El Camino – A Stanley Novel | Episode 2 🚗✨

Stanley was sitting in the hall.

He was wear Jesse’s dress shirt and jeans.

He felt something inside him. Guilt.

​Jesse entered the room with a warm smile.

He looked at Stanley and asked him to come outside for a car ride to relax.

Stanley went with him.

​Both sat in the car.

As the car was moving, Jesse noticed Stanley was very silent and sad.

 

The car stopped at Flattop Mountain – Anchorage, Alaska.

Both got off the car.

They stood on the mountain and watched the Alaska city, the people, and the birds.

​

Jesse:

“Stanley, what happened? Why are you so silent?”

​Stanley:

“I don’t know if this is right or wrong... staying here to escape from that Crime. I am trying to move on, but I can’t. I feel scared and I have anxiety.”

​Jesse:

“Stanley, I know it is hard. We cannot easily move from a bad past because there are many struggles. We came from that place to here. So, do not see those mistakes. Just see your good deeds from the past and move on.”

​Stanley (smiling):

“I did not see you before, but you are helping me a lot. I don't know what to give you. Thank you again, Jesse.”

​After some time, Stanley imagined his good deeds from his school and college days.

He saw his friends in his mind.

But his face changed to sad again.

​Jesse:

“What happened?”

​Stanley:

“I cannot move on... because those good deeds also remind me of my past mistakes.”

​Jesse:

“Okay. Let’s go from here.”

​Both sat in the car and drove to a busy Traffic road.

Jesse parked the car on the side.

They sat at a bus stop.

​Jesse:

“Stanley, just look at those cars and tell me what you understand.”

​Stanley (looking at the traffic):

“There are many cars in traffic. Some are waiting to go urgently.”

​Jesse:

“Yes. But see here. Most people are ready to go fast when the green signal comes because they want to go to the office, home, or a party. Others are normal; they follow rules because they want a safe life.

And last, see that car or scooter coming very slow? Under 20 speed?

They are coming slowly to enjoy the nature and the air. Like old people or kids. They are enjoying a lot. There is no similarity between them, but once you enjoy your life in a flow... you will be happy. So, enjoy everything good.”

​Stanley (realizing):

“Hmm.”

​Jesse asked: “Do you know how to drive a car?”

Stanley: “No.”

Jesse: “Okay, come with me. I will teach you.”

​Jesse took him to the car. Stanley started learning.

He was nervous and scared of driving at first.

But within 20 days, he learned.

​In those days, 

Stanley asked:

“Can you help me get a job? Not an office job, any job is okay for me.”

​Jesse:

“Hmm, okay. I will try.”

​Stanley:

“What job are you doing, Bro?”

​Jesse:

“I do a Food Delivery job in this car.”

​Stanley:

“Car?? This is the first time I am seeing someone deliver in a car.”

​Jesse:

“Because in Alaska, the weather is very cold and snowy. ❄️

There are long distances between houses. Bikes are difficult in the snow.

So, we use cars or SUVs. I use apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.”

​Stanley:

“How much do you get monthly?”

​Jesse:

“It depends. Usually, I get a decent amount. In Indian money, it is around 1.5 Lakhs to 1.7 Lakhs.”

​Stanley:

“Really? If people got this much in India, no one would work in a corporate company!”

​Both Jesse and Stanley laughed.

​

​Next day, Jesse took the car out from Home.

​Stanley:

“Where are we going?”

​Jesse:

“Making documents for you to stay here.”

​

Jesse explained the documents:

• ​Social Security Number (SSN) – For jobs and banks.

• ​U.S. Driver’s License – For ID and driving.

• ​U.S. Passport – For identity.

• ​Permanent Resident Card – For legal stay.

​

Jesse:

“This will all take 6 months.”

​Stanley:

“Thanks, Jesse, for this help.”

​Jesse:

“Don’t say thanks. We are friends.”

​They reached the office and finished the work.

After 4 hours later, Jesse drove to Dimond Center Mall.

​Stanley:

“Why are we here?”

Jesse:

“Buying clothes for you.”

Stanley:

“No, I can adjust with these.”

Jesse:

“Just come with me. That’s it.”

​Jesse bought many branded clothes for Stanley.

Then they went to Hula Hands Restaurant.

They bought Kalua Pork Plates and Teriyaki Chicken.

​They reached home.

Jesse gave the dresses to Stanley.

​

Stanley:

“Thanks, Bro. This help is a very big thing. I will never forget this. Thank you so much.”

​Jesse:

“It’s okay. Just go to sleep.”

​Stanley:

“Can I hug you one time?”

​Jesse (smiling):

“Hmm.”

Both hugged.​

​Next day, Jesse was ready.

He asked Stanley to wear the new clothes.

They traveled to a beautiful place with nature. Stanley was happy.

He forgot his past and drove the car beautifully.

​In the night, Jesse asked to stop the car.

Jesse:

“Can you drink?”

Stanley:

“No, I am a teetotaler.”

Jesse:

“Oh, it’s okay. I just drink a little when I am very happy or sad.”

Stanley:

“Hmm. Okay. You can drink. I will give you company.”

​Jesse went to Brown Jug Liquor Store.

He bought beer, whiskey, and snacks like chicken wings and fries.

​At 9:23 PM, they were at home.

Jesse was drinking. Stanley was eating French fries.

​Jesse:

“I am so happy now. After a long time, I got a new friend.”

Stanley:

“I am also happy because of you. I have moved on.”

​Stanley asked:

“Bro, do you have a family, relatives, or a wife?”

​

Jesse laughed. Then he became sad.

Jesse:

“I had everyone. But my parents died in the 2010 Alaska Plane Crash. My friends left me because I had no money.”

​Stanley:

“What about a girlfriend?”

​Jesse:

“I had three. The first left because I had no job. The second left because I had a job but no time.

But the third... I loved her for 8 years. We had a long-distance relationship. She was coming back to marry me. The next day was her birthday. But she died in the 2018 Sterling Highway Crash.”

​Jesse started crying.

Stanley:

“Sorry, Bro, After that You didn't marry anyone else?”

​Jesse:

“No. I still love her. When I feel alone, I sit at this table and talk to her while drinking tea or Coffee.”

​Stanley:

“I think this was your true first love. When you cry this much for someone, that is your best love.”

​Jesse realized this and nodded.

Jesse:

“Actually, I am just like you. I struggled a lot. But now, we both moved on successfully.”

​Both laughed and hugged. Jesse went to bed and slept.

Stanley cleaned everything. He covered Jesse with a blanket.

​Stanley went to the hall sofa.

Suddenly, Ramya appeared again.

​Ramya:

“Stanley, now I am happy because you are so happy. This is how you should be. Keep Going, No matter what happens. Good bye.”

As he began to speak, she slowly faded away.

Ramya disappeared.

Stanley (smiling):

“Thanks for everything.”

Stanley went to his bed.

​

KEEP GOING. No matter what happens, Every day is a Chance to prove Yourself.

​To Be Continued...

​

Episode 3 Soon 🎬
Created & Written By
Salomon Raj