Limitless Love: A Polyamorous Charity Anthology

1. Robbie

“Fuck!” My car lurches as it tries to go up the incline of this godforsaken mountain. It’s a piece of shit car, but it’s mine. I didn’t take anything from that asshole when I left that wasn’t mine. Hell, I even left things that were. Anything I couldn’t fit in this car, I left, no matter what. He has no reason to try and find me now. Fucker. “Oh hell, I’m not talking to you, baby. Please. I just need you to get me to the next town. We’ll find a nice mechanic shop and I’ll find a way to pay for whatever repairs you need…”

Does my car listen? No. Of fucking course not. The moment I go around the next bend, it decides to crap out. And not even nicely. Oh no, the bitch won’t even let me pull over gracefully. The steering wheel locks up as I turn, spinning as I scream. I find myself in a ditch, trying not to panic, because at least it was on the right side and not the drop off on the left. Because cliffs? No, thank you. At least I’m alive. But could my luck get any worse? I haven’t seen anyone on this road the entire trip.

Stepping out, I curse under my breath as the cold envelops me. This is not how I thought the year would start out for me. We were supposed to be on a cruise, headed to the Bahamas. It was going to be our honeymoon. That’s why my car is such a piece of shit. I saved every penny for that goddamn honeymoon. Despite him always having the best of everything, I made the sacrifices. And then to find out…

Nope. Not going there. I grab my thick winter coat, gloves, and a cap out of the backseat. I hesitate over my luggage. I’m not sure how long I’m going to have to walk, so I only grab my go-to bag. My mama always taught me to have one. I may have given up the life I led with her, but some habits never die. It’s what makes this all so ironic.

Shrugging on the backpack—at least I was smart enough to use a backpack—I head further up the mountain. There has to be something closer that way. I left civilization too far behind to traverse backward. Tilting my head, I growl at the darkening sky. The days come shorter this time of year, and every part of me hates it. It’s why we were supposed to be on that cruise ship…

I shake my head and trudge forward. When the wind blows against me, I snort. Because if that isn’t a reminder of Mama, I’m not sure what is. She always said life was as fickle as the wind and you had to hold on.

I’m not sure how long it takes before I finally see smoke ahead. I feel like I’m frozen, despite the winter clothes I’m wearing. As I draw closer, I notice it’s a cabin, set back from the road. I can only make out part of it through the woods. I hesitate on making the walk there or continuing on. There’s no sign of anything close around, though. Making the decision, I turn onto the driveway and head up.

I hope I’m not making a mistake. Maybe I’ll meet a muscular lumberjack who will sweep me off my feet and put my heart back together. Then again, you know what they say about people who live in the middle of nowhere…there’s a chance I’m walking to my death instead.