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Chapter three - The Drive

CHAPTER 3

"C'mon Hazel," Iggy called. "They're on their way."

"Who's on their way?" Hazel replied behind Iggy. But she didn't answer.

Iggy led the way from the hiking trails, past the car park and to the open road. Her short dark brown hair swooshed in the breeze as she carried Hazel's backpack behind her right shoulder. The two women stood on the side of the fast-moving freeway.

A white Ford sped past them; Hazel could feel its rush tugging her body.

"I don't know why people should speed like that." Iggy frowned at the car, fading into a tiny speck in the distance. "Life is such a hurry for some people. They take it for granted." She griped.

"Yeah, I guess." Hazel said. "Or maybe he's got an emergency he really needs to get to. We can't assume things."

Iggy glanced at Hazel and smiled cheekily. "You're right." She said and hopped up to her. "You're going to love Rocky Peak. You'll fit right in."

"Is that where you live?" Hazel tilted her head.

"Yip." Iggy started. "It's a group of us that lives out there. It's like a retreat where like-minded people stay."

Hazel nodded curiously. It sounded like rehab. But she didn't look like she abused drugs. Iggy's mind was sharp and her smile was bright.

"You can stay with us for a couple of days if you want, since you don't have a place of your own right now." She laughed. "We're a very welcoming bunch. Everybody at Rocky Peak is friendly and warm to anyone who we invite."

"You invite people often?" Hazel asked.

"Sure. But not that often. You have to be special." She smiled and nudged Hazel with her elbow. "We like to help people get a head start in life. So, if we see a friend in need... we assist where we can, you know." She chuckled, but quickly turned serious. "I don't know what I'll do without them. We like a family out there." Hazel winced at the mention of family. It was a delicate word for her. "They've taught me so much." Iggy said.

She looked at Hazel curiously. "Maybe you could learn a few things, too."

"About what?" Hazel frowned.

"About life." Iggy whispered. A moment later, she gave a giggle. "And besides... I think they'll really like you."

Hazel wasn't sure if this was a safe idea to go with a stranger she had just met forty minutes ago. It was a fifty percent chance it wasn't. But there was something comforting about Iggy, her face, her smile invited her in... pulling her in some way. It was a fifty percent chance she was willing to take.

"It's might as well I check out the place. It's not like I have anywhere to go," Hazel decided, going against her better judgment. Iggy was right. She had nothing to lose. She was flat-ass broke with only $20 to her name. Little did Iggy know her cash had run out. She couldn't afford a motel room tonight, never mind having a place of her own.

She cringed at her dire situation. Meeting Iggy this morning was probably fate?

Iggy giggled and clapped her hands in excitement. Her bright green eyes trailed over Hazel's shoulder.

"Just in time. They're here." Iggy squealed. She moved slightly further into the freeway and waved down a red old pick-up truck. The truck pulled over in front of Hazel and Iggy. Hazel immediately noticed two men, both around their mid-twenties, sat in front. Both men gawking at her. She sucked in a shaky breath and glanced at her special watch. The time was two o'clock, and the sky was still filled with clouds. She hoped it was not going to rain. She wanted a clear view to see where she was going.