The first bit after landing, it was difficult to know what to do, so Reese merely lay there feeling sore as if she had just completed the workout of her life, followed by being punched several hundred times.
Even my head hurts, she groaned inwardly. And not just because I was going crazy.
Opening her eyes slowly, she hoped against hope that she had simply been dreaming, but sighed in disappointment as she saw the trees around her shining in the sunlight.
Groaning again, this time aloud, she thought, It's official then, I'm insane. Not only did I end up in some sort of fairy tale story, now I'm all alone in the woods- which aren't even the same woods that I was standing in front of before.
Lifting herself up into a sitting position, Reese took a look around, wondering if there were people on this island. The area wasn't completely overgrown, and as she looked to her right, she saw a small but clear path, which in her mind, meant civilization nearby.
I wonder what I'll say to anyone about how I got here? she thought. Say my boat sank? It's not like I could tell anyone that I somehow went flying through the air and across the ocean only to crash land here. She shook her head at the absurdity of the situation. I could tell them that if I want to be committed.
Realizing that staying where she was wasn't going to help, she finally stood. The last thing she had spoken to her sisters about was perhaps joining the marines, so she decided that that was Plan A. Scratch that, she thought again as her stomach rumbled. Plan A is getting some food. With that thought in mind, she took off down the path.
Thirty minutes of walking later, she began to see the beginning signs of civilization. Finding herself in the outskirts of a town, where there were a few sporadic houses, and what was most likely farmland. In the distance, a tall, white- or maybe blue? building could be seen though she couldn't tell what it was supposed to be, and eventually assumed some sort of government building.
Another few minutes down the road, and she spotted her first local. He was sitting off to the side of the road, and she quickened her pace slightly, excited that she wasn't alone, but not wanting to startle him.
He was older, perhaps in his sixties, with stark white hair, though he seemed in good shape. Dressed in what looked like work clothes, and a bandanna tied around his neck, Reese thought likely he was a farmer or laborer of some kind. He was accompanied by a couple of large bags, and he was eating an apple.
Before she could speak, he looked up and spotted her, a smile blooming on his weathered face. "Why 'ello there!" he called, his voice cheerful and friendly. "If ya lookin' for the town, ya headed in the right direction, though I'm not certain where ya were comin' from?" He raised his eyebrow at his own question, obviously curious as to why she had come from the woods.
Thinking that perhaps for now, less was more, she responded. "You're right, I am heading into town. I was left here by some guy my sisters and I ran into, and now I'm going to have to stay here until I figure out how to… Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't even introduce myself," she smiled a slightly more embarrassed smile. "I'm Teresa Cooper."
"Corbin," he responded with a nod of his head. "Pleasure meetin' ya."
"You as well, Corbin." It seemed he wasn't the type to give information freely, so she thought she'd have to ask. "So, can you tell me anything that I may need to know, since I'll be staying here for awhile?" she asked.
"Aye!" He grinned and gave a chuckle. "I could use some company for a bit. Would ya care for an apple?" he asked and tossed one as she nodded enthusiastically. He chuckled again as she sat down facing him, and practically inhaled it.
"Ya find ya self in Shells Town. We're not the biggest island around, but between the farms and orchards, the town, and the marine base," Reese perked up at that, "I'm sure ya'd be able to find work and a place to call home. Ya got any skills, or learned a trade?" he asked.
"Well, to be honest, not much," Reese answered, her hopes dropping as Corbin's smile did. "I spent most of my time at school, or studying, but I did spend my summers working in a restaurant." His smile returned, so she elaborated, "serving food, washing dishes, cleaning up, that sort of thing."
"Hmm, mayhaps we can find ya something after all." He tossed his apple core away and wiped his hands on his pants before holding out a hand to shake hers. "C'mon then, ya help me carry these into town, and I'll help ya locate the restaurants."
"Couldn't ask for a better deal!" she said, tossing aside her own apple core, grabbing his hand, and shaking it wildly. She looked at the bags of apples and noticed the straps that resembled a backpack. Easy enough, she thought, moving her own backpack to her front side, and reaching out for the larger bag to put on her back.
"Now, now," Corbin stated while putting his hand up in a stop motion. "ya should let me get… that…" he trailed off and just stared in amazement. "How did a little thing like ya, pick that huge bag up so easy?" he asked.
"I'm stronger than I look!" she answered with a grin. Now this was something I was used to! Other people were always underestimating my strength back home because of my size, and I wasn't even that small! she thought. Smiling happily at him she called, "Let's go Corbin! Hope you can keep up!" and laughed as she turned back to the road and started walking.
"Hey, wait up!" he yelled and ran to catch up with the slightly smaller bag on his back.
Reese could honestly say she thoroughly enjoyed the walk into town. While Corbin didn't say much more about the island, or the town they headed to, he did tell story after story of the people there. He seemed to know just about everyone, from the farmers who came to sell their crops in the market, to the business owners, and even the mayor. He had good things to say about all of them, which had Reese thinking that he was trying to sell this town as the best place to live. It was hard to mind when he was so genuine about it.
It seemed likely that this island would be home for the near future, and she had heard Corbin mention a marine base, though he didn't say anything about it now. That was a perfect fit into her longer-term goals, so she made a mental note to see what the requirements were for joining.
