Page 22 of Behind the Cascades
I swallow down the emotions but my eyes definitely feel a little misty. “Perfect. Thank you so much. Is there anywhere you recommend for dinner?”
“Definitely the SnowPeak diner; it’s on Main Street, right in the middle of town. Best milkshakes you’ve ever had and the burgers aren’t bad either. There’s a path that you can use to walk there if you feel like stretching your legs.”
I nod and smile, not able to say anything else. Without realizing it, she just handed me the third sign that I belong here. Anytime we would have a bad day, my dad would say, “There’s no problem a burger and a shake can’t fix, and if it can’t fix it, at least you had a burger and a shake.” Sage words of wisdom to any small child, but it was always our thing. Lost a game? Burger and a milkshake. Bad grade? Burger and a milkshake. Mom’s pissed because we forgot to thaw the frozen chicken, like she asked? Burger and a milkshake.
After I parked the motor home, I took a little extra time getting everything set up. It’s hot outside, but the dry heat feels good on my skin after three days of sitting in air conditioning. Taking Jessie’s advice, I decided to walk the trail. I took my time, enjoying the much needed serenity that Central Oregon was bringing me.
I expected to feel the same unsafe feeling I’ve been having once I got into town but it never came. The town itself oozes charm; the buildings look like they were built a hundred years ago but are well taken care of. People continued to stroll down the sidewalks, smiling and having a good time. It wasn’t that I was ignored, but no one seemed to look at me longer than to offer a friendly smile.
The small diner was busy but I was lucky enough to get a table off to the side. The waitress took my order in a rush, smiling and assuring me it’d be right out. I got a little lost watching her work. The system she had to manage the rush wasmemorizing. Every customer looked happy as she glided from table to table, delivering food. All of the locals greeted each other and all of the tourists settled in as if they were home.
For the first time since the Carter incident, I looked around a crowded room and felt safe.
I may actually stick around.
Chapter Fifteen
Charlie
The next morning, I woke up later than I had in weeks. My body’s natural response to this place had me crashing hard and sleeping harder. So hard, there was drool pooling on my pillow.
I decided last night that I wanted to stay an extra day or two and just meander through the town. On my walk last night, I looked through the windows of the local stores and fell in love with the art and gift shops. Today, I’m allowing myself to explore and see what else is around. See if last night was a fever dream or if this place really does have a little healing power.
As soon as I got back into town, the uniqueness that drew me in yesterday hit me again. Traffic slows as cars drive down Main Street, but it doesn’t seem as if anyone is in a hurry. Locals and tourists vibe with such ease that I can’t tell which is which. It’s a Thursday, but it seems like every day is a weekend here.I freaking love it.
The first store I went into was a clothing store that only sold alpaca apparel. Everything was made from alpaca wool—socks, gloves, jackets, and blankets. All things made locally bythe owner and her family. I spent nearly an hour talking to Camila, the owner's daughter, about their farm and why her parents ended up settling in Oregon. If I wasn’t ‘ballin’ on a budget’ and summer wasn't right around the corner, I could’ve bought the entire store. Instead, I left with a pair of hiking socks and the potential of a new friend.
Out of my peripheral vision, I look up just in time to see an older woman step off the curb. I watch in what feels like slow motion as her foot goes one way and her body goes the other. Within a blink, she’s falling into the road.
I immediately sprint to her side and crouch down in front of her. "Ma'am! Ma'am, are you okay?"
Before she answers, I quickly look around our surroundings to make sure there aren’t any cars coming. Luckily, this is a side street and it’s empty. The last thing we need is to be hit by a car that doesn’t see us.
She gingerly tries to roll to her side and holds her wrist for support while groaning. "Oh, sweet heavens.” Her wrist is already swelling and turning colors.
I stand up and look around just as a police officer starts driving by on Main Street. Without thinking, I move into action. Throwing my hands in the air, I practically jump in front of the moving vehicle. It isn’t going fast enough to cause any real damage if it hits me, but in hindsight, probably not my safest idea.
The officer slams on his breaks and throws his hands in the air, looking at me incredulously.
When he gets out, the sight of him almost takes my breath away. He looks like Captain America meets an angry Ken Doll. Tall, blonde, and blue-eyed with perfect straight white teeth.
"What are you doing?" His tone isn’t angry but it’s definitely not happy either. Then again, I just threw myself in front of his moving vehicle.
"I am so sorry, sir! This woman just fell and I think she needs medical attention." I point toward the woman, who is still barely able to support herself.
He glances over, now noticing the fallen woman. "Elise! You okay?"
She shakes her head but says, "I'll be fine, Danny."
Instead of standing there any longer, I move back to my original spot kneeling in front of her as he radio’s something in.
I talk to her softly, like I would if she were my own grandmother. "Ma'am, we really should have a professional check you over. You took quite a fall. Can I call someone for you?"
"Don't you worry, honey. I'm sure ole Sergeant Turner is already calling my husband Calandthe rest of the town." She gives him a stern look, and he smirks in response.
Walking over to us, he says, "Let's get you out of the road, and then I'll make those calls."
He grips under her waist and I grab the elbow of the uninjured arm, hoping to help balance. She limps a little while holding her wrist close to her chest. As soon as she’s sitting on the bench, my body relaxes a fraction.
