Page 176 of Hate Mates

“We’ve hardly seen any fucking cars.”

“Well, the weather is worse now. Maybe they just can’t get to us.”

The scene outside is nothing but white. It’s impossible even to see where the road is.

“We’re not close enough to walk. Fuck, why can’t we be closer. It’s just too far.”

“And it’s too cold.” I shiver.

He nods.

EIGHT

Lourdez

The silence in the car is interrupted by my rumbling stomach and then my words that devastate my own ears, “Visitation is almost over.”

I lock my phone, eager to avoid the giant numbers of the clock on the screen and the seven messages from my father that I haven’t answered.

He didn’t want me to see Colten, and his anger because I’m on the road to do that makes me want to drop out of this car and melt into the ice outside, never to return home. The black lock screen overrides his threats.

“Yeah, but they’ll let us in if they think he’s not gonna make it. They’ll let us in.”

Chattering teeth echo again, but this time, it isn’t just mine.

“Are you hungry?”

“I’m hungry, I need to pee, the list goes on.”

“Well. If you’re brave enough, there are few bushes down there.” He points at his fogged window.

“It’s okay, I’ll burst.”

“Well, that’s truly your call. I did pack a sandwich for the road, though. You can have it.”

“Aren’t you hungry, too?”

“I can’t think about eating right now. Lean over and grab it. It’s in the backseat.”

I find the sandwich in a rucksack.

“Such a manly choice,” I say, eyeing the layers of lettuce and tomatoes. “And boring one.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’m fussy.”

Digging around in the backseat, something else catches my eye.

“Hey, you have a blanket here, too.” I pull it into the front. It’s laced with the chill of winter, but it’s the type of material that will heat quickly with some body heat. “I could get in your seat, and we could share.”

“The hell you are!”

“We are only gonna get colder as it gets later, and we’ll be risking hypothermia and death.

“Fine by me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I chatter out. “You aren’t all that cold on the inside. You just gave me a sandwich! Now, are you gonna let this happen?”

He nods again.

---