Trust That Kills

A Long Way From Home

"MOVE OUT OF THE FAST LANE IF YOU'RE GONNA MOVE LIKE A SLOW POKE GRANDPA!!!" My road rage had finally gotten the best of me as I sped by a little old man, giving him a dirty look and laying on my horn. Why do people in Florida drive like they have no place to be? I hope it's not like this all over the state!

I was very grumpy due to a concoction of the emotionally draining goodbye session with my mom and Alicia yesterday, a lack of sleep, and the knots twisting in my stomach from anxiety. All of this together almost made me turn my car around in Alabama and head right back home! But the thought of spending the rest of my life in Guymon quickly overrode the feelings of nervousness. I would not be another statistic of that dried up bone factory. See, it's easy to move into Guymon, it's the moving out part people never seem to do!

After the longest road trip of my life, I finally saw the exit I had been waiting for. Exit 387: University of Florida / Newberry Rd. At last, my arrival to my new home of Gainesville, Florida.

Thank the heavens I had already googled my entire drive and made accurate directions because as soon as I pulled off of the interstate, I was greeted with the busy bustle of what felt like millions of college students, business people, and retired old folks.

I located my dorm room after an hour off wandering aimlessly around campus, taking in my new environment. The lush greenery and beautiful landscape of this state was something I couldn't have imagined after living in a dust bowl for my whole life.

The sun was setting and I was still unloading the last few small boxes I had packed when I heard a shrill scream. Instantly startled, I did a full 360 to make myself aware of my surroundings only to find a group of sorority sisters running from some frat brothers with water guns and cans of shaving cream. Great! If this is a preview of what's to come, I see I'll be locked up in my room!

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It's been a month since I made it to Florida and I'm beyond homesick. I talk to my mom daily which keeps me sane, especially since Alicia has become too busy with her new boyfriend. There's no right for me to be upset though, I did move 1500 miles away after all.

Depression was setting in. The loneliness and distance from home was consuming me day and night. All I ever do is go to class, come home to eat, study, and sleep. This can't be my life for the next 4 years, I'll be committed to a mental institution before I make it to my sophomore year! That's it!! I'm going to get dressed and cruise through the city. I still have yet to explore my new home.

In the interest of meeting new people, I dressed myself in one of the few outfits Alicia had picked out for me during our last shopping trip. A simple, white knitted halter style top, denim blue shorts and my khaki Sperrys would be just fine for today.

The weather was beautiful. Sunshine frolicking through the tall branches of random oak, pine, and palm trees peeked through my car windows as the sweet tropic smelling breeze caressed my face. In an instant, my demeanor had changed. Something about the uplifting weather gave me hope that this place might not be so bad.

Turning right onto Archer Road, I saw what seemed like miles of cars impatiently waiting for the traffic lights to change. Various store signs displayed on the side of the road invited shoppers inside to discover a surplus of end of summer sales. Approaching a store I was familiar with, I pulled into the Walmart parking lot and quickly found a spot not too far from the entrance. Luckily, my shopping list was embedded in my phone, enabling me to retrieve all items necessary for college life. Including, of course, Ramen noodles, paper plates, and a stack of Little Debbie snack cakes that would make Honey Boo Boo salivate.

Feeling semi-accomplished, I headed toward my car. Losing track of time while inside the store, I was greeted with a darkening sky and a cool crisp chill of the coming night air. I hurried to my car, popped the trunk and threw on a pull over hoodie. I didn't expect it to be chilly when the day was so pleasant and sunny.

While loading my shopping bags inside my car, a pang of fear hit my stomach like a heavyweight champion. My tire was flat. Not just low, but completely flat. Awesome... The one day I finally decide to get out and do something, I'm screwed by circumstance!!

Rummaging through my purse in search of my cell phone, the worst scenarios are running through my head. My dad had taught me how to change a spare tire when I was around 9 years old. He always told me, "Stace, don't ever depend on a man to do anything for you. You should only want him for one thing... A laugh." Growing into adulthood, I finally realized what that one thing was, and it sure wasn't laughter. I couldn't help but smile to myself as my brain became flooded with his memory.

"Need some help miss?"

"JESUS!! Did you really have to scare me?!" I screamed in haste as I clutched my chest.

"Sorry ma'am. I saw your tire and thought maybe you needed a hand. I didn't mean to spook you. My mom always taught me to help a damsel in distress, no matter what the situation was."

"Well thank you but I'm not in distr--," and suddenly no more words would form inside my mouth. I happened to look up to see the most enticing pair of light brown eyes I had ever seen. As my eyes met his, I quickly tried to regain my train of thought.

"I'm sorry," I began. "Didn't mean to come off like a snob."

"You're okay ma'am. I didn't mean to scare you," he explained as he extended his right hand toward me. "The name is Jarred. Everybody calls me Jay though."

My right hand met his in mid air, "My name's Stacy.. Nobody calls me anything cause I'm new around here." His mouth formed into a smile reassuring me that he had sensed the sarcasm.

Perfectly white and aligned teeth adorned his mouth with lips of perfect ratio to the size of his face. He had the jaw line of a king and dimples that seeped deep into his caramel colored cheeks. This man was gorgeous.

"So... would you like some help?" He asked as he pulled me out of the trance I had so quickly fell into.

"Oh.. Yes, of course.. Sorry. I have a spare in my trunk. I don't think I have a jack though," I replied, feeling embarrassed.

"I have one back at my place but I know that's not doing us any good. I could go grab it or you could ride along with me. I live about 5 minutes down the road."

"Well, I don't really know if I'm comfortable with that. I mean, I just met you. I appreciate what you're doing and all but--"

"Not a problem. Not another word," he interjected. "I'll be back in about 10 minutes. Take my number down and call me if anything should happen or change. Does that sound fair?"

"Actually, yes, it does. I don't know why you're doing this, but thank you. Thank you so much."

And with that, we exchanged information and he disappeared into the small sea of vehicles.

For some strange reason, I felt like maybe everything would be okay. Maybe I would like it in Florida. Maybe this won't be so bad.