Afterglow ❃ l.m.j

• chapter forty three •

I slammed the car door shut with a sense of finality after climbing out of my Uber. Finally. After what felt like forever, I was finally picking my car up from the damn shop.

I scratched an itch above my eye with a dry laugh. I don't ever wanna have to do this shit again. The wait wasn't so long but seeing my baby made even the longest minute worth it. I smiled gratefully as I pulled the key from one of the mechanic's hands with a soft thank you. When I was finally settled inside the vehicle, I let out a small squeal.

"I can't believe I have my car back." I murmured softly, rubbing my hands over the dashboard. It felt so smooth. Not only was my car fixed, but it was shining. Totally worth the damn money.

I pressed the button on my car, the engine roaring to life. The most beautiful sound. I took a deep breath and eased myself out of the parking lot. Driving felt a little odd now after a few weeks but I knew I'd get the hang of it again. Baby steps.

I fiddled with my radio at the light, connecting my aux. I'd Rather Go Blind by Beyoncé raised through the speakers. I tapped my fingers along to the beat and smoothed into the left lane. I ran my hand through my hair.

The shop wasn't too far from my house, thankfully. Maybe a fifteen minute drive?

I leaned back, taking a quick glance to my left as I passed a supermarket. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a couple arguing. I glanced again, doing my best to also keep an eye on the road. The two of them seemed to be yelling back and forth from what it looked like. I couldn't help the concern I began to feel.

I tapped on the wheel, slowing the pace of the car. What if she was being hurt or the situation spiraled?

The devil on my shoulder jumped in. It isn't our business.

Between him and the angel, I was speedily reeling.

She could be hurt. I repeated again. It didn't take much convincing for me to turn on my blinker. At my best convenience, I made the left turn.

When I pulled back up towards the supermarket, the couple was still there. This time, they stood chest to chest, her cheeks red and his voice loud. I could faintly hear him through my car. It was hard to tell what exactly was being said but the woman looked like she was crying.

I did my best to inconspicuously pull into the parking lot, seating myself close enough to keep an eye on them but far enough to not be seen. The encounter went on for a few minutes longer. In the end, the man stormed away, pulling the car door open and climbing in. She went to get in too, but when she pulled the handle, the door didn't move. The blonde banged against the window. Then eventually stepped back when the car started, pulling off and just narrowly missing her feet. I watched as she sat on the curb, pulling her head into her knees.

A whirl of guilt, sadness, and anger rippled through me. Who the fuck leaves a woman on the side of the road? There's so many creeps out here, anything could happen to her. And public transportation wasn't nearby for her to just catch a train home. What if she didn't even have enough money for that?

When I figured the coast was clear, I put the car back into drive and sailed over. Her head was still down when I rolled my window.

"Hey, are you okay? Do you need a ride?"

The blonde ignored me for a moment, shaking her head. She pulled her knees tighter to herself.