Emily

I struggle to open my eyes, feeling the throbbing ache in my head and jaw.

Where am I? How did I get here?

As my vision clears, I see this guy sitting in a white leather chair. Sandhills whiz past the car, and the tyres rumble.

Car tyres? Oh no, I'm in his car!

My heart's going crazy, pounding in my throat.

I attempt to move.

That loser... I'm stuck!

Ropes bind my ankles and wrists, forming an unforgiving knot.

I pout and furrow my eyebrows in frustration.

How can I escape from this?

I sigh and inhale through my nostrils.

Yuck, it's dirty as hell. This guy should clean his car.

The air smells so gross. It's making my nose scrunch up.

The smell isn't coming from the backseat, though. Honestly... It's in great condition and so comfy.

The foul odour emanates from the trunk, where he's left all that junk lying around.

Ugh, the egg smell won't go away... it's so repulsive. What a shame.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

Why even bother? It's not my car, and right now, I'm trapped.

If only I...

A tingling sensation in my bladder reminds me of an urgent need to pee.

No! Why now?

____

Hero

"Why is she in your car?" Elara asks.

"I don't know. I couldn't just leave her."

"Why didn't you save me?" she screams, her blue eyes widening.

"Go away!"

I close my eyes tight and open them again.

I'm back to reality.

Falcon roars across the desert on worn-out tyres, its engine pushing against the endless expanse.

My hands get all sweaty in these old gloves, and my thumb hurts from that cut. The quick break didn't charge the batteries enough for a long trip, but I'll sort it out later.

I see her still out cold in the backseat through the rearview mirror.

Where would she go? Come on, Hero! What does it matter? You're the one who decides where we go, right?

My gaze returns to the desolate road ahead, lost in thought.

"I have to pee," she utters, breaking the silence.

Goosebumps prick my skin as I steal another glance at her reflection.

Those eyes.

They're large, deep, light brown, and elegantly tapered at the corners. Dark, thick lashes frame them, highlighting their unique shape.

"Hey! I need to pee!" she yells.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you," I reply, bringing the car to a halt.

My crossbow catches my eye on the passenger seat. I retrieve it, aim it at the girl, and remind her I'm the boss.

"Tied up like this. I can't even pee. So, will you untie me?" She displays her bound wrists and gestures upward.

She's right... Then again, it's dangerous.

"Move your hands in closer," I command, sweat dripping from my forehead.

She complies, and I retrieve her knife from my pocket. Sliding it beneath her hands and beyond the ropes, I cut them loose.

"You could reuse the rope if you just untied it."

How stupid, she's right again.

"Move backwards," I say.

She moves back, putting distance between us.

"Out!" I order, opening the car door.

Both of us step out into the unforgiving desert.

I lead the way, and she hops to the front of Falcon. Our eyes meet, and she gazes at me, stirring something inside.

I dare not hold her gaze for long, switching my eyes to her ankles.

As she loses her balance and leans against the car, I toss the knife in front of her, keeping my crossbow trained.

She squats down, picks up the knife, and cuts the rope around her ankles.

"Fold the knife and throw it back," I instruct.

Without resistance, she complies, folding the knife and returning it with a toss.

I slide to the back of Falcon and open the hatch, distracted by light footsteps. By looking up, I discover she has shuffled closer.

"Go back!" I snap.

"Okay... okay, take it easy," she retreats, surrendering her hands. "Jeez. Take a chill pill."

"Shut up," I retort, trying to maintain control.

I retrieve an empty bottle and funnel from the trunk, noticing her bag nearby. I show her the bottle and funnel. "This will be useful for you... You know... To put it under your..."

"You want me to pee in that?" She frowns, pointing at the contraption.

"Yeah, I can filter it into water. The device is in my trunk."

"And you expect me to let you watch me?"

"Use your scarf to cover yourself up."

She blows air out and gazes into the distance.

I toss the tools, and she wraps her dark red scarf around her waist.

Then she bends her knees, grabs the bottle and funnel, pulls down her pants, and holds the scarf with her other hand.

Our eyes meet.

I'd have perished long ago under her glare if looks could kill.

"What are you staring at?" she yells.

"Nothing," I reply, looking away.

"Do you have something to wipe with?" she asks.

I realise I've overlooked a crucial detail—she's a girl. My mother always made sure there was a cloth available.

