Rain splattered around her. Large drops splashed across her face. She was standing outside of a large building. She had finally made her way out. It was dark, and she could feel panic setting in. She started running. She did not know where she was running to, but she knew she had to run somewhere. Anyway away from where she currently was, would be better. The rain was cold and felt sharp against her skin. She looked back at the building, a man emerged. She headed for the forest. Hopefully she could lose them there, it was dark enough. She didn't look back, all she could do was keep running. The forest floor was rough on her feet, but she didn't care, she kept running. She had to keep going.
Rachel shot up in her small bed. Cold sweat beaded her forehead, outside the thunder and lightning was crashing around the small house. She stood up. feeling a bit disoriented. The hardwood floor felt cold against her feet. The dream had shaken her to the core. The sound of the rain outside only intensified her fear.
She reached for the small lamp. The light flooded into the room, chasing away the shadows of the night. Even in the light, she felt afraid. She wrapped her arms around her body, to try to stop from shivering. She wasn't sure why she felt such an intense fear of rain. It made little sense to her. But then again, there were very few things that made sense to her these days.
She walked over to the adjoining bathroom and splashed some water over her face. She needed to get a grip of her emotions. It was just rain. The lightning and thunder clapped once again, it rattled against the walls. The lights flickered, and suddenly it was dark. Rachel's heart started pounding even harder. For some reason the storm was more intimidating in the dark. Rachel stumbled her way back to her bed. Quickly she buried her head under the covers and waited for the storm to pass.
Henry awoke early because of the storm. It was quickly turning to a summer typhoon. On Felicity's insistence he made his way to the small farmhouse to tell Rachel she didn't have to work today. However when he reached the house no one answered. He headed for the barn surprised to see her there already.
I see Betty is getting used to you," Henry mused. She jumped at the sound of his voice. When she turned towards him, a look of fear quickly flashed across her face, followed by a look of relief. He could not help but wonder what had happened to make her so jumpy.
"Yes," Rachel answered timidly.
"Do you have candles and other supplies needed for this storm in that old house?" Henry asked. Rachel shook her head. "Go on up to the house then, Felicity will get you all set up. For the duration of the storm, don't worry about having to work."
Rachel couldn't help but stare at her employer for a moment. The kindness that he and his wife had extended had been unexpected.
"Are you sure?" Rachel asked. "I would hate for you to have to do it all alone. At least let me care for the chickens, the henhouse is closer to my house."
Henry looked at her surprised. Most women he had known would have jumped at the opportunity to get out of work; most men for that matter.
"Thank you," he stated. "Now get off to Felicity before she gets worried." Rachel nodded and headed for the big farmhouse.
Rachel couldn't believe how beautiful the inside of the large farmhouse was. Beautiful dark wood furniture and lush carpets filled the house. Rachel found it cozy yet elegant.
"I realized that I didn't furnish you with any candles, or matches. We lose power at least twice a summer. Those typhoons are bad," Felicity advised. Felicity held out a package. "There is some dry goods in there, there should be an old kettle for the fireplace in the house."
"Oh thank you kindly," Rachel stated.
"It's nothing," Felicity stated.
"I should be getting back home," Rachel stated.
"Ok," Felicity stated slightly disappointed.
Rachel quickly left. Rachel could not get the sense that she was in danger out of her mind. She didn't want anyone to be in danger because of her. She had no idea what had happened in her life before coming here, and she was not ready to allow anyone to be hurt because of something she didn't remember.
Rachel set her table for one. For some reason the entire process seemed strange. She felt as if this were something she was never meant to do, which of course was an odd thought. She wanted more than anything to remember, but her brain wouldn't work properly.
"What am I not remembering?" Rachel asked herself. She sighed, she would love nothing more than to stay here in Echo Town, she only hoped that she could.
The summer typhoon had effectively shut down any progress in the search of the girl. Vaughn was irritated that it had come so soon after his arrival. He had hoped to start searching, but it was near impossible in this weather. To make matters worse he was stuck in the Sanatorium with the idiotic doctor.
"So tell me about that sheriff of yours," Vaughn demanded. Alex who had been sitting lazily drinking some coffee, looked up.
"There is not much to say about her," Alex said. "I don't know her well, she is a new Sheriff, only been there for six months. I know that she grew up here in Flowerbud, but that's about it. Why?"
"Why do you think? She's a cop, it's always good to know who your enemy is," Vaughn answered.
"She's not your enemy," Alex countered.
"That's your problem, you have no sense of caution," Vaughn spat out. He was disgusted with the man sitting in front of him. He left the room, knowing that if he stayed there any longer than he would do something that he regret.