Chapter Two

The rain was pelting down so hard, Mia wrapped her coat tighter around her skinny body. Dragging the suitcase from the backseat and reaching for the shopping she had just bought, she locked the car up and made her way to the hotel. It did not look perfect by any means, but it was far better than sleeping in the car. At least she could have a hot bath and a decent night sleep before continuing her journey.

The hotel looked old and abandoned but the sign outside the door read open for buiness sl she took her chances. Pushing the creaky door open, a bell above her head sounded causing a lady at the front desk to turn from the book she was engrossed in. Mia immediately felt uncomfortable as the women eyed her suspiciously.

“Hello, can I help you?” She huffed noticing the suitcase Mia was holding in her hand.

Mia stood silent for a moment trying to gather her thoughts.

“Do you want a room or are you just going to stand there all night?” The woman sighed and rolled her eyes as she stood up from her leather chair and came towards Mia.

The woman was wearing a black blazer and knee length skirt along with black slip on shoes. She was around fifty years old and had her hair tied back in a neat pony tail. On her blazer she wore a name tag that Mia noticed said Maria.

“Good evening, I was wondering if you have a room for the night, please?.” The woman was taken aback by Mia’s politeness. She nodded and gestured for her to come on in.

“We have a room with en-suite. I will take you to it. Then perhaps you would like to join me for dinner, since it’s a quiet night?” The woman smiled warmly at Mia.

“My name is Maria. Forgive my frosty welcoming but we don’t get many guests here at the moment since, well never mind. It’s nice to have you.”

Mia shook her hand and smiled back wondering what it would be like to have a proper job like this woman had. Your own money and freedom. Nobody to boss you around and demand all the time.

“Thanks.”

Maria nodded as she showed Mia to her room. It was on the second floor and the lift was out of order so the steps were the only way up. Mia did not mind because she was just excited for a bath and a good sleep. Since she had been driving for so long now and felt like she deserved a good rest.

“Well I will let you settle in. There is lasagne for dinner if you like that.” Maria told her guest kindly. Mia grinned and nodded. The last time she had eaten something decent like that was probably months ago when her stepfather had been nice for a change. He was rarely nice to her, mainly when he had bought a woman home for the night and wanted to impress her.

“Maria?” Mia called after the woman.

“Yes dear?” Maria smiled.

Mia shifted from one foot to the other not sure what to say but then decided against it.

“Umm, thanks for your help. You have been very kind to me.”

Maria nodded and closed the door behind her, leaving Mia to relax for a little while.

Mia grabbed a fresh pair of tracksuit bottoms, clean underwear, socks and a jumper. Then she switched on the shower and jumped in. The feel of the hot water on her body was like heaven for her. She let the water cover her entire body before lathering body wash all over her and then washing her long hair. Rinsing it out she stood there for a few moments and then reached for a towel. She wrapped it around her body and switched off the shower. Walking into the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed and started to brush her long hair. She forgot how great it felt to be fresh and clean. Drying herself she pulled on her clean clothes and then made her way back down the stairs to the dining hall. Maria was already waiting with two hot steaming plates of lasagne and two big glasses of coco cola. Mia’s eyes widened at the sight of it, it smelt delicious and her tummy rumbled loudly in desperation as she made her way towards the table.

“I trust you enjoyed your shower.” Maria chuckled to which Mia nodded with such enthusiasm. Maria could not help but feel a little sorry for the young girl sitting in front of her, something about her spelt a rough life.

“So, what brings you here?” Maria dared to ask as Mia shovelled a forkful of food into her mouth.

“I just needed a fresh start.” Mia told her, she did not want to go into to much detail. She barely knew the woman despite her kindness so far.

“Anywhere in particular?” Maria continued to question her. She knew Mia was not telling her the whole truth but she was starting to feel a little concerned at how nervous and hungry Mia seemed to be.

“No, just wherever the road takes me.” Mia replied pushing her empty plate away and sipping her drink.

She felt full and satisfied from that lovely meal and was grateful to Maria.

“Do your parents know where you are?” Maria looked curious and Mia’s heart sunk. She did not want to have to explain her situation. What if Maria sent her back there or worse, they came for her. A part of her wanted to get up and run to the car and disappear while the other side of her said it would be fine. Maria did not seem untrustworthy, but then she barely knew her.

“Mia, I can smell you’re fear and see how nervous you are. I have a friend who can help you, if you are in trouble.” Maria grabbed both of her hands and assured her that she could trust her.

Mia was uncertain but eventually she dropped her shoulders and told Maria everything that had happened.

Maria was shocked upon hearing Mia’s story. Who the hell were these people! Her blood was boiling inside and she wanted to rip them apart for causing so much pain and upset to this poor innocent young life.

“Mia, everything will be ok. My friends, Fiona and David. They will look after you. I feel that you will fit in perfectly with them. You know, you’re a rare kind of special .. well anyway, please let me introduce you to them first thing tomorrow morning.” Maria said. Mia instantly agreed and surprisingly she felt a lot better for having let it all out. Finally someone who believed her and wanted to help.

But, she could not help but wonder what Maria meant when she said Mia was a rare kind of special.

That night Mia fell right to sleep for the first time in ages. No nightmares or anyone trying to break into her room.