"No, I don't. Use a part of your scarf. I won't look for three seconds," I offer and turn around.

"My scarf? It was on my face, you know?" She clenches her jaw, tearing off a piece from the worn end of it. "Fine... start counting."

As I hear the first drops hit the plastic bottom of the bottle, I close my eyes and begin counting. "Three, two, one."

The sound of urine filling the bottle reaches my ears. I'll wait a little longer.

"I'm finished," she says, buckling her belt.

When I open my eyes, she's prepared to depart.

"Don't think you scored any points with me by doing this."

"Pfff, I won't. Return to the Falcon... I mean the car. And leave the stuff behind," I reply.

She complies, getting back into the car.

I take the funnel and the half-empty bottle and slot them into the filter system my dad set up in the trunk.

With a gurgling sound, the device absorbs the yellow liquid.

It filters the urine, accompanied by a soft buzzing, and ends with a satisfying click.

Nice, an extra day's worth of water.

I again aim my crossbow at Pee Girl as I shuffle back to the front car.

"Are you going to shoot me now?" she taunts via the open backseat window.

"Who knows?" I bluff.

"Pfff, yeah, right?" She rolls her eyes.

She's putting up a tough front.

"You know you can't go anywhere," I remind her.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing. Just sit there, do nothing weird, and don't talk."

"Yeah, look who's talking."

"Me, and I call the shots," I assert. "I have the crossbow."

"Whatever," she mutters, crossing her arms and tucking her head.

I press the accelerator while also keeping an eye on the rearview mirror and having my crossbow ready.

"Don't worry, stupid. I won't do anything. Concentrate on the road," she remarks.

"No, I won't. I don't trust you," I reply, my grip tightening on my crossbow.

"You want me to beg?" She raises her eyebrows.

I grin, returning my attention to the road and watching the sand and stones disappear beneath the car.

"Loser," she mutters under her breath.

"You better behave, Pee Girl, or I'll leave you, regardless."

____

Emily

Pee Girl?

"What did you call me?"

"Pee Girl... And just shut up."

What an idiot! How do I get rid of him?

I'm searching for anything in his car to hit him with. Scattered maps to my left depict various parts of the US and even some foreign countries.

Where is he planning to go?

"What are you doing?" he yells, catching me off guard.

I meet his eyes through the rearview mirror. A sudden surge of nervousness runs through my body.

"Uh... nothing," I respond high-pitched.

"You better not be. I could still leave you stranded," he threatens.

He thinks he's so tough. Without his weapon and this car, he's just a crybaby loser.

I turn away from him, my gaze fixed on the map again. A red line traces a route from Kentucky straight through Virginia.

How long has he been travelling?

Although I want to continue exploring the map, something has captured my attention. Next to the map, there's a sleek, dark display with a thin black border.

As I reach out, his voice interrupts me.

"Don't move or touch my stuff."

"I wasn't planning on doing that," I respond, frustration creeping into my tone.

"Yeah, right.... sit still and do nothing," he commands.

I give in and do what he wants.

However, this car... Falcon, right? It could be useful. It appears to be an electric vehicle.

Could the solar panels be the wings?

And what about this guy... He could help me out. Should I ask him to work with me? Two heads are better than one.

Who am I kidding?

I've managed without him so far, and I don't need any help. Stealing his car would be the best option.

____

Hero

The electric hum of Falcon fills the tense silence between us. I glance in the rearview mirror at the girl. Her sharp and wary eyes dart around the interior of the car.

"You could've killed me," she says, her voice laced with suspicion. "Why didn't you?"

I shrug, keeping my eyes on the road. "I could ask you the same. You found me sleeping. You had a knife. Why didn't you use it?"

She scoffs, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "I needed to know how the car works. It's not every day you come across a working car, especially an electric one. Thought it might be more useful than just another body."

"That's the same reason I didn't kill you. I figured you might know something useful, too," I bluff.

She leans back, eyes still cautious. "Survival's a tricky game. Trust gets you killed out here."

"True," I reply, glancing at her again. "Mistrust can get you killed just as quickly. You learn to balance it."

Her eyes narrow. "You talk like you've got it all figured out. Like you know what you're doing."

"I survive... It's all we can do.

She huffs out, looking out the window at the barren landscape. "Surviving isn't living. It's only... existing."

"Existing is better than being dead," I counter.

