The Drive to Your Heart

Part One

'Sorry, boo. Running late. Try hitching a ride from some friend today.'

I frowned at the text from Karla, my supposed ride home. Perfect. Just perfect.

Who was I supposed to hitch a ride from? I was literally a newbie in this city.

College had started a week ago, and sure, I'd met a few people, but we weren't close enough for me to start begging for rides.

Moments like this made me regret not getting my driver's license as soon as I turned 18.

I never felt the need for one, honestly. Back in my hometown, we all knew each other, so hitching rides was easy.

Although it did earn me the nickname 'The Hitcher,' I didn't mind. Free rides to wherever I wanted? A win is a win.

But now that I'd moved out for college and was in a new city, I was regretting some of my life choices.

Sighing, I pushed my bangs back and looked around campus. I spotted a group of people I recognized from Sociology and considered asking them for a ride.

But then I canceled the idea. These college folks weren't like the ones back home. They'd probably think I was just using them for free rides—which, okay, wasn't entirely false, but I didn't want to be labeled as 'the freeloader' just yet.

Being an adult was hard.

I had to save money and find a job since my parents had cut me off financially. They wanted me to be 'more responsible' and manage my own finances.

Easier said than done.

The excitement of adulthood vanished the moment I turned 18. Saving money and thinking twenty times before spending a single penny was exhausting. It was seriously taking a toll on me already.

My eyes drifted to some expensive-looking cars, and I chewed on my lower lip.

I guess that wasn't a problem for everyone.

As I ogled the beauties parked nearby, thunder rumbled overhead, snapping me out of it. I frowned, watching students hurry to find cover.

It was going to rain soon.

Guess I'll have to take the bus today.

***

It was raining cats and dogs.

I barely made it to the bus stop before the downpour started.

Sitting on the bench, I mentally calculated how much it would cost me to get my own car.

It wasn't something I could afford right now, so I decided to first get my driver's license. Maybe then I could coax my parents into helping me out.

Being an adult didn't mean I couldn't ask for a little help, right?

I'd also get a job to show them I was serious and mature. That would hopefully do the trick.

As large drops continued to fall, I stuck my hand out from under the shelter and noticed a poster on the sidewalk.

'Driving Lessons and Preliminary Test with Discounts for College Students.'

I squinted, trying to read the details. The paper was muddy and worn from being stepped on, so I couldn't make out much more.

Eventually, the poster started to wash away with the rainwater toward the drain.

I glanced at the crowd under the shelter, knowing if I stood up, my seat would be gone.

Deciding quickly, I jumped from my seat and rushed to grab the poster. Raindrops hit me as I tried to shield my hair with one hand.

The poster had drifted quite a distance, and I ignored the strange looks I was getting as I chased after it.

Finally stepping on it with my Converse, I squatted to pick it up with a triumphant smile.

Just as I grabbed the paper off the ground, the rain stopped. I still heard the sound of drops hitting a surface, but I didn't feel any rain.

I looked up to see a pair of legs in black jeans right in front of me. Trailing my gaze upward, I saw a guy holding his blue umbrella over me.

My heart warmed. Someone had saved me from getting further drenched.

Standing up with the poster, I passed the kind stranger a wide smile.

"Thank you."

The guy turned to look at me, slightly startled as he held a phone to his ear.

"What the hell?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow at me.

He was good-looking with dark hair and light brown eyes. But he looked confused.

"For the umbrella, I mean." I suddenly felt self-conscious. We were strangers under the same umbrella; it was bound to be a bit awkward.

There was a sound from his phone, and he turned toward a car parked nearby. "Yeah, nothing. I'm on my way now."

Without another word, the tall stranger unlocked the driver's seat and got in, closing the umbrella and the door behind him.

I blinked, dumbfounded, my smile still stuck on my face.

Wait...

He hadn't been holding the umbrella for me! He didn't even see me squatting there. He had just stopped to get into his car.

This is so embarrassing.

Clutching the dirty poster in my hand, I stood there, rain and humiliation washing over me.

***