Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1)

by Stephens, Amy

  “Shit,” I say out loud. “What the hell!” I count my money again, finding only a hundred dollar bill, a few twenties and some change. I add in the twenty from the girl at the hotel last night. That can’t be right. I keep digging around. I’m coming up about a hundred dollars short. “Shit!” I said, a little louder this time, and pound my fist on the steering wheel.

  I kick open the car door and look around on the ground, thinking maybe I had just dropped it or something before getting back in. I rummage through some of the trash still in the floorboard on the passenger side, but come up empty. I slam the car door shut and hurry back across the street to the gas station.

  A little bell chimes on the door alerting Maggie that someone has entered. She looks up from what appears to be a crossword puzzle book.

  “Hey Maggie. I was in here just a few minutes ago. Did anyone by chance turn in any money? I’m coming up a little short and thought maybe I dropped it here earlier.”

  She looks at me with kind eyes and says, “Sorry hun, haven’t seen anything. I’ll keep my eyes open, and if someone turns any in, I will be sure to keep it at the counter. You can check back later on if you’d like.”

  “Thanks Maggie. I’m going to check in the bathroom real quick.” I nod and move towards the back of the store, still remaining hopeful.

  After checking the stall I used earlier, I walk up to the mirror and look at the reflection of myself. Sighing, I hope this is not an indication of how the rest of the day is going to be.

  Coming up empty handed, I walk back out of the bathroom and turn towards the door. I throw my hand up at Maggie and say, “Have a good day. No luck finding my money, but maybe it will turn up.”

  Back across the street at my car, I grab the trash from my chips and drink last night, plus my so-called breakfast this morning, and toss it all in the nearby dumpster. I’m so disgusted with my clumsiness. I look up at the ominously gray sky, then turn to look up and down the street. I decide to drive down to a shopping center I had spotted last night. Right now, I’m just not in the mood to look for a job. Damn it, I can’t believe I’ve lost some of my money.

  Hours later, after walking through Target and a couple smaller stores nearby just killing time, my stomach starts to rumble; so, I decide to eat. I treat myself to something from Burger King, and glance through the newspaper a previous customer left behind on the table. I see all kinds of job listings: fast food service, someone needing help at the local newspaper stand, the hospital looking for security and custodial help, the hotels looking for maintenance workers. You name it, the same typical jobs that are available in every small city all over the country. To humor myself, I also glance at the listings for apartment rentals. Well, one thing is for certain; after seeing the going rate for an apartment around here, there’s no need to look for a place to stay until I can come up with a job, or two for that matter. Looks like I’m going to be hanging out in my car for a little while longer. It’s tough trying to make a fresh start with absolutely nothing to my name.

  I drive across the street and spend the next couple of hours browsing through Wal-Mart. I’ve never spent so much time randomly walking through stores having nothing to buy. But I really don’t have anything better to do. Even though it’s fun to people watch, it, too, gets old after a while.

  I manage to waste the entire afternoon, and walking back outside, I see the clouds have started to move in, threatening more rain. With no access to a television or a phone, I’m not sure what the weather forecast is. But, with the look of the clouds and the swift wind that’s now blowing, it’s obvious another thunderstorm is looming. I don’t want to get caught out in the weather with no raincoat should it start to rain again, so I head back to my car.

  I manage to get back inside the car just as the raindrops fall again. The longer I sit here, the windows start to fog up again until I’m no longer able to see anything outside. I crack the window because it’s getting a little stuffy, but the wind blows the rain inside the car. I roll the window back up again and deal with the humidity as best I can. Thunder rumbles loudly, so I grab my pillow and just listen to the rain as it pelts against my car.

  Bang, bang, bang. I jump abruptly, not knowing where the noise is coming from. “You okay in there?” I hear a voice ask. I see it’s now dark out, and someone is standing just outside of the window, trying to get my attention.

  I roll down the window, and a bright flashlight beam meets me square in the face. “What the heck?” I question rather loudly, to whomever is standing outside my car. The light is so bright it prevents me from making out who’s standing there.

  “You alright in there?” The voice questions me again.

  I can now see that it’s a parking lot security patrolman as he points his flashlight away from my window.

  “Sir, can you please step out of the car?” He says to me.

  I unlock the door and do as the gentleman says. I stumble slightly but only because my legs are numb from being sound asleep and in the same position for so long.

  “Is there a problem sir?” I ask the security guy who is now using his flashlight to look around inside my car. Thank goodness it’s not the two police officers from last night.

  “You got some identification on you? I’ve noticed your car’s been parked here all afternoon.”

  It’s obvious there’s nothing I’m hiding in the car, so I look towards the guy and say, “My wallet’s in the car. Is it okay to get it?”

  I’m trying to control my anger to prevent from causing an outburst, but damn, it’s ridiculous how a stupid security cop at Wal-Mart can question me like I’m guilty of something.

  I find my wallet and pass my driver’s license to the officer.

  “Long way from home, aren’t you?”

  “I just recently moved here and haven’t had a chance to get anything updated. I’m picking my friend up from work and I guess I dozed off. He should have been off by now, so he must be working overtime.” I’m getting pretty good with these made up stories.

