Chapter 2: Road Kill

Maybe because of an early start, the first day Slim and his truck load of passengers experience leisurely rolling down the empty highway, at a battery conserving thirty kilometers per hour, stretches on for ever. Every half hour, in sense of the rate at which it passes, requires at least an hour to go by. It isn’t boring time, just treacle time. Infinity in slow motion. Abundant time in which to think, enjoy reminisces, plan, dream, wonder. And at no expense in lack of conversation. They have more than generous opportunities to chat, and do. Chat joke, laugh. Lazy time to nap, too. Or dawdle in an interminable daydream. There is always plenty of day left, even after you’ve finished all the above. It’s a rare halcyon bottomless pot of time day, and everyone is relaxed, in high spirits.

“You sound like you expect me to, one day, become something special, Slim.”

“You already are special, None. To me, you’re very special and so is today.”

“Sounds to me like maybe you do love me, and don’t realize it.”

“Yes, Stephanie, I do love you. Boiled right down to it’s simplest essence, I do.”

Stephanie feels she could float out of her seat. Glad now, Slim insisted she buckle up, when she got behind the wheel. Still, she feels a necessity to grip the wheel firmly, lest she drift away in-spite of, for extra security in addition to, the seatbelt.

“WATCH OUT, STEPH!” She casually swerves around the big pothole in her lane, easily avoiding it.

“No need to shout at me, I’m right here! I’m not a Steph, as I’ve told you before!”

Ow! The day’s peace picks up a sudden splinter. A sharp needle edge in None’s voice, pricks everyones ears. Soft unhurried flabby behind time winds fast forward to the brittlely crisp present. Stephanie parks and gets out. Marches around to the passenger side. Impatiently taps her foot, while waiting for Slim to dismount the passenger side, her arms crossed defensively and unyielding across her thin chest.

“I’m sorry I yelled at you, Stephanie. I shouldn’t have. Will you forgive me?”

Slim swaps places, since None desires it, and resumes the driver position. None stonily gets in, and sits frigidly stiff. Quick effusive and sincere apology winds things down past tense again. Slim observes new, previously unknown facets of his prickly bride. This boming bud has thorns. As volatile as Stephanie is, Slim is much relieved to learn she forgives as quickly as she take offense. Married life, as Stephanie’s husband, will be interesting. He is not displeased with her fierce spirit.

“You’re an excellent driver, None, you maneuvered around that pot hole effortlessly. I’m the one who panicked. It was at the last minute when suddenly I saw it and startled, I yelled out. I’m sorry I shouted at you. I am, really sorry.”

“Are you also apologizing for calling me Steph after I asked you not to?”

“Yes. I am. Sorry I screwed up and called you Steph, in my unwarranted frenzy.”

“Promise never to call me that name again?”

“I can only promise to TRY to be good, and try not to offend you.”

“I’ll forgive you if you can recall exactly my telling you not to call me Steph. Out loud, so I know you’re recollection f it is accurate and cobwebs free. I’ll critique!”

“Steph isn’t my nickname.” You said, “Never had a nickname before now, but I just gave myself one.” You were crossing your fingers, obviously just DYING for me to bite! I really liked you, so I played along.

“Oh? What’s your nickname now?” I asked you.

“None.”, You said

“You don’t have a nickname then?” I teased you, I was humoring you, paying only half attention, concentrating on my driving.

“I have now and I decided it’s ‘NONE’.” You insisted.

You crossed your fingers, I guess, hoping I’m not stupid. Sorry, sometimes I am.

“Nun? Or None? Oh! I get it. Imagine what a pair WE TWO will make. Slim Chance and None!” I finally picked up on it and you were convulsed with laughter.

I remember thinking t and everybody thought it was funny too, and Cowboy congratulated me. Said “Got yourself a sidekick, Slim!” Yep! Maybe that will be nice. Cute girl! Kinda sexy looking girl, too. That’s what I thought at the time.

I remember that you, Stephanie, you definitely liked that idea we’re a couple.

“Yeah? A couple of what? Is the real question.” Stephanie tries hard to keep a straight face, but fails We’re were both laughing, happy together again.

“Okay, you’re forgiven. You remember pretty good!”

“I remember thinking you’re pretty.” Stephanie melted in Slim’s sweet smile.

“Too bad you got bucket seats and a center console in front. Old style bench seats were more romantic.”

Ann commiserated from the upper bunk, her eavesdropping perch behind them.

“Do you have a spare towel up there, Ann?” Ann rummaged and dug one up.