“You’re inviting your friend to go on a road trip today after school?” My mother asked me before I get on the school bus.

“Yes mother, I won’t be back for dinner tonight” I reassured her in case she forgot and made an extra meal as she did in the past.

“Enjoy the road trip with your friends today” my mother blessed me, I went on the bus right away before my mother could continue yapping.

I arrived at school and had an usual routine, finally after dismiss, I can go on the road trip. Me and my friends converged at where the preordered truck parked.

“Who’s excited for the trip!” I shouted across the parking lot, everyone raised their hands high up in the air, “let’s go!” I celebrated.

The internal of the truck was narrow and unpleasantly dark, “by the way, why did you ordered a truck instead of a bus?” One of my friends asked me.

“It was the cheapest one I could find, quite complaining, the truck may be unpleasant but it has its charm” I said in order to stop the complaint.

“I just hope that it won’t take us to a trafficker group that will steal our organs” one of us cracked a joke, everyone in the truck let out a laugh.

The truck driver turned around in astonishment, “you’re right, how did you know?” The truck driver said in a deep voice, “umm, Mister is that joke?” The friend who told the joke said.

He gives us a smirk, and kept driving, we all sense something to be off. We looked out the window, the truck isn’t going where it was supposed to be going.

“Quick, somebody call the police!” I cried, but nobody reacted, “what’s wrong? Why aren’t any of you calling the police?” I questioned urgently.

“Our parent forbidden us to bring our phone…” all of my friends said altogether.

my life is a seemingly endless road trip.

one that seems to always need to take the most difficult and long route to reach its destination.

but what even is that destination? death? no, it couldn’t be. there has to be more of a meaning to my life than barely surviving.

but i suppose that if death is my final destination, maybe i should be grateful that my roads are twisted and go through dark rainy forests. because least then i can enjoy the ride.

kind of.

When my cousin Shane invited me out to his property for a week and said I could bring my friends and that their significant others were welcome to come along I eagerly accepted the invitation. I always had gotten along with my cousin, I have fond memories of us playing in the backyard of my grandmothers house and of going on hikes and adventures in the woods on his property. I always enjoyed spending time on the farm as he called it. I loved how it made me feel fresh; somehow being out in the country with out the lights and sounds of the city where you can hear and feel nature thriving around you there was nothing else that I have yet experienced that is anything like it. To say I was looking forward to a small road trip to visit my cousin would be an understatement. I contacted all my friends to make sure they could all come and they could, the boys unfortunately have weekend plans and would have to stay behind and join us at my cousins place later.

Friday morning we all pile into Tracy’s VW bus. Kelsey and Raquel sat up front with Tracy and Hallie sat in the back bench seat with Draya and me. On the way up to Shane’s we sang songs and played the alphabet game and I was pointing out different land marks; most notable being pecks farmers market and the big green bridge we cross going over the Wisconsin river. We were trying to find the letter Y in the alphabet game when the VW bus started making whining and grinding sounds then it slowed and eventually came to a stop. Tracy got out to check the engine after awhile I heard her swear loudly. I get out to see what’s wrong. Tracy is leaning against her bus arms crossed and a scowl on her face “So what’s wrong?” I asked “Alternator is shot it’s going to need to be replaced” “Is it normal for it to go out suddenly like that?” I asked “Yeah it can happen for any number of reasons but we’re not going anywhere until someone picks us up” I take out my cell phone and hold it up to look at it “I got a signal I will give Shane a call and he can tell us who to call for a tow” I say scrolling through my contacts until I find Shane’s number and I call it, it only rings once before he answers it “Hello?” says Shane’s deep voice “Hey Shane” I said “Hey how’s my favorite cousin? You and your group nearly here?” “Yeah about that we ran into some car trouble Tracy thinks it’s the alternator so we need someone to come pick us up” “Say no more I’ll come get you just tell where you’re at” “HWY 14 going into Gotham” “Kay I will come get you so just hang tight till I get there and then we’ll call a tow truck” “Alright see you soon Shane” I said hanging up my phone “Shane is on his way well call a tow truck when he gets here” It took Shane about half an hour to get us and then another hour for the tow truck to get there. After they they had the VW all hitched up they gave Tracy a card of the auto garage they would be taking it to.

