Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  The hood slammed down causing Allison to jump. “Sorry to startle you. Not sure why the check engine light came on. It was merely a loose wire. If you had this looked at before you started your trip, your mechanic should have caught it.”

  Was this Allison’s luck? Another person, a professional, she had trusted and something had gone wrong. At least it hadn’t gone as wrong as it could have. “Thank you. I’m lucky you happened to offer to help.”

  It would cut into her budget a little, but if all that was wrong was a loose wire and there was no charge, it had saved Allison a great deal of money. “I’m due to stop for lunch. Would you allow me to buy you something?”

  Nina wiped her hands upon the rag she always kept in the back pocket of her overalls. “If you don’t mind eating with a grease monkey, we can have lunch at the diner. The price is right and we can walk. After you park in back of the garage.”

  Allison hesitated for a moment before attempting to start her car. It purred even more than usual. Her smile was reward enough for Nina who, instead of taking the offered ride, began walking to the diner.

  It wasn’t long before both were settled in a booth in the back and were waiting for the food they’d ordered. “I know it’s none of my business, but where is a sweet thing like you headed all by yourself?”

  After taking a sip of her pop, Allison finally spoke. “I’m on my way to a bed and breakfast in Georgia. It’s the first time I’ve traveled outside of Michigan. I’m nervous of not knowing anyone.”

  “Are you also nervous being so far deep in the south being a member of the LGBTQI community.” Nina watched as her dining companion reached for her necklace. “I noticed the necklace. I don’t advertise because of the people around here.”

  Brown eyes closed. It was her greatest concern, other than the traveling. Allison sighed as she leaned back. Partially it was to distance herself from Nina. Partially it was because their food had arrived.

  Before answering, Allison took the time to cover her fries in both ketchup and mayonnaise. “Where I’m from, people don’t like it. Regardless, I wear my necklace and shirts with pride. But The South is different. It’s a place I always wanted to visit. And the bed and breakfast is supposed to be LGBTQI friendly, so…”

  “But you are still nervous.” Allison couldn’t look Nina in the eyes. “I’ve been around for a very long time. I see you carry pepper spray.” Allison withdrew her wrist from the table. “It’s ok to advertise it. I’m going to give you the best advice anyone can ever give you.”

  Allison wasn’t certain why she was listening so intently to the stranger. Was it the fact she seemed older and wiser? Or was it the fact Nina had aided her, without thought of payment? All she knew was she couldn’t wait for the advice.

  “You’re a pretty young thing. There will be plenty of men and women after you.” Allison swallowed. “While I might be so inclined, I’m taken.” Nina watched as her young friend relaxed. “My advice to you is…don’t settle. I did that once, a long time ago. Follow your heart and you’ll be all right. Now, I hate to do this, but work awaits.”

  “Thank you.” Allison reached across the table and placed a hand on her hero’s. “I might just look you up on the way home. If only so I can tell you how my vacation turns out.” Nina only winked as she placed a handful of bills on the table and took off for the door.

  Allison shook her head. Not only had she been saved a huge mechanic’s bill, she had been treated to lunch. And she had been given some sage advice. Perhaps this vacation would be more than worth it. Time would tell.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  The open road. It wasn’t what Lucy had expected. Or was it she had chosen the wrong path? The young woman shook her head. Already there had been five delays because of construction and another because of an accident.

  Still, traveling outside of Michigan for the very first time felt amazing. The possibility of meeting new people was intriguing, not that she didn’t meet interesting people at her store.

  It was the time Lucy would have to herself. That didn’t mean the time she had already spent in her car. Though she was scheduled to stay in a hotel an hour away, Lucy decided to change her plans, though there might be a fee for canceling her reservation.

  The next exit with a medium-sized town was taken gladly. There were a handful of restaurants that weren’t fast food. Lucy had already had enough of burgers and fries so those, along with the nice looking hotel, were welcomed sights.