"Depends on your perspective," she mutters, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Some days, I'm not so sure."

We fall into silence again.

Alongside her scepticism and distrust, I can detect an additional element. It could be a sense of curiosity or desperation. In a world where everyone hides behind masks or puts up walls for self-protection, it's really hard to figure out what's true.

Whatever... I shouldn't even care. The main thing is that I'm still unsure of what to do.

She succumbs to sleep, her head swaying with each jolt caused by Falcon's shock absorbers.

Droplets of drool escape her lips, leaving a faint trail as if marking the path of her dreams. A surge of compassion prompts me to stop the car.

Searching for a clean handkerchief proves impossible amidst the clutter of my rather unkempt car.

At that moment, a revelation strikes me like a bolt of lightning.

Eureka!

I let out a groan and lean forward to get my trusty first aid kit from the glove compartment.

With sterile gauze in my trembling hand, I wipe away the line of drool from her mouth and chin.

A nervous whisper urges me to keep it together, so I press the gauze against the damp spots on her chin.

What the heck am I doing?

A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth as I reach the corner of her lips.

Is this weird?

Out of nowhere, my index finger hurts like crazy. "What the fudge?" I exclaim, startled, pulling my finger from her teeth.

Out of nowhere, she throws a punch, hitting my eye. I recoil in pain.

"Ugh! You b—"

Argh! That hurt!

I check for her, using my working eye and pressing on the other to relieve the pounding pain. She has already gotten out of the car.

Swift and agile, she dashes away from me.

Going solo, without water or a mode of transportation, she's putting herself in a dangerous situation.

Do I even need to care? Argh!

I guide Falcon towards her, narrowing the distance.

Why am I even doing this?

Riding alongside her, I match her frantic pace and roll down my window.

"Stop running! I won't hurt you! Get in, and we'll talk!"

She halts, and I also bring Falcon to a stop and open the door.

"Get in. I won't harm you," I say, voice softened.

With sweat pouring down and gasping for air, she scans the area.

She furrows her brow, lifts her head, and opens the backdoor. The seat creaks beneath her weight as she plops down.

"Well... talk! You wanted to talk, didn't you?" she yells, frustration colouring her voice as she slams the door shut.

For now, I choose not to respond. Instead, I remain silent and press the throttle, propelling us forward.

My parents' heated arguments have taught me not to engage in conversation when emotions run high. It's best to remain silent at the moment.

"Pfff," she hisses.

Just ignore her; she'll calm down.

____

An hour went by.

Taking a quick look in the rearview mirror, I notice Falcon's tyre marks trailing behind us in the sandy desert.

My attention shifts to the girl, whose eyes wander, showing no interest in my presence.

What would she be thinking?

With a firm press on the accelerator, our speed ramps up to sixty miles per hour.

What should I say to her? What do girls my age like? Why am I even thinking about this?

I shake off those thoughts and try to ignore her by examining my eye.

It's going to turn blue. She's tougher than I expected.

I catch her staring at me with her big brown eyes. Her intense stare brings back memories of how Mom used to look when she was furious. She turns away, her eyes scanning the view outside her window once more.

Wait... Did she check me out?

Nah. There's no way she's interested in me. Get a grip, Hero. She's just a stranger in your car. She probably wants Falcon and plans to leave you stranded... or worse.

After a couple of minutes, I sneak another look at her. She rests her head on her palm, still staring off into the distance.

Would she have cooled down?

"Hey, Pee Girl," I say, trying to break the silence.

"Don't call me that, you prick," she retorts.

"What's your name, then?" I ask, hoping for a talk.

No reaction.

"Where do you need to go?" I ask, breaking the silence again.

"Nowhere," she says, sitting up and giving me a look in the rearview mirror.

"Come on, chill out. Like I said, I won't hurt you," I say, attempting to reassure her.

Again, no response.

"Where do you want to go?" I say.

She remains silent.

"Dang it, I'm only trying to help," I say with a tinge of frustration.

"Give up your car if you care," she growls.

"Ah, now we're talking," I say, trying to lighten the mood.

"As if it's going to get me anywhere," she retorts.

"You'll never know... So, where do you want to go?"

Without hesitation, she replies in a monotone voice, "51st State."

Holy crap! This girl is up to no good!

"You can drop me off," she continues.

"Nope. Can't do that," I respond.

"Why not? Are you scared?" she challenges.

