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.