A Long Way Home (closed)

[cbelle02]

A vacation was supposed to fix things. Sure, Zoe and her long time boyfriend Marc had been going through a rough patch lately, but this trip together was going to change all that. Some time away from the stress of daily life could help gain some perspective for both of them. That's what they'd told themselves. Or at least what Zoe had told herself. They'd flown almost clear cross country to visit Seattle and for the first few days, things went well. But then Marc had started to seem distant and distracted.

Zoe awoke this morning alone in the hotel to find a note scratched in Marc's almost illegible handwriting. She'd once found that chicken scratch endearing.

I tried. But I can't do this anymore. It's over. I'm sorry.

-M

That was it. No explanation other than he just "couldn't do it." A quick look outside revealed that he was gone. With their rental car. At first she'd sat in their hotel room and cried, then she became furious. Not only had he left her so abruptly, but he didn't leave her any money to get back home. She didn't have enough for a plane ticket all the way back to Ohio.

She had enough to stay another night or two at the hotel if she had to while she figured things out. Maybe her mother or a friend could wire her money. Her mother had predicted Marc would do something like this, but she hadn't listened. Typical.

Zoe had sent several angry text messages to Marc, none of which received a response. She couldn't believe he'd just up and abandoned her. Such fucking cowardice!

Later that day, she finally dragged herself out of the room and down to the vending area for a drink and snack. She was sitting on a couch trying to piece together a way home when her phone rang. Marc. She took a deep breath and answered.

"What." She said, her voice flat and emotionless.

"Hey, look. I know you're probably pissed at me. I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I thought this trip would help but I think it only made me realize my true feelings even more." He sounded like he was forcing himself to talk.

"Spare me, Marc." She spat. "Are you trying to make yourself feel better by apologizing? Like that will negate the fact you fucking abandoned me thousands of miles from home? With no transportation. No money. Nothing. What the fuck is wrong with you? Fine. You don't love me. But I would think the last 2 years would at least be worth taking me home."

She tried to keep her voice down, even though there were very few people around her. No need to cause a scene.

Marc was silent a moment. "I know it was shitty of me, but I just had to get out of there. I'll send you your things when I get home."

Zoe laughed bitterly. "You're a coward, Marc. To think I forgave you when you cheated on me. You are a poor excuse for a human being and I wish I'd have realized that sooner. Don't contact me ever again. And keep my things I don't want them back." She hung up the phone and slammed it down beside her.

"Fuck..." She whispered to herself, running a hand through her hair. What was she going to do?

 

[silvertongue217]

His alarm went off

The beep startled him as it always did shaking him from whatever nightmare he was inhabiting that night and bringing him back to the cold reality that was his life. His eye lashes fluttered open, his jade eyes widening as he blinked away the last vestige of sleep.

And of them

He was traveling today and since he wasn’t on business his next goal was to reach for the silver flask he kept on his person at all time. He took a nice measured gulp and sighed as the warm liquid filled him and rushed away his grief. He used the drink to push the memories of his wife and daughter away and sighed in pleasure when it worked.

“Time to go about my day” Mike Thorton said to himself launching him self off of the bed and going over to his suitcase. He had a long day of driving back home so he choose a pair of comfortable shorts that showed off his tan muscular legs and a light button down shirt. He ignored his cell phone and instead busied himself getting ready and prepared for his trip. He was in Seattle on business but he three states down most people his age would have preferred to fly for their jobs Mike was the rare kind who wanted to explore the country a little bit. He was a traveling salesman he would always say whenever asked so why shouldn’t he travel? Especially if it meant getting to bring his family along for the ride?

His family

He starred at himself in the mirror if it wasn’t for his need to work and to keep up appearances, the handsome gentleman who starred back at him would have been replaced by a haggard mess. The appearance wasn’t full proof though he could see the blood shot eyes the faint purple lines underneath him and the hint of a haggard appearance behind a older handsome face. He scratched idly at his stubble debating about shaving it. His wife would have complained of it itching her face but she was gone along with their one and only daughters both a victim of drunk driving.

