My thumb is in the air. A car is slowing down. This might be the single stupidest thing I've done today. No, the second. Wait, no, the first. Leaving the only home I've ever known for good with just an old backpack of worldly possessions, what little money I had on me, and no car was up there. Hitchhiking is still stupider. The white car pulls to a stop. No time to worry about it now.
The window lowers and I'm left speechless. The driver is a gorgeous woman with striking blue hair and an elvish face.
"Need a lift, Cutie Pie?" she asks in a lyrical Italian accented voice.
I nod dumbly.
"Well, hop in."
Carefully, I open the door and slip inside. I sit my bag at my feet and buckle up. I turn to thank my driver, but the words can't come out. I'm too taken aback by her amazing features. Her long, powerful legs are clad in small boots and topped by a very short blue plaid schoolgirl skirt. She is wearing a little white button up shirt. None of that is what truly holds my attention. Save for her face, every inch of skin was covered with tattoos.
I feel the stirring return. It is quickly followed by his shame. I force the bad thoughts back down.
"Thank you."
"No problem, Sweetie."
The car continues on its trek.
"Name's Riae. How about you?"
"Ferdinand," I mutter.
"Why do you say it like that?"
"Not exactly the best name. Old fashioned and silly."
"I think it's cute. Little long though. I'm going to call you Ferdy."
Normally I don't like it when people do that. It always feel like they're trying to hard. Oddly, not when she did it.
"Where you heading?" she asks.
"Anywhere. I don't really care. The next town. A couple of miles. Whenever you want to drop me off is ok by me."
"Ah, running away."
"What makes you say that?"
"Seen it a thousand times before."
We sit in silence for a few minutes.
"I bet I can guess what it is."
"What?"
"What you're running away from."
"Oh yeah?"
"Daddy issues."
"How did you know?"
"It's common with all strippers."
I just look at her for a minute before I burst out laughing.
"Not really stripping material, I'm afraid."
"Depends on the audience. Personally, I'd love to see you take it off. Especially if it comes with a lap dance or three."
My face is burning from the blush she just produced. The stirring is back in full force.
"So, what did you and the old man come to blows over?"
"No fighting. Not that kind. Dad's a pastor. A real holier than thou type."
Riae chuckles. I don't know why. It wasn't funny.
"Everyone in his family has to live under his moral code."
"Surely you moved out."