Rescue Ride | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Rescue Ride | Previous Challenge Entry
By Milly Born
09/10/15
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It was after midnight. As Kevin peered through the sheets of rain streaming down the windshields, the headlights of his truck caught a girl standing along the on-ramp. He stopped and opened the door. Before he could say anything, a sopping wet Jack Russell bounced inside, licked his face, and shook itself dry.

"Hey there, hold it." Kevin grabbed a towel and wiped his face and arm.

The girl climbed into the passenger seat and closed the door. Shivering, she slipped a backpack from her skinny shoulders. Strands of dripping, purple hair hid her face. "Thanks."

He tossed her the towel. "Welcome. Where’re you headed?"

"New York City." She pushed her hair back, revealing streaks of mascara on pale cheeks and barbell rings above blue eyes.

Kevin turned up the heater. "I won't go that far."

"As long as you're driving east, I'm good."

"What's the plan in the Big Apple?"

"Just a vacation."

"Where’re you from?"

"San Francisco."

The engine whirred as he shifted to a higher gear. "I'm Kevin."

She hesitated. "Jessica."

"And this little critter?" He rubbed the dog's wet fur.

"Buddy."

"Your parents?"

"What about them?" Jessica eyed him.

"Do they know where you are?"

She shook her head. "They wouldn't care."

Kevin rummaged in a storage box behind his seat and handed her a paper bag.

Her face lit up at the sight of the cheese roll inside. Within a minute, it was gone—with Buddy’s assistance. Then she curled up on the seat, the dog at her feet. Before long, they were asleep.

How old is she? Fifteen? Sixteen? He activated his headset and called his wife. "Honey? It’s me…Sorry to wake you up…Could you check if a girl and a dog from San Francisco are reported missing?” He described them. Within ten minutes, she called back and confirmed his suspicion. Taking the next exit, he made a U-turn. Half an hour later, he received another call, providing him with the information he needed.

As a bleak dawn heralded another rainy day, Kevin pulled the truck into a service plaza and turned off the engine. Jessica sat up with a jolt.

"Want coffee?"

Straightening her clothes, she eyed him. "What’s the catch?"

"No catch."

She scowled. "Your fellow truckers don't think so."

"Well—not all truckers are alike." He jumped off the truck and strode into the restaurant. Tracy and Buddy followed him, trudging through puddles in the uneven pavement.

They were greeted by the aroma of pancakes and fried bacon. Kevin ordered breakfast for two, with sausages and water for the dog.

After the food arrived, they ate in silence for a few minutes. At last, Kevin asked, "So—why did you run away?"

She swallowed a bite and looked away. "I'm adopted."

"Okay. Go on."

"Don't you understand? My own mother didn't want me. I've never seen her. I don't know who I am."

"You are who you are. Now, tell me about your adoptive parents."

"They're okay, I guess."

"Do they love you?"

"They say so."

"You don't believe them?"

"I don't know. I mean, I'm not their real child—why should they love me?"

Kevin sipped his coffee. "You’ve got a cute dog, Jessica.”

Her face softened as she gazed at Buddy. "Yeah, he’s wonderful. I'd give my life for him."

"Did you give birth to him?"

Her gaze shot back to Kevin. "Of course not."

"If you can feel like that about a dog, then why don’t you believe your adoptive parents can love you as their own child?"

She shrugged.

"Did you know that many famous people were adopted?"

"No. Who?"

"Moses, for example. He led an entire people to freedom. Esther—"

She huffed. "That's Bible stuff.”

"What about Rachel Crow? Halle Berry?"

Jessica’s scowl faded.

Kevin pointed to the entrance. "Do you know those two?" A couple stood watching them intently.

"Mom? Dad? How—"

"I called my wife while you slept. She’s a social worker.

"Go home, Jessica. Stop poking around in the past. Give it rest; let it heal. Your life has a purpose—now. Use every opportunity to fulfill it. In the process, you'll find out who you are."

Blinking, she took Buddy’s leash and got up.

“Wait—here’s my card. If you’d like to talk some more, give me a call.”

She stared at the card. “You’re a youth pastor as well?”

“Yes, I am.”

Jessica turned and walked to her parents, who welcomed her in their embrace.

Kevin smiled, thanking God.

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