He turned grabbing his flask and taking another large gulp as he stomped back into the room. He grabbed the last of his things and threw them into his suitcase. He checked his beat up old watch and hurried already late due to his inner turmoil. He left the room and went to the lobby taking the time to compose his best and most polite smile. He didn’t bother going to check out and instead moved just about to walk out the door when a voice carrying from the vending area caught his ear.

He frowned, a young woman around his daughters age was clearly in trouble. She was arguing with some one and judging by what she was saying she was also stranded hear by some guy.

“It’s not my problem Elise” Mike said pinching the bridge of his nose and moving towards the door before he could however he had a flash a brief disappointing look that his wife used to give him. His hand hovered by the handle for a few more seconds before he growled and huffed turning on his heels and moving towards her.

“Hello Ma’am” He said tipping his hat “I couldn’t help but over hear you it sounds like you stranded uh I am about to head out I’m traveling back home my self I can give you a ride if you want I know we are strangers but my name is Mike Mike Thorton I’m not going to hurt you or any thing I can talk to your mom if you’d like and I’ll take you wherever you’d like if you want?”
d

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe looked up in shock as the man approached. He started speaking without giving her a chance to react and when he'd finished, she could only gape at him like he'd just zapped in from another planet. It took her a few moments to completely process what was going on. A random man had overheard her conversation and now he was introducing himself and offering to give her a ride home. Without knowing anything else about her.

"Uh..." She stuttered, unsure of what to say. He seemed nice enough and well meaning. He looked in his mid to late 40's, probably at least a good 20 years or more older than Zoe at 23. He was rather handsome, though he looked a bit tired and worn underneath. Still, some of the worst serial killers in history had been handsome charming men.

"I'm sorry. I don't...You don't even know me." She was a bit flabbergasted, to be honest. "I appreciate the offer, but I live out east, I'm sure that's way too far for you to go..." She looked down at her cell phone. Maybe she should call her mother, but she didn't want to hear the "I told you so" spiel just yet.

She tucked a stray strand of dark wavy hair from her face and looked up at the guy again, her warm brown eyes meeting his. Did she really have much of an option? "I don't really have much money to give you." She said finally.

 

[silvertongue217]

“It’s fine sweetheart” He said his eyes softening as he took he in. His wife would have teased him that he had a thing for damsel’s in distress. She was quit beautiful but the thing that drew him in was the innocence she was clearly out of her depth and freaked out and he wanted to help her.

“Look” He said pulling out his license and showing her “there you go my name and all the info you need to know keep your phone on and tell a friend of yours that your traveling with me tell them you will text or call them every few hours to let them know you are safe” He said putting his wallet back.

“It’s not to far away at all” he said lying but intent on helping her “go gather your things I will wait here in the lobby for you okay?” He said holding out his hands and giving her his best smile “I promise I just want to help you okay?” He said showing her he was as honest as possible.

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe still hesitated a moment. He seemed sincere enough and really, what else was she going to do? She sighed and stood, pocketing her phone in her jeans. "Alright." She said finally. "I guess I don't really have any other choice. I'll be right back."

She glanced at him once more before walking back to her room. This was crazy, she thought as she gathered her things. Accepting a ride, all the way across the country from a random stranger. She could just hear her mother and her best friend giving her an earful.

Zoe glanced in the mirror one last time before she left. At 23 she still had a fresh face that often led people to mistake her for barely out of high school. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and straightened her top. She pulled a light denim jacket on over it, grabbed her bags and exited the room.

The man was still standing near the vending machines when she returned. "Ok." She said. "I'm ready."

 

[silvertongue217]

“There you are” He said quickly pocketing his flask before she could look at it “ before we go I want you to do as I said” He said pointing at her phone “let your best friend know about me and who I am”

He wanted the kid to be safe and doing this would prevent any thing from happening not that he had any intention of it happening. He was about to drive cross-country for her out of the goodness of his heart after all. This would however make her feel safe and comfortable which were two good things to feel for what would probably be a week long trip.

