by B L Maxwell
I looked at the other items they had in this section and saw a few things I thought might make his nights and days a little more bearable. I stopped myself before I bought anything else. I’ll wait and see how he is tomorrow, maybe I can talk to him and ask him what he needs. I made my way to the checkout, and as I drove home, I smiled. I wanted the small things I did to give him a little hope, because helping him somehow gave me a sense I wasn’t as alone as I felt, like I had been since my mom died.
Sleep came fast that night, after not sleeping well the night before. I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow. When my alarm went off, I rubbed my eyes, trying to wake up. Then I caught sight of the bag that held the socks I’d bought the night before, and I bounded out of bed and into the shower. This was a better day so far, I hoped it was the same for him.
“Hey, Tommy, you’re here early,” Bruce called out from where he stood behind the grill.
“Hey, man. Yeah, I was done with class early and thought I’d stop by and see if you needed me a little earlier.”
“You know I can always use more help.” I tried to focus on what he was saying without sneaking a peek at the door. I’d just come in that way, but I hadn’t seen the guy today. “I saw him out there earlier.” The tightness in my chest I hadn’t realized was there loosened.
“I brought him some socks, his clothes are pretty basic, and it’s going to be freezing in a couple of weeks.”
“Sooner than that, it’s supposed to rain by Friday,” Bruce said matter-of-factly, and I felt a cold chill run down my back. “He’ll be okay, kid. He’s been living rough for a while by the looks of him, he’ll know what to do.”
I nodded and got busy with the dishes, keeping any leftovers I thought he’d like. “You don’t have to do that,” Bruce said from over my shoulder.
“I’m sorry, I thought it would be okay since we usually throw it out.”
“It’s okay, but I don’t mind comping him a hot meal when you’re here. You’re a good kid, you work your ass off, and if you can help that kid out, so can I. It’s good to remember where you came from.” I didn’t understand what he meant by that, but the question was gone with another thought of the weather changing.
“Thanks, Bruce, that’s nice of you. I don’t mind paying either.”
“I know you don’t, and that’s why you’re not going to.” I nodded and went back to the dishes. It was busy for a weeknight, but the downtown area was like that. One night it was dead, then the next crazy busy. But busy was good. The night flew by, and I finished the last of the dishes as Bruce got busy scrubbing the grill. “Hey, Tommy, go ahead and take that out to him.” He tipped his chin at a container I hadn’t noticed on the counter nearest the door.
“What is it?”
“Something that’ll warm him up, there was extra stew left from the special, so I made him a nice big bread bowl. Should fill him up pretty good. Go grab something for him to drink too. We might as well do this right.” He winked at me and went back to scrubbing.
“Thanks, Bruce, I’ll be right back.” I went into the office and grabbed the bag of socks, then picked up the food and a soda from the kitchen. As I turned my back to the door to open it, Bruce gave me a look I couldn’t interpret, before he went back to scrubbing.
The dumpster was where it usually was and tucked behind it I could see the blanket I’d left the night before. I started to just leave the things again but thought better of it. “Hello? My name is Tommy. I’m the one who was here last night.” I listened, but there was no movement, nothing to indicate he was even there. “Hello?” I tried again and waited.
This time I heard movement, and he poked his head out and looked at me. “What do you want?” he asked, so softly I had to concentrate on every word to hear it.
“Nothing, nothing at all. I just want to help if I can. I know it’s going to get colder so I brought you some socks. I hope they help. Bruce sent you out some stew.” I set it all down on top of the dumpster between us. For a moment, he just stared at me. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but eventually he opened the bag the socks were in and looked at them.
“I can’t take these,” he started to say, but I cut him off.
“Yes, you can, I want to help. Please.” Once again, he pinned me with his gaze, then nodded before turning to put the bag behind him.
“Thank you, I can’t pay you back, I’m sorry.” He looked so ashamed. He obviously needed help, but it seemed to go against everything in him to accept it.
“I don’t expect you to, but maybe someday you won’t have to live out here.”
“Maybe,” he said as he blew on his cupped hands. Then he grabbed the food and drink before turning, and once again disappearing behind the dumpster. Gloves, he really needed some warm gloves. I took out my phone and added it to the list, wondering if I had any extra pairs at home. If not, I’d be making another trip to Walmart.
Chapter Four
Zane
As I drove home, I replayed our conversation over and over in my mind. I tried to picture his face, but it was too obscured by dirt and his shaggy hair. I wasn’t even sure of his eye color. But he was nice, he’d thanked me and been honest about not being able to pay me back. He didn’t have to say anything. He could have just taken what I gave him and moved on. But he didn’t.
When I arrived at my apartment, I walked straight into my bedroom and opened the drawer where I kept my winter clothes. I had a pair of gloves for snow and a lighter pair for working outside. I didn’t think they’d be warm enough for him. What was his name? I should have asked while he was standing there, but I was so shocked to see him standing out where I could see him, I didn’t even think about it. My phone beeped with a text, and seeing it was from Bruce, I opened it.
Hey kid, I saw the guy out back tucked into the blanket you gave him. He said to tell you thanks when I walked by. If there’s anything else I can do to help just ask.
