Human Blend Read Free

one,” Julie corrected her.
    The woman looked up at them and then
rephrased herself. “One adult, would you like full, queen, king, or
suite?” she asked.
    “I don't need much room, a full is fine,”
Julie said.
    “It's seventy five a night plus tax. How long
will you be staying?” Patricia asked.
    “I would like three nights, please,” Julie
requested.
    The clerk handed Julie a form. “Thank you.
Please fill out the top of this. Will you be paying cash or credit
card?” the clerk asked.
    “Cash,” Julie replied, filling out the paper
quickly. Patricia took the form and entered Julie's information and
printed out a copy. She circled the amount Julie owed. Julie
counted out the money from her pocket and paid in full for the
room.
    “Thank you, Miss Miller. Your room is number
205. Would you like me to call you a bell hop to show you the way?”
the clerk asked.
    “No, thank you,” Julie answered.
    “Okay, then just take the stairs to your
right and at the top of the stairs, make another right. Your room
is the third door down,” the clerk instructed. Julie took the room
key that Patricia handed her. She was surprised that it was an
actual key instead of a card that most hotels seem to be so fond of
using. “Enjoy your stay,” the clerk said before continuing on with
another task.
    Julie grabbed her bag and started for the
stairs. She turned around and noticed Austin hanging back, his
hands shoved into his pockets.
    “I'm just gonna be a few minutes. You're
welcome to come up,” Julie called to him.
    “Um, yeah, sure. I've always been curious as
to what the rooms looked like,” he said, approaching her. Together
they made their way up the staircase.
    Room 205 was the third door on the right,
just as the clerk had stated.
    Julie unlocked the door and pushed it open
wide before stepping inside. Upon entering, she passed the bathroom
that contained a full bath. Further inside was a small but very
quaint room with matching drapes and bedspread. Over the full bed
was a canopy with a lace trimmed sheer covering. The room was very
warm and cozy.
    Julie put her duffel bag on top of the
dresser table that faced the bed and went to the lone window. She
pulled open the drapes and looked down below. Her room looked down
upon Main Street. She turned back to Austin.
    “You never saw the inside of this place, and
you lived here all your life?” she asked.
    Austin shrugged his shoulders, “I never
really gave it much thought,” he answered.
    Julie accepted his response and turned back
to the window. She reached up and unlocked the clasp and lifted it
open, letting in fresh air. She closed her eyes and breathed in the
freshness. When she opened them again, Austin was standing beside
her. They stared at each other for a few moments before Austin
raised his hand, brushing back a loose strand of hair that had
fallen out of her pony tail.
    “What are you running from?” Austin asked,
softly.
    Julie gave a quick smile, “I must be a mess.
I'm gonna go freshen up,” she said.
    She moved quickly away from Austin's
perceptive eyes and opened her duffel bag. She pulled out a smaller
bag and headed into the bathroom.
    “I'll just be a minute,” Julie said, and
closed the door.
    Julie placed her hands on the edge of the
vanity and hung her head. Intuitive little tour guide , she
sighed. Julie raised her head and looked in the mirror. I am a
mess , she thought. She removed her rubber band from her hair
and brushed it.
    Tread carefully , she admonished. She
hated the lies, although they were necessary to her survival. She
decided diversion was the right plan of action. She splashed cool
water on her face, and patted it dry. Taking a deep breath, she
went back into the room.
    Austin stood near the window. He was leaning
against the wall, his arms and ankles crossed. He said nothing to
her, just looked thoughtful.
    Julie kicked off her sneakers and sat down on
the end of the bed.
    “Tell me about Hungry Mother Park,”