebook.com/K2Editing

  *Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18

  “This was a truly lovely warm story. Travelling through the night on a boat I lost myself in this book while everyone slept. I’m not going to say much about what happens except to say while reading this it’s easy to believe that no matter how hard life can get there is light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I finished this 4 days ago this book has stayed with me. The writing of this author is fantastic. I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I highly recommend this brilliant read.”

  —Philomena

  “OMG yet another awesome read from Vicki Green. She is one off the authors who is responsible for the bags under my eyes! Once I start one of her books I know I have to read it in one sitting. This was no exception. Bung beef in slow cooker and everything else tuned out.

  I follow Vicki around, I’m one of her stalkers.

  In some places I was sad, other pages I was gasping for air and as for Hutch, I want him!!! He’s everything a man should be and MORE. I was hooked from beginning to end.

  To love

  To hurt

  To love again

  To miss

  To survive”

  —Sue

  Prologue

  The train moves along. It’s still fairly dark out as the sun doesn’t come up for another half an hour. So glad there are not many people on board, I feel foolish enough with my sunglasses on. How did my life get so messed up? How did I let it? I’m such a fool. I let him do this to me. I let him bring fear into my heart and was not strong enough to fight it. Well, no more. Ok, there’s still fear, a ton of it, but I need to be strong. Maybe my new life will be better. Maybe I can find some happiness, somewhere.

  It all began in college. I thought he was everything. He was everything, to me. He seemed so sweet, so tender, and so loving. And he was, until we got married. The change was swift. The drinking started, the late nights coming home and the abuse. I had no family, no friends to help, well, except for Simon. But, we hadn’t spoken in years. I was so alone. Darrin was my world. All the friends we had were his, and they were no help. Oh yeah, they looked concerned when we got together, and they saw the bruises and the cuts, but they wouldn’t go up against Darrin. They were afraid of him, just like I was.

  I’ve never been one to be afraid of things, or to back down from anything. In my 25 years, I’ve always been a strong person. I had to be. Once both my parents were both gone I had to take control and stand on my own two feet. But, Darrin changed all that. He took my control, my self-esteem. I need to get that back and this is my chance at a new beginning.

  The train stops once in a while. A few people get off, and a few get on. I look at each place to see if this is where I should begin my new life, except none of them feel right. I’ve been on the train for hours, slept a little but mostly stared out the window at the passing sights. Can I find a place to hide? Can I find a place to call home?

  I must have dozed off again and am jarred by the sudden stop of the train. I look over to the other side of the aisle to see a station at what appears to be a small town. Where the hell am I? “Sterling, Wyoming. Sterling, Wyoming.” A man’s voice comes over the speaker. Looking out my window, I see, in the distance, mountains with snow. Beautiful. I’ve never heard of Sterling, Wyoming. I look back out the window across the aisle to see a sign.

  Sterling, Wyoming

  Population: 585 586

  I get up, grab my bag from the next seat and walk to the front of the train. Slowly going down the steps, stopping on the last one. Looking around, I see smiling faces of people walking, kids playing, and a dog or two walks by. I look over to see a popcorn stand. There is a girl standing behind it, smiling and talking with someone and handing them a bag of popcorn. People are in no hurry, as they walk by each other, some nodding a friendly ‘Hello’. As I step down from the train, I am met with people smiling and nodding at me, and a man tips his hat at me. I’m home.

  Chapter One

  Walking through the small station, I watch the kids running around, small groups of people talking and hugging, maybe saying their ‘Hellos’ or ‘Goodbyes’. I see a small Café, and my stomach growls. Yeah, I don’t think I’ve eaten anything for over a day now. I slowly walk in and head for a table in the corner. Sitting down I look around the small area at the people eating and chatting.

  I jump, just a little, when a woman appears by my table. She is wearing a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers, and a small wrap around apron with pockets. Her dark hair up in a bun. “Hey, you’re new here. My name’s Betty. What can I get ya?” She says with a wink.

  I grab a menu, standing between the salt and pepper shakers and the wall. Quickly, I browse it and look up at her. “I’ll just take coffee, black, and the breakfast sampler, please.” I smile and wink back. It’s very contagious.

  “Great! Chuck makes that to perfection. I’ll be right back with your coffee.” She winks again and hurry’s away.

  I get my laptop out of its bag and boot it up. She brings my coffee, winks again, leaving me to my solitude. I search the Internet for Sterling, Wyoming and I come up with nothing. That’s odd. It’s like this place doesn’t exist. Betty comes back over and sets my breakfast in front of me, smiles and tells me to enjoy. Oh, my God! It smells heavenly. I dig in, and it doesn’t take me long to devour it all.

  I look around to see the place has nearly cleared out. I watch Betty come towards me and sit in the chair opposite me. “Hope you don’t mind.” I shrug. “You just seem a little lost. You ok, honey?” She asks in concern.

  My eyes shift around the room then into her questioning eyes. “Well. I just find it odd that when you do a search on Sterling, Wyoming, nothing comes up. How is that?”

  She leans with her elbows on the table and laughs. “Well, we really aren’t on any map. We are a very small town, and that’s how we like it here. Hey, we have a bar and one stop light in town. Pretty big time for us.” We both laugh. “Where ya gonna stay, honey? Any plans?”

