Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1)

by Stephens, Amy

  Judging by the expression on her face, it looks like I’m working my magic on her with very little effort on my part. If I didn’t know any better, I would say this girl could become putty in the palm of my hand. I didn’t have intentions of meeting someone so soon, but if I don’t hurry up and figure out how I’m going to survive, I may have to seek her out for help. I seriously doubt she’ll be able to help me with a room again, but maybe she’d be willing to offer her couch. I can only hope, right?

  I really don’t have a headache, but I would like something cold to drink. I hadn’t planned on spending money on the few beers I had earlier tonight, but I didn’t want to look like a lightweight, either. I am glad the girls let me finish off their plate of food-- it saved me from having to buy something to eat. Since I have very little junk food left in the car, the chicken was pretty darn good and hit the spot.

  Walking out of the bathroom, I notice the same lady from the previous night working the counter. As I place my drink up on the counter, I can tell by her expression she recognizes me, too. “So, did anyone happen to turn in the money I lost?” I ask her, hoping for a miracle.

  “No, but I didn’t really think they would either. This day and age, I seriously doubt anyone would turn in lost money, especially any big amount. It’s hard to find a good soul anymore. I’ve seen my fair share of people come through here, and people are always looking for handouts.” I’m not sure why she’s volunteered this much information, but I nod, pay for my drink, and walk back out to the car.

  Pulling out of the parking lot, I don’t have a clue which direction to go in. I sit at the light waiting for it to change, then decide to turn right, in the vicinity of the fast food restaurants. Knowing there’s a slim chance any of them will be open this time of the morning, I need a plan quickly so that I won’t call attention to myself with another patrolling police officer again. I notice a Steak and Shake and the lit up “open 24 hours” sign underneath the name. I pull in the parking lot, selecting a spot as far away from the building as possible. Anyone driving through would think my car belonged to an employee.

  I manage to close my eyes and sleep takes over quickly, but I am suddenly startled awake by a loud noise, causing me to jump. For a brief moment, I’m confused again about what is going on. Looking to my right side, I notice a garbage dumpster being emptied and put back in it’s spot inside a wooden fence. An employee of the restaurant shuts the door as the truck leaves the parking lot. I roll over and fall back asleep almost immediately.

  I awake later in the morning with the sun beating down on the windshield. I run my fingers through my hair and let out a yawn. I would give anything for a decent night’s sleep. I really enjoyed the couple of hours I had the previous night at the hotel. The bed was a little hard for my liking, but I’m not complaining. And the hot shower was even better. I really need to thank Jennifer again for looking out for me.

  I glance in the back seat and see all of the empty junk food wrappers. My stomach growls loudly. What I would give for a nice, hot breakfast!

  I step out of the car and walk across the curb to McDonald’s. Hoping I don’t regret this later, I walk inside, and I’m met with the aroma of coffee and maple syrup.

  I smile at the lady taking orders and look up at the menu above her. “Good morning, what can I get for you?”

  “I think I will have a large coffee and a sausage biscuit.” I hand over a few bills, cautious not to accidently what little bit of money I have left on the floor. “I’m going to step back to the restroom, and I’ll be right back for my tray.”

  Staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I look an absolute mess. My hair is in desperate need of a cut, sticking from underneath my hat, and my shirt is beyond wrinkled. I’m going to have to find a laundry facility soon to wash my clothes, before I run out of clean things to change into.

  I walk back to the front of the restaurant and stand at the counter waiting for my tray. The nice lady passes it over to me with a smile on her face. “Here you go, son.”

  I notice there’s an extra biscuit on my tray and an order of hash browns.

  “I think you must have my order mixed up with someone else’s. I only ordered a biscuit and coffee,” I politely correct her.

  “The additional food is on me this morning. You look like you could use a little something extra. Enjoy it.”

  She reminds me of my grandmother, making me wonder if I will ever return to my hometown and see my family again.

