Long Way Home

2: Thanks For Nothing

"What do you want?" a woman asked tiredly from behind a glass window.

"I'm here to pick up my car, it was brought in a few minutes ago," Carter said.

"Name?"

"Carter Reynolds."

"That'll be $200."

His mouth fell, "$200!? I don't have $200. Y'all got any payment plans? You know, give a little money every now and then?"

"Nope, it has to all be payed up front."

"All I did was park my car for a second in the wrong spot. I'm sorry about that, I didn't notice it was a fire zone."

"Sorry doesn't give me $200."

"Well, can I at least get some stuff out of my car first? I left my phone and some clothes in there," he asked.

"No, sorry, you can't get any property from the car once it's brought in... unless your fine is paid."

"Ugh! Thanks for nothing," he said miserably walking away.

"You're welcome," she called after him.

I walked out behind him as he sat on the curb and put his head in his hands. "Umm, hey.. I feel really bad about this and so if you would like to, I could give you a ride to wherever you need to go." I offered him.

"Well seeing as I have no car or phone at the moment, I guess I don't really have any other option," he said and got up.

"So, where were you headed?" I asked.

"The airport, I have a flight at 2:00am."

"You were gonna take a plane at 2 in the morning?"

"Yea, it was the only time they had available since I got the ticket so late."

As I was driving it was silent, so I decided to make small talk. "Soo, what was your name?" I asked.

He was staring out the window, "..Carter.." he said not turning around.

"Well I'm Alex." he didn't respond. "Where are you taking a flight too?"

"North Carolina."

"Oh nice. Are you visiting family or what?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

"Well excuse me for wanting to get to know you since I am letting you ride in my car."

"I didn't ask you too! You offered."

"You didn't have to say yes, I felt bad for you!"

"But this is your fault you! Your the crazy girl who hit me with your car and tried to kidnap me!"

"First, I didn't hit you with my car, I hit you with the car door and I wasn't trying to kidnap you! If it's a problem for you maybe I should just let you out and you can drive yourself to the airport. Oh, wait, you can't because you don't have a car anymore!"

"I have a car, it's just taken, because of you!"

"Because of me? Your the dumbass who parking in a fire lane!"

He paused for a second, regaining his calm I assume. Then he talked in a calm tone, "just take me to the airport and we can be free of this... please."

Don't mind if I do.