It was almost dusk when we got to Shane’s house and we were all hungry. Luckily Shane had made a big pot of chili for us. He had started making it right away that day. Most of the vegetables it had in it had been grown in his own garden. He left the pot on simmer so it would be nice and hot when we got there. He dished up a bowl for each of us and we all caught up with Shane as we ate. Shane was very interested in my relationship with Draya and there were the usual questions “How did we meet? How long have we been together? Where was our first date and our first kiss?” and of course there was the “You better be nice to my cousin and treat her well or else” threat but it was all good natured and Draya didn’t seem to mind the questions so if she didn’t mind I guess I didn’t either.

As night fell we blew up the three air mattresses we brought and we all turned in for the night. I could hear an owl somewhere outside the house and even the high pitched sounds of a fox some where in the distance. I took comfort in the fact that I was safe and secure in my cousins log house and having my angel Draya laying in my arms beside me. I snuggled closer to her and settled in letting the sounds of nature and the nighttime wildlife lull me to sleep.

THE END story continues in the story titled Tree House ( Week In The Country)

Our weekend was finally here! the third weekend in July… It was time for the “TRIO’S” (as we called ourselves), annual Girls Trip!

We hastily packed our luggage, snacks, cooler and various other personal items, into the back of my Honda Pilot SUV… We were ready to hit the open road!

“After we were all in, I started up the car and settled behind the wheel.

“Can anyone say Girrrrls Trip!” I shouted, as we all laughed and held up our soda pops, and bags of chips in unison. We Laughed!

“ It’s on now! Chicago here we come!” Cheered Destiny from the backseat.

“ Girls, it’s been way too long! I’ve missed you both so much! I know we talk often on the phone! but it’s nothing like us all being together! I don’t know about you all…but our girls trip is one of the highlights of my year!” I said joyfully, while driving and trying to program the address to our airbnb, into my GPS.

“ Ours too!” Giggling, Amari and Destiny both chimed in simultaneously.

Amari, Destiny and myself ( Keisha), we have been friends since high school. We each now had rewarding careers, as teachers and nurses. Now, in our mid thirties, our family/work obligations made for extremely busy lives. Nevertheless, over the years the three of us managed to set our exclusive weekend aside. Our Girls Trip, allowed us to reconnect and rekindle our beloved friendship.

We were excited and enjoying our scenic drive. There was nonstop laughing and chitchatting, as we headed up the road to Chicago! Amari was sitting in the front passenger seat, flashing her warm smile, while finger combing her Sister Locks. She also enjoyed Cheetos and Skittles which she was now eagerly snacking on as we continued to reminisce.

Destiny, sat in the backseat, engrossed in her TikTok videos on her phone. At times she would laugh out loud, and share the videos she was watching, with Amari and myself. That was one of the items, on our agenda. Destiny promised to teach Amari and I how to make a “soul dancing” TikTok video.

“We’re going to have a blast!” I hollered.

This year was my year to choose our destination! I selected downtown Chicago! It was just a five hour drive from our hometown in Indiana. We had planned on some much needed retail therapy, bike, riding on the canal, and going to see Hamilton the musical! It was going to be a jam packed three day weekend, but we were all super excited, and wanted to enjoy every minute of it!

It was about 2 1/2 hours into our trip when I shouted out, “We are going to have Sooooo!”

“Sorry to interrupt Keisha, but are either of you feeling nauseated?” Amari grimaced and gripped the car’s door handle.

