It’s 4 in the morning, and all is quiet. That’s pretty much normal around here though. This section of highway is always pretty quiet. We get a few people to come see us now and then. They never stay long though. I’ve been working the night shift as long as I can remember, selling chocolate bars, magazines, coffee and sodas to people that wander in. It’s almost always quiet at this hour. Until my buddy decides show up that is. Then we get every Thom, Dick and Hairy visiting this place.
The bars have all been closed for over an hour. People picked up their snacks and smokes, and have gone home by now. Even the Goth and Emo wannabes have all left for the night. Even they have to get some sleep sometime. At 4 in the morning, all you will see around here is us.
All the cleaning is done. I’ve taken out the trash and re-stocked the coolers; I finally have time to myself. I’ve been reading a horrible novel written by some unknown author. This guy hasn’t got a clue about the subject matter he’s writing about. But, it’s something to read at least. Monsters…Yeah, right. The guy has probably never even looked for one, or seen any either.
The beeper on the door squawks loudly. The guy that walked in is one of them. I can tell. He has that “look” to him. You know the one. Always searching but not quite finding what they are looking for. It looks as if they are perpetually lost.
He gestures for me to go on reading. He’s here to wait for someone. He points to the surveillance camera and shrugs. I smile politely and nod. Yes the camera is on and functioning perfectly. He walks up to the counter nervously, and I know he’s going to start with the questions.
“Hi ma’am, nice night ain’t it?”
“Why yes it is. Are you one of THEM?”
The question throws him off. He didn’t think I’d ask? Of course I ask if people are hanging out in my store this time of night. There’s no other reason to be here unless you are ill.
“My name is Chuck. I heard about the tapes and I want to check them out if it’s ok with you. And I’d like to take a look around, if the owner doesn’t mind.”
“I don’t mind. Owner’s been dead for years. I guess you could say this place belongs to me now.”
“I’m here to look for…”
“Yes, I know what you’re here to look for: my buddy that visits the dumpster. It’s the proper night for it. Just cleaned the cooler and shelves out.”
“I’m waiting for Jake; we’ll be out of your hair soon. We’ll wait in the trucks. Do you have any coffee made? Looks like this could be a long night.”
I point to the fresh pot at the other end of the counter and go back to reading. This guy looks as bad as the guy that wrote the book I’m reading. Camouflage clothes, night vision goggles and guns in his truck. Don’t need those to see us. Just sit there at the back door and wait for crying out loud. We’ve been on tape thousands of times. You want to see us just watch the tapes. We’ve even been on TV a few times. Watch it on YouTube like everyone else does. I really don’t care much for people like them, but I tolerate them.
“Coffee is on the house mister. Take one for Jake as well. I won’t drink it, so you go on and help yourself.”
Finally after a few minutes of awkward silence, another truck pulls up with another sleepy looking man at the wheel. I should have known. At least the excitement will start soon. My buddy will be here any minute. I can’t help giggle to myself when these morons decide they are going to capture something and take it for the whole world to see and become famous. Besides that, they look like a poor 70s version of G.I. Joe.
Chuck slowly walks out to the truck to give Jake his coffee. Chuck is standing there talking and waving his hands around and slopping coffee. Jake has his door open and neither of them is watching the dumpster. YOOHOO boys: Better turn around now, what you have been waiting to see is right under your nose. This should be fun. I think I’ll sit back and watch.
The dumpster makes a loud CLANG as my buddy throws the lid back to look at the goodies I left for him. He really likes powdered donuts and eggs. I always leave them on top. I think he appreciates it. He quit ripping the lid off the dumpster, so I assume he’s happy with this arrangement. I saw him bite a pop can once. Now that was funny! He didn’t think so though. He quit coming for a month after that. I guess the sound of me laughing hysterically didn’t help at all. Now I leave the milk to one side if he wants it, he takes it. Milk doesn’t fizz all over the place. The old pop cans and bottles I put in a separate bin. He’s never touched them. Not that I’ve ever seen anyway. I guess he doesn’t like bubbly sweet stuff?
Jake just let out a startled yell and grabbed for his rifle. Chuck ran to the back of his truck to put on the goggles and grab his shotgun. Neither of them fired. No one ever does. My buddy is already gone by this time anyway. He’s pretty fast. He hides well and blends in with the trees too. Plus he knows to come back when they are gone if he wants more than a quick snack. Chuck raised his gun to his shoulder, and then lowered it again. He took the goggles off, looked at Jake with eyes as big as saucers, and shrugged.
Both of them head back to the store. I feel more questions coming on.
“HEY, lady! Did you see that? I mean he was HUGE and just standing there looking at me! Where does he go, and how does he move so fast?”
“Is he dangerous? Has he ever hurt anybody? Have you ever thought of writing this all down? You could make a fortune with just a picture and you have HOW many feet of tapes?”
I answer politely as possible. I’m so tired of the same questions all the time.
“Yes I saw him. I see him frequently. He’s also seen me quite often. We’re buddies now, remember? He knows I mean him no harm, and would never let anyone hurt him. I don’t know if he’s ever hurt anyone, I’ve never asked him. I have no idea where he goes, I’ve never followed him. I don’t plan to either. And no, I won’t write this down, I have the tapes and my memory, it’s enough for me”
“But…but. People have to know what’s here!
“I know he’s here, you know he’s here, that’s all that matters to me. If you want other people to know, you’ll have to tell them. No one believes an old hermit lady like me. They might believe YOU though. I prefer to run my store and keep quiet. Would you still like a copy of the tape?” I wink at them, chuckle to myself, and go sit back on my stool behind the counter. No one will ever understand that the bond between my buddy and I is stronger than the bond between me and them. My buddy and I have more in common you know.
If you ever feel the need to come and visit us, we will be here, same as always. Make sure you come on a day that I have cleaned out the cooler and the shelves. Come after 4 am, when it’s quiet. And please, don’t ask me stupid questions or dress like a G.I. Joe doll. Be yourself, be polite, and be patient. You might make a buddy someday too. |
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