One For The Road

Chapter Five

Fury.

That was the first thing that went through my mind.

Over what, you ask?

It started when my mother walked into my bedroom later that week, her face ashen and a little white paper in her hand.

She handed the paper to me, her hand shaking. Did she want me to read it? Her reaction made me hesitate, but after a moment of her just watching me, I began skimming the page in the dim glow of the lamp in my room.

The Hendersons-

This is Eugene. In case the kids have forgotten, I am your legal father, and though I haven't seen any of you in a long while, I have a request to make.

I am struggling financially due to my loss of a job. I was wondering if I could borrow a sum of about $7,000-$15,000 until I can get back on my feet. It seems like a lot, but it will be put to good use. If you are willing to negotiate, I am free to meet at Mars Cafe in your town on January 25th. I will be coming from my home in Idaho, so coming to at least negotiate would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes,

Eugene Hickinson

And then the fury came. 

"He can drive from Idaho to Iowa for money, but not to see his kids after almost a decade?" I hissed. "You're not going to meet him, are you?"

"God, no." Mom's voice was shaky. "I would never."

"Where does he live?"

"I don't know for sure. There was no return address anywhere on the envelope. I know he lives in Idaho."

She sat on the edge of my bed, reaching out and gently taking my hand as I seethed at my desk. We sat there for a moment as the fire in my stomach died down a bit.

"Is he serious?" I spat eventually. "Wasn't he filthy rich the first time he wrote to us after he left?"

"He said he lost his job," Mom pointed out. "Sucks for him. No way would I ever send money to such a cruel man."

"Good." I hesitated, an idea blooming in my mind. I mentally turned it over in my hands, examined it thoroughly before wondering, What's the worst that could happen?

"I just wanted to show you that," Mom said, standing slowly. "I'm sorry if I upset you."

"No, it's fine." I was a little upset, but I was glad she had shown me the letter. It fueled my anger and, therefore, my motivation.

She cracked a small smile before leaving the room, and as soon as she was gone, I turned to my laptop, booting t up and opening Google. I did some poking around, searching things along the lines of "where does Eugene Hickincon live" and "Eugene Hickinson Idaho" until I finally found a link that, at the very least, led me to a photo of him and the town he lived in.

It was almost startling to see a photo of him. I hadn't seen him in photos or in person in seven years since my mom had thrown away all traces of his existence after he left. Not that I was complaining. I didn't want to see him, really. But still, seeing his passive half-smile and apathetic eyes staring out of the screen made my stomach turn uneasily.

I scanned the brief, tiny article about him and found the name of his town, Troy. This may not have been accurate or specific, but it was a start.

I also searched a few distances and some travel tips, none of which were particularly useful, before sighing.

I cleared my search history and closed my laptop, picking up my phone. Heidi and I had been texting for a few days now, as well as Just and I. I had started to warm up to the two of them.

I wrote out a text to Heidi, biting my lip and hesitating before hitting send.

I need your help with something.

It only took a moment for her to reply, and I could almost hear her shy, bubbly tone through the phone.

Of course! What can I do for you?

I took a deep breath. What exactly did I need help with? There were a lot of things.

Finally, I let my fingers glide across the phone screen to write a text with everything she would need to know.

I want to go on a "road trip" of sorts. It's not going to be fun. I need to find someone. The ride is almost 24 hours, but this is important, and I need tips to get there.

Once again, her response was quick.

Where are you going? Can I come with?

Those were the words I had been dreading, and she'd come right out and said them.

It's kind of personal. I don't think you'd enjoy it anyway.

I chewed my lip nervously as she responded again.

Don't be silly. I love road trips. I want to get to know you better, and whatever you need help with, I'm sure I can do my best. Maybe Just can come to help, too.

The last thing I needed was one extra person coming with me on this type of trip, much less two people I had barely physically hung out with. I took a long while to think it over. They didn't really know about my past. Could I keep it mostly covered until the trip was over?

Fine. But I don't know when I'm going yet, or exactly how long I'll be gone. We're going to miss some school.

Her next response made me smile a little.

Thank you!! I'll make sure you don't regret it. And anytime you're ready, I can go. I can tell Just about it unless you want to. Anyway, what did you need help with?

I tried to phrase it carefully.

You can tell him if you want. I just needed to know what I should bring, whether it's worth it to spend nights in a hotel or just sleep in the car.

She took a little longer to respond this time.

I haven't been on too many trips, but whenever I've gone, we've both slept in the car and in hotels, depending on how many people are in the car and how long we've been driving. On this trip, we could probably manage with sleeping in the car since there will only be, what, four of us, counting your mom?

I sighed. Should I call her?

I stared at my phone for a moment.

I called her.

Heidi picked up almost immediately. "Yeah?"

"Three."

"What?"

"Three," I repeated, my voice low. "If Just comes with us, there will be three people on the trip. My mom doesn't know I'm going. You can't tell anyone other than Just about this, and he can't tell anyone, either. This is a secret and important to me."

She hesitated. "What are we even taking the trip for?"

I felt my heart speed up. "Nothing. I'll tell you later. Just don't tell anyone, okay?"

"Okay," she said uncertainly before giving me advice on what to pack, buying snacks but still keeping enough money for gas and hotels if needed. After she finished, she told me she would inform Just before hanging up. I stared at my phone, clutching it tightly in my hand.

I was going to find my dad.

•••

beEP BEEP ITS AN UPDATE

I kinda turned this plot on its head I might have to update the summary and maybe even the title (I might even alter the cover in the future idk) because this is going to go in a totally different direction from what I originally planned.

Hope y'all enjoyed thissss sorry about the slow updates