Where do I go from here?

"Hey Janie! Watch out!"

I heard the warning just as I was about to step off the curb. My heart was pounding as I looked around to see who called my name. Across from me in the lot was Sam. Leaning against his car, legs crossed and arms folded, he looked mad. My eyes widened at the sight of him. It seemed like he took two steps and was in front of me.

"What the hell are you thinking? Didn't you see him?"

Stammering I looked down at the ground, I just couldn't calm my mind to speak clearly.

"I'm sorry. No. I got bad news and I don't know where to go or what to do ..."

"Ok calm down. Just don't start the tears. You are clearly in no shape to drive. Do you have a car here? Where are you headed?"

"My car is over there. The doctor said there was a motel close. I just don't know where or how to get there or anything. "

I had never felt so lost or alone before. I handed Sam the paper the nurse gave me. He seemed to be from here.

Sam took the paper and looked at where they told this girl to go stay. Then he looked at Janie. This girl seemed so sad and lost. He could tell she had been crying hard. He really didn't want to get involved, but something about her stuck with him.

" I know where this is. It's not to far from here. I really don't think you need to drive. I will take you there. When you get rest, then you can come get your car. Come on, let's go."

I followed him to his car. It was old. Orange in color with big tires. A 68 or 69 chevelle, I guessed. Looked like it had been well maintained. When we got to his car, he opened the door for me and as I slid into the seat, I had a strange sensation that I was home.

At first the drive was silent. Both of us in our own thoughts. Mostly, I just couldn't think anymore. I was completely out of my comfort zone. As I watched the world pass by the car window, I figured I should break the ice.

"Thank you, Sam. I appreciate this. I'm sure your busy. I just don't have anyone here. It's been my grandfather and me since I was four years old. I have an uncle but he is serving aboard the USS Scott and they won't be back in port for a few months. "

" No problem. I don't report back to my ship until Monday morning. So you can get word to him through the Red Cross. I would so your not doing this alone. I get the impression the news isn't all that good."

"I will try that. No, the news isn't good. I was so young when my parents died, I really have no memory of them. I know what they look like cause of the pictures grandfather has all around the house. So without him, I feel so lost and afraid."

We were silent the rest of the way. It was a five minute drive from the hospital. The motel didn't look bad. Just a row of rooms along one side. Nothing fancy. Just military efficient.

"Thank you, again Sam. I will get a room and get rest. I have to be back at 5pm. "

I quickly got out of the car and walked up to the office. I had a credit card for emergencies so I got the room for a week. It was cheaper. So I got the key and went to my room. It smelled like cheap cologne and cigarettes. It had a mini fridge and a bed and a television, all I would need. I set the alarm on the bedside table and don't remember falling asleep.