Two weeks later I was in need of more groceries. My fridge and pantry were unbearably empty and my stomach was screaming for sustenance. I was able to save enough after paying all my bills to spend more than usual on food. 

I thought I might even have enough extra to buy supplies to start some work on the outside of my home. 

It was a Friday evening, and I should wait until daylight to go out knowing this town, but I at least needed food tonight. It was decided; groceries now, home supply store tomorrow morning.

Throwing on a light sweater, I grabbed her keys and purse leaving the house. The road into town was already dark with no street lights to guide the way. It always spooked me to travel in this area at night, especially since I knew those who lived around here. It was why I avoided doing it. 

My cramping stomach reminded me why I was taking the risk tonight.

"2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 ..." 

I counted to keep my mind from creating horror stories about the shadows along the road.

I was down to the last stretch of road before turning onto main street when my car began to vibrate and sputter. Immediately I stopped counting and began cursing. This sedan had survived and pulled through for so many years, why did it have to decide now was a good time to break down. 

I wasn't even sure I could afford to get it fixed without starving for a few months. This meant I would have to limit my spending tonight (if I even got to the grocers alive) and postpone the house work. 

Again.

Smoke seeped from under the car hood and wisped in my headlights making me even more unnerved. The headlights being the only source of light on this dingy road. The two homes nearby had been abandoned for some time. I knew druggies occasionally used them as hubs. 

I was hesitant to leave my car, but I had to check the engine. I had no phone, and no one to call even if I had one. Worse comes to worse I would walk the rest of the way to town and use a payphone to call for a tow.

After investigating my engine I decided I absolutely needed a tow and would be spending a pretty penny to make the car workable again. Pulling my sweater tighter around me, against the light chill, I began to make her way down the rest of the road with a brisk walk. 

I would make it to town in 12 minutes and 8 seconds if my math was right.

I was hyper aware of my surroundings, half expecting someone to pop out and jump me. That's why I immediately noticed when a car turned onto the road heading in the direction of my home, away from town. I kept an eye on the headlights, although they blinded me enough to not be able to tell what kind of car was approaching my form. 

I willed the car to bypass me without any pause or slow down. I really didn't want to deal with anyone who might hurt me right now; I was barely healed from my father. Unfortunately, the car began to slow down. 

I picked up my speed when the car pulled over to a complete stop.

"What the hell are you doing Jeanne?" 

The gruff, loud sound of Mr. Houston hit my ears and sent relief throughout me despite the obvious anger in his voice.

Anthony wouldn't harm her, at least I thought he wouldn't. I watched the door to his truck open and slam closed, his heavy form approaching me. Out of instinct I stepped back from his intimidating figure when he stepped too close and he paused an arms length away.

"Jeanne, what's going on? Don't you know how dangerous it is to be out here in the dark and all alone?" 

He questioned irately with his arms crossed over his broad chest while his eyes looked down upon her.

"Uh-yeah. No, I know that. It's just, my car broke down and I need to go to the pay phone to call for a tow. I was heading to get groceries..." 

I stuttered out pulling my sweater even tighter around myself for comfort.

"You really couldn't wait until the morning for groceries?" Anthony asked, flabbergasted.

"Not really-" I started.

"And why don't you use your cell phone to call for a tow? Is it discharged?" Anthony continued, not hearing my response.

"Well...I don't really have a -" I tried to say, getting frustrated.

"I thought you knew this town better than to do something so stupid. Putting yourself in even more danger, with no regard to how that could impact --" Anthony ranted

"STOP!" 

I cut him off yelling, which startled him.

 He had never heard her voice raise yet. It was strong, and more sultry, than he'd care to admit.

"My god, you won't let me finish a sentence without cutting me off! If you put on your listening ears you would hear me saying that I need food cause my kitchen is basically empty AND I don't have a phone. So yes, I needed groceries now, and YES I need to go use the fucking pay phone! Not everyone is as privileged as you Mr. Houston!" 

I let out all the frustration I had been feeling for the past few months in that small rant.

The silence that followed lasted 2 minutes and 15 seconds as I caught my breath and Anthony studied her. 

He was surprised with the amount of anger that came out of her small body. 

She had always been calm and quiet even when he blatantly disrespected her. He felt slightly bad for having pushed her to snap. Taking in a deep breath Anthony relaxed his form and headed towards his car.

"Come on, get in. I'll take you to town. You can call for a tow first and then we'll go to the grocery store. By the time you're finished and we get back, the tow should be here." 

Anthony spoke without looking back at me, getting into the truck, slamming the door closed.

I stood stunned, trying to process what he said. I never thought that Anthony would willingly offer to help me. Sure, I didn't think he would hurt me, but I thought he looked down on me. That he saw me as nothing more than equal with the squalor of this town. 

