First Love

by G. L. Snodgrass

  It wasn’t until we were back on I-40 headed east that his shoulders relaxed and his knuckles stopped being whiter than my tank top. I noticed my own hands finally unclenching.

  “I hope what’s back east is worth all this,” he said with a shake of his head.

  That’s right, he doesn’t even know why. Yet he still offered to help. I looked at him again in the blue-green glow of the dashboard lights. That firm set of his jaw. The way his eyes scanned the road before sweeping up to check the mirror. Why I wondered again. What kind of guy was he?

  Chapter Four

  Sasha

  We traveled for quite a while. A hundred miles at least with no sign of my father’s henchmen. Maybe we really had gotten away. My stomach had finally returned to some semblance of normal when Michael pulled off the highway.

  I looked at him with a frown but decided to keep quiet for a change. He’d gotten us away. Maybe this was part of his plan.

  The silence lasted about half a minute before I gave in. “Where are we going?” I asked. I tried not to sound too demanding but I’m pretty sure I failed.

  “We’re coming into Flagstaff. There’s a campground up on the right. My father and I stayed there years ago. I’ve been driving since early this morning and need to get a rest before I put us in a ditch.”

  I didn’t want to stop. “I can drive,” I said. Besides what did he mean by campground?

  His eyes got big and his mouth dropped open. “Not my truck you don’t,” he said. You’d think I’d asked for his firstborn.

  I folded my arms across my chest. Screw him and his truck. If he didn’t want my help then forget him and everything about him.

  The campground was filled with green pine trees and only a few campers. People were sitting in folding chairs staring into campfires.

  It was almost nine, fully dark, and quiet. Groups of people surrounded their own fires. Quietly watching us drive by. I swear I saw a bunch of kids making smores. It was all so Middle American.

  Everything smelled of sage, wood smoke, and sand. A clean, earthy smell that I’d never experienced before. Different than the low desert. More life, more moisture. Michael found a secluded spot at the far end and backed in.

  “Come on,” he said. “I’ve got to register and hit the bathroom.”

  He grabbed a flashlight from under his seat and led the way to a gray cinder block building. Stopping at the bulletin board he retrieved a small tan envelope and filled in the required information. Names, license plate, campsite number, etc. Then stuffed a ten dollar bill into the envelope and dropped it through the slot of a box.

  “Won’t they learn we were here? Couldn’t they use that to figure out which way we were going and how far we’ve got,” I asked?

  Michael laughed. “It’s on a piece a paper. It’ll never get entered into a database. As far as today’s universe is concerned, we were never here.”

  When we got back to our spot he handed me the flashlight and said, “Here, hold this while I set up the tent.” Pulling the nylon bag out of the back of the truck he tossed it onto a bare spot and started. It didn’t look like it was that big of a tent.

  My heart dropped as I realized something.

  “Um … Where am I going to sleep?” I exclaimed, probably a little louder than I should of.

  “Shush,” he hissed in a whisper. “You’ll scare the bears and snakes.”

  Ha, ha, funny. The big jerk. Bears and snakes wouldn’t come here. There were people around. Right? Besides. He hadn’t answered my question.

  “No, really,” I said, quieter this time. “Where am I going to sleep?”

  He turned from sliding a pole through some loops and looked at me with a frustrated expression.

  “Really Sasha, I have no idea. Where ever you want I guess. Me? I’m going to sleep in the tent. It’s more comfortable. But hey, if you want to sleep out here in the open, go ahead. Or you can always sleep in the truck. It’ll be uncomfortable and you’ll be alone, but hey, your call.”

  The man was insufferable. That final shrug of his shoulders made we want to hit him upside the head.

  I looked at the ground. The biggest spider I had ever seen crawled across the sand. It was so big he was leaving tracks in the sand. What kind of spider leaves tracks? My heart fluttered as I tried to swallow.

  Something flicked through the air. I shivered. What kind of birds fly at night? They don’t, I realized. But bats do. My hand instantly went to my hair.

