The cross roads of stories

Chapter 3: life in the van (Evy's POV)

I felt wind crimp my already curly hair. My hair was, as I preferred, "curly messy chic". And I mean CURLY. So the wind made it frizz, but it felt like multiple parts of nature swirling around me. Amazing.

I lit a cigarette, the popping sound of the lighter caressing the air.

"Want one?" I asked as I swung the lighter in the air.

"I'm good" Alice said rolling her eyes, but chucking at the same time. Loved Al she was really all I had left now. Since my parents divorce, I've found comfort in one night stands, drinking and smoking. I know not the best idea, but turned into a social norm for me.

I could feel smoke crawl down my throat then rise back up, like ants in their hills.

I picked up the map and undid the creasing carefully. Maps were covering the inside of our van.

"Take route 85" I said, blowing smoke out the window. Al didn't reply, she was lost in dreamland. I'd notice a pattern when we first left and got to a place, she'd become reserved and secretive. Antisocial. Once she got more comfortable, she'd go back to her normal self. I love her, but I hate that she keeps stuff from me.

Not that I don't keep stuff from her, sure she knows about the sleazy guys, but certain events no. Like the night I found out about fucking Abe. My mom fucking Abe. Trust, not again.

I looked out the window, I could of sworn I saw letters spell out "Lies" in the tress. Maybe I am lying to myself...

••••••••••*••••••••••

We pulled over in a truck stop, took showers and ate salads. By night fall I just wanted to actually have a conversation.

"Hey what's up?" I finally asked Al.

"Nothing" she mumbled.

"Seriously" I groaned. I hated getting deep, with anyone. And the fact she didn't trust me, the only person I had left didn't trust, made me almost throw up. I really was alone.

"You know what fuck it! You don't wanna tell me, whatever" I snapped, maybe a little to harshly, and walked into the gas station.

*^**

Still cooling off, I looked through the bottles of beer, I wish I had my fake with me so I could buy some, I needed a drink. My stomach pains made me want one. Every since that night, I've needed pain meds everyday, my insides are officially screwed up. Poor liver.

"Wanna a drink?" A guy, probably mid-20s asked me. I looked him over, a little scruffy, guns and roses t shirt, and a smirk. A great distraction.

"Sure" I said lightly laughing.

He bought me some beer and we went to his RV.

"On my way to Cali" Jonny told me "best friends getting married."

"That's cool, why didn't fly?" I pondered.

"Wanted to explore some history landmarks, bit of nerd" he laughed. I was in no way attached, but he was growing on me.

We'd finished a case, and were both drunk, he started the kisses. I kissed back.

I stumbled into the van in the morning, forgetting about our fight. I was kind of on a buzz from Jonny, I'd actually enjoyed myself. I even told him to meet me tomorrow.

I looked in the van to see Alice crossing her arms.