A Few Dangerous Miles

The Beginning and Chapter 1

Ollie hadn't been planning this night for very long. In fact, probably only around 2 hours had passed since the idea struck her. She should run away. There had never been a better time to do so. She packed her things silently and precisely in the dim light of her desk lamp. She took only what She needed most; a bunch of tapes, Walkman, warm clothes and a wad of money that amounted to around $500.

The window opened with a slight whine. She hurried in case someone heard. She hoisted herself up and out the small window. It was much warmer than she expected given it was the middle of the night. With the upcoming journey in mind she took off her fluffy coat and put on her jacket. It blocked out the slight wind enough to keep her warm.

She thought about what she was leaving behind as she walked. Her friends, her family, how long would it be before she saw them? That night it didn't matter. She didn't know where she was going or how she was going to get there, but by leaving her home in the dead of night she did what countless others had dreamed of doing. The risk was worth more to her than a fixed home.

She looked up at the Midwestern sky and saw a single frame explosion. The kind of stars that only show themselves in the dead of night, when no ones awake to see them. She glanced back at her open window. The sight of her rooms desolate mouth urged her to get going.

Chapter 1:  My Name is Ollie and I Rob Convenience Stores

"I have wrinkles." Jackson said. He was slouched over the bathroom sink. I leaned on the door frame, my arms crossed.

"No you don't." I lied. He did have wrinkles. Honestly, I liked them though. Jackson walked past me and into the motel room.

"Glad you're always there to falsely boost my self esteem." he said. I smiled.

"Cunt." Jackson put on his jacket.

"Where are you going so early?"

"Coffee. Want any?"

"You know it." Jackson left.

I was so relieved I wouldn't have to get it myself. It was too soon to get dressed for anything. A glance at the clock showed it was 7:45. What the fuck? I thought. Some crazy schedule my brain was on. I hadn't been up this early in months. The room was cold as motels often were. The curtains were parted slightly to let some of the potent July sun in. Evidence of the last few days was strewn around the room. There were beer cans on every flat surface along with bongs of unknown owners. Electric cords snaked under the rug, leading to an endless assortment of lamps and Christmas lights; all of which were off. And I didn't even want to look under the bed.

I sat sleepy-eyed in the center of this horrific mess. I carried myself to the bathroom to look in the mirror. My black eye was now a shade of grey purple. The swelling was unnoticeable compared to what it was in the days before. I tried to cover it up, but the color was only dulled. Plan B: lots of black eyeshadow. That worked okay. There was a purple silhouette under my left eye but it was good enough for me. In the mirror staring back at me was a girl hidden under a mess of sandy hair. Her name was Ollie. She was getting thin. Her eyes were in a constant expression of irritation.

I slipped on a t-shirt and some shorts. My muscles ached as I did so. Even though I was tired and sore, I would've been fine reliving the night before. By the time I was dressed Jackson was back with the coffee.

"You ready?" he asked as we sat drinking. I stared at the wall.

"For what?"

"We're leaving today. Remember? I told you last night."