  That settled that, I wouldn’t be sleeping outside. How about the truck? Nice long bench seat. Steel walls and glass. Bats and spiders wouldn’t be able to get in. I should be safe.

  I went to the back of the truck to grab a blanket before Michael could tell me not to.

  “Hey, where’s my light,” Michael said as he stepped out of the dome tent. He just shook his head as he saw me at the tailgate. Marching over he retrieved his sleeping bag and a couple more blankets.

  “Is that going to be enough?” he asked, indicating the blanket wrapped around my shoulders.

  I nodded yes. No way was I going to tell him I wanted more. Like maybe a hotel room with a bath and hot and cold running cable TV.

  He shook his head in dismissal as if I was an idiot. Stepping past me he reached behind the truck seat and pulled out a three-foot crowbar.

  “What’s that for?” I asked as I watched him put it into the tent. The tool looked long and heavy enough to bring down a bull elephant.

  “Spiders,” he said over his shoulders.

  He wasn’t being serious, was he?

  “So, tent or truck?” he asked with that stupid cock of his eyebrow that always did something to my insides.

  “Um … truck I guess,” I said with all the confidence I could muster. He stared at me for a moment. I swear he looked a little disappointed but then smiled and shook his head.

  “Whatever,” he said. “If you change your mind, make sure I’m awake before you come inside or else you might end up with a crowbar upside the head.” Then, totally ignoring me, he stepped into his tent and zipped it shut.

  I stood there in the middle of the campground with my mouth open, and my heart racing. Nothing had ever seemed so dark, so quiet, so alone. Shuddering, I almost ran to the truck. My hand slipped twice trying to get the door open.

  Whoever designed pick-up trucks didn’t take into account the sleeping arraignments. I used my backpack as a pillow and pulled the woolen army blanket around me. When I stretched out my foot hit the steering wheel. I freaked at the idea of hitting the horn and waking up half the campground. I could just imagine Michael grinding his teeth. He’d tease me about it tomorrow. If he didn’t throw me out tonight.

  Instead, I twisted and turned, trying to find a comfortable spot. The truck was parked on a slight slope so I was constantly fighting not to roll off onto the floor. It was going to be a long night.

  Laying there in the dark I thought of everything I’d gone through in the last few days. Finding the letters from my mom. My leaving without any kind of plan. The ride to Barstow and then my credit cards, not workings. That creep in the Cadillac. The way Michael’s eyes twinkled when he tried to be funny.

  Whoa, where did that come from? Hold on Sasha, I told myself. He’s just a ride. Sure he’s helping, but he’s also a bit of a bossy jerk when you get right down to it. Do not start getting feelings for this guy. You can’t afford to, remember.

  I fought with that thought and a hundred others but my mind refused to relax. Turning onto my back I stared at the truck top. What was it about him that made me mad all the time? Why did I allow him to push my buttons?

  Those thoughts drifted into camping. Why was it so quiet? I didn’t know the wilderness could be this quiet. And this dark. It was never this dark at home.

  A scuffing sound and the distant flash of white light made my heart jump. Scooting up, I peeked over the dashboard. Two people were following a flashlight beam as they walked down the road towards the bathroom. The light swept over
towards the truck and I ducked back down.

  Great, everybody going to and from the bathroom had to pass right by our camp and this truck. The idea that strangers could watch me sleep sent a long slow chill down my back. Besides the whole drooling scenario there was also the fact that they’d be thinking. ‘Young couple, they had a fight and he’s making her sleep in the truck. She must be a real bitch, or browbeat into slavery.’

  Okay, my imagination could run away with me at times. But that is what quiet and dark will do to me. Maybe I could sleep in the tent. I could trust Michael, right? I mean, he hadn’t shown any interest other than a few glances at my legs.

  His exact words had been, ‘Don’t hold your breath, you’re not my type.’ That meant he wasn’t interested and he’d leave me alone. Right? It was possible for a guy to keep his hands to himself. Besides, he’s probably already asleep.

