Apov

It's late-spring and I'm still on the run. I'm surprised I haven't been caught yet but I think it's because I keep moving, never really staying in one place for long. I've been working jobs that pay in tips so I have cash right away, instead of waiting for a paycheck, that way, if needed, I can leave at a moment's notice. I take another bus to another town and leave everything behind.

I started going south but now that it's warmer weather, I'm up north. In Washington to be exact. Everyone here is so nice and friendly, and the views are beautiful.

But I'm still completely terrified that I will be found. It was close once.

A few weeks or so after I left, I saw an unmarked police car near the bar I was working. I can't be sure if it was found, if it was him or not, but I left anyway.

If only there were a place with no police. I've learned there are a lot of cops in the bigger cities, more crime, so I've been sticking with small towns. However, the only thing with small towns, people talk and gossip. I'm quiet, not really talking to anyone or bringing any attention to myself, but I know they all wonder what my story is. Before long, I move on to the next town.

I've been here, living in this small town in Washington just a few short hours away from Seattle, for about a month. I wasn't planning on staying here this long, usually only staying in one place for a couple weeks at the most, but something about this place felt... safe. I haven't felt that in such a long, long time. I really like it here so I decided to find a more permanent place to live, instead of the cash only motels I have been staying at. I'm only renting of course, and it's nothing fancy, just a small cottage in the woods, but it's walking distance from the shopping center. And the plus side is it's only twenty minutes from where I work.

Mama Mia's is a restaurant in the heart of downtown. I don't think they were hiring when I walked in but as luck would have it, the owner was there that day and she gave me the job.

Ding Ding

The bell announcing food is ready brings me from my thoughts.

I'm working a double again, needing to save as much money as I can for when I leave, not that I want to leave, it's just inevitable. I can't stay in one place too long no matter how much I like it here.

When I arrive at the window, there's nothing there, not even the bell.

Ding Ding

I hear it again.

I look for the cook, we're not busy today so we only have one on duty, but I don't see anyone in the kitchen. I have a couple tables, but only one waiting for food.

Looking around and through the windows, I notice Gail's car in the parking lot. She's the head cook here so maybe she came to replace the cook that was on duty earlier? If she's here, where is she? And who rang the bell?

Ding Ding

I hear the bell again.

This time, I go on a hunt. Walking around the counter, I hear it again. It's coming from under the prep table where the waitress gather drinks or if we need extra silverware or napkins. I heard someone call it the wait station. I'm not sure if that's what it's called or if they were making a joke.

Just as the bell rings again, I crouch down and spot the little boy who is grinning at being caught.

"Teddy," I giggle at the nephew of my boss. Just saying his name brings me comfort. "What are you doing with that bell?"

He's the spitting image of his father, a mini-me at four years old. All crazy, unruly dark hair and beautiful bright grey eyes. I've never met his mother but from looking at the boy and his father, I don't think he has one. I know it's silly, he obviously has a mother, but he looks so much like his father, I see no other features as to who his mother could possibly be. The only difference, Teddy has dark brown hair while his father has hints of copper.

I sometimes wonder what happened to his mother, nobody mentions her, but I don't dare make casual conversations or ask any questions. I surely wouldn't want anyone to ask questions about my past. So I keep to myself, not gaining any friends along the way. What's the point when I'll leave again as soon as I arrive.

"Winging it." He states the obvious. Such a wise guy, he gets it from his uncle. I don't really talk much to anyone here, but I've very observant. I kind of have to be.

"Uh-huh," I'm assuming he meant 'ringing' because he can't pronounce his r's very well. "And where is your daddy?"

"Talking to Aunt Mia in da back." He tells me, pointing towards Mia's office door. "Aunt Gail brought me."

So Gail is not working today.

"Are you supposed to be hiding from her?" I ask, knowing he's not.

"Teddy?" I hear his father call for him, having just come out of the back office.