Beneath him and his lifestyle. 

Maybe I was too quick to judge him, just as he was to judge her. The loud honk of the horn jolted me back from my thoughts to the present. I made my way to the passenger seat of his truck without much more thought. It wasn't above me to accept a helping hand when offered, sort of, especially if it meant I didn't have to walk these roads alone.

The drive into town was quick, and silent. I glanced at Anthony as we pulled into the parking lot for the grocery store. I was confused; I thought we would call the tow company first. He answered my question before I had the chance to ask.

"Go ahead inside and get what you need. I'll call the tow and join you in a minute." He stated blatantly.

I nodded my head and exited the car. I gave herself a $50 budget and knew that I had to be smart about it. I wouldn't be able to get many healthy options; they were always too expensive. My goal was to feel full and keep my stomach satisfied, not to be healthy. 

I bypassed the fresh fruit and vegetables, figuring I would add frozen or canned instead. I was able to find a pack of chicken breasts on sale for $10, and after adding in the cost for her milk and eggs she had $32 left for everything else.

I was standing in front of packs of ramen noodles deciding on which flavors I wanted, when a figure got a little too close for comfort. Tensing up I looked at the man, relaxing only when I was sure it was Anthony. He was looking at the items in my basket, before looking at the ramen packs on the shelf beside me, and then finally to my face.

"The man said he'll be at your car in about 20 minutes." 

He said while studying me with a look of contemplation.

I became uncomfortable with his gaze and simply nodded my head before grabbing a few packs of noodles. As I continued through the aisles, Anthony followed behind me as an ever silent presence. While it intimidated me to a degree, it also made me feel safe. 

I had never felt safe in the presence of another human, it was strange.

I was only able to grab a handful more of items, one being a frozen veggie mix, before I knew it was time to pay. I had to keep in mind money for taxes that would be charged, limiting my expenses further. I began to make my way to the self-checkout when a firm hand on my shoulder stopped me cold. 

I jerked my body away and stepped back before looking at Anthony questioningly.

"You said your kitchen is empty and that is all you are going to get? That's barely enough food for two weeks Jeanne." He questioned with a serious tone.

I glanced down to my basket and stared at it for a moment before responding while walking the rest of the way to the checkout.

"It's enough to last until my next paycheck. That's all I can manage right now, especially with the car needing to be fixed." He was silent at her reply watching out the store's front windows while she paid.

With $52 less in my bank, I felt worried. I knew the next few months were going to be a financial struggle. Maybe I could take up weekend shifts for one, or both, of her jobs. Once back at the car, Anthony took my bags and placed them in the back seat lightly pushing me towards the passenger side. I settled in watching as he began to drive before turning to look out the window.

When we got back to my car, we saw the tow truck worker had already loaded up my car. Anthony nodded to the man in the front seat of his tow truck, before continuing to drive down the road. I made a disgruntled sound, turning to watch as we passed the truck before looking at Anthony.

"I already talked to him. Tomorrow I will take you to go to the mechanic he's taking the car to and you can settle your business then." 

He said it as if it was a simple decision, but I already felt unbearably indebted.

"You don't have to do that. I can walk to the mechanic's tomorrow morning, it's not an issue." I tried to argue, but Anthony was already shaking his head.

"I'll drive you. I'm sure Damien will like to see you too." 

And the conversation ended with that. 

Briefly, I wondered why Anthony had been out so late. and who was with Damien.

Soon they were in my driveway, both staring at the house lit up by his truck's headlights. He seemed tense, his hands squeezing and releasing the steering wheel in a pattern of three seconds. 

Squeeze, one-two-three, release, one-two-three, squeeze, one-two-three, release. 

I was focused on staring at his hands, keeping track of the seconds, knowing that it was time for me to leave the car.

"Is that man still in there? Your dad, right?" 

Anthony broke the silence.

"No, he left a couple of weeks ago. And yeah, he's my father. I'm not sure when he will be back. I'm sorry, again, I didn't mean for Damien to be exposed to that." I answered anxiously.

"You don't need to apologize for his actions. He didn't hurt you, did he? He seemed pretty out of it and angry." 

Suspicion coated his voice.

"No, no, of course not. He just needs my help sometimes is all..." 

I lied and trailed off not wanting to lie more; the bitter taste in my mouth made my eyes sting.

Quickly looking away from Anthony, so he wouldn't see the lie in my eyes, I decides it is officially time to leave. I opened the door and  got my bags out of the back, avoiding the gaze that I can feel following my every move. 

 I wondered if Anthony knew how intimidating he could be; if it was intentional. 

Once inside, with the door closed and locked, I walked into the kitchen and set my bags on the counter. I watched as Anthony slowly backed his truck out and drove down the road. Signing, I began to count as I put my groceries in their proper place, ready to sleep the day's events away.