"Ladies and Gentlemen we will be stopped for fifteen minutes to refuel, feel free to stretch your legs."
I squirmed in my seat, I really needed to pee, but I didn't want to get off. I watched everyone exit attempting to take my mind to somewhere other than my aching bladder.
"You good?" Rhiannon asked with a concerned look on her face.
"I really have to use the restroom." I responded crossing my legs.
"Mylana just go."
I hesitated for a minute. What if we didn't stop for another few hours? I groaned in defeat realizing I had to go here or in my pants. I hoisted my backpack onto my shoulders and slid past Rhiannon.
"I'll be back."
I walked down the aisle as quickly as humanly possible and made my way to the forever long bathroom line. I leaned out attempting to count the people sitting outside the small outhouse, thirty-three. There were screaming children and whiney adults all frustrated with the outrageous wait. While I waited I looked around to my left was a large marina and to my right sat a small general store that looked nearly vacant. I glanced at the large crowd one last time before breaking into a jog towards the sleepy little building. When I walked in the only person was the cashier who didn't bother acknowledging my existence. I looked around and spotted the restroom sign near the back and scooted that way. After I relieved myself I was able to admire the small store and all of its charm. I looked around grabbing a pair of black sunglasses, a large bottle of water, and a local newspaper.
"Do you need help finding anything?" the sound of his smooth voice had startled me so bad I dropped the bottle of water to the floor. "I am so sorry, let me help you." He chuckled snatching the bottle up and handing it back to me.
"Thanks." I stammered awkwardly.
I felt his gaze burning through me as I stared down at my distressed Doc Martens.
"Is that all you need?" He questioned.
"Uh yeah." I felt my cheeks go pink as I continued to fumble with my words.
"I can get you at the register." He informed.
I followed and dropped my things on the worn countertop. He scanned each item and began typing on the ancient register.
"Just visiting or are you here to stay?"
"Just visiting."
"That's a shame Camden can really grow on people." He insisted giving me a sweet grin.
I tried to avoid looking at him, but my curiosity got the best of me. When I looked up I was met with messy blonde hair and sun-kissed skin. He didn't look much older than me, but I could tell he was an old soul.
"That will be $13.52." He said popping open the drawer.
I dug the cash out of my back pocket and dropped it into his hand.
"Thank you."
He nodded and gave me a sweet smile.
"Good luck on your travels."
I nodded and went on but as soon as I stepped out I was slapped with gut-wrenching disappointment. The bus left without me. My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach as I realized I had nothing. I felt hopeless, I had nowhere to go and no one to call. All I had was the money I stole from Tammy and the clothes on my back. What am I going to do? I made my way back across the street to the marina. The water here was surprisingly clear, I could see the fish dancing below the choppy surface. I dropped down and dangled my legs over the edge feeling the cool sea on the tips of my toes. I inhaled the salty air and dug out 'The Camden Tribune' and flicked through the pages. Just when I started to lose hope the name Sandy Rogen caught my eye. She was renting a "small cottage." on the outside of town. I acted fast. I sprinted to the end of the pier, jammed change into the worn-out payphone, and dialed the number printed in black ink below her ad.
"Hello?"
"Hi, is this Mrs. Rogen?" I asked squirming nervously.
"Yes, who is this?" A chipper tone responded.
"My name is Mylana Evans, I'm calling about your rental property."
"Oh yes. Would you like a tour?" She questioned joy evident in her voice.
"Yes mam."
"I am actually out here today, so we can knock it out if you like."
"I would like that very much. " I said feeling excitement bubble in my chest.
"See you in 20?"
"That sounds good to me, thank you for doing this on such short notice."
"No problem dear. Goodbye now."
"Bye."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, now let's just hope I can afford it. I gathered my things up and began the trek toward the house. The hot may sun beat down on me as I went. I stopped and asked for directions two or three times before I ever made it on the right path. After walking about a mile I was greeted with a small blue house with a view of the water. I prayed hard as I walked up to the front door. I was hoping I would have somewhere to sleep tonight. I knocked gently and was greeted by a smiling redhead.
"You must be Ms. Evans." She assumed taking in my features.
"Yes mam."
"Come on in." She smiled with a welcoming tone.
I looked around the small home and instantly fell in love, sure it was small and needed a little renovation, but it was beautiful and above all else, it felt like home. It was an open concept kitchen and living and up a set of stairs, there is a loft with a queen bed and small bathroom.
"How much is rent and down payment."
"Rent is three hundred a month and down payment is twelve hundred." She responded glancing around the small place. "but for you, I'll knock two hundred off the down payment and one hundred off of your rent."
"How would you feel about me moving in right now?" I asked voice full of hope.
"Oh I assume I could do that, I just need you to sign a couple of papers and go over some ground rules for this place."
"Ok, let's get started."
After a good forty-five minutes of paperwork and talking over 'the rules' I was exhausted but relieved I had somewhere to stay even if it was just temporary. She was a little uneasy renting out to a 17-year-old, but after I explained my situation she was more than happy to let me stay. I could tell she pitied me. I didn't want that from her or anyone. It made me sick having to go over the details of how I ended up in Camden.
"Here are the keys. Have a good afternoon hun, I'm sorry we couldn't meet under better circumstances." She sighed with eyes full dripping with pity.
She then did something completely unexpected and wrapped her arms around me. Her quick movements caused me to jump, but she held me in her vice grip of a hug until I wrapped my arms around her. My heart felt warm.
"I'll be over in a few weeks to see how you're doing. Oh! I forgot one thing. I've been meaning to renovate the place. I just don't have time to go and pick paint and new flooring. So, you do that for me and I'll get someone to help you freshen up the place." She smiled.
"Thank you, Mrs. Rogan."
"Sandy from now on Dear."