Scarlet Springs (Ari Levinson) AU - 18+

1

Margot 

"Well, that's as far as I can go sweetheart".

I'm roused from the light sleep I've been trying to get ever since I got into the car, but now as I open my eyes, I see the driver looking at me and then realise we've stopped.

"Huh? I thought you were taking me to town?". I can't be left on the side of the road again. Not in the dead of night. The plan was that this guy would take me to the nearest town, and yet I see practically nothing in my sleep hazed state. I haven't slept for days, and this is the only chance I've had since being in the other car that dropped me off at the gas station to get some provisions. Not that there's enough left - hence why I need to get to the next town.

"Next town is over an hour away, and I'm not heading in that direction. Sorry". He shrugs and I get my bag - slipping out of the car and closing the door. "Motel's your best bet though - not about to leave you in the middle of nowhere". The man points to behind me and I turn, seeing the light from the sign across the road that says:

SCARLET SPRINGS.

"Thanks, I guess". I say, the driver simply nodding before he takes off into the night, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.

Anyone could have mistaken the motel for being closed, considering there's practically no cars aside from two in the parking lot. A light from what I assume to be the office being the only sign of life. The area in general is just in the middle of nowhere, and it makes me even more nervous than I've already been feeling.

I don't have enough money for a motel room, let alone a damn bus ticket - hence why I'm hitch-hiking my way to gods knows where. Even I don't know, I simply took what I could and ran.

It's the only way I can ensure that he won't find me...

He won't find you. Not if you keep moving.

I suppose it's my fault that I got caught up with a guy like Davy in the first place - but then again I wasn't expecting him to become who he has. The opportunity to make money and fast, but also in the most illegal of ways consumed him more than the alcohol. In the end I was on the receiving end of his moods, but with him being the narcissistic bastard that he is? I was too scared to leave. He controlled me, exploited me, threatened me. Up until recently I could handle it - but then I made the mistake of sticking my nose in and realised it was going to be too dangerous for me to stay. If I had then he'd probably have gone through with one of his many threats by now.

Running was the only option. I know exactly what he'll do if he ever finds me.

Making my way over in the direction of the office, I open the door and walk in, seeing a man behind the counter smoking a cigarette while flipping through a magazine. His shirt sleeves are rolled up to the elbow, top buttons of the garment open revealing a little bit of chest. His hair is longish, and it obscures part of his face as he reads, but I can see he's bearded.

Then he looks up at me, putting his magazine down. "Need a room?"

I shake my head, feeling slightly ashamed that I have to ask him this. "Just wondering whether you had a vending machine or something I could get some food from? Maybe a bathroom just to clean up in - I've been travelling all day..." my body aches for sleep and the comfort of a bed. But I just can't afford one.

His eyes travel down my body, making my skin feel a little chilled before he nods. "You hitch-hiked". It's a smart guess rather than a question, and I applaud him for being spot on - but then again he's probably seen his fair share of people like me come and go. He turns and then plucks a key from a hook on the holder behind him, passing it to me. "Go out of here and turn right. It's the last on the corner".

Did he not just hear that all I need is a chocolate bar and a sink?"

"But I haven't really got..." I start but he cuts me off.

"Free of charge for a night, you look like you could use a bed".

Which probably translates to. You look like shit and need to clean up. Or he could just be a nice guy taking pity on your misfortune?

I smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, unable to really say anything else other than "thanks". Turning, my hand is on the door handle before he speaks again.

"Vending machine is down there too..."

Looking back at him, I see he's pointing in the direction I need to go. With another nod, I give him my thanks again and then head out, walking past door after door until I get to mine. The lock clicks open as I turn the key and walk inside, turning the lights on and seeing it's not bad compared to some of the other places I've slept while travelling.

There's two beds, a table and a couple of chairs by the curtained window, a TV atop of a set of drawers and a telephone on the night stand between the two beds that probably rings through to the front desk. There's a door that leads into a small bathroom just ahead and I cannot wait to get in there.

There's a knock on the door after a short while and I cautiously look through the peep hole, seeing the guy from the desk outside.

"Towels". He says, holding them out to me. "Thought you might need some".

"Oh, thanks". I say and take them from him.

He goes to leave but then turns back to me. "I'm Ari, by the way".

I bite my lip, wondering whether I should tell him my name. I've been using all different ones lately. "Margot". I finally say, but the anxiety doesn't leave me.

"Have a good evening, Margot". He smiles kindly and then makes his way back to the office.

I close the door and lock it, putting the chain across as well, just to feel that extra security, then take probably the best shower I've had in days. I no longer feel dirty physically, but mentally? That will take time to wash from my body.

It's the first time in the last week that I've slept well.