The manager stands to go back to work. “My shift is over in another thirty minutes. If I can be of any help, just ask. You’re welcome to have something to eat.” He points to a menu propped up behind the napkin dispenser at a nearby table. “I’m not sure what happened earlier between you and that guy…”
I cut him off, not wanting to relive the horrifying scene with Brian and his terrible outburst. “I’ll just call someone to come get me.” I quickly interject, trying to remain calm and rational, but I know as soon as I make a phone call, the tears are going to flow once again.
“Is there anything I can do?” The other guy offers. “By the way, I’m Todd, and that’s my grandfather over at the table.” He points to the older man who is finishing up his meal.
“Thanks, Todd. I’m really sorry for …”
He cuts me off. “Please stop apologizing. That guy’s behavior was uncalled for. I’m just glad you’re okay.” He offers me a smile and I make an attempt to return one as well.
I reach for my phone once again, thinking about what I should do next.
“I’m going to go back over here to sit with my grandfather. If you need a ride somewhere, I’d be glad to take you.”
I scroll through my contacts, contemplating who I should call. Even though it probably is the best option, there’s no way I can call my parents. Not now. Besides, the last time I spoke with them, they were several states away. I think about my brothers, but they would kill Brian for putting their baby sister in harm’s way. I stare at Rebecca’s name until my eyes blur. I know, no matter what, my best friend will be there for me.
I hold my finger above the button next to her name and hesitate before dialing. Yes, I tell myself, this is what I need to do. I know I’m going to get a long lecture, but I should have listened to her all along. I stand up from the chair and look out the window as the sound of the ringing phone fills my ear. I begin to think she’s not going to answer when, to my relief, she finally picks up.
“Hello.” It sounds like I just woke her.
I open my mouth to say something, but I can’t make the words form.
“Hello.” I hear her say again. “Jennifer, is that you?” She knows from her caller ID that it’s obviously me.
I do everything I can to hold back the tears, but there’s nothing I can do to stop them. I let out a hiccup as I struggle to catch my breath enough to speak into the phone. “Rebecca.”
“Jenn, what’s wrong? Are you hurt? Please talk to me.” I know by the tone of her voice I better say something soon or she’s going to have an all-points bulletin out trying to locate me.
“I’m okay.” I manage to say between sobs.
“Calm down. Where are you?”
I give her the name of the interstate exit. I don’t feel like replaying the entire story back to her right now, I just want her to come get me. Without asking any questions, she assures me she’s walking out the door this very minute.
“Thank you.” I whisper through the phone. “I love you Rebecca. I’ve missed my best friend, and I need you back in my life.”
I put my phone away just as the manager walks over to my spot at the end of the table.
“So, were ‘ya able to get ahold of anyone?” He asks.
“I’ve got my best friend coming to get me.” He hands me another tissue, and I wipe away the last of the tears while my breathing returns to normal, thankful Rebecca is on the way.
“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.” He offers.
“Thanks.”
Todd walks back over to me while his grandfather heads towards the counter to take care of their bill.
There is something about this guy that comforts me. After all, he did stand up in my defense. Not many people are willing to get involved in altercations, especially when it’s related to a domestic dispute.
“So, were you able to get a ride?” Todd asks.
“My best friend is coming to get me.” I tell him. “But, it’s going to be several hours before she can get here. Didn’t you say it’s about seven hours to Morgantown?”
“Wow. I’d really hate for you to have to stay here by yourself for so long.”
“I’ll be okay. The manager said I could stay here. Besides, I’ve got my phone. I really don’t think Brian is going to come back and start anything again.”
“Well, you can’t be so sure about that. I know you don’t know me, but why don’t you let me take you at least halfway? That way, you aren’t stuck here waiting all night. You can call your friend, and we can work out a meeting point.” It’s very generous of him to offer, but how can I accept such a long ride from a stranger?
I think about this for a moment as thoughts of Brian, once again, cloud my head. At one time Brian was a stranger to me, too. We met under weird circumstances, but look at me now. Is this the price I pay for letting my guard down too easily?
I go against my better judgment and make a hasty decision.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t mind? I really don’t want to be a burden to you.” I am thankful to know there are still good hearted people in this world, as long as they are sincerely true to their word.
“I’m positive.” He offers a smile, and right now, that smile fills my heart with the encouragement I need. I know I’ve got a rough battle ahead. “If it will make you feel any safer, I can get my grandfather to ride along. He and I were just out killing time for the evening. My grandmother passed away last year, so I try to spend as much time with him as I can when I’m not in school. I like to get him out of the house.”
“That’s very generous of you. I’m okay if you’re grandfather’s not up for it though. Really.”
“I just thought I would offer. You’ve been through enough already this afternoon, and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable being alone with me, especially since we just met and all.”
“It’s okay.” I reach down to touch my belly as my stomach growls. I realize it’s been a while since I last ate. “Sorry about that.”
“Tell you what.” He says. “Why don’t you grab a bite to eat, and I’ll run my grandfather back home. He lives a couple minutes from here. You should be finished about the time I get back. Sound okay?”
