Benny and Anne played a few games, with Lucy watching from her seat pretending to be busy on her phone. Anne gestured toward the teenager as she passed, shooting a he’s cute look to Lucy. But there was something else about the boy that fascinated her. He didn’t seem to be having fun playing, but was more focused on working something out in his head. Lucy sensed he was trouble, but then again it could have just been her cynicism. She reached over and grabbed the happy hour flyer that was on the table and a pencil from her purse, and she began sketching the boy. She seemed to look more at the boy than the paper, her hand moving automatically around the paper. Within minutes, a sketch appeared depicting a tall teenager with his hair accentuated across his face. She stared at it for a moment, then simply folded it up and put it in her purse. Then she walked over to join Anne and Benny.
After about thirty minutes, it was unanimous. They couldn’t deal with the game noises any longer, so they decided to head back and see what movies were available to purchase back in the room. It had gone from dusk to dark while they were inside, but the cool air felt nice, even to Lucy. As they walked they talked about their favorite type of movies; Anne liked the romances of course, and Benny was all about the thrillers. Lucy said she didn’t have a preference as long as Benny didn’t select from the “Adult Favorites” section. Anne confirmed that was a good point, and Lucy added that she probably would be on the computer for a while anyway.
Back at the hotel, all three gathered in the girls’ room. Benny relaxed in a black and green cushioned chair, plopping his feet on a small, fragile end table. Anne lay down on her stomach across the green and gold checkered bedspread, while Lucy was propped up with a pillow on the other bed. The laptop was closed and lying beside her as she ostensibly watched The Breakup, which was a compromise on Benny’s part. He was pushing for action, but he settled since he had heard the movie was funny and had one of his favorite actors, Vince Vaughn. He admired him for his genuine comedic presence.
Benny and Anne were enjoying the movie and exchanging looks and laughs during funny scenes, but Lucy was looking right through the screen. She couldn’t help thinking of Kyle and wondering what he was doing. She drafted her e-mail response to him in her own little computer brain. She had several ideas down and had almost worked out the final wording, so she reached for the computer and opened it up on her lap. She clicked on her e-mail and went right to the message from Kyle. She read it again just to make sure. Anne and Benny both pretended not to notice.
Kyle,
Thanks for your message, and again for the computer. So far everything has gone right on schedule. I’m writing you from a hotel in Tucson. You’re right, this is kind of weird, but it works well for me since I won’t have much privacy on this trip. I was thinking about our date too. I had a great time with you. It’s too bad that was our only date—if you don’t count the night we met. I still feel bad about that and appreciate you not bringing it up.
Talk to you soon,
Lucy
CHAPTER 23
Waking up in the same room with someone was strange for Lucy. The first time she woke up, she wasn’t sure where she was. The thick, double-lined drapes were like an iron curtain blocking out any hint that daylight had arrived. Lucy assumed it was five or six in the morning until she squinted over at the clock that was between the two beds—ten after seven. That’s when she noticed Anne and reality set back in. Yes, this was all real. She was going to be reunited with her estranged sister, the one who’d abandoned her, who’d left her to deal with their absentee mother. Save Katie’s life by giving her one of her vital organs? No problem, Lucy was used to having her insides ripped out.
She thought about the day she’d finally moved out of the house. Her whole being had felt about as empty as that house. Lucy actually had a bit of hope on that day though. She tried to convince herself that it was a new beginning. Everyone and everything she had was gone from her life. Nowhere to go but up. Or so she let herself think. Only it didn’t quite happen that way. That’s what happens when you think you can do it all alone. She hadn’t built any friendships, no alliances to help her. Any money she made was spent on technician school and paint supplies. She hadn’t saved a dime. So her only choice was to take whatever job she could get and move into an affordable apartment.
Lucy turned over and decided she needed a few more minutes, even though falling back asleep was hopeless. It wouldn’t matter anyway because after five minutes there was a knock at the door. She closed her eyes and pretended not to hear it. Two seconds later and the knock was even louder, followed by, “C’mon, chiquitas, let’s get a move on!” She wondered how Benny could sound so cheery after spending the night in that place. In fact, he was always that happy, and she couldn’t figure out why. Yanking back the covers, she slipped her sock-covered feet into some sandals. She wore black leggings and a long white T-shirt. “Just a sec,” she said loudly as she tried to smooth down her hair on the way to the door. As Lucy opened the door, she noticed Benny’s arm raised up toward the door. He had been covering the peep hole.
“Hey, you don’t just open up the door like that.” Benny walked in and shut the door. “What if I was a serial killer?”
“That’s right, a serial killer with an accent that sounds just like a Mexican comic I know,” she said sarcastically. Then she sat back on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.
Benny plopped down on the edge of Anne’s bed with an extra jolt, but she didn’t budge. “What’s with her?”
“I don’t know, I guess she’s a heavy sleeper.”
“Well I want to get down to the continental breakfast before it’s all picked over. Maybe stash a few things for the road.” Benny got up and headed toward the door. “Mind if I meet you girls downstairs? I’m starving.”
“Fine with me. I don’t eat much in the morning anyway.” Lucy didn’t bother to get up.