  After a quick shower and change of clothes, Lucy was off to discover a restaurant that didn’t serve fast food. She discovered it less than a mile from the hotel she had chosen. It was quaint, almost like a family owned restaurant.

  It wasn’t until after she was eating that Lucy remembered she hadn’t called her mom. As she was about to dial, a coffee was placed in front of her. She glanced at the dark brew before looking at the waitress. “The gentleman at the front booth sent this your way.”

  Lucy stared for only a moment at the coffee before gently sliding it back to her waitress. “Tell him thanks, but no thanks. Caffeine keeps me up and I need to get some sleep.” The waitress smirked before taking the coffee away.

  “I’m sorry I forgot to call.” Lucy heard her mother’s voice on the other end of the phone. Her mother had been worried but understood. As always, her mother had her back. If not for her mother…

  “We could always enjoy decaf coffee or another beverage if you’re worried about the caffeine.” A man around thirty wearing a business suit stood before her. “I have a room at the hotel down the road. It’s an executive suite.”

  Lucy could hear her mother asking what was happening. “I’m sorry, Mom. This young man won’t take no for an answer. In fact, he just asked me back to his executive suite. Would you like to speak to him? Or would you do your usual.”

  It was easy to hear the laughter from the other end of the phone. “I’d say you, Sir, have less than a minute before my mother calls the police.” The man stiffened. “She doesn’t take kindly to anyone, male or female, bothering her little girl.”

  The man had the coffee he’d bought for the woman in his hand. “You bitches!” Without thought, the young man poured the drink in her lap. “Just wish your bitch of a mother could have felt that as well. I’m just a true gentleman offering a lonely lady some much needed companionship.”

  It was instinct. Lucy moved without thought. She used the heal of her hand to break the young man’s nose. Soon, there was a crowd surrounding the table. Lucy sighed heavily as this was not how she had envisioned beginning her vacation.

  As Lucy was escorted outside the crowded diner by two male police officers, she wondered if she would even arrive safely. When she was placed gently in the back of the squad car, her heart sank.

  “We don’t like your kind here.” Lucy was startled from her thoughts. She’d been sitting, alone, in the back of the squad car for nearly ten minutes. “The kind of woman who flirts and then says they aren’t interested.”

  “I only wanted to have dinner and then return to my hotel room.” Lucy’s voice was barely audible. Never had she experienced anything like this before. She’d lost customers because they’d discovered she was bisexual.

  The younger officer knelt next to her. His voice was so low, it was barely audible. “I don’t feel like my partner. I’ve spoken to the waitress. I know you were merely attempting to enjoy your meal in peace. I’ll calm Roy down. You can then be on your way. Just give me a few moments.”

  This shouldn’t be happening, but Lucy had no say in the matter. She nodded in agreement. She waited for either officer to return. Though always attempting to think the best, the pessimist that resides in us all was bubbling to the surface.

  The younger officer returned half an hour later. “You are free to go. No charges. No fines.” Once again, the officer was speaking so that only Lucy could hear him. “If under different circumstances, I would have asked if I could enjoy a nightcap and escort you home.”
<
br />   Though the man winked, Lucy shuddered. Was this how her vacation was to play out? Would she be hit on by anyone? All she had wanted was to discover a real relationship. Perhaps have it turn into something more. Sigh.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Geraldine hated being in public alone. Her tall stature sometimes kept those that hated at bay. But most of the time, nothing stopped bullies and those filled with hate. Riding a bus kept her confined, causing her anxiety to increase.

  The young woman knew how to defend herself. It had been taught to her, before she had informed her parents of her feelings. Of course, Geraldine’s parents had attempted to force her to continue to learn to fight.

  As the latest passengers boarded her bus for Albany, Georgia, Geraldine had to correct her last anxious thought. It was her father who had pushed. Who had attempted to make her into a ‘real’ man.

  The bile was in the back of her throat. Geraldine was grateful she had acquired soda while they had changed drivers. They’d only been on the road for an hour and a half. It had seemed odd, yet she hadn’t traveled by bus before.