  The guy looks at me, and I can tell by the expression on his face that he actually believes me. “Alright son, I don’t see any reason to question you further. Have a good night.”

  Good thing it is night, because if it had been light out, he would surely have seen from my expression the lie I had just told him. I’m just thankful he didn’t ask me who it was I was waiting for.

  I have absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to do now. It’s obvious that anywhere I go, someone is going to show up and question me. It seems like I’m a magnet to them. I know it’s just a coincidence, but it sure feels like I’m doomed once again.

  I really hate being in this predicament, but I guess I should have made better plans before leaving Macy’s and going someplace new. I wait until I can no longer see the security car, then pull out of the parking lot.

  Suddenly, a thought crosses my mind. I turn around at the next red light and head back in the direction of the hotel from last night. I’m hoping the girl who gave me the money is working again. If she’s not, I’ll have to come up with an alternate plan.

  I pull into the parking lot of the hotel and glance towards the front office. I can see someone standing behind the counter who resembles her, but I’m not totally sure. It’s pretty late now, so I take my chances and walk inside.

  The girl turns around, and I see it’s her. “Hi, I’m, uh, Brian. I was here last night. You gave me some money for gas.”

  “Yes, I remember. Never expected to see you again though.” If I didn’t know any better, I’d say, judging by the expression on her face, she was happy to see me again.

  I notice she’s got a nice smile and a friendly disposition about her. She is somewhat attractive-- not some drop-dead gorgeous blonde babe, but nice looking. Her hair is light blonde, and she has it pulled back in a ponytail. She’s somewhat on the petite side, but I can’t help but notice her radiant blue eyes.

  I want to make my story sound believable, so I’m very careful
about what I tell her. “First of all, I wanted to thank you again for the money. I sort of wasn’t being completely honest with you, or the cops last night.”

  I can see a worried look suddenly appear on her face. “Look, I don’t need any kind of trouble, or an explanation. I did all I could last night to help you. I could tell the cops were kind of harping on you.”

  “Wait, let me explain. I was low on gas, just like I told you and the cops last night, but I didn’t have any plans to meet up with my brother to get cash, nor did I actually call him. You see, I got into a situation with someone back home, and rather than cause any more problems, I decided it was best to leave town. I guess you could say I ran away. I drove all the way here, and now I’m thinking about trying to make a fresh start here.”

  I’m not sure if she’s following me, so I tell her a little more. I share with her a little about Macy, how she kicked me out, and I couldn’t go back home or to my brother’s house. But, I don’t tell her about the rent money I took or any of the other situations we encountered. Some things are just better left unsaid.

  She just stares at me without saying a word. I’m not sure if she’s believing me or if she might be feeling a little sympathetic. The last thing I need is for her to start taking Macy’s side. You know how women are, taking sides with each other when a man is involved.

  “I’m very sorry about your situation, but I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

  “I know this is probably asking a lot from you, but is there any way you might be able to help me get a room tonight? I’ve slept the last two nights in my car, and I really don’t want the cops questioning me again if I’m discovered sleeping again. I’m not doing any harm, but they simply don’t like seeing me asleep in it.” I make an attempt to convince her even more. “Just earlier tonight, I was in the Wal-Mart parking lot, minding my own business, and a security guard came by. Said I couldn’t stay there either. I’m just running out of options.” I drop my head even though I know my story is more believable while I’m making eye contact with her.

  “And you think I can help you? I don’t even know you.” I can see she’s starting to withdraw.

  “Wait, maybe I am asking for a little too much. You were very generous last night, and I thought you might be able to help me out again. I just don’t know where to go.” I’m really putting on the sad look now.

  “Shouldn’t you have thought this through more before you decided to run away? I think I would have had at least a little bit of money saved and a better plan.”

  “You’re right. I should have thought more about it, but it all happened so suddenly. I’m sorry for bothering you again.” I duck my head and turn to walk towards to the exit.

  “Wait.” She says. “Maybe there is something I can do.”

  I look back at her, and I can see I’ve weakened her resolve. I just may be getting somewhere with her now; there may be some hope after all.

  “You see, the problem I have is that I don’t have any money to pay you for a room, but maybe I can make it up to you some other way.” My plan is working.

  “I could really get in trouble for this you know, but I think I can do a little something. I can let you have a standard room on the house, but you’ve got to be gone first thing in the morning.”

  “Oh my goodness. Are you serious? That would be amazing.” I’m really playing this up good.

  “My shift is over at seven, so I’ll need you to be gone by then. I can take care of the paperwork part, but I don’t want my co-worker questioning anything about you if she sees you.”

  “Look. You tell me how I can make it up to you, and I will. I owe you big time.” I can hardly believe I’m going to have a nice bed to sleep in tonight and a hot shower in the morning.

  I know she’s still uncertain about this from the tone of her voice. “Like I said, I need you to make sure you’re gone by seven. Don’t bother bringing the key card to the front desk. Just throw it away after you leave.”

