May We All

Chapter 3

"Segregation would define the nation, especially the South, for the next sixty years." Kayla's history teacher said as the end of class neared. Kayla sat up and waited for the bell to ring. "Even today racism is all around us." Ms. Martin was interrupted by the loud class bell. Kayla smiled and grabbed her books. "Your report on Jim Crow laws is due tomorrow!" Ms. Martin yelled as the teens made their way into the hall. 

Kayla grabbed her backpack out of her locker and headed back to her dorm. She walked out the front entrance and started down the sidewalk. Mr. Thompson would be there soon to give her a ride to work, so she had to be quick. Kayla walked up three flights of stairs to her room, unlocked the door, and threw her backpack onto the bed. She had already wrote her report, so she didn't have to worry about that. She grabbed her McDonald's uniform and started to change. She slipped her phone into her other backpack, which she used for work and hanging out at Tim's garage. She also grabbed jeans and a t-shirt for after work. She smiled, believing she had everything, and ran down to the parking lot to wait for Mr. Thompson. 

She only stood there for about a minute before Mr. Thompson's truck pulled into the parking lot. Kayla smiled and ran to the truck. She hopped in and buckled up. 

"How are you today, Kayla?" He asked as they pulled out onto the road. 

"I'm doing pretty good actually. School wasn't as bad as usual." 

"That's good, you complain about it enough." 

"Oh, I try not to..." Kayla frowned. 

"I'm kidding ya, you've barely complained to us since you moved here. Which kinda worries us sometimes." 

"How so?" 

"We all know you aren't always happy here."

"You can hang out at the garage with Sophie, or my mom can meet us at the garage and you and Sophie can go back to my house." Jed told Kayla after work. 

"It doesn't really matter to me. Which is easier for Hank?" Kayla answered.

"Probably for you to stay at the garage. He's gonna swing back there with Mark to drop of Tim's car afterwards."

"Mark's practicing again?" 

"Whenever he gets the chance." Jed said as he turned a corner. 

Kayla shook her head. "I hate those races." 

Jed looked surprised.  "I thought you liked the races. We go watch them every weekend together." 

"Oh I like watching them alright, they're just so dangerous. I mean, what if Hank got hurt? Who would watch after Sophie?" Kayla sighed.

"I don't know. That would probably be up to the government. I doubt her mom would take her." Jed sighed and Kayla frowned. Hank's wife decided one day she was done, and took off. She left Sophie behind with Hank, saying she never wanted her anyway. Hank had to quit his job, which had long hours, to take care of Sophie. 

"Exactly. Sophie loves her dad, I would hate to see anything happen to him, mostly because I care for Sophie so much." Kayla laid her head back on the seat. Jed reached his hand over to stroke her hair out of her face. 

"You've been more of a mom to Sophie than it sounds like her mom ever was. I've never met her, but I've heard enough." He sighed as they pulled into the garage parking lot, or dirt lot. "She looks up to you." 

Kayla smiled. "Thanks for the pressure." 

"Just be you. That's all she needs."

"I really do appreciate it, Kayla." Hank smiled as he left to go practice racing. "I don't know what I would do if I didn't have someone to watch her." 

"It's my pleasure, really." Kayla smiled back. Hank leaned down to hug his daughter. 

"Now you be good for Kayla, ya understand?" Sophie nodded and hugged her dad, tightly. "I'll see you late, tater tot." 

"Bye, french fry!" Sophie waved as her dad walked out of the garage. She then turned around and grabbed Kayla's legs. "What are we gonna do today? Can we help Jed with the truck? Or Mr. Tim?" Sophie chattered as she ran her race cars along the concrete floor. "Are you coming to the race this weekend? Daddy wants Uncle Mark to win. I want daddy to win." Kayla smiled as she watched the little girl. Jed walked in and smiled as well. 

"Got your hands full today." Jed laughed as he grabbed some keys off the desk.

"I think Hank gave her Mountain Dew." Kayla replied. Jed laughed, gave her a quick hug, and walked off to work on a car. Kayla sat down beside Sophie and started thinking. Just a few months ago she was back in PA, babysitting her younger siblings in a warm house, with a million different toys. Now, she was far away from home. The only child she was watching was Sophie. They were sitting on a cold garage floor. All they played with were two matchbox cars. However, Sophie was happy. Kayla was too. 

"Will you watch me at the race this weekend?" Sophie asked, interrupting Kayla's thoughts. 

"Oh, uh, yeah of course I will." Kayla smiled. "Jed will be with us as usual." 

"Ok! He gives me piggy back rides!" Sophie giggled and ran in circles around Kayla. Kayla smirked and caught Sophie, causing the small girl to burst into a fit of laughter.