The line to get into the homeless shelter weaves down the block. The Texas sun beats down on me. The warehouse will be like an oven. Maybe I'll stay here tonight. Out of nowhere, a tejana approaches me.

"My name's Estel. Can I take you to lunch?"

Narrowing my eyes, I ask, "Why?"

"Just to talk."

"'bout what?"

"Your past, your present, and potentially your future."

I mentally roll my eyes. What can this stranger know about me?

"What do ya supposedly know 'bout me?"

"You were adopted and didn't know until you were twelve when you were told after your parents' funeral, and your biological parents didn't give you up because they wanted to."

The mention of my biological parents catches my attention. I've always wondered about them, but I never have had the nerve to try and find out who they are - well, I guess, who they were.

"I know I'm a stranger, but there's a little diner down the road where I could buy you breakfast. We could talk about it there, if you want to know more."

I glance around and then stare at this stranger again. "How do ya know so much?"

"I knew your parents. How about we eat and talk at the same time?" she asks hopefully, and now my stomach growls reminding me I've not eaten since the night before last. I can use a nice breakfast.

Shrugging my shoulders, I reply, "Sure."

As we start walking to the diner, Estel asks, "What would you like to know?"

"Everythin'."

"You were born July 15, 2000 to Gareth Evans and Lysandra Westlin Evans. They had special roles in their community which we can talk about later." She begins, but we soon get to the diner.

Estel opens the door, but I scan the diner before entering. A long counter stretches across the length of the space. Stools are occupied by several men conversing over cups of coffee. The worn black and white checkered floor leads to a few booths along the front wall.

Seeing no threats, I enter and lead Estel to a booth in the back corner. This is the best spot to keep an eye on all entry points. While Estel looks over the menu, I survey the surroundings a second time. I still only find the older customers talking at the counter.

Finally, I start looking over the menu, but I don't get far before Estel asks, "What's good here?"

"Don't know. Haven't eaten here."

The menu is filled with what I guess is considered normal for this type of restaurant: burgers, fries, lunch specials. The waitress greets us and then leaves to grab each of us a glass of milk and orange juice.

Estel smiles. "No, in the States. What food?"

"Like U.S.?" I question, but she shushes me. She nods her head, so I continue.

"If ya want a samplin' of everythin', how 'bout try this plate here with pancakes, bacon, hash browns, and eggs." I suggest.

"Would you like that also?" she questions, and I tilt my head to the right, the right shoulder going up a fraction. "If you want something else, just order that." She continues.

"What can I get you?" the waitress asks; a large smile paints her face. Estel immediately orders the large breakfast plate, and, since I can't decide, I order the same. While we are waiting, Estel continues with the story.

"As you can tell from our conversation a few minutes ago, your parents weren't from Texas."

"I gathered," I mumble.

"Some details I can't talk about in public."

"Are ya people spies or somethin'?" I question, and Estel laughs.

"If we continue this conversation after breakfast, I promise you will get some answers. But, no, I am not a spy and neither were they."

"Darn." I joke, and this makes both of us smile. It's been a long time since I've had a relatively normal conversation that didn't involve food or shelter.

"So where ya from?" I ask - genuinely interested in this woman, that I seem to have an odd connection with.

"My ancestors were from Barcelona, Spain."

"Ah, that's why ya look like a tejana."

Her forehead creases. "A what?"

"Basically a Mexican American living in Texas."

She nods. "Okay. I learn something new every day."

I lean back against the booth and ask, "So why are ya here?" I take a big gulp of juice.

"To bring you home."

Choking on the juice I started to drink, I have a hard time understanding this. The waitress brings us our food, and I continue after she's left.

"Huh? Ya say?" I ask.

"Details can be given later. Can we meet someplace else?"

"Sure." I shrug. "After we eat. It's not like I have anythin' important to do."

"That's fine."

I swallow my bite of eggs. "What else can you tell me?" I ask before picking up a piece of bacon.

"Your parents were murdered."

I choke again, this time on the bacon I'm eating.

"Are ya tryin' to kill me lady?"

"Sorry, I'm used to having to being blunt and upfront with people."

"Ya might wanna ease into subjects while we're eatin'," I say, emphasizing 'ease.'

Sadness flashes across her face. "Your parents didn't give you up for adoption because they wanted to, they loved you very much. They died, and a difficult decision had to be made."

My eyebrows scrunch. "Why was it so difficult?"

"Another conversation."

"So what can you tell me? Well, ya might wanna wait 'til you're finished, so the food doesn't get cold."

After she swallows the bite of pancakes, she wipes off the syrup before continuing. "I have a job offer if you'd like to take it. You will have to train first, and it will be difficult, but I'm sure you can accomplish it."

I look at her like she's crazy.

"You are stronger than you believe. You won't be alone," she adds.

When I look at her strangely again, she continues, "I can't give you all the details, but wouldn't it be better than living where you are now?"

"Maybe." Of course, it probably would, but I'm not going to tell her that. People usually want something in exchange for something valuable.

"You just need to take a leap of faith. I know I'm a complete stranger, but if you meet with me after this, I will give you all the proof and reason to consider this offer seriously."

I'm not sure she can do all of that, but what do I have to lose? My life? Probably not any more so than surviving on the streets.

We both finish our breakfast in silence, and Estel asks where we can meet then she pays for the food.

We agree to meet at a local shopping center with a large parking lot and traffic, but plenty of space for having a private conversation. She gets into her car and pulls out before I take off through the backstreets and alleyways to get to the shopping center.

My only thoughts are: What does this woman have planned? Is this going to be worth the cross city trek? Will this information satisfy my curiosity about my biological parents?