The Alpha and the Omega

Chapter 16

Jaclyn’s POV

I dozed off for a few hours. It will be about a 17 hour trip with stops and we had just pulled into a rest stop for our first stop.

After using the bathroom, I grabbed a couple of drinks and sandwiches and other snacks from the connected gas station and made my way back to the bus. As I got close, I saw an older woman trying to get the luggage compartment open.

“Can I help you?”

She stopped and looked up at me. “Oh dear, I packed my spending money and I realized how hungry I was, but I assume by the time we get this open it will be time to leave.”

I gave her a huge smile. “Don’t worry, I have enough food and drinks here for half the bus. If you don’t mind, I could use some good conversation and I will happily share my goodies.”

She giggled a little bit. “Deal! I could use some good conversation too.”

With that, we boarded the bus and that is what we did. We had really some really great conversations. And we snacked and snacked.

I found her name was Maggie and she was on her way home to Ohio. She had spent a month in Alabama with her son and his wife. Her husband had passed away a couple of years ago but she still wasn’t ready to sell her house and move. She also had a daughter who just moved to California 3 months ago.

I told her about my “boyfriend” (since I couldn’t say mate) and how badly he treated me. From physical abuse to cheating. I also told her about losing my parents only to be abused in my foster home. I couldn’t tell her details so I had to change a choice words.

I had an instant connection to Maggie. She just had this motherly aura about her. Around 3AM, we arrived in Ohio. We departed from the bus and I helped Maggie get her bags and walked her to her car.

“Thank you for all your help, Jaclyn.”

“Oh, Maggie, I should be thanking you. I feel so much better after talking to you.” I gave her a quick hug and turned to try and figure out my next steps.

“Jaclyn?”

I turned back to look at Maggie. “Yeah?”

“Do you have somewhere to go?”

“Don’t worry Maggie. I will figure it out. I am finally free. The worst is behind me.”

I saw the tears fill her eyes. “Get in the car, Jaclyn. You can stay at my house tonight and you could worry about where to go tomorrow.”

I know its crazy to get into a car with somebody you have known for less than a day, but what other options did I have at 3 in the morning? So I got in her car and we headed to her house.

It was a small cape cod house. She gave me a quick tour and showed me to the guest bedroom. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

The next afternoon, I woke up to the smell of bacon filling the house. I made my way downstairs to find a table filled with breakfast food. Pancakes, bacon, toast, eggs, and fresh fruit.

“I hope you are hungry. I ran to the grocery store first thing this morning.”

I didn’t need to respond. My stomach growled loudly, letting Maggie know I was hungry.

She laughed loudly, which made me smile. I quickly sat down and filled my plate. After eating enough for three people, I finally felt full.

“Thank you Maggie. That was amazing.”

“So tell me about your plans.”

“Well, I need to get to South Dakota. I start college at the end of August. I need to find a job for spend money. I have saved a lot and I have money that my parents left me, but I don’t really want to use that money unless I really need it.”

She slightly smiled before asking, “When can you move in to the dorms?”

“The first week of August. I am a resident resident advisor, so all of my food will be covered.” I said with a smile.

“Do you have a drivers license?”

“No, I know how to drive. I would drive all over the pac um orphanage. But I never actually got my license.”

“Well then, we have about 3 weeks to get you a license and plan our road trip.” Shock! Pure shock was all I felt. Why would she help me? I was a complete stranger.

“What?” Was all I could manage to say.

“I have always wanted to travel. Visiting my son was the first time I had left Ohio. I only took a bus to see what it was like.” She said with a giggle.

“But why do you want to help me?” My voice broke as tears threatened to escape.

“Oh honey, don’t get upset. You remind me of my daughter. I told you she moved to California 3 months ago. What I didn’t tell you was 3 weeks after she arrived she was killed in a tragic accident. Part of me hasn’t dealt with her passing but spending just one day with you helped me to move forward. Like it will be OK. For the first time since she passed, I laughed. That was all because of you. And my relationship with my son is awful. His wife hates me and he doesn't really have much to do with me.”

I could no longer hold the tears back. I just began to cry and I wrapped my arms around her. Maggie and I sat like this for a really long time. Finally, I spoke. “I guess we have some planning to do.”