Chapter 5

Kate had spent the last two hours searching for a job but hadn't been successful yet. She went back to the park considering what to do next. Absentminded she watched all the other visitors. Most of them seemed to be tourists, there were a few mothers with small children and elderly couples, too. Her attention was caught by a little boy of about 5 years who seemed to be alone. He was playing with his ball dangerously near a street. Kate wondered where his parents were. Probably she shouldn't get involved. She had enough problems of her own, but Kate couldn't help but keep an eye on the small child scanning the area for adults who seemed to belong to him. When she didn't find anybody who paid attention to the child she got up and went over to him.

"Hi, my name is Celia. Who are you?" said Kate kneeling down next to him.

"I'm Dylan." Kate looked closer at the boy. He was quite adorable with his dark curls and the big blue eyes with which he eyed her curiously.

"Why are you here all by yourself? Where is your mommy?" Kate asked.

"She's working. In a motel over there." Dylan pointing into the direction of the park entrance. "It's boring there."

Kate smiled. "I know what you mean. My mum worked in a café. And she had never time for me when I came for a visit. But I always got hot chocolate and that wasn't a bad thing. Come on, let's look for your mum. I'm sure she's worried about you."

Dylan gave Kate his hand without hesitation and led her to the place where his mum worked. The woman saw them immediately when they arrived there. She quickly placed the breakfast plates at the table where an elderly couple was waiting and came over to Kate and her son. Dylan's mother was about Kate's age, maybe a few years older. Her hair was dark brown, too, but it wasn't curly like her son's hair. She had friendly brown eyes and was about six months pregnant.

"Dylan! I thought you were playing in the back yard. How often have I told you not to leave the house on your own?" She hugged the slightly guilty looking child.

"I'm sorry," the woman said to Kate. "Did my son cause you any trouble?"

"No, not at all. He is such a nice boy. I found him at the park," Kate answered.

"My name is Lisa Jennings. You must think I'm an absolutely unnatural mother to leave my child all by himself."

"I don't think that. My mother worked in a café. She did her best to care for me, but it's a stressful job. In Dylan's age I spend most of the time climbing trees which were ten times larger than me. I'm Celia Archer by the way. Are you running the motel alone? Isn't there anyone who can help you with the work and with Dylan?"

"Not anymore. I was running the motel with my husband, but he died four months ago," Lisa answered her looking sad when she mentioned her husband.

"I'm sorry, " Kate said sympathetic. "Do you need any help here? You know, I'm looking for a job right now."

"I really could use help, but I can't afford an employee."

"I'm not demanding. I would be content with board and lodging and whatever you can pay. I graduated from college a few months ago and decided to see the world before doing anything else. So I bought a one way ticket to Australia. I didn't make any arrangements. It's more interesting that way," Kate said smiling.

"That sounds really good. Come, I'll show you your room."

Kate had a good time with Lisa and Dylan. She helped out wherever a hand was needed: served the meals, cleaned the rooms and most of the times watched Dylan. It was nearly like having a family. Kate even spent Christmas with the Jennings' and enjoyed it a lot. Only the nights were difficult. When she lay alone in her bed there was nothing to distract her from how much she missed Jack. Kate felt incredibly lonely without Jack's tender arms around her. During these nights she almost felt jealous for Lisa who had at least Dylan and her unborn child. These children were part of them both and so a part of Lisa's husband would always be with her. Kate didn't even have a photo of Jack. Nothing that could make her feel a little nearer to him. The thought that they were now on different continents separated by an ocean was depressing to her.

Lisa had closed the motel over the holidays to have time for her son again. She had been very busy lately and wanted to make it up to him. The first day after the break started calm. There weren't any overnight guests what meant no rooms to clean. Lisa and Kate were playing Monopoly with Dylan when the first guest of the day arrived. The young man was immediately dislikeable to Kate. The interested glares he gave her made Kate feel extremely uncomfortable.

"What can I do for you?" Kate asked the man.

"I'm taking lunch here. And then I want to have a room for the night."

"Alright. Just sign in here, Mr. …"

"Miller," he said.

The guy never stopped staring at Kate during the meal. When he had finished lunch, Kate went upstairs with Miller to show him his room. Her instinct told her that something was wrong. She wanted to get back down as soon as possible.

"This is you room," Kate told Miller handing him the key. "I think you'll have anything you need."

"I'm not so sure about that," he replied with a dirty grin. "I could use some company."

"I suggest you to go a brothel if you are looking for that kind of service," Kate answered coldly and got ready to leave the room.

"I know who you are."

That made Kate freeze.

"Your picture was in an article about the Oceanic crash, Kate. So what do you think about keeping me company now?"

Kate set up her most beautiful smile. "Why didn't you say that sooner? In this case, I'm absolutely willing to accompany you."

Miller grinned and put his hands around Kate's waist. Before he could realize what happened Kate kneed and elbowed him and was out of the door. She ran to her room, grabbed her backpack and headed for the backdoor.

"You'll regret that, bitch. I'll send the cops after you."

Kate ran as fast as she could. She had to reach the highway before the police found her. She could hitchhike from there on. But that guy obviously hadn't wasted any time. Kate hadn't made it far when she heard police sirens close to her.