The Moonstone Wolf

CHAPTER 10- Meeting Ms. Linda

  ALORA

   “Okay folks- we have 2 more stops before Crescent City and the last chance for food. And take advantage of the bathrooms- the ones from here on out are going to be, um, less than appealing.” Dave the driver announced.

   I stood up in my seat and stretched, yawning at the same time. Thank Goddess because I had to pee so bad and I REFUSE to use the bus bathroom- it smelled disgusting. I actually had to spray some perfume on my sleeve so I could cover my nose with it when someone went in there. One guy looked so embarrassed as he came out and as he left I understood why. Whatever holy hell was released from his bowels was something I wouldn’t wish upon my mortal enemies. He actually apologized to me.

   The bus came to a stop and I waited till everyone left, then exited and made a beeline to the women’s room. I did my business and washed my hands, then washed my face. Wait a minute… why is my hair all black?! I sighed, figuring I’ll deal with that later. I went back into the stall and touched up under my arms and other areas with some wet wipes, and exited to grab a couple bottles of water and some food. I was starving!

   I stocked up at the gas station and went to the bus again. Most everyone was staying off except for the driver, who took it upon himself to sit in front of me and just make small talk. Within about ten minutes more people were coming back on and he jumped in the driver’s seat again. Soon we were off, and I figured this was the perfect time to figure out this phone my mom gave me. I saw a little boy was sat diagonally from me, and I caught him eyeing my phone.

   “Oh cool! You have the new new IPhone! Mom! Can I sit with her and see her phone? PUUUULLLLEEEEAAASSSEEE?!?!” He begged. I just smiled, letting her know it was okay.

   “You think you could help me figure this thing out? I’ve never had a phone before.” I offered, and he practically flew to the seat next to me.

   So for the next eight hours I was given a very in-depth tutorial on all things iPhone. When he was finished I knew everything there was to know about this phone.

   I gazed back out of the city skyline, admiring all the tall buildings, busy highways and streets, and people bustling around. This will definitely be something to get used to- there was hardly any grass or trees that weren’t surrounded by concrete.

   As the bus started to slow down, I had butterflies in my stomach. I had been so wrapped up in learning about my phone that I forgot I needed to figure out what to do when I got here.

   “Well, guess I’ll be learning on my feet.” So I gathered all my belongings and put them back in my bags, put my coat on, and waited for the bus to stop. Everyone started leaving, and again I waited till I was the last one before leaving.

   I continued to the enclosed waiting area and decided to stand for a bit- I had been sitting for way too long. This would give me the perfect time to come up with a background story in case this Ms. Linda asks me questions.

   Some time later, I see this woman with a sign walking around to the other people to see if she was there for them. I didn’t move, but rather just took her in and watched her.

   She was a tiny woman, dark skinned almost like a light mocha, and had her silver-gray hair up in a tight bun on her head. It glowed under the fluorescent lights, and I thought it was beautiful. She had glasses on her face, and a cute button nose held them up. She had on bright pink lipstick, and she was dressed in a long denim skirt with big boots and a long heavy coat and gloves on her hands.

   She finally started to come in my direction, but I wasn’t sure about her yet until I could look at her eyes. Her body language was sincere, but I needed to see her eyes.

   Finally, she turned my way and looked me up and down, but in a nice way. She must have sensed me tensing up.

   “Why, there you are! Ms. Alora, right?” She asked with a great big smile on her face. I just looked around, wondering how she knew it was me.

   “Ms. Linda?” I quietly asked.

   “Why yes honey, who’d you expect? Santa Clause? Well come on now, let’s get to my house. You look like you’re starving and could use a hot shower,” she said with a warm smile that lit up her eyes. “We need to put some meat on them bones of yours!”

   She started leading the way to her car, opening the back door for me. I climbed in, then she got in the driver’s side and started out of the parking lot. She kept quiet, not asking me anything, which I found nice after the past eight hours with a chatty Jonah. Every once in a while I’d listen to the music coming out of the radio. Someone was singing about a god and a man named Jesus, how he died for them and they now have victory. Also something about a cross. Every now and then the music would get really lively with people shouting and singing. Their voices were powerful and they seemed to really believe in what they were singing about. Ms. Linda blended right in with their voices.

   “Now, young lady. When we get home, you will be staying on the second floor in the room next to Ms. Jazmine. You can set everything down, and you can get in the shower or bath, whatever you want. Just make sure you’re fast because I’m gonna fix supper while you’re in there,” she explained, trying to make me feel comfortable and I appreciated it.

   “There’s fresh towels and anything you need. Just don’t walk out naked or in a towel- Mr. Chase might be home tonight and he may be there when we get there. Now, if you need anything you can ask me or Jazmine. I think you three will get along just fine,” she said as she seemed to drift off into thought.

   “Can I ask you a question?”, I spoke after a few moments of silence, which made her look at me through the mirror above her. “I don’t mean to disrespectful, but why are you doing this for me?”

   She sighed and seemed happy to answer.  In fact, every response to me was kind and made me feel accepted, making it hard for me to keep my walls up.  “That’s not disrespectful at all honey. See, me and my husband, Mr. Tom- God rest his soul- couldn’t have any children of our own. So we decided years ago that there were plenty of kids who needed a home that didn’t have one, so we’d open our home to them as if they were our own,” she explained with a bit of sadness in her voice.

   “Now, for some it’s only temporary, and others, like Ms. Jazmine, it will be for a while until she’s of legal age. So we just love on ‘em, give ‘em what they need, and as long as everyone obeys the rules then they, and you, can stay until we can get them on their feet.” Her eyes shown bright and her smile never left her face. This woman seemed as beautiful inside as she did on the outside and a he reminded me about like Justin- taking in others who didn’t have a place to go.

   I just stared out the window as she said this, begrudgingly thanking the Moon Goddess that it seemed like she was making sure that even though my mom wasn’t here, that I’d be taken care of. Maybe she felt she owed me at least this.  “Wow. Well, thank you Ms. Linda,” was all I could say in response.

   Just then she slowed down and pulled into a driveway and turned off the car. “Think nothin’ of it baby. One more thing before we get inside- what are your plans in Crescent City? Do you have a place to go or a job?”

   I took a long pause before responding honestly.

   “I don’t know, Ms. Linda. So much has happened in the past two days that I haven’t been able to figure things out just yet…” as I looked sheepishly at my hands and I answered her.

   “That’s what I thought! Well, you are more than welcome to stay however long you want. We’ll go over the rules in the mornin’. You just get situated and a good night sleep, especially after dinner. I’m making my specialty just for you tonight- my famous fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, and collard greens. The greens are so good cause I put my foot in ‘em…” she started laughing as she went inside.  ‘Eww!’, I thought to myself and made sure to stay away from anything she put her feet in.  I was hoping it wasn’t a traditional method of cooking for humans- I’ll end up dying of starvation.