Catching Broken Stars

Chapter 2

The desert passes me like a stream flowing down a mountain. All I can see, for miles and miles, is sand. Nothing in between. A desolate plain. Perfect. I kick my jeep into the 5th gear, the car lurching as it speeds up. I smile as the wind flicks my hair back and forth over my face, the fluttering of the folded roof my only company. The past few days went quickly, all like a blur of goodbyes and I'll miss you's, and see you soons. Jackson, my brother, got accepted to a prestigious sports school, so my family didn't really care about me. Which was good. I snuck away Friday night; my bags all packed, and left them a note. The night was a foggy one, which was nice. It gave the impression of a good escape: an escape that was secret, clever, and suspicious. I drove off into the night, smiling as my headlights lit up the dark streets.

Now, in the middle of the day, I still feel superior. I feel...free. No strings to pull me back into my old life. Nothing. I turn as the road curves around a large boulder and see a small shack in the middle of the road. There are a few cars parked outside, and I see a redneck family hop out of one: their grimy working hands touching every car as they pass. I slowly park my jeep at the end of the line, taking my time as I replace my roof. I jump out, grab my backpack, and head inside the shack.

Inside the lights are dimmed to a point where everything looks murky, yet it seems like the right atmosphere. I strut through, turning heads of the men and women. I go up to the bar and sit on one of the tattered stools available. I tap my fingers on the bar and look around to see if I can get a drink of any kind.

"Excuse me? Is there anybody here?"

A figure appears in front of me almost instantly and I jolt in surprise.

"Hello Miss. What can I get for you?" A deep male voice says.

"Um, just a Coke please." I say, trying to find my wallet.

The figure steps into the light and I see his face: a boy about 19 with shaggy brown hair and light blue eyes. He catches me looking at him and winks before going back to his job. I blush and continue to search for my wallet. A cold glass filled with brown liquid is placed in front of me and I place a $5 bill on the table.

"Please." The boy says, pushing the note back to me. "It's on me."

I smile and take a sip of my drink, coughing as I swallow it.

"What the hell is this?" I exclaim, clearing my throat.

The boy grins and puts his finger to his lips.

"It's a Coke," he says. "With some whiskey to give it an extra snap!"

I glare at him and grab my bag, rushing to the door. I burst out, scaring a little old lady in a cowboy outfit. I walk to my jeep and get in, placing my head on the wheel. My first day of freedom and I have already gotten myself into a mess. I bang the wheel till I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn my head and see the boy looking at me with concern. I jerk away and start my engine, ready to get out of this place.

"Please. It was a joke. Nobody my age comes in there anymore." he says with a sad smile.

I turn off my engine and glare at him again.

"Here, I brought you a real one." He hands me a Coke in a proper bottle and tilts his head.

I take it and drink some, then offer it to him.

"Drink some. You look dehydrated."

He smiles and takes a sip.

"So, Miss...?"