I had the best boss ever, what a nice guy. Thanks Bruce, I hope he’s a little warmer tonight. I was just looking for a pair of gloves for him.
I’ll bring a pair in tomorrow, we’ve got a few extra pairs here. I’m sure one of them will work. See you on your shift tomorrow.
I put my phone on the charger and fell into bed, shuffling my feet around for a second, hoping the bed warmed up soon. Then I stopped and realized how damn lucky I was to have a bed, an apartment, and a life. I worked a lot of hours to be able to afford college, but when I graduated, I would be able to get a good job, and I wouldn’t have a lot of student loan debt.
The next night at work, I walked into the kitchen to find Bruce already rushing around. “Hey, Bruce, how’s it going?”
“Busy, get your apron on, we’re slammed, kid,” he said over his shoulder while cooking burgers, fries, and who knew what else. I put my things away in the office and tied on my apron. The tables were a mess so I got busy cleaning up the front, stocking anything that needed it as I went. By the time I was done, there was a mountain of dishes, but tonight I didn’t mind it. I started to get a container to save some leftovers, and Bruce saw me.
“Don’t bother, kid, we’ll make sure he has a warm meal. Save anything you want, but you can count on a warm meal from me every day.”
“Thanks, Bruce, I can pitch in some money,” I offered again, not wanting him to feel like it was his responsibility.
“We’re good, Tommy, and I brought some gloves too. They’re in the office.” After that we didn’t talk much as we both rushed around feeding the masses for the next few hours. When it finally slowed down, it was near closing time. I hurried to clean the kitchen so I could take him out some food. I felt so much urgency to take care of him, for reasons I couldn’t begin to understand.
Bruce nodded toward the back door. “Go ahead, I know you want to go check on him.”
I didn’t waste a moment more, just walked over to where Bruce had prepared the meal for that night, and once again fixed him a cup of hot chocolate, then grabbed a bottle
of water as well. I walked out back, balancing it all on the tray, then realized I’d forgotten the gloves.
I walked out to the dumpster and set the tray down on top of it. “Hey, I brought you something to eat. I’m going to set it right here. I forgot something, I’ll be right back.” I didn’t wait for him to respond, just walked back to the restaurant and grabbed the gloves Bruce had left in the office. He smiled when I shook them at him as I walked back out.
I saw him as soon as I walked out the door, he had the blanket draped around him and covering his head. He stood by the dumpster but hadn’t touched the food yet. “Hey, you don’t have to wait. Go ahead.” He looked a little unsure but reached for the container and opened it. Inside was fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll, and a container of coleslaw. Tonight’s special.
“This is too much, I can’t take this,” he said, once again his voice so soft, I focused on the sound to not miss a word.
“Bruce made it for you. He said every night you get a hot meal. I’d take him up on it if I were you. He likes feeding people.” I chuckled, but he still stared at me.
“Why are you doing this?”
“I told you, I want to help.”
“That doesn’t explain why you’d keep doing this every night. I have nothing to give you, it’s not fair.” His tucked his chin to his chest, still not touching the food.
“Please eat, I know you’re hungry.” He continued to give me that hard stare he likely used out of habit, or mistrust, I wasn’t sure. Finally he reached for a piece of chicken and took a bite. Once he started eating, he seemed unable to stop. I felt uncomfortable standing there watching him eat, but I also took some pride in knowing I was helping him in a small way.
“What’s your name?” I asked him. He froze for a moment before he set the chicken down.
“Why do you ask?”
“Just curious. I told you my name, it’s just what people do.” He appeared deep in thought for a moment before he looked up and met my eyes.
“I’m Zane,” he said simply before continuing to eat again.
“Nice to meet you, Zane.” I held out my hand; he looked at it and wiped his hand on his pants leg before tentatively reaching out and shaking it. “Oh, I almost forgot, I have something else for you.” I pulled the heavy gloves out of my pocket and handed them to him. “This should help keep you warmer, the weather’s supposed to change.”
“Wow, thanks, the blanket has helped so much. And the socks, I forgot how much I missed new socks. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help.”
“I’m glad it helped. Well, I should get going home. Enjoy your dinner,” I said as I turned to leave.
“Tommy, thanks. I really do appreciate all your help.” I nodded and walked back to the kitchen to make sure everything was done. My heart was full in ways I couldn’t describe and wanted to experience more. Now, what would be next on the list?
Chapter Five
Coat
Today was Saturday, and I thanked all the gods there were that I could sleep in. It was an unusually cold morning and the warmth of my bed made it hard for me to leave. When I heard the sound of rain outside it almost lulled me back to sleep, but then I thought of Zane hiding behind that damn dumpster and trying to stay dry. His blanket would be soaked by now, and unless he had a coat stashed somewhere back there, the flannel shirt he wore wouldn’t keep him dry or warm.
I bolted out of bed and was showered and walking out the door in record time. I’d remembered to grab a couple of knitted hats and had them tucked in the pocket of my coat. A coat, I needed to buy a coat. But I didn’t get paid until next week, so it needed to be a cheap but good coat. Might as well see what Goodwill had to offer. I drove in the direction of the nearest one and was surprised how busy the parking lot was. After finally finding an open space, I ran inside.
