The Hitchhiker

5

When Hallie woke the next morning, she had so many regrets. Mostly the alcohol; her head was pounding and her arm was cramped from being slept on all night. The dim memories of obviously trying to get into Natalie’s pants didn’t help either.

‘You’re up. Great,’ Natalie had put her seat back to normal and was examining the map. ‘Want some Adderall?’

Hallie nodded, her head spinning a bit as she got up. ‘Give me the whole pack,’ she moaned. ‘I’m never drinking ever again.’

‘Sure thing. You fit to drive?’

‘One minute,’ Hallie said, dry-swallowing a couple of pills.

‘We have a long way to travel,’ Natalie reminded her.

‘Oh, I know. We can leave in a bit,’ she winced. ‘Sorry about last night.’

‘It’s fine,’ Natalie laughed. ‘You provided a lot of humour. And taught me a good card game. I reckon that makes up for your incessant flirting.’

Hallie blushed. ‘I’m not good with alcohol.’

‘Yeah, I noticed. I didn’t mind too much.’

‘No? Thank God.’

‘Well, I’m stuck with you no matter what.’

‘Shit, true. Shall we get going?’

‘You’re ok? You’re not gonna pass out and kill us?’

‘Hopefully not- Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.’

‘Still on for Somerset?’

‘We won’t be able to stay too long- it’s a bit out of our way. But can you phone her up?’

‘The number’s on the website.’

‘Cool. All ready, then?’

‘Yep,’ Hallie said. ‘Dial her up now. Once we’re in the hills, the signal will be shit.

Natalie did just that and after a minute or so was talking on the phone. Hallie started Lee in silence, trying to hear their conversation.

‘Yes. Yes, we met Jerry. We’re looking for him too. Oh? Yes, we know the website. Leaving Devon right now. Is midday good? Yes? Yes, ok. See you then,’ Natalie smiled as she hung up.

‘Her name’s Susan. She’s texting me her address. She seems nice enough. But she has to pick her kids up by 3.’

‘We’ll be gone before then, it’s fine.’

‘I wonder if she knows all we do.’

‘Well, she’s been to the museum. And she must have met him. Why else would she start the website?’

‘You haven’t met him. Yet you’re traversing England for him.’

‘It’s different.’

‘Hardly. She’ll answer all our questions, though. We can help each other.’

‘I’d be interested in any stories from the past. As in, before the 20th century. There must be some out there. And maybe even in other countries.’

‘A French hitchhiker,’ Natalie nodded. ‘That would be cool. And highly possible- it’s only a ferry trip away.’

‘We’ll ask. And if she doesn’t know, we’ll find out ourselves.’

‘We’re kind of running out of time,’ Natalie pointed out. ‘I’ll be home tomorrow night, and you the day after.’

‘Well, we can work fast. I’m confident in our abilities. And, you know, we could meet up again at some point.’