"I'm sorry…"
Those were the words I uttered that late evening near a small café in downtown Columbus, just a block away near a busy intersection from where I worked. Despite this awkward encounter, I felt safe, knowing I was within eyesight and hearing of strangers.
This entire situation was suffocating, rushed and not to mention overwhelming. Of course, it wasn't surprising this happened; after all, it was my fault for believing this man was anything more than loyal; I'd been tricked and humiliated enough times that I could even count, and all I wanted at this very moment was to escape to the safety of my room, but he was unmoving, his eyes stuck on me as if I'd done him injury.
Unable to hold his gaze, I lowered mine. "I'm sorry. I'm not ready for a relationship…" I lied. I didn't want one to begin with. It wasn't that I detested him, we simply weren't meant to be, and I could never imagine myself anything more than his coworker. If he would only nod and turn away without making a scene, then I would be so thankful, but his scowl said otherwise.
Please. Leave me be. I just want to go home and lay down.
"You keep saying that, Claire," He replied somewhat arrogantly, leaning in to rest his hands upon my shoulders. "But you're acting too cautious. Just relax and give it more thought. I admit, I might have come on a bit strong, but you're a beautiful girl. Can't blame me for that. Can you?" His words came out somewhat jokingly, but I knew by the tone of his voice he was serious; he couldn't be trusted.
His name was Robert, a friendly and somewhat nerdy guy I met shortly after beginning my full-time job at the bakery; surprisingly, we both started working respectively around the same time, and similar to myself, he also moved away from home to begin his life, though there was much he failed to admit, but I wasn't the type to pry in someone else's business.
Easily enough, he became someone I could count on, especially when it came to stubborn customers and or bickering management; one way or another, he never failed to cheer me up, and it left a deep impression upon me; it wasn't surprising my feelings complicated matters, and now I was in this mess, confused, anxious and over all unhappy.
"Claire,"
When I failed to give a response, he only clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Don't tell me you thought that kiss meant nothing?"
Our eyes met, and I felt a pang of guilt overwhelm me. "It … was a mistake. Let's forget it ever happened."
"Forget about it? You let me come onto you, Claire!"
Again, I lowered my gaze, aware of the curious onlookers glancing in our direction. The kiss we shared a week ago was a mistake, and honestly, I regret it; but it helped me realize something; I didn't want that type of relationship; I wanted one that felt right. This, right now, felt wrong. If only I had the ability to erase it all.
A noise sounded from his throat, his eyes darkening beneath his brunette fringe, and with his hands pressed into his pant pockets, he turned away, disappearing into the sea of passerby's. My heart sank with his scowl, and yet, a feeling of relief followed. Brief as it was, I realized I could breathe again, and turning down the opposite street, I made my way home, towards the apartment complex just ahead.
No sooner had I crossed the street, the side walk less frequented, I noted the flickering lights overhead, the gloominess of the night loud and buzzing. And yet, I couldn't shake off my paranoia, my eyes glancing behind me towards the shadows of the trees as I began my slow climb up a somewhat steep hill towards my destination.
At first, I'd thought it were only the wind making those noises, shifting the yellow orange leaves upon the ground, but it was more than that; there was a shuffling in the shadows, footsteps and a stranger with his hood covering his face. I quickened my pace, fear rekindling at the ever-present nightmare following after me.
As if my night couldn't get any worse, I realized my situation were anything more than pleasant. Truthfully, this wasn't the first time a stranger had followed me, as hair raising as that sounded, and risking a glance over my shoulder, peeking through my blonde strands of hair, I squinted my gaze, hoping to catch a glimpse of his face. Unfortunately, I could not see anything but the shadows of the night and could only hear his footsteps and heavy breathing.
Taking a deep breath, I once again quickened my pace, and reaching into my purse, I searched for the one thing that could help me in this situation. A moment of fear immediately enveloped me when I realized I could not find it, and all I felt were my keychains and other less important possessions within.
Come on! Where is it?!
My name was whispered far too close for comfort, and it sent a chill directly down my spine, though I pretended not to hear it. Just ahead, I could see the apartment complex drawing nearer and flashlights shining around the front perimeter. It was the security guards. I was almost there! Just a little further.
But a hand had seized me from behind, pulling at my hair and burning my scalp, and as I felt my back collide into my captor's chest, his free arm swinging around with a box cutter in hand, it was only then that I finally found what I was searching for. Wasting no time, I screamed as loudly as I possibly could, enough that it would alert even the security guards a distance away, and I sprayed that bottle of pepper spray into that man's face.
Fortunately, I was released, and I fell to my knees in absolute fear, crawling away as I fought to regain my standing. I was afraid. I was afraid to look back at him, to see that knife in his hand, to feel his fingernails scraping against my scalp once more. Fear, at this moment in time, was my worst enemy, and I cursed my unmoving legs.
