Runaway | A Short Story & Talking Points for Youth

Coco Lawrence and Courtney Sims have been best friends since they were nine years old. They are almost thirteen now and hang out all the time. They are constantly experiencing various situations as they hold each other accountable and work through life’s experiences. They continually trust the Lord that He would help them do things the way Jesus would. In this short story we find the Courtneys interacting with a new-found friend who had recently run away from her home.

Coco grabbed Courtney by the collar of her shirt to get her attention.

“What are you doing?” Courtney yelped. “You’re gonna stretch my shirt out! And no! We are not gonna ride the Tilt-a-Whirl again. We’ve already ridden it four times.”

The Courtneys were with their parents at the Mississippi state fair. They always wore one of their favorite tee shirts that read ‘Where will you spend eternity?’. Both families would usually get together every October and go to the state fair so the girls could enjoy the rides. The parents, however, went for the corn dogs, chicken-on-a-stick, and elephant ears. It was always a ton of fun.

“Look! There’s that girl we saw earlier.” Coco said. “This is the third time we’ve run up on her and she seems to be really lost and lonely. We’ve not seen her with any parents or any other adults. No sisters or brothers seem to with her. No friends with her either.”

“Yeah. That does seem weird.” Courtney replied. “She looks like she’s hungry. Let’s sit down on these benches and watch to see where she goes.”

“Okay.” Coco responded.

The young girl looked to be about the Courtneys’ age. Very slim with long brown hair and carrying an overstuffed backpack. Her jeans looked a little dirty and her tee shirt was quite baggy. She began to wander over toward the back of one of the food trailers. She glanced around and when she thought the coast was clear she rummaged through one of the garbage cans. It appeared she’d found what she was looking for. She pulled out a half of a corn dog and also, she discovered a potato chip bag with a few chips left in it. She peered around again to make sure no one saw her and that’s when her eyes locked onto both Courtneys’ eyes.

She immediately looked away. You could tell she was very embarrassed. She then quickly started walking toward the midway where the crowd of people were walking.

“Let’s go, Coco. Let’s catch up to her and see if we can help her.”

“Wait Court. We don’t want to scare her. Let’s wait a couple of seconds so she won’t spot us following her.”

The girls sat up from where they were sitting and slowly followed the same path the young girl was headed. They caught a glimpse of her as she walked behind the large circus tent. The girls gradually moved toward that area and found her sitting on the grass eating the corn dog and chips she had found in the trash can. She saw them as soon as they turned the corner.

“Why are you two following me? Leave me alone.” The girl said very upset.

Coco immediately said, “We’re very sorry but we were just worried about you.”

“Yeah. We thought maybe you needed some help.” Courtney interjected.

With a little less upsetting tone in her voice the girl said. “Just leave me alone. I don’t need any help from you or anyone else.”

Coco quickly responded. “Again, we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to interfere. We just really wanted to help if there was something we could do.”

The Courtneys turned and started to walk away when the girl blurted out a hopeful statement.

“I don’t get it. Why would you want to help someone you don’t even know?”

Courtney answered first. “That’s just what we do. When we see others who we think are hurting or need help, we try to do what we can.”

Coco and Courtney saw a glimpse of hope that they were reaching her and thought maybe she was allowing them to come to her rescue.

“My name is Coco. This is Courtney. What’s your name?”

After what seemed five minutes but really it was only seconds, the girl spoke softly with her head hanging down and told them her name was Ginger Randolph.

“Ginger. Do you mind if we come over there and sit down with you?” Courtney asked.

Ginger remained looking down but nodded and so both Courtneys eased toward her and sat down on the grass.

“Where are you from, Ginger?” Courtney asked.

“Tupelo.”

“You’re not by yourself, are you?” Coco questioned.

Seemingly annoyed, Ginger gradually stood up and said, “I better go.”

Quickly Courtney said, “Wait Ginger. Please let us help you. We know you might be in a bad place. We've all been there.”

“That’s right. We really want to help if we can. Please let us help you.” Coco said in agreement with Courtney. “In fact, will you let us get you something to eat and drink? We were about to get something to eat ourselves."

“Yeah. Come on Ginger. We were going to get a BBQ sandwich and fries. We’re buying!” Courtney said with a smile.

For the first time, Ginger gave a slight grin and agreed to go with them. They all walked to the “BBQ Shack” trailer and the aroma was amazing!