  Taking a seat at a booth near the window, I notice someone has left a newspaper on the table. I try not to eat too quickly, but everything tastes so good. I flip through the newspaper to find the classified section. Sadly, none of the help wanted ads look any different from the previous day.

  I look up as the lady from the counter walks by with cleaner and a rag in her hand. “Can I get you anything else?” She asks me.

  “I’m fine. Thank you ma’am.”

  “Here, let me take your tray. Would you like a refill on your coffee?”

  “Sure. That’s very generous of you to offer.”

  When she returns with my coffee, I ask if she knew of anyone hiring.

  “What kind of work are you looking for?”

  “Right now, I’m willing to take on any job I can find. I’ve had lots of experience, and I’m available to start right now.”

  “Tell you what. You might be in luck. If you go to the oil change place, down a few blocks in front of the Target, ask for Jared. Tell him I sent you. He’s looking for someone to wash cars. It might not be what you are looking for, but maybe it will be a start.” She pats me on the shoulder as she turns to walk away. “Good luck.”

  I thank her before walking out. The sun is shining brightly overhead now, and I stretch my arms above my head. It’s funny being in the South, the weather has a tendency to remain a pleasant temperature well into fall.

  Since its Sunday, I know the place the lady told me to see about will not be open. I need to find something to do today. I count the money I have left and it only depresses me. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to secure that job.

  I get tired of riding around burning gas, so I decide to see what’s playing at the movie theater. I know it’s not something I can really afford, but I’m running out of options to keep myself busy during the day. One good thing about going to the movies during the day is that a matinee is usually a cheaper price than the night showing. I select a movie and purchase a ticket.

  Walking into the theater, the smell of buttered popcorn meets my nose. I can’t fight the temptation, so I order a large Coke and popcorn. I walk inside the dark theater just as the movie is starting. Sometime throughout the movie, I nod off to sleep, because when I wake up I see the credits are rolling across the screen, and the theater is emptying out.

  I feel a little angry at myself for missing the movie. What the hell. I move up to the last row of seats and sit back down and wait to see if anyone comes in to clean up. When the credits finally stop and the previews start playing all over again, I figure it’s safe to stick around for the next showing. My friends and I used to do it all the time back home. New patrons start filling in the seats and the lights go dim as the movie starts playing again. This time, I manage to stay awake for the entire showing.

  I walk out of the theater door and see the evening crowd is filling up the lobby. People are walking in and out of different theater doors and no one seems to be paying any attention. I know it’s wrong, but I walk into another door and wait for the next movie to start.

  After that movie finishes, I get tired of sitting, and I walk outside. I notice the parking lot has emptied out tremendously. I crank up the car, and see from the clock on the dash it’s later than I thought it was. One thing is for certain, those movies surely helped to pass the time tonight. I start racking my brain, trying to figure out a spot to park tonight.

  I turn down a highway that looks to be leaving out of town. I don’t want to venture out of town too far this late
at night, but I notice a sign indicating a hospital up ahead. Relief fills me, because this is the sort of place I need. People stay overnight at hospitals all the time, but most people stay inside. So I’m pretty sure I can park there and not be noticed.

  The next morning, after having a couple hours of decent sleep, I walk into the hospital carrying my bag, with no one paying me any attention at all. I look no different from anyone else coming in to visit a sick patient. I take my time in the bathroom wiping down with warm water from the sink. I rinse my hair and use the hand dryer to get it mostly dried before walking out. I want to look somewhat presentable before I attempt to find a job today.

  I get back into my car and head in the direction of the oil lube shop the lady from McDonald’s told me about. Pulling into the parking lot, I find a spot off to the side and park.

  As I walk up to the door, I notice cars are lined up and all the attendants are busy assisting the customers. Finally, a guy dressed in blue uniform clothing approaches me. I can see his name is “Jared”, according to the patch attached to his shirt. “Can I help you with something? If you are needing any servicing, it’s going to be after lunch before I can get to ‘ya. We’ve got a slight rush right now.”

