//------------------------------// // 1. Asphalt // Story: Sidetracked // by flamevulture17 //------------------------------// The sun settled high in the sky as light cooked the sizzling gray of concrete. Cars as far as the eye could see rolled down the four lane highway just outside the city of Seattle before rush hour. This time of year was just the worst, heat wave after heat wave of dry weather reared its ugly stench, and Ben hated every second of it. “I'm gonna die in here,” he complained. One particular vehicle, more commonly known as a station wagon, an old beater, a piece of junk, or whatever name used to describe an old car whose life is wearing thin, cruised down the highway at the speed limit. Inside it carried three people who shared similar sentiments, some more vocal than others. “Stop it,” squeaked the female occupant directly in front of him in the passenger seat. Ben didn't listen as he kept his legs hung beside the her headrest while laying as far back as possible. There was hardly any elbow room to move around. “I can't help it Candy, the car is super uncomfortable. Not to mention I'm roasting like bacon back here, except I'm not as tasty.” She sighed and casually pushed Ben's dirty shoes off her seat. “Ow, watch it!” Ben cried as his butt sank to the floor of the car, squishing him between the seats. With difficulty, he grunted and wiggled his way back to a normal position. Once Ben got himself situated, he quickly thumped Candy's ear with his fingers. “HEY!” Candy retaliated with force. She turned around, grabbed Ben's arms, twisting his wrists. “Ow ow ow ow ow!” “Knock it off you two!” screamed the driver, waving a hand to break up the fight. “You're distracting me. Stop acting like babies.” The car veered into the median for a second before snapping back to the carpool lane. Candy let go of Ben's arm and sat back back in her seat. Ben caressed the rashes on his wrists that stung as bad as sunburn. That girl sure has a strong grip. “Put your seat belt on, Ben,” the driver demanded. Ben huffed and complied. It's not like it's a big deal, right? He pinched his nose and closed in his eyes in extreme annoyance. “And if you're so hot, take off your stupid helmet.” “You know what Max, fuck you.” Ben whined, adjusting the strap of the trusted blue skate helmet. He never left home without it, no matter what. The world was just too dangerous. “It's hot as fuck back here. Open the stupid window, then I'll consider taking it off.” “What's your problem, Ben,” Candy asked, irked to the point of throwing something heavy at him. “Did you not hear me? IT'S. HOT. AS. FU-” “Okay! We get it!” Max yelled. “Just stop complaining and put your shirt on.” The driver cracked open Ben's window with the only controls the worked in the two decade old car. Running at over one hundred thousand miles and due for another smog check in a few weeks time came at a cost. Even the air conditioning wasn't as good as it used to, spewing out stale air that smelled of rotting cardboard or dead insects. Ben inhaled the rush of air and let the wind cool down the sweat coating his skin. He stuck both his arms out the window. “Feeling better?” said Max. The only answer in return was a pleasurable sigh and not another word from the backseat nuisance known as Benjamin. Hopefully the paranoia in that man is under control soon, or they'll never hear the end of it. “I hope you're not gonna be like this the whole way,” stated Candy. “We just got on the road. If you do that the all the way there, I'll kill you in five different ways.” Ben knew she was joking. She was always joking. It was adorable, in a sick and twisted kind of way. Besides, what's she gonna do? Slap him to death. But considering how he behaved, he might as well deserve it. He would making an effort to avoid pissing her off any further. For the first time since the ride began, there was a silence between them. The lack of conversation allowed Max to concentrate on steering while cruise control took over. Candy was glad Max was able to straighten Ben up. His reserved responses to overly dramatic situations was a trait she greatly admired in Max, and in anyone in general. It made her believe in the good of people. After about a hour, Candy looked behind her to find that Ben snoring louder than the wind could drown out. Even intense breeze hitting the man's face wasn't enough to wake him up. She glanced at Max. “Why did he come along again?” she asked. Max cleared his throat. “Why not? We're all on break here. It wouldn't be right to leave him rotting in his house all summer.” “Yeah, but now he's rotting in the car with us.” Candy crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. “Come on, we've only known each other for like, what, two years now. It's a good time to spend together. It'll be fun... for us.” For some reason, he nervously stumbled over the last words. Every time she was around he'd occasionally falter over his speech, considering his chances with a girl like her. But they were just friends. Nothing more. He must remind himself of that. Candy raised an eyebrow. Before she could ask him to clarify, Max coughed before speaking up again. “What I mean is, the three of us hardly know each other. I want to have a good time before I start looking for summer jobs.” “Speak for yourself. Isn't it a little late for that?” Candy challenged, running her hand through the length of her red hair. “I don't know, I want to start doing something other than wasting away summers like