Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) (9 page)

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.