The Tracks

Run-through

Jay drove them to the gasoline station that Dei told him. Other than carefully balancing her in front and the bike at his back, there was something about the girl that he just wanted to prolong being with her. She smelled of dirt and damp clothing, but he was drawn to her. Something else made him want to keep his arms around her, and going slowly on this drive was all he could think of as wisps of her hair blew on his face. He could sense that she was getting tense as they got nearer the town. Not once did she look around as they rode deeper into the town, as if something or somebody might jump at them. Her hands were on the front handlebars of his bike, but twice she held on to his arms when they hit a bump on the road, quickly placing it back on the handlebars. She was holding her breath, and he didn't know whether it was because of nervousness of riding a motorcycle, or it was him.

"Here. I'll get off here."

He made a smooth turn to the left to the gas station, dimly lit and looking so weary as the gasoline guy who got out of the small store behind the fuel pumps. He looked at them suspiciously but made no attempt to approach them. He just stared for a few seconds and went back into the store. Jay stopped a few meters away from the store but did not stop the engine. Dei tried to get off from the tank, but hit her left foot, making her moan in pain.

"Just please let me bring you to your house."

"No! Please, just...I'm fine. I can make it from here, you can just bring my bike down. I'll ask Mr. Antonio to help me fix the wheel."

"Or... I could just bring you ..."

"Jay."

"Fine. But can you rest it out for a while? The swelling on your foot is getting worse, maybe there's some first aid in that store. I'll just park for a while and I'll carry you into that store."

"You've done enough Jay, you really should go. Please."

"Seriously Dei, I am not leaving until I'm sure you're fine."

"Look, I owe you my life and believe me, I am truly grateful, but if anyone else learns about you being here in the North..."

The sound of motorcycle engines were heard from afar, making Dei jump from the tank and fall on the ground.

"Shit. Dei!"

She held on to her left foot, cringing in pain as Jay turned off his engine and parked it on its stand. He stooped down and carefully lifted her up in his arms. As he walked towards the store, three motorcycles approached and circled them. He stood on his ground and watched as one of the riders alighted.

"What the hell did you do to my sister?!"

***

Run-through. Train that is not scheduled to pick up or set out cars along its route. (Railroading Glossary. TRAINS Magazine)