My Last Online Date

2. Road Trip to the City of Locus

    "Wow, Oreo, no more dirt roads! "I exclaimed, my voice dripping with amusement. After being surrounded by rugged dirt roads all my life, I found myself oddly thrilled by the sight of the smooth asphalt stretching in front of us. The only sign in sight read, "30 miles till next gas station and 5 miles till the next rest stop after."

    "Okay, great!" I was excited to finally start seeing civilization...

    POP! SCREECHH!
    
     "Ahhh!" I screamed. My truck swerved side to side as I struggled trying to gain control again. In the rearview mirror I could see how startled Oreo was in between the boxes I had in the backseat. I finally came to a stopping point. If I hadn't stopped when I did, I would've been in the ditch that was right in front of me. I sat there and stared at it in complete shock trying to catch my breath. Millions of thoughts running through my head as if what could that have been? I made sure I comforted Oreo before I got out to check.

    "Are you serious!? Ugh not now."

That sound and the reason my truck lost control was because a stupid nail busted my tire. At least this area had a little service for me to be able to call a tow truck. I wouldn't have to if I learned how to put on a tire before I decided to take on a road trip to my new home.

    While waiting for the tow truck Oreo slept in my lap purring as I rubbed his back. I was listening to a podcast trying to keep my mind off the fact that it was getting dark, and it was two sets of woods on both sides of me. I had my window cracked a little bit to let in some fresh air. The cool breeze running across my face allowed a sense of calmness. I was starting to doze off when I heard rumbling from a truck and headlights appeared.

"Yes, finally!" I said with relief.

   Oreo must've heard it to, because he woke up and scurried to the back seat. I'm not going to lie I was nervous and a little scared. What girl wouldn't be in a situation like this? I didn't want to get out until I saw him fully. It was just about dark now, but the headlights from the car lit up the area.

    The man was standing in front of my car with a creepy grin. He had on an all-black jumpsuit that was covered in oil spots. A ball cap hat that was low over his eyes just enough for him to see, but for you not to see. He was chewing on something while still grinning. Which I'm guessing was tobacco. After spitting it out, he started walking towards my car. At this point my anxiety level was rising. He stood by my window and spoke.

    "Hello, Miss, what seems to be the problem?" He licked his lips smirking. I could smell the tobacco as he spoke, and it made me nauseous.

    "I... uhm..." I stuttered.

     "Snap out of it Hannah," I said to myself while shaking my head. I wasn't trying to give off that I was a little scared right now, but I guess it's too late for that. He chuckled and spoke.

    "Well?"

    "Right. My tire popped while I was driving. A nail got caught in it."

    "Hmm, I see. What's a girl like you driving out this way all by yourself?" I really wanted to tell him that he needs to mind his business and fix my tire, but I didn't want to be stuck here.

     "I'm, I'm moving to Locus."

     "Oh, okay, well that's new. We don't really get a lot of new people here. Especially with this city's reputation."