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-Of all the rotten luck-, you thought bitterly as you glanced at your phone for what felt like the thousandth time; willing the dark screen to miraculously come back to life. The dark and deserted road was dimly lit by the sparse street lights while a lone payphone booth stood on one corner. You couldn’t believe you had run out of gas. And now your phone was dead. Not that you’d had any sort of reliable cell phone reception way out here in the sticks. You’d been visiting with an old college friend while she was in town visiting her parents and the time had gotten away from you, leaving you to make the long drive home in the fading light of a September sun.
You dig through your purse, hoping to find your portable charging bank, but no dice. All you found was a handful of change and a business card. -well, I guess I can try the spooky phone booth…- you contemplated with a shudder. Turning the business card over in your hands, you were surprised to find that it was one of Marcus’s cards; one of the new ones with his cell number on them. Suddenly feeling optimistic, you sprinted across the street and into the phone booth, beyond relieved when a dial tone and the automated voice instructing you to insert change greeted you.
The phone rang and rang after you dialed, and for a minute you were worried he wouldn’t answer. Just as you were about to hang up, a voice called “hello” from the receiver, confusion evident in their tone.
“Marcus!? I’m so fucking glad you answered, babes...listen, I’m uh...my car broke down on the way home from Helen’s. And my phone’s dead.”
“Are you ok? You’re in a safe spot, right?” Came his worried voice, sounding tinny and far away coming through the outdated tech. “Yeah, handsome. I’m the only one out here. Listen, can you come get me? There’s now way a tow truck will be able to find this place in the dark. But I’m about 45 minutes from Helen’s parents’ place...on,” you squinted, trying to make out the faded street sign from the booth, “highway 217.”
“Of course, honey. It’ll take me a while to get to you though. Want me to call Helen and have her come take you back to her parents’ place?” Through the phone, you could hear the sounds of him pulling his shoes on and grabbing his keys. “No...she left the same time I did, so she’s not even there. I’ll be ok, Marcus. I’ve got my gun and I brought Raider with me, remember?” He chuckles fondly at that. “I’ve never been more glad that you refuse to leave our dog at home when you drive out to the country, honey. I’ll be there in an hour, ok? Sit tight in the car.” Sighing in relief, you whispered “ok” and a quick “I love you” before hanging up and making your way back to the car.
Raider was curled up in the backseat, but you could feel his concerned blue eyes on you as you climbed into the driver’s seat. “It’s gonna be ok, buddy. Dad’s on his way to rescue us.” You soothed the husky in a low voice, reaching back to run one of his heavily furred ears. Exhaustion began to set in a little while later, but you battled to keep your eyes open despite the lethargy sinking into your muscles. Falling asleep out here was not an attractive thought, no matter how tired you were. But soon enough, you lost the battle with your exhaustion and your eyelids fell closed.
The sudden flash of approaching headlights startled you from your doze, making you sit up straight from where you’d been leaning against the window. Your hand instinctively reached for the baby glock you had stashed in your purse as the car slowed to a stop near the phone booth. When Marcus’ familiar head of dark mop of hair came into view, you allowed yourself to finally relax. Even Raider perked up when he caught sight of his dad; his fluffy tail thumping heavily in the seat as he sat up. “Hey sweetheart, sorry it took me so long.” He called out as he made his way over to you. “Marcus, I broke down in the middle of nowhere...and you got here quicker than any tow truck would’ve. You don’t have to apologize.” You replied, getting out of the car and wrapping your arms around his waist, reveling in the warmth of him after sitting in your cool car for so long. “Fair enough, honey. Let’s get you and the furby home, yeah? Did you eat dinner at Helen’s?”
“Yes, baby….but could we stop and get milkshakes at that 24 hour diner on 27?” He chuckles, pulling you into his side and guiding you back over to his car. “Of course, honey. We’ll get the furby a vanilla one, hmm?” Raider gave an enthusiastic “woof” at that, making both of you laugh.
All in all, getting stranded hasn’t turned out as bad as you’d thought it would have. Knowing Marcus would come rescue you, well, that made it all ok in the end.