Chapter 3

Liz watched Jim and John research in dusty old tomes piled high in his study downstairs. Lots of interesting things in that study. She didn't like it so much. Weapons were not high on her favored items. After a week of playing with the baby, trying to get Dean to open up and enduring those steely gazes from John, Liz had had enough. It got boring. She was sick of wearing hand-me-downs from Jim's parishioners and the occasional shirt she borrowed from John.

Walking into town, she found a little diner with a help wanted sign. She pitched in for the lunch rush. She got paid in cash. It took her mind off her plight. She was welcome to return for the breakfast frenzy. Waitressing came natural it seemed. She filed that away while she went window shopping. Stepped into the Goodwill for some basic items that would have her in her own clothes and not borrowing so much. Then she caught her reflection. She almost didn't recognize herself. Who she was expecting she didn't know but it wasn't who looked back at her. She didn't want to dress like other women her alleged age. The trend was bright and colorful but Liz didn't feel right in lime green or taxi cab yellow. She had opted for plain Jane. Her hair was so long but felt wrong. With the last of her waitressing cash, she stepped into a barber shop about to close up and begged off a quick haircut. Even offered to sweep up the mess herself while he closed up and turned off the sign.

Eyeing her reflection in the window, she looked nothing like she had when she had strolled into town. She didn't know if it felt right but it was different enough that she could cope better with her situation without looking like a damsel in distress all the time. After her long day, she returned to Pastor Jim's in time to help with dinner. He passed a disapproving gaze over the length of her denim skirt but didn't say a word other than to compliment her hair cut.

"I was thinking of working at the diner on Main for a bit. They only need part time help but… it's something to help me get on my feet." Liz shrugged as she chopped carrots and shredded lettuce for a salad.

"I know it's frustrating. I admire your fortitude." He nodded to her. He heard the swish of liquid and turned to see that John was getting an early start this evening. He almost asked John to wash up and pitch in a hand but something in the way his eyes ran over Liz's form at the counter stayed his tongue. "I'm sure you'd like to get out into town without John's children underfoot."

"No, I don't mind." She smiled to herself as she reached for a tomato. "They're very sweet boys. Sammy's energy is tireless and Dean… he sees… everything. He just amazes me. At least he's stopped stomping on my feet at every chance."

"He's a boy." Jim apologized for the miscreant. "But he is a good boy." Jim cleared his throat. "John? I know we haven't gotten anywhere on Liz's research…" Liz turned to smile and wave at him as she dumped the tomatoes in the salad bowl. "But how much time are you able to give to us?"

"Some. The Impala's screeching. I'll need to save some money to fix her up." John polished off his bottle and crossed the room to throw it out.

"You and the boys are always welcome." Jim nodded.

"I appreciate it, Jim." John returned the nod and had to scoot passed Liz to get at a new bottle of beer in the fridge. He laid his hand on her shoulder to steady himself while he shut the door and held onto the bottle with the other. Stepping back, he twisted the cap off and tossed into the trash. "What's the name of the school?"

"I'll take you and the boys tomorrow." Jim blinked at his friend. "How long is it going to take to get the part?"

"Better part of a month." John shrugged. "And that's if I can get it ordered on credit. If not, it'll be a month after I hand over the cash. You know how that goes."

"Jude Hampton's got a garage…" Jim cleared his throat. "He'll take you on and pay you fair. Maybe even give you garage time to work on the car."

"Yeah, I know. But the boys…" John flicked his eyes down to his bottle.

"I can watch the boys if you need to take a shift." Liz offered. "I think I might be a babysitter."

"Dinner's almost ready." Jim announced, not taking his eyes off of John. "Why don't you get the boys washed up? John and I will set the table." When she had gone, John tipped the bottle into his mouth and gulped long. Jim crossed his arms. "Well? What was that all about?"

"I need to see her, Jim." John pleaded.

"I don't think it will help you any." He stared at him, eyes reddened from the alcohol that he had been drinking since much earlier than Jim could accurately guess. "It always ends in heartache and nothing changes. You never learn anything new." Taking a deep breath, he gestured to the dining room. Jim didn't know if he had the strength to endure the ritual, forget the aftermath of the ritual which was to watch John spiral further into the bottle. "Go set the table, John. I don't want to scar our guest so early in her stay unless necessary."

TBC