I should have just left her behind. It's too late now... Suggesting an alternative may change her mind.

"You can drive around it, right?" I ask, dodging her question, hoping she'll agree.

"I inspected your car," she smirks, "and noticed limited water supply for several days."

"Can we go somewhere else?" I try again.

"Nope."

"East?"

"No, of course not! North East is better. And your compass," she says, grinning.

I reach for the compass on my dashboard and inspect it.

"Nothing is wrong," I say.

"Turn the thing," she instructs.

I rotate the compass, and to my surprise, the pointer no longer moves in the right direction.

It's broken. I'm screwed.

"After all, I know the way. I can determine it through the sun and stars, and you can't," she says.

"What makes you think I can't? I can read the sun and stars," I retort.

"So, why are you using a compass?" she shrugs.

Without a compass, I'm totally lost.

My parents used to tell me stories about ancient times when people used NAVI, this device that guided them to their destinations. It's a shame we don't have that technology anymore.

Well, I have no other option. I have to trust her, even if it's just a little. To find water, we must reach the 51st State.

Even though we have some problems,

One: I must learn to get there without a working compass.

Two: Would she teach me?

Three: Will she try to steal Falcon again?

Four: Argh... so many problems.

"Alright, we're going... with one condition," I say, raising my index finger to emphasise my point.

"And what's that?" She raises an eyebrow.

"No more messing around. From now on, we're partners."

Our eyes meet through the rearview mirror again, and this time, a fluttery sensation develops in my stomach. To distract myself from it, I stop the car, turn around to face her, and extend my hand.

"Well?" I inquire.

She shakes my hand, frowning.

As I look at her, I press the accelerator, paying less attention to the road.

Out of nowhere, I have this intense gut feeling.

"Holy sh..." I exclaim.

I jerk the wheel to the right, avoiding some large rocks that whiz past us in a flash.

"What the hell!" she yells.

I have a bad feeling about her and this situation.

We've been driving for several hours now, heading in an unknown direction. We've remained silent during the journey.

"Hey! Where are you going?"

Oh, shit. She knows I'm lost.

"To the 51st State, of course," I respond, trying to sound confident. "Up in the North East."

"Are we driving north, east or south?" she questions.

I take a guess.

"Northeast, as we ought to," I say.

"We're going west, stupid. You're useless," she sighs.

I'm such an idiot. Excellent work, Hero.

"Yeah, I knew that," I say, awkwardly smiling.

"Yeah, right? Well, I can teach you," she says, surprising me.

"Are you joking?" I ask.

"I've got nothing better to do. And besides, it'll take longer if I don't help you. Killing you won't help me figure out how to start this car," she explains.

There's no chance I'll tell her.

"That's fair," I say.

"Now, pay attention to the road first, or you'll crash us again," she warns with a hint of amusement in her voice.

We both share a grin as she leans over the centre console.

"Check this out. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west," she explains, pointing to opposite sides.

Wow, I had it backwards all this time.

"So, turn a bit to the right. We need to drive northeast," she instructs.

I turn the steering wheel, and the shadows inside the car shift.

"It works differently at night," she continues.

I'm not that clueless.

"At night, the North Star is a reliable indicator of the north. If you find the North Star, you know where north, east, south, and west are," she adds.

Even with her explanation, I'm still not confident in my navigation skills.

Which star is the North Star, anyway?

Counting them all is impossible, let alone recognising the right one for navigation.

"Yeah, of course. Thanks," I say, trying not to sound dumb.

"No problem," she replies, her smile genuine.

It's silent for a moment.

"What do you think of the wastelands? Besides the obvious, of course."

She looks at me, brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what do you think? Do you see it as a death sentence? Or as something else?"

She thinks for a moment before answering, "It's a nightmare, a never-ending fight. It's a place for self-discovery, for discovering what you're capable of."

"True," I say.

"Why do you want to know?" She tilts her head, studying me. "And what have you learned about yourself?"

"My life was very different from yours, I think. But I'm not ready to give up. Not yet. There's still something worth fighting for."

Despite scoffing again, her tone carries less bitterness this time. "You're an optimist. In this world, that's dangerous. And fight for what?"

"I don't know," I lie. "What about you? What keeps you going?"

She hesitates, her guarded expression faltering for a moment. "I don't know either," she says, sighing. "Maybe I'm just too stubborn to die."

