The Red Mitsubishi

I am Kaylie Boozer.
I am bruised and beaten.
I am cut and sore.
I am running away from all the crap.
I am running away with Art Phillips. In his red Mitsubishi Eclipse.
This boy, Art, is saving me. This car, the red Eclipse, is saving me.
I have to get out of here.

I sit shotgun, Art sits in the driver's seat.
I sigh, he turns and looks at me, asking if I'm okay.
I tell him the truth. I tell him no.
He frowns, putting his keys in the ignition. The red Eclipse roars to life.
His foot presses on the gas pedal. We lurch forward.

We have been driving for hours now, away from that filthy town.
Away from those filthy people.
Away from that filthy life.
I scowl. Again, Art asks if I am okay.
Again, I tell him the truth. I tell him no.
Again, he frowns.

We pull to a stop at a gas station.
Art gets out of the car. I get out of the car.
I stand and watch as he fills the car with gasoline.
I notice something. Art is handsome.
I never noticed that before.
I frown. I get back in the car.
Art pays. Art gets back in the car.

He looks at me and frowns.
This time, it’s my turn. I ask him if he is okay.
He tells a lie, he tells me yes.
I call him out on his lie. I call him scum.
His frown deepens.
He starts driving again.

We are in a new town.
I grin. A new life.
I get out of the car.
Art gets out of the car.

I run up to Art and jump on him, hugging him closely.
Art grins.
He tells me I’m beautiful when I’m happy.
He kisses me.

Finally, I am happy.