Chapter Text
Today was not one of your best days, to say the least. Hunched over your hood, you scanned your car engine desperately, hoping to find whatever had made you sputter out on the road. Your father's lessons on car maintenance had never stuck. You let out a disheartened sigh and looked around. As beautiful as the surrounding scenery was, with vast plains, occasional mountains, and lush green trees, you knew stopping and admiring nature would not get you anywhere.
Another sigh left your mouth as you checked your phone. No service, that figures. After one last desperate look at your engine, you had to consider your options. You could continue to walk down the road with no sense of where you are and no idea how far to the next rest stop. You could hitchhike, but who knows just how many sadistic creeps are just waiting for the perfect time to strike. Despite how people raved about southern hospitality, you didn't plan on becoming a story in a true crime episode on YouTube. You also didn't want to venture out alone, not knowing how far you'd be walking, especially under Montana's summer sun.
Disheartened, you plopped down under the cool shade of a pine tree, unsure of the next step. You had passed enough cars on the road to know that people would be passing through here and, eventually, someone was bound to stop and give you a much-needed hand.
As you took time to truly appreciate your surroundings, you tried to look on the bright side. Your summer is going to be spent in 'Big Sky Country' with vast lakes and gorgeous forests. Granted, you'd be spending most of that time taking care of your elderly grandmother—quality family time! Right?
Your grandmother was nearing the age of needing care in her everyday life, and your family, not coming from the wealthiest background, had no way of paying for her stay at an assisted care facility. That's where you came in, a loveable, freshly 18-year-old with plans to spend her summer with her friends, getting wasted on a beach at sunset or attending the parties you'd declined the invitation to while you focused on your education. You had prepared yourself for the summer before college; wild nights and waking up having no memories of the day before.
Your family had other plans; your mother and father, both full-time workers, had no time to care for your grandmother. Being the only child legally allowed to live away from your parents, you were the obvious choice. Your attempt to convince your grandmother to move into the city with you and your family came to no avail. She adamantly refused and took offense to the mere thought that she'd leave. She went on a tangent that nearly put you into a coma, half of which made almost no sense to you, excluding some ramblings about her church and some preacher you hadn't caught the name of.
Passing cars interrupted your thoughts every so often. Your half-assed attempt to wave down help had either been met with a sympathetic glance and nod or a stoic gaze set on the road, intent on ignoring the damsel-in-distress. 45 minutes, maybe an hour, had passed as you sat under that pine tree. Your hands idly fiddled with pine needles as you continued waiting, scanning for any nearby cars.
A white truck appeared on the horizon, you scooted a touch closer to the road and waved your hand in the air, praying this stranger had car experience and an ounce of compassion. They slowed down, and at that moment, you realized how truly vulnerable you were. Little knowledge of self-defense and a lack of raw strength left you feeling uneasy when the truck, with some variation of a cross plastered on the side, came to a complete stop off to the side of the road.
Putting on your big girl pants and swallowing the lump in your throat, you lifted yourself off the ground and swiveled to greet who you'd hoped would be your saviors. Through the tinted windows, you could see a man with a dark beard and slicked-back hair gesturing to someone you assumed was his driver or perhaps a friend before they both exited the truck. Their mood was not discernible as they advanced, and they gave no sign of console. Despite the anxiety pooling inside you, you knew your best chance was to give them the benefit of the doubt, and you offered an abashed smile.
The driver, dressed in muddied clothes with the same cross displayed, stood back a few paces while the dark-haired man, who gave you a sympathetic smile after confirming you were friendly, continued closer to you. Your focus swapped between both men warily before the man dressed in a blue satin button-up and a nice vest extended his hand.
"I'm John Seed," John introduced himself and gave you a firm handshake before his gaze moved to your old civic, "Having some issues?"
