Random short stories

8

Prompt: There's an urban legend that's been circulating for years about a taxi cab that doesn't take you where you want to go, but where you need to go.. One night you step into this cab.

I was so utterly done. She had shut me down time and time again. The worst part was that I knew I could fix it, I knew I could get through to her. It's just that once my own emotional health started to slip, I knew I had to stop, to leave. I left a note and booked a flight back home. I had called the taxi company ahead to make sure i made my flight. I walked down into the city to the nearest hotel. The taxi was taking a little longer than normal, then again it was 3am. The yellow car, that undoubtedly would smell like cigarettes, pulled up. The worn down seats creaked as I slid in. I gave the driver the airport's address. They didn't talk. I didn't want to either. I leaned against the window staring at the stars knowing the drive would be at least 20 minutes. I wasn't paying attention when we drove down the familiar street, I was too lost. Too hurt. The taxi pulled to a stop with a light screech of tires on concrete. I moved to get out but stopped.
"Excuse me," I knocked on the plastic divider, It slid open, "This isn't the airport."
Their voice was like gravel in a blender, "This is where you need to be."
I remembered the old legend, the taxi with a silent driver that takes you where you need to be. Why did I need to be at Claire's house though. I grabbed my bag and stepped out. I thanked and paid the driver. The spare key was easy to find, I unlocked the door and stepped lightly into the house.
"Claire!" I called her name, more worried about her well being than her sleep schedule.
There was a loud thud from upstairs. I took the stairs three at a time. I shouldn't of left. I should have cared for her better. I need her just as much as she needs me. I slammed open our bedroom door. It was only a moment of hesitation before I was supporting her by my shoulders and trying to pull her head out of the rope. I couldn't of been to late, I couldn't of. I managed to pull her unconscious body from the death trap and lay her on the bed. I took her pulse, it was weak.
"Phone, phone come on!" My frantic chanting filled the hall as I rushed back down stairs.
Once I dug it out from my bag I was pushing buttons as I was half way back up the stairs. Coughing came from Claire's room as the dialing sound came through the phone. I let it ring as I sprinted the rest of the way to the room.
"911, what's your emergency?"
"I need an ambulance or something, I just got my girlfriend out of a noose, please I need to know she's okay."
"Alright, stay calm and stay close to her, I'm sending an ambulance now. Please don't hang up."
"Okay, uh her pulse is kinda weak, I don't know how much oxygen she lost."
"I'm fine." Claire's ashamed and angry voice piped up from the other side of the bed.
"No your not. Your pulse is.. was.." I stuttered. The situation was catching up to me and panic was fully flooding my systems.
"The ambulance is just around the corner, please try to stay calm." The operator's voice was perfectly clear from my phone.
I steeled myself and picked up Claire, "I need you please don't leave me."
She cuddled into my warmth and let me take her to the ambulance. The Operator had hung up and I quickly explained the situation to the medics. I got to ride with her to the hospital.
-Several Years later-
Claire was okay, there was only some bruising. We are now living happily together.

[Alternate Ending]
Together. Forever. *bang*
[Alternate Ending]

--Finished--