She flashes a weak smile. “I’m sure I freaked you out, but it wasn’t my intention. I was passing through when I saw you and thought I’d offer a ride. It’s hot out here.”
“You know the Perkins?”
“The Perkins?”
“The house you were parked at,” I cross my arms over my chest.
“Oh? No. I got turned around in the neighborhood. Where are you headed?”
“My brother is sick. He needs medicine.”
Her chin wobbles as she speaks. “Is it serious?”
“No. Just the chickenpox.”
“Hop in. I’ll take you. I promise I’m no threat to you.”
Gripping the handle of her car, I hesitate and look down the long road ahead and back towards the house. I locked it three times. He’s asleep, but for how long? A few nights ago, halfway on my run to my secret spot, I couldn’t remember if I locked the door. I ran all the way home, my heart pounding more out of fear than the run because I wasn’t sure. Three locks clicking, three twists of the handle. Three checks on him before I leave. It’s the only way to be sure. “I have to get back to him.”
“We’ll make it quick,” she promises.
I again glance back at the house, sweat rolling down my temple. I can’t picture this woman trying to hurt me at all.
Fuck it.
I get in and buckle my seat belt. Her car is older, a little beat up, but the AC works, and I’m thankful for it. She turns the vent my way, and the sweat starts to cool on my skin.
“Can you drop me at the pharmacy, please?”
“Sure.”
The more she drives, the more I grow comfortable in the seat. She’s big, and there’s barely an inch of space between her belly and the steering wheel.
“So, is that your house back there?”
“It’s my aunt’s house. We’re staying with her for a while.”
“Do you like living there?”
I shrug to make her think, ‘it’s okay,’ but the truth is, I fucking hate it, and I’m almost to the point I hate Delphine.
“Is she, are you…” the woman’s voice shakes when she speaks, which makes me uneasy. I glance in the passenger side rearview.
Three times. You locked it three times.
“So, your brother…”
“Dominic.”
“Dominic,” she swallows. “Is he in much p-pain?”
I glance her way, and she looks back as if she’s afraid of me, afraid of what I’ll say.
“He’ll be okay. I had them when I was his age. Everyone has them, haven’t you?”
“No, actually I haven’t. I’m sure I’ll get them when my baby has them. It’s better to get them young, though. I read it in one of my baby books.”
“What are you having?” This is the strangest conversation I’ve ever had. I have no idea who this woman is or why she’s giving me a ride, but her AC is making it hard to care.
“A girl. I was thinking of naming her Leann.”
I wrinkle my nose, and she doesn’t miss it. She lets out a light laugh.
“Don’t like that one, huh? Well, it’s my mother’s name.”
“Sorry.” I look back in the direction of the house, praying Dominic stays asleep.