  “Actually, I was told you were looking to hire someone. The lady down at the McDonald’s said for me to see you,” I tell him.

  “Ahh, I see you met my mom. She’s such a sweetheart, always looking out for me.” He has a slight humor to his voice. “What kind of a job you looking for?”

  “Well, I’ve never done this kind of work before, but she said you were needing someone to wash cars. I’m new here in town and really needing to get a job. My cash flow is running low.”

  “I understand that. I run a reputable business here and have lots of repeat customers. As an added service, I always like to provide a complimentary car wash to my customers, since so many of them refer me business. I do a basic wash and vacuum. Some customers like to tip, but tipping is not mandatory, nor expected of them. Since I don’t know you and really don’t have time to do much of a background check, if you are willing, I can put you to work at minimum wage, plus you’ll split the tips with the other guy, Clint.”

  I extend my hand to him and thank him for the opportunity. “Man, I really appreciate it. Looks like you got yourself a new employee.”

  “Be here in the morning, promptly at eight. If you’ve got time to fill out some paperwork today, see the lady at the front counter to get you started, and pick up a uniform before you head out. Thanks, uh...I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”

  “It’s Brian. Thanks a lot, Jared. I’ll see you first thing in the morning.” I nod my head to him as he turns and walks back into the building.

  I spent an hour inside tending to paperwork. Before leaving, I am issued two sets of basic light blue uniform shirts, without my name of course, and two pairs of shorts. Walking outside towards my car, I throw my hand up and offer a wave to Jared. Thank goodness I have secured a job. It’s not exactly the job I’m looking for, and I know I’m not going to be getting rich from it, but it’s going to be a paycheck until something better comes along.

  I roll over in bed and pull the covers up over my head. I lay this way for a few minutes before turning over to lie on my back. Not wanting to get up, I look over at the clock on the table and realize it’s almost one in the afternoon.

  “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I slept this long.” I mumble to myself. Placing my feet on the floor, I stand up slowly and head to the bathroom. I turn the hot water on in the shower and step underneath the steady flow. Thoughts of last night and Brian quickly fill my mind. I wonder where he is now.

  As I wrap my towel around my body, I hear my phone ding, indicating a missed call. I grab it from the table and see it’s from Rebecca. For a brief moment I wish it were from Brian, but then realize I never gave him my number. Sadly, he hadn’t asked for it, either.

  I return Rebecca’s call and sense her chattiness coming from the other end. “‘Bout time you decided to get up. I’ve only sent you a dozen text messages.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t hear my phone go off. What are you up to?” I feel as though I am still half asleep, despite having a shower.

  “I just wanted to see if you might want to grab a quick bite to eat before I head to work tomorrow and you go to class.”

  “Sure, my biology class isn’t until three, so why don’t I meet you somewhere for a burger?” I add.

  Rebecca doesn’t have to be at work until four, so that will give us plenty of time to talk about Saturday night.

  I change into a pair of yoga pants, pull my damp hair back into a ponytail, and throw on some tennis shoes. I don’t have any plans for the afternoon, so I put on a load of laundry and head outside for a run. Hopefully, it will wake me up.

  The next morning, I clean up the apartment and finish putting away the laundry from the previous day. I pretended to be lazy when I got back from my run, and called it an early evening. Since I plan on going to class immediately after meeting with Rebecca, I grab my backpack and toss it over my shoulder before heading out the door.

  On my way to meet Rebecca, I decide to ride by the hotel parking lot, hoping to catch a glimpse of Brian’s car. I know I saw him drive somewhere Saturday night, but I can’t help but wonder where he’s been sleeping the last two nights.

  For some reason I can’t explain, I am drawn to him. I know he should be somewhat of a turn off to me; a new guy in town with a rocky background and no job, but I feel like he was put in my life for a reason. Oh well, I may never see him again. No sense in getting all worked up over it.

