What If..
We made it to the park in complete silence and i was beginning to feel tired, and cranky. That and my phone was ringing off the hook because i wasn’t at work. They were not going to believe this: I’m sorry, Mrs. Meloni but a hot-notorious-in-denial-felon hijacked me after i accidentally hit him with my car. Yeah, totally convincing.
I looked over from the drivers’ seat as we sat parked. He looked vulnerable and small, i almost felt sad for him. Almost. “What’s your name?” i asked gently, afraid that he would sass me the way i had been sassing him.
“Peter.” he answered, his voice gravelly. He looked as if all the effects of being hit by my Ol’ Aspire suddenly hit him.
“Well, you should start explaining if you want my help.” What? What am i doing?
He looked over at me. Surprise. Green eyes, nice. No, stop. “You’ll help me?”
“It depends on what kind of help you need.” That’s right, create a loophole for yourself. Smart girl, Erin.
“It’s a long story.”
“Well, as long as it’s raining and you’re in my car we’re not going anywhere.”
“Look, over there is a bridge why don’t we park underneath the pass?” I looked over. Yeah, that would be better than staying cramped in little Ol’ Aspire. I turned the car back on and began driving.
“Okay, but the first drug dealer i see we’re leaving for iHop or something.” That twitch again. Man, this guy needs to either laugh or smile.
Once, we were under the bridge he got out of the car, and i debated my original plan: ditch him once he was out. But, You clothed me when i was naked, and you fed me when i was hungry echoed in my mind. Craaap. I reached over and locked his side of the door and got out on my side with keys firm in grasp. I looked at him over the car and saw relief flash through those greens.
“Thank you.” He said simply. No more explanation, no more words. And for the first time in, O i don’t know how long, i was touched by his gratitude. Simple all-encompassing thank you. I shook my head, this guy is probably conning me.
“What is your story?” I asked too harshly. I knew it was too harshly, but i needed to remind myself that this situation is dangerous. I don’t even know who this Peter is.
“Where should i begin?”
“How about why you were being chased by Agent Smith and Smith.” He shook his head and exhaled.
“Okay. Well, those guys are Watchers, a special task force assigned by a rogue agency to find those like me.”He walked over to the front of the car and leaned on the hood and looked down at his feet. Then he turned to me, and said nothing. “And what are you?” Curiosity was getting the better of me. He frowned. It looked as if he was arguing something in his head. A twitch, and it didn’t look like he was going to smile or laugh.
“I’m sorry. You should go, thank you for your help. Just get into your little car and forget about this. I’m so sorry. Good bye.” and he began walking towards the park.
“Wait!” I didn’t really know why i shouldn’t let him just go. And i had nothing to really make him stop, but i walked after him. “Wait. I am sure we can notify someone and get you help-”he stopped and looked at me incredulisly.
“You still don’t get it do you? I am wanted by an agency that is more powerful than any ’someone’ you could get a hold of. Besides, it would be too dangerous for you and I am so sorry i pushed you to come here. I was desperate and didn’t know what else to do. But, that is not your problem. I’m going to go and you should too, but your way.”
It’s weird that when you hear about these things on the news, or watch a really cheesy Lifetime movie, you know exactly what you would do. But, the moment it does you don’t really know what your thought process is or decision making paradigm, you just sort of act on autopilot.
“You said they wanted your head back there! Are they going to kill you? Because, if they are going to kill you I can’t just drive away and live my life…”yeah, i hate to admit it, but i am so rambling right now. Peter Felon walked over to me and gently put his hands on my shoulders, “I’lll be alright. Just slow down.” I calmed and took a breath, okay, that’s better.
“What’s your name, little one?” he asked me. The way he said it was so kind and gentle. And it didn’t seem condescending at all.
“Erin” i answered in a small voice. My courage astounds me somtimes.
“Erin, I will be alright. And you will be safe now if you leave me here. If you help me anymore i can’t guarantee your safety.” He was so calm and rational.
“But, if they are going to kill you I can’t just stand by and do nothing.” It is true, when someone comes bounding, or in my case crashing, into your life you can’t just sit by and watch things happen. You gotta try, you might fail, but you gotta try anyway, because, you know what? You just might succeed if you try hard enough and the good Lord okay’s it.
“Alright. Do you know where the nearest motel is?”
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