CYOA Part Three: Hearthway Hollow

Clarity and reality seeped back into your mind. After a breath and a heartbeat you realized you needed to get out of that shower. You stepped out, taking a towel from the wall and wrapping it around yourself.

“Last night was nice, but it didn't change my mind.” You saw Luke’s expression shift as you turned away. “My car needs to be fixed. Once that’s taken care of you can go back home.”

Luke followed you out of the shower. “Can we at least talk?”

You set your suitcase on the bed to find your clothes for the day. “Car first.”

He sighed heavily and smoothed his wet hair out of his face. He walked back into the bathroom and closed the door.

You sat down on the edge of the bed, looking towards the window. The curtains had been drawn, but there was an inkling you had seen something, or someone, sitting at the small table last night. You shook your head and got your phone, calling the number that Evander had given you.

There was no answer, but right as you were setting your phone down a text popped up. It was Evander.

“My friend from the garage came in this morning. He went ahead and towed your car on his way into work.”

“That’s amazing, thank you!”

“Just go on by there and see what’s up. If you need anything else let me know.”

“Thanks again. This should be all for now.” You stood up from the bed and got dressed, tying your still damp hair back into a messy bun out of necessity.

Luke walked out of the bathroom to gather his clothes from the floor.

“The car is already at the garage,” you told him. “Evander said the guy already got it.”

“That’s good,” Luke murmured.

You could hear the disappointment in his voice. He was still processing yesterday, hell, so were you. It took you a lot of nerve to decide to leave and think, because otherwise Luke was so great you were a thread’s width away from changing your mind. If Luke could stop hiding things, then maybe you could stay.

“Do you know the people who run the garage?” You asked. “Since you used to live here and all.”

Luke slipped on his clothes. “Maybe. It’s been a while.”

“What’s a while then?” You found one of his socks under your suitcase and offered it to him. “Five years? Ten years?”

Luke’s dark eyes poured over you. All you were asking for was something! An answer that didn’t run you around in a circle or create more questions.

“Five years,” he murmured.

“So you probably-”

He turned and gave you a strange look, somewhere between pain and disbelief. “I thought we weren’t talking?”

Your knuckles popped as you cliched your fists. “We weren’t talking about me staying or going. You never want to tell me anything about yourself, that’s what this whole thing is about, Luke. It’s like you’re lying to me.”

Luke stiffened and looked away.

“You know what, this is a small town. I can probably walk and find my way to the garage.” You picked up your purse and headed for the door. “Go on home, Luke.”

“I’m not lying!” Luke blurted. “I’m trying to protect you!”

You stopped at the door, hand grasping the knob.

“I know you said you couldn’t trust me before,” Luke sounded at the edge of tears. “But...I really need you to.”

You kept your eyes focused on the doorknob. It was brass and old, with rust forming around where it was attached to the door. It was faded and worn, parts of it looked almost silver. The shape was like a bell or flower, with petals that helped with gripping it.

“Protect me? Protect me from what?”

Luke approached and stopped short behind you. “If you knew-”

Looking back at him you frowned and your heart felt ten times heavier than it did. “If I knew I might be able to trust you. But since I don’t...well-” You turned the doorknob and left the motel room.

When Luke didn’t follow you were both relieved and disappointed. Luckily the garage wasn’t too far away. A ten minute walk and you were downtown, which you had faintly seen last night. The whole place looked picture perfect, like a scene in a movie or old picture. You made note of a cafe nearby before you went down the street towards the garage.

To your surprise, Evander was standing out front. You almost didn’t recognize him, because he had his hair down and it was a wall of strawberry blonde curls. Once you saw his face, you realized who it was.

“Did you walk?” He seemed surprised.

“Yeah, I thought it would be nice. What are you doing here?”

“I was getting off work and thought I would stop by.” His cheeks went red as your smile grew. He started getting bashful and shy as you stood closer. “I was...well he’s a friend and all and he did a favor. So-” He cleared his throat and looked into the shop.

“Whatever you hit last night really did a number. Are you still sticking to the moose story?” He asked.

You shook your head. “I have no clue what it could have been. It was just...massive.” You huffed and shook your head. “With everything going on I didn’t really get a good look. The headlights made it seem white. Maybe it was a polar bear for all I know.”

“That would be even less likely than the moose,” Evander chuckled. “Maybe it was an alien.”

“An alien?” You scoffed. “Why would it come to North Carolina?”

“Since it was so close, maybe it was wanting some of my pie,” Evander chuckled.

You smiled and tucked a loose strand of hair aside. “Well, I guess I should go in and see for myself.”