Off and on throughout our trip, Amari had mentioned to Destiny, and I that she was not feeling the best. We all teased her and chalked it up to the fact that she most likely overindulged, on her Cheetos and Skittles combination.

While turning down the radio with one hand and the other hand on the steering wheel, I responded, “ So far so good! I’m not feeling bad at all! I’m too excited to feel bad!” We all giggled!

Destiny, leaning to the side in the backseat, responded, “As a matter of fact, come to think of it my stomach does feel just a tad bit upset.”

I jokingly said, “ I told you both to lay off those Cheetos and Skittles”

Destiny snickered,“ Girl! I only had a handful… But Amari … she ate the entire bag, of both the Cheetos, and the Skittle’s!”

“Yall are too funny!” I screamed.

“Would anyone like some Tums? because I’m hoping it’s just a little indigestion that we are dealing with.” Destiny asked, while retrieving a large container of the medication from her overnight bag.

About an hour earlier, we stopped for lunch at a quaint mom -and -pop cafe. Afterwards, we all raved about the service and about how delicious our seafood meals were.

Taking my eyes off the road for just seconds, and glancing over at Amari, I became concerned, as she was now slightly hunched over, moaning and vigorously rubbing her stomach.

Amari’s flawless, Mahogany facial expression, now indicated that she may be in acute distress.

Hey Destiny, I shouted, glancing over my right shoulder briefly. “Could you please look in that cooler and grab Amari one of those 7 Ups to help calm her stomach?”

After Destiny swiftly retrieved the ice cold soda, she passed the can over the seat to Amari.

Before opening the soda, Amari rubbed the can on her neck and forehead, to help provide some relief and cool herself.

As she continued to grimace and squeezed her stomach, Amari with tears now forming in her eyes said “ Thanks Destiny!…Keisha, you’re right… I know UGH! ____I just know…this 7-Up UGH!___is going to do the UGH! ___trick, UGH!___but, I really UGH! ___I need to go to the bathroom ASAP!”

Immediately after Amari took her first sip of the refreshing drink, her symptoms worsened.

Destiny now rolling her window down in the back, attempted to stick her head out the window. This was in an attempt to get more fresh air, as she began to feel overheated.

“Keisha I know you don’t have the heat on! But! I’m so hot! Please turn the air up!
It’s so hot in here! I feel like I just need more air!” She cried.

At this point, I was visibly shaking. And starting to really wonder… “What is going on?”

“Okay girls! I’m driving as fast as I can! I’m going to be pulling off at the next exit! Just hold on okay!” I exclaimed.

Amari now leaning forward, both legs drawn up, to her chest, feet on the seat, and arms wrapped around her legs. “UGH! My stomach is hurting so bad! “ Where is my empty Cheetos bag? I’m getting ready to hurl again! What is going on with me? I feel just awful!” She cried uncontrollably, with tears now streaming down her face.

I attempted to stay laser focused on the highway as I retrieved the now disgusting Cheetos, bag off the floor, and handed it to Amari with my right hand. I felt a sense of relief when I envisioned the blue road sign that read, Next Rest Area 1 mile.

I could hear Destiny in the back gagging, moaning and sobbing as she gathering up ice from the cooler. She placed the ice in a paper towel, making a cool compress for her head. She then laid her head back on the rear head rest.

After reaching the Rest Area, I hastily placed the car in Park, and ran around to the passenger side of the vehicle, to render aid and help both Amari and Destiny to the Ladies Room.

After assisting both of my friends, I immediately notified that my stomach also now felt unsettled and queasy.

“ Oh No! Not Me Too!” I shouted.

I began vigorously rubbing my stomach, as I wiped off the beads of perspiration, which were now forming on my forehead.

Yes! Unfortunately, I was beginning to have the same symptoms as Amari and Destiny.

My stomach, now also …ached and was retching in pain!

Now sandwiched between Amari and Destiny, In the Ladies bathroom stalls, My ailments were now more pronounced, but with much similarity to my friend’s.

