The Ride

The black pick-up rumbled down Newberry Road, kicking up gravel and dirt with over-sized tires. Trees and a few houses dotted Newberry on the east side where Annabelle stood, her bag slung over her left shoulder, sticking her thumb out.

It’s not gonna stop. She shaded her eyes with her other hand trying to see the gender of the driver, anything that might give her a clue. The only damned vehicle that’s passed by in an hour, and it’s not gonna stop. Hitching wasn’t what it used to be, even in small towns like these.

The huge truck passed her and Annabelle glimpsed blonde hair and sunglasses, thinking for sure she was out of luck, but the truck slowed to a stop a few yards ahead. She ran to catch up with it and opened the door.

“Hi!” She tossed her backpack on the floor and pulled herself in. “Thanks for stopping. I think my blood was beginning to boil in this heat!”

She shut the door and turned to smile at her rescuer.

“That would be a shame.” She faced the blonde wearing sunglasses all right, but the length of the hair from a distance had fooled her. Her ride wasn’t a woman. “I know what it’s like being on the road.” He nodded toward the guitar tucked behind the seat as he smiled at her and the truck began to move…