“That’s fine by me.” I tell him. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Positive. You look like you could use a friend right now. And I just so happen to be available,” he says, and flashes me another winning smile.
I order a bowl of grits and a couple pieces of toast from Nancy, hoping I can keep it down. My nerves are very sensitive at the moment, and the last thing I need is to be sick again. It only takes a minute for her to bring the food over to me, and she refills my drink. I manage a few bites of grits just as my stomach starts to churn again. I sip more of my Coke, hoping the carbonation settles it some. I eat most of the toast, and finally I’m able to eat a little more of the grits.
I see the manager walk from the back holding his coat. He stops by the table to check on me before leaving. “Have you decided what you’re going to do?” He asks. “Looks like Todd’s been keeping you company.”
“Yeah, he seems like a pretty nice guy. He offered to take me halfway to meet my friend so she wouldn’t have to drive so far.”
“Todd’s a nice guy. I’ve known him and his family all my life. If he says he’s going to take care of you, he definitely means it.”
“Thanks for reassuring me. I needed to hear that.”
I stand and walk to the register to take care of my bill, not wanting to keep Todd waiting when he comes back for me.
The manager calls out to Nancy and waves his hand. “Don’t let her pay for that. It’s on the house.”
I look to him and nod my head. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. You both be careful out there tonight. If you are ever back this way, stop in and say hello. I wish you well.”
“I sure will.” I follow him outside to wait for Todd.
I’ve been standing on the sidewalk for just a
few minutes until I see a lifted white pick-up pull into the handicap spot. Todd jumps out and walks around to open the door for me. He offers his hand as I step up on the side rails to climb inside. I don’t think I have ever been inside a vehicle that sits so high off the ground. It’s a completely different view from up here. I look around wondering if Brian could be sitting in his car nearby, waiting for me. Or, did he drive back home? Or make the decision to continue on to his parents’? I really don’t care. For our sake, I hope he’s long gone. The last thing I need is for him to cause any more trouble once we get on the highway.
Before he pulls out, I turn to Todd and extend my hand to him. “I feel so stupid. Please accept my apology for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Jennifer. Jennifer Davis. I mean Collins.”
He accepts my shake and I notice how firm, but nice his grip feels. “I’m sorry to meet under these circumstances, but it’s still nice to meet you. So, you are Jennifer Davis or Collins?”
“Collins.” I volunteer. “I’m still trying to get used to having a new last name. But it may not stick.”
“Oh, I guess congratulations should be offered but, considering the episode earlier, looks like you’ve got a difficult situation on your hands.”
“If you only knew.” I seriously doubt Todd wants to hear all about the ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster I’ve endured the last few months.
Call me crazy, but I feel safe inside this big truck. I buckle my seatbelt, and Todd pulls across the street to the gas station. While he’s pumping gas, I call Rebecca and update her with the plan. She tells me to call or text her every hour with my current location, and we will stay in touch that way until we reach the halfway mark. I know she’s also a little skeptical about my being alone with a stranger, but I reassure her I’m fine.
“Yeah, isn’t that what you tried to convince me before?” While I don’t like the sound of this statement, I know she has every right to say it.
Todd climbs back in the truck just as I’m ending my phone call. I reach inside my purse and offer a few bills for the gas. He folds my fingers around the money and pushes my hand away. “No, you hang on to that, should you need it for later on.”
We ride in silence for a few minutes, and then I tell him about Rebecca’s insistence for staying in touch. “I’m not sure what’s going on with your situation, but you’re very lucky to have a friend who’s willing to drop everything at a moment’s notice.”
“We’ve had a rough go lately, but she’s been my rock.” I suddenly realize just how lucky I am to have Rebecca in my life.
I glance out the side window and see the sun has almost disappeared completely. I don’t admit it to Todd, but I’m scared to death about going home. I don’t know how to face what is coming next for me.
“So, Jennifer. What’s your story?” He breaks the silence. “How did you end up here this afternoon, so far from home?”
At first I don’t say anything, careful about what information I want to share. I slowly begin to open up to him, and for the next hour, I relay the last four months of my life, except for the pregnancy part, in a condensed version. For some reason, I feel I should keep this bit of information to myself. I can’t believe I’m revealing so much about my life to a complete stranger. He doesn’t say anything at first, and I wonder if I’ve made a mistake in confiding in him.
Then, he makes a comment that blows me away. “I apologize to you on behalf of the male population. Sadly, some men are real jerks and assholes. But we are not all that way.” He hesitates before continuing. “You’ve obviously found yourself a real winner, but I’m not going to judge you for that. We all make mistakes, but we also learn from them, too. Just be wiser and think about all your actions. You need to do what’s best for you.”
“Thank you for not judging me. I don’t know where I will go from here, but tomorrow is a new day. I think after I have a good night’s sleep I’ll be able to think more clearly.” I glance at my phone and see it’s time to update Rebecca. I am so glad Brian stopped calling and texting my phone even though I decided against answering. Todd gives me our exact location, and according to Rebecca’s text, we are right on track for meeting halfway. I feel bad that she has to drive alone, especially since it’s getting dark, but I would do the same for her no matter the time of day.
