Cross My Heart

Escape (18)

Melody's POV

Here I am, dangling from the top of a freight car, seconds from death. I know what your thinking, gee Melody, how the heck did you get in this situation. Well folks, Melody's not quite sure either. I guess it started yesterday morning.
32 hours earlier...
How the heck am I going to do this. Breathe, Melody breathe. Shoot I'm gonna die aren't I? It's the end my friends... Here I lie, Amazing grace, how sweet the sound—NO!! I can't think like that. I got this. Least I think I do. I can do this. Sure.
That's the roller coaster I'm riding on all the way to the stables. In my pocket lies three dollars worth of coins, stolen in moderation throughout the week. Along with the coins is the picture of Crutchie and I, and my tooth brush. On my head is the beat-up newsies cap Specs gifted to me what seems like years ago.
I untie and climb onto a chestnut I've befriended over the past couple of months, Gypsy. I'll try to sell her to someone nice.
I take out the photograph. After letting my eyes linger on the front for a second I flip it over to reveal the map I drew on the back on the way to this hell hole.
Following the map I made my way into a town a few hours later. I found a telegram service and sent this to the Manhattan Paperboy Lounging House.
On my way STOP. Alright STOP. See soon STOP. Melody STOP.
Seven words. I pay the operator and go on my way.
After hours of bartering I sell Gypsy to a kind-looking farmer for 150 dollars. The fellas would flip. I wire 140 to the boys and stash the rest of it in my boots. Merry Christmas early fellas. That oughta send a couple of them into retirement.
Then, I wait. I figure nights the best time to board, so I camp outside the town for a few hours.
When night comes, I run and jump into a northern bound box car and pull myself on top. I lie flat for a few minutes, not making a sound. When the train starts moving, and It becomes clear that this box car is staying open, I slide myself back into it. Did Melody, the girl who got kidnapped by her own father and relocated three thousand miles away from anyone she can trust get lucky? Noooooooo. Get out of here.
I wait on the boxcar, silently ridiculing myself for not bringing any food.
Hours later I feel the train start to slow. I grab my things, stuff them into my pockets, and prepare my self mentally and physically to jump. Once it has slowed to about two miles per hour, I send a quick prayer and jump. I tuck and roll into the grass. I bruise my knee pretty hard, but other than that I'm okay.
A few minutes later, I'm sitting enjoying some bread when I hear a train whistle.
I leave the money on the table with a small tip, stuff the rest of the bread in my pockets and bolt out the door, running for my life. I trail the train for a bit, then take a leap of faith and jump onto the ladder, but my hands slip.
And that's how I, unofficial Doctor Melody Higgins, am where I am now. I am really, really stupid. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound—Those are the thoughts running through my head until a hand grabs onto my arm and swings me into the car.
I'm now sprawled out in front a girl with a startled expression on her face.
"What the hell do you think your doing kid?"