“Well at least I can truly see the country” he thought to his wife ignoring the sadness and picking up her bags “I don’t do fast just so you know since we are going cross country I will be taking my time hotels and the like you don’t have to worry about cost just don’t rush me” he warned her stepping out and bringing her to the car lot. He found his Mercedes parked in the front and walked over opening the trunk and putting her bags in.

“Any thing you need to do before we get on the road?” He asked turning to her “rest stop wont be for another two or three hours so speak now or forever hold your peace”

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe followed Mike out of the hotel to his car where he loaded her bag. "Don't worry, I'm not in a rush. I was supposed to be here another week anyway, so no one's missing me at work or anything."

She pulled out her phone. She didn't really want to send her friend a message. She didn't feel like explaining what happened or answering any questions just yet. And she knew Jessica would bombard her phone demanding answers about what happened, why she was with a strange man. Then she'd be forced to respond so Jess wouldn't think something was wrong.

In the end, she pretended to send a text to satisfy the man. "Alright. All done." She said, pocketing her phone again. "Let's go."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Okay good” He said breathing out a sigh of relief “then let us get on our way” he said opening the car door and then closing it when she got in. He moved over to the driver’s side and climbed in pressing the keyless ignition and letting the beast rumble to life. He pulled out and in seconds they were on the high way and out of the city. He waited until they were on the high way before handing her his GPS.

“Go ahead and punch in the address” he said and nodding at her feet “your also the one in charge of snacks and drinks for the time being if I need a drink of water or any thing I will let you know” he said giving her a small smile.

“So why don’t you tell me about your self” He said looking over at her “and how you ended up in Seattle? I take it their was some kind of boy trouble?” He asked pulling out of the city and joining the traffic.

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe punched in her address on the GPS and set it back. She strapped in her seatbelt and they were on their way. It all felt really surreal to Zoe. She'd been on vacation one minute and now she was riding cross country with a stranger.

She sighed when he asked her about herself and what had happened. "That's one way to put it." She relaxed back in her seat and glanced out the window.

"I guess I should tell you my name first. I'm Zoe." She said, watching the trees pass. "Marc and I thought a vacation would resolve our problems, you know, getting away together. Turns out it didn't help. I guess it only made them worse because this morning he just up and leaves. Taking all his stuff and the rental car. He didn't leave me any money, food, nothing. Just disappears with a note that he just couldn't do it anymore. What kind of person does that, you know? And then he called to apologize to make himself feel better, like it's not as shitty if you say you're sorry for doing it. He's such an idiot, I can't believe I was so stupid as to think this would make things better."

Zoe shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. "Sorry...didn't mean to go on such a rant."

 

[silvertongue217]

He listened to her his frown and anger deepening as she told him her plight. He knew that men like him self-named “gentleman” were a rare breed but he could never have seen that happening! It was one thing to break up with a woman but to leave her alone? That was just simply unacceptable and he resolved to go see this Marc guy when they got back to her home. He was an old man stepped in tradition and that was just simply unacceptable in his eyes. If some thing like that had happened to his daughter….

No he mustn’t think about her, even more than his wife her death was the hardest the one that left the most jagged wound. They were thick as thieves so much so that his wife often joked about feeling jealous or the third wheel. They did every thing together delighting in one another’s company and playing their competitive games. He felt the urge to drink and gripped the steering wheel harder instead focusing on the road and his passenger.

“I cant believe that” He said shaking his head “no one especially a girl as pretty and wonderful as you deserves to be treated in such a way I am glad you got rid of that guy but I may have to have a talk with him when we finally reach your home you’re a princess and deserve to be treated as such you sure as hell don’t deserve to be left halfway across the country!”

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe smiled a little at the man's heated words. He seemed like the kind traditional gentleman type. And she rather liked that he was sticking up for her.

"I don't know about princess. I'm not perfect but I'm human. And it's a really shitty way to treat a fellow human. And trust me, there's no need for you to intervene. He isn't worth it. He'll never change. I don't want to waste any more energy on him. He doesn't deserve it." Zoe stopped, watching the man's face for a moment. His hands gripped the wheel tightly and he stared straight ahead, his jaw set. He looked as though he had more than just her story on his mind.

