Rhénee Johnson: Emelda's Sapphire (Book One)

Chapter 2

Reaching the outskirts of Beverly Hills along the highway took longer than Rhénee had expected. The huge traffic jam back in town had slowed her down and she grew a little impatient just dying to get out of Beverly Hills and away from her old life.

When she was out of town and along the highway, Rhénee breathed out an air of relief. She was finally going and there was no turning back.

It was going to be a long journey to Madison, and as far as Rhénee could remember, the town was really far away and it would be one tiring journey.

After a few miles down the highway, Rhénee pulled over by a gas station to fuel up her car and collect some snacks for the road.

When Rhénee pulled over by the fuel tank, she got out of the car leaving Sophie behind who was fast asleep.

Rhénee got into the store, got a bag of crisps, two cans of coke, a packet of chewing gum and two bottles of milk for Sophie in case she got hungry on the journey. She got to the counter to pay the bill to the cashier who was staring at a small television at the end of the counter. And he didn't seem to pay attention as Rhénee approched.

"Excuse me," Rhénee spoke softly, trying not to frighten the cashier.

The cashier's wide blue eyes flew to Rhénee's face. He didn't look startled at all when Rhénee spoke to him.

"Oh, sorry, didn't see you there," said the cashier as he got to work scanning the price tags.

"It's fine," said Rhénee, giving him a little smile.

The cashier looked up and smiled back. Rhénee took a chance to scrutinise him and she realised he wasn't that bad. He was definitely handsome. His hair was cropped up on the left side leaving part of his blond hair to his right above his sky blue eyes. He had a diamond stud on his left ear and that reminded Rhénee of her brother.

"So, that will be $28.50," said the cashier.

"Oh, ya," said Rhénee as she started to fumble around in her pockets to get the money and she soon paid the cashier.

"Going on a holiday?"

"I..... um..... it's not really.... ah..."

The cashier looked at Rhénee and a smile appeared at the corner of his lips. Rhénee started to blush as she looked away and cleared her throat. She hated it when a guy like him made her nervous.

"It's not a holiday," Rhénee replied clearly, "I'm moving."

"Moving?" the cashier looked puzzled as he looked out through the glass doors at her car packed outside. "It doesn't look like you are."

"It's a long story. I'm moving into an old relative's house."

"Oh, I see."

The cashier put the things Rhénee had bought in a plastic bag and gave the bag to her.

"Here you go," the cashier said with a smile, "have a safe trip."

"Thanks," Rhénee replied blushing as she quickly walked out of the store.

After fueling up the car, Rhénee hit the road with Soohie still fast asleep in her basket.

Driving to a far off place proved to be pretty tiring and boring. There was no one to talk to with Sophie asleep and all Rhénee could do was listen to some music and chew some gum.

Years ago, it never used to be as boring as this travelling to her grandmother's house for the holidays. Along the way, Rhénee always made sure to carry some board games or cards for her, Zoey and Ryan to keep themselves busy while their parents were in the front seats not really minding at all. It was so much fun back then.