  She has such a kind face and seems so caring. “Well, not really. Not yet.” I look around again. “You don’t know of a good, cheap place do you? Ok, I don’t mean cheap like…”

  She laughs again and pats my hand. “Bailey’s Boarding House. It’s just up the street.” She points at the Café door. “Take a right outta here and follow to the door that leads outside. Follow Main Street to the left about two blocks. It’s right around that corner. You can’t miss it.” She gets up, smiles again and puts her hand on my shoulder. “You need any extra cash? I could always use some help here. We’re not always busy but I don’t take much time off. Would be nice to every once in a while. Just think about it. Welcome to Sterling, honey. I guarantee you’ll love it here. People find us, people who need to leave something behind, and they stay.” She winks again. “Who knows, maybe someday we’ll get us up to 600 living here.”

  I smile back. “My name is Brennan. Nice to meet you. Um, sorry for the sunglasses, very light sensitive.” God, I hope she buys that.

  “No worries, honey. We
all have things that we need to hide.” She winks and walks away. That was an odd thing to say.

  I pack up my laptop and head for the door. Looking over my shoulder, I see Betty standing in front of the food counter talking to a man who must be Chuck. He smiles and tips his finger to his forehead to me. I smile and shyly wave at both, Betty smiles and waves back. Friendly place. I like that.

  Walking down Main Street, I breathe in the crisp air. It’s pretty warm for September, but I look over at the mountains that surround the town and there appears to be a lot of snow on them. I check out all the buildings that line the street. All appear to be kept up well, like it’s not a really old town. The Buzz Barber Shop/Hair Saloon, Sterling Limits Grocery Store, Crafty Corner, and Betty’s Coffee Shop. Hmm, I wonder if that’s the same Betty. Surely there’s not more than one.

  I round the corner to a dead end street. On the left is a beautiful older looking home. A white picket fence all around a meticulous lawn. Looking up it appears to be two stories with a nice bay window on the lower level and one on the upper level. The front porch is surrounded by a white rail to match the fence, and a For Sale sign is placed by the sidewalk. Wow! What a beautiful house. When I get settled somewhere, I would love to own something like that, a place of my very own. My eyes look toward the dead end of the street and I see the beginning of a walking trail and to the right of that is Bailey’s Boarding House. It looks to be a four story house, has a wrap around porch, and beautiful flowering bushes all in front. Very nice. I head there, up the walk and to the front door. My bag has gotten heavier, along with my laptop case. I situate them, look up and see a sign.

  No Ringing necessary

  Come on in and make yourself at home

  Well, ok then. I twist the door knob and slowly open the door. Nice furniture everywhere, a big TV in a living area, a coffee table and a fireplace. I hear some clanging coming from down a hall, and I follow the noise. As I enter an arched doorway, I find an older woman rummaging through a cabinet high above a counter. Her head turns my way. A big grin comes to her face. “Well, hello. Can you help an old woman reach something?”

  Smiling, I walk to the table nearby and take my bag off my shoulder, feeling instant relief, and I set it and my laptop bag down. I walk towards her and smile again. “What are you trying to get? I’m not much taller than you but I can get a chair.”

  She smiles again and winks. Does everyone wink at everyone in this small town? “Thanks, dearie. You might need a chair.” As I retrieve one, I place it beside the counter and climb up. She starts stirring something in a big pot on the stove top. “I’ll never know what possessed me to put the spices up that high. I think I’m getting senile lately,” she says shaking her head.

  I look down at her and laugh. “Is there any other place you can put these? I will get them all down and help.”

  Her tired eyes come to meet mine. “Well, that’s awfully nice of you, dearie. Yes, let’s do that. Thanks!” She says gleaming.

  It takes us about forty-five minutes to get things rearranged, but now they are on the bottom shelf of the cabinet, where she can reach them better. She makes us both an iced tea and asks me to sit down with her at the table. I remove my bags, placing them on the floor by the wall and sit. The iced tea is just what I needed.

  She places her hands around her glass and smiles at me. “So, you looking for a room, dearie? If you haven’t guessed yet, my name is Bailey. I’ve had this boarding house in my family for…” She looks like she’s thinking really hard. “Well, it’s been for as long as I can remember. I keep it clean. Well, I get some help from the other tenants. I’m not as young as I used to be.” She smiles, winks and takes a sip of her tea. “I take it by the sunglasses that you, um, have eye troubles?”

  I can’t help but smile back however, I ignore her question. “How much? Um…”

  She shifts in her seat and leans forward. “Dearie. Everyone who comes to Sterling, well, most everyone, has something they are trying to leave behind, forget, or just trying to begin again. I don’t ask questions but I am a good listener if needed. I only charge $100 a month plus $50 for food. I make three square meals a day but if anyone wants a turn, I won’t say no. I have Satellite and Internet, no extra charge for that. I love to tend my flowers and have a beautiful view of the mountains from the back deck. I don’t allow wild loud parties but I do partake in a little liberation myself from time to time. You know health reasons.” She winks and smiles.

