road ☯ l.t

My reflection on the mirror scared me. It could not be me, it simply couldn't. My eyes were dull and carried an exhaustion on them, which was not there a couple of months ago. I was so pale and frail, looking like I could break any second.

I had been warned about what would happen if I followed my dreams, millions of times, but nothing they said stopped me from crossing the country in search of happiness. But, after several nights of hungry, cold and no place, not even a couch to sleep I realized that maybe I should have listened to someone.

A knock on the door brought my attention back to reality. I sighed. The annoying noise continued, making me clench my fists.

"What?" I asked, trying to keep my voice normal and without any evidence that I was angry. 

"Um, can you please like, open the door?" it was a man's voice, and to say I was confused was understanding. This was a ladies bathroom.

I didn't answer, because what in the earth could I say? Oh, of course I can open the door. Because you and I in a confined space isn't strange at all. 

"Are you still there?"

I rolled my eyes. Obviously I was still here, there was just one window I could use as escape and it was so small I think my arm would get stuck there if I tried to pass. Debating with myself whether or not I should open the door I bit my bottom lip, staring at the door through the dirty and cracked mirror. His voice was sweet and calm, he did not seem able to do anything against me, so I slowly turned the knob, peeking through the small opening to see who was there.

It was a young man, maybe in his early twenties. And he was pretty - well, I don't know if pretty is the exact word. He was gorgeous to be honest, with his shiny brunette hair, which reached his neck, and cute smile.

"So..." I narrowed my eyes, dragging my word. "What do you want?"

"My friend forgot her phone." he said. "Could you get it for me? She's being a pain in my arse in the last hour because she lost her 'baby'."

"Um, sure, " I let go of the door and went look for the phone. I didn't have to search a lot because there is not really much space in a gas station bathroom. "Here." I gave him the phone.

"Thanks."

Then he left, walking toward a car with a girl impatiently waiting by its side. 

Looking at myself in the mirror one more time, I left the stinky bathroom. The gas station was desert, only me, the brunette boy and his friend.  And an old man sat on the floor, which could pretty much be a murder, and the fact that I was lost didn't help at all.

"Hey!" I turned around. The same boy from before was running toward me. "Do you know what is the next city? Lorena, my friend, was driving and we are kind of lost." he rolled his pale blue eyes.

"I don't have any idea," I scratched the back of my neck. "To be honest, I'm kinda lost too."

I thought he would roll his eyes again or tell me I am stupid, however he only smiled. 

"Well, care to join us?" he pointed behind his shoulder, where, who I assume was Lorena, waved. 

"W- what? Are you seriously inviting me, a total stranger, to join you?" 

"C'mon. I can't let you here alone." he insisted. "Not with that creepy over there." he whispered the last part.

"You're insane." was my reply. 

"Most people are." he shrugged. "So...?"

I shouldn't be considering his ask, but I was. I mean, I was homeless, hungry and the last time I took a shower was two days ago; what I had to lose?

"Okay." I said.

"Well love, you're going to have the time of your life with us!" he grinned. The boy grasped my hand, forcing me to run along with him. Over his shoulder, he said, "By the way, I'm Louis! What's your name?"

"I'm Clove!" 

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." he started as we reached the car. "Makes sense, huh?"

And I almost smiled, almost.