A dog chasing cars

Chapter 1

I've never had many friends. My dad tends to "keep me to himself" which, in other words means "I don't enjoy seeing my daughter having fun". It can be quite frustrating, but I don't think I could be mean to him considering my mom has been in the hospital so long.

suddenly a car honks at me, urging me to continue driving through they yellow light. Nope. I have Never gotten a ticket and I don't plan to. Precisely why I hate long car rides, because there's a higher chance of getting a ticket. I told my dad that I was going to go visit my mom at the hospital, but to tell you the truth, I got invited to a party and asked my mom if she could help with my little plan to take advantage of my last year of high-school. She said yes of course (go cool parents).

The long drive to Arkham was getting boring so the idea of turning on the radio popped into my head. the moment I turn it on the news blares in my ears "a deranged man escapes Ark-" I immediately change it. Gotham is a pretty rough city. I absolutely hate listening to the news. Haven't watched it since I saw my own mother's face on the screen that one unlucky day.

"oh my god. You have got to be kidding me." I say under my breath. my car was just about out of gas. I slowly drive to the nearest gas station, praying to not run out before I get there. The place looks deserted, and the neighborhood was extremely quiet (apart from the occasional scream or gunshot) I stop and hop out of the car, walking toward the store to pay for the gas with the little cash I had on me. I jiggle the door handle, quickly realizing it was locked. My mouth lets out a guttural yell of frustration. I won't even be able to go to the freaking party. I lied to my dad for Christ's sake!

"you seem stressed." Says a raspy  voice from behind me.

My body does a 360 and I lay my eyes on the man that had just witnessed me having a small temper tantrum. I can barely see his face but I can tell that he is tall with a semi-muscular build. "uh, um, yeah.  Maybe.. I mean I guess. Well... uh yeah Just a bit." I say in one big jumble. Okay, slightly terrified.

"and why would that be doll face?" he says, extending the words slightly. It made me a bit un-easy but he seems like he has good intentions.

"I um... needed gas. This place is closed and I only have cash." I say, holding out my crumpled ten dollar bill.

"oh what a coincidence!" he says theatrically "I need a ride, and you need money. I think I can handle the gas just fine." He giggles.

"I'm not sure... I mean, I don't even know you." I sigh quietly, while looking at the ground and kicking around a small pebble with my shoe.

"well, what's the name that goes with that beautiful face?" he says. I can hear the smirk plastered on his face.

"uh... Monica," I consider making one up on the spot, but I wasn't fast enough.

"Monica meet Jack" he points to me and then himself "Jack meet Monica."

A giggle escapes my lips and I instantly feel his eyes on me. "should we... y'know, get going?" I say, not wanting to miss the party.

"yes, yes, of course." he says. " you get in the car, I'll pump the gas."

I get in the car and turn on the radio. The heavenly sound of Green Day's outlaws erupted from the speakers. I have always liked bad boys. You know, the guys that tease you and take you to crazy parties. However, I didn't typically attract that type, Being shy.

The car jiggles harshly and I hear him laugh loudly. What is he doing? I think to myself.

Moments later he hops into the passenger side. "Drive-uh." He says in a rather drawn out way. I would have appreciated a please. My head turns and I look in the rear-view mirror and see the gas pump lying on the ground and a flame spreading.

"What happened!?" I yell out of fear

" drive-uh little faster why dontcha. Unless you wanna get blown to little pieces." He giggles.

"What'd you do?" I ask while driving a bit faster, quickly starting to hyperventilate.

"Just wanted a smoke." He hold up a small box. "Dropped the dang lighter. Enough questions toots."

I curiously turn to look at him, and I see it. The scars. The light of the car shown directly on them. They're deep jagged scars that extend from his mouth, creating a wicked looking smile. I was always taught not to judge people and not to stare. Looking away I take a deep breath and continue driving, making sure to turn off the light that illuminated the frightening man that was sat next to me.

Don't ask questions.

"Nice-uh car you have toots." He giggled. Clearly not impressed with the metal box I was gifted by my father. "Nice face too," the snickers were even louder now. What was so funny?

"T-thanks," I stutter. Mentally beating the shit out of myself.

He thought I was cute?

"Where were you-uh planning on goin doll-face?" He says while a smirk grew on his face.

I'm liking the nicknames

"A party," I say in one short sentence hoping he would stop talking to me. I look over at him, barely being able to see what he was wearing due to the darkness of the car. He had some sort of suit. Rather fancy for a gas station.

"Oh how fun." He said sarcastically. "Ever robbed a bank?"

I laugh quietly "nope... have you?" I ask. Playing along with the joke.

"Yes. Dozens of times." He laughs a raspy laugh and leans back in his seat.

" oh I completely forgot to ask you where you wanted me to drop you off," I was starting to warm up  to the stranger.

"Darling you won't be dropping me off," he giggles. "You'll be coming with me!"

I suddenly feel cold metal on my neck, instantly knowing it was a knife. My breath hitches. I don't know what to say or do.

"Just drive and maybe I won't slice open that pink little neck of yours."