In a Long Shot

Ch3: There always a Second Chance?

Gloria Matthewson

When she was sure he was safe she looked in the mirror backing out.
When she drove for a couple 5 minutes she heard the grumbling of her stomach and the ding of her car needing gas.
"Dang it,"Gloria mumbled.
Pulling into her driveway knowing there was no point turning around she decided to wake up early. As if she could at least 5 or ten minutes.
Sighing she peeled her hands from the steering wheel pulling the key out the ignition.
Dropping her keys in her lap she rubbed her throbbing temple trying to focus from what happen with her and Max. Some how she couldn't lie it blew her mind how she'd just picked up a stranger and wasn't regrettably whining to her friends on Oovoo.
Shaking her clouded thoughts she pulled open the door handle and grabbed her book bag from the back. While reaching she felt a sticky substance. In a blink of an eye she pulled back her hand revealing revolting old gum.
Almost puking she grabbed the other side of her back pack and put the keys in her mouth. Opening the door she fought the urge to rub the old gum on the wall.
In a split second she threw her book bag and move so fast to sink she didn't believe it was humanly possible. Shaking her clouded thought she remain positive wall scrapping of gum of her fingers.

                Max Fineler

Watching in the window I watch her White Mosda dissappear out my driveway Flashing her head lights on my dad's Red Mustang on the curb.
Then disappearing down the street with a flash of her tail lights I closed my blinds.
Exhausted I flopped down on the couch staring into space wondering why she'd been so her and not Miss flirty.
Naw,she so in to you...Wait she's not like other girl Bone Head.
Great just what I needed,sarcasm from my subconscious.

No problem stupid it's my job.
Fighting the urge to hit my head I headed upstairs not even bother to aknowledge my mom.
She clear her voice stopping me in the middle of the process of stepping.
"It's your turn to clean the dishes dear,remember our deal".
Soon as the words escape her mouth I suddenly remember it was my turn this whole month until the next,great could this day get any better.
"I'll do just before bed mom"
"Just making sure honey"
Mumbling a few swear words I went to my room hearing my mom scream "I heard that".

Just great it's like my mom has dog ears,my life couldn't get any worse.
Soon as the words escape my mouth my step dad's pick up truck pull up.
"Aw,Hell" mumbled Max.
Coming downstairs  hanging on the railing we heard jittering of the front door handle.
Opening up was Henry Celestice, my stepped Dad.
I didn't take his last name and kept Fineler instead,it just felt wrong as if I was replacing my real dad.
Pulling out of my thoughts hearing slurred talk then a Smack.
Looking at unraveling scene mom was on her knees holding her bright red face.
Unleashing slurred words of anger Henry spoke "Don't ever touch me slut"
Coming to my senses I moved infront of Mom as Henry lifted his hand up punching Max in the jaw.
Retaliating in fury Max punch him so hard knocking his lights out.
Spitting out blood from his bruised jaw he help his mom to her feet.
While going to the kitchen getting and ice pack for his mother,his mother spoke in tears,with stuttered words.
"I'm so blessed to have a son like you,Max".
Max eyes brimming with tears he said "I'm glad to be your son,Mom".
Walking out the kitchen bringing her the ice pack he flopped next to her on the couch. She gently touch his palm as she took the ice pack then gently rubbing it on her cheek.
Looking over his shoulder he looked at his unconscious step dad and dragged him to the couch positioning him in a very uncomfortable angle. Not caring the way he look he walked away sitting in the recliner deep in thought.
In a flash of the curtains a White Mosda pulled up.
In curiosity he rose up and open the front door to not allow her to see the mess he made inside.
He tapped on the driver seat window and seen fear written all over her face.
Something has definitely happen.
Tapping on the passenger side window she unlocked allowing him to enter her car.
Closing the door behind him he began to speak,"What's going on"
"I can't explain the letter but I can explain the actions"
"Okay explain Gloria"
"Somebody threw a glass bottle in my room with a note,knife,and picture of the necklace I'm wearing".
Gloria untucked the cross necklace around her neck with jittery hands.
Max grabbed her hand and squeezed reassuringly then said,"I wouldn't worry nor be scared it's probably from a hobo or something,but if you don't feel safe at your house My mom would be more than willing to let you stay"
Sighing,"okay let me text my parents"
With a  ding of a respond she was granted permission.
Smiling gently she grabbed her book bag and thanked Max.
Opening the front door I mouth can she stay and mom nodded in approval.
"No funny bissuness you two"
Blushing slightly I guided her to my bedroom giving her and option of the hallway bathroom or mine.
She strugged and sat at the end of the bed and yawned.
"Darn I forgot to study I mean it isn't to late".
Before even protest came Max lifted Gloria to the bed and she mumbled something about study and drifted off feeling Max arms around her waist hold her close.
She fought to keep her a eyes open but then tired of it her eyes drifted off into the darkness.
She dreamt off:
           Gloria Matthewson

"Max I'm so sorry", I screamed.
The dagger was still dangerously close to his throat blood pouring down his shirt.
The man flicked his wrist,then slicing his neck.
Sending a half hearted smirk blood leaked to his lower lip before collapsing to the floor being dangerously still.