Chapter 33: Violet

I woke up from a dream a man that had me wrapped in his arms, he smelled of the forest and bonfire. I opened my eyes, and I lifted my head and looked out the huge window that faced the lake. The fog started to evaporate in the sun that decided to show itself. The lake looked serene, small ripples floated through the lake that started at the base of the falls. I smiled. I could live here the rest of my life if I could wake up to this view every morning.

I threw the covers off me, made the bed and went down to my kitchen to start coffee. Amy was right, this coffee maker was easy to use. As it dripped the black gold from its spigot I looked out over the lake. “What a beautiful day!” I said and smiled to myself. The movie last night was good, the food was amazing, and I got to sleep in my own home. I couldn’t ask for more.

Once the coffee maker finished, I took the mug and the throw blanket and went out to the back deck and sat on the lounge chair that faced the lake. I threw the blanket over me, there was a chill in the air. Fall arrived in full force, and I was here for it. I took a sip of my coffee and enjoyed the flavors as they danced over my tongue.

A branch snapped to the right of me. There was a small trail that led into the forest that looked to circle the lake.

“Hello?” I called out.

I heard footsteps as they quickly retreated.

“I won’t hurt you!” I yelled back. I put down my coffee and ran barefoot in the direction of where the footsteps retreated. I felt an aura of wolf as they ran now full speed on the trail. I couldn’t keep up with my human legs. “If only I was faster.” Then I jumped forward, fifty feet from where I was. I stopped. “Woah, what was that?” I covered more space than I could have on my own two feet. I looked ahead and thought about being there. I quickly jumped to that space. “Oh my god.” I said as I laughed to myself.

I jumped to spaces in front of me. I have never heard of a witch doing this. Of course, I haven’t read through the book Myrtle gave me. Maybe it will have some information in there. I looked ahead again and jumped to that space. “I could get used to this.” I spotted an opening and jumped to it. There was a large stone that was in the middle of the opening. It almost looked like an altar. I touched the stone and felt the cool seep into my fingertips. I shivered.

I better get back before I freeze. I continued to jump into spaces further and further away until I was at the stairs that led to my deck. I sat back in the chaise and drank my coffee that had cooled. I think through what I needed to do today. I needed to go grocery shopping for sure and I want to spend some time studying. And maybe I could investigate getting internet instead of using my phone. But first breakfast.

I threw my hair into a messy bun. I pulled on the black leggings with the knee-high boots and an oversized sweater. I put on my aviators and was good to go. I grabbed a couple hundred from my duffle bag, locked the door behind me, and went to the jeep. I drove along the country road that led to the main street in Dark Forest Falls. Though this town was small it had an old charm to it. I could see myself growing old here.

I parked in my usual spot and walked into the diner. Today, the diner was close to full. People chatted over their cups of coffee and breakfast. A few stopped talking and turned to look at me. I could sense that they were the wolves of the local pack. Of course, the local wolves would visit a diner that was ran by wolves. I was the interloper. I came in and infiltrated their domain. I bowed my head a little and averted my gaze. The tension in the room started to build as the wolves continued to stare. They tried to figure out who I was and what they should do.

Madge talked to the same gentleman that had been there each day as I arrived. He must be her regular. She looked over at me. “Hello, Violet!” Madge smiled and waved. The tension in the air that filled the diner eased with Madge’s loud greeting. Some of the wolves went back to eating, while others continued to stare.

“Hi, Madge.” I said back, timidly.

“Take a seat, honey and I’ll be right with you.”

I made my way to the only booth available. It was the same one that I sat at my first day here. I quickly slid in and tried not to look at the customers who were still staring at me.

“How was your first night?” Wilber yelled as he leaned out the kitchen window. The wolves that stared at me looked over at Wilber with curiosity.

I perked up and smiled at him. “It was great! It’s everything that I could have hoped for. Thank you!”

“Good to hear.” He disappeared through the window, surely swamped by the orders that streamed in from the rush.

“Here you go dear.” Madge said as she sat the menu in front of me. “Coffee today?”

“No, I’m good. Can I please just get an orange juice.” I looked over the menu. Everything looked amazing, but one caught my eye. “Can I get the biscuits and sausage gravy please?

“Of course!” Madge said. “Give us a few and that should be right up.”

I sat and looked through my phone to see if anything of interest came up. I wanted to learn more about my phone, now that my cabin was clean. I know there were things called apps that I can download and use on my phone. Technology has really progressed since the takeover. I vaguely recalled my parents having a flip phone that did little else than texting or calling. Now, we can play high-definition games and make videos.

I looked around the diner Madge was at a table pouring coffee. The person she talked to stared at me. She glanced up and smiled at me but then looked back at the customer. The person shook their head and grabbed the coffee and took a sip. I continued to look at them. They had to have been talking about me. The way he stared could only mean he was talking about me.

Madge made her way back to my table. “If I didn’t see it, I wouldn’t believe that you are the same person that I saw three days ago. You came in today so light and happy.”

“I hope that’s a good thing.” I laughed at her.

“You look so much happier and are dressed way better.” Madge laughed.

“Thank you.” I sighed and looked at Madge. “Was everything alright?” I tilted my head to the table with the older man who still stared at me.

“Oh, yeah. Everything is fine. You’re just new and different from other people that come in here.” She used her free hand and made the quote sign when she said people.

“I hope I’m not causing trouble.”

“Not at all. People are just curious and unsure. You are very powerful, and the wolves can sense that. They want to make sure you aren’t going to attack the pack.” Madge placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Oh, ok.” I nodded.

“Tell me, how was your first night?” Madge asked, she intentionally changed the subject.

“It was great. I got everything cleaned up and I even got to watch a movie. Oh, that reminds me, do you know who I talk to, to get internet set up in the cabin? Something called Wi-Fi?”

“Oh sure, Wilber can set that up for you. He is your landlord after all. You settled in nicely?”

“Yes. I woke up today smiling, that’s how happy I am.”

“Great, dear. I’m so happy to hear you are loving it.” A bell dinged in the kitchen window. “I’ll be right back with your food.”

She walked over to the window and grabbed the steaming plate and set it down in front of me. I smelled the savory sausage in the creamy gravy. I grabbed my fork and dug in. The biscuit melted in my mouth as I slowly chewed.

“How is it?” Madge asked as she cleaned up the dishes on the empty tables. Most of the tables were now vacant leaving a few of the “normal” people and me.

“I’ve died and gone to heaven.” I said with a mouth full of food that I put my hand over to hide.

“Good!”

I ate in record time. I washed the food down with the juice that sat untouched. This is now my favorite thing to eat here. I could eat this every day and never get bored.

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m good Madge. Thank you.” She turned. “Oh wait, is there a grocery store nearby?”

Madge turned back around and smiled. “Yes, there is one about a mile and a half up the road, you will see a sign that says ‘historical downtown’ you will take a right at that. Then you will see a sign that says, ‘Greene Grocery.’ That’s where you will want to be.”

“Great! Thank you!”

“Anything for you, dear.” Madge winked and squeezed my shoulder. I took a hundred out of my pocket and put it on the table. And walked to the front door.

“Hold up!” I heard Madge shout from behind me and I froze. “You are not going to leave this big bill here without getting change. This will be the third time you have tipped a ridiculous amount and I’m not going to stand for it.”

I looked over my shoulder. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” I winked and walked out of the diner before she could catch up to me.