Tank

Chapter one

[Chapter 1]

       I have always loved cars. 

        Not just the way they look or the distinct brands, but the unique sounds each of them makes. The vibrations, roar and hiss, that comes along as one turns the key. I love the adrenaline rush that accelerates the heartbeat and having the reassurance that you are in control of the vehicle. It can go wherever one pleases left, right, straight ahead. Oh, for Pete's sake, it can go anywhere.

       I have been in the mechanical field for 3 years;  so please tell me why a young kid with long curly black hair walks into 'Auto Repair' with his girlfriend at the back seat, walks out of what I'm presuming is his car, and utters "my tires are blown dude, care to help?" I look at his vehicle and walk towards it. I realize he has stayed behind. So, I turn around and gesture my hand forward; he follows me. I get to where his cars located, which is parked along the road. Gazing straight ahead, I realize his girlfriends still in the car, so I gesture for her to get out, so I can inspect the car's exterior. Just by the looks of it, I can already tell the car's need to be repaired as soon as possible.

        The tires are not only blown, but it looks as if a sharp object were used to stab it a few times, causing the tire damage. I take a deep breath and look over at the kid. I notice he has his eyes wide, his Adam apple bobbing up and down, showing how nervous he is. It was at that moment that I realised this is not a regularly blown tire caused by accident, but someone had used some sharp object to stab the car wheels repeatedly, causing the tires to blow out. Standing up, I face the kid making eye contact with him.

        Feeling frustrated but trying to remain calm, I say "What caused your wheels to blow out? An accident was it?"

        "It.... I.... Well, I was driving, yeah? And I hit a tree, so the ties blow out and thank God you know I parked here on time. So...err I really need help ya taking the misses on a date..." the kid says with a thick Australian accent.

      I look over at the girl and notice her height, she is carrying a school backpack on her shoulder – she looks like she might be sixteen or seventeen. I smile at her, and she smiles back. "No worries mate, I got you. Impressing the misses takes a lot of effort. I can repair it for free as it is not so busy today. I need to look at your WOF to see insurance." I say with a smile.

       The boy shifts his feet around and smiles sheepishly. He opens his mouth to say something and darts his eyes towards his girlfriend. She raises her eyebrows and clears her throat.

"Um...We've forgotten the insurance at home, so like I'm sure you can make an exception..."

"It's all goods! I will have a look at the exterior to make sure everything's ok,"

Stifled, I step back, does this kid think I am dumb or some shit?

      I walk around the car and notice the plates are in good condition. I look over at the kid and smile. "Yup, the plates are clean, the hand brakes are a little bit sticky, but it'll be alright." 

       The kid grins and chuckles softly while putting his hands in his pocket. He glances over at the girl and says "Cool, I know the tires are a bit wacky and need replacing but it's still roadworthy." 

      I crouch down to have a look at the tires and my breath hitches. Jesus. From the looks of it, I can see a sharp object's been used repeatedly to stab the car wheel, and the kid dares to blame a tree. He is got balls all right. I run my fingers through my hair, thinking about what he is just said. Wait... Hang on a second what tree? We are in the middle of nowhere, on a country road. I do not see any trees. The kid looks around and meets my gaze. His eyes widen like a kangaroo caught in headlights.