Day 1: 1,845 miles left

So far I haven't really done so well. Having gotten lost and running on the wrong exit, I had to back track and find my way to I-75 N. My map said that was the shortest way there. Of course short really isn't the word. I bite my lip tearing slightly through the delicate skin. How will I get there? Running the entire way? I have no money. I have no friends or car. It's just me.

Sighing I figure I should just run till I can't anymore since there are no other options, and then worry how to get the rest of the way. The number of cars passing has slowed and I travel with my own silence. Weirdly enough now I thank all of the times I had to run away because it helped build me endurance. I'm no marathon runner, but I'm pretty darn close.  

 The sun has now risen completely and the road was beginning to look endless. The hot sun beat down at my back making each step hard till I finally decide it was time to rest.I sit down at side of the road, not wanting to stray too far. I finally took the time to study where I was.

The long straight road continued on the side and looking to my right there was a marsh. The tall scarecrow like trees covered in a layer of Spanish moss gave the whole area an atmosphere of spooky aloneness. Stretching my feet out before me so they reached the edge of the road I lowered my self onto my back. The sky was such a pure blue, it was hard to picture what the muggy city was like. 

 I felt so free for once. Yes America is ‘land of the free’, but in all honestly you can never be fully free. There are always things that need to be done, rules to be followed, and ways to do things. And no, I’m not saying that I’m completely free at the moment. I still need to eat and sleep and I don’t think I’ll be robbing any banks any time soon, but it’s just I’m free from the continum of my life before and its constant patterns. It’s time to start a new. 

 With the clouds passing at a lazy pace and my face already starting to boil I sat there thinking. I was only shocked out of my daydreams and future plans when I heard a car. It’s old rusty paint was starting to peel and it seemed as if it would break down at any moment. I was further surprised when it can to a slow screeching halt in front of me.

I quickly jumped to my feet, my muscles tensing ready to run. I wiped my hands on the back of my shorts probably  leaving dirt streaks behind. The door of the pickup swung open and out stepped a pair of old worn leather boots. I almost laughed at the stereotypical outfit and attitude this man had. The old flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and wild greyed beard, he was the perfect picture of some farmer. 

 “Hello miss. I couldn’t help but notice you seemed in some dire situation so here I am, Jonathan Rivers, at your service. Just tell me where you’re goin' and I’ll take you there best I can,” he said in a surprisingly educated way. I know I shouldn’t be judging but I really thought he would bust out a ‘y'all’ or ‘howdy’. 

 “Um, no thank you. I think I can manage. Really.” I whispered out turning my body away. All of the sudden I was turned. My body pulled and leaving my arm almost out of it’s socket. The motion made me lose my balance and crumble on the floor.

My body twisted at odd angles I looked up tears blurring the image of man who moments before looked grandfathering looking down at me, a leer spread across his weathered face. He roughly grabbed me by my hurt arm causing a yelp of pain to slip out of my mouth. The corners of my eyes blurred, the blackness waiting to come. I once again bit my lip, pushing forward from the pain and standing up.

His mirthless chuckles and the crunching of gravel sounded as he stood even closer to me than before. "Now, now. We wouldn't want you to be too hastey now would you? I mean after all, I am offering kindly, and a pretty young thing like you shouldn't be wandering all alone." He paused, the options running through the air.

I gingerly dropped my foot to touch the ground, hissing as it made slight contact. Definately sprained. How will I run now? Great. Just great. There's a creepy and dangerous old man who wants to kidnap me and I decide to sprain my ankle and now ruin my only chance of escape. 

Unless... I smiled in victory on the inside. Yes! I think I  might have another option. Of course if I fail, I'll probably be in even more trouble, but I have to try. I tilt my head to look into his eyes, letting the tears from pain shine through to make him think I'm weak. It obviously worked when his stance changed, becoming more relaxed.

Hah, we probably thought I was giving up. Well I have news 'Grandpa Flannel' Hazel doesn't give up easily! I stepped close enough, that I could count each and every hair on his face and smell the strong smell of alcohol wafting from his mouth. "I'm so sorry! It's just mama told me never to talk to strangers," I said in a small voice."Well honey bunch, I aint no stranger! I'm your knight in shineing armour!"

I wrinkled my nose, trying to hide my disgust. Um, talk about ew? Well I guess it's now or never. I reached over as if I was about to hug him and instead did something slightly less pleasant. I leaned back and swung my right knee up to where the sun doesn't shine. He instantly reacted. I hopped away, cursing my hurt foot, trying to make it closer to his beaten up truck. I was half way there when his hand reached out and grabbed me yet again.

I fell with all my body weight forward and felt his fingers slip from their grasp. I silently cheered myself on. Holding my breathe to see if he could recover quickly from the blow. The rough gravel stuck to my elbows as I pulled myself forward, finally reaching the rusted edges of the car, it's engine still puttering on. I then stood again and slid quickly into the worn leather seats and slammed the door. Here's to hoping I could actually drive this beast. Fingers crossed I guess.

I glanced over my shoulder, like all the stupid people in horror movies do and saw him slowly standing up. Ah! I panicked and pressed when I hoped was the gas. Why wasn't it working? He had now reached the window and was pounding on it. Good thing I locked the door.

I frantically looked back at the car and thought back to all the times when one of my better foster parents, Jenny, tried to teach me how to drive. What did I need to do? Oh right, I remembered and then proceeded to press the brakes so I was able to move the clutch. Moving it out of park and into drive and then stomping on the gas. I heard a shriek and saw the old man chasing to catch up to the building speed in my rearview mirror. I smiled to myself and left him literally eating my dust. Hasta la vista bebe!