  Before I could change my mind I was out of the truck and standing next to his tent. Thank god, my eyes had adjusted to the darkness or I never would have found it. As it was I had a hard time finding the zipper. As I slid it up I remembered what he said.

  “Michael, it’s me, Sasha,” I whispered. “Can I come in?”

  The flashlight came on as he said. “Sure.” At least he didn’t say I told you so.

  I bent over and unlaced my boots to slip them off. No way was I tracking dirt into his nice clean tent. I’d probably never hear the end of it.

  “Make sure you bring your boots in with you,” he said. The guy saw everything.

  “Why? And please stop telling me what to do all the time.”

  He chuckled and I just knew he was shaking his head. “Okay, you do what you want,” he said. “But in the morning don’t ask me to remove the scorpions from them.”

  I gulped then grabbed my boots and stepped inside.

  He’d opened the sleeping bag fully and spread it across the floor of the tent. His flashlight showed me where he’d created a second sleeping area with blanket folded long ways, laid out for me. The smug look on his face made me grit my teeth.

  He was wrapped up in a blanket against the far wall. His hair had fallen across his eyes and I was sure I’d woken him.

  Swallowing hard I laid down and pulled my blanket up over me. I had to admit it. I liked the idea of another person being near. I also liked the three feet of space between us. For the first time in hours I was able to relax.

  He turned the light off and I swear within ten seconds he was snoring. How was that possible?

  .o0o.

  A bird warbling in the distance serenaded me awake as a weak yellow light worked its way through the tent walls. I was warm in a safe, secure place and didn’t want to move. It felt so good here. As if this was where I belonged. My half asleep mind soaked up the good feeling.

  My back rested against a warm furnace and a strong arm was draped across my tummy. Holding me tight and secure. Nothing could get me here. I was safe. Something hard was poking at me from behind but that was alright. It didn’t take me away from this wonderful feeling.

  Warmth, poking me. Hand on my tummy. Oh No!

  “What are you doing,” I yelled as I scooted away from him. How could he have done that to me? What gave him the right to paw at me that way?”

  Michael opened one eye. Even though he’d been way too familiar, invaded my private space, and touched me without my permission. I had to admit that he was cute when he woke up.

  “Morning Sunshine,” he said as if that made everything alright.

  “How dare you. Keep your hands to yourself. Stay away from me,” I yelled, not as loudly this time.

  Michael looked at me for a moment then said, “Hey, you were on my side of the tent. It’s not my fault if you couldn’t keep yourself to yourself. I understand. It happens.”

  I looked down and realized he was right. Sometime during the night, I’d scooted clear across the floor of the tent to get into his arms. My face went beet red. I could feel the flush throughout my body. It was bad enough doing it, but accusing him of coming after me made it worse. This was the guy who thought I wasn’t his type, remember. I flashed to the poking in my lower back and smiled to myself. Okay, maybe he was a little interested.

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I just woke up and wasn’t thinking straight.” I hate apologizing. I’m so rarely wrong I don’t have a lot of practice.

  “That’s all right Sunshine. You’re welcome back in if you want,” he said as he lifted the blanket for me to crawl back into his arms.

  The arrogant jerk. All right, a part of me, deep down, wanted to so badly. I wanted to get back that feeling of safety and security. It had been so wonderful. I almost took a step towards him but I saw that smug look again. Instead, I steeled myself and turned away.

  I couldn’t afford to stay in the tent with him. Not with those sparkly eyes, mused up hair, black stubble that begged to be caressed, and that smile that sent my butterflies into high speed. Nope, not going to happen.

  Grabbing my things I got out of there as fast as possible.

  Chapter Five

  Michael

  “We’ve got to make a stop,” I said as I pulled back into Flagstaff. Sasha looked at me with a furrowed brow but didn’t say anything. She hadn’t said anything all morning. Not since she’d woken up in my arms. I had to admit it had been pretty great having her there. I could still remember the feel of her soft curves tucked up next to me. There weren’t many better ways to wake up.

