Chapter 13
“Colorado?” the girl asked.
Veronica nodded. “That’s right, I’ve got family there. It’s going to be a long ride, but it might be your best bet. I’m not saying you have to go the whole way with me. I won’t tell you what to do. But I can guarantee it’s more dangerous out here on your own than it would be with me.”
The girl scoffed. “Are you sure about that? You’ve got the only running vehicle in this state. I would gamble. In my opinion, that puts one hell of a big target on your back.”
She knew the girl’s fears were well-founded.
Veronica had already seen first-hand how much having a running motorcycle had put her in harm’s way.
Still, knowing the girl had no family and likely no way to defend herself, Veronica knew her best chance of survival was going to be in Colorado with Veronica’s family.
Yet the decision was one the young woman could make on her own.
Tucking the bottle of water into her side backpack pocket, Veronica started the process of checking her fuel level and adding more from the can.
“I am not going to try to force you to come with me. It is your decision. I do think staying here is the wrong one, but if you want to stay here, that’s on you,” Veronica said.
The young woman seemed genuinely shocked that Veronica wasn’t going to force her onto the back of the motorcycle.
It wasn’t her style. She knew unless the girl wanted to join her, there was nothing she could do about it.
Yet the hesitation she saw in the woman was enough to make Veronica pause.
If there was even the slightest chance that the girl was going to come with her, she would do her best to persuade her in the right direction.
“I really don’t know what to do. I can’t remember a single time in my life that I was on the back of a motorcycle. I’m a little scared of being on two wheels.”
Veronica smiled. “Everyone has to have a first time. I promise I’ll take it slow at first, and by the time we get to Colorado, you’ll be a natural on the back of a bike. I’ve been riding motorcycles for a very long time, and I promise they are not as scary as they seem.”
“You’ve been really kind to me so far, so I have no reason to doubt that you’re telling me the truth.”
“Well, this is a really old bike, and it doesn’t go anywhere near as fast as a lot of the new ones you’re probably used to seeing.”
“That makes me feel a little better.”
“Before we go too much further, I think it would be a good idea to have something to call you. My name is Veronica. What’s yours?”
“My name is Bella.”
“It’s nice to know your name, and I think it’s fate that we ran into each other. Though I have to say, if you’re going to go with me, then we need to hit the road as soon as possible.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m just saying it’s not a very good idea to stay in one place for very long. It’s not going to be safe once people realize that the power is not going to come right back on.”
At that moment, it seemed Bella’s mind was made-up.
She nodded to Veronica and quickly dove back into the car, pulling out a book bag that was packed to the brim with water.
It was obvious at that moment that Bella had been planning on hoofing it soon.
Veronica was certain it was because the poor girl was starving.
She had eaten the apple down to the core and was still nibbling on what bits she had left.
Thankfully, the motorcycle was built for war and not for speed.
It would easily carry both of them and all their luggage.
Veronica made short work of removing her own backpack and adhering it to the gas can strapped down.
“So, what do I need to do?” Bella asked.
“You’re not going to have to do much of anything since I’m an experienced rider, but there are a few tips I’ll give you. If I’m making a sharp turn, then you’re going to have to lean into the turn with me. Most of the time, on the less sharp turns, you can just sit back and relax.”
“That makes sense. Is there anything else?”
Veronica smiled. “There’s not too much to it as a passenger. Really, leaning into the turns is the main thing, but if I’m coming up to a stop, then let me get my feet planted before you do anything.”
“Why is that?”
“If you start moving around on the back of the bike before I come to a full stop, it is likely we’ll tip over on the side. If you see anything while we’re riding down the road, just tap me on whichever shoulder you see it on, and I will know to look in that direction.”
“I think I can manage to do those things.”
“That’s all you’re going to have to worry about. Everyone knows a few tips; I can handle whatever the road throws our way.”
“It sounds like you have been riding for a while.”
Veronica chuckled. “I’ve got a few years under my belt, to say the least. The most dangerous part of being on a bike is having to deal with other drivers, and since we don’t have to worry about that, it’s going to be a smooth ride. As long as you follow my directions, we are ready to head out.”
As the pair climbed onto the back of the motorcycle, Veronica silently said a prayer that her skills on the bike with the passenger matched her skills as a solo rider.
She had only ever taken Gregory’s children out on his motorcycle for short spins around the community.
Riding for your life was different. She fired up the ancient beast, and they set off down the road once again.
Bella clung tightly to her at first, unsure of every bend in the road.
After a few hours of riding, though, the young woman seemed to have the hang of it.
By the time Veronica pulled off again at another abandoned car to get more fuel, Bella was riding like a seasoned professional.
She could tell the young woman was enjoying herself and was surprised they were stopping at the same time.
When she climbed off the motorcycle and stretched out, Veronica could see a life in her eyes that hadn’t been there before.
It warmed her heart to know Bella was starting to relax and felt safe behind Veronica.
When she started to pull out the gas line she’d clipped off of the pickup truck to use as a siphon and shove it into the gas tank of the car, Bella came over and gently tapped her arm.
“I’d like to be as helpful as possible, so I think you should know I can take care of this if you just want to step aside,” Bella said.
“You’re a little young to know how to siphon gas. How’d you learn how to do that?”
The girl smiled. “I didn’t want to say anything at first because I didn’t want you to think I was some kind of criminal, but the car you found me in was a little on the borrowed side.
Just about every drop of gas that got me to where you found me was taken out of parked vehicles.
I’ve known how to siphon gas since I was around nine years old. ”
Veronica laughed. “I’m not trying to be rude, but you don’t look much older than that. How old are you, by the way?”
“I just turned fifteen.”
She was shocked. “You’re only fifteen years old, and you’ve already been siphoning gas for six years. You must have one hell of a story about your life. I hope I get the chance to hear all about it at some point.”
Bella shrugged. “There’s really not a lot to tell. My life hasn’t been all that interesting. I don’t know how much you know about the foster care system, but it’s just like every other kid who’s been through it.”
“So, all the horror stories I’ve ever heard are true?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, they are. I’m sure there are kids out there who have had a different experience than I have, but most of them have gone through the same sort of abuse, bad foster care parents, and have a history of crime to fall back on.”
Veronica watched as the young woman siphoned gas from the vehicle first into the can and afterward into the motorcycle’s tank.
She was impressed but heartbroken at the same time to know the child’s harsh life had taught her such skills.
At that moment, Veronica vowed to protect Bella at all costs.
She deserved to know love after the difficult road she had endured in the past. With the task finished, the pair loaded up with a full gas can and tank once again and set off down the blistering highway for Colorado.