Page 51 of Something Real with the Sea Monster
Without thinking, I wrap a tentacle around her waist and pluck her out of the puddle, setting her on her feet. Then she turns, and I know I’m in for a world of hurt.
TWENTY FIVE
Tegan
I make it all the way to a truck stop outside Kiama before I let myself think about what I’m actually doing. I’m running away from the one guy who is supposed to love me forever. Fated mates has to mean something, right? Only does it work like that? Just because there’s some mystical force bringing us together, does that mean he’s not going to break my heart just like all the other guys I’ve dated before him?
The sky is a foul black color, and everyone on the road seems like they’re in a rush. At least three people cut me off trying to overtake on places where there wasn’t enough room.
I pull over, making a wonky park at the rest stop behind the gas station, next to an enormous campervan. I don’t need fuel. I need a hug and a good cry, but instead I lean forward, resting my forehead on the wheel and shutting my eyes. I’m not going to cry now.
I’ve come three hours and almost three hundred kilometers. Why now?
The tears sting the back of my eyes and tighten my throat anyway, despite my best intentions.
I left. I’m the one ending things this time. So why does it still hurt so much?
After a while I lift my head and wipe my eyes. I know what I need. I need a ridiculously large energy drink and an equally big bag of candy and to drown myself in ten bottles of tequila when I get home.
OK, skip the tequila. I’m still detoxing. But I’m not skipping the candy.
I march into the gas station and pluck the largest bag of jelly snakes off the shelf and take it to the counter. As I hand over my shopping, there’s a loud crack of thunder from outside and the lights blink out for a second. A satyr behind me in the line lets out a little surprised gasp.
Brilliant. Now I’ll be driving the last hour and a half through torrential rain as well. It’ll probably take me twice as long. I definitely need that burst of caffeine from the energy drink.
The first drops of rain start to fall as I’m heading back to my car, and I hurry, jogging to the car and fumbling with my key to get the door open. My hair is a frizzy mess by the time I slam the door shut behind me.
I sigh. Is there anything else that could possibly go wrong for me today?
A buzz from my pocket interrupts my thoughts, and I fish my phone out to reassure Mia that I’m OK. But when I check my screen, it’s not Mia.
I knew I should have blocked his number. Of all the times Mark could have picked to message, today would have to be the worst.
Mark: hey babe. How have you been? Listen, I’m really sorry about the way things ended and I wondered if we could talk?
I dismiss the message and shove my phone back in my pocket, wishing I could shove down the thoughts of my ex so easily. I know he’s a dick, and I know it’s a dick move to apologize now, but I also know I’m feeling tearful and sorry for myself and liable to make bad decisions.
I’m not going to call him. That would be a mistake. I mean, unless I want to hear him apologize to me in person, which I kind of do. That would be nice.
Shaking my head, I turn the key in the ignition, expecting the hum of the engine. Instead there’s a choking noise and then nothing.
Rain splatters on the windscreen.
I turn the key again.
Nothing.
Crap.
One more try and this time there’s not even a faint chugging sound. Great. My car is dead along with my love life, and I’m stuck here at a gas station in the rain for god knows how long until I can get someone out to help me. Pulling out my phone again, I try searching for the NRMA’s number, but even the internet is down, so all I get is a frozen loading bar and one bar of reception.
I’m staring at the screen wondering what the fuck I do now, when another message pops up from Mark: Stacey left. She moved out yesterday
Oh, so that’s why he’s messaging.
Well you know what? Maybe now is the perfect time to call Mark. Maybe venting my frustration on someone who thoroughly deserves it is exactly what I need.
I dial the number before I have time to think any more about it. He picks up after only two rings.
