[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

39: Unlucky Day

PENELOPE

I do not know if I was just too excited for this trip or if I am just really being stupid and irresponsible.

So, quick summary of what happened in the last few hours: I was driving and I didn't realize that I was running out of gas. Maybe I was just really so excited that I didn't bother checking it before I left. I'm such a responsible driver.

I'm actually in the middle of nowhere now and base on my phone's GPS, I'm already near my destination. 

Also, my phone's battery is running low. I can charge in my car but I don't want to waste the car's battery as well so I searched my bag for a power bank earlier and realized I didn't brought one with me. I can buy a new one, but where the hell would I be able to find a mall in this province?

What's worst is that It's 6PM and the sky looks like it's about to rain. 

Based on my estimation, I should have arrived at Zach's place around 4PM but I kept on stopping to get some pictures. Who would have thought being in the province would feel so good? The air feels really fresh.

"Wait...Oh no, please don't! NO! This is not happening!" 

Guess what? My car just stopped working. GREAT.

I tried turning it on again, but it was useless. I turned it again and again and again, but it's still not working. I'm in a middle of nowhere right now and there are no nearby houses here, not even a single car is passing by.

I reached for my phone inside my bag to call home and ask someone to come bring me a new car, but when I opened my phone, THERE IS NO SIGNAL!

I got out of my car, hoping to find a better signal, but I failed. Also, my phone is literally dying. I have 8% left on my battery.

"ARGH! SO STUPID!" I am so frustrated right now. 

Should I just walk? It says here I'm like 3 kilometers away from my destination, but I couldn't just leave my car and things here. 

Also, me? Walking? That's absurd!

Do I just wait here till help comes? 

As much as I hate waiting, I have no other choice. 

I  climbed up to the hood of my car and sat. I closed my eyes and savored the fresh air. Compared to the city, I think I love it  here. The smell of rain is so refreshing as well.

Wait, did I say rain?

I opened my eyes and realized that it's starting to really rain so I ran back inside now. I can't believe I'm in the middle of the road. If this happens in the city, my car is probably getting towed right now.

But I need to focus on what is happening now here in the province. What do I do now?

My car is not working, my phone was died, I am alone and I have no idea where I am, it's dark and it's raining. 

ARGH! THIS IS THE WORST DAY!

I'm starting to get really scared. This is actually my first road trip alone. Usually, I go on vacations or road trips with Vanessa and Trixie. But now that I'm alone and in some place I am not familiar of, I can't stop thinking about random things that may happen to me.

What if someone kidnaps me and asks my Dad millions of dollars to spare my life? Or worse, What if someone steals all my designer products that I brought in this trip?

I can't believe I'm sacrificing this much just for the article!

I have to win that dork back or this will all be useless.

I'm not going home without a fight!

☆☆☆

ZACH

Using Auntie's car, I'm driving towards the house of her friend right now to run an errand. She asked me this favor earlier this afternoon but I didn't realize I slept again. So, I'm doing it now even though it's raining.

I exhaled deeply. I really love the fresh air here. I really do not understand why most people choose to live in the city, saying that they'll have better life and all. 

But personally, I think they are missing out on something.

Living in a small province actually has lots of benefits. First, it is easy to get from one place to another because the distances in here are not as far as in the cities. Second, crime rate is lower so people can actually feel safe and secured. Also, people here are very friendly. 

Not that I am against people who prefers living in the city. I mean, I also lived there for years when I was a child.

When I was a child...

I suddenly remembered my dream earlier. It felt so real. I thought I was actually there.

Are they just dreams? Or are they really my memories when I was younger?

I am not so sure because I have a bad habit of forgetting things. I don't remember a lot from my childhood.

The rain is getting really bad now and the roads are slippery so I have to drive slower. 

Safety first, of course.

All of a sudden, someone from a far was signaling me to stop the car. 

What is that person doing in the middle of the road, anyway?

I drove closer and realized it's...

"Penelope?"

No, there's no way! I'm just probably seeing things.

 What will she do here anyway? 

I immediately stopped the car, grabbed my umbrella and went outside.

"What took you so long?!"

Oh shit, IT REALLY IS PENELOPE!

But why is she doing here?

"What do you mean?" 

Was she waiting for me?

I can't process what's happening right now so I'm just standing here with an umbrella on hand, not really sure what to do.

Should I hand her my umbrella?

But how would that help when she's already drenched?

Whatever, I walked closer to her, but the next thing she shocked me.

Penelope ran up to me and hugged me, "Thank God. You came." her voice was shaking. "I was so scared."

Wait, this isn't a dream right?