Chapter 2
917 Words
I've been driving for about four and a half hours now. I got excited when I saw the sign saying I was in Santa Rosa.
Finally, a place to use the bathroom and get some food I thought to myself.
I pull into a large Love's truck stop and get out. I stretch out my arms and let out a yawn. I head to the doors and walk into the sight of weary travelers and lots of snacks and food. I go to the bathroom before anything else. After I'm done in the bathroom I pick out my favorite snacks and a couple of Pepsi's. As I start to walk up to the counter I bump into someone causing me to drop a few things.
"I'm so sorry I didn't see you," I say.
"It's fine. Got a lot of people with you?" The person asked.
"No. My next stop isn't for a while."
I bend over to pick up the stuff I dropped. I look up and see that it is a boy that looked to be around my age. He had brown hair with brown eyes. He appeared to be about 6'2".
"Where you headed?"
"Moving in with my dad."
"Ah."
"Yeah."
I start to make my way to the counter again as the boy followed me.
"Name is Michel by the way."
"Madeline."
"Nice."
I turn to the person at the counter.
"Will that be all ma'am?"
"Um, 15 on pump 2 please."
"Okay then. That'll be $38.67. Do you need a bag?"
"Yes please."
She puts all of the snacks and drinks in the bag and hands it to me.
"You have a great day."
"Thanks, you too."
I start to walk to my car and put the bag in the passenger seat.
"You know it's rude to ignore people."
I jumped up two feet in the air and let out a squeal.
"Sorry didn't mean to scare you."
"Why did you follow me?"
"Can I have your number?"
"Um, no."
"Why not? I've never seen someone as beautiful as you."
"Umm, thanks but I don't know you."
I start to reach into my car to reach for my pepper spray. I find it and stick it in my pocket, keeping my hand there.
"Oh, come on."
"No."
He grabs my arm and I spray him in the face. He doubles over in pain and tries to grab at me. I run quickly back into the store. I look around trying to find a place to hide when the lady at the register notices I needed help.
"You can come back here." She says.
"Thank you so much," I say
I frantically get behind the counter and try to calm my breathing. I sit down and put my head in between my knees.
"Do you need anything?"
"Just give me a few minutes."
"Do you want me to call the cops?"
I nod my head and continue to take deep breaths trying not to hurl. The lady pulls out her phone and dials 9-1-1. She sighs as she waits for them to answer.
"Hi. Yes um, can I have a police officer come to Love's on Range Road? A man tried to assault a customer and I need him removed from the premises."
There were a series of yes and uh-huh before she looks at me.
"Yes. Okay, thank you." She says after a few moments.
She hangs up and kneels down to me.
"The police will be here soon. They want to ask you a few questions."
I nod my head and reach for my phone. I realize it's in my car and let out a groan.
"Do you need to call someone?"
"Yea. I need to call my dad. I'm moving in with him. I need to tell him I'll be a little later."
"You can use my phone if you want."
"Thanks."
She hands me her phone and I start to dial my dad's number. After two rings he answers.
"Hello?"
"Hey, dad."
"Maddie? Whose phone is this and why are you calling me?"
"Um so I was on my way but I stopped for gas and food, and umm, a guy basically tried to kidnap me. I was calling to let you know it's going to take a little longer for me to get there."
"This is why you should have flown instead."
"I'm fine dad I just have to wait to talk to the cops and I'll be back on the road soon."
"Okay, kiddo. I love you."
"Love you too. See you soon."
"Be safe, I'll see you when you get here."
"Alright dad, see ya."
I hang up and hand the lady her phone back. Michel burst in yelling.
"WHERE IS SHE?!"
The lady was standing before he walked in just smiled.
"Who?"
"THE GIRL. SHE RAN IN HERE AFTER SHE SPRAYED ME. THE BRAT NEEDS TO PAY."
I start to shake and tears slide down my face. Michel starts to throw things and slamming stuff around. It sounds like he kicks in the bathroom doors. I start to shake more terrified of what to do. He storms up to the counter and gets in her face.
"WHERE. IS. SHE!?"
"I don't know who you're talking about."
Sirens start to surround the building and I let out a silent breath of relief. The cops come rushing in and arrest Michel and I slowly stand up from behind the counter and hug the lady who helped me.
- Writer
