Shift

Chapter 1

I listened to the whoosh past my ears as another car rushed by and felt my eyes strain to the giant white lights passing me. I lowered to the ground, my hoodie clinging to the moist undergrowth. I leaned forward cautiously, and seeing white in the distance to my left, I pulled the hood over my head and tucked my knees under me, ready to pounce.

My heart danced inside, the beat throbbing in my head. The white was coming, closer and closer and closer...

I dove into the street and planted my feet on the ground, keeping my head low. At first the car honked, loud and ringing, but I didn't move. I heard the car start to brake and felt the fear pulse in the driver. I spread my feet and prepared for the impact. I closed my eyes as the car came in contact with my hand, a small tingle puncturing the nerves along my palm. When I opened them I collapsed to the ground, and clutched my knee innocently.

I heard the door to the car open and close, then the crunch of asphalt and the warmth of a hand on my shoulder.

"Holy shit, I didn't even see you, oh my god I'm so sorry. Are you alright? I-is there any injuries.." The voice trailed off, and noticing the pitch it was a man. I could hear the panic in his voice. He moved in front of the car and I saw his figure. A man definitely; bald, a bit husky, veins bulging on his hands. He likes to travel, !'m guessing going to visit family up here. He looked down and saw I was clutching my knee.

"I think I'm fine, my knee just hurts a lot." I said and groaned in pain.

"Oh my god, oh my god... Okay um. W-well I don't think there's a hospital out in the middle of the woods... Fuck I don't know what to do!" I was starting to get tired of this guy. He worries too much, its annoying. I started to give him clues as to how to handle the situation.

"There's a small town up ahead. Maybe I can get aid there." I barely voiced out, groaning in pain.

"G-good idea. I'll help you up." I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and he wrapped his arm around my waist, helping me to my feet. I limped on my injured knee, and as we were passing to the passenger's side I looked at the front of the car. There was a dent where I had placed my hand. I smirked a little, thankful that it was nighttime. He didn't notice my quick grin.

He opened the door for me and I slid into the leather seats. Well, he was a bit wealthy at least.

He ran into the driver's seat and drove off. I noticed he started to drive a little slower, cautious. That almost made me laugh.

"So what were you doing in the street?" He asked. I quickly thought of an excuse.

"I was trying to cross the street and I didn't look around the bend when you came." I answered almost dryly. He remained silent, and I could sense panic still running through his mind. He was a bit of an awkward butterfly.

As we reached the town, he kept looking around for a hospital or something. I unlocked the door, ready to get out.

"What are you doing?" He asked, sweat forming around his forehead.

"I know someone who works at Betty's Burgers. They can help me." I said as he drove up to the curb of the restaurant.

"A-are you sure? I think you need serious medical attention..." he trailed off. His personality was easy to deal with; he's used to taking orders. I opened the door and cautiously stepped down, then winced as my knee hit the ground.

"I'll be.. fine." I said and smile at him. "Thank you so much for all the help. I hope you have a safe trip ahead."

"Thank you.. I hope you're okay. I'm so sorry for hitting you." He said. I closed the door and waved until he sped off. Then I straightened my knee and pulled his wallet out of my pocket.

I looked at his I.D. "Gerry Smockett, huh? Well Gerry, thank you for the money." I said and pulled out his cash. He had one hundred dollars. A good find. I looked through his wallet, bu found nothing else useful. I started to walk towards Betty's Burgers, stuffing the money in my pocket. I threw the wallet into a bush along with a couple other wallets I had stolen a while back.

I stepped into the fast food restaurant with my head low and my hoodie still over my head. The tiny bell jingled as the door opened and closed. There was a family passing through, just finishing their food. A couple sat in the back sharing a shake. I sat in a booth and crossed my arms on the table, then rested my head on top. I heard the leather seats squish in front of me and the presence of another person.

I heard the tapping of acrylic nails on the table and I waited for her voice.

"So who was it this time Hun?" Pam spoke in a thick Georgia accent. She stopped tapping and I looked up.

"Gerry. Boy was he a nice guy." I said. She rolled her eyes and I stared at them. There were flecks of orange that danced around the pupil. Pam pulled the hoodie off my head, and I looked away.

"There, that's better. Now I can see your face." She said and smiled. "The usual?" She asked and go up. I didn't say anything and she walked away.

"All the more reason to have it on." I grumbled and pulled the hoodie back over my head. I closed my eyes and listened to as the door opened and the bell jingled. The pitter patter of footsteps sounded in my right ear. I looked up and met his eyes. He was looking right at me, and then he quickly moved his gaze. I didn't stop staring until he passed my vision behind me.

After a while Pam returned with a burger and fries with some soda. I didn't really touch it but slowly nibbled on the fries.

After some silence, Pam said "You have to eat something Hun." She said and looked over behind me.

"I noticed when that boy walked in he was staring at you." She said and waved at him. "Stalking much?" I said and took a bite of my burger.

"Maybe I should invite him to eat with you." She giggled.

"No thanks" I said.

"Oh come on Hun, you need a companion. He looks like your age. Everyone likes to have a friend." Pam got up and walked over to his table. Not looking up, I grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Relax sweetie I'm just taking his order." I released her grip, not taking my eyes off of the bubbles in the soda. I tried to listen as to what they were saying, but it seems like there was a wall blocking me from hearing them. Getting a bit frustrated, I stood up and walked outside, enjoying the fresh cold air.

Barely any cars passed through the town, and the moon was shining beautifully in the sky. It was almost a full moon. I let out a long breath and watched as the steam mixed from my mouth into the air. I looked across the street and saw the Motel 8, its gleaming blue neon sign flashing on and off.

Not caring to look both ways, I walked across the street and to the Motel.