It had only taken her six days to get there by walking. She came in looking like she had been in a fight. Her hair was a mess, her arms were bruised, and her stomach looked completely empty. Despite all this she had a certain glow about her. She had a quality of beauty, but a lack of ways to show it off. Her dress was ragged and ripped, while her suitcase was just a barrel with wheels. She seemed scared and kept glancing behind her.

She made sure she sat by no windows. No one noticed her, except the restaurant owner who tried to take her order, but was told she had no money. The restaurant owner, Big Mama, as she was called, took pity on her and brought her a large heap of fried fish and a soda. When she came back with the food the girl was in awe. She had not been shown such grace, this was apparent. Before she could dig in and Big Mama could walk away she muttered something that could barely be heard. "What was that sweetie?" Big Mama asked in her silky, but strong voice.

"Do you know any surfboard shops around here?" The girl said, this time loud enough to hear, yet still very timid.

"I know of only one. Are you looking to get a new surfboard?" She asked the latter with great curiosity.

"No, I'm looking for the owner." She replied gaining back her voice with each word.

"Oh, well I can't take time off work to show you, but I know a few people who might have some time on their hands if you want."

"Perfect. Thank you so much." Her appreciation made Big Mama swell with joy, now she just had to find someone with time on their hands.

She walked back to the kitchen and turned back to check the hangout for anyone who she might be able to bribe into helping. She knew that the best option would be a surfer as the bikers would know nothing about surf shops. She spotted Rascal scarfing down a fried fish and walked over to him. Rascal was always a great friend and he had a weakness for Big Mama's cooking. "OH, Big Mama this is the best fried fish you've ever had."

"Well you can catch it, I can cook it, but hold on Rascal I have a favor to ask you." She said this with a sly smile.

"Ok, but I do have to get home by seven, so it better not take more than about an hour; otherwise I'm happy to help." He said in almost as upbeat tone as when he talked about fish.

"Oh great! You see that pretty girl over there? Well, she needs someone to help her get to the nearest surf shop and I figured you could help her out. Would you?" She asked this all very quietly as to not draw attention to the poor girl.

"Of course, that is right by my house anyway."

"Thank you so much." She was completely relieved. Then, Big Mama turned away and Rascal walked over to the girl and sat on the other side of the booth with a big grin on his face. He held out his hand and she shook it with a small uncertain smile.

"Hi, I'm Rascal." He emphasized the R a little too much, this she found hilarious.

"I am Brianne, but I prefer Anne."

"Well Anne, I heard you needed help finding the surf shop."

"Would you be willing too?" She asked as she finished the last bite of fried fish and looked at her already empty soda.

"I would love to escort such a cool cat." She blushed at this and they started on their way to the surf shop, trailing her barrel behind them.