“Oh, yeah,” Evander turned and held the door open for you. “Ollie should be working on your car right now.”

“Thanks.” You stepped into the garage where there were a couple of cars parked aside from your own. The smell of grease and metal mingled with the coffeepot right by the door. Your car’s hood was open with someone bent over inside.

“Ollie, I’ve got the lady who owns the cars,” Eavnder called out.

A hand touched the top of the hood and the nails were painted royal blue. “Just in time.” A tall, willowy being stepped out from behind the car. They were not what you expected from a mechanic. Their hair was dyed blue, long on one side with an undercut on the other. The long hair was braided and wrapped into a cinnamon bun on the side.

“You must have had an exciting night,” Ollie chuckled. Their voice was soft and sweet as they spoke. “But it’s nothing I can’t fix. But it’ll be a few days before I can get parts in.”

“I was expecting that. Do you know how much the costs will be?” You asked.

Ollie pressed their cupid’s bow lips into a thin line. “I’m still getting that figured out. I know you’re from out of town, so if you have a mechanic you’d prefer to work with, maybe we can get it worked out with them.”

“That would be my boyfriend,” you muttered.

Ollie’s thin eyes widened. “Well then. I’ll take your tone as saying you want to keep your car here?”

You nodded. “It’s a long story, but I’ll keep it simple and say just do what you can. I don’t have a lot of money now, but luckily I can work anywhere.”

“Really?” Ollie got a smirk on their face. “What is it you do?”

“I write, and I can make work for myself if I have to.”

Evander looked awed as he gazed at you. “You write? Really? What sort of stories do you write?”

You blushed and tried to decide if you should tell your usual answer or the truth. “Oh, I write all sorts of stuff,” you started with the usual story. “Usually whatever mood I’m in, it changes.”

Ollie smiled at you knowingly. “Evander is a big romance fan. He reads all sorts of those books.”

Evander pouted towards him.

“Oh, well, that’s what earns me my most income.” You feel a bit more at ease. “I do have quite a few romance novel books.”

“Do you write under a pen name or anything?” Evander asked.

You nodded and told him the pen name youused specifically for your romance novels. Evander’s eyes lit up and his mouth opened.

“I love your work! The Maiden and the Serpent is my favorite of all time.”

Your heart sputtered. “Really?” You were growing excited yourself. “I’m working on a sequel!”

Evander’s eyes grew wet. “Don’t tease me like that.”

“I am, I swear,” you giggled.

Evander looked like an excited child on christmas morning. Ollie giggled and stepped forward.

“As cute as this scene is, I am trying to do my job.” They waved you over to come to your car. “I’ll give her back to you Evander when I give her the details.”

Evander cleared his throat and looked embarrassed. “Right. Of course! I’ll wait outside.”

Ollie smiled down at you. “You’ve made his year. Evander works so hard he rarely lets himself have any fun.” They walked you over to your car, and even looking inside during the daylight you had no clue what you were looking at.

“Luckily there isn’t anything horribly wrong, but with the external damage you’re going to need a few parts replaced. Your wheel is bent, your battery cracked, and I haven’t looked yet but your axel may be damaged as well. It’s nothing awful, but it is small things that will add up.”

You sighed. “Guess I better get to work then.”

“Will you be close by?” Ollie asked.

“My friend is about an hour away,” you muttered.

Ollie got a look on their face and they thought for a moment. “Maybe you should consider winding up here in Hearthway Hollow as a sign.”

You eyed them. “A sign?”

“We get lots of creatives here in town. They stay, create their works, and enjoy their time here. I don’t know what is happening in your life, but it sounds like you could use some time away from everything.”

You narrowed your eyes upon them. “Are you psychic or something?”

Ollie laughed. “I just have keen intuition. But if I am right, there are lofts for rent all over, and quite affordable if you plan on only staying a month or so.”

“That’s a good idea, but I’ll have to give it some thought.”

Ollie handed you a clipboard to sign and fill out. “Keep talking to Evander, he knows the pulse of this town. Plus since he’s a fan, I’m sure he’s eager to impress.” Ollie took the clipboard back and looked over the information. “I’ll call you when I have a definite answer on your car. It shouldn’t be too long.” he then held out a business card.

“Thank you so much.” You placed the card into your wallet.

You walked outside and took a deep breath, moving your mind from car issues, Luke issues, and then to the empty pit in your stomach. You remembered the cafe and hoped they could satisfy your need for caffeine and breakfast.

“Are you okay?”

You looked up at Evander and smiled. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for the help so far.”

His cheeks darkened. “Even if you weren’t my favorite writer, I still would have helped. Which uhm-”

“I’ll sign whatever books you have,” you chuckled. “Don’t be afraid to ask, I owe you one. I am hungry though, so I was going to go find something to eat.”

