TWINKLE TWINKLE

V. Mistake by mistake

I shook the memories off and started to walk. The road is a never ending zigzag maze. It made my memories vivid once more. The pain and joy. The people I met and lost. My mistakes. Their faults. The noise. The silence. The truth and the lies.

It took me a while to snap back to reality. When I got hold of myself there was a car hobbling beside me. I can’t see clearly in the dark but I hear sharply that a woman was talking to me.

“Hey I think you’re lost or something. Where are you leading to anyway?”

I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t open my mouth. I though about being another Heather, then snap.

“Uh oh I’m fine,” I said. And hoped they’ll leave me by then.

“You don’t look like you’re fine! I can give you a ride. It’s really late now and it’s not safe out here.”

I froze again. What in the world is wrong with me? I think I’m not getting over the first encounter with strangers in this new place. But without a reply I hopped in to the backseat. Maybe trying once more won’t hurt.

I sighed and said thanks.

“May I know where you’re going?” with an implication that she’s asking for my name.

“Twinkle. I’m going nowhere. I mean… I’m going to stay in an inn for tonight.”

“We’re gonna take you to our place then. The Veranda - where your heart is closest to home.”

Then they were laughing. I didn’t. I just noticed another person in the front seat. I was staring at his back and was trying to picture him out when he turned and faced me.

“Hi! Welcome to Hedge town. I wish for you to enjoy the Veranda then.”

That face is familiar. The laugh. The silly expression. Even the smell.

Finally I realized that he was the guy from the resto-bar. I froze and left my mouth hanging open. My heart’s beating too fast.

What have I got myself into? I’m now riding a car with psychos. I don’t know where they’re leading me to. My mind’s swirling now I think I’m going to faint. What’s going to happen to me next?

I should have stuck to the plan. NO TALKING TO STRANGERS.