"Good enough," I say, smiling.

She looks at me. Even though she's skeptical, there's a spark in her eyes suggesting something different. "You're weird. Most would've killed me without thinking twice. Only you... You decide to help me. Why?"

"I guess I'm not like everyone else," I say.

"Maybe," she says. "Or maybe you're just stupid."

Maybe I am.

"Would you mind if I...?" I point to the radio.

"Do what you must."

Ah, there it is, my playlist.

I press the play button, and I turn up the volume.

How about that?

I notice a slight curl on her lips as she moves her head to the beat. A few songs by my favourite artist later, she speaks up, and I lower the volume.

"What did you say?" I ask, focusing on the road.

"I said, Emily. My name is Emily," she replies.

"Not Pee Girl?" I tease.

"Shut up!"

"Just kidding. Seriously, your name is Emily?" I inquire.

"Yeah. Why would I lie about that?" she retorts.

"Don't know," I shrug.

Emily, huh? I like her name.

"What's yours?" she asks, showing genuine interest.

"Nunya," I respond.

"Nunya?"

"Yeah... Nunya business," I say, laughing and rocking in my seat.

"Loser," she mumbles, rolling her eyes.

"Nah, only joking. My name is Hero," I reveal.

"Hero? No way... Your name is Hero. Like an actual hero?" she asks, rubbing her eyelids.

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. It doesn't seem to suit you," she remarks.

"How so?"

"Well... You're not a hero... that's for sure," she smirks. "I never heard of you."

Okay, Emily's right. I have done nothing heroic in my life so far.

"That's true. I don't think I'm a hero," I admit.

"Don't lie. I heard you say you think you're the one and only Hero," she challenges.

I thought I knocked her out.

"After that... I was out," she adds.

"Bet you were."

"Hey! You hurt me, okay?" she says.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," I say, unable to hide my grin.

"I bet you're not," she retorts.

She would win if I accepted that bet.

____

I hold back a yawn as I observe the landscape before me. The sky has given itself a crazy makeover, turning from blue to this shade of orange, while everything else stays the same.

Emily and I haven't talked at all since our last conversation. The only thing keeping me sane is the music in the background, helping me forget about our awkwardness.

I'm shuffling around in my seat, hoping my butt doesn't go numb. Emily is undisturbed as she relaxes in hers'.

Time keeps going, and I can't find a comfortable spot, no matter how hard I try. My left buttcheek is totally numb, and I've got cramps all the way down my legs.

"I need to stop and stretch my legs."

Emily remains silent.

Okay?

Far away, I spot two huge rocks, one on top of the other, making a massive shadow.

"We'll make a quick stop there." I point to the rocks.

"Fine," she says without even looking.

I park the car beside the rocks, grateful for their shade.

Emily leaves the car and leans against Falcon's door, savouring the refreshing breeze.

I grab my water bag, made of old leather sheets, and walk over to her.

Without a word, she snatches the bag from my hands and starts drinking.

"You're welcome," I say.

Dang... She needs to chill.

As I watch her drink, I wonder.

Can I trust...

"Is something wrong?" she asks, sounding irritated.

"Ughe... Well, um, I noticed you drank a lot." I turn away.

"How so? I only took three sips. And I'm thirsty."

"Chill out... I was just jok-"

Emily comes up to me and shoves the bag in my face.

"What's wrong with you?"

She gives me her middle finger as she strides back towards Falcon, slamming the door behind her.

Pfff, she has issues... Although... At least we exchanged some words.

Hopefully, her mood will improve when we hit the road again. But first, let's juice up the batteries. It wouldn't hurt to give the power unit a little more energy.

I push the button, and the wings spread out again. Now, they smoothly slide to the sides and stay in the horizontal charging position.

I inch the car forward, allowing the sunlight to reach the solar panels, and stop when the batteries show a sufficient charge on my display.

Emily jumps out of the car and rests against the massive rock.

I've been chilling in Falcon for 30 minutes, just staring at Emily. I've had plenty of time to think, but I still can't figure her out.

Well, asking her is always an option.

I take a deep sigh and...

What's that sound?

Emily is singing. Her voice is amazing and crystal clear, but I can't understand the words. Yet, there's a familiar melody from one song we listened to.

I knew she'd be into it.

Can we talk now?

I plop down next to her, staying far enough away. She stops singing.

