Far from Home

1

September third...

I can't believe

it's finally over,

the summer vacation

every girl dreams of...

sure... 17 national parks

in 28 days...

and all in the company

of her dad.

It's like being trapped

in a "father knows best" rerun,

except for this father

doesn't know anything.

I wish he'd get it

through his head

that tomorrow I turn 14, not 12.

Madeline's parents

took her to europe

and let her go to discos

every night.

My dad's idea of independence

is letting me

roast my own marshmallows,

which is a good idea

since he always burns his.

Anyway,

it'll all be over tonight...

tomorrow I'll be back with mom,

celebrating my birthday

and staying in my own room...

no more sleeping in bags,

thank God.

What's the problem?

Just...

there's gotta be

another gas station

around here somewhere.

Let's see, it's 36 Miles

to the next exit,

that's not gonna be any good.

What's this?

Banco.

10 or 12 Miles down there.

Open the door!

Hello!

Anybody here?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Put your hands

where I can see 'em.

Whoa!

Who are you with, man?!

Nobody, I just want some gas!

This is a gas station, isn't it?

Yeah, but I ain't got no gas.

I've got cash.

Hah! I don't care if you

got gold hub caps...

I said I ain't got

no gas, you dig?

The delivery's overdue...

Maybe tomorrow.

Where you headed, man?

Home, to Los Angeles.

Oh yeah?

Far out.

I did some time there.

That is, before

I got some intelligence.

Is she with you?

Yeah.

Look, can I use the phone?

I ain't got one,

try the mini-mart.

Will my car be all right?

Yeah, if I keep an

eye on it for you.

How much?

You see, that's it, man,

that's wrong with this world,

everything's about money.

I'll watch your car

for you for nothing.

All right, thank you.

Get ahold of yourself.

You say they took no money

out of the register?

You sure?

Are you all right, ma'am?

Now don't touch nothin',

there may be prints.

You lookin' for somethin'?

Yeah, I wanted to use the phone.

Is there some problem?

You got some I.D.?

My name is Charlie Cox, sheriff,

highways magazine, Los Angeles.

You're off your beat

a little, aren't you?

Please, we've just

run out of gas.

Try the trailer park

down the road...

Agnes Reed might sell you some.

She sells everything else.

She's got a phone there, anyway.

What happened?

Somebody came in here

and blew his brains out,

that's what happened...

most likely a drifter.

It happens out here, Charlie.

Hello?

Hello!

Who's there?

Hi, we'd like to

buy some gas, please.

I ain't got any.

Well, how about using a phone?

You got any money?

Yes, I've got money.

Can't be too careful.

Two dollar phone charge.

It's okay, I'm calling collect.

Two dollar phone charge.

Can I have a soda?

How much for two sodas?

A buck each.

Surprise, surprise.

Got any ice?

Another buck.

Is that per cube?

Ice is out there.

Hi, bill, how are you?

Good, good.

Listen, I'm not going to

get your article in tonight.

Hot out here...

is it always this hot?

Um-mmm.

Somewhere in Nevada.

No, it's really too much

to read over the phone.

Give me a break,

the troll that runs this place

is charging me by the second.

Joleen?

Joleen?

What's goin' on?

Nothin'.

Then get out of here!

Charming kid.

One of the neighbors?

Nah, he's mine.

Always threatening

to run away... never does.

Look, I have to get back to L.A.

by tonight.

Ain't gonna happen unless

your car runs on dirt.

I got a couple others

stranded here too.

I fixed 'em up real nice.

Camper, full view

of the pool, kitchen.

I got one more left.

How much?

For you? Fifty bucks.

Fifty bucks?

Out of the question.

Fifty bucks for this?

Come on, it's not that bad.

Just for a night.

This is how real writers live.

In overpriced campers?

God, it's hot in here.

Could I go swimming?

Okay, but go straight there...

and then I come straight back.

And stay away from that boy.

You mean all boys, don't you?

You know which one

I'm talking about.

Dad, I'm not

12 years old anymore.

I know you're not...

That's the problem.

Now, keep your shirt on

till you get to the pool.

Have fun.

Ooh!

Hi.

Who are you?

Pinky.

What's your name?

Joleen.

Joleen? That sounds

kind of funny.

Look who's talkin', pinky.

You hear that?

What?

I hear your mother calling.

Hi.

I'm Jimmy.

Hi, I'm...

I know.

I saw you watching them.

I don't know

what you're talking about.

Do you know

what they were doing?

Joleen!

Coming.

I have to go.

Jeez, it's beautiful.

You'd think people would be

out here enjoying it..

During prime time?

Are you joking?

Start dinner, okay?

I'll be right back.

Hello?

Charlie Cox here,

temporary neighbor.

What is it?

Me and my daughter are stranded

here in your lovely town,

and we're wondering

if you had any gas to sell?

No. Beat it.

Thanks. Enjoy.

Don't give me that crap again!

But it's true!

What do you mean

you got no money?

Where's your mom?

At her sister's.

Listen, you're

late with the rent

a week and two days!

You got that?

What are you lookin' at?

You better cough up that cash...

I'm gonna kick your butts

outta here!

I ain't sh*t'n ya.

Hello?

F*** off!

Hello? Charlie Cox here, temporary

neighbor and concerned parent.

Single parent...

former angry young man...

and poet laureate of the

interstate highway system.

And you're looking for

a little woman

to start a new life with?

Actually, I was looking for

a little cup of gasoline

to start an old car with.

You're not from

around here, are you?

Amy! A real human!

Please, God,

let it be a human

with some cigarettes.

Hi.

He's not from around here,

he smokes,

Let's go for the big win...

does he want a beer?

Sure.

What do I win?

You win a beer.

Alley-cop.

The price is kinda crazy,

if you got a little boy in your

home, regardless of the age,

stay with me on the next

item and take a look,

because there is

a remote controlled pickup...

this one is gorgeous!

Dinnertime!

Hey, Jo, sorry I'm late.

Oh, it looks like

we're going to have to

miss the first day of school.

Met a couple of people, though,

Louise and Amy.

Louise and Amy, huh?

Yeah, Louise and Amy, "huh".

They're stranded here,

just like us.

Take five dollars

off that price,

and we'll let it go

at a price of $12.50!

Just watch it!

Where have you been?

Out.

Out where?

Outside.

Dinnertime!

Thank God, some quiet.

Mm-hmm.

They finally

turned that thing off.

You know, if you

worked on a computer

like everyone else,

you'd be done by now.

Hey, dad,

do you mind if I go out

with a few bikers tonight?

You know, have some laughs?

Sure.

I thought you told him

you were finished.

I lied.

I guess your mom's right...

I am a bad influence on you.

You should see the guy

she's dating now.

Look, I'm really not ready to hear

about the men you're mom's dating.

I'm sorry.

You promised

aqua boy fish sticks!

They're too expensive.

These are just as good...

Eat 'em.

I wanted aqua boy.

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