“Unbelievable!” I cried, as the symptoms of nausea, dizziness and wooziness we’re now upon me.

Then from the stall on my right side, I heard Destiny, in between hurls call out,

“ Trio! UGH!__Someway, Somehow, UGH! _ this Stomach Bug___UGH! ___is going to pass! and UGH! __we’re going to make it to Chicago!

We could only hope and pray that we would indeed, feel better soon, and that our girls trip would be back on track!

“Fuck you and fuck your shit! I don’t give a damn about your feelings. This wasn’t a secret! It was something I wanted to keep private. For my fucking safety! And now look what you’ve done. Everybody knows and there’s no telling what the hell they will do to me next.”

“I just wanted to be in on it.”

“In on it!” I exclaim with disbelief! “There was nothing to be in on I told you that.”

“I know.” She puts on one of those fake ‘I’m sorry’ looks. “I just thought you might be talking to me.”

I simply stare at her. I want her to go on. I mean, I know what’s coming out of her mouth next — lies.

“Some other people told me they were in the same room as you were. You know, when you were talking with Ruth and Author. They told me they heard you talking crap about me.” I gave her one of those ‘oh really?’ faces. “But I didn’t believe them.”

“We it sure seems that way” I state matter-of-factly.

“I knew you would never —“

“And yet,” I cut her off; I’ve heard enough already; I don’t need to hear any more total shit from her; “you decided to blow everything up anyways! And for what, Nive. Revenge because I kept personal information personal, because you felt insecure, or is it because once you knew you decided to hate me.”

“Well I — I” she stammers.

“Well you what? Cause I know how you are. The way you refer to people. The pronouns YOU choose to refer to them with but not with their actual pronouns.” By now she looks absolutely ghostly. I’m calling her out and she no longer has any defense. We all know what I’m saying is true. Finally — something she can’t deny.

“You are a shitty friend.” I pause before I say this last bit. I wanted to make sure she was hurt by it; she hurt me; fair is fair. “But you’re an even more hateful person. — Leave me the fuck alone. —“

[ Viewer Reading Advisory] (Sexual Themes, Drug Use, Violence)

Nessa (Venessa Jones) 19

Lilly (Lana Jones) 18

Cole (Collin Smith) 21

Zaz (Zavier Roberts ) 20

Nicky (Nicole Peterson) 21

Max (Markus Salomon) 23

“Get the fuck out of my house!!” Nessa had tears running down her face, right cheek burning from her mother’s swift slap. “You have no right to bring that shit around your sister…. Wait till your father hears of this”

The vile of blow sat on the middle of the island that sat displaying the color matched kitchen and cabinets. So she’d fucked up. But as she sobbed sloppy throwing out apology after apology. Her black died hair completely a mess after her shower. Lightly curled due to not brushing it, her green eyes surely red from irritation.

Lilly’s bright blue eyes peaked around the hallway entrance. Well kept long flowing blonde hair followed her around the corner. Nessa’s hair had once been blonde, but once she’d hit her teen years. Colors came and went.

Her mother was angrily ranting on about school grades. Of course she hadn’t change out of her work suit. Colleges not wanting a druggy child, how she’d known something was wrong for a while. How it was all a terrible thing to show her little sister.

“Mom it’s just a little blow? Why are you acting as if the world’s ending?” Lilly’s voice was calm, really questioning the violent behavior of the argument.

“Both of you get out!” She hissed, the mascara running down her face like a horror movie villain. Here to steal away the daughter’s who she’d never fully loved in life.

“Fine” Lilly shot back.

That’s how the trip started, them getting thrown out by their Doctor mother. Before their lawyer father had even gotten a word of say in. Of course their phones had rung all night the first two days. Yet after that, nothing.

Markus Solomon, Max to any of his close friends who he peddled drugs too. Was the only person they knew with a house of his own. Of course he was in bed with two bimbos when they arrived. After a long drawn out “no you can’t stay here” he folded. Letting them sleep in his finished basement. Drug dealing had its perks.