every other year.” Candy could tell Max was turning red.” “I guess you've got a point. Maybe I should get a job, too. And Ben back there, he'd be lucky if he was hired into retail. I mean look at him.” Max and Candy quickly glanced at Ben, sleeping in an awkward position curled up on the seat like a cat. The helmet on him worked well as a pillow. How amusing. They then looked at each other and giggled. “He ain't that bad. I mean, I'm no different either.” Max rubbed the back of his neck. “Except for the whole helmet thing.” “You underestimate yourself, that's all. I'm sure there's a someone out there who could use piano skills like yours.” At that moment, Candy cupped her mouth. She regretted ever open her mouth. Max was caught off guard and nearly swerved out of the carpool lane and into another car. A quick snap of his head produced a frown upon his eyes, only to snap his attention back on the road. “I don't know what you're talking about.” Max denied, sinking far into his seat. “I-I'm sorry shouldn't have-” Candy paused, looked out the window at the countryside speeding by, then exhaled deeply. “You know what, screw it, you know damn well what I'm talking about.” Max said nothing and kept driving. “Why would you hide something like that from me?” She continued. “Because.” “Because why?” “Because it's... nothing special.” Max sat up straight. “I still suck at it.” “No you don't.” Candy shook her head profusely. “Better than anyone I've ever heard!” “How do you know that? I doubt there's anyone worse than me.” Candy's confidence fade right then. She retracted the finger she had lifted to make her statement and shrunk beneath her shoulders. “Uhh, I kinda— watched you play in concert hall at school while you were alone.” Upon hearing this, Max casually leaned his elbow against the window and rubbed his forehead while continuing to drive in excess of 75mph. This was going to be one long trip. Candy noticed her friend's unease and remained silent in order to drop the subject. Max rolled down his old window and took his time breathing in the fresh air. It only took Candy a half hour to gain back that confidence that she used to express her thoughts on his wicked piano skill he apparently kept secret from everybody. “Sorry,” she said, studying his expressionless gaze as he focus on driving. “I think it's cool.” Candy finally got Max to react, even if it was just eye contact. “But if you don't want to talk about it now, I can respect that.” He wouldn't. The drive grew silent amongst the two, but remained loud from the open windows. Once the air cooled down enough inside the car, Max closed all the windows. Goosebumps were already planted on his arms. The trio were nearing Portland now, their last stop until it was off to California. It was also where they were due to pick up their last friend, Candy's cousin Felix. After that, adventure awaits, hopefully. By now Max was the only one left awake. Two hours on the road in a car tended to have those effects on passengers, but as a driver, one must stay vigilant at all times. Crossing over the bridge, the city of Portland came into view. There wasn't anything he needed to stop for besides gas and an address. All the food and drink they needed here happily stored in boxes in the back of the car, along with the bags full of clothes and enough pillows and blankets to make a fort. Refilling the tank took no longer than five minutes, and soon they were on their way again. He was surprised Candy and Ben managed to sleep through the whole thing. Maybe they were faking it. Everyone usually wakes when the car stops. Max got himself a pack of gum to stay awake for the duration of the trip. Mint flavored goodness. Once Max was back in the car, he got out his cell phone and plugged in GPS directions to Felix's apartment. As soon as the map display appeared on his small screen for navigation, he started the car and drove off. He followed every city street the GPS map told him to get to his destination. Candy was only half awake, sitting quietly so as to not disturb Max as he meticulously weaved his way in and out of traffic. Concentration is key, they wouldn't want an accident. Max knows what he's doing, better not interrupt his focus or they'll be lost for sure. Even she didn't know where Felix lived. She wouldn't even bother checking the address he texted her. The directions led them to the suburbs across Willamette River where the traffic wasn't so bad, but still hell. Nearly two miles and half an hour later, they finally made it to the right street. “206. 208.” Candy heard Max whisper the address number to himself. “210. We're here.” They came up to a dull looking building only stories high, almost exactly like a hotel. In fact, it may as well have been a hotel, the only difference is the lack of a neon sign with a generic name on it. Comfort Apartment Complex, it read on a partly faded blue sign at the front gate. “Are we there yet?” mumbled Ben in his sleep. It was then that Candy decided to throw her neck pillow at Ben's face, startling him wide awake. “WHAT WHAT, I'm up!” His raspy voice instantly turned to embarrassment as he gulped when he saw his two friends staring at him. The awkward quiet then shifted outside, where Max was trying to determine if this was really the right place. The complex could very well pass for one of those places where drug dealers do their shady business. He was not about to get out of the car until he was sure. After going through the open gate and pulling