Chapter 01: Arrival
Times were tough for Jennifer and her Mom. Both of them had been laid off at the factory almost nine months ago, and their two-weeks severance pays were long spent. They once had some savings, but her mother's boyfriend left with that even before they lost their jobs. Unemployment payments were finished, and still no jobs.
Her Mom tried street walking, but all she got was a black eye and a rough fuck with no cash. Jenny offered to try, but her mom said no, that she didn't want to see her daughter treated like that.
The eviction notice had been served, and this was their last day with a roof over their heads. They were desperate, and Mom went to a neighbor to use the phone.
"Grandpa's coming for us, Jenny," she said when she got back. "He'll be here tomorrow afternoon."
Jennifer knew this was hard for her mom; she didn't know why, but they hadn't been to see Grandpa since Jennifer's twelfth birthday party. That was nearly seven years now, and Jennifer figured it must have been something really serious.
She missed her Grandpa, though; he always stroked her hair and called her his pet. She was happy that he was coming and they'd have a place to stay, but her mother seemed a bit sad and more like she was resigned to something she really didn't want.
"Maybe it's just pride," Jennifer thought to herself, "maybe she just doesn't want Grandpa to think she's a failure."
She went to her mother and gave her a big hug. "It's ok, Mom," she said comfortingly, "everything will be alright."
They packed what clothes they had and a few other personal items, and settled in for their last night in their own home. Just a can of soup that night, but their neighbor, Nancy, came by with a bowl of pasta and sauce. Nancy had helped them out with some food often in the past few months, and they were very grateful.
"Thanks, Nancy," said Jennifer's mom. "We're going to my father's place tomorrow. We can't take any of the furniture. I know it's not much, but take whatever you want before the landlord has it thrown out."
Nancy hugged the two women and told them she'd be there to say goodbye when they left.
All went as planned the next day, and when Grandpa arrived he spoke to his daughter. "Ride in the back, Sally," he said, "I know you don't want to ride with me. When it's your turn to drive, I'll ride in the back. And you will have to do some driving, girl, I'm not as young as I used to be."
And so they went on their way, with Grandpa asking Jennifer about her life since last he saw her, and punctuating his questions and comments with friendly pats on her knee. He only drove for a couple of hours all told, though; Sally did most of the work while he caught naps in the back seat.
When they pulled into his driveway, Jennifer and her mother were pretty well worn out, and could barely drag their bags in the house. Grandpa helped with their luggage, and then showed them their rooms.
"They're not big," he said, "but I guess they're better than the street, girls. Make yourself at home."
"Thanks, Dad," Sally replied, "they're fine. Jenny and I will be quite comfortable."