I let out a yawn and apologize for the sound I make. “Excuse me.” I cover my mouth. “I’ve only had a few hours sleep today and I guess it’s finally catching up with me.”
“Why don’t you get some rest? Leave your phone here on the console so when your friend texts you for the next update, and I can reply back for you.” He taps the cup holder between us. “If you look behind the seat, I’ve got a jacket that you can use for a pillow.”
“Thanks.” I reach behind me and sure enough there’s a jacket folded on the back seat. “Thank you, Todd. For everything.” I ease the seat back and comment how comfortable this truck is. I shut my eyes and replay the day’s events through my head. Before I know it, I’m sound asleep, lost to everything else in the world.
I have sent Jennifer so many texts, I’ve lost count at this point. Either she’s not getting them, or she’s simply ignoring them, which angers me even more. The same is true for the calls. I’ve filled up her voicemail box so she can no longer receive any more. I toss the phone down to the floor on the passenger side of the car, frustrated with myself.
I sit in the parking lot across the street from the Waffle House for the longest time, not sure if I should wait for her or not. I don’t know if the asshole manager inside that damn waffle place was serious about calling the cops on me, so after a half hour or so, I make a hasty decision to go ahead and leave. Let the bitch find her own way back home. The more I think about Jennifer and her mood swings, I don’t regret leaving. One minute things are going great, then the next minute I’m doing something wrong, again.
Since I’ve already driven more than halfway, I decide to continue driving to my parents’ house. I should be there in, at most, a few hours. Damn it, I would almost be there by now if all that shit hadn’t happened earlier. How could I have snapped and screwed up yet again?
I set the cruise control to keep my speed under control, since I noticed earlier that I tend to speed when something upsets me. I turn the radio on and blare the song that’s now playing; “Once” by Pearl Jam. It’s amazing how artists like Nirvana and Pearl Jam have songs playing on the Classic Rock station now. I listen to the words of the song, and it definitely fits my mood.
An hour later, I pull off of the interstate to refill my gas tank. I grab something to drink, hoping it will help me remain awake for the remainder of my drive. I unlock the passenger side door and pick up my phone. I have no missed calls or texts, but decide to give Jennifer’s phone one more call, just in case she’s had time to cool off and maybe considering talking to me. Even if she did talk to me, would I really drive back to get her? This time, her phone rings and her voicemail allows me to leave a new message. That means she has listened to her previous messages, or she could have deleted them all without hearing anything I had to say.
I decide not to say anything and immediately hang up. At this point, I figure I might as well piss her off some more, so I call her phone at least a dozen more times. Still no answer. Finally, after a few more attempts to aggravate her, she finally picks up the phone.
“Ah, you stupid bitch. You finally decide to pick up.” I say hatefully into the phone.
“Hello.” A male voice answers, and I’m taken aback, not expecting to hear someone else on her phone, especially not a man’s voice I don’t recognize.
I hang up and figure I must have misdialed. Bet they sure were surprised to hear my greeting.
Rather than call again, I toss the phone on the seat and get in behind the wheel again. My head starts to pound and I figure it’s from the stress of everything that’s happened today. Or it could be that driving at night is having an effect on my eyes.
It’s
almost nine o’clock when I arrive at my parent’s house. I shut the car off and stare at the front lawn. My mom has yet to start planting any spring flowers, so the yard looks dull. The neighborhood is quiet, with little to no activity at all. There are no lights on inside from what I can tell, so I begin to wonder if my parents are already asleep. Both Mom and Dad have always been fond of going to bed early, which made it easier for me to sneak out when I was younger. I’m sure being able to do that so easily attributed to my poor decision making later on.
I really don’t want to wake my parents right now, especially not knowing how my dad is going to react to seeing me after being gone for so long, so I decide to try out the front seat of my new car to see how well it sleeps compared to my last car. I definitely have not missed sleeping in my car at all. I grab the pillow and attempt to get comfortable. I toss and turn, waking almost every hour, or so it seems. Images of Jennifer fill my head. I see her tearstained cheeks, then I see images of myself swinging my hand towards her face. I feel terrible that had to happen, but damn it, she would not shut up.
I manage to doze off again, this time for another brief period of time. Bizarre things continue to fill my mind; this time I can’t get Melissa and those deposits out of my head.
My dad used to call me a dumbass when I would do stupid things. I cringed every time I heard those words; not because they were usually followed by a slap to the face, but because they just sounded so belittling to me. My mom would always turn away when my dad and I would argue. I never saw him show anything but respect towards my mom and my brothers, so I wondered often why I always fell short.
I hear a tapping noise and look over to see my dad standing just outside the car. I pull the seat up and open the car door. It’s now morning, and I feel as though I’ve not rested at all.
“Dad.” I greet him.
“What the hell are you doing out here?” Just as I suspected, Dad’s tone is still the same with me.
I should just crank the car and leave before it gets worse, but I really want see my mom.
Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) Page 25