Ok- -thought Kensi, as she walked beside the highway thumbing her way back to San Diego. I'm 13, on
my own and in the desert at 7 in the morning. Remember what Dad taught you girl, make him and Gloria
Steinham proud. She thought back to her mom telling her that she was leaving Daddy and taking her to Boston
to live- - -no f**king way she thought, blushing at her own language. I have my knife, wallet with id, $20 and
my wits. I WILL get back to him.
As she continued walking and thumbing rides, a few people stopped but they all looked like guys who
she had no business being near. Finally she came to a truck stop, entered, used the bathroom and cleaned up
a little. As she sat at the counter a woman who looked to be around 30, put a glass of water in front of her and
asked what she wanted. Kensi thought, knowing she was on a tight budget and might need the money she
said "2 chocolate donuts please". The lady (name tag said Mary) looked at her and wondered if something
was wrong. Having gotten her and her kids out of an abusive situation, she had her senses on high alert. As
she refilled the water; Kensi asked "does the bus to LA stop here or anywhere near maam?" Mary was startled,
nice manners better check this out. That's no meal for a growing girl- - -"I'll make you a deal", Mary went on- -
"tell me your story and I'll treat you to a good meal". Kensi thought about this for a while and then proceeded to
explain it all. Mary, listened to it all, after she put in an order for 2 burgers, fries and shake, and then said "Ok,
what can I do to help?" "If I can get to LA, I'll be fine. I can call Dad. He is a Marine at Point Mugu NAS and
he'll pick me up or meet me someplace."
The food was up and Mary delivered it. Kensi almost inhaled it. Mary wondered how such a little
one could eat that way. She took stock, Kensi had long dark hair in a ponytail, big round dark eyes and an
easy, infectious smile that she used on Mary at that time. "Thank you but I need to pay you something. Dad
said you should never beg." Wow, morals too, Mary thought, then said, "Make me a deal and pay it forward.
Someday you will have a chance to help someone. That will be my payment." "Done" was all Kensi said and
reached out to shake hands.
Mary thought for a second and said "As it happens, I know someone heading to LA. My son is going
to live with my sister so he can go to school and college there. He is 16 with a birthday in 4 months. Would
you accept a ride that far? I will make sure he gets you to the bus station and have enough for a bus ticket to
San Diego." Kensi went on alert and hesitated. Mary smiled knowingly. "I understand" she said, "but his little
brother and sister are going also. Does that help? Oh, here he is now, why don't you sit in a both with the 3 of
them and talk for a while?" Mary quickly filled in M.J. and the 4 of them sat down to chat.
