Snippets

Race

I hit the radio and nearly jump out of my skin, I eagerly turn the volum down to near enough off and put my eyes back on the road as the music fills the silence. Trust my luck the owner would have a liking for country music. I didn't it, I actually liked the genre buy I was touchy on some of the songs.

I was a selective person as a rule

The kind of trait that sucked to be honest. Hell I was a sucky person as a whole, I would hate myself if I wasn't stuck like it. As much as I tried too, I couldn't conform in to the type of person that society wanted me to be. Then again it could be the very reason I'm in this  predicament.  

I stare at the road and shake my head. Several things qualify for this predicament actually but I couldn't really control those I suppose. I was walking out of college, couldn't change that. 

Kenny Rogers smooth voice filled the car and with a smile I turned the volume up. Grandad had used to sing his songs, he was a huge fan and many of times I wished for a change. It had been years since I last had the peace of home. 

Lost in my idle thoughts the car began to jutter. I look down and check the fuel but I hit half a tank so that wasn't the reason. A quick glance in my rear view mirror and I pulled over to the side of the road turning the ignition off. Making sure the road behind me was still clear I grabbed the map from the passenger seat and check my location. 

"Well this isn't right" I back track to the precious town and shake my head as I quickly follow the route I took until here. A sharp glance round I looked at the shop I should be in on the map. "There is no mountain though" apparently I should be in the middle of a mountain but it couldn't possibly be right. "Please don't tell me I've read this wrong" I was starting to get angry at myself "I ain't losing my bloody mind"

Dad would turn in his grave if he knew. 

I looked for a road sign and not seeing one I growl, throwing map back on to the seat and start the car. I'd been idle too long. The car working fine and nothing blinking at me i get back on the road and continue on but my mind wouldn't shut up regarding to the map. 

Dad would have been laughing but he would also be throttling me. He taught me everything to do with maps, didn't matter what map you have me or how old it was; there wasn't a map I couldn't read. "Lord don't let him know I'm having trouble. It's a new country but I'll triple check in the next town" 

If my ass ain't dead. 

With only half a tank of fuel I hope the next town ain't too far away, it was getting in to the afternoon and I wanted to be either driving in a derelict area or hiding in a building in the deepest part of the forest. I was not going to be seen. 

Not after last time. 

I sang along to the next few songs that knew trying to distract my mind from over thinking it all.  My eyes kept looking back and I was making sure no one blind sided me either. Three months ago I got caught like that, damn I suffered for that. 

Forty-five minutes later I spot a town. It didn't look too big but I sighed with relief. I could at least grab something to eat and hopefully fill this damn truck up, it was a gas guzzler and I was beginning to regret my decision on thing. My stomachs growled loudly and I cringed.

Should have stocked up on food. Could keep moving then. 

Passing in to the town I a small restaurant open and pull up outside it. I could barely see in which would work in my favour as long as I could see out. I grab my handbag and map and lock the car up before heading in. A small bell rings over head, the next thing I notice is everyone stos what they are doing to stare. I don't pay attention to them, they aint worth it. 

A young waitress comes to me smiling "af'ernoon, how may I help ya?" A country twang rang heavy on her words but they were pleasant to hear. 

"Just a table for one please" 

She leads me to a table by the window and I'm pleased to see that I had a perfect view outside. I take my seat and she pulls out a pen paper from her apron "anything to drink?" 

"Erm... just a glass of coke please" 

She nods "one glass of cola... It's not of'en we get a Bri'ish person visit" she whispers with a soft smile. 

I take a quick look at the menu and decide what I want. I place my map on the table and take a quick peak outside, everything seeming normal I take out a highlighter and start marking my route from the previous town. I take it slow. "I know for a fact I took a right turn at that fork. So why is it tell-" 

"Your drink ma'am" the young girl places my drink in front of my map and gets herself ready "food?" 

"I'll have the club sandwich thank you" another nod and she leaves me alone. 

I pull the maps title page up and double check the date on it, it's a recent map but this town wasn't on it. "I'm losing my bloody marbles" I didn't even want to look like a complete idiot asking for the town's name. I scrub my face in frustration and sir back I really needed to keep the whole talking to myself down to a minimum in public places