His father, while undoubtedly the most handsome man I've ever seen, he's also the most intimidating. He scares me the most out of everyone, and I don't even know why. He's a great dad, from what I see, and his family adores him, but there's just something about him that scares me. It could be his tempter? I've only seen it once, not aimed towards me of course, but I'd hate to see it again.

"He's under the table," I tell on the adorable little boy, knowing he wont be in too much trouble. "ringing the bell again."

"Teddy, how many times do I have to tell you," His father enters the area where we're at, "Leave Ana alone."

It's weird hearing them call me Ana. I was going by Anastasia but Teddy couldn't say the name well so he started to call me Ana and it just stuck. I don't mind it though.

"He's no bother." I assure him. In fact, Teddy brings me a calm like nobody else before. I use to think it was his name, but I think it's also his innocence.

"Where's Gail?" Christian asks his son, "She was supposed to be watching you."

As I stand, helping Teddy out from under the table, I see Gail coming back inside.

"There you are." She lightly scolds little Teddy. "I'm sorry, sir, he slipped away while my back was turned."

Just then, the cook on duty comes in through the side door, having just finished smoking. Ugh, I hate working with him, he smokes so much and takes way too many breaks that I lose out on tips because he's screwing around and my costumers have to wait longer.

Why can't he smoke after he cooks the food and has no orders? It's just gross!

I roll my eyes as he just now starts to make the food for my table.

When I look back at Gail, Teddy and his father, they're talking about Teddy and him knowing he shouldn't leave Gail's side, but the dark look I get from Christian sends a shiver down my spine. I've yet to figure out if the feeling is good or bad.

I blush and put the bell back in it's rightful spot before moving away.

Lilly, the hostess, sets a group of guys at a table in my section so I make my way over to them as I scan the restaurant and the tables in other sections.

"Hi, welcome to Mama Mia's," I introduce myself even though I've seen them here before. I'm suspicious of newcomers, regulars I can deal with much better. "Can I start you all with something to drink?"

After they all take turns telling me what they want to drink, and staring at me, I make my way towards the drink station.

As I'm filling glasses of soda, ice tea and water, I overhear Christian talking to Mia about babysitting Teddy. They are sitting at the counter and Teddy looks bored so I make him a small chocolate milk shake.

"I told you I can't." Mia tells Christian, sounding like she's told him more than once. "Ethan is coming into town tonight and we're going to hang out."

"Teddy wouldn't be in the way."

"Christian," Mia says his name exasperated. "We're going to hang out, meaning what I plan on doing shouldn't be done in front of a child."

"Mia." Christian grimaces, making a face and looking like he wants to cover both his and Teddy's ears.

"I'm 23 years old, you know I'm doing it." She laughs. "Gosh, I'd hate to see how you'd be if you had a girl instead of Teddy."

I giggle when Christian looks uncomfortable to be talking about sex with his little sister. I clear my throat and bite my lip as I continue my task, trying not to laugh again.

I finish with the drinks so I load them onto a serving tray then grab the chocolate milkshake.

"For you, little dude." I tell Teddy, placing the shake in front of him with a little wink.

He grins brightly and starts to enjoy the treat.

"Teddy, what do you say?" Christian reminds him.

"Thanks." He says to me as best as he can with his mouth full.

"You're very welcome, buddy." I smile at the cute little boy and go back to my costumers.

The bell rings again, rightfully this time, announcing food is ready.

Before I grab the food, I load up another try with drink refills then take everything to my designated costumers.

The guys who just came in are ready with their food orders so I take that and then bring it back to put it in the system so Josh will, hopefully, cook it before he takes another smoke break.

"I guess I'll just take Teddy with me." I overhear Christian say to Mia. "Ros has been bothering me about seeing him again."

Ros? Teddy's mother?

"What 'bout Ana?" Teddy's little voice says after he has finished his chocolate shake.

With my name being mentioned, I turn around to face them.

"She can watch me."

"Teddy, no." Christian tells his son. I can see he doesn't feel comfortable allowing a stranger to watch his son. Not that I blame him.