  With not much money to travel with, it had seemed like the sensible choice. That and the fact her father wouldn’t help her in buying a vehicle. Only reason she had her horse was because no one else was able to ride her.

  The clear bubbly liquid helped in settling Geraldine’s stomach. That was until the man started eyeing her up and down. She was wearing her trademark cowboy hat and red leather boots. But she was also wearing a bright pink button cotton shirt, along with blue jeans. Ones that hugged what little curves she had naturally.

  And it started. The man began by making kissing noises. Geraldine refused to look at the man. Instead, she retrieved a book. It was by a little known author. One from the very city she would be spending her vacation in.

  “Hey, Pervert!” Geraldine continued to ignore the man. There were a few ways this could transpire. Hoping for a friendly voice to standup for her was unlikely, as was the man tiring of belittling her.

  “Is this seat taken?” Geraldine glanced up from her book to see a stunning young woman. She swallowed before patting the seat next to her. “Thanks. I hate riding the bus. But my car broke down. It’s nice to have someone normal to sit next to.”

  Geraldine watched as the young woman’s stare never left the man who had called her a pervert. “I know what you mean.” Finally, their eyes met. There was something familiar in those grey eyes. “My name is Geraldine.”

  The young woman held out her hand, which Geraldine gladly took. “My name is Danielle. But my friends call me Danni.” Their eyes held for a moment longer, before they realized the man stood beside them.

  “You are both perverts.” Now Geraldine did want to expel what little she had eaten. Until the man had stood, she had not noticed the gun strapped to his hip. It was scary living in a state that had concealed carry laws.

  At home, Geraldine was accustomed to such insults. She could brush them off or her mother would come to her rescue. Not leaving the ranch only a handful of times a year caused the young woman to freeze when confronted with such treatment.

  “Sir, I appreciate that you are entitled to your opinion.” Danni glared at the offending man. “But I am also entitled to live freely, as long as I’m not harming anyone. Neither is my new friend. So why don’t you sit down, relax and enjoy your journey.”

  Geraldine’s heart began racing as the stranger’s hand slowly was creeping towards his gun. “Everybody take a seat. We’re about to get started.” The male voice was the most welcomed sound the cowgirl had heard in forever.

  “This isn’t over.” The man with dark eyes and hair glared at Geraldine. Or was it at both of them? “I’ll be watching you. One wrong move and there won’t be anyone to get in my way.”

  Luckily, the stranger slowly returned to his seat. It wasn’t only the lurching of the bus as it started in motion that had Geraldine’s heart continuing to race. The thought of how many hours on a bus with someone like the stranger was making her want to shout to pull the bus over so that she could make a run for home.

  But Geraldine’s mother’s voice was echoing in her mind. She wasn’t a coward. While she might be terrified, she was brave. Even to admit she had been born into the wrong body, especially to her father, had taken a bravery few knew.

  “The nerve of some people.” Danni turned to her new friend. “It gives us Sooners a bad name. It gives the entire human race a bad name. It’s why I’m doing a cross country tour. Speaking out against all forms of homophobia and bullying.”

  “I wish…” Geraldine didn’t know if she should finish her thought. But why not? Wasn’t that, partly, what this vacation was about? Being bold? “I’ve never even left my ranch. I wish I had the courage to spread the word and fight for such a cause.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Danni’s smile was amazing. It wasn’t much of a description, but it was all Geraldine could come up with. “I was raised by liberal parents. They were often under attack, even in our church. I was encouraged to go against the grain. No offense, but the way you handled the asshole informs me you haven’t had full support.”

  At first, Geraldine was angry. Her mother had supported her, even before she had known what she was supporting. The anger faded as Geraldine knew. It was her father. It was her brothers. It was the rest of the community that she rarely ever saw that wouldn’t accept her. Would definitely not support her.