"So yeah, that's why I am in this situation. But if you don't mind, I'd like to drop it. I just want to get home and get on with my life."

 

[silvertongue217]

“I understand completely” He said nodding and still resolving to seek out this guy and have a word with him. It was simply unacceptable and he didn’t know what kind of parents would have ever raised a child to do such a thing. He looked over at the girl feeling a strange sort of protectiveness. She was like his daughter in a lot of ways so full of life and spirit it was heart breaking and joyous at the same time pulling him out of the darkness as well as being painful to be around.

“What did you get me into Elise?” He thought to himself as they left the city.

“So why don’t you play DJ for a while” He said looking over at her “also there are drinks underneath your feet it’s going to b a long drive I am thinking we can stop around eight tonight if you see any sights you want to see point them out and we can make a stop like I said if I am going to see the country it’s not going to be in a car! So I hope you are ready to explore this great state we live in so many kids these days don’t wish to” he said shaking his head and continuing to drive.

 

[cbelle02]

"Eight sounds good." Zoe told Mike. "Maybe we can stop for an actual meal. We should definitely check out some parks and monuments, if you want. I'm really into that kind of stuff."

Zoe turned on the radio, flipping through all the channels. She'd wanted to take a road trip with Marc, to visit historic landmarks, museums, monuments, and parks. He wasn't interested, and most of the time in Seattle, he'd spent out at bars. On her own, she'd gone out to see the Space Needle, the observatory, and other sites. She was a little excited that this man was offering to see the sites of the country with her. Even if he had referred to her as a "kid."

She finally settled on a classic rock station and turned to him. "So...other than having a douche ex boyfriend, I'm a teacher at a local elementary school and I love reading and painting. What about you? Tell me about Mr. Michael Thornton."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Oh we most definitely will” He said nodding with her his mind already going over the possibilities and places they could visit. Their little tour across America would take them through all sorts of sights and sounds and he was determined to give the young woman as enjoyable a vacation as he possibly could. She deserved that much at the very least after going through the ordeal her boyfriend subjected her to. Once again his heart clenched at the thought of the poor girl being stranded and alone.

“Why dont you go ahead and pick out some places we can go to” He said glancing over at her his gaze softening “we can do whatever you want as long as its mostly in the way” He said reaching over and squeezing her hand before returning to the wheel.

“Me?” He asked chuckling not much to tell “I am a business man I go to other businesses and help them out and do some team building stuff I love to read as well land am some what of a writer not much of a painter though I am surprised though a school teacher and so young it is very impressive” He said shooting her a smile “and definitely more deserving of that crap guy”

 

[cbelle02]

"I've only been teaching about a year, got my degree and certificate and started working right out of college. I love it though, so far. I've been lucky enough to get mostly well behaved kids." Zoe said in response to his statement. "So I guess you get to travel a lot then, for business. That much be nice, getting to visit all different places. I bet your family misses you though."

She realized he hadn't mentioned his family at all and suddenly felt like she shouldn't have either. Maybe he didn't have one. He faced seemed to darken so she changed the subject.

"I think I'd like to visit Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons. We should pass close by there. I've always wanted to go but never had any reason or time to travel that far. Have you ever been?

 

[silvertongue217]

“Only once” He said grateful she changed the subject and sensed his discomfort. He wasn’t ready to share that with her just yet even though he knew it would come up eventually. She was a nice girl so he knew she wouldn’t push until he ready to talk and even he didn’t know if he actually would. More and more these days he was a private person preferring his own company to the people who knew him and would look at him with that mixture of pity he so much hated. The questions drove him mad as well leaving him to prefer silence.

“It was a few years ago though” He continued drinking some water “it’s been many years since I went back I will enjoy going back though and your company of course” He said glancing over a her before frowning.

“You sure you don’t want to change?” He asked noticing her jeans “We are in for a long car ride we don’t stop for another hour you sure you want to be in jeans for that long?” He asked worried about her as he made a turn.

