"The school seems nice," Sharon offered a small smile to Rusty as they walked to her car. Rusty looked over to her and grimaced.
"I don't think it's a good fit, Sharon. I'm not a farm kid," he told her.
She sighed, "You cannot label every student at that school. That would have been like someone calling you a surfer."
"I don't surf," he frowned to her, not seeing her point.
"My point," she told him. "You mention being from the West Coast, and everyone will just assume you're some surfer."
"Oh," Rusty said and looked back to his schedule. They got into the car, and he continued, "I guess it's fine. It's community college, and whatever," he gestured.
"Rusty," Sharon touched his arm, and when he looked to her with surprise at the use of his name, she rolled her eyes, "I realize this is all a lot. Believe me, it's a lot for me too. You're going to do just fine here. I'm glad the semester only started this week; you won't be behind with class too much. You're taking four classes, and they have a school paper. Not every community college has that. At least some of my requests were noted. I told them we needed to be near a community college for you. Here or LA, you can still work on your degree. Your schedule looks pretty good to me. They were able to get you into two English classes, a psychology class, and chemistry. Rusty, I'm proud of you for doing this. WE," she emphasized, "can do this."
If one thing worked in their favor with all this was that Rusty was just about to start college before they were uprooted from California. That part didn't have to be altered much with their new identities. The agency had taken care of the registration paperwork for Sharon and Rusty a week ago when they'd started working on their new location. Rusty had made a few calls to the school since then, as Sharon was trying to let him be the young adult he now was, and he had set up this appointment to register for his classes. The story they were telling was that Sharon had been transferred for work, which was the reason Rusty was getting started at his new school a few days late; they'd moved from the West Coast, but they were telling everyone they had come from Northern California. It made it close, but far enough away, that if they slipped up about their former lives, it would be believable. Sharon knew enough about areas of Northern California from visiting Ricky that they hoped it never became an issue with people here in their new location.
"I'm sorry," he turned to her and frowned. "I know it's hard on you too, and I don't mean to complain because I know you gave up a lot for me. It's just weird. I'm not used to things here yet. I'm used to the idea that I was going to be going to school with palm trees and eating lunch outside. Here," he gestured, "it's so flat I keep asking myself how far I'm seeing, like in miles. There's nothing for miles and miles, Sharon. It's so cold that I can't imagine it ever being a nice, warm place, and I now barely know my way around the campus, but I'm supposed to start school here Monday. I'll get over it."
She touched his arm and squeezed it as she smiled to him, "Let's go to the bookstore and get the things you'll need for Monday. That is a start. We'll get you a school shirt or something," she let out a small laugh as she shrugged. Rusty rolled his eyes, but he grinned. Sharon put the car into drive and looked to him.
"Okay," he nodded. "Let's get my books, Mom."
The two spent over an hour in the campus bookstore where Rusty bought the things he needed for his classes. He had to explain to Sharon that unlike her college days, some materials were now online and paper books weren't needed. She finally agreed and told Rusty that if he needed anything else for school, he was welcome to buy it. The two had been given new credit cards, and Sharon was trying to act as they had when they were in California. Once they were back at the car and loading it, Rusty grinned as he presented Sharon with a bag.
"I snuck this in at the checkout, while you went over to the coffee shop next door," he smiled as he handed her the bag. Sharon eyed and smiled when she opened it. "Don't worry-by snuck, I mean that I hid it from you. I still paid for it," he grinned.
"A school shirt," she chuckled when she opened the bag. Rusty shrugged.
"Well, I'm not going to be caught dead wearing it right now," he nodded to her. "I will be just fine in my hoodies, but knowing you and your sense of occasion, I thought you'd like something to represent my new school. Keep digging," he nodded again to her.
Sharon pulled out the shirt and smiled again as she saw the other item he'd purchased, "An insulated mug for my tea," she grinned.
"Yeah, I know they didn't send most of our kitchen stuff, so I thought you'd like that for your drive to work. It's a conversation starter too for all the new people you'll meet there," he added.
Sharon nodded as she held it and reached over to hug Rusty, "Thank you, Rusty. This is perfect. It's one of the first steps in our new start."
