Quest for Food

Alex awoke to the sound of seagulls laughing and the roar of the waves. Standing up she shook off the thin layer of sand that had blown on her throughout the night. Judging from the sun’s position it was still early morning. Looking out over the expanse of the ocean she couldn’t resist the “little girl” impulse to run into the water. Scanning the beach she saw that she was totally alone. Quickly she removed her clothing and bounded down into the frothy water. She let out a little screech as the cool water quickly engulfed her. Her eyes watered with the stinging pain of her many lacerations as they came in contact with the salt water. If she thought she was dead before, she now knew with certainty that she was very much alive. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so she did both. Diving under the waves she discovered a whole other world. Small fish of various shapes and color flitted about along the reef. Alex wished that she could hold her breath longer, not wanting to break this magical moment. Her lungs burning with pain, she finally came up gasping for air. Never had she felt so alive.

Feeling sufficiently clean and refreshed, Alex emerged from the water with a smile on her face. The cool breeze coming off of the water produced goose bumps all over her exposed skin. Quickly she donned the clean shirt she had put on yesterday. Reaching into one of the saddle bags she pulled out a fresh pair of britches and slid them on. Feeling the warmth of the sand between her toes, she didn’t mind the absence of shoes. Pulling out a piece of jerky she sat on the beach a while longer enjoying the scenery.

Knowing that the day wasn’t getting any younger, Alex reluctantly packed up her belongings and began walking westward as the cat had directed her. It was close to noon when she spotted the first house up on the hillside overlooking the beach. Soon the water front was lined with houses and buildings. Seeing a set of stairs leading up from the sandy shore, Alex left her tranquil surroundings. As she came to the top landing the sights and sounds that welcomed her were overwhelming. People walked about in strange clothes or rode in any number of motor vehicles that rushed about the street. The street was lined with houses of various colors yet they all some how looked alike. Not a horse was to be seen, just people everywhere. “I hate cities.” Grumbled Alex to herself glaring as yet another motor vehicle drove past.

The sound of her stomach rumbling helped her decide where to go first – a diner. But where? “Excuse me, mam, but ...” the lady gave Alex a disdainful look and walked on. “How rude” muttered Alex. Seeing a man emerge from one of the houses she approached him with her query, “Excuse me, sir, I’m looking for a place to eat…”

“I don’t give handouts, girl. Get a job.” With an arrogant sniff he flagged down a yellow vehicle and disappeared.

Feeling both embarrassed and dejected, Alex decided to try and find a place to eat on her own. Repositioning her saddle bags on her shoulder she worked her way carefully through the bustling streets. The houses gradually gave way to store fronts and tall buildings. She felt sure that she was in the right area to find a meal.

After walking a few more blocks she spotted a sign that read ‘Hungry Man’s Hub’. Stopping just outside the door she breathed in the aroma of various foods causing her stomach to growl with hunger yet again. She had her hand on the door knob ready to go in when a small white paper taped in the window of the door caught her attention.

No shirt
No shoes
No service

Looking down at her bare feet she released her grip on the door and continued walking. Crossing yet another street, she found herself standing in front of a quaint little place with a white picket fence running along the edge of the side walk. On a white heart shaped sign was printed ‘Nelly’s Bed and Breakfast’. Feeling drawn to it, Alex followed the walk way up to the building’s door. Glancing at the various windows, she was relieved not to see any ‘no service’ papers. Gently opening the door Alex walked in as the tinkling sound of the bells above the door announced her arrival.

A short plump woman hurried into the foyer wearing an apron around her large waist and drying her hands on a yellow dish towel. “Hello, dear, how can I be of help to you today?” asked the woman with big smile on her ruddy face.

“I’m looking for some food and maybe a place to stay for a few nights.”

“Then you came to the right place. I just need you to sign the registry here and I’ll give you a room.” Moving to a little desk the woman opened a drawer and pulled out a flowered ledger. Opening the book to the appropriate page she turned it to face Alex while handing her a pen. “Just write your name and address right here, dear, and a phone number if you have one.”

Alex hesitated for a moment “I don’t have an address” she admitted to the woman turning a bit pink.

“Oh, I see. Well, your name will do just fine then. It will be four sheckles a night, dear.”

Alex hadn’t thought about the money being different. Reaching into her saddle bag she pulled out the purse containing the cold coins and poured a few into her hand “Will this do?”

The woman’s eye’s turned as big as saucers “Are those real, dear?” Alex shook her head in the affirmative. “In that case, one gold coin a night will do.” Alex handed over one of the coins and returned the rest to their proper place.

Having done this the woman showed Alex up the stairs to her bedroom, chattering all the while. “I serve breakfast at 8 and dinner at 6, lunch is left for you to figure out. There are two bathrooms – one for men and one for women – yours is at the very end of the hall on the left. The living room, kitchen, and dinning room are open for your use but I do charge extra if you take food from my stock. This here’s your room.” Unlocking the door Alex entered the most beautiful room she had ever seen. Lace curtains covered the two windows along with a white pull down shade. A long cherry wood dresser covered one wall. Above it hung an oval mirror in an ornate frame. The huge bed was covered in a white floral print comforter with several pillows adorning it. A small writing table and chair were positioned in front of one of the windows.

“This is beautiful!” Exclaimed Alex as she stepped into the room looking over everything. “What is that?” She asked pointing to a large black box mounted on the wall opposite the bed.

“Why, it’s a TV of course!” Laughed the woman. “You’ll find the remote on the nightstand.” With that she closed the door. Alex heard her muttering to herself as she walked down the hall, something about how strange these kids are now days.

Walking over to one of the windows, Alex peered out into the street below, happy to finally be away from the noise and commotion. Placing her saddle bags on top of the dresser she pulled out another piece of jerky frowning at the noticeable depletion of her food source. “At least I can count on a good meal tonight.” Reaching into the other bag she pulled out the little box, caressing it’s smooth lid. Sitting down on the edge of the bed she opened the box once again feeling its calming sensation wash over her.