Jenkins emerged from the store behind his sister sporting a multicolored horizontal striped shirt tucked into tan bell bottom pants and new sneakers. His eyes shone brighter in the sun as he followed behind his sister. Darla marveled at the difference in how the kids acted in the short time she had spent with them.
Sometimes it takes just a small amount of attention and care to make a big impact.
Darla continued to think about how she had to get where she is on her own, well almost on her own. She shook her head, attempting to shake the thoughts away.
I can’t think about those who had to sacrifice their own lives so that I could step into it. They made their decisions, and I had to make the best decision for me.
“We can go over to the deli to grab a few sandwiches to eat on the road. We have a long way to go until our next hotel, and I want to limit the amount of stops we make.” Darla popped openthe trunk and moved the suitcases to the back to make room for the shopping bags.
Darla’s heart quickened as she darted inside the bustling deli. Kinley and Jenkins squeezed in as the door closed behind them. Their attention was drawn to the glass display of a variety of pastries and desserts. Her mind bounced between thoughts as she battled with herself to continue with her plan.
This is all part of the plan, Darla,she told herself as she waited in line to order.Whatever the plan looks like, I need them to trust me.
“Three turkey sandwiches, please,” She ordered and paid for their food and looked around for a place to sit. Finally, she found a small wooden table in the corner of the noisy deli, where it was quiet enough for her to think. She took a seat and considered the girl before her.
They locked eyes, and Kinley smiled at her, and then Kinley turned her attention to her brother. He found a stray crayon hidden behind a bottle of ketchup and started drawing on a napkin.
A sweet smile and youth is only going to get her so far,Darla thought.
Beyond getting Kinley the basic necessities, she’d need to coach her and train her so that she’d make her own name in the business.
Jenkins would require some additional thought as he wasn’t supposed to be a part of this plan, but it would be nice to have him around after she made the switch so that she would have someone she could rely on.
As long as I can continue acting, it’ll all be okay.She couldn’t imagine losing the prestige and wealth that filled a hole deep inside of her.Coaching starts now for Kinley. And as for Jenkins, I will just keep him happy and healthy.
“Order 452!”
“That’s us, children! Shall we?” She gave them a warm smile as the three stood to leave. In their short time at the table, they had managed to shred several paper napkins and haphazardly scrawled with crayons on the scraps. She did her best to ignore the destruction.
It’s going to be an adjustment getting used to their behavior,she thought as she led them to their parked car.
Kinley nestled into the front seat of the car, and Jenkins swung open the back door and climbed into the middle seat.
He fastened his seatbelt and held out his hands for the outstretched sandwich from Darla. Kinley turned the dial of the radio until a song with a fast-paced beat filled the cab. Darla handed her the turkey sandwich and pulled out of the parking spot. It didn’t take them long until they were on the open road.
Kinley ate her sandwich and sang along to the songs, her mouth half full of food. Her long black hair spun wildly around her face as the wind became her dance partner in the cab of the car. The sun flickered in a rhythm as they passed by rows and rows of tall firs.
Darla watched amazed as the shadows crossed Kinley’s face, and she used a pretend microphone from the passenger seat. The light created a kaleidoscope effect, and Darla felt warmth spread inside her as she watched the young girl be a carefree teen for perhaps the first time in her life.
Jenkins sat quietly in the back, only slightly nodding his head along to the beat. Even though Kinley would play a big role in helping Darla continue to have the life she desires, she felt a kinship towards Jenkins.
They both can serve a purpose; I can help them have a better life. Even though Kinley will eventually come into my old body, no physical harm will come to her. And Jenkins, even though he is quiet and keeps to himself, I can’t help but feel like he knows more about the world around him than he lets on.
Kinley reached over and turned the radio down. Darla, lost in thought, missed that Kinley asked a question.
“How old are you?” Kinley asked, holding the wild hair against the side of her head.
“Oh, fifty-six, why?” Darla was caught off guard by the question.
“Wow, I would never have guessed that! You look like you are in your thirties. I hope I grow up to be as pretty as you.”
“You are quite pretty yourself Kinley. Don’t sell yourself short just yet.”
“Have you ever been married?” Kinley brushed some hair from her face as Darla’s hands gripped the steering wheel hard.
I need her to trust me. I need her to trust me.She reminded herself as she contemplated how to answer this question. Darla had never married. But she had been married before.Always better to look ahead, remember?
“I haven’t been married, and before you ask, no I don’t have any kids.”