  “Maybe things will change after my vacation. I’m on my way to a place that promotes acceptance.” Geraldine remembered the website. Seeing the two owners aided in her desire to stay at the bed and breakfast. “It’s at a bed and breakfast, but I think it will be like home.”

  “I wish you luck on your journey. But if you ever feel like you need something or someone, give me a call or email.” Danni dug through her pocketbook. She handed Geraldine a business card with all her contact information.

  “Thanks. I will.” And suddenly, the trip didn’t seem so terrifying. The trip had warmth to it. Most of all, Geraldine now had more than her mother as a supporter. All because a stranger took a chance and asked to sit next to her.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  It was an odd feeling. It was already nearing noon and Dallas remained at the scenic rest area. She’d spent a majority of the morning walking trails she hadn’t even known existed. While it felt amazing, it also was the cause of feeling odd as she was normally on a schedule and in a hurry.

  Instead, Dallas had witnessed a sunrise, not from behind the wheel of her big rig. She had enjoyed fresh air, not having to rush from place to place. While she couldn’t become accustomed to the sensation, she could still enjoy her time.

  As Dallas was making her way toward her big rig, finally ready to at least treat herself to lunch, she heard the scream. Instinct took over and she rushed toward the sound of the scream.

  It wasn’t long before Dallas came across a sight that was disturbing, to say the least. In her time as a truck driver, she’d seen it more times than she cared to admit. Or was it able to admit?

  A young woman, barely in her twenties, was pushed against a big rig. A huge man in a flannel jacket was attempting to kiss her. Dallas growled as she made a beeline for the young woman.

  In Dallas’ right hand was her best friend. It wasn’t pepper spray as many women in the field carried, though she had that on her person as well. It was what she referred to as her little friend. It was half a foot metal rod that was easily concealed inside her pantleg.

  Not even giving a warning, Dallas’ best friend came down hard on the back of the man’s head. The huge man groaned before slowly sinking to the ground. “Are you all right?” Dallas kept the weapon at the ready, not taking her eyes from the unconscious man.

  The young woman was literally shaking. “I-I think so.” She flung herself at Dallas. If the situation wasn’t so dire, Dallas would have taken more joy in holding the young woman. “I met Andy at a place outside of At
lanta. He promised to take me home. I just didn’t know the cost.”

  “I’m sorry he treated you this way.” Dallas held the young woman at arms’ length. “Let me guess, you don’t have a way to get where this scumbag promised to take you?” The young woman shook her head. “Where are you headed?”

  “I ran away from home a year ago.” The young woman was in tears. “I managed to call last week. Mom said if I came home, we could work things out. But she didn’t have any money to send. I need to make it to Albany.”

  Dallas shook her head. “What a coincidence. That’s where I’m headed. My name is Dallas. Let’s get in my cab and on the road before this jackass wakes up.” She gently steered the young woman towards her truck.

  It wasn’t until after they were settled and on the road that the young woman felt comfortable enough to speak. “My name is Daisy. Thank you for coming to my rescue. I’ve hitched from California. This is the first trouble I’ve had.”

  “Kid, you’re more than lucky.” Dallas kept her eyes on the road. So young and naïve. “Let old Dallas give you some advice. One, don’t turn your back on the ones that love you. Try and talk things out. Two, always be on guard. You never know who’s an asshole in disguise. Pardon the language.”

  Daisy couldn’t help the nervous laughter. She had a gut feeling she could trust the older woman. Yet, Dallas’ words kept her on edge. After living on the streets for so long, she should have already known the rules. “Thank you. I just want to make it home and maybe try to go back to college.”

  “College isn’t everything.” Dallas downshifted as traffic was suddenly slowing. Spring had sprung and so had construction. “Oh always keep educating yourself and learning different points of view. Just there are many trades out there, like being a truck driver, that require some schooling, but not college. And those jobs are in great demand.”

  The young woman was relaxing more and more in the presence of the older woman. “I used to want to learn how to sew. I’m not a designer, necessarily, but love the quilts my grandmother made. Perhaps that’s something I could do.”