  As I pull into the parking lot at the restaurant, I see Rebecca sitting at a table out on the patio. She’s wearing her work polo shirt and khaki pants, ready to begin the evening shift. “I didn’t know what you wanted so I held off on placing our order.”

  “Thanks. I think I’ll get a big, juicy hamburger with tater tots and a Cherry Coke.” I tell her.

  “That sounds delicious; I want the same.”

  We both place our orders with the waitress, and I get the feeling she’s ready to start asking me a million questions about Saturday night. “What?” I ask her.

  Looking at me with a grin and curious eyes, she asks, “So, did he ask you out?”

  “No, he didn’t.” I reply. She can tell by the expression on my face that I wish he had asked, though.

  “Well, maybe you will run into him. He is supposed to be looking for work around here, right?” she offers encouragingly.

  “That’s what he said. Poor guy. I kind of feel sorry for him. First, he gets dumped by his girlfriend, who was difficult to get along with. She kicks him to the curb, and he’s forced to start over with hardly any money and not very good transportation in a new place. I wonder why he chose to come here.”

  “Who knows? If he’s not able to find a job, he may have to move on to the next place. He did mention having some friends in the next town over. But, for your sake, I hope he finds something. I loved seeing your face light up when he walked over to the table. By the way, why didn’t you tell me you had invited him?”

  “I didn’t want to get myself all worked up for nothing.” I admitted, twisting my hair through my fingers. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and he’ll stop by to visit me at work. He knows I work overnight.” I could only hope, right?

  “Well, chick-a-dee, just be careful and don’t rush into anything. I need to be heading off to work right now, or I’m going to be late. Don’t have too much fun at school.” Rebecca dumps our trash before she heads to her car. “See ‘ya at work later tonight.”

  “Later, babe.” I give her a slight wave as she pulls away.

  Biology class seems to drag on forever today, and I’m having a hard time paying attention. I’ve got to do a better job of concentrating in class if I’m going to pass my upcoming finals. I continue to take notes, and eventually, the instructor calls for class to end. I rush to the door, eager to get out of there. Fo
r once, I’m anxious to get to work, just to see if Brian shows up.

  I stop by my apartment to change into my work uniform then head back out the door. The entire way, I keep glancing left, then right, hoping to see a glimpse of the silver Honda. I pull into the parking lot at work and find my usual spot waiting for me, empty. Trying not to look disappointed, I walk into the front office and see Rebecca.

  “It’s been a slow night. Hope you brought a good book to help you pass the time,” she tells me.

  “You know me, I always carry one with me. Besides, I could use the time to work on my paper for American Lit. I seem to focus on it better while I’m here. I’m always so tired by the time I get off, I never feel like studying or doing homework. Anything I need to know before you head out?” I asked her. She knows what I’m hinting at.

  “No, but I did get an email from Greg earlier. He’s hoping to get leave time the week of Thanksgiving. It’s been months since I’ve been able to wrap my arms around that man. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”

  I know how much she misses her boyfriend. I try to do as much as possible with her to help pass the time. So far, she has been able to deal with his being gone fairly well. His frequent emails and phone calls keep her smiling.

  I hope one day soon he pops the question to her. She has been in love with Greg since we were all in grade school together. I love seeing her happy. They are so good for each other.

  “I got a card in the mail from my parents,” I tell her. “Looks like they aren’t going to be around for Thanksgiving. I called mom to thank her for money they sent me, and she offered to fly me to the closest town near them and have dad pick me up at the airport, but since I’ve got finals coming up the week after, I told them it will be a good time to catch up on some last minute studying. Besides, I know they are planning on being back for Christmas and staying at my brother’s house. A few more weeks without seeing them won’t hurt.” I’ve actually been okay with them being gone. This time alone has taught me responsibility. While I do miss seeing them, we talk regularly enough that sometimes I feel like they are still here.