"Cool," he smiled to her when she pulled away. She knew he didn't like to hug people much. "Can we look for a car? I'd really like to find something because it's really not cool to be the new kid on campus whose mom has to drop me off the first day."
Sharon started to laugh as she nodded. She gestured to the car, "Let's start shopping."
It was very late when Sharon and Rusty returned to their new home. Both were exhausted from their trip around town, which was ironic because it wasn't that large of a town. They just had a lot to do, and even with as busy as they had been, they had barely put a dent in their checklist.
"I really liked that first car we looked at Sharon," Rusty said as they entered the house. Sharon had noticed that at home, Rusty reverted back to calling her Sharon, but when they were around people, he was very careful and just called her mom. She was almost tired of correcting him, and for now, she decided to let it slide. She hoped that Rusty just needed time to adjust. She also realized she wasn't much better and knew it was a difficult adjustment for both.
"I liked it too," she nodded as she locked the door and turned on the alarm. She turned to find Rusty putting the bags on the couch. "One of the things I liked about it was the four-wheel-drive. That would be really nice around here with the snow."
"I just thought it was an awesome car, much newer than my old one," he grinned. "Plus, it's pretty sweet being all black with dark trim. That's my favorite. I can't believe it's a used car; it still looks brand new, and the sound system is way better than my old car."
Sharon hummed as she nodded, "Yes, it was in excellent shape. I think after three dealerships that might be the one. I'm sorry that you got your old car after Ricky had used it. He was hard on that car when he started driving, so I know anything looks better than that."
Rusty started to laugh as he started to dig through the bags, "Yeah, well, I'm cool with that car if you are sure you can afford it."
"I can afford it," she nodded. "My finances were transferred over, and I had already started saving for a new car for you. Plus, we got that start-up expense money too for now. They will match my former salary, which was something I was firm about with all this. We'll be fine, and you needed a new car anyway. They are going to take care of selling yours, and that money will be deposited in my account as soon as they do that too. Now, the big expense," she smiled, "seems to be all the textbooks for my college boy." Sharon grinned as she walked to Rusty and put her arm on his back. She looked over his shoulder to the bags he was sorting. "I can't believe you start college on Monday."
"It's not a big deal," he shrugged. "Basic classes for now. I think I'll start to feel more settled when I get into a routine and have a car. You know," he shrugged.
"I do," she said as she patted his back. "We'll go back and buy that SUV tomorrow. One of the sales associates today said February is prone to a lot of snow. I'll feel better if you have something that can handle it. I know you've not had to deal with snow, and I've had somewhat limited experience. A week every few years skiing doesn't really prepare you for months and months of winter conditions.
"Cool," Rusty nodded to her. "I'm probably going to tell you like a million times, but thanks for the car. I'm excited to get it tomorrow."
"I am too," she nodded. "Whew, I'm exhausted, though." After spending the afternoon on campus, the two drove to one car dealership before they took a break for dinner. Since they were new in town, they opted for a typical chain restaurant, and they noted that there weren't a lot of food options in town. Sharon promised Rusty they would explore the nearby larger city as soon as they could in search of more food options. After dinner, they checked out two more car dealerships before they stopped at the store to pick up a few personal items. Sharon had suggested Rusty make his own list of needed items, and they had been successful with that.
"I had a nice evening, Sharon," Rusty told her as she started to walk toward the kitchen to get a glass of water before bed. She stopped and turned to him.
"I did too," she smiled softly. "I know it wasn't your usual Friday night."
"No," he sighed, "but that's okay. I got to spend it with you. I know it's not your usual Friday night either. Usually, you are at work or out with the lieutenant. Hey, I'm sure he's missing you tonight too, and while I'm sure Lieutenant Provenza will drag him to a bar, I know it won't be the evening he wants either."
Sharon smiled again as Rusty spoke. She thought of Andy and the irritating evening she was sure he was having. Yes, Rusty was right in that Provenza would drag him out for the evening. She hoped Provenza was taking good care of Andy.
"Well, we still have a lot to do tomorrow. We'll take care of the car in the morning, and then maybe tomorrow afternoon we can find a backpack and coat for you. We may have to venture into the city for that," she explained.
