Feel the Sun

4. Travel Companion

Hello readers.
So I've decided that because my creative energy comes and goes as it pleases I'm going to stick to updating approx twice a week rather than having a set schedule. Its easier for me because sometimes I can't properly finish a chapter and I never want to rush my work. I hope you're enjoying the story and thanks again for your support x
-Kylie

"Hey, sleeping beauty. Time to wake up."

My eyelids fluttered open. The last thing I remembered seeing before falling asleep was the bright stars overlooking the desert sands. Clearly I had been out for a while.

Morning sun streamed through the windshield and the car appeared to be parked at a gas station in the midst of the desert. I felt as though I had been knocked out of a deep, dreamless snooze. My mouth was dry and my eyes were struggling to adjust to the brightness.

When I turned my head and saw a figure standing near the window my heart picked up. Not just because I was startled but because I had forgotten about my new travel companion.

Rain was standing outside, fueling the car with an amused grin on her face. Her dark hair was done up in a small bun and she changed into a cropped top and black jeans.

"Don't look so stunned."

"You were supposed to wake me up when we reached the nearest town!" I accused.

She sighed. "I did. And you mumbled tell the queen I'm too sick to train today and fell back asleep."

My mouth dropped. Did I just blow my cover? "I said that?"

She chuckled. "Yep. I told you you're a weird one, didn't I?"

Rain didn't seem phased by the comment. She probably thought I was sleep-talking or something. She finished fueling the car and hopped in beside me.

"Hungry? I figured you must be starving after nearly getting shot last night." She reached into a bag and pulled out a brown box, handing it to me.

"Oh yeah... That. Thanks again for saving me."

I opened the box up to see a large cinnamon roll inside. It was warm and smelled so good it made my mouth water.

"Martha's cinnamon buns are the best in Baradae," Rain claimed. "But she only has a few shops around here. Lucky we found one at all."

I nibbled on the pastry - she was right. They were delicious. And I was starving. I continued to eat while we sat in silence for a few minutes.

"You seem quiet today," she stated.

"You seem chattier than you did last night."

"Well after driving in silence for five hours I started to miss the twenty questions game you love so much. Time was barely moving."

"FIVE HOURS?!"

"Yep. You slept like a baby."

"Well where are we then?" I glanced down at my outfit. "Wow I really need to change my clothes soon."

"I have something you can wear I'm sure. We're about the same size I'd imagine... That is, if you still want to stick around?"

I bit my lip. "I mean... I have nowhere to go and no car..."

She didn't reply. She just nodded and reached into the backseat, grabbing her suitcase. I glanced inside while she opened it and spotted the striped suit she'd worn on stage last night. I quickly looked away to not seem invasive.

She closed it, her free hand grasping a pair of blue jeans and a white blouse. She handed them to me.

"There's a restroom inside the shop if you want to change now."