Phantom in the Physical

CHAPTER. 1

I'm on the road to my new home, my new start. The place isn't perfect, but any place could feel like home after where I've been. It was too dangerous for me to stay any longer. I'm just happy that I made it out safe, sound and with no strings attached.

The trip was a long one. A total of three days was spent being cramped up in the car. I was willing to get as far away as possible. As soon as possible. The car had very little stretching space and was an absolute nightmare on the inside. Trash was spread everywhere. Empty cigarette packs lay carelessly throughout the car. Ashes from the now nonexistent cigarettes spread through the car by the air from the journey. I had to stop frequently for restroom breaks and gas, empty cans and old wrappers following behind me.

I pull my turn signal indicating that I'm going to the right. I steadily pull into a random gas station to refill on gas, eager to finish my unwanted road trip. I force the driver's side door open, causing a sharp groan to escape from the doors hinges. A clear sign of its age, as if it's begging to be put down.
I step out of the car, my exhausted figure dragging a couple of stray wrappings alongside me. I ignore the blatant stares of shock and disgust, and continue striding towards the building.

I shove the door open, causing a melody to echo throughout the store. I stop for a moment, giving myself a chance to scope out the nearest restroom in sight. As I scan the store for its restroom I make eye contact with the cashier. He wasn't aware due to the sunglasses that were placed lazily upon my face. I begin to make my way towards the restroom, the cashier watching me curiously. I quickly shut the door, the lock making a loud sound to ensure I know I'm safe and out of sight.

I sigh in relief.

I immediately make my way towards the mirror, intent on revealing to myself the result of spending three days in my cramped car. Before I remove my sunglasses, I observe the very noticeable bruise on my face.

"Well I know what he was staring at now."

I remove my glasses and stare at myself in the mirror. I place my hands on the sink, using it to prop up my small figure. I look completely exhausted. My eyes are void of any life that it may have had left. Framed by the bruises that my ex decided to so kindly leave me with. My eyes travel some more. My thick curly hair is in shambles, needing so desperately to be acquainted with a brush. Lazily thrown in a bun. My arms are littered with small bruises. Another reason for the stares. I sigh again. A busted lip. Some scratches.
I look suspicious.
Or at the very least, I look like I need help.
But I don't. Not anymore.
I splash my face with cold water, hoping it would wake me up a bit. Now I'm just wet and tired.
I make my way from the restroom to the cash register, placing my glasses back to their former glory. I grab a pack of mint gum from the front counter, throwing it carelessly towards the cashier.

"Thirty dollars on pump six."
I reach for my wallet, preparing to pay.

"How are you, young miss?"

I pause, slowly bringing my face level to his. It's obvious that his inability to read my lifeless face bothers him.
"Just peachy." I state in a cold tone, Sunglasses shielding the true answer. 

"Your total is thirty-two ninety-six."
He seems eager now for me to leave his store. That's more like it. I pay my total and head towards my car, really wanting this trip to finally end. I speed walk towards my car, placing the pump in the tank. Eagerly watching the numbers increase slowly.
Ten dollars.
Fifteen.
Sixteen-sixty two.
Seventeen-eighty five.
Twenty.
Twenty-five eighty nine.
Twenty-
"Hey, are you ok? Do you need help or the police?"
I'm snapped out of my trance and instinctively follow the voice. Its a white man in maybe his mid thirties, maybe mid forties. And I simply stare.

Click!

The sound of the pump breaking the tension. I remove the pump from my car, and place the cap. I stop before opening my car door and look at the man. The first thing I notice is his dirty white air forces. Instantly making me scowl.

"Fuck off and mind your fukin' business."
I yank my door open and instantly hop in. I slam the door shut, making my agitation clear through my actions. I start my car and blast some music, flipping the man the bird before speeding off into traffic towards my final destination.

Home. My home.