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe laughed at the man's concerned comments. "Um...I wear jeans all the time. I can deal. Besides...these are comfy." The jeans she wore were a snug stretchy fit, accentuating her toned thighs and calves, and were fairly breathable.

The two continued chatting for a while, Zoe telling him about her painting and Mike going on about his writing. The more she talked to the man, the more comfortable she felt around him. He seemed to want to take her under his wing for this trip and she didn't so much mind at the moment. She liked hearing his stories of his work and adventures and shared those of her own.

Eventually though, the warm sun and lack of sleep, combined with the stressful day caught up to her and she fell asleep, her head resting against the window. She didn't wake up until she felt the vehicle come to a stop. She opened her eyes, confused and groggy at first, trying to deduce where they were.

 

[silvertongue217]

He made good time making it through Seattle and getting to the next state in the first couple of hours. He chatted with the girl for mot of the evening enjoying her company for the first time in a while. He felt him self-beginning to get a bit of his old self in again a certain warmth he hadn’t experienced in his bones for a very long time. He could just imagine his wife shaking his head a smile on her lips and a joke about some young thing drawing him out of his shell. Of course he would never have been so perverted even though she was easy on the eyes.

He wasn’t that kind of guy

He finally pulled in to a small motel half way through the next state right outside of a major town. He noticed her beginning to stir and placed a hand on her like leg giving her a soft squeeze of reassurance before opening his car door.

“I’ll be right back” He whispered going into the lobby and getting the key for the motels. He came back a second later jingling the keys her way and opening the door.

“hey sleepy head” He said helping her out his hand on her lower back “why don’t you go ahead and get in the room I will grab the bags okay” He said kissing his forehead before he could stop himself and going over to the car handing her the key with out a second word.

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe saw the illuminated sign for the hotel and squinted. She jumped a little when she felt the man's hand on her thigh. It was only a brief squeeze and didn't suggest anything more than a friendly gesture. Still, her thigh tingled when he pulled his hand away. She was still too groggy to think much of it.

She must have dozed off again while Mike was inside because the next thing she knew he was opening her door and shaking keys in her face. He was acting almost fatherly toward her, or at least as though she were a good friend, instead of a stranger he'd only just met hours ago. She was surprised at the kiss on her forehead, the sensation lingering even as he pulled away.

She took the keys from him. "Thanks." She muttered, straightening her spine as she touched her back. She glanced back at him when she reached the room, watching him unload the bags, his biceps bulging with the effort. Not bad, she thought, turning to open the door.

As soon as she was inside, she fell backwards onto one of the beds, her arms splayed out, thankful for the cool air conditioning and the soft bed. It was by no means 5 star but much better than the cramped vehicle.

"Sorry I crashed out on you." She said when she heard him enter, setting the bags down.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Your good sweetheart” he said shaking his head and smiling at her “it was a long day for you and I completely understand” He said bringing the bags in and placing them on the bed. He shoot her another warm smile and put her own bag on her bed before placing his own down.

“I hop you don’t mind sharing a bedroom with me” He said beginning to pull his toiletries out “I didn’t exactly budget out for two rooms” He joked placing his bag of toiletries on the bed before turning on the tv.

“Why don’t you go ahead and shower first wash the bad day away” He said lightly flopping down on the bed and stretching out his cramped legs. He flicked onto the sports channel and settled in catching up on the game and giving her the personal time she no doubt needed.

 

[cbelle02]

"Thanks." Zoe said quietly. After a few moments, she pulled herself off the bed and stood up, stretching. She found her phone charger in one of her bags and plugged it in, connecting it to her phone to charge. Then she grabbed a bag and headed toward the bathroom.

She turned back to look at Mike as she reached the door. "Um...do you think we could maybe order a pizza or something? I haven't really eaten much all day and I'm kind of starving."

