Saving Annabelle (1)

If you haven't read the intro, you might want to go back to it first. It really helps!  :)  Still in the editing phase of it all, you guys. So sorry if it's not that great.

Saving Annabelle

The tears were beginning to obstruct her view of the road and it was getting late. She knew she needed to stop soon. One look at the gas needle only confirmed that thought, and she pulled into the next thing even resembling a town.

Annabelle wasn't one to admit defeat, but here she was, stranded, in the middle of nowhere with no food or gas and only sixty bucks in her pocket. At the very least, she was between a rock and a hard place. The little money she had could get her a little further, but her poor body screamed in protest at the thought of driving anymore. The need for sleep had outweighed the hunger, which was now no more than a numb feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She knew that she couldn't afford a fancy hotel, not that this little town even had one. What looked to be a quiet little inn up the road offered solace to Annabelle's tired heart, which was holding up well, considering the beating it had taken this year. The loss of her husband was enough to make the world crumble from underneath her, but she had found comfort in knowing she still held a piece of him, until that, too, was taken from her. The loss of the child she was carrying was still a fresh tear in her heart, and it seemed to be bleeding even now.

Annabelle killed the car. Grabbing the only suitcase she had given herself time to pack and checking to be sure the money was still in her pocket, she prepared to go inside. It was a quaint little place, and the doorbell chimed as she entered, giving notice to a short, elderly lady at the counter.

"You're new in town," she stated simply, leaving no doubt that it was not a question. She seemed to be summing Annabelle up with her long, prodding glances, and it made her slightly uncomfortable.

"Yes. How did you know?" Annabelle asked, with a small, nervous laugh.

"I haven't seen you before," said Bessie. Annabelle was now close enough to read her name tag. "I don't know if you've noticed yet, honey, with it bein dark and all, but Delton's not exactly a big place."

"Oh. Well, um, do you have any rooms available? I only have sixty dollars. I hope that's enough."

"Don't worry, hon. It's only fourty for th night." Bessie took Annabelle's money, then led her to the room and handed her the key. "You look like you could use some sleep. It should be pretty quiet. Don't get many visitors here 'cept for the summer time, when the fishing is good. The only people who come through Delton this time of year are either visiting a local... or running from something." With that, Bessie closed the door to Annabelle's room. As she neared her desk, she whispered to herself, "and I can bet which one you are."