The rain was really coming down now. I remembered Bruce saying a storm was coming in, but I didn’t realize it would be this bad. Not only was it raining really hard, but it was cold. The kind of cold that settled in you and was hard to shake. Something more was coming, and hopefully Zane would find some shelter that would keep him both warm and dry.
I walked around the store for a minute before an older woman asked if I needed some help. “Yes, I need to get a waterproof coat that’s warm.”
“Right this way, we have a big variety this time of year. Everyone has donated their old ones so they can get new ones,” she explained as she walked briskly to a crowded area of the store. The weather must have made a lot of people realize a new coat was a good idea. “Here you go, is there anything in particular you’re looking for?” she asked, pushing her glasses back up her nose.
“I’m trying to help out a guy that’s homeless. He’s living outside, so he needs something that’ll keep him dry and warm.”
“Let’s see what we can find. Do you know what size he is?”
“He’s about my height, only thinner.”
“Well, why don’t we look at a large? Better too big than too small.” I nodded, and we both pushed through all the coats on the rack. I found one that was waterproof but didn’t look very warm. I was looking it over when the woman who was helping me passed me one that looked perfect. “That one’s a good name. It’s for skiing so it should be plenty warm, and it’s waterproof.”
“This is perfect.” It was black, had a lined hood, and lots of pockets. I looked at the price and was amazed at how affordable it was. “Thanks again,” I said as I turned to go pay.
“You said this was for a person who’s homeless?” she asked, stopping me.
“Yeah, I just want to make sure he’s warm.”
“That’s very nice of you, if only more people cared as much as you do. Come on, I’ll give you my discount. It’ll help a little.”
“I don’t mind paying, it’s a lot cheaper than it would have been if I’d gone somewhere else.”
“I know you don’t, and that’s why I’m offering.” She took the coat from me and led me to the counter where she rang me up and included her discount. “Every bit helps, and I know that person will appreciate you caring.”
My cheeks heated at the praise, but I nodded before taking the bag from her and leaving. I sat in my car and listened to the rain fall down. It was raining even harder now. I considered for a second letting Zane stay at my place, but I didn’t know him, and I doubted he’d want to do that. He only took the food and other things because he was desperate. It was obvious he’d been doing it rough for a while. Maybe he’d reached his breaking point when I’d approached him because I didn’t think he’d ask for help unless it was absolutely necessary.
I started my car and headed over to work. I’d stop by and give Zane the hats and coat, and on the way there I’d think of something else to make the winter not so miserable for him. In this weather, I wasn’t sure what that would be.
Chapter Six
Soup and Sandwiches
By the time I made it to the restaurant, it was raining so hard it looked dark out, even though it was early afternoon. I parked in the back like always and gathered the coat and hats. I ran over to the dumpster just as a heavy shower hit. Thunder cracked, startling me and making me duck.
“Tommy? What are you doing out there in this weather? Get in here before you end up sick,” Bruce yelled from the open back door. He held a garbage bag in his hand, and stood aside as I rushed in. “You know you’re not due in until later?” he said and threw a towel at me.
“Yeah, I was worried about Zane, I brought him a coat and a couple of knitted hats. Have you seen him today?”
“Zane? Is that his name?” Bruce asked.
“Yeah, that’s about all I know, though. He didn’t have a coat, only a flannel shirt, and there’s no way a blanket would keep him dry,” I said as I rubbed a towel over my face and head, wiping as much of the water off me as I could. “Have you seen him out there?”
“Not today, but he makes himself pretty scarce. He really only comes out
for you.”
“I’m going to go check, he has to be soaked.” I put my hood up this time and made for the door. It was still pouring, and the sound on the dumpster lid was deafening. “Zane? Hey, are you out here?” At first, I thought he’d gone. I was relieved, thinking he’d found someplace dry, but then there was movement. He moved a piece of plastic he was trying to balance over himself, but he was soaked, the water running in dirty streaks down his cheeks, and his long hair was plastered to his face. “Come on, you’re going with me.” I didn’t think about it, just reached for him. He must have been at a point of desperation he hadn’t reached before because he followed.
The blanket was still clutched around him and covered his head, but he was soaked. The gloves and socks were doing nothing against the rain. I led him to my car and helped him get in. “Is there anything you need to get before we leave?” I knew he didn’t have much, and I didn’t want him to worry about it while he was gone. He didn’t answer, just shook his head. He sat in the car seat, and curled up on himself when I slammed the door and ran around to the other side.
I opened the door and slid in, we were both soaked, but he shivered so hard I could hear his clothes vibrating against the seat as I started the motor. I turned the heater on, and since I’d just arrived, it was still warm. He cupped his hands over the vents, but it did nothing to stop his shaking. “Where are you taking me?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“Home, you’re coming home with me.” He looked at me long and hard before he nodded and sat back in the seat. “You need to get out of those wet clothes. I’ll take you back to the restaurant later if you want, but it’s supposed to rain all weekend, so you might consider staying somewhere inside. Do you have someplace you can go?”