She nodded at his answer then disappeared into the bathroom. The hot water felt soothing and relaxing to Zoe. It had been a very long day. She sighed, leaning her head against the shower wall. Somewhere deep down, she'd known that Marc wasn't the guy for her, but she never thought he'd just up and abandon her. And if it weren't for Mike, she'd still be at that hotel, trying to figure out a way home. She didn't know where Mike lived but she doubted it was anywhere near Ohio. It was good to know there were still genuinely kind people in the world.

But it didn't stop everything from sinking in again. She took a few moments to cry it out again, the tears mixing with the water to wash all the problems of the day down the drain. And afterward she felt a lot better. She finished showering and dressed in a pair of shorts and a tank top. She wondered for a moment if it would be inappropriate but considering it was supposed to be a trip with Marc, she hadn't packed anything else.

She wrapped her hair in a towel and exited the bathroom. "God, I feel so much better."

 

[silvertongue217]

“I can order a pizza” he said nodding at her and watching as she disappeared into the bathroom. He hoped off the bed and moved going over to the information card and scanning it for the pizza delivery number. He found it easily and placed an order for a cheese and pepperoni pizza before retiring back to his bed. He settled in watching the game and feeling quite strange for the first time in a while he felt eager jubilant even. Happiness was some thing in short supply in his life so much so that the feeling was almost a stranger to him.

“If only you could see me now Elise” He murmured reaching for his flask and taking a healthy swig “What pity you would look at me with” He said closing his eyes and willing the memories to go away. He was saved by the pizza man and by the time he finished paying them she was stepping out of the shower.

“Just in time” He said turning and freezing when he saw her “uh well dont you look better” he said blushing a little and clearing his throat fighting to resist the memories of his daughter that threatened to spill over the surface,

Memories that brought a whole new kind of guilt

“The pizza is here” He said nodding at it and setting it on the table “I am going to go ahead and shower then join you but please feel free to eat” He said winking at her and grabbing his bag and towel he stepped into the bathroom quickly breathing out a sigh of relief as he finally got away.

And forgetting about the clothes he laid out to change into

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe's stomach growled as she smelled the pizza. "have a nice shower." She said with a smile. As soon as Mike left, she crawled into her bed with the pizza in front of her. She had grabbed a water from Mike's cooler as well. She settled into the bed and flipped the tv away from sports, scanning the channels.

She nearly moaned as she dug into the pizza. It was heavenly. She finally found a movie to watch and set the remote down. In no time, she had scarfed down 3 slices. She pushed the pizza box away and sat with her back against the head of the bed. She pulled the covers around her, mainly to hide the fact that the tight tank top did hardly anything to obscure her breasts, her pebbled nipples pressing against the fabric.

 

[silvertongue217]

He ducked his head into the water letting the hot droplets hit his sore back and clear his head. He took his time showering partly to clear his head and partly to relax. Even though the Mercedes was designed for comfort it still played hell on his back and his leg. He idly itched his leg the phantom bullet wound bothering him once more from the war he had taken part in. The damn thing seemed to be itching more and more he thought scratching it for a few seconds before finishing up in the shower. He finally stepped out drying his body off as he looked for his clothes.

His clothes

“Shit” He murmured smacking his forehead realizing he left them out on the bed in his haste to get inside. He swore under his breath and sighed tying his towel around his waste and hesitantly opening the door.

“I left my clothes on the bed” He called stepping out clad only in a towel “Sorry!” He said shuffling over to the bed and grabbing his clothing.

 

[cbelle02]

Zoe had gotten engrossed in the movie she was watching. It wasn't a particularly good movie but it was one in which she didn't have to think too much. It took her mind off Marc and any worries she still had. She glanced up when Mike came back into the room, then did a double take when she realized he was in only a towel.

He seemed a little embarrassed and rushed to grab his clothes as he apologized. She too in his bare chest and broad shoulders, lean and strong, his skin still a little damp from the shower. Her eyes drifted instinctively downward, over his stomach and hips until they disappeared under the towel. She suddenly realized she was staring and looked away, blushing slightly.

"No worries." She assured him, but glanced up again as he turned, admiring the way the muscles moved in his back as he hurried away into the bathroom again. Get it together, girl. She thought. He's old enough to be your dad.