Just as I managed to pull myself up, my legs trembling with each step, I heard him howl in pain, but the familiarity in his voice startled me. Whipping my head in his direction, I watched briefly as my attacker staggered in place, box cutter forgotten at his feet and his hands pressed against his eyes. That's when I saw it. The familiar overcoat, the dark fringe, and then his one eye glaring back at me, red and throbbing.
Robert…
Without a word, I turned away, my steps quickening as I sped towards the approaching security guards in the distance; they'd heard me, and I flailed my arms to further express my distress. Through my frantic stuttering and heavy breathing, I tried to explain what had happened, but when I pointed them moments after to the spot I'd nearly been stabbed, a flood of disbelief washed over me. He was gone, box cutter and all.
Despite all this, I was greatly relieved when the young officers believed me, and though I was a mess of tears and snot, I was eventually questioned at the station about whether or not I wanted to file a report and if I suspected who the individual might have been; that alone left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, but after all of this, I found myself unable to reveal anything, and instead, I explained that it was too dark to see anything, let alone my attacker's face.
After that, an officer drove me back to the complex from the station, and after sending my appreciation for the late-night drive, I finally unlocked the door to my apartment and stepped inside.
Σ
Flipping the light switch on and promptly locking the door, I removed my jacket and hung it on the coat rack. After which, I approached the kitchen table, dropping my purse upon the floor beside the chair and sat down. From there, I rested my head beside a pile of bills and newsletters scattered beside me and proceeded to cry; I couldn't stop the tears from falling.
Eventually, after about half an hour, I managed to calm myself, enough so that I wasn't constantly blowing my face into a tissue. The events which had happened confused me, and yet, I wondered if it was my fault.
I feel like I'm to blame… I should have known better than to trust him, but I thought I could rely on him at least as a friend…
Why did things turn out this way? Better judgment warned me to do the right thing, to go back to the police station and explain the situation in more detail, but the thought frightened me more than I wanted it to. I didn't want any of this. All I wanted was to live a peaceful life, to earn my own way of living, but instead, it felt like I was hiding in fear.
When I dreamed of making it big on my own, I never imagined it would be like this. I probably should have listened to my parents and stayed home… It's been a year since I last saw them…
Releasing a heavy sigh and feeling the beginnings of a migraine begin, I pulled myself up from the chair and approached the counter to retrieve a bottle of Tylenol. It was no wonder I was having so many headaches; there was so much stress in my life, I just needed a break.
My gaze fell upon the assortment of bills and newsletters scattered on the table, and I frowned. I hadn't looked through today's bills yet, and with hours cut back at the bakery, I had a feeling I wouldn't have enough to pay the rent. As much as I wanted to crawl into bed and just forget tonight ever happened, I approached the table and reached for one particular envelope written by the owner of the apartment complex.
"Under construction renovations…" I said aloud, squinting my eyes at the small handwriting.
It was a short letter, the handwriting sloppy like usual, and just my luck, it seemed the owner had decided to do some construction work on the entire place. The end result would force tenants from their apartment rooms, if only temporarily. The only good news out of this was that everyone's rent would be cut in half for the month; unfortunately, it was not the sort of good news I was hoping to hear. Where could I afford to find another place so cheap?
"Why? Why is this happening to me? God, give me a break already!"
There was a noise suddenly, blaring into the dimly lit room of my small living space, and approaching the phone hanging just on the wall next to the light switch, I heard the familiar voice of my mother on the other side.
"Claire, honey, I've been trying to reach you for days. Is everything alright?"
Just the sound of her voice momentarily eased my frustrations, and trying my best not to cry, I forced a smile, hoping my voice wouldn't betray me. "I'm fine. Sorry. I've been getting a lot of hours these days. I just got home a moment ago. How are you and dad?"
"Oh, that's great to hear, honey! Your father and I have been fine. We miss you, Claire. When are you coming to visit?"
"I'm not sure. Things are a bit hectic here right now, but I promise to do so when I can. I wish I could stay on the phone longer, but I have an early shift in the morning. I'll call you and dad when I'm not busy, okay?"
"Alright, honey. Take care and don't overwork yourself. We love you. Good night."
"Love you. Good night."
Hanging up the phone, I released another sigh. Too bad there was no way in hell I could go into work tomorrow. In fact, with Robert being a coworker of mine, I felt there was only one thing to do at this point, and that thing was to stay away from him at all cost. If that meant losing my job, then so be it. I could always find another one.
"Not only that, but I'll have to look for another place to stay…"
As I sifted through the rest of the letters, one a magazine on healthy diets and fitness, one particular letter stood out to me. Unlike the others, it was much smaller in appearance, with an unfamiliar address stamped on the front of it. Mineral Town.
"What's this?" I asked, opening it.
For whatever reason, as odd as the letter appeared from the others, I expected it was nothing more than a scam, likely asking for personal information if anything, but I was surprised when I saw a lined parchment of handwriting folded within. I almost did a double take. Someone had written me a letter?
