Reed and Skylar drive over the Rose's diner about 10:30 AM. It looks almost deserted with just a couple old Model A Ford cars parked out front. 'I think they were there last night.' says Skylar. They walk into the diner. There is one customer at the counter eating the blue plate chicken dinner special. He looks like he is enjoying it. Rose comes out of the kitchen and smiles a knowing smile when she sees them. 'I didn't think I'd see you two after what that boy of mine did to you last night!' 'We are very sorry it happened!' exclaims Skylar. 'We had no idea he was going to pull anything like that. So he called you from jail?' 'Yes. I got the call about 3AM. Can't say I was surprised though. He has been getting into more and more trouble lately. I think he is on drugs. You know, I had such high hopes for him. Didn't want him turning out like his father. But here we are. I've done all I could for him. Got him out of that abusive environment when I knew I couldn't protect him anymore. I prayed to God we could have a better life. But all the hard years of leaving him home alone while I worked this place have taken their toll.' 'Can I interest you boys in today's special? Of course, its on the house!' 'Sure! We'd love to have it!' both boys exclain together. Rose brings out their meals in short time. As they eat, she comes over and visits with them. They learn a lot more about Leon's earlier life. They tell Rose one of the reasons Leon said he took the car was to get revenge on them for not remembering him from college. They are very sorry for that, they both say. Leon wasn't really an active member of their group. They do recall him hovering around the edges from time to time, but he never was totally accepted by the group. Rose expresses her understanding of those years. She says that he never had many friends growing up either. When she talked with him from jail, he sounded resolved to his fate. He had already gone before a judge and was told that he could get from 16 months to 3 years in jail. The guys don't know how to react to that news. Skylar says he wishes there was something they could do to help. Reed seconds the emotion. They sympathize with Rose over these sad developments and vow to her they will help out any way they can. They both think back on the sad statements Leon had made when they confronted him at the crime scene. Well, nothing they can do now until Leon gets his sentence. That won't happen for awhile, says Rose. They will probably be back home in San Diego before Leon learns his fate. The meal is delicious and the boys dig in heartily. Rose brings out seconds and provides salads and fresh bread from the oven. As they finish up their meal, they bid Rose a heartfelt goodbye. Each one of them give her a great big hug. When she isn't looking, Skylar slips a one hundred dollar bill under his plate. They walk out the door and jump into Eleanor and cruise back out onto the highway. Next stop, Tucson! [[ SEE AN OUTSIDE VIEW OF ROSIE'S CAFE IN MY NEXT IMAGE!]] ---------------------------------------- M4 and V3 characters. Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!