Finding my way

Rainy Day

 I can see my father from ten feet away. A tall, massive lump on the front porch of our deteriorating house. I slow my speed and turn off my headlights. It's still dark out, maybe he won't see me. Immediately my phone begins to buzz.  I look at the cracked screen from the its place within the cupholder. Dad is flashing in bold, black letters. Go figure he saw me. I pick up my speed again and whizz by the house. I go down to the end of the street and take a left onto Alpenglow Street. I drive a ways down until I see the newly remodeled Taco Bell. I turn into the pavement leading to the Taco Bell and pull into the drive through.  

" Good morning." Said a slightly groggy voice from within the speaker. " What can I get for you?" 

" I'll have a bean and cheese burrito, a soft taco and a medium moutain dew."

" Will that be all for you?"

I roll my eyes at the very unneccesary question. " Yes." 

"Alright, your total is $5.12. Please pull forward."

I do as he says. I pull five dollars and twelve cents out of my ash tray then hand it over to the droopy eyed guy working drive thru. He hands over a little bag filled with my two food items and large amount of sauce and napkins. I place it in the passenger seat the take my drink and drive off. I go to another park, closer to town and eat my food in peace. After I finish my food, I ponder for a few seconds. I open up the tiny built in ash tray to see how much cash I have it it. I grab the folded bills. I unfold it. two ten's, a twenty, and one fifty. I grab my wallet out of my purse. I open it. One one hundred, three twenties. I check my balance in the bank on my phone. Over five hundred. 

I call Bargain Mart's manager, Sarah. It only rings for two times before she answers.

" H- hello?" Her unsure voice indicates that I have woken her up.  

" Hey." I say. " Can I have today off? I forgot I had plans today and really can't cancel." 

There's a pause. " Uhm, sure. Who is this again?

"It's Ellie. Is my number not in your phone?"

Another pause. She laughs. " No, you are! I just didn't check who was calling considering it's almost five in the morning."

I sigh. " Yeah, sorry about that. I just woke up and remembered I had plans with my family and I was told not to cancel."

" It's fine sweetheart. But cut the bullshit. I know your family is pshyco. If you need a break, that's all you gotta say."

" Sorry. Again. I should know by now but I feel like I should have an excuse." 

" Honey, your family is your excuse. Where are you going anyway?"

" Portland." I say excitedly. " Just for the day."

" Well you enjoy yourself and be safe!"

" I will. Thank you Sarah!" 

" No problem girl. I'll see you later."

"Alright. Bye!" I hang up the phone and pull out of the parking lot. 

I make my three hour and five minute drive to Portland with no stops. It's a little after eight o' clock when I roll into the Nordstrom Rack's parking lot in downtown. I step out of the car and grab my purse from the passenger seat. I lock the car and walk up to the front doors of Nordstrom Rack. The lights are on but the doors are locked. I sit at a nearby bench and wait. It isn't too long before it starts to sprinkle down rain. I don't have an umbrella on hand, so I just continue to sit. The rain starts to get heavier so I walk across the street to a hole in the wall coffee shop.