Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

"No.” My teeth begin to chatter. I step out of the car so I can move back into the driver's seat. I get a better look at them and they seem genuinely concerned.

"Oh my God. He needs a beating, whoever he is,” the man growls.

"Have you been to the doctor?" the woman asks. My face aches, but it’s because I’m not comfortable. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in days.

"No, but I'm fine. It's been days, and I'd rather not be asked for identification." A look of understanding comes over their faces.

"Well, follow us in and we'll give ya a place to sleep tonight."

“Um…” I don’t even know their names.

“Sorry. We’re all trying to get you to come with us without even knowing our names. I’m John Morrison, and this beauty is my wife, Louisa.” Oh my. Can she really be the woman? From what I can remember, they do have a resemblance.

“Would you have a relation named Marisa?”

“I do. Oh my goodness. Are you the one she mentioned?”

“I didn’t think she’d tell you my name.”

“No, she didn’t, but that she gave a young woman running from someone my address.”

“I don’t want to put you out. I’m just trying to get away. I hate the cold, so this would be the last place they would look for me.”

“My sister didn’t mention your name. Can you at least tell me your first name?”

“Ava. I appreciate any hospitality. It’s been a rough five days.”

“Of course, darling. Follow us.”

"Thank you," I stutter through the cold.

I follow them back to a nice house a few miles away that’s the address on the paper.

"Come in, Ava. Welcome to our home. I'm going to get you some blankets. The sofa is extremely comfortable and long enough for your tiny self." She walks quickly, coming back a moment later with a large comforter and a pillow. "You probably won't need these, but just in case."

"Our small children are with my parents right now, so we were out Christmas shopping and then we went on a date."

"I'm sorry that I'm interrupting your night."

"God, no. It's not a big deal. I'll just put my hand over her mouth,” John says, grabbing her waist.

"John," she says, slapping his arm. Looking at me, she adds, "Sorry about him. He has no manners."

"That's okay." I accidentally let out a yawn. "I'm sorry."

"No, we woke you up." She reaches up and touches the side of my face near my black eye. I flinch, then relax. "The bastard. I'm not a doctor, but even I can see that you're in a lot of pain. I do have some Advil or Tylenol."

"Either would be great." I sigh. "I can't thank you two enough for your kindness." She leaves the room to get the meds.

"So you're from Indiana?" John asks.

"I am, but I don't ever plan to go back. I need to find a place to live temporarily." They are nice, but I’m not ready to reveal my life story. If she didn’t give her sister my name, that means they don’t know who I really am. Not that I’m special, but my dad is a famous Federal Attorney.

"Cunningham Falls is a fantastic place to live,” he adds.

"Do you think there's a place that is willing to hire under the table? I know that's terrible, but if my name is out there, they might come for me." I’m almost in tears. Damn it. I’m losing it. There’s a chill running through my body.

"I'm sure we can find something,” John says.

"Here you go, dear," she says, coming back with a bottle of Advil and water.

"I honestly can't thank you enough."

Louisa gives me a gentle hug. "Good night, Ava,” John says with a wink. Before she can say goodnight, he scoops her up and carries his wife upstairs while she giggles. I take the pills and then curl up on the sofa, easily falling asleep.

The orange sky wakes me up and I stretch. Standing up, I walk to the window to see the sun rise over the large trees. "Goodness, this is beautiful." The only thing that would make it better is a large cup of coffee. I sigh. They were right. There’s something about this place that feels like home. I can’t even explain it.

I stand there for another minute and then remember my clothes are in the car and I probably shouldn’t be a lazy bump on a log. Slipping my coat on, I walk outside and grab my duffle that I use as a personal travel kit. Once I freshen up, I fold my blanket and set the pillow on top of it, fluffing up the cushions on the back of the sofa. With a sigh, I grab my water glass and take it to the kitchen.

John and Louisa must still be in bed. As I wash out my glass, an idea hits me so I check their fridge. It’s Christmas Eve so I’m sure they have so many things to do, so making them a meal hopefully will help. I’ve rarely spent any time in a kitchen at home, but for the past three years in college, I’ve secretly had a job at a local diner. Perhaps I can cook for them. They have everything I need to make French toast casserole and eggs with homemade hash browns. I'm almost done when I hear footsteps.