Chapter Text
Tracy was never the type to care about people.
But somehow, out of all the insufferably stupid people she had to deal with on a daily basis, only one of them seemed to charm her. It was back when she first started this job at P-Mart, and for reasons she didn’t exactly remember, her day was going terribly.
She was stocking shelves since it was a slow day, and she had to “look busy”. Her back was sore, feet were hurting, eyelids heavy, and at her wits end.
And then she heard her voice “do you need help there?” that soft delightful voice, full of warmth. Despite how much she hated other people, especially the kind she found roaming p-t stores, she had to admit that this was probably the most stunning woman she had seen in a long time.
She could tell she was taller than her, even when she herself was on her knees. The woman had blond spools of hair that let the sun twist through them in a way that made them glow. Her dress was purple with yellow spots, covering her from her wide shoulders, past her large belly, down to the bottom of her knees. Her hands holding onto a simple brown purse with a thin strap
Tracy shook her head, taking her eyes off her after staring for a second to long “Oh, I’m fine”
“Don’t be like that.” She said with a pout, getting on her knees beside her, already putting the cans of wet cat food on the shelves “You look half drained!” Looking Tracy in the eyes
Somehow, she managed to get a chuckle out of her “it’s just been a long shift” rubbing her cheek on her shoulder, trying to rid them of the warm feeling “I get off in a bit. I- I’ll be fine”
While they put the cans up together, Tracy couldn’t help but steal some glances. Her nails were painted this scarlet red that complimented her red heels. She had pearls around her wrists and neck, which Tracy could tell with a pleased sigh that they were fake. There was a dent molded into her ring finger from a ring that wasn’t there anymore
When the box was empty, they both stood and dusted themselves off. “Thank you for the help…” her words falling off without the other woman’s name
“Mrs.-“ the woman began, but cut herself short “…Ms. Moriah, or you could call me Maggie if you’d like.” She smiled
“Thank you, Ms. Moriah. I'm Tracy- or just Newkirk, I-I don't care” tripping over her words in a way that didn't feel like her typical blunt self, Her own voice more tender than its usual harsh tone “Is there anything I can help you with here in… P-Mart?” cringing and censoring the name, that “P word” felt like slur to her
“Oh, no thank you, I don't have any pets.” Ms. Moriah waved off with a fluttering hand “I have a son at home, and he’s enough of a handful.” spite hanging in her voice
Tracy didn't want this conversation to end just yet. Just looking at her and hearing her talk made her heart feel like it was going to beat right out her chest. That was a feeling she often had when she wanted to leap over the counter and punch someone- but she knew that this feeling wasn't the same, it felt nowhere nearly as bad and twice as good.
“We have a deal going on for the hamster cages" rubbing her sweaty palms on her sweat pants “buy one hamster and get half off on a cage” glancing behind her, then whispering “o-or don't, its just a scam in my opinion”
And in a buttery smooth voice “Well thank you for a heads up” she whispered back, and hummed the sweetest laugh that ratted her brain in the best way. “Now how about I offer you something I know would really help you?”
For the first time in a long time, Tracy couldn't say anything back. She just stood there looking stupid, face redder than she’d liked to admit, as Ms. Moriah dug in her purse, then handed her a pamphlet. With shaky hands, she took it and read it aloud
“...Boon county community church?”
“We would just love to have some new faces around.” bending down to her level, and brushing the bow of her hair wrap "you'd fit right into bible study”
She curled her lips in, not looking her in the eyes “im not-”
With her fingers, Ms. Moriah tilted her head up from her chin, as if she was her own child. “It's never too late to accept Christ into your life.” with a tinge of deranged desperation “I have not too long ago, and my purpose has never been more clear! Spread his gospel and follow his word!”
Tracy furrowed her brow and stepped away from her gentle touch "I'll think about it…” with a trained fake smile. And Ms. Moriah smiled at her in a way she hadn't seen in so long.
She didn't remember anything after that.
Today was like that very day. She knelt in the same spot, packing the same can of wet cat food that had been recalled last month for having lead inside it… just like the month before, and before that one… she couldn't believe people still brought this shit.
A part of her wished Ms. Moriah would appear beside her again, just so she could see her one more time… ugh, and to think she got over her. She never had a shot with a Christian mom who had to be over twenty years older than her- old enough to be her own mother
Tracy never did go to that church. She swore off religion as a whole a long time ago. Not just for animal rights reasons, but in favor of her own beliefs and morals. But she also never saw Ms. Moriah again. She never came back to preach to her, or to just strike up a conversation. yes, it would’ve been annoying, but then she could hear her again
When she was done stocking, she went to stand behind the counter again. Behind her was a bulletin board of flyers and posters, mostly grooming services, kitten photo ops, and store advertisements. But tucked beneath years of junk, was a missing kid poster.
A little boy by the name of Isaac O. Moriah. Just because he and Ms. Moriah had the same last name, didn't mean that was her son… right? She had known multiple Jones and Johnsons, and they weren't related. She hoped it was a coincidence.
Tracy slid down, resting her back on the counter, she closed her eyes and let her mind wander to hero fantasies. saving dogs from being tested on in labs, freeing tigers from roadside attractions, converting Ms. Moriah and beating up P-t lovers-
DING-RING
The sound of the bell above the door ringing scattered her thoughts. As if it was second nature, she stood up straight, smiled and made eye contact with the customer, ready to go on about today's deal-
Tracy blinked, her face falling to a shocked state “Ms. Moriah…?” she breathed out, looking at the larger woman in front of her. After all this time, it was her! …at least it looked like her
The woman before her had curly blonde hair that looked as if it hadn't been touched up since last month. Her dress was the same, but parts had been torn out and replaced with an orange spotted fabric. Her skin was pale as if she had fainted, and stitched together as if her skin was peeled off and crudely stapled back on.
Her eyes, which before were pointed ahead of her with a vacant dead look, turned down to look at her- one eye at a time. “It you…” her voice was dry and strained, but still had that charming ring to it. Her gaze darted down to the store clerk's nametag and stared for a moment “...Tracy, why look at you.” in a warm voice