Dear Ms. Claire,
It's been years since we last met, when you were no more than a small child. You probably do not remember me, but you were such a pleasure here in our small town. Your grandfather always spoke kindly of you. I hope you and your family are well.
Unfortunately, I must present to you some saddening news, as it grieves even all of us here in Mineral Town. Your grandfather, Jack, has passed away. I'm terribly sorry to inform you, but I thought it was best you and your family knew. He lived a good life here on the farm. It won't be the same without him here, and as much as it pains me to do this, I have no other choice but to put the farm up for sale.
However, I would like to ask first, if you or anyone in your family would be interested in handling the rights to Jack's property? It was written in his will that he wished for you to take ownership, Claire. You wouldn't need to worry about the expenses at all. I'm sure it would mean a great deal to him, but if not, we will handle it just fine.
Again, I send my deepest condolences. If at all possible, please give me a call so we can determine the rights of the property. My number is (1-555-XXX-XXXX) Hoping to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Mayor Thomas
A frown marred my countenance just then. My grandfather? Mineral Town? For some reason, I couldn't seem to make sense of it all. I had a grandfather named Jack? Since when? And where in the world was this Mineral Town? Did this Mayor Thomas have the right Claire?
I squinted at the letter once more and then to the address on the envelope. "Yeah, that's me alright. I wonder if mom and dad know anything about this…"
Although every rational part of me warned me to call up my folks to ask about all of this, I found I was simply too exhausted, and as my eyes turned to the hanging clock beside me, I realized it was nearly midnight. All of this could wait until tomorrow.
Σ
I awoke to the sound of the phone ringing from the living room, and as I cocked an eye open sleepily, I found I was far too comfortable to lift myself from my position. It was dark, the curtains effectively shrouding the suns rays from entering into my bedroom, but as I felt close to slumbering once more, the constant ringing from the other room immediately fell into hearing. I groaned, hoping that whoever was calling would give up, but it was incessant. Who was calling so early in the morning?
"Shut up…" I cried, muffling my voice beneath my pillow, and to my relief, it finally stopped. I smiled, closing my eyes, but I found I could not fall back asleep. Instead, I laid there for what seemed like minutes, pondering last night's events as though it were nothing more than a nightmare.
Why did that happen? 'I thought I was going to die last night. That was the first time I've ever had such a break down. I really don't want to go into work today, and I should really tell my folks what happened … and on top of all of this, I'm about to be forced out of my apartment.'
Again, I felt my emotions begin to get the best of me, but I forced those unshed tears away and sat up. With a deep sigh, I swung my legs out of bed and made my way into the living area of the space to make breakfast. Too bad breakfast consisted of stale bread and rotten bacon; I was even out of eggs. When was the last time I went shopping?
I settled on just a glass of sweet tea and approached the answering machine by the kitchen table. There were five unread messages, and I paused my finger above the play button at the center of the screen. Somehow, I was a little unsettled to press it, but before I could, the phone suddenly rang, and I pulled away in surprise.
The color ID read Bakery, and I instinctively picked up the phone, the unpleasant voice of my manager on the other side asking incredulously where I was and why I hadn't clocked in.
"I was just about to call," I explained suddenly while seating myself at the table and overlooking the letter from last night. "No, I'm alright … I just found out from my landlord that the entire apartment complex will be undergoing construction, and they are forcing me and a lot of others to leave. And on top of that, I think it's time that I find a new town to settle in…" I explained, and I heard my manager fall silent at this, clearly unsettled and maybe even a little worried. "I won't be coming back into work," I stated, as much as it pained me to say because I really needed the money, but it had to be done.
With that taken care of, I hung up the phone, and my gaze turned back to the letter in hand. According to what Mayor Thomas wrote, he said I wouldn't have to pay any expenses for the land and likely even the house. Well, that was certainly good news, enough that it left me wondering just where this Mineral Town was. Too bad he didn't give directions, and I was left searching on my iPhone.
Mineral Town… Mineral Town… Is it close to Columbus? Google map, you aren't doing me any favors…
So far, the only information which I could find was a place called Mineral City in Ohio and it was a village in Tuscarawas County, but even that seemed highly unlikely. I kept searching until I remembered the number the Mayor had left on the letter. There was no turning back now, and my curiosity had already gotten the best of me at this point. I might as well see where this Mineral Town takes me; who knows, maybe it's better than Columbus?
Σ
Author Notice:
Claire Age (21)
I had this document on my laptop for up to a year now and finally got around to finishing it. I'm honestly excited for the remake to release, but for this story, I have no idea who I want to pair Claire with just yet. So far, it's between both Cliff and Gray. As the story unfolds, it will become much clearer who becomes the lucky guy.
This is my first time writing in first person; I normally write in third person. Let me know if you prefer this style or would like to see this written in third person! I am planning to add a unique twist to the story, but still keep it original. I might even add some familiar characters from Magical Melody into this eventually; I loved that game growing up. haha
I hope you enjoy the chapter!