Lost Time

Chapter 5: road trip

After last night, Oli and I knew that we needed to stop more of these events from happening. We just didn't know how we were going to do it. 

Some of these events happen on the edge of town; otherwise known as the 'Golden Corner'. It's pretty much where all of the rich people live, with their rich people stores and their rich people clubs. 

I don't judge, but I've met some of the people over there, and they aren't the nicest. Apparently, If you don't have an indoor pool, your 'poor'. 

Oli and I head downstairs at the same time and go our separate ways to make our own breakfast. Whenever we both come downstairs at the same time, I can make what I want, and she can make what she wants. 

We sit down across from each other and start eating. I look over at her plate and wince. Melted chocolate on potato chips. 

"You're going to get diabetes", I said.

She looks over at me, then at my plate. "And you're going to die of boredom."

I look down at my own plate. Apple sauce, cucumbers and ranch, and toast with cinnamon. I start eating, ignoring her jab. 

"So...do you have any ideas on how we are going to get to all of these places without my mom noticing?", I ask hopefully. 

"Well, I did have one idea, but it's not long term."

I stare at her, waiting for her to tell me her idea. "While we're young, please?", I finally ask.

She rolls her eyes and continues. "I was going to suggest that we take a road trip, but we would never really leave. We could hide out at Mila's house; her parents are never home and her house is in the middle of town." 

I start nodding, then stop. "Would my mom ever let us take a random road trip to...wait, where would we say we're going?"

She thinks for a second. "I don't really know. Do you have any relatives that live fairly close?", she asks. 

"No, my aunt and uncle live in Tennessee. Wait! It's my friend's birthday in a week and she keeps saying how much she wishes I could be there. She lives in Wyoming. That's not too far, but I'm not sure if my mom would say yes."

Oli and I stare at each other, silently going over the plan in our heads. I break our staring contest and pull out my phone. 

"It's only a couple hours by plane. Let's see...three hundred and thirty-five dollars for two tickets.", I read off my phone. 

"Now you just need to talk to your mom."

Just then, my mom walks into the dining room dressed in her work outfit. She looks over at me and says, "Sammy, you want to walk me to work?"

My eyes widen. "Wait...you're going to walk?", I ask in a mock disbelieving voice. 

She shakes her head. "I left my car there last night, so I have no choice."

I'm confused for a minute, then I remember her getting into the cop's car. 

"Sure", I reply, wondering how I'm going to break the news to her. 

Five minutes later, we are walking down the sidewalk toward the store. I'm working myself up to asking her, but I'm running out of time. 

"So...you remember my friend from Wyoming? The one that sends me t-shirts?"

She thinks for a second. "Oh, yes! I remember you telling me about her. Why?", she asks.

"Well, it's her birthday next week and I was going to ask you if I could go? She invited me."

Mom looks over at me and says, "Wyoming? That's like, two states away!"

"It would only take a couple hours by plane. And Oli would go with me.", I add nervously. 

Mom stays silent for the rest of the walk. I learned long ago not to interrupt her thinking. 

We arrive at the store and she stops by her car, turning to look at me. "I'm glad you asked me", she said.

"What do you mean? Of course I asked."

"Well...you're 18 years old. You don't need my permission to leave anymore."

I stare at her, then walk over and give her a hug. "I'll never leave you like that, Mom. I promise." 

She pulls away and says, "Of course you can go, Sammy. But only if you take Oli with you, alright? How much do you need?"

I let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, um, three hundred and thirty-five dollars. We'll probably leave tomorrow."

"Alright. But I'll need to talk to her mother before you go.", she adds.

I freeze. But we're not actually going to go! "What? Come on, mom, I'm not 16. It's not like we're going to get drunk. It's not that kind of party. It's, um...girls only." 

Mom glances over at me suspiciously. "Fine, I won't check with her mom. But if you come back with souvenirs from Las Vegas, your grounded for the rest of your life." 

I hug her again, then turn back to the sidewalk. 

"I'm going to tell Oli to start packing!", I yell over my shoulder. 

I start running down the sidewalk. When I arrive back at the house, Oli is waiting for me on the front steps. When she sees me, she jumps up.

"Well? What did she say?", she asks.

"Start packing. We're going to...well, we're not actually going to Wyoming. Well...start packing anyway, we're going  to Mila's. We leave tomorrow. So...she said yes."

Oli rolls her eyes, then pulls me into a hug. 

"One thing. What are we going to do with the money my mom gives us?", I ask.

Oli lets go of me and answers, "Some of those newspapers talk about stuff happening in the 'Golden Corner'. We're going shopping."

I look down at my clothes and nod.