Evander’s eyes widened. “I can cook for you.”

“You don’t have to do that! You must be exhausted. I can find myself something to eat in town, I don’t want you to fret over me.”

Evander looked like he wanted to continue arguing but he stopped himself. “Alright. But uhm...the cafe up the street is good. But if you want a full meal then I suggest the Mexican grocery store further down. They have fresh tamales, but they sell out pretty quick.”

“That does sound good,” you said in thought. “I may try that first. Thanks again, and when you want, message me and we can meet so I can sign your books.”

Evander broke into a big smile. After saying goodbyes, you walked through downtown. You passed by the cafe, which looked really busy. There was a hobby shop, an old tool shop, and a florist that was setting up as you passed. The more you looked, the more perfect this place seemed.

After getting the tamales and the biggest cup of coffee you’d ever seen, you found a picnic table in the park. You sat down to eat, watching people walk their dogs, stroll with their kids, or cut through on their way to work.

You wondered why Luke never told you about this place. It was beautiful and peaceful, and so far had the best tamales you’d ever had. This place was like something from a fairy tale.

After your breakfast, you wandered down town, enjoying the shops and hearing the locals banter. You spent a couple of hours there, buying yourself a few things in the process. After a while, you made your way back to the motel.

Luke’s car was gone and the room was cleaned. There was a note taped to the screen of the television.

“Oh boy,” you sighed. You took the note and read it. There was a key taped inside.

“There’s so much I want to say to you. So much I know in my heart I need to. I just can’t. Not now anyways. I know it’s best I leave and keep my distance. I want you to do what is best for you, even if that means dating someone else. I’d still like to have that talk with you, but I think its best for both of right now if we put some distance between us. The key is to my house-”

You stopped there as the hair on the back of your neck bristled. “He has a fucking house?” You snarled.

You continued reading. “The key is to my house here in Hearthway Hollow. I know you’re probably angry at me for never telling you about it, but if you want it, you can have it. Use it to start something new and find some peace. You’ll only have the neighbor across the road, but Mero is a very sweet woman. She’s been taking care of things for me since I’ve been gone. Use it if you want. Take care of yourself, and know I will always love you.”

You folded the letter back up and stuffed it into your purse. You laid down on the bed and took a deep, heavy breath. Closing your eyes you drifted to sleep.

You had that dream again, the one you always do. A black goat is standing in front of you while you’re holding onto your childhood teddy bear. It’s white with a big red bow. The goat steps closer, rising on two legs and taking the shape of a man.

“My daughter,” he breathes. “My blood.”

From behind you, a man places his hand upon your shoulder. “He holds no power over us, little sister.”

“Robin, I’m scared,” you started to cry.

The goat man holds his arms out wide, asking for a hug. “You can carry on with me, daughter. You don’t have to be afraid of it. Embrace me. The me that’s inside you!”

The hand on your shoulder tightens. “Run-”

The black goat charges and when you try to whip around you run into someone. Looking up, you see it’s Evander. He looks so warm and welcoming you put your arms around him. You’re then kissing him, sitting on the counter of the diner. He presses close, you bite his neck, he moans into your ear. He pushes his hand up your bare legs and as he lowers himself, you grab onto the horns at the top of his head.

Your phone is ringing. You answer it, barely awake as you instantly answer. “H-hello?” Your voice cracked.

“It’s Evander, I hope I’m not bothering you.”

Your face grows warm as the last part of your dream comes into your head. You cough and sputter as you collect yourself. “No I uh...I accidentally fell asleep.” You looked into the mirror and saw someone standing behind you. You whipped around, but nothing was there. You rubbed your eyes and blamed it on the nap.

“I was wondering if you had any lunch plans?”

“Not really.” You stood up off the bed and your legs wobbled. “I do have this place I wanted to go see.” You turned on the light in the bathroom and examined your face.

“I can take you there if you want.”

Your face was warm, and you still felt the effects of your dreams. You were trying to shake it, but the more Evander spoke, the more flustered you became. “Can I call you back, Evander? I’m trying to wake up.”

“Oh sure! Go ahead! No rush.”

After hanging up the phone you washed your face and rinsed out your mouth. That dream had been with you since you were little, the part with the black goat anyways. You never knew what it meant. You were an only child, and had always been afraid of goats. After taking a few moments for the fog to lift you decide to call Evander. There was a text from Amy.

“Do you want me to come get you? Luke called me and said you may be staying.”

You thought for a moment. You could go and stay with Amy as planned, or you could take up Luke’s offer of using his house.