into a parking spot, he looked at Candy. “Well? Call him.” Candy huffed at the demand, but complied. There was only one way to make sure, opting for the safest way of doing so. She dialed her phone and waited. “Hello?” “Yeah, we're here.” “Outside in the parking lot.” “All the way at the gate.” “Yes.” “Okay.” “Well hurry up.” She hung up. “So?” Max said. “Yup, this is definitely the place.” Candy rolled her eyes. Max's paranoid was slightly amusing. “Where is he?” “He'll be down in a minute.” “Does he need any help with luggage?” Ben asked. “No, he has everything he needs.” Candy replied. “And how do you know that?” Ben argued. “Why don't you see for yourself.” Candy pointed behind the car where all three of them found and taller looking man in his early twenties with shorts on and a thick sweater over a plain t-shirt carrying a small duffle bag, a messenger bag, and some kind of silver briefcase. Max got out of the car to greet him. “Hey Felix, how's it going,” he called out to his friend. “Can't wait for this trip, man.” Felix said. “I need a vacation. Let's get going eh.” Max put his hands on his hips. Ever since they met, Max always felt anxious around Felix simply from the fact that he couldn't believe they were still friends. He always thought of himself as undeserving to know someone as mysterious as Felix, same thing with Candy. Maybe it was a family thing. He didn't know a single thing about Felix's family, and even though Candy knew, she wouldn't tell him, no matter how frequently he tried to bring it up. Felix seemed oddly angry anytime he asked him. Yet despite everything, they manage to get along well, even if they don't hang out as often anymore. Work will do that to people. “Can you pop the back?” Felix asked, pulling Max from his indulgence. “O-oh, yeah I forgot.” Max opened the rear door with the car key. Felix put his travel bag in where it fit and closed the door himself, carrying both the messenger bag and briefcase with him. “So, let get this show on the road.” Felix bumped Max on the shoulder and got in the car. As chill as he acted, it didn't make Max any less suspicious of that briefcase of his. He heard him greet Ben with grin and a couple taps on his helmet. There wasn't much talk between Max and Felix. Felix was more adamant on talking with Ben about god know what. Candy occasionally pitched in on the conversation, but as they group of four headed on the road, Max stayed quiet. As the city disappeared behind them, Max observed the immediate transition from urban to rural. The speed at which the landscape changed was still a nice sight to see. Fascinating how driving south for ten minutes on the highway away from a dense city can do. Rush hour normally ran for miles to get out of the city for locals, but he was surprised the pace of traffic was reasonably quick to get out of town. Finally, they were out into open territory, what they've all been waiting for. Watching the endless amount of green trees and sunny skies fill the space around the car was always a therapeutic experience. Living in cities had its toll on appreciation for the wilderness. Fortunately for them, this part of the country allowed for some of the most beautiful places in the country. About an hour in now and all three of his friends were asleep. It was getting late, even with the sun still up. But that could change in a very short time. At fifteen past six, he decided to get off the freeway on a very remote exit to find a motel. Max had no clue where they were, somewhere halfway through Oregon. It was a beautiful state he'd have to admit, maybe he'd live here someday. The tall forest surrounding the side roads off the interstate concealed the hills the winded up and down the further Max drove away from the freeway. Maybe he should have searched for the nearest motel. But he was too busy watching the road. Almost an hour after leaving the interstate, Max began to get worried. He hadn't seen a single car on either side of the road for miles. Quite the anomaly. Not impossible however, just weird. Maybe he should just turn around and head back, the sun already set behind the mountains. “Where are we?” Max nearly jumped out of his seat and swerved slightly as Felix's voice came from behind, far too close for comfort. “Dude!” Max cried out. “A little warning next time?” “Whatever bro, are we lost?” Felix looked around at the trees, how they seemed to get closer to the road with each minute. “N-no, we're not lost.” Max could barely contain his panic. “We're just gonna turn around, back to the freeway.” “Do you even know where we are?” Ben asked, having awoken moments earlier from the frantic maneuver after the scare. In fact, Candy was wide awake as well, wondering the same thing. They all turned their attention to the driver, eager for answers. He was sweating a little, but remained calm. “I thought there'd be a motel out here.” He shrugged. “I guess I was wrong. We'll just turn around and go back the way we came from.” Max rapidly did a U-turn in the middle of the two lane road that cut through the forest and sped away. As for his three friends, they sensed embarrassment in Max. They wondered if he had trouble focusing under pressure and assumed that he really didn't know where he was going. Without saying anything, Candy, Ben, and Felix let it slide, having some faith in the fact that Max was just doing the best he could with their best interest in mind. No need to worry. The twilight darkened and the night air cooled. Max