part 1
We see them everywhere. Bums, hobos, homeless, whatever you call them, they seem to be everywhere. Or the teens who want you to buy beer for them, worse still are the able bodied ones that are just too fucking lazy to get a job. I have no patience for moochers. I can't remember the last time I stop for gas, that I wasn't accosted for change. Tonight was no different.
I was headed into the store to purchase my gas before pumping it. "Excuse me, sir?" I turned to see another one. He was somewhat neater than most, though clean is not how I would describe him. Hair and body dirty, clothes a shambles, obviously exposed to the elements a long time. "I hate to be a bother, sir, but if you could spare any change. I'm really hungry."
I don't know why, maybe because he was so polite, I stopped and looked and him a moment. Normally I abruptly dismiss these people. "You're hungry huh?"
"Yes, sir, really hungry."
"Well I won't give you any money. But, if you are hungry I will buy you a hamburger after I pump my gas."
"Thank you, that's mighty kind of you sir. Can I pump that gas for you, so I maybe earn that burger." That was totally unexpected. Usually these guys just want money for booze, they certainly don't want to have to earn it.
I was so shocked "Uh.. Yeah, sure." I stammered. "It's that red Lexus right there. I will be getting forty dollars worth." I went in to pay, and by the time I got to my car, he was already pumping the gas.
I slid into the driver's seat, and waited for him. When he had put the pump handle back, I looked over to the passenger's side expecting him to get in. A tapping on my window startled me. He was standing on my side of the car looking in. I pushed the button to roll down the window. "There is a burger joint just half a block that way, get in and we will go there."
"Oh no sir. My clothes aren't too clean, sir, I wouldn't want to get the inside of this nice car dirty. I will just walk and meet you there." Who was this guy?
Being divorced, I had frequented this particular establishment quite a bit, and had come to be on a first name basis with the manager. "Hi Rosie, what's going on?"
"Hey Dave. The usual, same shit just different flies." she laughed. Just as she turned to go back behind the counter, he approached the table. "Hey! Don't come in here bothering my customers!"
"It's okay Rosie, he's with me." She gave me a look, and I nodded at her. "Give me double my usual order Rosie."
"Sure thing, Dave, but if he bothers you..."
As he pulled out a chair, I notice he had a slight limp. He sat there sort of uncomfortably, as if he knew he didn't belong. "Thank you sir, I don't know how I can repay you for your kindness." Damn, is this guy for real?
"Aren't you curious as to what my usual order is?"
"No sir. Whatever it is, I'll eat it and be grateful."
I turned to the counter "Rosie, make it three." She nodded and smiled.
I'm usually pretty good at sizing people up, and this guy had my interest. "So what's your story?" I asked as I really appraised him for the first time. He had a scar on the side of his left eye, and I noticed that eye didn't quite move with the other. Same side as his limp too.
"Not much to tell sir. I was hungry and you were the first kind person I stopped." He seem so sincere, I was taken in again.
"Stop with the 'sir' shit. Name's Dave. What's yours?"
"My name is Jonathan Joseph Johnson, but my mama just calls me JJ. Back on the base, they used to call me 'Triple J' because of all my names start with J." Okay, so military, and a little slow.
"Is that where you got that scar, and the limp, the military?"
"Oh, you noticed that, uh yes sir. Afghanistan. I caught a bit of shrapnel. Laid me up pretty good too. I was in the base hospital for a couple of months, before they decided they didn't need me in the military any more."
"Well, don't you receive some sort of disability or something?" I was wondering why this young man was on the streets.
"Yes sir, I mean Dave sir. I get that direct deposit thing in my mama's account. I got a little brother and sister she has to care for, and since she got the cancer, she needs it more than me."
Our food arrived and I watched as he devoured two double burgers and fries and chocolate shakes. Now I'm no bleeding heart, but this guy's story had me almost weeping. A wounded soldier sacrifices what little he has so his cancer ridden mother can support his younger siblings. Jesus, just stab me in the fucking heart!
I went up to the counter to talk to Rosie. "Have you seen this guy before?"
"Yeah, he actually applied for a job about a month ago, but I couldn't hire him. I mean, look at him, he can't work here. But he is always polite and never bothers anyone. I was surprised when I thought he was going to bother you."
"I understand, Rosie. If he comes in again, and is hungry, feed him and put it on my tab."
I sat back down just as he finished the last of his fries. "Can I call you JJ?"
"Yes sir, I'd like that.. sorta reminds me of home."
"Well JJ, Rosie said you tried to get a job here. I assume you want to work?"