Chapter 7 Marge's Place

I don’t know how long I slept for, but the sun seems to have moved lower on the horizon. I feel rested and rejuvenated, thank goodness. I stretch my poor muscles and crawl out of bed, putting my shoes back on, looking out the window. I still have time to explore, right?

I have had no food in hours, and my tummy is telling me it is time to get out of the room and find something to fill it with. I can’t even remember the last time I ate anything. I only remember driving. I stopped once or twice to fill up on gas and use the restrooms… I may have bought a snack bar and juice? I can’t remember.

I leave my temporary home in search of something to eat. My belly grumbles at the thought of a nice juicy burger and a shake. I’m practically drooling for anything that will give me the calories I need to not fall over and die.

I walk back up Juniper Drive and find Jericho, the first road I came in on. It actually looks like one of the main streets to this little town as there are a few little stores and even a small diner. Hallelujah! I might be able to eat tonight!

The place looks pretty busy, but that’s okay. My phone says it's about 7:30 pm, and I guess it’s still technically the dinner rush. As I get closer, I see a ‘help wanted’ sign and pray they are still looking for someone. Maybe there really was a reason I was supposed to come this way. I don’t know if this is Fate or a sign from God, but I will take it as a good sign.

I push through the door, and a harried looking blond girl with a name tag reading “Kathy” on it greets me. “How many?” She gives a tired smile. Poor thing must be close to the end of her shift.

“Just me,” I say shyly. I am glad I don’t have to wait for anyone else today. I’m too hungry and too stressed to think of anyone but myself. I know I sound selfish, but I really need some “me” time before I can worry about others right now.

“Great!” She cheers. “We actually have a table available, if that’s okay?”

I nod my head in agreement. I honestly couldn't care less where I sit, as long as I get something in my tummy fast.

She leads me over to a little two-seater table and places the menu on the table. “Holly will be right out to take your order,” she replies as she hurries over to help another customer.

Hmmm… I see why they need help. All the waitresses are scurrying about trying to fill the orders.

“Hi, I’m Holly. What can I get started for you?” A girl about my age with a brown ponytail and bright blue eyes asks.

“Can I get a burger, some fries, and a chocolate shake?” I ask, handing over the menu I barely glanced at. At least they have fast service!

“No prob! It’ll be a few minutes,” she says with a bright smile.

“I don’t mind,” I chuckle as my tummy gurgles once again. I blush in embarrassment. Well, my belly may protest, but I am happy to wait… As long as it doesn't take too long.

She nods her head and scoots her way through the tables and back to the kitchen to place my order.

Ten minutes later, my order is in front of me, and I take a bite of the juicy burger. My tummy rumbles in satisfaction. I look around as I continue to eat. This wouldn’t be a bad place to work. I’ve worked as a waitress before, and assuming I can find somewhere to stay that’s not too expensive, I could make it work.

When I’m finished with my meal, Holly comes over with my bill, and I hand her over my card, but stop her before she takes off too far.

“There is a ‘help wanted sign’ in the window. Are you still looking for help?” I ask, praying she will say yes. I could really use a job.

I can almost see the relief on her face. “YES! Come with me!” she practically demands, taking me by the arm and stomping our way through the restaurant, back into a little office.

“Marge, this is…” she turns to me, realizing she didn’t ask my name, giving me a mischievous smile.

I giggle. “I’m Ivy,” I responded.

“That's really pretty,” she beams at me. “Ivy and she wants to know if we are still looking for help,” she chuckles. “I’ll leave you here. I’ll get you all checked out and give you back your card while you are talking to Marge and be right back. You’re in good hands,” she whispers with a wink.

I think I like Holly! She is funny. I would really like to have someone like her as a friend. She seems to be genuine.

“Would you like a job, Ivy?” Marge asks me eagerly. This poor woman looks as worn out as her workers and in desperate need of some more hands… And quite possibly a nap!

“Yes, I would. I just moved to town… sort of. I’m still looking for a place to rent, but I would really like a job.” I admit. I don’t know why I’m blabbering right now, but if it helps get a job…

“Have you had any experience working as a waitress?” Marge asks.

“Yeah, all through high school. It was my only source of income.” I say quietly, not wanting her to know the full extent of what that entailed. Yes, I worked so I could eat because of my parents' negligence.

“Perfect! You’re hired, dear. Can you start tomorrow?” she asks with an eager gleam in her eyes.

“Sure. I don’t have anything better to do,” I chuckle. It's only the truth.

“Hallelujah!” she sighs. “Why don’t you come in around 11 in the morning. We’ll be getting ready for the lunch rush, and we can see how you fit with the girls,” she smiles at me.

“Great! Thank you so much!” I smile. I can’t believe it! I have a job on my first try!

“Trust me. Thank you! Are you looking for a place to stay?” she asked with a curious look.

“Yes. I just came to town today and only managed to find a motel,” I say, embarrassed by my predicament. I don’t know why I keep feeling embarrassed. I really didn’t do anything wrong, even though it feels like I’m being judged… And she isn’t! I’m just being paranoid.

Suddenly, Holly pops back in and hands me my card back. She gives a quick smile and hurries out of the office to return to her duties.

“If you're looking for a cheap place to stay, just go down Jericho Road, find Day Lily Drive. Go right, and you will come to Fox Hollow Apartments. They have a few student rooms that should work for you,” she smiles.

“Oh! Thank you so much!” I almost cried in relief. This really was a blessing right from Heaven. I don’t know what I did, but I must have done something right!

“No problem, dear. Go in the morning before you come here. I think their office hours are over for the night,” she says kindly.

I nod my head emphatically, smiling happily. It seems like things are finally going my way. I don’t think I’ve been this happy since the day Violet died. Something is telling me this is the right thing to do. That Marge will help me and support me, even if she doesn’t know my situation yet. I feel like I can trust her.

“See you in the morning, Ivy.” She chuckles brightly.

“Yes! I’ll see you in the morning,” I giggle, practically dancing from her office.

On my way out, Holly catches my eye and winks at me. “See you in the morning, Ivy,” she calls out.

“Thank you, Holly!” I call back to her and push my way through the door into the chilly night. The sun is just starting to set, and the wind is picking up. I can smell the tang of salt coming from the ocean. I think I really am going to like this place, I think as I sigh.

And with a light heart, I skip my way back to the motel.

Before I crawl into bed, I get on my knees.

“Thank you, God, for bringing me to safety.”