Chapter One - Getting to know Her
As volunteer at the local food Kitchen I had become accustom to seeing many women popping in for a hot meal. One regular in particular I especially had a soft spot for; youngish always dressed in the same tank-top and jeans. She rarely had much to say, a faint Thank-you after being served were the only words I actually heard from her. Her lithe stature was just as unassuming as her demeanor; even I who barely broke 5 ft had at least an inch or 2 on her. She would sit alone quietly eat her meal then make it a point to thank me again as she left. I often wondered what caused her to find the world she was returning to.
One particular evening she arrived near the end of dinner service as we were just clearing up, unfortunately we had nothing left to offer her;
"Sorry Lass, we are just shutting down for the evening."
"That's OK." she whispered, making her way to the door.
I couldn't help but feel bad for this young lady and quickly removed my apron and grabbed my purse.
"Hey, if you're not too busy, I was just about to knock of and grab a bite to eat, you're welcome to join me, my treat."
"Thank you, but I'm not comfortable with that, not exactly dressed for the occasion." She looked up at me her brown eyes bereft of expectation;
"This is embarrassing but you wouldn't happen to have a spare tampon would you?"
"Sorry, not with me but I have some back at my place, it's only three blocks from here why don't we take a walk over there and we can get you fixed up, would you like that?"
"Are you sure?" She responded meekly; looking over her shoulder as if she couldn't believe I was speaking to her.
"What's your name Lassie?" I responded.
"Dawn."
"Pretty name for a pretty girl. Yes, I am definitely sure. My friends call me Liz... so you can call me Liz." I smiled taking her hand. She quickly pulled away;
"I'm sorry Liz but I don't like that."
"I understand. Look if you rather I can just grab what you need and you can wait outside."
"Thank you Liz, that's probably for the best."
Without any further conversation we walked to my flat, she shuffled nervously as I put my key into the door;
"Are you sure you don't want to come in, I sure could use some company."
"I...well, I she stammered."If you think it'll be OK."
"Sure it will be." I answered with a smile. "C'mon in."
I opened the door and motioned her in, taking off her shoes before entering, she tentatively made her way in;
"It's rather stark but cozy enough so, let's get you fixed up shall we? The loo is to the right, feel free to wash up. Fresh towels are in the cupboard, anything else you may need is under the sink."
"Really?" She looked up at me in disbelief.
"Just throw your things into the hamper if you want your clothes laundered. You're definitely not my size but, I may have a T-shirt that can work as a nightshirt for you to put mean if your not in any hurry."
"I have no plans... go figure."
"Lovely, I'll fix us a drink, then."
Dawn looked down at the floor, then blurted;
"Why are you being so nice to me?" "You feel sorry for me or something? Sorry, but I can't take anyone feeling sorry for me."
"I just thought you could use a friend, everyone deserves a bit of kindness in their lives, wouldn't you agree?"
"Some do but, I don't trust unsolicited kindness; there's always something attached to it. Why don't you just come clean and tell me what you really want from me."
I looked up at her wistfully;
"You're a person that has run into a rough patch perhaps a bit kindness and understanding can help improve matters."
"Not that I'm ungrateful but, a nice bath and a plug is not going to improve the mess I am in."
"Well we all have our challenges Dawn; I have many of my own."
Dawn scanned my flat then responded somewhat sarcastically;
"Really, well that's quite interesting; I'd love to hear what those challenges are."
"No, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't, not yet anyway."
Dawn laughed;
"Well we can take Food and shelter off the list, leaves family friends or health
Issues..."
"Well I suppose it would fall into the
Friends
or
Lack there of
category, I volunteer at the kitchen because I'm a bit of a shut-in so it gives me the opportunity me to positively interact with the human world."
"Oh and how's that working out for you."
"Not so well, up until today perhaps. I've had my eye on you for quite sometime."
"Ahhh, so that's why you're being nice to me...well let me just say your taste in woman needs work, a lot of work. Seriously why me?
"You're quiet and well mannered, and you seem a care-free spirit, my mother would have called you a "Hippy."
"Ya I know, my Mom was one - peace, love and all that jazz. I guess back then I definitely would have been one of those flower-child types too, but the world is a much different place now. Hard to find peace sucking back exhaust fumes under the motorway hoping your house won't blow away while you sleep. Harder to find Love when 95% of people ignore the fact that I even exist."
"Indeed, but given the right circumstances that can change, and take it from a gal who knows; Love cannot be found if you are not open to it."
"Ya well I have a laundry list of other priorities, Love is not one of them."
"I understand Dawn; I can help you with those priorities if you're open to it."
"You can, can you? What's the catch?"
"Come into to the parlor, have a seat I'll fix us a drink. What's your pleasure?"