“There’s enough stuff down there y’all can sleep on the two couches. There’s Tv and a fridge down there.” Max rubbed the back of his neck, while his dark brown bangs shifted looking at the two girls standing on the stairs before him. “There’s a back door as well to leave into the back yard. Use that to come and go. I’ll give you two a few weeks before I want rent.” He smiled eyeing Nessa like a good meal for a quick second.

Max was a gym bro, who apparently was entertaining two girls when they got to his place. Of course that left him muscle clad chest and shorts. His manhood had been obvious when he’d opened the door. Thankfully the few minutes through living room and kitchen had calmed his hormones.

Lilly scoffed at his obvious inability to not stare her older sister down like a fresh steak. Nessa didn’t give it to much thought or attention and just grabbed the two bags she had and descended into the basement.

“Why guys gotta be on such creeper mode?” Lilly grumbled as the door closed and latched. “He’s definitely hot thou”

“Guys will be guys” She giggled a bit knowing full well her sister hadn’t been versed in the dealings with men. “At least we got our own space”

“For how long?” Lilly questioned, tossing her stuff to the edge of the first couch.

“I’m not sure. They might take you back in a day or so” Nessa shook her head as Lilly leaped onto the couch.

“I’m not gonna leave you hanging out here alone” Lilly had kicked her flats off and was pulling her bra off inside her hoodie. “I’m ready for bed”.

Two weeks went by fairly quickly, Nessa had locked down a fairly ok paying job as a server in the bar down the road. Mostly due to her close friend Nicky being the bartender.

“So how’s Max?” Nicky questioned with air quotes as she rubbed down the countertop.

The early week days where slow, so only two men sat at the bar watching an old basketball game. While a newly twenty one group of girls celebrated in a both in the corner. Leaving her completely susceptible to the question.

“I haven’t fucked him if that what your getting at” Nessa hissed, sitting down at the closest bar stool. Clearly saying it to loud, the closest man gave her a quick smiling glacé.

“That’s to bad. I hear it’s huge” She laughed playfully. “I’m totally kidding. How’s Lilly holding up?”

“Ok I guess. She’s been kinda acting weird the last two days”

“Weird how?” Nicky nearly dropped the glass as the guy motioned their way with a whistle.

“I’m not entirely sure. Just weird” It was all she could say as Nicky sauntered toward the two men. Hips in full swing , clearly leaning forward to show off her boobage.

“Fuck me harder! Pull my hair” Lilly groaned loudly. Her face scrunched into the corner of the couch. Ass high in the air, sweat pouring from her body leaving a clear coat on her skin.

Max’s cocky grin stuck on his face as he roughly pounded his manhood into her from behind. So she was being a dirty slut and Nessa would be pissed. Yet Max was all about her since they’d arrived. He was a good lay too, not that she really had any other experience in that department.

“ God your so tight.” He groaned pulling her hair roughly, letting his lips trail across the back of her neck.

“I’m cumin “ She squealed. Sighing heavily as he started to jackhammer into her. It was the third time she’d cum on him this session, which was one of the man reasons she’d allowed it in the first place. It started two nights ago when she went out for a smoke and he was on the back porch.

A drink or two and he’d been eating her previously untouched womanhood in the kitchen. Which now had escalated two her letting him freely fill her with his baby batter on at least seven or eight occasions over those two days. Again he’d filled her up, grabbing her and twisting her around in his lap. Cuddling her with his strong arms, she always just melted into his body.

“I’m not gonna lie, you’re pretty fucking amazing for a newly broken in philly” He giggled into the nape of her neck, causing her to jump for a second. Breaking her after nut bliss.

“We’ll you do me well every time” She cooed. “You should probably head upstairs. Nessa will be home soon, and I’ll need a shower now” She stood cupping her womanly parts as cum started to drip into her hand.

