I must've fallen asleep, because I closed my eyes and the next thing I knew, we were passing the central line of Northamer, and the sun was up. "How far have we gone?"

"About an eighth of the continent from where we started. We've been driving about seven hours." Alabaster pulled into the parking lot of a building, the sign reading Central Line Visitors Center.

"Why are we stopping?"

She unbuckled herself. "Because unlike you immortals, after driving for seven hours, a girl's gotta stretch and relieve herself."
She leaned over and undid the chains. "Come on."

"I don't require to-"

"Maybe not now, but five minutes after we get on the road, I guarantee you will. Now come on."

I undid the seat belt and climbed out of the car after her. "I never thought I'd be on a road trip with someone I barely know."

"Same here."

As we entered the building, I realized I could run for it right now and not have to worry about her. Yet... I didn't want to. She was trying do hard to help me, even if she didn't trust me... I wanted to stay.

............................................................

We were back on the road shortly after, and after promising no 'funny-business,' she allowed me to ride unchained.

I looked out the window as we drove, as fields, lakes and hills passed us between towns, and I finally bothered to ask, "where exactly are you taking me?"

"Timber Creek." Alabaster replied. "I have a house there we can hide out in... the only way to reach it is through a mountain pass, which will be blocked off by snow soon."

"Which will prevent anyone from following us?" I suggested, getting a nod. "Excellent strategy."
As we pulled off onto a side road and the blinker flashed for a moment, I turned to her. "How long have you been driving?"

"Well...almost twenty-five years."

"You don't look like you've been driving that long. In fact, you look the same as you did when I met you."
She blushed, keeping her gaze off of me. She knew it was coming. "How old are you, exactly?"

"...Almost 42." She turned to me. "I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not immortal...not really. I just don't choose to look my age. If I did, people would recognize me and it would raise questions... questions I don't want anything to do with."

I was about to ask her more, but suddenly she hit the gas and swerved into another lane. "What's wrong?"

"We're being followed. Good thing this road's got no speed limit!"

I gripped the seat as she picked up speed, double-checking that I was buckled in tightly. I paid close to what she did and how it effected the car, then I saw the vehicle behind us...

...and how fast they were catching up. "Alabaster...!"

"Hold on!" Then she pulled a lever and the car jolted me forward as it lifted off the ground. "Ha!"

I felt my heart pounding as I rubbed where the seatbelt had dug into my neck. "You're just full of surprises...!" I hissed.

"Yes... I am." She just kept flying the now-airborne vehicle, not noticing my irritation.