“Fiiine, the best,” I gave in.
“Good.” He gave me a beaming smile. “Now that we’ve settled that, let’s get this up for you.”
We spent the next few hours working, and alternating between helping customers. The black van was still there and I felt the dark-haired stranger’s eyes on me every time I moved outside my van. I just hoped he would move on soon.
Jerry and I stood and admired our finished work. I finally had insulation! It was such a small thing, but it felt like a huge accomplishment. This van was my home, and I was adding to it, making it better. Jerry and Betty had been more than kind to me, if everyone on Sutiner were as kind hearted as them, this would be the perfect world to live in.
“I’m off to dinner with my wife tonight, but I need to do some shopping first, you want to come?” Jerry asked.
“To town?” I asked for clarification.
“Yeah, I’ll drop you off here before going home.” He closed the doors to my van and looked back at me. “I figured it was time you saw the town. Perhaps you’d like to buy some clothes or something, and I have two hours of free time to help ya out.” It was kind of him, and I did need something new to wear. It wasn’t easy having only two outfits that needed washing. I hadn’t been here for more than a week, but I liked wearing clean clothes after a shower. Maybe I could find something in a thrift store, I truly didn’t care what I wore, I just wanted it to be clean. Maybe pick up some more detergent.
“I would love that,” I answered, sending him a beaming smile. “Do they have a thrift store or a discounted one maybe? I only have two outfits with me, and need something warmer for the next season,” I explained, locking my van and following him to his car. Ignoring the black van that was still parked, I entered the passenger side.
Jerry sat behind the wheel and looked over at me before starting it. “We do have a thrift store, but if you need something that’s more expensive, I can give you some of your pay ahead of time.”
“That’s kind of you, but I think I have enough for a few outfits, and I don’t care much about what I wear as long as it’s clean, warm,and comfortable.” It seemed I had gotten what estimated to be a month’s pay, though I believed it differed from where one worked like in my home world. But it seemed to be what Jerry would pay me monthly, and since I now had a job, I felt secure enough to spend it.
He nodded. “I think they’ll have that, hopefully in your size, too. Magda, who owns the store, loves helping, so she’ll likely follow your every move until we leave.”
I laughed. “I can’t wait to meet her.” I’d asked many questions about town, wanting to know more about the people and where Jerry and Betty lived. It was a small town with a tight-knit community, if I were to trust Jerry’s word on it, which I did. I actually found myself trusting them both completely. I’d wanted to work with art in some kind of way, but now I was happy to be working at a gas station for as long as possible, finally being around people who treated me as an equal. As a friend.
Like I finally mattered.
Jerry parked the car behind a few small stores, pointing out the thrift store, and further down the road there was a general store where I could pick up some cleaning products.
“I think some lights inside the van would do you good, too,” Jerry said, pointing to another store. “They have those fairy lights and other ones that run on batteries. And over there,” he pointed behind us. “Is a small bookstore. The owner, Harry, has all sorts of genres, so if you like reading maybe check that out, too.” I nodded, hoping I had enough money for all of it. I knew what stuff cost at the gas station, but not clothing or other things.
“I’ll start with the clothes,” I decided.
“Good choice. Do you want me to join you? I have a few errands myself, but I can start you out with a helping hand if needed.”
I shook my head, exiting the car. “I appreciate it, but maybe we can meet up once you’re done doing your thing, and you can help me with the rest then?”
“Sounds good.” He waved as he walked down the street towards a few other buildings. I only knew the bookstore was in that direction but nothing else. I didn’t want him to come with me in case I was lacking money. I knew he would offer me some of his, and he’d already done plenty for me. This way I would know what I had left and if I could afford lights and books. I really wanted the books, but without light it wouldn’t really matter. I suppose I could sit in frontand read, but I much preferred to be able to read on the mattress, propped up on some pillows and being all warm and cozy.
I took in the town as I got closer to Magda’s store. It was a cute, small town with lots of flower pots and trees planted in the open areas, making it even more adorable. The door had a bell attached that chimed when I entered. I spotted Magda right away. She was dressed in bright colors that didn’t match at all, but somehow it worked on her. She beamed my way and stood up to greet me.
“Oh my, aren’t you a handsome young man,” she gushed. “I’m Magda and you must be Niam.”
“How did you-”
“Betty,” she grinned. “She told all of us how sweet and adorable you are.”
“Oh.” Betty had been talking about me to her friends? My heart felt so full at that moment. Was this what it felt like to have true friends?I liked it.
“And don’t worry,” she continued, still smiling brightly. “She had only nice things to say.”
“I’m glad,” I smiled, hoping my eyes weren’t looking glassy. It was so weird being seen. Being cared for.
Sheclapped her hands, thankfully ignoring my nearly leaking eyes. “What are you looking for?”
“Um, clothes that’ll fit me,” I replied. “And maybe some for colder weather, too.”
“What’s your style?” she asked, already looking through the racks for something.
“Um, something that’ll fit and won’t be too uncomfortable,” I replied. I had no idea what size I was in this world, so I just added I didn’t know my actual size. She tutted around, making a pile of stuff for me to try on in the only changing room she had. I felt eyes on me and let my gaze track where they came from. Creepy Steve was staring at me from outside the store. I had to admit he was handsome,and probably also dangerous; I had to remember that part. I hadn’t survived for a week just to be killed by tall, dark, and handsome, no thank you.
