Lacy Adam

I've been driving for six hours. The only time I remember riding in a car for six hours, is when my family and I went on a trip out of state one summer, and I wasn't even driving.

It's getting hard for me to stay awake, and my stomach is starting to sound a lot like a volcano erupting, or in other words, I'm hungry.

I haven't seen a house in a while either. I'm use to modern, urbanized living, and the country does not fit in that criteria for sure! It's way too dark out here, unlike the city where there's always a glow, and to make matters worse I'm the only one awake, and the dog has to use the bathroom.

I pull over, but I kept the car running so the headlights were still on and got out. I walked over to the backseat and opened the door for the dog. He happily jumped out and went wondering for the perfect place to do its business.

While I waited for the dog to come back I stared at the sky. It was so beautiful! I was not use to seeing the stars so well. Then I heard a rustle in the grass off the road, and I took a step away from the car, to investigate. I called for the dog to come but he was still sniffing around.

Good thing he doesn't like to wonder off too far. I let out a deep breath. The dark is starting to get to me. Then all of a sudden a male's voice came from behind me,

"Why did we stop?" He asked. I spun around. The glare from the brightness of the car lights blinded me.

"What? I asked again looking for who said it.

"I'm sorry, I should properly introduce myself, my mother rose me better, I'm... Afanasi Orloff." The boy cunningly told me in a accent I didn't know.

"Where are you from? I questioned him. The dog was at my side now. "And why were you in a box underground?

"Well um..." He scratched his dark hair. "I have no idea how I ended up in that box to be honest, but I do know where I'm from.

"Okay well where is it then?"

"Mother Russia!" He pretty much screams.

"Shhh! You'll wake everyone else up!" I whisper-yell at him. I noticed he's just sitting in the backseat, so I open the door and let the dog in. Next I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk, grabbed a bag of cookies I shoved in there at the gas station, and got back into the car. I open the cookies and eat. I offered the russian boy some but he declined.

"So what's your name?" He asked.

"Well... I think you need to either remember a little bit more about the reason you were in a box, or gain my trust before I tell you my real name, but for now call me, Ann." Well I guess I. Good under pressure because that came out perfectly. I got that trait from my parents. Oh my parents. I hope someone will give them a burial, and also Metias. Well if anyone is left from the bombings that is. I put the car in drive and continue the journey to... Where are we even going? I've been driving for forever and I have no clue where we're going! I've wasted a quarter of a tank! I stop the car fast.

"Do you know of any towns around here?" I asked Afanasi.

"Uh... Do you have a map?" He responded in his Russian accent.

"I have a phone."

"Good enough." I handed him my phone. He did some tapping, and came back to me with an answer within the minuet. All I could think about is how fast he found our location.

"Head straight, were actually really close to a small town, then turn right, then at the river turn left on the bridge, and keep going straight from there. It's actually only about five minuets away." Afanasi stated. So once again I pulled away from the curb of the road, but this time with a destination in mind. I followed Afanasi's directions, and sure enough we came upon the town. Well I wouldn't count this place as a town, more like a ghost town. I bet the population was about 631 people, animals, and insects. Okay I was being a little dramatic, but I'm a teenager what can you expect? I saw a motel sign, and I pulled into the parking lot. No one, but probably the employee was even there. I woke up everyone, but the security guy. He was a jerk, and I don't care if he sleeps all night in a car. Well I decided to leave the dog in the car to watch the security guy, just in case he decides to steal my car. So Afanasi, Metias' brother, and I walked into the motel"s office, and found nobody behind the counter. I pulled out some cash from my purse, and put it on the counter. Next u grabbed a piece of note paper and wrote,

We came in here, but nobody was here, so I left money on the counter next to this note. I grabbed room keys b6, and b7. - The strangers in your motel.

It kinda sounded creepy, but I was tired, and it was way to late at night to care anymore. I then saw a water dispenser, and grabbed a few cups full, and walked out of the room, and back to my car. I set the water on the top of my car while I let everyone into their rooms. The security guy was still in my car. I opened the passenger door, and unbuckled him. I decided I wasn't going to give him the satisfactory of staying in my vintage Cadillac. As I unbuckled him he fell out of the car. He didn't wake up. So I reached up and grabbed one of the medium sized cups of water, and poured it all over his face. He still didn't wake up, so I grabbed another one, and poured it on his body. That time he awoke, but I wasn't expecting it. Instead I grabbed the next, and final cup of water and started to throw the water at him, but he stood up. Well let's just say the water made him look like he had peed. Oops! He looked at me angrily, and grabbed one of the keys out of my hand, and walked toward the rooms. Thankfully it was Afanasi room. I didn't want James, Metias' brother, to have to share a room with him, but I also felt bad for making Afanasi stay with him. The security guy did try to kill him. Well that's their problem now. I made sure my car was locked, that the dog was in my room, and closed the door of my room behind me, locking it. I shuffled toward the bed James wasn't on and curled up under the covers falling asleep quickly.