Gay teen Jack is hiding out in a bully’s car in the hopes of retrieving his backpack when he’s joined by another stowaway. Brittany, who wants to be called Brandon, is a transgendered classmate also on the run. When the bully crashes his car, it’s the start of a journey that will bring Jack and Brandon together in the hopes of finding a new future.<br><br>Along the way, they meet Buster, a dog that saves their lives; Alvin, who is heading to Denver to sell his car and offers them a ride; and Ducky, a loud-mouthed but loveable woman who is apparently more than just Alvin’s friend.<br><br>When a tornado hits, Jack and Brandon have a chance to prove their mettle and show what they are made of. But is there happiness at the end of their journey?

Breaking into Cars

I was almost disappointed. I’d been so ready for rest and relaxation, or at least, some peaceful, non-life-and-death good old fashioned fun for a while. Maybe a good deal of alone time with Brandon? I had a feeling this was going to be another tornado of eventfulness. I hoped she liked dogs. Oh, and please, no more coming of age or life lessons well learned shit, okay?


She pulled up in front of us. The news van had driven on a short ways and for the moment was ignoring us. Brandon and I crept out of the limo and walked over to the new—thing. I had no idea what it was. Were all old people crazy? Walking beside me, though, Brandon was all excited. “Ooh, what is this? I love this!” Who knew? “I love old cars!”


The redhead smiled broadly. Broad, I thought. Dame. Just like hussy. “I’m Francine, but you can call me Ducky,” she said. She was thin without looking frail. I wondered just how old she was and just what Elvis saw in her. “Get in. Do you have any baggage, messieurs?”


Chapter 17