“That’s cold” Max laughed, pulling her in for a sensual tongue kiss. “Suck me dry and kick me out”

“You wish my mouth would be wrapped around it” She quickly hopped toward the bathroom door, wiggling her round butt as she went.

“Even colder” He grabbed his clothes as the shower turned on.

“You going on the road trip?” Nicky questioned as Nessa slumped over the bar, the entire place bathed in near blackness.

“Max told Lilly about it but I’m not sure it’s a good idea” She said in a low voice, like she’d started sleeping laying on the bar.

“Three hot guys and Nessa isn’t down to party. What’s got you all bummed out?” Nicky grabbed a bottle of clear booze and poured two shots quickly.

“I gotta set a good example for Lilly and she’s still got classes for a month more” She grumbles, throwing back the shot in a single gulp.

“A good example would have been not to leave your blow on your dresser while you showered” Of course it was a low blow and a touchy subject at the moment. Yet still Nessa found herself laughing along with her friend.

“Your not wrong. But I still hate you for bringing it up.

I thought this road trip was off to a pretty good start. With all my previous experience, I thought I had most of the kinks figured out. But then again, I was alone when all of these other trips occurred. If something went wrong, it was pretty easy to pivot and adjust. But with a group including three other individuals, with their own perspectives and ways to solve a problem, it’s only natural that chaos shall follow.

“I told you we should have grabbed gas at that last station” exclaimed Corey “Yeah, easy for you to say. You weren’t the one responsible for paying the next fill up. Did you see how much they were charging for gasoline?” Replied Shawn “Wow, 10 cents a liter more than the gas station previous. Were you hoping somehow the gas would drop to below a dollar per liter at the next station?” Chirped Ashley sarcastically. “Unlike some of you, I actually care about the budget that I’ve laid out for myself” fired back Shawn. “I didn’t see you taking into account your budget when you bought that 4 pack of Modelo tall cans yesterday evening” said Corey. “My beer consumption has a separate budget specially laid out” “Well, none that really matters now that we’re stuck on the side of the road, in a desert, with an empty tank of gas.” I said. “Fuck this. I’m going for a walk” replied Shawn, as he cracked a beer and started walking along the road. “Where the hell does he think he’s going?” Asked Ashley. “He does this sometimes. It’s his way of clearing his head and removing himself from the situation before he blows a gasket” explained Corey. “Okay. Well, let’s think for a moment. How far was that last gas station 35 or 40 kms? So that means, it would take about 8 hours to get there. And another 8 hours back. And I’m not even sure they would be open by the time we got there.” I said out loud. “What if one of us ran there? I feel like walking would take forever. But if we send our fastest runner with some cash, we could pay for a jerry can and hopefully bum a ride back to the vehicle” offered Corey. “Pete, you’re a pretty fast runner right? You just finished a half marathon a few months ago, and you’re always talking about how you love running around your town” said Ashley. “I guess so. I don’t know if I would call myself a runner, but I do enjoy running along the trails back home. But it’s also shadier, with a cool breeze from the ocean… and most importantly, I’ve got music to keep me motivated” I replied. “Well, you can take my water bottle with you. And my very fashionable sun hat” offered Ashley. “And I’ve got some killer noise cancelling headphones that’ll put you right in the zone for the most important run of your life” said Corey “And what happens if I get hurt along the way or the gas station is closed?” I ask. “… That’s a risk we’re willing to take” scolded Corey.