  “Thank you. Thank you so much…” I hesitate, because I’ve just spent the last few minutes talking to her, and I never bothered to get her name. I stick my hand out to shake hers. “I didn’t catch your name.”

  “Jennifer. It’s nice to meet you.” A smile forms on her lips, and I think maybe everything is going to be okay after all.

  “I’m just going to grab my stuff from the car, and I’ll be right back.” As I move towards the door, I look back at her. “Thank you Jennifer. This is really nice of you.”

  I walk back out to my car to get my bag, still shocked that I was able to pull it off.

  I head back inside and she’s already got my door key ready. “Here; you’re at the end of the hall, down there on the left.” She points in the direction of the room as she hands over the key.

  I take the key from her and start to head down the hallway. Sensing there is something else she has to say, I turn back towards her.

  “Wait, hold on a minute.” I stop, just as she’s about to ask me something. “Have you had anything to eat tonight?”

  Not wanting to sound desperate, I reply, “I’ll be okay. I had something earlier this afternoon.”

  “Are you sure? ‘Cause I can grab you a snack from the kitchen. It won’t be much, but I don’t mind.”

  “I could use something to drink, if that’s okay.” I really was thirsty. I had been nibbling on the little bit of junk food I took from Macy’s apartment over the last few days, but I had no way of keeping anything cold, to drink. I wonder how much more she is going to offer me.

  “Why don’t you put your bag down over there and I’ll be right back.” She points to the couch in the lobby and heads towards a room just off the side of the main check-in counter.

  While I wait for her to return, I walk to the front window and peer out at the parking lot. It’s shortly after midnight and everything looks still and quiet outside. Peaceful. The rain has obviously moved on, and there’s a slight chill to the air.

  She returns shorty to the front carrying a tray. As she places it down on the table, I see she has brought me a Coke, a couple of Danishes and a packaged muffin.

  “You didn’t have to do all that.” I tell her, this time I am feeling genuinely appreciative.

  “It’s no problem. Sorry I don’t have anything hot; we won’t have coffee or tea ‘til in the morning. We always keep plenty of these on hand, though.” She points down to the tray of food.

  “No, this is plenty. Really.” I open the Coke and take a swallow.

  For the next hour, we manage to make small talk while I eat the Danishes. I tell her a little more about where I’m from, how I hated school, and about a few of the jobs I’ve had since finishing school several years ago. She opens up to me as well, about herself, telling me about her parents selling their family home and moving away to travel full- time, her best friend Rebecca, the classes she is taking at college, and her desire to become a teacher. She also tells me about the apartment she has by herself and how she sometimes gets lonely living alone.

  I am amazed how easily we start to feel more comfortable around each other just from this brief conversation. After the hour has passed, even though it seems much longer, we discover we both have two brothers each, and we like the some of the same music and television shows.

  She tells me about a band that comes to town about once a month and plays at Night Moves, the club that is next door to the hotel. She says I would really enjoy their music and if I’m around Saturday night, I should stop by to hear them. Since her best friend’s boyfriend is in the military and is away right now on duty, she and Rebecca hang out together quite often on their nights off.

  “I’ll, um, definitely consider coming to hear them.” I tell her. “And I’m sure I would enjoy meeting your friend, too.” At that moment, I realize just how tired I really am when I let out a big yawn. If I’m going to get some decent rest tonight, I really need to be heading to my room.

  I stand to dump the trash from the tray. “Here let m
e take that from you.” She reaches for the tray, and I pick up the still-wrapped muffin.

  “If you don’t mind, I think I will save this for in the morning.” I place it inside my bag.

  “Sure. If you want me to pack you a few more things for later, I can.” I realize in this moment I could probably get her to do just about anything for me.

  “I’ll be okay. I have really enjoyed tonight and I can’t thank you enough for everything. I promise you, I will make it up to you some way, somehow, Jennifer.” I’m pouring it on thick right now and I know it.

  “Okay. Seriously, if you don’t have any plans, we’ll be next door tomorrow night, a little after nine if you’d like to join us.” Is she for real? Am I really hearing her? I know she is just trying to be nice, but talk about rushing into things.

  “I’ll definitely consider it.” I tell her, not knowing if I actually will or not.

  “Goodnight Brian. Hope you can get a couple hours of sleep in before morning.”

  I walk down the hall to my room, thinking this day turned out better than I had ever thought it would.

  The end of my shift is nearing, and I can’t help myself from looking in the direction of the room I had issued to Brian just hours ago. Thoughts of him remained in my mind throughout my shift. I can’t imagine leaving everything behind and starting over someplace new, not knowing anything about it or anyone there. How do you even choose where to go? Or, how do you let things get so bad to the point you need to escape from them and start fresh?

  I keep thinking I will see him leave. I go to the back and grab my things before heading to the clock to punch out. Saying my goodbyes to everyone, I’m really looking forward to being off the next two days. I wonder if Brian will come back to the hotel again looking for another room, or if he might possibly show up at the club tonight? I really don’t expect to see him since he doesn’t have any money but a girl can wonder, right? I can’t wait to call Rebecca this morning to give her all the details about last night. She’s going to flip. She barely believed my story about him from the previous night when the cops brought him in.