by TJ Hines
After the girls ate their late-night dinner, they began to plan where they would go once the bus stopped. They had a flashlight, a map, and a goal. To stay safe and to start a new life.
When the bus reached the Alabama state line, Gemini began to relax a little. She had done the unthinkable…kidnapped her little sister and traveled two states away. No one she knew would think to look for them in Alabama. Heck, she didn't even know anyone in the Southern US. This was going to be a whole new experience for her and her little sister. According to the map, it wouldn't be long before they made it to Huntsville. She had already decided they would grab a quick breakfast and as soon as the rental car places opened, she would rent them a car with the fake ID she had got last year. Her friends thought it was to go to bars and stuff just like her mom. Because you know the old saying…like mother like daughter. Ha! If they only knew. Gemini was the total opposite of her mom.
The girls would then drive another hour to a small town that sounded like the perfect place to stay safe from the government. Taura had picked the town because she thought it sounded nice. Gemini prayed that the people there were nice too and that they were welcoming of strangers. There was one good thing going for them though, school would be out for the summer in a couple of weeks so that would give Gemini time to figure out what to do with Taura once August came rolling back around.
The bus came to a squealing stop about the time Taura woke up from her second nap. Using her ability to that degree took a lot out of her and she was typically drained for a while afterward. Gemini had only seen her revive one other being and that was the neighborhood cat who was hit by a car in front of their apartment building a few years ago. Taura begged Gemini to let her save him and Gem finally gave in because she loved the cat too. It was reckless but thankfully, Gemini was there to help. They took their sweet cat into the basement of the apartment building and Taura did her thing and the next thing you know the cat, Mr. Bojo, was up and walking around. It was a miracle. After that Taura slept for nearly a day and ate a ton of food when she woke up. That was just a cat, Gemini thought, she couldn't imagine how Taura would be now after healing an actual human.
Gemini spotted a diner in the distance that didn’t seem too crowded. The girls made their way over there and had a delicious breakfast. The diner was kind of run-down, but the food was phenomenal. She had grits in Chicago but not like these. These were absolutely scrumptious especially with a side of bacon and some shredded cheese. Gemini liked to eat, and she wasn't ashamed of it like some people. She was a curvy girl and she loved her curves. Her sister, however, was as skinny as a rail but could eat you out of house and home.
The girls finished their breakfast and gave a generous tip to the friendliest waitress they had ever had, not that they got to go out to eat a lot and when they did it was usually fast food. But on rare occasions, Gemini would take Taura out on Saturday mornings to a local diner for a pancake breakfast just like mom used to make before drugs came in the picture. And while the waitresses in Chicago were friendly, the people in the south, so far, had that southern charm about them that just drew you in and made you want to tell them everything about you and all your secrets. They got directions to a rental car place not too far from the diner too.
Gemini and Taura reached the car place shortly after they opened their doors. The guy behind the counter looked like that was the last place he wanted to be on a Saturday in May. He was in his early twenties and had that whole stoner dude atmosphere about him. Gemini asked for a small car just for the day. When he started to tell her, he couldn't rent to her she pushed an extra fifty-dollar bill to him. He smiled at her took the money, had her sign some forms, and gave her the key to an economy class car.
Gemini took driver's education in school but she had never driven a car outside of class besides once when her best friend, Claire, let her drive her car the night she had too much to drink at Mitch Olsen's graduation party. How hard could it be, Gemini thought.
"Stop being such as scaredy-cat, Gemi. Let's go!" Taura exclaimed jumping in the front seat. Gemini got behind the wheel of the car and did the whole checklist she remembered from class. Adjust seat…check. Adjust mirrors…check. Fasten seatbelt…check. Now she just had to start the car and put it in drive. She could do this. She turned the key and the car turned on. Yes! She could do this. Just one step at a time. Gem put the car in reverse and slowly backed up. She had to refresh herself on which pedal was the brake and which one was the accelerator which made Taura cackle with laughter. Gem smiled because that was the first time, she had heard her sister laugh in a long time. She vowed to hear that laughter more over the upcoming months and years.
CHAPTER FOUR
It was nerve-wracking learning to drive and acting like she had everything under control, but Gemini had no choice. She had to get her and Taura to their soon to be new home and as soon as possible. The longer they stayed on the road the more likely they were going to get caught. After a few miles of trial and error driving, she finally got the hang of it. Luckily, they hadn’t passed any cops on their trip. So far. Gemini did notice that most of the cars stayed away from her on the road, which was probably due to her driving she thought.
