4

           We get back in the car, with the same sitting places as we did last time. I’ve never been to a mall before. I wonder what it’ll be like. To me it’s a new experience waiting for me ahead. Maybe I’ll learn something new there or even on the way in the car. 

      We then stopped at a gas station called,”Speedy Gas.” It was a short, fat yellow and white brick building. Infront of it was about six gas pumps.  We all got out and only Jax stayed by the car to pump the gas. The rest of us, me, Cas , and Layla, just went in to look around, well we waited. It had all kinds of different kinds of snacks and drinks.  There were these metal racks full of candy, chips, etc. Then towards the back there were these tall cooler things full of water, juice, pop, energy drinks, alcohol, etc.  When Jax was done he came and told us, then we all went back to the car. 

    “You two can sit in the back and take a nap,” Cas says as he looks toward Layla and Jax,”I can drive. It’ll give you a break Jax.” 

      Me and Layla shrugged and got in the car. Jax nodded to Cas and then they got in the car too. Cas put the car in gear and then back on the road we went. Later on our trip I guess Jax and Layla took the opportunity to take that nap. 

  “Are you okay Ash?”Cas asked randomly. 

  “Um yeah. Why?”

  “Jax told me when we went to ‘Hell’s diner’ that you never had any friends before and that you didn’t say anything when he asked about your family.” 

   “Oh, he did?” 

   “Yeah, I mean we all look out for each other.” 

  My mind went blank. Into an emptiness that was hard to pull myself out of. 

   “Would you mind if I did ask about your family?” 

    “I never knew my biological parents.” 

  It just came out. I didn’t mean to. 

     “Oh.” 

     “I was abandoned and then I was adopted by a local baker.Which he died about a year ago.” 

        By this point I think that’s all he needed to know about my family. Really, that’s all there is to know about it. I feel….I feel...that familiar sad  feeling from earlier. 

     "Oh. I didn't know-" 

    I started crying again. I hope I don’t seem like a crybaby. 

      “Hey! Oh, jeez… I didn’t mean it…..Sorry.” 

      “It’s ok…,”I can’t help but nervously laugh,”That’s the second time I ever cried.” 

       “Wait..really?”

        “Yeah , I guess.”

        “That’s kinda sad, but cool too...I guess. You must handle your emotions well then.” 

         It’s not really even that. I just never talked about them before. Then again, I've never really thought much about my life. As I thought about how my day was going so far, and possible adventures ahead we proceeded to drive to the mall. 

         “Almost there,” says Cas awkwardly trying to break the silence.