Chapter 3: Framework

I didn't bother going back into town. I was too excited and too concerned about being here on time. It took me over an hour to walk to the diner this morning. What if I didn't get there in time? 

I found a spot behind the diner, pulled on an oversized hoodie, used my bag as a pillow, and the Earth was my bed. It was all I had, and I'm used to it. At least as used to it as one can get. 

Thankfully, the people in the diner didn't tell me to leave when I entered to use their bathroom to freshen up this morning. 

Somehow, people can tell I'm homeless and prefer not to have someone like me around. I don't know if it's because they're afraid I might scare off customers or steal something. Or perhaps they don't want to feel guilty when they look at me. Or maybe they just can't stand looking at homeless people. 

But the diner didn't seem to mind, which I was thankful for. 

I pulled my things out of the bag and freshened up as best as I could. Once I was done, I went outside and sat down in the parking lot. I leaned back against the same pole where he had found me yesterday. I looked at my watch and was relieved to have 17 minutes to spare. I set a timer on my watch for 15 minutes, then lifted my head and looked down the long stretch of empty road. I exhaled as I pulled my knees to my chest, wrapped my arms around my legs, and rested my forehead against my knees, hoping for a quick nap. 

I was awakened 13 minutes later, but not from my alarm. A hand on my shoulder shook me, and my head snapped up with my heart beating out of my chest.

“Hey, easy, kiddo. It's just me,” Walker said, taking a step back. His worried eyes looked me over.

My body relaxed. I pushed out a heavy breath and dragged my hands down my face.

“Did you sleep here all night?” He asked as I stood and threw my bag over my shoulder. 

“No. I slept close by, though.” I said as I followed him toward the diner. 

“Hm,” he grunted. 

“Table for two?”  The same waitress who smiled at me earlier asked Walker. She had Auburn hair, and her sides were pinned back, making her look young and innocent.

“Yes, ma'am,” Walker replied with a curt nod. 

She smiled warmly as she reached for the silverware, pre-wrapped in napkins.

“Right this way, gentleman,” The waitress said as she grabbed two menus and then led us toward a booth. 

I slid into the red booth, and Walker sighed as he sat down across from me. He lifted the menu and began looking at it, almost mechanically, like he had done it a thousand times. 

I did the same, and quickly decided on the same thing he got me yesterday. It was the cheapest combo they had, two pancakes, two eggs, and two pieces of bacon for $12.99. 

“Is it okay if I get the same thing as yesterday?” I asked, wanting to be sure it was okay since he was paying. 

“Sure. You can get whatever you want,” he said casually without lifting his eyes from the menu.

I smiled brightly and licked my lips. Their food was delicious, and I haven't eaten since the meal he bought me yesterday morning. It's just what my grumbling stomach needs. I thought, licking my lips as I set the menu down and looked up at Walker. When I did, I was startled to find he was already looking at me. I nearly jumped out of the booth. I wasn't expecting it. 

He raised a brow, and I quickly looked down, and my cheeks began to burn.

There were a few moments of silence. Walker continued looking at the menu like he didn't already know what he was going to get, while I scanned the diner.

“So… you slept… nearby? Where did you sleep?” 

“No place special,” I said vaguely without hesitation. I didn't want to say that I slept outside under the stars. As romantic as it sounds, it's neither romantic nor comfortable. Especially since I lost my old sleeping bag a week ago. I didn't stash it well enough one day when I went looking for a job. When I came back, it was gone. Go figure… It was just my luck. 

I was relieved when he nodded and looked at his menu again instead of pressing for an answer. I'm not exactly proud of my living situation. 

He didn't talk much while we ate, and I was fine with it. I was too busy stuffing my mouth like a pig. But I couldn't help it. I was hungry 

He seemed to notice and decided not to tell me to take it easy this time. He let me stuff my face at whatever pace I wanted, which was fast. 

I couldn't thank him enough for feeding me two days in a row. They were the best two meals I've had since my father kicked me out of the house. 

I climbed into his big black F-250 and set my bag on the floor. After buckling up, I let out a satisfied sigh as I rubbed my full stomach. 

I heard a chuckle, and my head snapped in his direction. I was shocked. I didn't know he was capable of laughing, let alone smiling. 

“You're like a little kid,” He said, and I frowned. 

“I'm not a kid! I'm almost 19 years old!”

“Oh? Is that so? 19, huh?” he said with sarcasm dripping from every word. 

I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. Unfortunately, this had the opposite effect I was looking for. The big, burly construction worker threw his head back laughing, shocking me even further. It was a big belly laugh that filled the truck. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my lips, even though I wanted to be mad.

As he drove, he told me what we would be doing. I had no idea what framing was. I thought it had something to do with making picture frames, or something along those lines. I was horribly wrong. It was building houses.

“Framework,” Walker called it. He has his own business, “Walker Construction,” which builds homes.

He said framework is like building the skeleton of a house. He said it's what holds it up and gives a home its foundation.

“That's your belt and helmet,” Walker said, nudging his chin toward the two items between us. 

I picked up the tool belt and examined it. It was a little used, but in good condition.

“Where's yours?” I asked, since I didn't see one on him or in the front seat with us. 

“It's in the backseat along with the rest of my stuff.”

I looked in the back seat and found his tool belt, completely full of tools, sitting on the floor behind his seat. 

“Most of my tools are in the back, and the rest are at the site. We’ll load up your belt when we get there. 

You're going to be my shadow this week. Today, you'll stay by my side and watch me work. When I need help, you'll help, but for the most part, you'll watch and listen.

Please pay attention. I don't like having to explain myself twice. Especially since I'm paying you to listen and learn,” Walker said, and I eagerly nodded.

“I promise I'll pay attention. I swear, I'm a fast learner. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I promise you won't regret it,” I said, fighting the urge to grab his hand and eagerly shake it, but I'd prefer not to crash.

My first day was easy. Although it was hot, it was easy. I did everything he told me to do. I stayed by his side and shadowed him. I listened carefully, and when he needed me to do something, I did it without complaint, and he seemed satisfied with my work.

It turns out that breakfast wasn't my only meal of the day. He brought me lunch that he packed himself. A turkey sandwich, a banana, and a Gatorade. It was delicious, and I scarfed it down before everyone else was even halfway finished with theirs. 

He pulled into the diner at 6:00 p.m. and looked hesitant as I climbed out. 

“You… you got a place to stay?” He asked, scratching the back of his neck. 

“Yeah. Don't worry about me. Thank you so much for everything,” I said as I grabbed my bag from the floor and shrugged it over my shoulder.

“Mhm… Oh!... Here,” He reached into the back seat, opened the cooler, and pulled out a bag.

“Here, something for dinner so you don't have to blow the money you just earned,” he said, handing me the bag, then reaching into his pocket and pulling out his wallet. He counted out a few bills and then handed me $90.00.

My face lit up as I took the cash from his hand. That's the most money I've had in two years! 

“Thank you so much!” 

“No problem, kid. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early,” He said, shoving his wallet back into his pocket.

“I'll be here 15 minutes early!” I said as I shut the door. 

I thought I saw a faint smile as he backed up before driving away.

I shoved the cash into my pocket and put my dinner inside my backpack before throwing it over my shoulder and skipping off to where I slept last night. 

Even though I didn't have a bed, blanket, or roof over my head, I went to sleep happy for the first time in a very long time.