5 minutes later, I’m suited up in my makeshift running gear and ready to hit the road. Everybody roars with laughter. Ashley takes out her phone and snaps several photos. “Oh my god. This is priceless. One day when you’re old and shriveled, you’ll look back at this moment in time and wish you could relive these days” said Ashley through tears of laughter. “Remind me to resend everyone the photos of you from Jake’s BBQ last summer” I quickly replied. Ashley’s mouth opened wide “You wouldn’t!” “I would. So no social media post. Keep this amongst ourselves. I’ve got a reputation to uphold” I said defiantly. “Ya ya ya. Just get going would ya? It’s already 2pm and I’d like to make it to our next stop in time for sunset” said Corey. I do a few quick stretches and begin blasting Turnstile’s “Glow On” record to really get myself in the zone. Within minutes, I’m sprinting down the road.

“Think he’ll make it?” Asked Ashley. “Yeah, I do. But I’m sure he’ll hold this over our heads for at least the next few days. We better buy him dinner tonight. That’ll shut him up” chuckled Corey. “Dinner? Why would you buy Pete dinner? Also where’s he going? Is he trying to obtain his daily step count or something?” Belched Shawn, followed by the sound of crushing his empty beer can. “Where the hell did you go?” Said Corey. “I went for a walk. Drank a beer. Came across a gas station 5 minutes down the road. It was great. Clerk’s gonna drive a jerry can over in a few minutes, and we’ll be back on the road in no time” said Shawn proudly. “That’s great! What about Pete? Should we go get him?” Everyone begins shouting to try and get the attention of Pete, who can still be seen in the distance sprinting and playing air drums to his favourite Turnstile tune. “Ah, forget it. I’ve only got three beers left anyways. How about we enjoy these cold beers and go fetch him in a bit” suggest Shawn. “Great idea. Besides, Pete doesn’t really drink anyways” offers Corey. “Yeah. Plus I think deep down, Pete would appreciate obtaining his daily activity” admits Ashley. “Exactly. So let’s really take our time and enjoy this cold, refreshing beer. We earned it.” Smirked Shawn. “Cheers” says Corey as he lifts his freshly cracked Modelo “Cheers” echoes Ashley and Shawn.

I was asleep when the car jerked to a halt. It woke me up instantly. I yelled at our driver, which woke my other friends up.

Seb who was sitting in the front next to Peter looked over to him and screamed. We all leaned over to take a look, only to see he’d died. I knew he’d had too much to drink the night before but I didn’t know he was that bad.

We were stranded in the middle of the Nevada desert, none of us apart from Peter could drive so we were screwed. That was until we saw a bright light ahead of us. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true aliens came out of nowhere and helped us.

Look I don’t know why they helped us, we’re just normal teenagers on a road trip around the US. Maybe they felt sorry for us?

No, they didn’t do anything to me.

You’re not listening to me, I didn’t see their faces. I’m not making it up, I just want to go home.

What do you mean that won't be possible? Let me go!!!

“Betts, Unit 12, this is Unit 12 we have a 10-57 Victor on Clark Ave. Repeat we have a 10-57 Victor on Clark Ave. vehicle a John Deere lawn mower green and yellow suspect Rusty—“ “10-9, 10-9 Frank, quit playing on the radio.” “Unit 12, we have a 10-57 Victor turning off Clark Ave. on to Pablo Bianca Circle vehicle is a John Deere lawn mower green and yellow silver duct tape on left fender suspect Rusty Holscomb. Honest to God, Betts. Hey Stevo would you say that was a model 3500? Betts Officer Willis says it is a model 4000 John Deere Explorer.”

“It’s like being in the world’s best John Deere commercial,” Larry Bledsoe, Allocassia resident, South Florida Reporter.

“Betty Boop this is Unit 3 providing back up to Unit 12 to apprehend Holscomb. A number of cars, bicycles, and a juvenile on a scooter have joined in the pursuit.” “What in the actual—“ “Language, language Betts. Officer Martinez and me are in a high speed pursuit here. These 4000 models can top six, seven miles easy. If Holscomb turns on to Route 330 we will deploy the spikes.” “Joanne couldn’t you just pull over and run alongside?”

