The Escape

Two

Flashback

I arrive to my bestfriend's, Winnie's, birthday party. She's finally turning twenty-one, while I'm still only nineteen. That's when he appears. "Winnie, who's that?" I question gazing towards him. "That's Harlow, I know I've mentioned of him before." She giggles and walks away to greet her other guests, but I barely notice her leaving. There's just something about him that makes everything feel amazing.

End of flashback

Who would have thought that I, of all people, would be so afraid right now. I was always the good girl who wouldn't dare disappoint anyone. I've definetly disappointed someone; myself. I feel my arm let go of the wheel, and I suddenly jump. I must have dozed off. My iris' enlarge when I look through the rearview mirror and the same car is still following me. "He's in that car, I just know it," I think to myself, out loud. I can't stand driving any longer. I spot the nearest store parking lot, not caring whether it is open or not, and pull right in. I burst into tears when the car doesn't follow. "Thank you, God. Oh, thank you" I look above and shout to God. I lean the seat back, and decide it's time to catch some shut eye.

I'm awoken, when its daylight, to a constant knock on the window. I open my eyes to see this frail, old, pale man knocking as if he is concerned for me. I sit up, rub my eyes, and cut on the car to roll down the window. I'm not taking any chances, so I merely crack it. "Yes?" I croak out, my voice parched from dehydration. "Ma'am, can you tell me why you're parked in this parking lot?

Flashback

"Hello," Harlow says, slowly walking towards me, two drinks in his hands. "Hey," I reply, staring at his facial features. "You look thirsty, so I thought you might like a drink." Harlow laughs and offers me the red solo cup, containing God knows what. "I'm not supposed to be drinking, I'm only nineteen, but thanks anyway." I say, nudging the drink back in his hand. "Hey, a cup surely won't kill you, now will it?" He questions, handing me the drink. His eyes, a luscious ice cold blue, my new favorite color. "I guess, thank you." I accept his offer and take a sip from the cup. "I'm Harlow," he states, holding out his free hand. "I'm Charlotte," I say, placing my hand in his. His hand lifts mine up, to his lips, and he kisses my hand. "You're such a gentleman." I say as our hands lower, still in tact. I gulp down the drink, cringing afterwards, and I decide to stick around with Harlow. He's so dreamy and all I want to do is get to know him some more.

End Of Flashback

"I- I needed some sleep. I have been driving all night long, and I caught myself sleeping at the wheel. I'm terribly sorry, sir." I say, tears forming in my eyes. "Miss, don't cry," his voice, a kind, warm tone. "I just wanted to know if you're okay." I sigh in relief and I step out of the car. "Thanks for asking, but I'll be okay." I walk with him into what I assume is his store and I follow him over to the deli area. "You hungry? I'll be more than glad to fetch you something." He walks behind the counter and points to the breakfast foods on display. "Sure, give me whatever you think is best." I smile at him, and he pulls out something from the display. I hand him a credit card, only to be slid the card right back. "Honey, I just will not let you pay for this. Today, it's on me." He grins hugely and I just light up. "That's very kind of you. Thank you so much. I'm Charlotte." I extend my hand to him. He comes in front of the counter, arms open and hugs me. "The name's James, and it's a pleasure to serve a youngin' such as yourself. Tell me, how old are you, Sweetie?" "I'm twenty-two," I proudly state, I've been waiting to be over twenty-one for years. "Can I ask you where the nearest police station is, James?" I ask him, knowing I need to turn Harlow in for what he's done to me. "Sure, Charlotte." James enthusiastically says and gives me directions on where to find the station.
    "I really appreciate your hospitality. I promise to come back and visit you before I go too far." I hug James one last time and get into my car. "Anytime, Charlotte, I'm always a gas station away." He chuckles and watches me leave. Now, I know I need to head straight to the police station to file a report.