According to Gem's phone and the free WiFi at the diner, it would take the girls a little more than an hour to reach their destination. Of course, that was driving at normal speeds. Gem was currently driving fifteen miles under the speed limit. Taura fell back asleep shortly after Gem started driving confirming how worn out her little sister must have been because there was no way Taura would have normally fell asleep and missed this driving adventure. Taura loved to poke fun at Gem. Like the time Gemini got stuck hanging out her bedroom window trying to hang clothes up to dry. The fire department had to be called. It was so embarrassing but Taura loved every minute of it since she wasn't the one in danger of dying by humiliation. Taura still brought it up every time Gemini did laundry. That was the closest the girls had been to having Social Services called on them. Luckily, the fire department got another call shortly after saving Gem and had to leave. The girls stayed with one of Gem's friends that night just in case Social Services showed up at their door. They never did. That was when Gemini realized someone was looking out for them from above.
Gemini, from then on, took Taura to church every Sunday. They sat in the back because they were never dressed nicely and didn't want to draw attention to themselves. They would listen to the Preacher talk about God, Heaven, and Jesus. Gemini wasn't completely sold on the idea of Heaven yet, but she would watch Taura's face with every passing sermon and could tell that she believed it completely so Gemini went along with her. Gem and Taura prayed every night for those in need, especially their mom, and even included themselves in their prayers from time to time.
Gemini took the exit for the city of Hope. That's why Taura chose it…because it gave her Hope. From the research the girls did on Gem's phone the town was pretty small. So small that it barely had any restaurants and only one traffic light. Gemini had a little money saved so that would help the girls get on their feet. They would need a place to stay and Gem would need to find a job. But first Gem needed to get some more food in Taura.
Gem pulled over at a quaint little diner that was next door to a Travel Center and Truck Stop. The diner had a help wanted sign in the window which was even better. She thought about the pros and the cons of working so close to the interstate as she parked the car. The idea of having a steady income for a little while won out plus they could make a speedy getaway if things went south for them.
Gem gently woke Taura up by shaking her. "Taura. Taura. Hey, munchkin we're here. Hope, Alabama. Just like you picked."
"Awesome," Taura said stretching her arms over her head. "I'm hungry."
Gemini laughed because Taura was always hungry. "I figured as much which is why we stopped at this place. It doesn't look like much, but I bet it has pie."
Taura's eyes lit up with the mention of pie. "Can I get two pieces, Gemi?" she
asked in a small voice.
"Sure, munchkin but first real food. Deal?"
"Deal."
The girls walked into the small diner that only had one other patron, an older gentleman with a salt and pepper beard, and a ball cap on his head. He never even glanced in their direction. The girls took a seat in the back of the diner so they could keep an eye on their rental car. Gemini had to figure out what to do with it soon. She only rented it for a day, after all. Gem was still thinking about that when a girl in her early twenties walked up to their table.
"Hey ladies. I'm Dani and I'll be your waitress today. What would y'all like to drink?" the girl, Dani asked.
"Ummm. What do you have?" Taura asked looking at the menu Dani had placed down in front of them.
Dani pointed to the drink section on Taura's menu and said, "We got all your basics plus our famous strawberry lemonade. Y'all should try it. It's delicious."
Gemini glanced over at Taura and Taura nodded back at her big sister.
"We'll have two of them, please", Gemini said looking back at her sister, smiling. Dani took their drink order and started away as the girls started reading their menus.
"What are you going to get?" Taura asked Gem. "I think I want the cheeseburger and fries."
"I'll probably get the same as you and a piece of apple pie," Gem said wagging her eyebrows at her little sister.
"Me too," Taura whined.
When Dani returned with their drinks, the girls gave her their order and took a big drink of their lemonade. Dani was right, it was great.
"Sooo where you ladies from?" Dani asked as she walked back over to their table to top their drinks off.
Before Gem could reply, Taura answered. "Chicago."
Gem hung her head. She was going to tell anyone that asked that question that they were from New York to throw the authorities off if they came snooping around.
"Chicago, the old Windy City. Are winters really that cold up there?"
"They sure are," Taura said taking another big drink. Man, she was so chatty today, Gem thought.
"Well, we sure are glad y'all stopped in today. It might get a little crazy in here for a bit during the lunch rush so just bear with us, 'kay?" Dani commented before turning back around and heading around the counter.
Gemini took the chance to check out her surroundings at that time. The gentleman with the salt and pepper beard was still at the table on the opposite end of the diner and there was an older lady at the cash register who was currently reading a magazine from what Gem could tell. There were two guys behind the wall that separated the kitchen from the dining room, which meant they were probably the cooks. And then there was Dani, who was in her early twenties if Gem had to guess. She had black hair that was currently piled atop her head in a bun. She was petite but looked like she was feisty.
Gem looked back at the cooks preparing their food and one of the guys caught her attention and smiled at her. He was absolutely gorgeous from what she could tell and could not stop staring at him. Thankfully, Taura was there to help her with her manners.
"Gemi, stop staring," she said as she kicked Gemini's leg.
"Ouch! Taura, that hurt."
"Well, stop being rude, and I wouldn't have to do it."
Gemini reached down to rub the spot Taura kicked.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Taura asked as the door chime went off.