“What do you want, Ginger? Remember? It’s on us.” Commented Coco.

“Yeah.” Courtney chimed in.

“Really? Y’all aren’t kidding?” Ginger asked, not understanding their kindness.

“No. We’re not kidding. So, what’ll it be?” Coco assured her.

With some slight hesitation Ginger answered, “Well, I guess a BBQ sandwich and some fries would be great.”

“What about a drink? Courtney asked.

“Sure. Thanks.” Ginger replied.

After the three girls got their order, they sat down under the temporary pavilion where several picnic benches and tables were. Ginger was so hungry she never looked up until she had completely finished eating her food. She took a big gulp of her Mountain Dew and was slightly embarrassed when she looked up to see that the Courtneys were only halfway through with theirs. They all glanced at each other and at the same time, they all laughed out loud. Ginger spewed much of the Mountain Dew that was in her mouth which made their laughing all the louder.

“Well, I was hungry!” Ginger said unapologetically.

“Yeah. We noticed.” Courtney said.

Again, they all giggled about the incident. They all were having a great time. The Courtneys finished their BBQ sandwiches, fries and drinks and asked Ginger some basic questions to find out what was going on in her life.

“So Ginger, what grade are you in?” Coco asked.

Ginger answered, “I’ll be going in the seventh grade this coming year.”

Courtney exclaimed, “Us, too!

And before Courtney realized it, she blurted out a potentially uncomfortable question. “What’s going on, I mean why aren’t you with anyone here at the fair?”

Just as quickly as she asked the question, she apologized to Ginger for being so abrupt and insensitive.

Ginger answered while peering at the ground and fiddling with a drink cup that was under her feet.

“That’s okay, Courtney. I figured y’all would ask me that question soon enough. To be perfectly honest…” And after a short pause, she continued. “I’ve run away from home.”

Both Courtneys glanced at each other as if to ask who would speak next.

Finally, Coco asked Ginger, “Do you mind telling us your story? You don’t have to if you don’t want.”

Again, Ginger hesitated and then told her story. “Early this morning I woke up hearing my mom and dad yelling at each other about something. I couldn’t make out much because I was in my bedroom in the back of our house. I slipped out to see what they were arguing about and I could hear my dad saying he was tired of all the unnecessary spending like cheerleader outfits, dance outfits, various school fees, and school clothes. It seemed everything he mentioned was because of me. At that moment, I thought they’d be better off if I just left. So, I stuffed as much as I could in my backpack, took the $100.00 that my Mawmaw gave me a month ago for my birthday and walked to the bus terminal. I paid for a ticket to Jackson. Stupid, huh? I don’t know why I came to Jackson. I don’t know anyone here. Anyway, I saw the fair and thought I’d hang out here for awhile until I could get my head on straight. I ran out of money after spending it on my bus fare and the taxi that got me here.”

“Well, yeah, to be honest, Ginger. It was pretty stupid.” Courtney said jokingly with a smile.

Ginger gave a slight grin.

“Well, we’re sure glad we met you and now you know two people from here.” Coco said smiling. “Have you come up with any ideas about what you’re gonna do?”

“Not really. I love my parents very much but they’ve been fighting for the last couple of months. My mom doesn’t work outside of home and dad mentioned the other day that she might have to get a job because things were getting so tight. She said she didn’t know what she would do except work at a Wal Mart, Dollar General, grocery store, or someplace like that. I shouldn’t have run away. I should have at least called my Mawmaw and asked her if I could go there. I’m probably in a lot of trouble.”

Courtney suggested, “You shouldn’t worry that you’re going to get into trouble. They are probably scared sick not knowing where you are and want to hear from you.”

“Why don’t you call them and tell them where you are?” Coco asked. “I agree with Court. I’m sure they would be very glad to know you’re okay.”

Ginger thought for a while and then said, “I guess I should. I don’t know what to say, though.”

“I don’t think it matters what you’ll say. I’m sure they’ll just be glad to hear your voice and that you’re safe.” Coco reassured her.

Ginger pulled her phone out of her backpack and noticed it had run out of battery life.

Courtney offered hers.

“Here. You can use my phone.”

At that same time Courtney’s phone rang. It was her mom.

“Hey sweet. Where are you two?” Courtney's mom asked.