"Hey," I say.

Emily doesn't react.

Fine. If she doesn't feel like talking, I won't either. I'm done.

She exhales, ending the awkward silence.

"I guess we're stuck with each other."

Whoa, she actually said something.

"Each other... Yeah... I guess... Why do you want to go there, anyway?"

"The 51st State. It isn't a welcoming place for women."

"What do you know about that state?" She narrows her eyes.

"Well, you know what the Freaks like. It wouldn't be the best idea for you to go there."

"Yeah... you're right. It's not the most hospitable place for women and children."

I give a nod, eyebrows raised in agreement.

She takes a deep breath.

"So, why do you need to go there?"

"I need to find my family," she says, her gaze fixed on the ground.

Her family?

"Your family?" I respond.

"Yeah, the Freaks took my parents."

Thank goodness her family isn't part of the Freaks. However, similar to me, her parents are not present either.

My heart just drops like a rock in my gut. "I'm... I'm sorry. That must be tough."

"It's okay," she says. "I know they may have taken them to the 51st State."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. And I'll do whatever it takes to get them back."

Okay, she's brave, too.

"So, where are they? Which camp?" I ask.

"We'll have to find out."

"We? I thought I was dropping you off. You'll be handling the rest on your own."

"Just as I thought," she says, shaking her head.

"What?" I ask, confused.

"Nothing. I just figured we could help each other. It seems I was right about you.

"Right about what?" I ask

"Right about you bailing out," she shoots.

"Huh? Bailing out from what? This... I mean... Why should I help you? You tried to steal my car," I remind her, my voice tinged with frustration.

"I taught you how to navigate without a compass, right? So returning the favour wouldn't hurt," Emily says, jutting out her chin.

Even with her navigation lessons, I still can't do it alone.

I suspected her involuntariness.

"Sure, you did, but it's not like I owe you anything," I say firmly.

"If we work together, it'll be easier," Emily suggests, ignoring my resistance.

"You think we can save them?" I motion towards both of us.

"Why rescue when we can trade?"

"Trade? Like what?" I shrug.

"Your car," she points at Falcon.

What? Is she insane?

Before I can respond, Emily continues speaking.

"You could trade this car for a couple of slaves. And we'll most likely get a nice ride in return."

No doubt about it... This girl is freaking mental!

"Are you out of your mind? This car is mine, and I won't swap it for anything! Haven't you forgotten? The Freaks really hate electric cars. And, chances are, they've already killed your parents. So why even bother?"

I wish she knew how much Falcon means to me. He's the only one I've got left.

Emily's mouth hangs open, but she's at a loss for words. She hides her disappointment with a smile, but her eyes show a little sadness.

Was I too harsh?

"I-" I begin, attempting to apologise.

"It's okay, it's okay," she interrupts.

"Yeah, I-" I try to explain further.

"Shut up," she cuts me off.

Dang it... I hurt her. I would be mad, too, when she said that stuff about my parents.

What should I do to fix this? I know how—by doing what she wants, duh! There's no chance I'm doing that.

Let's give apologising another shot. It'll be the last time, though.

"Emily?"

"Are you deaf? I don't want to talk," she responds.

It's time to bounce.

I get up and hop back into the driver's seat.

After a few minutes, Emily joins me upfront.

Weird. Can't she sit in the back?

Oh, well... We'll see how this goes.

I take a deep breath, expecting the usual car smell. However, a sweet and unfamiliar fragrance reaches my senses.

Memories of my parents flood my mind.

My mom used these perfumes, too. Whenever my Dad said she looked good, it always made her feel better, especially when she was angry. Talking to Emily and complimenting her could help lighten the mood.

"What is that scent?" I ask, and I raise my nose.

"What scent?"

"That one." I sniff. "It's something different."

"Don't you like it?" Emily sits up and smells her wrists.

"When did you put it on?"

"Nunya."

Haha, using my jokes against me.

"Meh, I've experienced more pleasant scents."

"You're kidding, right?" she says, pressing her lips together.

As Emily pulls out a small silver tube from her pocket, I suddenly remember it.

My mom had the same tube for her perfume. The fresh, floral scent covered up our sweaty stink when we got back home from a tough day.

Oh, how I miss those times.

"I made it myself. Finding the ingredients was quite a challenge," she shares. "Does it smell bad?"

"Oh no, it's quite nice." I raise an eyebrow.

