Carla stared out her classroom window on her planning period immobile to be productive, wishing she could be anywhere else. The politics of school were getting to be unbelievable and her patience for it is less and less every day. The tasks at hand were just too mundane after 20 years. Soon she would exercise with friends and go home to whining, fighting or silent moping. She felt guilty about wanting to escape so much as her family was generally supportive and loving but Carla had decided 25 years of marriage and doing the same job simply demanded something "new".
She wished she could visit with her friend Caitlin from down the hall. This year had been so empty since she lost her courageous battle with Cancer. Carla gained so much positive energy from her friend's generous spirit. Lately she found herself alone in her room, listening to the same CD over and over trying to get some energy to move on with her responsibilities…she glanced at the clock and her break was over, she ran to get the kids…and was now on autopilot, losing her personal thoughts to perform her job.
Carla returned from her hot, sweaty bus duty forced to retrieve Michael's phone number from her personal journal. She was trying to let go of this connection…high school was a long time ago…it was never going to be what she wanted… but at this moment in time, it was a perfect escape.... she made the call.
Carla drove fast through the winding mountains of NY. She had to get out of the city, fast. She was drowning in routine. Her long black curls flew in the wind. The energy from not running that morning was flowing through her veins.
"Oh shit!" she said when the gas light went on. She had forgotten to get gas and now it was late and she was 'nowhere'. Just as Carla was about to panic she saw a small cottage and a closed gas station. She pulled in and felt relieved when she saw a light on.
Carla gave an apprehensive knock at the door and couldn't believe the rustled but gorgeous man who came to the door. His sparkling green eyes and blond curls complemented his buff and tan body.
"Hi, can I get it filled up?" she asked, and pointed at her car.