  It had pushed my protective juices into overdrive I realized. Most of my other hormones were fully energized also. Something about this girl did something to my insides.

  You’re just giving her a ride, remember. Do not start wanting more. I needed to be hit upside the head with a two by four. What was I thinking? She’s got more baggage than a person can carry and is about as far away from normal as a person could get.

  “Here we go,” I said as I pulled into the Goodwill Parking lot.

  “What do you need to get here?” she asked with a curious look.

  “Not me, you. You’re not crossing the country in a pair of shorts and a tank top.”

  “Me? You expect me to shop here? At Goodwill?” she asked as she stared at me like she wanted to cut my liver out long ways.

  “Yes, here’s forty dollars. You might need your twenty-six dollars later. Don’t spend it all, we need every dime for gas.”

  She looked at the money I’d just given her then back at me. I could tell she was debating with herself whether to throw it in my face or not. Instead, she took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, snatched the bills and got out without saying a word.

  She looked from side to side as she walked across the parking lot as if afraid someone she knew might see her.

  It took me a moment to recognize her when she came out a long forty-five minutes later. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and she’d changed into a cute red top and Jeans that looked like they’d been designed to fit her hips.

  Another new persona I thought. The all American girl next door. Add it to the tough street kid, daddy’s little rich girl, and Ice Princess. It was hard keeping up with all of them.

  “You look good,” I said as she got in.

  She actually smiled at me. Wow! Her entire face changed when she smiled. It allowed the potential for friendship and acceptance. Forcing open a crack in that Ice Princess wall that kept everyone a hundred feet away.

  “Thanks,” she said as she started pulling clothes out of the bags to show me what she’d gotten. Why do girls need to show you everything they bought and explain why they made the choices they did. I will never understand. I just smiled, said they looked nice, threw in the word cute every so often. Didn’t she realize that she could have made a burlap bag look sexy?

  We ate the sandwiches I’d made while waiting and settled into a long day on the road. Sasha was one of those girls not afraid to eat in front of a guy. But then I didn’t think Sasha was afraid of much. She tore into her food like it was going to b
e taken away from her if she didn’t. I liked that. Too many girls think a guy wants them to eat like a bird. Sasha didn’t care what I thought.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Sasha asked.

  “I hope to hit Kansas today. We’ll turn off in Albuquerque and head up that way. If they’re looking for us it will be on route Forty, Maybe they won’t look for us up on highway Seventy.”

  “I’m really sorry about all this,” she said as she frowned. I didn’t like seeing her upset. It bothered me for some reason.

  “Hey, don’t worry about it.”

  “Will we be at a campground again tonight?” she asked. Her pout was priceless.

  “Yes, unless you found a hundred bucks somewhere. Why. Didn’t you like my tent,” I said with a little tease to my voice.

  She knew what I was talking about but chose to ignore it. “I need a shower. Correction. We both need a shower.”

  I laughed. “Okay, some of these state parks have showers. We’ll see what we can do.” She smiled again and relaxed. I liked making her smile.

  “So, what’s in Philadelphia?” I asked. “Job? Boyfriend?”

  Please, not a boyfriend. It would ruin the whole tough girl attitude. “I know you said you didn’t want to get to know each other. But it’s going to be a long trip and it might help if I knew what it was all about.”

  She hesitated for a moment. “You first. What’s your story? Some girl waiting for you to show up on her doorstep and kill a dragon for her?”

  Me and my big mouth. I knew I shouldn’t have asked. What should I tell her? I shrugged my shoulders. To hell with it. I found myself telling her everything.

  “There’s not much to say. The typical childhood. My mom died when I was six and my father went to prison when I was fifteen.”

  She gasped and brought a hands to her mouth. You’d think a tough girl from the streets wouldn’t be surprised like that.

  “I’ve pretty much been on my own since then. The parents of my friend Tom let me crash at their place, in their basement. Social services sort of lost track of me. They had enough problems keeping track of kids who had real problems.”