Life & Love of the Tormented

Sixty Two

It's starting to get dark and even though I needed that chat with Taya I really wish I'd left a little earlier. I hate driving long distances in the dark.

I've been on the road almost two hours and have decided to stop in Gympie for a coffee break.

  'Matilda Truck and Travel Stop', the sign reads.

I pull into an empty car park space which is further from the door than I would have liked but is the only free space within the first group of bays. I've never seen this place this busy but I guess it's a Sunday evening and most people are probably travelling home.

  I remember when I was a kid Mum used to always stop here when we were doing our yearly drive up to Rainbow Beach during the Christmas summer holidays. A bottle of apple juice and a lemonade ice block. That's what she used to buy me every time.

The memory makes me smile.

Sometimes when I think back on my childhood all I remember is pain and abandonment. I tend to forget how much Mum always tried to make the best out of our situation for me. I couldn't ever thank her enough for giving me happy memories amongst the sea of hurt.

I pull my black leather jacket on over my arms and shoulders and re-tie my converse before getting out of my car.

  Once inside the complex I wait in line at the only open cafe and when it's my turn I order the biggest strongest coffee they have and a caramel Krispy Kreme donut.

"$9.85 thank you", the older woman behind the counter says to me.

"No problem, card please", I reply with the warmest smile I can offer even though I'm already exhausted. I tap my card and take a seat on one of the diner stools nearby while I wait.

*Ding Ding*

  I glance down at my phone in my hand and see the new text I've just received is from Carter. I open it.

  'Hey, can you please let me know when you're safe back at your Mum's? I miss you already, C x'

  I smile stupidly. He's so cute. But how does he know I'm still on the road? I told him I'd leave ages ago...

Taya.

She'll be with Ben at the guys place probably and would have told him I left late.

  'Hey, have just stopped in Gympie. I needed coffee lol. Will message when I get into the Bay. Miss you too x' , I reply to him before sending an almost identical message to Taya and then one to Mum letting her know where I am.

  'Remember this place Mum?', I send her a second text attached with a photo of the 'Matilda Truck and Travel Stop' sign.

  "Coffee and donut?", a younger, voluptuous woman behind the coffee machine calls to me.

  I get off the stool and walk toward her.

  "Thank you. Have a good night", I say smiling.

  "You too", she replies chipperly.

* Ding Ding *

'Of course I remember. Some great memories darling. I'll see you soon - Mum xo'

Mum's reply makes me smile. We really do have some great memories amidst the chaos. I'm looking forward to spending some more time with her and Ria. Make some new memories before I go back to Brisbane.

  I exit the complex and walk toward my car. The warm evening air blows my hair across my face distorting my vision.

  I knew I should have tied it back.