Benny entered the tiny café with a low grumble in his gut. He absolutely had to start every day with breakfast, and preferably something hearty. He was relieved that it wasn’t too crowded and there was someone looking after the stations. At least that’s what Benny hoped when he noticed an elderly woman rearranging a pastry tray, which was exactly where he was headed. He figured he could pop something in his mouth while he was preparing everything else. Looking like a man on a mission, he whipped down the line, piling on scrambled eggs, bacon, and a small mound of cantaloupe.
He was still chomping on a mini muffin when he snaked a cheese Danish in his free hand. He took a quick spin around to see where he should sit. Among the available options there was a long table that was only being used at one end by a young couple with a gooey toddler, and two smaller tables that were empty but would be tight when the girls arrived. Not in the mood to have food flung at him, Benny headed for one of the two smaller tables. Sitting alone at the adjacent table was a young kid who somehow seemed familiar. Benny stared at the young man as he approached, trying to place him. Then, he watched as the pastry organizer walked over and said to the boy, “Excuse me, but only registered guests may enjoy the breakfast.” She wore blue polyester pants that looked a couple sizes too big for her mega-petite frame.
Pushing the mouthful to the side of his cheek, he replied, “I am a guest here.”
“Oh, may I see your room key?”
Benny arrived at the table and sat down right next to the boy. “Yo, bro, why didn’t you wait for me?”
Caught off guard by Benny’s presence as well as his words, the boy just continued chewing and stared at Benny in confusion.
“Here’s our key, ma’am.” Benny reached into his pocket and pulled out the room key. “Sorry about that. My cousin got here late last night. I forgot to give him one.”
The boy flicked his brown hair back just like he’d done the night before while playing the pinball machine.
“No problem.” The woman smiled. “Sometimes we get people in here, try and sneak in for free food.” She gave the boy a quick pat on the shoulder,
and the two watched as she walked back to the food area.
“Thanks, man. I’m Chad,” he said, holding his hand out.
“Hey, it’s cool, Chad.” Benny took his hand and gave it a firm, quick shake. “I’m Benny.”
Strangely the two ate for a minute or two without either of them saying another word. Then, finally, Chad looked up and said, “Aren’t you curious?”
“About what?”
Chad smiled. “About me?”
“Naw…I been in your place before. I got a feelin’.” Benny understood having hard times, but he hadn’t been that young. He did wonder how old he was, so he decided to ask that.
“I’m seventeen,” Chad replied.
“Forgot my juice…you need anything?” Benny got up and headed back to the drink station.
“No thanks.”
Just as Benny sat back down, Chad looked up at the two women coming from the corner of the café walking towards the table, staring at him curiously. When they got to the table, they just stood there as if waiting for something.
“Hey, girls, grab some grub and join us,” Benny said.
“Us?” Lucy said, looking straight at Chad.
“Yeah, this is my buddy Chad,” Benny said, gesturing with his head.
Anne immediately stuck out her hand and smiled. “Hi, Chad, I’m Anne…and this is Lucy.”
Chad smiled and shook both their hands.
“C’mon,” Lucy said to Anne, nudging her arm. The girls walked off, leaving Chad following them with his eyes as they left.
“They’re too old for you, bro,” Benny chided.
“Hey, man, I was just lookin’. So what’s your story? You guys don’t seem like you’re on vacation.”
“It’s a long story, but we’re on our way to Fort Worth.” Benny’s plate was just about empty, and he contemplated seconds. The girls came back, and Benny noticed that both of their plates were about a third of what he just ate, and he decided against getting anything more.
“I’m actually headed that way too,” Chad commented. “Mind if I catch a ride with you guys?”
Everyone stopped eating and froze in time. They searched each other’s faces to see who would be the first to speak. Obviously it wouldn’t be smart to give a stranger a ride. But he does seem like a nice kid, Benny thought to himself. He looked at Chad and then to Anne, who appeared to be warming to the idea. But Lucy’s expression told him that she didn’t think it was a good idea.
“Well…” Benny spoke up first. “You said you were seventeen, right? We could get in trouble giving you a ride without your parents’ permission.”
“My parents don’t give a crap about me, and I’m almost eighteen…two more months. Hey, I’ll show you my license if you want.”
“I don’t know…” Lucy said to nobody in particular.
“Hey, it’s cool,” Chad said. He finished the last of his water and stuffed a wrapped muffin into a backpack he had on the floor. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.” He got up from the table and patted a hand on Benny’s shoulder. “Thanks anyway.”
“Hey, man, I wanna help you out…” Benny’s voice was apologetic. “But I gotta look out for these girls too.”
“That’s okay. Nice meeting you guys, and good luck on your trip.”
Chad took two steps toward the door, and then Lucy’s voice caught him. “Wait a sec.”
Chad turned and faced the three at the table. “Yeah?”
“We’ll give you a ride, but Benny has to search you.” The words seemed to surprise Lucy herself.
“What?” Benny and Anne said in unison.
“Your backpack, pockets, everything. We need to make sure you don’t have any weapons or drugs or anything. Is that cool?” Lucy seemed to enjoy being in control.