"Why not?" Teddy asks.

"Because-" Christian pauses as he tries to come up with a reason. "Ana probably has to work."

I'm about to agree with Christian, but Mia chimes in before I can.

"Actually, Ana is off the next couple days, and her shift ends in an hour."

"Yay!" Teddy gets excited like it's a done deal.

Christian runs his hand through his hair, making it even more unruly, and I can see he's trying to come up with another reason as to why I can't do it.

"Would you be willing to watch Teddy for me tomorrow?" Christian reluctantly asks me. "I have to go to Seattle on business, and my family seems to be busy. I'd pay you of course."

"I- I don't-" I look between the three of them, not sure if I should agree, if Christian's only asking for the benefit of his son, or if he genuinely needs me to watch Teddy.

Sensing my hesitation, Christian gets up. He nods his head to me so I follow behind him, leaving Mia and Teddy.

He takes us to the hallway that leads to the dry storage before he stops and turns to face me.

"Listen," He says once we're out of earshot. "I wouldn't normally ask, but I'm in a bind. I could take him with me if I have to, but I'd rather not. My family usually watches him for me, but apparently they all have plans. You can say no, that's fine, but Teddy seems to like you and it's hard for me to trust just anyone."

Is he saying he trusts me? He'd have to if he's leaving his son with a total stranger. Not that I'm a complete stranger, but I don't usually talk to anyone here anymore than I have to, I usually keep to myself. I think this is the first conversation I've had with Christian. I've taken his order before, but not actually conversing. The only one I've spoken to is Kate and Teddy. And the only reason why I spoke with Kate is because she seemed like a reporter, trying to find the story of why the new girl came to town. It was raining and she offered me a ride home so I couldn't get out of the conversation but I told her what I tell anyone who asks; I was looking for a fresh start. Which is true.

"No, I- I can watch him, if you'd like. That's fine."

"Great. I have to be in Seattle tomorrow afternoon, I have a meeting just after lunch," He runs his hand through his hair, thinking. He seems to do that a lot. "Um. You know what, give me your address and I'll pick you up tomorrow before I go and you can watch Teddy at my place in Seattle. I'd rather he be close by."

So not so much trusting me then. I don't blame him, I don't trust easily either.

"I um. I can just meet you here. You can pick me up here." I don't want anyone to know where I live, especially a man. Kate, who helps out at the restaurant sometimes, gives me a ride home when it's raining since that first storm. She's the only one who knows where I'm staying.

"Alright," He looks at me suspiciously. "Well, give me your number so I can call you if you're not here on time."

"I actually don't have a phone."

"What?" He asks like it's absurd that I don't. Everyone has one, but phones can be traced. "I'll get you a phone-"

"What?" It's my turn to say, interrupting him. "No, I don't want or need one."

"It's only on loan, while you watch my son." He assures me. "I need to be able to get in touch with you incase of emergencies while he's in your care."

"Oh, right. Okay."

Ding Ding

"I um- I have to get back to work, but, I'll be here tomorrow. Um. What time should I be here?"

After getting the details from Christian, I go to the pick up window to get the food that is ready to be served.

I continue to work until it's closing time.

Thankfully the sun is up longer with the season change, so it's still light out while I walk home. It's not far, but with working a double and the walk home, I'm exhausted.

With what energy I have left, I find the bag I keep hidden. Unzipping it, I stuff half of my tips inside then close it back up and put it back in it's hiding spot.

Ready for a shower, I let my brunette hair down from the messy bun it's in as I walk into my small one bedroom cottage.

I was going to cut my hair but decided against it and just used a blonde wig instead. I'm glad I didn't cut my hair, I like it long. I'm not sure if there are any 'missing' pictures of me out there, but if I keep it up, nobody will know how long it really is. Besides, it's been months and I haven't heard anything, maybe I've finally escaped and he's no longer looking.

Who am I kidding, he's always looking. And it's only a matter of time before he finds me.