Evolution

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

I banged my fist against the steering wheel. It was still two hours until dark and the freeway was crawling with life. I tried once more to turn over the engine but got a nasty sputter in response.

“Its out Trevor” Alex spoke flatly

“One more Try!”

I slowly turned the key in the ignition, mentally exhausted from stress. Nothing happened. I slunk in my seat and closed my eyes for a brief moment. Little gusts of air escaped my lungs as I slowly opened the door and stepped out into the day.

I could see Pod rats scurrying about in a hectic manner, not quite aware of our presence at this point. I felt the much needed pop of my neck and strain on my muscles as I stretched. Several hours in a car and to what end? Stranded.

I look around the madness and hear the sounds of natures fury. Just beyond the robust hill I could catch a glimpse of a large street sign. I chuckled to myself and poked my head through the window.

“Alex! Boomer! you got to see this!”

I listened to them grumble and watched the car shake as the large man stepped out. Boomer stood beside me resting his arm on my shoulder.

“What are we looking at?”

I looked back at the girl, watching her twist and stretch. I smiled. I knew she would love this

“See that large green sign way over there” I pointed off into the distance and waited

“Holy crap! We did it.” She laughed and started walking towards the car speaking non-chalantly over her shoulder as she opened the door.

“I told you we would make it out of Pennsylvania before dark. But you just didn’t believe me did you? Well I hope you are keeping score cause that’s Alex one, Trevor big fat zero!”

I just shook my head.

“Come on Boomer lets get our things.”

I gathered all the supplies that were slung about the car and slammed them in my backpack, not worried about organization at this point, just timing. I watched  Boomer wipe his utensils off on his shirt and reattach them to his bag. He threw  it over his shoulder and bounced in place, anxious to be free of his tiny confines.

I gripped the golf club and handed them both a bottle of water. Looking at my own bottle I saw the contents slowly diminishing. Though I won’t voice it for fear of stress, I knew we were running low on supplies and can only hold up another day or so without raiding some sort of grocer. I could see the concern in Alex’s face. She knew. She is a lot of things, but dumb isn’t one of them. She just gave me the best fake smile she could and gripped her axe tightly.

“Let’s move on out soldiers!”  she  turned her voice gruff

“Ten hut!”

I laughed and stiffened up like a war hero, putting my two fingers to my forehead, I awaited orders from our mousey commanding officer. Boomer just squatted like a frog for a moment and lunged forward on all fours.

“ His eyes darted back and forth and his tongue flickered in and out” He stared up at his sister and put two fingers to his forehead as well. All I could do is laugh and go with the flow. After a few moments, Boomer stood, adjusted his backpack and we were off. The walk was nerve racking and the sun was against us. If we could manage just a few more miles we could hopefully find some shelter. A store, maybe even a house to loiter. Anything that would keep us safe and cozy and them where they belong...away from us.

The walk uphill was brutal, my legs burned and my chest felt as if it had bricks placed upon them. I could hear baboons off in the distance and feel a shiver up my spine. God I hate those things. We picked up pace, trying to make it somewhere safe before dark. After twenty grueling minutes we reached the top of the hill, sweat pouring from every possible orifice. I sat down. I sat down directly under the “Welcome to Ohio” sign. I took a large swig of water and struggled for oxygen.

Fuck you Pennsylvania! I thought to myself. Boomer must have had the same thoughts, cause I watched him chunk a large rock down the steep hill at nothing in particular. It bounced off the asphalt and nailed a tree.

“Great shot buddy!”

Boomer just smiled and stood, eager to get where we were going. I watched him extend his hand to Alex, and then to me, helping us escape from the inviting comforts of the grass.

“Alright, alright, I get it. Let’s go sheesh.” Alex protested

We walked in silence for about a mile and a half, watching for any sign of life, any movement, any sound. We were ready. The suns large orange glow started to fade, It disappeared little by little. A morbid game of hide and seek where you have to search for the others in the dark. That is what it reminded me of.

It wasn’t long before we could barely see our fingers in front of our face. The darkness overtook the light completely and nightfall was upon us. We failed.

“Now what?” I spoke concerned for all our well beings.

“Nothing. We keep walking. If we are caught asleep in the open we are dead.”

Those words cut deep. like a large sharp knife tearing into a block of cheese, the thought of being dead cut me deeply.

I grabbed her hand and laced my fingers in between hers. I felt her body jerk in surprise and a gasp escape her lips. I half expected her to pull away, but for now, the simple act of holding my hand must have comforted her. I could hear the large echoing slaps of Boomers shoes against the highway and see the occasional firefly light our way, but nothing more.