Thank you Wingedangel for editing.
*****
I left early from work one day, there was little to do, and the rain was depressing me, so I decided to have a little me time, the house would be empty, and quiet. While I drove I let the symphony of the rain pelting off my windshield comfort me instead of irritate me as it had done inside the office building.
As I rounded a corner I noticed a woman walking, huddled in her coat, with her head down, just as a car flew through the puddle beside her, sending a wave of water cascading over her like a raft in the fiercest of rapids. I stopped at the sign, and found my eyes back upon her. She stood still now, and I could see her shivering. She wore just a thin jacket and her dark hair was plastered on her face and shoulders. I felt a sense of duty to help her.
Noticing there were no cars in the area, I shifted into reverse and backed up to her. When I got to her I rolled my window down, "Hey, you want a ride? It's cold."
She nodded and I motioned to the passenger side door, "Jump in."
She wasted no time and as she closed the door huddled near the vents where my heat was blaring for her.
I smiled to her and started back down the road, "I'm Hal, where you headed?"
She pushed the hair from her face as she spoke to me, "I'm Jackie. I live across town, on Mek Street. Thank you so much Hal, today has really sucked."
"I know where that is. We will have you there in no time at all. How long have you been walking anyway?"
She shook her head, "A bit. My car broke down a few miles back."
I pulled onto Mek Street and looked to her, "Which house?"
"Third on the left, it's the blue one. Thank you so much Hal."
I pulled into her driveway, "No problem. I hope your day gets better."
She gave me a quick smile and opened the door. I watched her as she began to climb her steps, and then she slipped, I actually saw the heel of her shoe snap.
I quickly turned the car off and ran out to her, "Are you okay?"
She was holding her ankle tightly and tears were rolling down her cheeks as she shook her head.
"Let me help you," I said as I slipped my arms beneath her and lifted her up. She cried against my shoulder as we entered her porch. She fumbled with her keys before being able to get them in the knob of the door and I carried her inside.
I brought her to her couch and sat her down, "Let me take a look at that ankle for you Jackie."
She sat back and extended her leg, "Oh my god Hal, I'm so sorry! Thank you so much."
I shook my head as I looked at her ankle, it was slightly swollen, but not bad, "No need to apologize, I'm here to help. It'll be okay, just get some rest and ice."
I looked up and gave her a smile; for the first time realized how pretty she was, with her brown practically black hair, perfect soft looking skin and the most alluring, chocolate brown eyes he'd ever seen; right now looking at her face, doe eyed and tear stained cheeks, none of that fazed me.
She beautifully smiled up at me, "Can I at lease get you a drink for your trouble?"
I thought about it for a moment, "What the hell, why not."
She smiled and stood awkwardly, "I have Blue Moon, would you like one?"
I nodded, "Perfect."
She attempted to walk but stumbled. I jumped up and sat her back on the couch, "how about we get you that ice pack instead?"
She sighed, "It is probably the best thing to do huh? I still owe you that beer, how about I buy you a beer as soon as I heal?"
"You got yourself a deal. Now let me get that ice pack for you."
I could see her kitchen from the living room and headed to her freezer. As I fished around for her ice pack I noticed her ice cube trays, one was shaped like breasts and the other like penises. I chuckled to myself and grabbed the cold pack.
Composing myself I closed the door and brought it over to her, "This will be cold."
She jumped a little as I placed it on her, "Holy shit!"
I laughed, "Sorry. You should get some dry clothes on and get some rest."
She took a deep breath, "Do you think you can do me a two more favors?"
I shrugged, "Sure, what do you need?"