Gemini was about to answer when a large group of people walked into the diner. They appeared to all be factory workers from what Gem could guess because they were all wearing the same uniforms. The whole diner became packed with people in less than a minute. Geez, Dani was right. This place was going to be crazy busy.
CHAPTER FIVE
Before Gem had any idea what was going on, Dani began running around like crazy and the older lady too, well as much as possible. She was in one of those walking boot things. So, she was only helping with a couple of tables and running the register. Dani was taking care of the other 18 tables and the counter. And she was starting to fall behind.
Gemini remembered the sign out front and decided that this might be the opportunity she needed to seize the job. So, she scooted out of the bench seat and went behind the counter, grabbing an apron from the wall hook as she went.
"Need some help?" Gem asked Dani.
"Do you have any experience waiting tables?" she asked.
"Yeah," Gem lied. She knew it was wrong to lie but she was about to do so much of it due to her and Taura's circumstances. But the sad part was that she didn't even feel guilty about it. And how could she because this was the only way to keep Taura safe.
"Great! Can you take these orders to their tables?" she asked as she handed Gemini a tray filled with food. Gemini noticed there was a slip on the tray that indicated what food it was and where it went. Simple. She could totally do this. The first tray was even easier because it was hers and Taura's. She dropped it off and told Taura to hang out for a bit while she helped Dani. Gemini didn't think Taura heard a word of what she said since setting eyes on her apple pie with ice cream. Dani must have done that because they sure hadn't ordered ice cream.
Dani was taking someone else's order at the bar when the door chime went off again and in walked a cop with a cowboy hat on. Gemini stopped dead in her tracks as she was reaching for another tray from the hot bar area where the food was kept. This was not good. She gauged the distance between her and her little sister, she should grab her and make a run for it now. Before the cop had time to react.
Gem was just about to turn and run for Taura when the cop took his hat off and walked over to where the gentleman with the salt and pepper beard was sitting. The cop said a few words to him and sat down. All the tension Gem had in her body relaxed until she reminded herself this didn't mean much. She still needed to be vigilant because the cop could recognize her at any time. She made eye contact with Taura and motioned for her to put her ball cap back on and the glasses. Taura did as instructed and Gemini went back to running food out for Dani and filling up drinks. She even bussed the tables. She felt like a real waitress. Just like her mom was before the drugs.
She and Dani got into a rhythm and before long all the factory workers started packing up and leaving. Gemini was so tired. She had run around like crazy. No wonder Dani was so skinny, Gem thought. She finally had the chance to sit down and enjoy her food once everyone had left. Taura was messing with Gem's phone and looked like she was about to fall out again. Gemini needed to hurry up and find somewhere for them to stay for the night.
Gemini bit into her burger and thought it was great but that it would be so much better if it were hot. But beggars were not choosers. So, Gemini took another bite. Before she could get the third bite in, a fresh, steaming hot plate of fries and a hot juicy burger was set down in front of her. She looked up in surprise.
Dani had brought it to her and a fresh drink.
"Thank you so much!" Gemini said shoving a hot, crisp fry into her mouth.
Dani laughed and pulled up a chair from the corner. "So, I wanted to see if you wanted a job. We are hiring and you did so great today. Everyone just loved you."
Gemini didn't know what to say. She wanted to say yes but the cop was still in the diner with them and her apprehension of being so close to someone that could bust them was taking over. Taura spoke up for her though, "She would love the job. Thank you for the offer," her little sister said smiling at Dani.
"I would love to work here. We’re actually moving here, and this would be perfect for me. My name is Dusty, and this is my little sister, Destiny," Gemini said lying for what felt like the fiftieth time today.
Taura excused herself after that telling Gemini she was going to take a nap. Gemini didn't like her sleeping in the car, but they didn't have another choice at the moment.
After Taura left the diner, Dani explained to Gemini that her grandfather, the older gentleman talking with the cop, owned the diner and that she and her brother, Jesse, run the place for him while h
e still runs the mechanic shop next door. Her grandma had run the diner until she passed away last year. Her grandfather was going to close the place, but Dani and Jesse stepped in.
Gemini was about to ask which one of the guys was Jesse when both of them came out from the back. They both approached them and once again Gem was taken off guard at how beautiful that one guy was. Both guys were exceptionally good looking, but the one that had smiled at her earlier was just breathtaking. It was his eyes, she thought. They were the most beautiful blue that she had ever seen, they actually almost reminded her of Taura's eyes.
"Hey, Dani. Did you ask her yet?" the taller guy asked as he came to stand behind Dani. He was well above six feet and built like a linebacker. He had beautiful caramel skin, broad nose, and a chiseled jawline. He currently had a bandana wrapped around his head so Gem couldn't tell what kind of hair he had. The guy gave Dani a kiss on her forehead when she looked up at him. So not Jesse, Gem thought unless that was a thing they did, which she decided was simply weird.