“At the intersection of Sawmill and Pablo Bianco a strange scene tonight. Allocassia police apprehend local man Rusty Holscomb on a skipped warrant after an extended unusual car chase. You may remember Holscomb from his daring escape last fall from police custody by climbing out of a public restroom and diving into alligator infested Mumford Swamp to avoid warrants. Locals and residents as far as Shriner’s Corner have gathered to witness the unusual case. Not since the escaped tiger Tinkerbell was located in a nail salon in LaHoya has our region come together in fellowship. This is Jamie Vaugh, WFLX.”

“The only thing better than seeing Rusty get Tased off that mower was if I could’ve seen Rusty tased to the Benny Hill theme.” — Malc Armstrong, Allocassia resident, South Florida Reporter.

“Maybe it’s like… a sign?” Sarah said. Maybe it was. But I didn’t really believe in signs like Sarah did. “It’s just a wrong turn.” Blake sighed, rolling their eyes. Apparently- they weren’t on board with the signs thing either.

“It’s not just the wrong turn though. There hasn’t been service this entire trip. There was that weird radio station playing an hour long segment from the 1970s. I swear- next thing you know, we’ll be on one of those ‘they never found them or their car’ unsolved mysteries episodes.”

Those didn’t really sound like signs, but maybe Sarah had a point. This trip really sucked so far. It was supposed to be something special. I had never been on a friends trip before- hell, not even a family trip. I don’t think I’d ever ventured more than thirty minutes outside of our tiny little town. Suddenly, I was wondering if Sarah was right.

“What…what episodes exactly?” my voice shook.

“You haven’t seen them?! They have like a town that someone is driving through, and then their car breaks down, and they call their parents and describe something that isn’t there but it was a long time ago, and then they call them again but the message is all static-y and then poof they’re gone. Like they went through a time warp.”

“Oh come on.” Blake was rolling their eyes so hard they might fall out. “You’re just scaring her with that load of gibberish.”

“It’s true!” Sarah was kind of irritating when she got defensive.

And then the car shuttered to a stop.

Blake made eye contact with me as best they could in the fading light. “Stay calm. This isn’t what it seems like.”

Blake had already hopped out of the driver’s seat and popped the hood open.

“See anything?” Sarah called.

“Nah.” Blake slammed the hood- either the problem beyond their knowledge or the supernatural truly had come for us.

They looked around. “I don’t see any businesses up ahead but I think we passed a restaurant a little bit back.”

Sarah’s face went white. “That’s exactly the story I saw Blake. You can’t go back there.”

“Well, even if we are in a time warp,” there went those eyes, “we can’t just sit here. Maybe the restaurant knows how to unwarp us.” They wiggled their eyebrows and their hands. They never took Sarah seriously.

Sarah looked at me, pleading. My anxiety was through the roof, but I gave a half-hearted shrug. “It’s just a tv show, Sarah.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can. With help.” Blake took off in the direction we had just driven from. There wasn’t any arguing with Blake. Sarah and I watched in silence until they disappeared into the darkness.

“I have to be honest.” Sarah whispered.

“About what?” A million things ran through my mind.

“I had a bad feeling about this trip before we started. But I was worried if I didn’t go, you two would still go. I thought if I was here- I could help. But I guess I’m just useless.”

“You’re not useless.”

“You’re right. I’m great at scaring the shit out of you.” Sarah put her head in her hands.

“I’m glad you’re here. I mean- I’m not glad we’re in this situation or in a time warp or whatever but… well… you know…” I wasn’t particularly eloquent.

“I know.” Sarah let me and my awkwardness off the hook.

The night was long and cold and mostly sleepless. But exhaustion slipped in every once in a while and one of us would doze off for a moment only to be startled by a sudden noise or beginnings of a nightmare.

Just as dawn was breaking, a long, loud horn jostled both of us wide eyed.

Confident as ever, Blake was sitting shotgun in a tow truck.

“Sorry it took me so long!” They shouted as they bounded out. “I had to journey through a time warp.”