Your introduction was delayed as you were unwillingly drawn to his strikingly blue eyes and calm demeanor. You snapped yourself out of it and continued, "Umm… Yeah, I-I'm not sure what happened." You rubbed your arm self-consciously while explaining your predicament, "It just kinda gave out while I was driving. I guess I know less about cars than I thought." You let out a giggle accompanied by a shrug, finding humor in your misfortune. Your nerves calmed as John, assuming that was his real name, listened intently. "You have no obligation to help me… and I don't really have anything to offer in return," A pink hue dusted your cheeks, realizing you were practically begging, "But, I would really appreciate it."
John nodded thoughtfully and motioned for his friend to check out the car, "What would the Church be for if it was not for saving people?"
The speed at which you processed his statement and plastered on a smile was faster than light itself. You have had enough discussions about religion with devout Christians to know it's better to blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb, desperately trying to remember if Montana was in the Bible belt.
"Thank you, Thank you!" You beamed and clasped your hands, "I don't know how I could ever repay you." While a sliver of guilt weighed on you, there was no way you would have turned them away.
John smiled warmly and placed his hand on your upper back, leading you to stand under the shade you previously occupied, "All I ask for in return is your company,"
He sure is a charmer. You understood why people joined his church. He's not too bad on the eyes either. His style was clean, and it was obvious he took care of himself. Being someone who never had the time for boys and thought she had missed out on her chance of a summer fling, John's hand sent tingles down your back, and you found yourself unwittingly growing flustered under his stare.
You smiled and looked away. "Really, though, I can pay you back. As soon as I get to where I'm supposed to go." John smiled, although convincing, but his eyes gave off a different, more sinister message. You tried brushing it off as your parents' past teachings of "stranger danger" making you paranoid. Seriously, he's a churchgoer seemingly devoted to helping others. What real harm could he do?
"Nonsense," he chuckled and was quick to change the subject. "Where is it that you're supposed to go? I can't say I've seen you before, and I must say, I am quite familiar with most faces here."
"Oh, no, I'm not from here. My family and I are in Washington, but my grandmother lives here." You shrugged as you explained, "She's getting to that age of needing help every day, and we've tried moving her in with us, but God knows, that woman is as stubborn as a mule." Your mouth shut quickly as you realized you had shared more than you needed to. Half expecting John to be uncomfortable, you locked eyes with him and were pleasantly surprised at the understanding nod and smile he offered.
John's tone shifted to serious yet still upbeat and he placed his hand on your shoulder, "I admire your act of kindness. It takes a worthy soul to take on such a responsibility." His unexpected compliment caused your mind to go blank, and you stared at him for a second, unable to reply. Not that it would have mattered, a sharp breath brought your attention back to him, "Ah. I believe I know your grandmother," Your head tilted curiously as he went on, "Her name's Helen, isn't it?"
You furrowed your brows, "Y-yeah, it is… How did you know that?" You asked incredulously while still trying to retain some dignity.
John sensed your confusion and laughed softly, somewhat easing your nerves, "Helen is a member of my church. I can definitely see the resemblance." You nodded and smoothed out the hem of your tennis skirt, wanting to be perceived as more mature than how you had presented yourself earlier. You wanted to make a good impression if this was your grandmother's social circle. "I am assuming you'll be attending Mass with your grandmother," Before you could respond, John's hands whisked along to your upper arms and continued, "I will be looking for you. My family and I love to see new faces."
With that, John's friend slammed down your hood and gave you a thumbs-up. You bid John farewell, and they drove off. All other thoughts went out the window as you hopped in your newly repaired car and continued along your way, desperate to be cuddled up in your grandmother's cabin.
Your coincidental meet-up with John had left you grateful, albeit a little dejected. Your grandmother was a devout Christian, your mother inherited a watered-down version of Christianity, and you received a water-down version of your mother's water-down version of Christianity. Honestly, you had planned to explore the trails in the area after dropping off your grandmother and coming back to collect her, but now you'd have to sit in those uncomfortable wooden pews and try to follow as the congregation recites something you have never read. John also never confirmed you were Christian, which is a bold assumption.
Whatever, it's one Mass with some people who, from what you have seen, are as amiable as it gets and pretty pleasing on the eyes.