For now, she simply listened to Corbin's stories, getting to know the future neighbors in a limited way before meeting them. The time passed quickly, and walking into the town, he led her toward a busy street full of market stalls, and Corbin stopped and said, "Here we are."
Reese turned a small circle, looking from the stand in front of her, and around the street. It was small, but one of many on the street, and they all resembled stands in a farmer's market. Turning back to Corbin in question, he continued before she could ask. "Aye, it's not much, but everyone knows to come here to buy my apples." She nodded in understanding, and pulled the bag from her back, gently placing it on the ground for him.
"Thanks Corbin. You've been a most excellent guide, and friend. When I get a job, I'll make sure to come buy apples from you myself!" she said with a smile of gratitude.
"Be sure ya do!" he agreed happily, "Ah, but one more thing. Take this bundle into the restaurant across the street there. And tell them that Corbin sent ya in to help them out!" He grinned as he shook her hand again and placed a smaller bag into her arms.
"Did I mention that you're the best? Because you are!" she called as she turned and headed across the wide street, only hesitating long enough to take a deep breath and wave back to him behind her, before opening the door and walking inside.
There were some people in the place, but it wasn't very busy, so Reese took her time and looked around. It seemed more like a pub than an actual restaurant, but she felt that that was even better. It would be easier to get information from the locals, as well as determining if joining the marines here was the best plan before getting in too deep.
She smiled to herself as she walked slowly towards the bar. There were tables, sure, but not too many, and it seemed as if people could order food at the bar as well. Perfect, just my kind of place, she thought.
"Can I help you miss?" the woman behind the bar asked, interrupting her thoughts. Her initial reaction was surprise that such a petite and soft spoken woman manned the bar, but smiled as she thought that she wasn't the only one that could be stronger than she seemed.
"Sure, " Reese replied. "My new friend Corbin asked me to deliver these apples, and mentioned something about you all needing help around here? I'm hoping I can be that help."
The kind looking woman brushed a hand over her dark hair, and tucked the loosening pieces behind her ear. She smiled gently before holding out her arms for the apples. "I can take those," she said, and Reese handed over the bag. "For the other part, you'll need to speak to the owner. She's right over there, behind you and to the left at the back table. The one that is writing and has an angry look on her face." She smiled again at Reese, with a little more humor this time. "Good luck."
"Thank you," Reese responded, "for the info and the luck." Wasting no time, she turned and started walking to the back of the room, wondering what she had gotten herself in to, when she saw the woman at the back looking as if she were grinding her teeth in frustration.
It was difficult to guess her age, with her black hair that was just starting to sport some gray. Her skin was smooth, though there were fine lines that were forming from her furrowed brow as she poured over her paperwork. Based on how lovely her slacks and blouse were, Reese supposed that she didn't work in the pub, but simply owned it.
Whelp, no time like now. With that thought, Reese closed the distance, and spoke up. "Excuse me, ma'am? Can I have a moment of your time please?" she asked politely.
"You can have all my moments, if it means getting a break from this paperwork" she grumbled in response and waved towards the seat across the table for the younger girl to sit down.
Reese smiled, stamping down on her nerves. "My name is Teresa Cooper, and I've heard that you are looking for some additional help here. I have experience in a restaurant, am a hard worker, and while I can't cook worth spit, I can clean better than, well, pretty much anyone!" she spoke quickly, trying to get it all out before she could be told differently.
"Well, Teresa Cooper," the owner replied, "I am looking for some help, but to be honest, I only need someone a couple hours a day. As you can see, we aren't extremely busy." She watched, as the smile fell from Reese's face. "Hmm," she continued, "Not what you were hoping for?" she asked.
"I apologize," Reese answered with a sigh. "It's just that I'm new here, and I need to find a job, a place to stay, and a way to eat… and you're right," she added, "based on what Corbin told me, I was hoping for more than that."
"Ah," the owner shook her head in amusement. "That nosy old coot."
"Ex-excuse me?" Reese questioned, thinking she must not have heard correctly.
"That man just always sticks his nose into everyone's business." She put her chin in her hand, and studied the girl as she continued, "And just always has to help a lady in need," she ended with a smirk.
"I, well uh, he was really nice, and helpful…" Reese stammered, trying to stay tactful.
"No matter, he's right after all," she continued speaking right over Reese's attempts, "I am the best option for you now. My place has an extra room, and you can eat whatever Ririka makes for the customers. Since there's not enough work here to cover the expenses, I'll have you running deliveries, and completing any other errands I'm in need of. You'd also receive a small amount to cover necessities." She paused and then asked, "Sound fair to you?"
"It sounds more than fair, it sounds too good to be true." Reese paused momentarily, as the mantra passed through her mind. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. So, she asked hesitantly, "But what brought all this on, if you don't mind me asking?"
The owner laughed, "My name is Celine, but most people around here just call me C.C."
"Most call me Reese," came the reply.
"Well, come on Reese," C.C. said, "I'll introduce you to Ririka and give you the tour." They started walking back towards the bar when C.C. lowered her voice to keep their words just between them. "And my brother must have seen something special in you, because you're the first he's ever sent my way. I'm not about to ignore that." With a wink and a smirk, C.C. continued into the kitchen, while Reese stopped and gaped at her. She turned her head and asked, "You coming, or what?"
Okay, Reese thought, so first step taken care of, as she hurried to catch up to her new employer.