Elle Jones

Chapter 19: Breaking News

After Austin steered Kristy's red SUV underneath the green traffic lights, the rain has finally stopped pouring. Most roads are covered in small pools of water, but there are a few that looked as if they haven't been inflicted by the plummeting raindrops.

Pushing back my hazelnut brown dread, I carefully looked at the girl, sitting in the back seat, eating the remains of my Egg McMuffin. Like Austin, she appears to be very tired.

Dark rings around her eyes claimed that she hasn't slept a wink for months; but thanks to the small sandwich, her frail body is gaining some weight. But despite this, I became very concerned about her appetite that I asked Austin to buy the girl some burgers, soda, and fries, to which he obeyed without complaining.

Spotting a vegan restaurant, Austin rolled under the drive-through, ordered a veggie burger, fries, and cherry soda, purchased the meal, then handed the greasy-coated, white, paper bag to the homeless girl, who devoured her meal in seconds.

Watching her eat, I said to Austin: "Damn, how did you know she was a vegan?"

"A few seconds ago, I saw her picked out a sausage patty from her Egg McMuffin." he responded.

"Oh," I say, glancing in Austin's glistening mirror.

Behind us, a cheerful face grew on her dirt-covered face, as the girl consumed her meal.

The minute she nibbled the veggie burger streaks of ketchup stained on her chipmunk cheeks.

Onion and meat wedged in between her teeth, but as for the lettuce and tomato, it flew down her stomach.

Surprised by her vicious appetite, Austin suddenly remembers his bashful words from earlier then sighed with remorse.

Driving between the solid white lanes, Austin takes a deep breath and apologizes to the girl, who looked up from her half-eaten sandwich.

"What?" she muffled.

Austin ducked his head then said, "I am very sorry about my behavior from earlier, I didn't know how hungry you were until now."

"It's fine," the homeless girl insisted. "I mean, I did break into your car."

"Did you steal anything?" I ask curiously.

She truthfully shakes her head. "No, I didn't steal any of your things. I just came inside to sleep-not to steal."

"You can sleep here if you want," Austin offered.

"Yeah," I agreed, nodding in his way. "Austin has another blanket in his backpack, and I also have some clothes."

"Do you also have some pads?" she blurted. "You know...for cramps?"

Aware of what the girl is implying, Austin pretended not to listen as he continued steering along the road. His hands relaxed, his shoulders straightened, and his mind was clear from any distractions.

In the meantime, I politely asked the girl if she is wearing a pad right now.

The homeless teen nodded. "Yes, but I need some new ones."

"Okay," I smiled. "You can have some of mine."

"Oh," said the girl. "Have you started yours?"

"Not yet," I replied. "I'm sure if we get into an airport, I can take you to the bathroom to change."

"Yeah, " Austin scoffed, turning his blinker on. "and that's if we will go to the airport."

I shot him a glare. "I heard that Debby Downer."