  I am amazed at this woman and admire her already. I don’t need any time to think. “Sounds perfect! And, I love to cook and I, most definitely, can help clean. I actually like to do both to take my mind off things.” Her smiling is contagious and I find myself not being able to stop.

  “Wonderful! Sounds like a match made in heaven to me. I have the whole fourth floor open right now. It’s like a small studio apartment. I think it would be perfect for you. Just cleaned it yesterday.” She frowns and then she raises her eyebrows. “I knew someone would be here today that needed it. I saw you coming.”

  Ok. That’s a little creepy but endearing as well. I stand, pick up my bags and follow her to the bottom of the winding staircase. “I hope you don’t mind showing yourself up to your new room. I think it’s time for my midday nap. I have the only room on the main floor. Can’t go up and down the stairs like I used to.” She smiles, patting me on my shoulder.

  I shake my head. “Oh, no. That’s fine. I appreciate the room. You let me know if you need anything. I may take a little nap myself and then go walk around the town for a bit after my nap.” She smiles, pats my shoulder again and walks away. Well, let’s go see my new place, at least for a while.

  Once I’m at the top of the stairs I turn to see another set of stairs that lead to the third floor. As I reach the third floor, I see a small hallway with one door at the end of it. I notice there is another flight of stairs to the fourth floor. I take the next flight of stairs and as I reach the top of the stairs I notice a door at the end of the hallway. I walk down the hallway, and I open the door. I am amazed at what I see. A beautiful room set up with a king sized bed, a writing desk, and a dresser. There is a small dorm like refrigerator, a microwave sitting on a small counter and a sliding glass door that leads to a small deck, complete with a cushy lounge chair, table and a small chair. Placing my bags on the bed I head straight for the sliding door, open it and walk to the railing. The breeze blows my shoulder length, dark brown hair back, and I close my eyes, inhaling the fresh air. Opening my eyes I look at the snow peaked mountains in the distance. So beautiful! So far, I think I’m gonna love it here!

  Chapter Two

  I’m feeling refreshed and more alive as I wake up from a short nap. Sitting on that train for hours really did me in. Of course, escaping the night before put a strain on my entire body and mind. I take my laptop over to the writing desk, plug in the cord and boot it up. While waiting for my computer to get up and running, I unpack my clothes, what little I brought with me, and I want to put my toiletries in the bathroom. When I take my necessities into the bathroom, I flip on the light and gasp. Beautiful countertops with a built in linen closet to the side, a deep bathtub and also a stand up shower next to it. Wow! This is like a five star hotel instead of a boarding house. I put all my things away and open the linen closet to find a ton of towels, wash clothes, hand towels and in the bottom drawers are two sets of clean sheets. Nice.

  While in the bathroom, I use the toilet, wash my face and hands and brush my teeth. I pull my hair up into a ponytail and look at myself in the mirror. The dark brunette hair color I washed in before I left, actually looks pretty nice. I’m going to really have to watch as the blonde roots start showing and get more of the brown coloring in quickly. The bruising around my eye is turning a light yellow. The stitches underneath it look like they are ready to come out. I will have to see if I can find some small scissors and take them out myself. I apply some makeup and feel that I can leave the sunglasses off, but I better put them in my
purse, just in case.

  I head back to my laptop. I connect to the Internet, and I open my email. Tapping my fingers, I look out the backdoor and smile as I look at the beautiful scenery. Just gorgeous.

  I hear a couple of dings and smile when I see an email from ‘Madd Hatter’, Simon. He’s the only one that I could trust to tell that I was going to leaving Darrin and escape to find a new and better life. He set up my new Gmail account for me and added his email to it. It’s the only one I have. I met Simon in college. He was always hanging around Darrin and me, but he was always concerned for me. He said he had a ‘vibe’ about Darrin and thought there was just something about him that seemed off. Damn, he was right. I wish I would have listened to his concerns earlier, much earlier.

  Hey, sweetie. How are you? I hope all is well. How’d it go? I hope you’re ok and can write to me soon. I’m constantly thinking about you, if you’re safe, if you got away. Please, let me know as soon as you can.

  Your most awesome and loving friend,

  Simon

  He’s such a good friend. After all those years away from each other, calling him out of the blue was really the best thing I could have done. He helped me by booking my train ticket for me, getting me a fake I.D., and helping me figure out the best time for my escape. Thank God for him. I opened up a reply and got to writing.

  Simon, I’m fine. I landed in what I hope is a safe place. It’s somewhere not even on the maps. It seems very friendly, small and a great place for now. I will write to you again soon. Thank you for everything, you are the most awesome friend.

  Yours,

  Bren

  xoxoxoxo

  I shut off my computer, grabbed my purse and headed down the stairs. The house is quiet, not even TV noises to be heard. Once I leave the house, I head down Main Street for the second time today. I walk down to the grocery store. Half of it is a grocery store and half of it is filled with about anything you could need. I take a small basket and fill it with the small scissors, some bathroom things, fruit, diet coke and some microwave popcorn. I turn to see a small aisle with books, and I browse through them until I find a few romance novels and place them in my overflowing basket. I walk up to the front counter and start placing my items there.