The Buddy System

It’s good to have buddies

Troy walked up to Jen’s super slow moving car. Sally was pushing and Jen was timidly revving the engine and making tiny progress.

“Two is better than one” Troy joyfully exclaimed as he began pushing.

Sally nodded a bit out of breath, happy that she had help.

The progress picked up speed and this encouraged Jen to give a little more gas, further picking up the pace.

“Image… that… she… now gets… on… the gas…” huffed Sally.

Jen steered the car into the dorm’s parking lot where the packed icy snow claimed the car one final time.

“That’s… it… I’m beat” Sally exhaled as she gave up pushing.

“Looks it to me” Troy agreed.

The snow and ice was too deep for either cars to cross. Jen was out of harms way and would soon be plowed in when the school decided to remove snow. This was the secondary lot that was partially empty. The one that didn’t have a hill for an entrance.

The sound of Aiden’s voice booming through the speakers informed Sally and Troy that he was very concerned about Jen’s well-being.

“How cute is that…” Sally half asked as her breathing normalized.

“I never knew they had a thing going” Troy half answered as he watched Sally regain her full composure before trekking her way to the passenger side.

“Where’s your car, or how did you get here?” Sally asked with a pause by the passenger door.

“I’m back a block. I couldn’t see and didn’t want to slam into you. The squall’s horrible” Troy answered.

He was glad too. The little climb to where the ladies were required a bit of a running start. If he had kept going, he would have crested too fast and slid into Sally, something he wouldn’t have been able to forgive himself of doing.

Troy was feeling a little silly, watching Sally pushing the car and getting warm vibes from her hip movements.

“How did you know we were here?” Sally asked.

“Part educated guess and part listening for Jen’s revs” Troy answered letting his voice trail at the end.

“Well, once again, you’re rescuing a damsel in distress” chuckled Sally as she opened the door to get her back pack.

Aiden’s concerned voice boomed out “Jen, please be careful. I’ll be out in the morning to help you dig out”.

Whatever Jen replied, it caused Aiden to laugh his nervous silly laugh.

“Jen… I’m just trying to help, nothing more” assured Aiden with a fumbling tone.

Sally, emerging with her bag, closed the door and shot a glance at Troy. The message concealed in rolled eyes was not lost on him. Neither was the softening of her tone towards him as well.

The car suddenly shut off and Jen popped out with a bit of stumbling. She looked around the car and assessed her situation.

“Sally… you’re good with this kind of stuff, you think you can get me out?” asked Jen with wide eyes of concern.

“Nope. You’re wedged in good. You’ll need a truck to pull you out tomorrow” Sally informed as she made her way towards her dorm.

“Oh… um… OK. I was hoping not to have to hire that out” Jen let her voice trail a little.

“I’ll see you to the door” Troy announced as he climbed his way around to assist Jen.

With plenty of nervous laughter, Jen savored the strength of Troy’s are as Sally stayed a few steps ahead on her own.

“You’re too good for help there?” Jen teased Sally.

“There’s no point waiting for superman” Sally laughed.

Once at the door, Troy bid the two women a good night and retreated into the swirls of snow.