Mandy

Chapter 23

And I will rise, when He calls my name. No more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise, on eagle's wings, before my God, fall on my knees.
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It was early the next morning when Caleb pulled into a gas station, and parked by a pump. He grabbed his wallet, then opened the door and hopped out.

Mandy unbuckled her seat belt and looked at the sleeping kids behind her. "Ami, wake up Sweetie." She whispered, gently shaking the little girl.

"I'm tired." She said groggily.

Mandy laughed. "Amilee, wake up. We have to make a stop, then you can go back to sleep if you'd like."

This time Amilee opened her eyes and looked around. "Where are we?" She asked as she slowly undid her seatbelt.

"We are at a gas station, it's time to take a quick break and stretch our legs." Mandy answered her as she picked the little girl up.

Mandy and Amilee were browsing the merchandise at the gas station a couple minutes later when Caleb walked in, a sleepy Ethan in his arms.

Mandy smiled as she saw them, then turned back to the picture Amilee was showing her.

"See? The kitty is sleeping on top of the puppy." Amilee explained.

"Awww! They look cute, don't they?"

Amilee nodded in agreement, then returned the magazine to the shelf. "Are we gonna eat breakfast?" She asked.

"Yes, we can pick a couple things out from here." Mandy told her. "Why don't we do that quick and then we can go when Ethan and Daddy finish."

Amilee pointed over to the refrigerated display. "Can I get some yogurt?" She asked.

"Sure." Mandy replied, glad her daughter hadn't asked for a donut. "What kind would you like?"

Amilee studied the containers for a minute. "I want the blueberry one." She decided.

Mandy put the yogurt into the basket she was carrying. "What kind should we get for Ethan?"

"Blueberry! He likes the same thing as I do." Amilee replied.

Mandy tried not to laugh as she added the yogurt and two bottles of orange juice to her basket, along with a small bag of sliced apples.

"Are we going to eat in the car?" Amilee asked as she followed Mandy over to the next display.

"Yes. You'll have to be careful not to spill." Mandy told her as she grabbed a box of muffins and set it in the basket.

"Cool!"

"Amilee, why don't you come to the car with me and get ready to go while your Mommy pays?" Caleb suggested as he and Ethan joined them.

"Ok, I guess." She replied, taking Caleb's free hand.

Mandy smiled as she filled two paper cups with coffee, then carefully carried the coffees and her basket to the counter.

   She pulled out her card and handed it to the cashier, then looked out the store window.

   "Your kids?" The cashier asked.

   Mandy nodded as she took her card back. "Yes. This is their first long drive."

   The cashier smiled. "They seem to be handling it well." She commented.

   "They do." Mandy agreed. "That makes me afraid they won't be happy the rest of the way."

   "With their bellies full, I'm sure they will be happy for a couple hours." The cashier said, then handed Mandy a bag with her purchases inside. "Enjoy your trip!"

   Mandy smiled as she took the bag and headed to the door. "Thanks!"