The Great Escape

Early the next morning, Troy returned to Sally’s parking spot. The thought of leaving her mired in the mud didn’t sit well with him. The towing bill would be outlandish. If he managed to excavate the ground sufficiently, Troy figured that Sally would be able to get out on her own. There would be no awkward moment to explain away.

Sally figured that she would need her car and the ground had time to dry overnight. It might not be perfect, but she had to try. Ever since she ran into that boy in the Civic, her life had changed. For starters, she was intrigued by him. She thought he was cute and the serious look in his eyes moved her.

Feeling silly about finding that boy attractive, Sally also was perplexed that she’s been having car problems ever since he showed up into her world. Not knowing his name or anything else about him, the score was already against her. Sally owed this boy a favor for the ride he had given her the night before. Had her hands not been in such agony from carrying so many bags, she would have refused the ride.

Searching her closet for something appropriate to wear, Sally recognized that most of her clothing was designed to look cute. Nothing was appropriate for digging out a car. It was her favorite spot, but with this boy in the area, she would need to find somewhere else to park and avoid getting stuck.

Satisfied with her ripped jeans and t-shirt combination, Sally headed out. To her surprise, she saw the boy was digging around her car. Holding her initial wave of anger in check, Sally looked to see what the boy was doing. He was working very hard with a shovel. He seemed dressed for the occasion with combat boots and construction like clothing. There was other tools she didn’t recognize too along with planks of wood.

Approaching quietly, Sally was growing impressed with the work this boy had put in. He had managed to lift the car and was filling in the hole she had created. Not sure how long he had been at work, Sally remarked how covered in sweat this boy was.

“Uh… excuse me… sir…” Sally timidly said.

Troy froze. Two thoughts instantly crossed his mind as signals started to cross; crap… I’m in so much trouble… and her voice sounds so angelic.

Turning around unceremoniously, Troy put on the calmest face he could muster. After all, there was no need to alarm this woman who was seeing a total stranger going to town around her car.

“Good morning” Troy replied before returning back to work as if it was the most normal thing in the world to do.

“I didn’t ask for help you know” a slightly worried Sally said in a more direct voice.

“I know” huffed Troy between efforts to move more dirt around.

“The ground has dried enough, I would have been fine driving out… thank you.” Sally asserted more aggressively.

Troy stopped working. The charitable actions were over. Only thing to do was to pack up and go. Clearly, Sally was not impressed. Worse, he now cornered himself into that uncomfortable zone that borders on stalker land.

“Have a great day” Troy whispered in annoyance as he began to pack up his gear quickly to leave without making any eye contact with Sally.

Sally watched the boy in the Civic break down his tools and pack them in the Civic with military like precision and speed. If Sally didn’t know any better, this boy had done this a few times before. Sally wondered why as she stood waiting for this strange scene to end.

Once the boy was packed up, he shed off his outer layer of clothing that had some dirt and mud over it. What was left was a cool Under Amour top and commuter shorts that left him looking very pleasing to the eyes. Sally silently cursed at the sight of this boy. He was no boy alright.

Before he could slip into his car, which Sally was not sure how he managed to park on the grass… given how low it sat, she slipped into her driver’s seat and fired up her car.

Sally was keenly aware that something was not right. The car was at an angle. This boy must not have finished his work and had only raised one side of the car. Slipping the car into drive, she gingerly tested the pedal. The car rocked a little. A little more gas put a bit of strain in the note of the exhaust. The car wanted to get free, but the sunken side was anchoring the machine in place.

Troy felt bad. Sally looked so cute leaned over her steering wheel with her lips pursed with worry. She had made her choice in the matter. He was not going to stick around. She didn’t need his help. She didn’t want his help. Guys like him were not appreciated. Troy fired up his car and backed down the grass to an area that was level with the street so he could exit.

His ears heard the magical sound of an engine powering up to launch. Sally had decided to power her way out of the situation. He didn’t need to look. Troy could tell from the tone of the motor that traction was lost and the car was rocking back and forth in the remaining hole. Sally was nursing her throttle looking for traction. She was trying to hold back her anxiety about being stuck and didn’t want to look foolish or desperately eager to escape. But the hole was too deep.

As Troy drove by, his heart ached. This was not a good way to leave a lady or make a solid impression on her. But she had insisted she was fine. Was this one of those “fine” that ladies used to cover up the fact they weren’t fine?