turned on the headlights, then the highbeams. There weren't any street lamps, so it would get really dark soon. About halfway back, or just over thirty minutes later, the car slowed down. This woke Candy up from her brief nap, curious as to why they were going less that twenty miles per hour in a fifty zone. “Why are you driving so slow?” Candy asked half asleep. “See for yourself,” Max said. She followed his gaze out on to the road where, barely visible in the dusk, was a dirt road. Unpaved and untouched. She frowned. “Where are you taking us?” she asked, sitting up in her chair. “Maybe to some creepy cabin in the woods,” Ben said from behind in a reduced voice, almost whispering. “Where a guy with a chainsaw is waiting to kill us all and bury us in the basement with all the other bodies.” Max stopped the car. Both he and Candy looked at him with annoyed faces. He was holding a flashlight under his chin for added effect. A moment later, another light flashed on under Felix's head. “But then it turns out it was all a nightmare and Ben wakes up to find he had pissed the bed,” he chimed in. Each of them looked at Felix. Candy chuckled and Ben shot a frown. “What a twist!” Felix shrugged sheepishly, while Ben gave him a light punch in the shoulder. Max only managed a grin. The driver sat back on his seat and stared at the road. Candy noticed his concern and spoke up. “What's wrong?” Max continued to have some conflict of expressions. Confusion, worry, fear, curiosity. Without saying a word, he put the gear back into drive and slowly crept forward. They reached the dirt path and the car began to vibrate as do all cars over unpaved roads. The car was no off-road vehicle, but did sport four wheel drive. As they trudged along the dark depths of the forest for about ten minutes, Max stopped the car once again. Before he could back up and turn the car around, he was startled when Felix tapped him on the side. “What's going on man? Are we lost?” the man said. “I- don't know,” he slowly croaked. “Again, what's wrong?” Candy repeated. Something wasn't right with him. “Uhh...” Max rubbed his chin. “Hold that thought.” Disregarding the continued questioning from his worried friends, the driver backed up the car and made another U-turn. The three other passengers talked over each other with various degrees of interest. Were they lost? Does Max know where he's going? Where are we? Where is the interstate? How long has it been since getting off the freeway? What time is it? Another ten minutes and they were still on the same dusty path. It was nearly pitch black now. The only light around came from the headlights on the car and—if you were looking for them—the stars in the sky. Ben was amazed at what lied above them, an ocean of black with spots of light. Beautiful. Strange, he could not see the famous river of stars everyone knew as the Milky Way. Probably too much light pollution. But there shouldn't be, no big city for hundreds of miles. “Oof.” Ben nearly hit the seat in front of him as the car came to an abrupt stop. They had been driving for about fifteen minutes since turning around again. It was getting late. He looked to see Max just sitting in his seat, somewhat shaken. He didn't look so good. “You alright man,” Ben asked. No response. “Stop ignoring us, Max,” Candy added. “Tell us where we are.” Max didn't move, but Felix was already on the case. He took out his own cell phone and used its internal GPS maps to check their location. Candy waited for Felix to give her a rough idea, but was impatient. “So?” Felix watched a blank screen on his phone for over a minute. The maps wouldn't load. He hadn't even pressed the satellite tracker in the screen yet. “No signal,” he concluded. Candy was beyond annoyed now. While Ben and Felix remained calm and unfazed, she hated not knowing. They didn't seem to care either way. Max, on the other hand, was thinking in silence with his foot still on the brake pedal. It was as if the world just froze in place. The stillness, the darkness, the unnerving. She was about to blow her lid when Max open his door and got out. “What are you doing?” she called out to him, leaning over the armrest. He got back in a minute later and turned off the car. “We'll stop here for the night,” he finally said. The mix of composed and unsure tone in his voice pushed her towards pessimism. “What? Why?” she complained. “Yeah man, why?” Ben repeated. “Just find a hotel already.” “We're miles from the nearest one.” Max explained. He knew he had no idea what he was talking about. “And I don't want to waste gas hunting for place to stay. We can just sleep in the car, these seats are comfortable enough.” “Plus it's free,” Felix noted. “I agree with Max. Just stop here for tonight and continue in the morning, who really cares.” This seem to do the trick as Candy sighed reluctantly and Ben stretched his arms, yawning. “Just deal with it guys, this is part of the fun right?” Max nodded and angled his seat back just a little for more comfort. Candy dug out a blanket for herself and got situated in her chair. Ben got out of the car to stretch his legs and stared one last time at the stars. It looked safe enough, so he took off his helmet and tossed it on his seat. He watched the moon peek out from behind the trees. Long day. Time for some shut eye. Felix was the last to go to sleep, but could swear a pair of yellow eye glowing from beyond the tree line, only to vanish out of sight. What was that? Good thing they're weren't camping.