“Yeah…sure. I got nothing to hide.” Chad sat back down and displayed a very toothy grin, which spread around the table. “Thanks, guys, I really appreciate this. You don’t know how hard it is when no one wants to help you out.”
“I think I’ve got a pretty good idea.”
CHAPTER 24
Two energy bars, a notebook, two pairs each of underwear and socks, a T-shirt, a few pages of sheet music, a bottle of water, a wallet that contained forty-eight dollars, and a license that confirmed Chad William Gordon was indeed two months away from turning eighteen. That was the contents of the frayed black backpack that he’d been carrying around for four days since he left his home in Oro Valley, a suburb six miles north of Tucson.
Staring out the window from the backseat, Chad tried to think of the good things he had going for him. At least he was able to stick it out until he graduated. And after four nights of uncertainty, of going from a friend’s couch to a park bench, he now had some allies. Three strangers who took a chance to help him make a fresh start in life. He thought about his mother and hoped she would leave his stepdad now that Chad was finally gone. He felt guilty. But not enough to go back.
He looked around the car at his three new travelling companions. They’d told him a little about themselves, filling him in on the purpose of the trip. It sounded like an unbelievable story to him, but they had no reason to lie. Chad appreciated that they didn’t pressure him to do the same, but he actually wanted to talk about it. He needed to talk about it. And he was happy they listened.
It was a pretty typical story that most had heard before. Chad’s mother had been raising him alone. When Ed came along, she thought he would finally make their family whole and take care of the two of them. At first he treated Chad with kindness and respect, but as soon as he married Chad’s mother, everything changed. Chad looked away when he talked about how Ed belittled him in front of the other employees at the garage where Ed worked and got Chad a part-time job. His mother justified it by saying, “That’s just his way.” That justification probably helped her make it through as well, since he treated her even worse. He was constantly putting her down and making her think she would be nothing without him.
Before leaving, Chad snuck a letter into his mother’s purse, begging her to leave and go live with her sister. It was risky, knowing she might show Ed the letter, but he had to try. Watching the endless strip of white flowing down the highway, he wondered if his mother would someday forgive him. Then with the hum of the car mesmerizing him, the white strip began to blur and suddenly he fell asleep.
That’s it, Lucy thought to herself. She’d finally figured out what was causing her to sneak endless peeks at their new guest. There was something familiar about him that she couldn’t quite place until that moment, when they were talking about Katie and Rick. Chad looked a lot like Rick did back when he and Katie were dating. A tall, lanky kid with a laid-back disposition—cute too.
She stared at him as he slept, and suddenly she was smiling. Not because of something familiar in his face though, but because of a familiar feeling. It was something she hadn’t felt in a very long time. The feeling you get when you do something nice for someone. Lucy had gotten used to being needed, and she realized how much she missed it. She wondered why she felt it now, with this strange boy. And why she hadn’t felt it when she found out what she would be doing for her sister. Maybe because it didn’t seem real, and Katie wasn’t there. But Chad was; he was right there needing someone to take care of him. She was relaxed in her thoughts, and before she knew it, she was asleep too.
The problem with diabetes is you can’t have an off day without worrying about what else could be wrong. Katie knew the warning signs. She was always on top of things, in terms of checking her blood sugar levels. But she also knew she had to be vigilant in keeping herself healthy on a daily basis, and getting enough fluids, even with just a cold. The consequences could be minor, or they could be life-threatening. Lying on the couch with a lightweight blanket over her, she sped through the channels not really paying attention to what each show was.
“Mommy, you’re going too fast,” Carly announced, resting on her knees in a pale blue princess dress. The outfit was a securit
y blanket of sorts, which she would put on when she was worried about her mother. It had started a couple of years back when she was first read the story of Cinderella. What she got out of it was that nothing bad happens when you’re dressed like a princess. Ever since then, Carly would don the dress when things seemed uncertain with her mother. Strangely, there were times when Katie was in the hospital, but she didn’t feel the need to put it on. It was like she had a sixth sense, knowing when things were just routine and when they were really serious.
“Sorry, sweetie,” Katie replied, handing her the remote. “Why don’t you do it? Find something good for us to watch.”
Katie took the remote and went straight to the three hundreds, where she knew there would be several good choices. “How ’bout Max and Ruby?” The show about a girl rabbit and her younger brother was one of Carly’s favorites, because that was what she one day hoped for—a little brother she could take care of. She looked over at her mom for confirmation.
“Sounds great to me.” Katie smiled and took a deep breath. “You know, I’m feeling much better!” Her voice sounded perky. She knew that with the combination of Rick being gone for the day and her not feeling well, Carly would need the reassurance.
Carly got up and sat at Katie’s feet at the end of the couch. She watched her show with one arm resting across her mother’s legs. Katie watched her daughter, trying to permanently implant the image in her brain, drifting in and out of sleep.
It was the grinding sound of metal that jolted both backseat passengers awake, first Lucy and then Chad. Lucy quickly sat upright and tried to survey the situation. Looking to the front, she noticed Benny with both hands on the wheel, leaning forward and looking from side to side. She felt the car begin to slow. Anne’s right hand gripped the handle above the window.
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