Trying to Survive

Janet has been on the run for what seems like forever when she stumbles up an older log cabin nestled deep against the mountainside. An overabundance of vines encompasses its exterior, which makes it difficult to see. I could rest in there for a bit.

Janet recalls how the canines tracked her scent around the dense forest, through a few creeks, to the highway. She hoped the water would throw them off, but it only accomplished soaking her feet and chilling her more. l don't want that to happen again. Exhausted, trudges on.

Janet notices a rundown farmhouse a few miles down the road. A conventional red barn sits a little further out with an old-fashioned stone well in between. A nice cold drink would sure hit the spot. She thinks, running her tongue across her parched lips. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she hurries across the yard.

Janet looks down to find it bone-dry. And by the look of things, it has been for some time what I wouldn't give for a drink, she thinks, sliding to the ground.

Looking around she soon discovers a beat-up pickup in the barn. Should I try? She glances across the dusty field. There's no one here to stop me. Besides, I'm not sure how much further I can walk on my blistering feet. if, by chance, someone does come around, I'll have plenty of time to get away.

Janet pushed through the accumulation of cobwebs to take a closer look, The tires seemed okay, and it didn't look like anything was leaking, assuming there were still fluids inside.

Wanting to make sure the vehicle was mechanically sound, that it wouldn't catch fire or blow up, Janet reached into the cab and pops the hood.

She inspects the battery. There's no corrosion, and the connections are tight.

She searches for rodents. I don't see anything.

Janet then checks to see what shape the fluids are in. It couldn't have been sitting here long, she thinks.

Janet goes through a checklist in her mind. I think that's it. So now it's time to see if this beast runs.

Janet grabs a screwdriver from the pile of tools. I hope I can remember how to hotwire a car, she thinks, trying to recall the steps.

Her first boyfriend, Jimmy, made a comfortable living stealing cars. Even showed her how easy it was, hoping she'd agree to partner up. He went on to say she'd have enough money to buy her dream mansion on Oceanside Drive. Janet liked the idea of not having to live with her uncle anymore but wasn't sure if it was worth the risk. After a month of continuous persuasion, she finally agreed.

The night before their first heist, Jimmy was caught stealing a car.

Janet took it as a sign that nothing good would ever happen to her. That she'd be stuck in this house for the remainder of her days.

The thought devastated Janet, sending her into a deep depression. Her appetite decreased, and all the things that used to interest her lost their appeal. Janet felt like a robot, merely going through the motions. Get up, go to school, sleep, and repeat. Then Bill came along and swept her off her feet

Janet starts to pop the ignition when she sees a set of keys beside her. She stares at them in disbelief. "No way." Scooping them up, she inspects them. One goes to a house, the second a padlock, and the third to a truck. Shoving the key into the ignition, Janet anxiously holds her breath. The vehicle roars to life. Maybe there's hope for me yet.

Throwing the truck into gear, she gives it a little gas. The truck lunges forward and dies. She looks over to find the vehicle is in fourth gear. I can do this.

Adjusting the gears, she turns the key and stomps on the gas. The tires squeal. "Speed demon at large." Laughing, Janet releases the clutch and speeds away.

***

The killer zips around her motel room, trying to find something that'll suffice as a restraint. The owner is unconscious in the center of her bed. Blood continues to stream from the gash in his head.

Jerking the landline from the wall, Penny unhooks the cord from the device. Your groping days are over. She smiles, securing the manager's hands to the bed. I need to find something for his legs. She surveys the room but doesn't see anything. I know. Dumping her bag on the floor, she rummages through her stuff. There it is. Penny grabs her charger cord and ties his legs to the frame. Now, for the second part of my plan.

She's almost to the door when the sheets rustle behind her. Penny looks over to find Willie stirring around. It'll be more fun this way. She thinks, revising the plan in her mind.

Willie tries to move but soon realizes his arms and legs are bound to the bed. He then discovers that she's stripped him down to his birthday suit.

He looks over to find Penny standing by the door. "You like to be kinky, do you? Get a little freak on. Well, I'm all for that, baby. I'm into rough sex too. I even have a few toys in my room we can use." He smiles, thinking about how he'd like for this to play out.

Memories of her horrid childhood come to mind. Penny suddenly pictured herself on the bed. Her foster father was standing over her, his junk in hand.

"Please, no more," she begs, feeling painfully raw from the night before.

"This is your fault, you know." He runs his finger down the length of her body, smiles, and says, "How else do you expect me to react when you flaunt what god gave you all day long?" His eyebrows raise when he adds, "Bending over the way you do so I can see that cute little ass." He smacks her butt.

Penny yelps. "I'm sorry. I. I didn't mean to." She glances toward his busy hand. "Do that to you."

"Like hell, you didn't. You're old enough to know what you were doing, how I'd react to your little display. Your Aunt even told you to change."

"And I did."

"Yeah, well, it was too late by then."

"I promise I'll never wear that outfit again."

"Oh, no, baby, I want you to wear it every night just for me." He runs his finger down the length of her body and licks his lips. "Are you ready, doll, 'cause I sure am?" He rubs his package again. "I'm primed and ready to go." He climbs into bed.

"Please, don't do this. Please." She begs.

He presses his short, fat fingers against her lips. "Hush now, and enjoy."

Penny feels a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. Her foster dad moans in delight.

Don't you see what you're doing to me? Maybe you just don't care. Hot salty tears trickle down her cheek as the social worker's stern warning echoes in her head.

"This is your last chance, Penny, so do what they ask, and don't sass back."

I'd rather live in a gutter than put up with this. Slipping her hand under the pillow, Penny clutches the wooden blade. I'll be doing the world a favor by doing you in. She yanks the freshly sharpened weapon out from under her pillow and stabs him in the neck.

~~~

I'm going to take care of Willie just like I did him. Running over to the bed, Penny secures the cords.

"Hey, whoa," Willie squirms around in bed. "That's starting to hurt, there, doll face."

"Yeah, well, that's going to be the least of your worries soon."

"What are you going to do to me? I hope it's something kinky. I haven't had that in a while. Actually, I haven't had anything in quite some time."

"You wanna know what I'm going to do to you?"

The glare in her eyes frightens him. Shivering, Willie frightenedly asks, "W... what's your plan?"

"I'm going to take care of your problem." She points toward his junk. "Once and for all." She laughs.