Till Dark

The market was a bit crowded but that was forgotten as soon as Jordan got a whiff of the air. "This is heaven," she said as the aroma of breads and sweets filled her thirsty lungs. After a moment she found a restaurant next to a bakery and stood at the door waiting to be seated when she saw him. The same man who had delivered her food the night before. Fear crept up her back as she studied him. "He looks different somehow," she stated quietly to herself. Just then he looked up and saw her. His eyes locked with hers for a brief moment and he abruptly stood and began walking her way. Jordan thought about turning around and bolting from the restaurant but her stomach was growling now and she knew that she would not get very far as hungry as she was. He came face to face with her and smiled slowly. "Aren't you the lady I delivered dinner to last night? Room 3021 right?" Wordlessly Jordan nodded; fear still permitted her from speaking. "Would you care to join me I have just sat down and I've heard the wait is about thirty minutes. Jordan was about to decline his offer by saying that she was not hungry but her stomach made an unprecedented rumble at that very moment. "I guess I could do that. That is if you don't mind?" Her questioning eyes searched his pale blue stare for a moment before accepting his outstretched arm with a smile of acceptance.

A short and rather plump waitress appeared just as soon as they were seated. The waitress had big eyes and a round face. Her flat, mousy brown hair was twisted into a bun low in the back. Looking at Jordan first, she asked if they were ready to order. Jordan looked over at the waitress and inquired what type of breakfast they offered with scrambled eggs. The waitress rattled off a few different combinations and pointed them out to Jordan in the menu. After a few moments she settled with bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, and a side order of fresh strawberries and a cup of English breakfast tea. The gentleman, who had identified himself as Clark, watched her with a mixture of fascination and interest. The waitress turned her attention toward Clark and asked him what he would like to order. Clark rattled off a few items and cooking instructions as Jordan looked on wondering what it was about this man that made her feel so queasy and unsure. It must be the fact that it's been so long since I met anyone whom she truly liked; a year is a long time to go without having someone to care about and love she thought. Jordan and Clark spent the next hour talking about things like the weather to the farm where she had grown up. It was the most relaxing time she'd had since her arrival.