Emily bites her bottom lip and places the tube aside.

"Just kidding, it's excellent. It reminds me of home."

She blushes.

"Yeah, it's much better than your car's interior," she jokes, hitting me on the shoulder.

How about that? Although our conversation started off as strange, we're laughing together now.

I take a deep breath, trying not to turn red as well.

"How did you get the ingredients?" "I found them at a Swifters trading post. They were selling rare flowers and herbs. It was quite expensive. It cost us some fresh kale."

"Wow, that's pricey," I say.

"Yeah, I know. It was a special gift from my parents."

"That was really kind of them. And joking aside... it suits you."

"Thanks, I guess. But don't you ever joke about it smelling bad again?" She smiles and points her finger.

I raise my hands in surrender, still wearing a wide grin.

"I promise," I assure her.

Emily laughs, and the tension between us seems to fade away.

"Oh, by the way, let's get back to what you said earlier."

She's giving me an eyebrow.

"Trading Falcon? I'm not too sure about that. Anyway... I'll be there if I can help your parents. We'll work it out somehow."

Emily looks at me. "Really? You'd help me?" she asks, her voice softening.

"Yeah, I mean... it's not like I have much to lose. And... no one should deal with that situation on their own."

She nods.

"Thank you," she whispers.

Finally, we agree.

"Speaking of your car."

"What about it?"

"Something's missing in the console, I think."

"Yeah, my Dad also noticed it. We were searching for that part, but..."

"But what?"

"Nothing."

Emily sighs.

I wish not to share... It's too painful to talk about my past, and I don't know the girl.

Anyway... Let's see how this plays out.

"Maybe later."

While we get ready to proceed, the sun sets and casts elongated shadows across the surroundings.

With our shaky alliance, we head towards the unknown in the 51st State.

We don't say a word during the trip. But things change when the stars and moon come out, and the sand hills turn into stunning white waves.

"Follow that bright star over there," Emily says, pointing to the luminous sky. "The brightest one."

I can't concentrate on what she tells me because my eyelids are getting heavier with every word she says.

"What star?"

"See that star over there?" She points firmly to the sky.

"I don't know what you mean and where you're pointing," I mumble.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing... I...".

I wish she could take ov...

"Shall I drive?"

As if she could read my mind.

Without answering, I stop Falcon, and we exit the car. We both move forward with hesitant strides, stopping when we reach the front.

In the moonlight, her eyes sparkle, and she bites her lower lip again. The stars make things feel uncertain but in a good way.

I'm getting that strange tickling feeling in my stomach again, and my heartbeat is going crazy.

What's this? It gets hot in here. I'm sweating. Is this...? That stuff Blaze told me about.

A hard kick brings me back to reality, and my balls have risen to my stomach. I drop to my knees, cringe in pain, and hold my crotch.

My nuts! She turned them inside out.

"Argh!"

But before I dive into why I let my guard down, my mind starts thinking about my best friend.

Everything is still unlocked and online! Dumbass!

Hold up, she still hasn't got in.

My legs tremble; I stand up, swallow the pain, and run to the other door.

Somehow, I'm ahead of her because she has trouble with her butterfly door. I hop in the car, and Emily doesn't even notice. She opens her side, and I can't help but grin when our eyes meet.

Emily's open mouth shows it all: she knows she's too late.

I love seeing her face of despair when she realises what happened. With a tap on the angel wings button, I activate the sails. The masts pop out from underneath the car, and the one on her side pushes Emily away with tremendous force, followed by a soft bang.

"Good work, boy!" I pet Falcon's dash.

I grab my balls again and squeeze a little to ease the pain.

Argh, she got me good.

Falcon's door goes up, and I get out.

Further on, I see her lying, covered in soft sand, and I laugh.

I wipe the sand away, and an angry face emerges.

"Nice try," I say, offering my hand.

"I almost had you," she says, grabbing my hand with a smile.

I let go, letting her fall into the sand again.

"You wish."

I'm drumming on the steering wheel and can't stop smirking.

This car is mine, and no one else can drive it!

Can't believe I didn't just ditch her.

What's holding me back? Did she only talk to me for that moment to strike or...?

My thoughts make my blood rush.

What's wrong with me?

I don't get why I'm so into her when all she cares about is Falcon.

Anyway, I need to stay focused and keep a close watch on her.