Not Yet Alone

Chapter 8

I like to stay in control. I like to have some say over what happens in my life. Control is important to me. However, there are things not under my authority. As much as I don't like it, not everything is under my control.

For example, I couldn't control the fact that  my car won't start. I can keep it in the garage, I can take it in to the shop regularly, and I can keep the tank full of gas, but all of those things won't force my engine into life.

After school, I made a dash out in the cold to my car. I was anxious to crank the heat and warm up, but my car had other ideas.

I know my car is junky, but I blame the cold weather. There are times that, in the cold, even the nicest and newest cars won't start. However, that won't solve my problems.

I fervently tried to start my car for half an hour but to no avail. In distress, I sat myself on top of my car's trunk. The cold air helps me think better. Calling my parents is not going to be a solution because both of them are at a seminar and would kill me if I interrupted them.

 After much consideration, I decided that I have two options. The first would be to send a message as The Providence to a car mechanic and make up some urgent story that would make him think that he is saving a life by fixing my car. The second option would be to wait a while and hope my car will start again soon.

 I'm guessing I am going to have to go with the second option. It just wouldn't be fair to use my ability to take advantage of people. Besides, while waiting for my car to start, I will have plenty of time to think.

"Hey Taylor," Or maybe not as much time as I thought I would have.

Austin Riley was coming towards me. Sigh. It hurt my head to think about Austin. I couldn't read his mind, and I have no idea how he knew that I don't believe in luck. For some reason, he wasn't in chemistry today (actually, I think he was getting help with a teacher, but whatever) which was fine with me, but at the same time, not knowing his location just made me more nervous.

Now I didn't have to worry about his location, but I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

"Having car problems?" He asked me as he got closer.

"What? No, I'm just randomly sitting out here in the cold in front of the school because I feel like it."

His hazel eyes sparkled. "Want me to take a look at it?"

"Yeah, because I'm sure you know so much about cars." I said sarcastically.

"Actually, my step dad was a mechanic. I picked up a few things with him." Austin went to the front of my car and popped open the hood.

I frowned. I did not give him permssion to touch my car. Jumping off the trunk, I went to go yell at him, but apparently he had already found the problem.

"It looks like your spark plug is missing. Just so you know, it is pretty hard to start a car without a spark plug."

Well, duh. I knew that. He must mistake me for an idiot. But I also knew that my car did have its spark plug this morning because I drove it to school. That would mean my car had been jeopardised. Someone messed with my car.

I should have known if someone was messing with my car, right? I can read everyone's mind, well everyone's except...Austin.

"Thanks for nothing." I grabbed my bag out of my car then locked and slammed the door. With my car locked, I angrily began to stomp away.

"Hey, where are you going?"

I furiously whirled around. "Well, my car isn't going anywhere without a spark plug, so that means I have a long walk ahead of me. I may as well get started."