I knew it was all bullshit, but they also brought food. It wouldn’t be right to take the food without listening to their speech. I decided I probably had enough time left in my day to sit and listen about this Jesus character, even though it went against everything Ihad learned about the world over the past few years.
“What’s your name, sir?” Andrew nodded in my direction. I turned to see if anyone was standing behind me.
“Jake.” I wasn’t about to let this stranger break through my walls; he didn’t know my story and I didn’t like his reason for intruding.
“Jake. It’s nice to meet you.” He recognized my resistance and relaxed his shoulders. “Would you mind if I told a story about finding Jesus?”
I shrugged. “Isn’t that why you’re here? Go ahead and waste your breath. I’m only here for the food.”
“Help yourself, we brought enough for everyone.”
It would have pissed me off if he smiled and acted like he was doing me a favor. Instead, he made me feel like I was doing him a favor by listening to what he had to say. Maybe that’s how he got to be so chipper, by offering helpful words that others could learn from if they just listened.
Chad stepped forward with scissors in his hand. “We’re also offering a haircut and shave to anyone who would like one. We can talk and work at the same time if that’s okay.”
Crazy raised his hand. “Can I be first?”
Armed with a spray bottle and comb, Chad wrapped a cape around Crazy’s neck and sprayed his hair with water.
“I grew up in an angry household,” Andrew said. “Even though I thought it was normal, I learned later how my childhood wasn’t healthy.” Andrew shared his life story with the group and through his openness, I understood we weren’t all that different. He had been abused, too, and watched his parents’ tumultuous relationship fail. Of course, the one major difference was he had not murdered his dad.
AN AFTERNOONfull of food, cold water, and nice people had been a good change of pace. Twelve of us got haircuts and a shave; my spirit rose just from getting clean.
Andrew pulled Felix and me to the side for a personal conversation. “There’s a place in Tennessee called Second Chances. It’s a sort of rehab for homeless people who are really trying to get back on their feet.”
He paused and waited for others to pass. “I only recommend it for those who I feel have a really good shot at renewing their life. The two of you seem like you’re just in a rut and you want to get out of this lifestyle.”
I nodded.
“I’m right, aren’t I?”
“Yes. You are.” I admitted. “As resistant as I started out, your words really resonated with me today. I wantto thank you, again for spending time with us, for making it a point to reach some lost souls.”
“If y’all want to make some serious changes, get to Tennessee. Take a bus, hop on a train, just get there. It's a tiny home community founded by a previously homeless drug addict, dedicated to helping those who want to help themselves.”
Although Tennessee sounded like a great way to start over, I knew what I needed to do. Alaska had been calling for me from the minute I left. I’ve heard her whisper in the wind but chose to ignore the pull. Until today. Dallas was not my home and would not be able to move forward here.
Mom blew my now clean hair from my eyes, confirming my desire. Or was that just the wind?
Chapter 24
Kennedy, age twenty—June 2008
VIEWS OF THEAlaskan countryside never got old. Blue skies surrounded the majestic peaks of Denali in the distance and the crystal-clear blue of the Susitna River reflected puffy white clouds. As much as I enjoyed the outdoors, I would have also enjoyed a ride to work.
The truck just sat in the driveway all day while Cody looked in the paper for jobs and crafted his new and improved resume. If he went anywhere throughout the day, I couldn’t tell.
During my daily walks, I had plenty of time to think. Brittany crossed my mind at least every other day. I missed how we used to joke and laugh about everything. I can’t remember the last time I laughed until I couldn’t breathe. It had definitely been with her.
Although it was kinda nice to be away from my mom, and I knew she didn’t miss me, I thought about Emily and Nathan all the time. Emily was probablydating, and Nathan surely had grown like a weed.
It saddened me to be kept in the dark, but Cody’s plans would even out, and I’d be able to go back to Seward soon enough. He wouldn’t admit it, but I could dream.
Work also consumed my thoughts. Anything to not have to think about the most recent bruises on my forearm and what I had done wrong to deserve them. My boss encouraged me to come up with ideas on how to improve customer experience. Instead of stressing about my future, I had another purpose. I put the time to good use.
“Hey, Brian.” As I dried glasses and put them away, I hesitated to share my idea. What if he thought it was stupid? “I’ve been thinking. You should offer tastes of beer in little glasses, so customers know which one they really like before they spend their money on a full glass. Like a sampler platter for beers, instead of appetizers.”
Silence had never been a positive in my life, so I made it go away. “Lots of people aren’t sure what flavor they’ll like—or whatever you call it—and I’ve given more than a few free glasses because whatever they ordered wasn’t what they expected. I hate to waste so much by taking away full glasses.”
