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Stories from the Verse
Re Verse All
Chapter 53: Takano 30
Table of Contents
Previous chapter: Hastings 203
She caught up with Peg at the drive-in hamburger place that Saturday, and swapped phone numbers with her. She also got Dot’s number, which was what she really wanted, but didn’t want to offend Peg by asking for Dot’s number and not hers. She also got a burger and fries and splurged on a root beer float for lunch, inwardly chiding herself that she could eat free at the Billings and should save her money.
“While I’ve got you,” she said, “I think I need to find a camping goods outlet somewhere.”
“Camping goods?”
“You know, sleeping bags, tents, canteen, that kind of thing. Eventually the job at the Billings’ is probably going to end, and I’ll be back to travelling, but since I’ve got some income I should probably use it to make the trip more comfortable. My father said I would learn from the travels, and I have learned at least that if you’re going to travel like this it’s probably a lot easier if you have the right equipment.”
“There’s a store like that out on 130. I’ve never been there, but it probably has what you need. Clark could probably help you figure out that kind of thing--he was Boy Scout. Clark?” she called, and he came over, Jimmy in tow.
“Hey, Peg. What’s up?”
“Tommy wants to buy some camping gear. I suggested the store out on 130, I don’t remember the name of it.”
“Yeah, you could go there, but you’re better off with REI in Marlton? They’ve got better inventory, better quality, and good customer service.”
“How would I get there?” Tommy asked.
“I’ll drive you,” Peg said.
“Oh, but the gas, and the time--”
“It’s O.K. I like to drive.”
“Sounds good. When?”
“Now?”
“I could do now. I don’t know if I have enough money for everything, though, so I might have to go back another day.”
“Yeah, but if we go now we can take Clark. Right Clark?”
“Uh--sure, Peg.”
“You know how to get there?” Peg asked him.
“Yeah, I think I can find it. It’s out 73.”
“Great. Let’s go.” And without further comment, Peg was headed toward her car.
There is a behind-the-writings look at the thoughts, influences, and ideas of this chapter, along with five other sequential chapters of this novel, in mark Joseph "young" web log entry #370: Characters Confront. Given a moment, this link should take you directly to the section relevant to this chapter. It may contain spoilers of upcoming chapters.
As to the old stories that have long been here:
