Free Christy: A Journey Tale by Michael Thomas Cunningham Page A

whole body seemed more relaxed
and confident as she strode into a place where she was at least
familiar and comfortable. This was definitely her element, and the
thought, as strange as it was, helped Jennifer to relax. She took a
deep breath and forced her shoulders back from the nervous stoop
she had unconsciously developed. When they got to the booth Christy
took off her jacket and slung it into the seat and hopped in like
she was coming home. Jennifer for her part paused for a beat, but
before her hesitation could draw attention she took the plunge
avoiding the duct tape repair job on the side and settled down in
the middle of the seat. Christy had a huge grin as she reached over
for a menu pinned against the wall by a black napkin holder.
Jennifer followed close behind, reaching for one as well. The menu
itself was a long sheet of laminated paper printed on both sides.
As Jennifer scanned the selections, she could see the greasy film
that made it sticky to her fingers as she turned it over to look at
the back. The first side had been all breakfast and the back
contained both lunch and dinner entrees, side items, as well as the
drinks and meals for seniors. Jennifer could almost feel the plaque
hardening within her arteries as she looked over the pictures. She
turned it back over to breakfast and went down the list one more
time. As she held the menu she glanced over at Christy who had a
smirk like a kid up to no good. She knew Jennifer would be picking
up the tab on this one and there was no way she was going to miss
the opportunity. She was going to ride this gravy train for all it
was worth. In fact, the possibilities were so wide open she had a
little trouble making up her mind. Jennifer could tell she was on
the Lunch/Dinner side as she watched her eyes dart from one item to
another.
    “Can I get you ladies anything to drink?” a
waitress asked as she pulled a small pad from her apron pocket
filled with a few straws and a bottle of ketchup. She tried to be
cheery, but her eyes screamed that she was at the end of her
shift.
    “I think I’m ready if you are?” Christy said
as she laid the menu down with confidence and looked at
Jennifer.
    “Ok, you go first.” Jennifer said. As
Christy’s excitement amused her.
    “Alright, what can I get for you?” The
waitress said as she adjusted her grip on the pad switching gears
quickly from drinks to taking an order.
    “I would like a double cheese burger, hash
browns and I’d like ‘em,” she looked down at the menu double
checking the verbiage, “scattered, chunked, smothered, and covered.
Oh, and a Coke to drink.” The waitress never flinched and took it
all in knowingly. Jennifer turned her own menu over to look at what
all that meant. She smiled as she tried to imagine what they would
look like coming out on a plate with onions and peppers, ham,
cheese and chili. “Hey, and go ahead and add some bacon to that
burger.” Christy caught Jennifer’s expression. “A burger just ain’t
complete without a little bacon.” She said with a wry grin.
    “I understand completely. You order whatever
you want.” Jennifer said as she raised her hand in a conciliatory
gesture. Jennifer could see now that she and her father would have
gotten along great. She has an easy spirit and a taste for her
father’s five favorite food groups; beef, bacon, cheese, potatoes,
and chili. Now, that’s what he considered a well-rounded meal.
    “And you, miss…?” the waitress said, turning
her attention to Jennifer.
    “I’ll have the grilled chicken salad with fat
free ranch dressing.”
    “Anything to drink?” the waitress asked,
still writing.
    “Diet Coke please”
    “Alright, I’ll be right back with those
drinks,” she said just before she turned around and headed back
behind the counter.
    “See? This place ain’t so bad.”
    “No, I don’t think it is either,” Jennifer
said as she returned Christy’s warm expression while at the same
time reaching into her