Sparks and Hearts

Misunderstanding

The sound of rain on the windscreen slowly brought me out of restless sleep, trying not to disturb Barricade from recharge. I stretched out, most of my bones cracking from the awkward positions all night. My headache was gone, but my head's wound was sore and needed to be cleaned before an infection could set in.

I passed the time on my phone, wondering what the headlines were in Tranquility, but to my surprise, nothing much appeared. Like it had been covered up, but upon thinking about it, the men in black might have had something to do with it.

Suddenly the dashboard lit up, and I guessed Barricade had woken up from recharge.

''Morning sunshine, the Earth says hello.'' I chuckled.

I only heard a groan in response.

''Not a morning person, I take it?'' I asked.

''You wouldn't be if you had a lump sitting in you that woke you up from moving so much all night.'' Ranted Barricade, clearly grumpy.

''I don't know what you mean.'' Answering innocently denying the accusation.

Barricade only grunted; I guessed his mood was from pain and a sleepless night, but I felt a little bad for him despite everything.

''Well, I can't help it. I don't have my weighted blanket with me; it helps me stay still. I explained.

Another grunt followed into a somewhat awkward silence as Barricade's engine suddenly rumbled to life, and we made our way across the landscape to an unknown destination. At a reasonable pace considering Barricade's injuries, but we stopped every so often to rest.

Turning off the highway into the services parking lot, his engine cut off, and I immediately grabbed the handle attempting to get out.

''Can you unlock the door, please? My legs and arse are dead.'' I pleaded.

''I don't think so.'' Barricade firmly stated.

''Why not? I need water and food; my mouth feels like sandpaper here. Why stop here if you aren't letting me sort myself out?'' I huffed.

Moments passed in tense silence until the door's locking mechanism activated, but before I could get out, Barricade's holoform appeared at the door, blocking my way.

He opened the door leaning in, and for a second, I was confused at what he was doing, but the sudden feel of cold metal tightening around my wrist indicated what was happening.

''No fucking way!'' I cursed; my shocked expression only seemed to amuse him more.

Practically pulling me from the seat, he slammed the door shut, forcing me to go with him.

''No! Barricade, please!'' I squealed, realizing what was about to happen as we walked further towards the entrance.

My pleas did nothing, and we continued closer until the automatic doors opened into the shopping area. My heart rate went through the roof; walking through the central area, I kept my arm as close to Barricade, attempting to hide the handcuffs that attached us and kept my eyes low.

It did little to no good as the sight of a rather tall uniformed cop with a rough-looking woman attached to him drew attention from all angles.

Even though I kept my eyes firmly on the floor, I could feel everyone's eyes on me who took notice of us. Feeling the tears form in my eyes but refused for them to fall, counting down from ten in my head, I gathered my thoughts and lifted my head.

As we walked into the shops, I could feel Barricade's stare at me frequently but couldn't make myself look at him or anyone directly; getting in and out of here was my only priority. Waiting in-line with various fruit and snacks when I approached the desk and the cashier caught sight of us, looked to Barricade with a look of respect and instant trust, and spoke to him before even acknowledging me, of course, a criminal in their eyes. Barricade played along until it came to paying; feeling my anxiety increase, I silently placed the card allowing contactless payment to process. I wished the world would swallow me whole, or I'd go into a coma right there, avoiding the humiliation and embarrassment any longer; as soon as my payment was complete, I pulled away eagerly.