CHAPTER THREE: SETTLING

The past few days l have spent exploring the town and looking for a job. Because of the population, jobs are readily available. I got a job at Pauls Kitchen, one of the local diners. It has been operating for the past ten years. Tomorrow is the ten years anniversary milestone celebration and the whole town is invited. And also my first day of work. When l was informed of the celebration, l thought it would be a party but l was sadly mistaken. The celebration is an all day event. The residents of Purpintine get the opportunity to order whatever their hearts desire, free of charge. It's a way to attract more customers and introduce them to the new menu.

All the staff are expected to be present and lend a helping hand. This means the whole day on your feet, serving entitled customers who treat you like the scum beneath their shoes. Lucky for me, l will be in the kitchen doing the cooking. I spent a year in culinary school right after finishing high school. I didn't finish the training but l learnt enough skills to bring flare to the outdated menu of Pauls Kitchen.

During my interview, Paul asked me to prepare a meal for him. I made chicken breasts stuffed with pea pesto. He was really impressed, in his words"the flavours were exploding in my mouth". He offered me the opportunity to create my own menu and have a weekend segment. Weekends are dedicated to me creatively working in the kitchen, creating whatever it is l want.

One of the benefits of our agreement is my flexible working hours. I have the advantage of arriving at work whatever time my heart desires except for the weekends. As long as it is still a respectable hour. Which basically means anytime before ten.

Leaving the interview, l decided on sight seeing. There was so much to see.The town is majestic. The greenery is breathtaking. At the edge of the town stood a tall mountain called the Slippery telly. It has a hiking trail that leads to a breathtaking view of the whole town. Behind it sat an enchanting waterfall, with crystal blue waters that lept into an overflowing river. I decided that this will be my special place. A feet from that began the trail into the forest.

I have always been a city girl but the feeling of being surrounded by nature brought comfort and joy to my heart. Being afraid of bugs and mosquitos was one of the reasons l was so skeptical about the whole move. But l felt compelled as if in a trance. The feeling still resides deep within me and only comes out at moments like these.

The trail into the woods looked so inviting that l found my body moving on its own accord. Realization dawned on me once l had entered the clearing into the forest and l was unaware of my surroundings. Panic arose within me and l found myself relentlessly searching for a way out. I wasn't claustrophobic but the fear of being trapped made me feel as though l was. The sun was beginning to set and l knew that soon darkness would introduce itself.

And that meant dealing with my Nyctophobia and the feelings it produced. The feelings l have bottled up will arise leaving me more broken and damaged than l currently am. That meant possibly missing my first day of work. Paul would probably fire me. Another reason why l moved to Purpintine was for the opportunity to start my life afresh. Away from the memory triggering areas that haunted me daily.

I am also low on cash and Paul is the solution to most of my problems. There was rustling in the trees and l could hear footsteps approaching my direction. My blood ran cold at the possibility of being found wondering around the forest. One of the rules of Purpintine is to never wonder into the forest without documented approval. Something l was not in possession of.

Quietly looking around for a place to hide, l found a thick dragon tree hidden behind a sycamore maple. The way the the branches were scattered, l could easily get away without being discovered. If no one is looking that is. Squatting inbetween the branches and attempting to make myself invisible, the footsteps sounded like paws harshly stomping the ground. And they were drawing closer to where l was.

I have always heard stories of beasts that lurk in the shadows. Never did l ever think l would be unlucky to bump into one. A group of five humongous sized dogs passed by in a flash. All ranging in different colours l was unlucky to see. 

And it was dead silent. I heaved a sigh of relief and waited a few minutes before coming out of my hiding place. Still feeling dejected at not knowing how to make my way out of the forest. But a bit accomplished at safely hiding from the dogs.

Taking two steps out of my hiding place, l stretched my limbs. The feeling of being cramped up produced aching muscles all over my body. A growl sounded throughout the forest causing me to jump into the air and fall harshly on the ground, twisting my ankle. Pain shot throughout my leg causing me to emit a scream.

The growls became incredibly loud and sounded close. Titling my head backwards, a charcoal dog with 'snort' and drool looked at me. As if analysing me. The rest of the pose stood back in defensive stances. Before it could do anything, a cry was heard in the north side of the forest causing all the dogs to run in that direction.

I exhaled a breath of relief. But that was only one of my problems solved. Finding a way out of the forest was still a challenge l was still facing. An incredible challenge. For starters, l couldn't find my way out. Two, l now had a sprained ankle.