Running From Hell

Chapter 4

Zoey's POV

      Hours passed before I had to stop. Gas and a bathroom break was all that I was stopping for. The stop was quick, I didn't say anything more than absolutely necessary. I did ask the clerk about camping sites near by. There happened to be one about twenty miles in the direction I was headed.

      Heading back out to my truck, I continued in the direction I had been traveling in. It wasn't long before signs started advertising for a campsite and hiking trails. I followed the signs as the trees started to get denser. I pulled my truck into the nearest empty camp and turned the truck off. I peered out my windows, looking at the leaves that were starting to change color but they had a lot of green still visable.

      It was only about one o'clock so I decided to explore a little bit. Before I even opened my door, I grabbed the pocket-knife for the door pocket. I pulled my keys out of the ignition, and opened my door. Once I was standing, I slipped the clip of my pocket knife onto the waist-band of my pants, and kept my keys in my hand. I made sure to lock my doors, then started in the direction of the arrows pointing towards the hiking trails.

      Everything was just so relaxing, the birds singing, the squirrels chattering, the gentle rustle of the leaves, the fresh air, the warm air touching my exposed skin, and in the distance I could hear the faint sound of flowing water. As I walked, the trail was soon riding side by side with a crystal clear stream. Sunlight was seeping through the trees, some sparkling on the water, some shining on the dirt trail. It all reminds me so much of Max. How some days we'd find some place to just walk, making small talk some days, others we would have a deep conversation. The betrayal swelled inside of me like a balloon. I wouldn't let my past bring me down. I wouldn't succumb to all of the negativity.

      Taking a deep breath then slowly letting it out, I forced myself to relax. Letting my muscles relax, I continued walking. I must have spent about two more hours just wondering around before heading back to my truck.

      When I got back, I cleared off the backseat. Using things I had, I made a makeshift bed. I knew it wouldn't be the best thing, but if I could get some sleep now, then I could spend the night on the road where there would be less traffic. I climbed inside of the truck, locking the door behind me. The pocket knife laid in the back floor-board in case I would need it. I settled myself down before drifting off.

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      When I woke up, my muscles were sore and stiff. Crawling out of the truck, I stepped out side stretching to help relax my achy body. Cracks and pops filled the air with each move I made. I reached inside my truck grabbing a bottle of water and a fruit cup. Once I had finished the fruit and half of the water, I walked to the bathroom my to far from the place I was. I used the bathroom and splashed water on my face to help wake me up, and strolled back to my truck. Getting in a quickly I buckled my seat-belt and slipped the keys in the ignition. I smiled as the truck rumbled to life, and music started playing through the speakers.

      I made my way back to the interstate, watching as the scenery passed by for hours, the occassional lights of another vehicle would cross paths with me every now and then. Nothing seemed to really change.

      Until I saw the bright lights, making it so I couldn't see anything in that direction. The lights were coming right at me, and we were on a bridge, leaving me nowhere to go. I slammed my palm down on the horn, the sound of screeching tires soon cut through the blaring sound. I didn't know who's they were, everything was a blur and I couldn't focus on anything. As the vehicle came closer, my eyes closed on their own will. My heart beat was pounding in my ears.