Dada: Chapter Nine

     "When do we stop?  I have to pee."  Sam cracked.
     "We will stop at the next exit.  I want to put some distance between us and the wreck." I reply.
     "I'm hungry, too."
     I wanted to get to the state line before we stopped, but I knew this was not going to wait.  We drive on for another mile and a half before we come to the next exit with a convenience mart.  The car could use some gas, as well, just in case.  At least this place looked clean, and I had heard of it, even if I never stopped here before.
    "Go on to the restroom, while I fill up the tank.  I'll meet you in there in a few minutes."  I send Sam inside while a stand at the tanks.
      Should I have sent him in alone?  He's fourteen, so its not like he can't take care of himself.  I doubt he we rum off somewhere in the middle of West Virginia for no reason.  I can see the entrance from here.  I can just see the authorities now.  Yes, I did let him go to the restroom by himself.  No, I honestly didn't think he would be abducted, run away, get horribly mutilated in a automatic flushing accident, whatever.  He won't run off.  Why should he?  He has nowhere to go, except with this complete stranger who could be his brother that he never knew he had and might not ever take care of him now that his parents have died.
    I barely notice that the tank is full.  I replace the handle and pull the car away, closer to the entrance.  I see Sam looking over the overpriced candy and cakes.
    "Don't think about it.  We have stuff in the car.  I'll be out in a minute." I say to him as I walk to the restroom.
     It would have been too awkward if we had both been here at the same time.  Lord knows some of my problems over the years.  Freshman orientation was the weirdest, but its where I met Jim.  I wash my hands before getting into the stall.  At least I'm the only one it here.
      I walk out a minute later.  Sam is still looking over the food.
     "We've got food in the car, and it's cheaper and healthier.  Besides, it will spoil lunch."
     "When's lunch.  It's after eleven already." Sam whined, his voice raising almost another octave.
     "One.  I want to hit the state line before we stop again.  We're already a hour or so late because of the wreck.  I don't want to miss getting there in time.  But here,"  I hand hime five dollars.  "Get one thing.  No pop.  We have water bottles in the car.  Nothing too messy either.  I don't want crumbs."
     I send him off.  He's practically drooling.  I don't remember ever getting that hungry when I was his age.  I don't think I was, anyway.  Please don't get anything that will mess up the car.  Sure, I could get it detailed, but it will never be the same.
     I need a new car.  This one's five years old, and it has had problems since I bought it.  Six years.  I can't remember.  What's taking Sam so long?  I don't want to hover.  I was buying things at his age.  Maybe he hasn't bought on his own before.  With five dollars, he could potentially buy a few things.  He's always hungry.  He might try to buy a lot.
    "Okay.  Let's go." Sam startles me while I'm lost in my thoughts.  He bought a small bag of multi-grain chips and a chocolate bar.  Not too bad.
     "You can keep the change.  Now let's go before it gets any later."