Finding Home

Chapter 1

"Why can't there be just one semi decent channel" Charlie huffed as she flipped through the radio stations only to find static.

"Don't you see where we are" Damien questioned. "No where, we are in the middle of bum fucked Egypt. There's nothing out here so of course there won't be any good stations" he snapped. Charlie rolled her eyes and shut off the radio.

"You would think there would be at least one station out here" she said then rested her head on the window, watching the sun set upon the horizon. "Are we still in Oregon?"

"Nope we're in Washington now. I'm thinking about stopping soon. You want anything" he asked with a faint smile. Charlie smiled back at him.

"A bed would be nice" she teased. Damian's expression turned cold and his hands tightened around the steering wheel. "Lighten up, I was joking." He darted his gaze at her.

"Well it's not funny. I'm trying my best and I don't need to remind me that I'm failing." Charlie sighed and scooted closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You're not failing. You've been great. I hardly go without. I-I don't know how you do it but you've always have everything we need." She paused and kissed his cheek. "I love you and I don't know what I'd do without you." He looked over at her with a smile and wrapped an arm around her.

"I love you too squirt" he teased and took off on an exit. "How's Mickie D's?"

"Works for me she smiled. We still have some Mt. Dew in the back so we don't have to worry about drinks." Damien smiled as he pulled into Mc Donald's to grab them dinner.

"I'll be back" he reassured then went inside. She watched him for a few moments and sighed. She pulled down the visor and admired her reflection. Her emerald green eyes were her favorite, they were one of the only physical traits she shared with her brother. Her sandy blonde hair was long and wavy while his was dark brown and straight. They both had slightly tanned skin, mostly from spending their days in the sun.

It was no more than 10 minutes before he came back and hopped in their truck.

"Got us some nugs and fries. And a little something for you." Damien said as he pulled out a purple beanie baby toy and handed it to her.

"Awe D, you didn't have to" she thanked and gave him a hug.

"Consider it as an I'm sorry present" he replied with a smile and drove off. He was getting tired and knew he had to find a spot to sleep. So he drove around until he found a semi secluded area and parked his truck.

"How's this?" He asked, surveying the area.

"Works for me" she replied as she climbed out of the truck and headed to the tail gate. Together they lifted the tarp off of their bags and Charlie hopped up to grab the blankets. She layered each one making them a cushion on the hard bed of the truck then grabbed their two pillows.

"All set!" She smiled and plopped down on the blankets as he joined her. Damien put his arm around her and pulled her close. Together they watched as the stars started to pop out, and started to find different constellations.

"Hey D?" Charlie asked as she rolled onto his chest.

"Yeah?"

"What do you remember about mom?" She asked with a yawn. He sighed and hesitated for a moment.

"Well, Charlie...It's the same as I always tell you. She was a wonderful woman. Looked a lot like you, and had the same kind heart." Tears rolled down his cheeks. It pained him to think of her. She was his world, until that day. He came home from school.

"Mom, mom! Look what I made you for Mother's day in school!" He yelled as he ran into the house, holding out a card but got no response.
"Mom?" He called out again still silence. The boy dropped his backpack and searched the house, only to find that he was alone with his sister in the crib. Tears swelled in his giant green eyes.
"Mom" he cried out, knowing she wouldn't hear. He sat in his room until he heard the front door open.

"Mom!" He yelled and jumped up grabbing his gift, bolting to the front door.

"Where's mom?" He asked with disappointment and worry in his little voice.

"Don't you see? She's gone buddy. She's not coming back. She left me with you brats. She doesn't care about you or that damn baby." He spat as he noticed the paper in his hands. "What's this?" He asked as he snatched it out of the boys hands.

"Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you to the moon and back. Love Damien." He read out loud and busted out laughing. "Too bad she don't feel the same for you" he said as he pulled out a lighter and lit the handmade card.

"No!" The boy squealed as all his hard work turned to ash. The man laughed once more and threw it to the floor and stomped on it.

"She never loved you or even gave a damn about you. And neither do I"

"DAMIEN!" Charlie shouted waking him from his flashback.

"Sorry kid. I'm just exhausted." He explained and rolled over.

"Alright. Night." Charlie responded and rolled over. She knew that wasn't true. He's been dozing off more and more here lately. She's tried to get him to talk but he refuses and gives her the same old excuses, "I'm fine", "I'm tired", "It's nothing". It's easier to drop it than push the issue. Charlie sighed and fell fast asleep. They had another day of travelling ahead.