Rusty's eyes lit up, "Cool. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to just how small this town is or how quiet it is. I'm all up for the city, and hey,wee can figure out how to get to your work, right?"
"That was my thought too," Sharon nodded. "Okay, big day again tomorrow. Night," she threw him a quick wave as she got a glass of water and then headed down the hall to her room. Yes, she smiled as she thought; they had enjoyed a nice evening in their new small town.
It was late the next afternoon when they finally made their way into the city. Their small town was 30 minutes away from the larger city, and it was also where Sharon would be working. She'd asked why they hadn't been placed in the city, and she'd been met with no one answer that really was an answer. Basically, they found a house for her, period, and they weren't interested in how far she had to drive to work. She couldn't argue too much; they had met her request to put Rusty near a community college. It was less than 10 minutes from their home, and while neither were sure country living was the best option, they couldn't change it anyway. Now, here they were, driving into the city. Sharon had agreed they could take Rusty's new car on their outing, and he was currently driving.
"So, I still don't get why they couldn't let you be a police officer here, Sharon. They still need them everywhere, and hello, you are like the best one I've ever met," he told her as he listened to the GPS directions.
Sharon let him make the turn the GPS had instructed them to do before she replied, "Well, it's too close to what I used to do, Rusty. We can't take any chances. I didn't get much say in what job I would have. I really hope this whole situation is only temporary, but I must prepare that it might not be the case. I was told most anything in law enforcement was out, so after that, this sounded like something enjoyable."
"You're working at a mall. I'm worried you won't be able to pay my college tuition, Sharon. Did they not check your wardrobe before they gave you that job? Wait, maybe that's why they put you at a mall, big discount, right?" he flashed a grin as he pulled into the mall. Sharon looked at it, her new work space, and she waited until he parked before she answered.
"First, I'm not working at the mall or for the mall. I'm working for a department store," she started to explain.
"That's located at the mall," he gestured to the department store where they were now parked. "Sharon, you'll be buying the whole store soon."
Sharon pursed her lips, "Second," she started to say as she ignored Rusty, "I'm in charge of the men's department. If anyone should be thanking me, it should be you. I'll be able to find some wonderful clothing items for you."
"So, why are we getting a coat for me now?" he asked with raised eyebrows. "If this job is so great and in my department, why not just get it with your discount."
"Well," she ran her hands over her jeans before she continued, "my discount won't kick in for a month. You need a winter coat now. I'm sure I'll buy plenty of items for you in the months to come, if we are here that long. Right now, we need to find you a coat and backpack."
"Do you get a discount in the women's department?" he grinned.
"Yes, Rusty," she sighed. "Shoes and make-up too, really anything in the store."
"Man," he chuckled as he shook his head, "I feel like I need to give you an allowance for things, not the other way around, "he continued to laugh. "If only your team saw you working at the mall, they would all agree it's gotta be your dream job after being a police captain."
"Can we not discuss my job? As I said, I didn't pick it, just like I didn't pick our names. This job was suggested because I do have a sense of fashion, and most of my current wardrobe will work for this job. I'm very happy they shipped most, if not all my suits. Now, would you like to check out this mall, or would you rather sit in a cold car?"
"Well, I'm sure there are other reasons you're in the men's department, Sharon," he flashed a smile. "Man, if the lieutenant was here, he'd buy the whole department just so he could see you in your suits each day. Don't act like we didn't all notice. You could have worn a paper bag for the guy, Sharon. He was always drooling over anything you wore, so I'm sure you'll have a regular base of customers soon. I'm not trying to sound sexist, just so you know," he continued to smile while Sharon scoffed at him. "I'm just stating the obvious. You'll probably have the highest sales in the store," he added. "Let's visit your home away from home," he smirked. "I'm starving. Let's find the food. Now, there's an area where I would outspend you," he smiled brightly as he got out of the car. Sharon sighed as she got out and closed her door. She rolled her eyes at Rusty when she walked around to the front and caught him standing there still smirking at her.
"For once, we sound like our normal selves," she smiled to him as she had decided to ignore his previous comments.
"Yeah, we kinda do. So, knowing that, burgers?" he grinned.