“We’re at the “BBQ Shack trailer”.

“Okay. Y’all hang there until we get there. We’re not far from you. We just got an elephant ear. I might save you a bite.”

“Yum! Yes ma’am.” Courtney answered.

Ginger asked Courtney who that was and she told her it was her mom and that their parents were headed here. Ginger started getting cold feet about calling her parents but the Courtneys encouraged her that it would be the best thing to do. By that time, both Courtneys’ parents had arrived at the trailer. They introduced Ginger to them and found out the whole story. They told Ginger they understood and would help in any way they could.

Ginger, with her blue eyes, looked at Coco’s mom and Courtney’s mom and asked, “Would one of you mind calling my mom and dad for me?”

Melinda and Vicki looked at each other and both agreed that one of them would. Melinda pulled out her phone and dialed the number that Ginger gave her. After a couple of rings, a female answered.

“Hi, Ms. Randolph. This is Melinda Sims. We are at the State Fair in Jackson with another family. Our daughters met your daughter and found out a little of the situation that has happened. She asked us if we would call you and your husband to let you know she is safe. Would you like to talk to her?”

“Of course and thank you.”

Melinda gave her phone to Ginger and she immediately started shaking and crying. The Courtneys scooted up close to her to give her support.

As Ginger was sniffling, she said, “Mom, I’m so sorry I ran away this morning.”

“Sweetheart, we’ll talk about that later. I’m just glad to know where you are and that you’re safe.”

Ginger continued, “When I was hearing you and dad arguing this morning it sounded like it was my fault and I thought…”

Her mom instantly interrupted and said, “Darling, you would never be the one who would be causing our problems. We’ve just run into some financial difficulties but we’ll get through them.”

Ginger’s dad motioned to her mom that he’d like to talk to Ginger.

“Baby, Dad, wants to talk to you. Hold on.”

“Sweetheart. I’m so glad to hear your voice. We love you so much and are so glad to know you’re safe. We’re sorry that you felt you were at fault with our money troubles. You’re not. Times are tough right now but like your mom said, we’ll make it through them. I've let it get me more upset than I ever should have. We’re really sorry you heard us yelling at each other like that. Do me a favor and put that lady on the phone again.”

Ginger handed the phone to Melinda. “My dad wants to talk to you.”

“Hi Mr. Randoph. Please, it’s Pete. Thank you all so much for being there with our daughter. I know we’d be asking a lot, but could you take her to your home until we get there?”

“We’d be absolutely glad to. Is this your cell phone?” Melinda asked.

“It’s my wife’s.”

“Okay. I’ll text our address and you can call when you’re close, if that’ll be alright.”

Mr. Randoph answered, “Of course, and again thank you. We should be there between 4:30 and 5:00. May I speak to Ginger again?”

Melinda gave Ginger her phone and her dad told her what plans they had made. They said goodbye to each other and Ginger's parents reassured their love for her and they would see her soon. The Sims and Lawrences asked the girls if they would like to go to the circus that the fair had before heading home and, of course, they said absolutely. It was always very fun and entertaining. After the hour long show, they all walked to the parking lot, got into the Lawrence's Pathfinder and drove to the Sim's house. When they arrived, the girls went into Courtney’s room and played around while Melinda put on some coffee.

Melinda’s phone rang about 4:15. It was Ginger’s mom. She said they would be at their home in about fifteen minutes. The Randoph’s actually arrived a little earlier than that. They knocked on the front door and Ralph, Courtney’s dad, opened it up. With a slight awkwardness, everyone introduced themselves to each other. Melinda asked the Randolph’s if they would like some coffee but they graciously refused. At that moment Ginger came running down the hallway and the Randoph’s stood together just hugging and crying. After a minute or two Mr. Randoph told the Sims and Lawrences how much they appreciated their assistance with their situation.

“We’re just glad our two daughters met Ginger and helped out as they did.”

“I know I’m sure glad.” Ginger replied. “Thank you two so much.”

The Courtneys and Ginger hugged each other like they were best friends.

Ms. Randoph said, “Well, come on honey. We’ve got to get back home. Thank you all again.”

As they were walking out the door Ginger looked back at the Courtneys and told them to be sure and text her what the saying on their tee shirts meant. They both agreed they would.

The Randoph’s pulled out of the Sim’s driveway as the Sims and Lawrences waved goodbye.