We Couldn't Get Along Without Ya

15

I didn't sleep as the train kept moving. I couldn't stop thinking about what I was doing and how bad this would hurt the gang, my brothers, and Two-Bit. He was totally blaming himself right now and I knew it. After all, I ran away from him trying to look at my arms.

No, I had to stop thinking about them. But they're my world, I can't stop thinking about them. I just ran away from Tulsa, from the gang, my brothers, my whole world was left behind in the dust.

I sat with my head spinning for hours, way past when the sun set. The moon and stars had been in the sky for awhile, it was probably close to midnight. I looked out and saw the desert and, in the distance, huge rocks. Then we passed a sign for Flagstaff, Arizona. The Grand Canyon was close. Sounds like a good place to hop off, I thought. And I did.

I crashed into the dirt hard, skinning my knees and hands. But at least I got off.

I began walking towards civilization, following the sounds of cars and people. I eventually came upon a little town, seeing a bar, a motel, and some little stores.

I couldn't stay at the motel without money, so I had to go to the bar and hustle pool. It's a good thing Dally, Soda, and Steve had taught me how to play. I wasn't half bad either; I could beat just about anyone at Buck's.

I went into the bar and saw a group of college-age guys near a pool table. 'Perfect!' I thought, approaching them and seeming innocent.

"Mind if I play you guys? I don't have much experience, but it looks fun." I said, playing innocent.

"Sure thing, sweetheart." One of them grinned.

"Great." I said before playing them, making myself look terrible; I missed the cue ball, sunk the wrong ball, and lost. I did it twice more before one of the guys wanted to bet.

"Alright, look, why don't you and Henry play a game? He's terrible, almost as bad as you." One of them said, shoving one of his buddies towards, presumably Henry.

"Okay, but if I win, you guys owe me $100."

"You trying to hustle us? Because with those skills, or lack thereof, honey, it won't work." One of them laughed.

"$100, deal?" I asked.

They looked at each other and nodded before agreeing. And soon, I walked out the door with $100 in hand and a motel in sight.

I made short-work of getting inside the motel, not wanting to walk around with that much money on me in fear of being robbed.

I walked into the Motel 6, paid the $6 for the room, then hurried to it, collapsing onto the bed as soon as I locked the door.

I was the farthest from home I'd ever been, I had no food or extra clothes, and I had $94 to last me, but all I wanted was sleep.