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The Unexpected Ride

Michael Perez

    To think in this day and age, someone would have to stick their damn thumb up trying to get home. Florida can be so backwards sometimes, turn one wrong turn and I’m out of the city right into the countryside. The smell from gas to farm animal can be a big indication that I screwed up and went the wrong way. I instantly regret deciding to take the walk especially since I am new to this area. It’s past 9 at night, it’s muggy, humid and I forgot to charge my phone last night, man do I feel like an idiot, I can’t even call an Uber. I forgot which way I came from because I decided to take a shortcut that I cannot return through, so with that I’m forced to trust in a stranger and hope it doesn’t turn into a situation from a crappy horror flick.
    I sucked it up and kept waving my hands and putting my thumb out to anyone that drove by, and mind you it was very many people that did. After what felt like an hour that passed, a silver pickup truck slowed down near me. The man inside slowly lowered his window and with a laugh asked, “Are you lost buddy?” Annoyed I answered yes and ask him if he would please help me get home. Almost instantly he says sure and opens the passenger door. I was pretty freaked out with how eager he was so I told him I would just jump in the back. His appearance was a bit intimidating, rugged beard and probably in his late 40’s. I glanced at his rear window freshener and saw a confederate flag. Again, he laughed and told me, “Relax buddy, you’re too pretty to hurt and I can’t hear you from back there.” How odd that statement is what relaxed me, so I said the hell with it and go in.
    After I told the man what my address was he told me it would take a good 45 minutes to get there. He had asked me what I was doing so far aware from my house with a dead phone and no car. Embarrassed I told him I got lost in my music, which killed my battery, and wanted to get a feel of the new area. He laughed and told me, “Boy, you millennials get so lost in your technology huh?” I really didn’t want to be rude with the “fuck off” response I had in my head so I told him, “Honestly, I really wasn’t paying attention and I feel pretty stupid that I got myself lost. He just smiled and nodded, not showing much interest. Soon after he asked me if I like music, I said yes and I was caught by surprise, Ru Paul blasted on the radio and with that I let out a loud laugh. He asked me why I laughed and I told him, “My wife loves Ru Paul’s Drag Race! I know this song.” He turned smile and said, “Rare to find someone who doesn’t instant judge me for listening to this music.” That made me sad and I started to explain how I had recently come out as bisexual and that my wife helped me come to terms with my gender and sexuality. That spark a very enlightening conversation between the two of us that made the drive go quicker.
    Once we finally reached my place I gave the man my number and told him, “If you ever need someone to help you through your thoughts, I’m willing to listen.” He thanked me and told me “I’ll take you up on that.” I got out, waved and left happy that I could find someone who I can help in return for helping me.

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