The 48 Hour Hitch Hiker

Chapter 3

"Hello, this is Opal Bernstein, yes? This is Adults Health Care Hospital."
These words echoed in my head over, and over.

"Y-yes. this is her. how can I help you?" I manage to stutter out.

"Okay Ms.Bernstein can you confirm your date of birth for me please?"

"Of course, seven, twenty one, eighty."

"Thank you ma'm." There was silence and then typing. "We have been given permission to release information to you about your mothers condition over the phone, I hope you do not mind." the man on the phone informs me.

"No, that's fine, has something
happened?" I ask with a hint of terror in my voice. What if something worse had happened to my mother?

"Your mother has recently fallen unconscious, or as we would call it a coma. As there is no other family member currently alive, besides you, we are having to ask you to sign some forms. As your mother is in a coma her condition has also become worse. she is currently on life support but forms need to be filled out in order for her to remain on it. These forms are not allowed to be mailed and can only be signed in person. The hospital has given you two days time to appear at the hospital and sign the forms." The man explained.

Without thinking or a moments hesitation I reply. "Of course two day and I will be there."

"Thank you for your time. When you arrive please sign in at the front desk and go to room three hundred and twenty four." with that they hung up.

"Hum... two days huh? I guess I'll need a ride. WAIT! TWO DAYS!" as I realized what I had agreed to panic set in.

"I don't have money for a plain ticket, Isabella doesn't own a car, taking a cab from here to Texas Would cost more than a plane ticket." I mumble to myself. suddenly a light bulb went off In my head. hitchhike, I could hitchhike!!

I know it might sound dangerous but it's my best choice at the moment! With this plan in my head I scamper off to my new room, unlocking my phone on the way. With quick fingers I call up Isabella, and sit on my bed.

"Pick up! pick up!" I mumble.

"Hello? Opal?" her voice filled my ears.

"Hey Isabella I'm just calling to tell you I'm going to Texas for a little bit to visit my mom okay? Just wanted to call and tell you." I say praying she won't ask any questions about how. Luckily she didn't.

"Okay than, see when you get back!" she said quickly. After that she hung up, grabbing the closest bag to me I stuff extra clothes, a hairbrush, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, and shoes. Rushing over to my closet I slip off my pajamas and grab a black shirt with jeans. After sliding them on I slip on my tennis shoes, and grab my bag. throwing my phone on top of everything else I zip it up and head out the door.

With a twist of my wrist the front door is locked and I'm on my way down the street.

"Wait..... idiot! idiot!" I start talking to myself.

I didn't even come up with a plan! Olay Opal it's time to make a plan! As I think I walk over to a bus bench and sit down.

Okay, so I live about a six minuet drive from the outskirts of town. If I keep a good fast pace I can make it there in like, what, twenty? with this plan in mind I head off on foot towards the outskirts of town.

With my dirty blond hair blowing behind me I take I a deep breath. I had never done anything like this before so I was excited! You probably think I'm childish but I have always played on the safe side of things. Here I am now about to ask for a ride from a total stranger.

I was right, about twenty minuets latter I made it to the outskirts of town. So  I have the rest of today and the next two days to get to Texas. Forty eight hours.

Me and my new found courage stick my hand out into the road and put up my thumb. I watched as cars zoomed past and the sun started to set. Less and less cars seemed to come down this road, it had already been a few hours. I was running out of hope and courage.
Setting my bag on the ground I sit next to it and slowly lower my arms. I'm sorry mom, I won't be able to sign those forms in time.

In shame I bring my knees to my chest and lower my head. Suddenly I head the roar of a car engine become louder, expecting it to just go away I pay it no attention. But the engine noise does not fade away. lifting my head I see a sleek black car pulled up next to me. As I lifted my head the car window is rolled down to reveal a man who looked to be in his late twenties.

He had blond shaggy hair and sea green eyes. "Hey there, you need help?" his deep voice over ruled the sound on the engine and pulled me out of my trance.

"Y-Yah." I studded.

"Well where are you trying to go?" he asked.

"Texas." I say hope filling my voice.

"Really, Texas? sorry, I wish I could help but I'm going the other way." The man tells me.

"Oh no worries. Thank you anyways!" I exclaimed as he started to role up his window.

He gives me a curt nod and drives off.
Back to where I was before. sitting back down I rest my head on my knees and silently let tear fall from my eyes.

Again the sound of and engine fills my ears. This time without hesitation I looked up. there in front of me was a fire red truck with its window rolled down. Standing back up I look at the driver.

He seemed to be in his early twenties. Dark curly brown hair sat in a bundle on top of his head and honey colored eyes sparkled in the setting sun. He offered me a tooth barring smile and a wave.

"Hi there, where are you trying to head?" He asked me. His voice soft and sweet.

"Texas." I simply reply, already losing hope.

"Well are you trying to get a ride? because that's where I'm headed. Down to San Antonio actually." He tells me.

"Really? Would you mind if I tagged along?" I ask desperation clear in my voice.

"Yah no problem. I'm William by the way." He says unlocking the doors.
Yanking my bag off if the ground I open the door of his truck and hop in.

"I'm Opal, nice to meet you." I reply with a small smile.

William stuck his hand out for me to shake. Taking it in my own I feel his rough skin rub over my own as we shake.

"You are my hero! Thank you so much for stopping."

"No problem. but if you don't mind me asking how long were you standing out there?" he questions me.

"Ummm.... five or six hours?" I reply completely unsure.

"Well I'm glad I came when I did. The nights can get chilly." He replys flashing me a smile.