I Ran Away as Fast as I Could
Not knowing I couldn’t outrun destiny.
I’m at home, hungover on the sofa in the dining room of my parents’ home, after almost a week of nonstop partying.
All I want is rest. To spend the day napping and watching TV.
But Danny, the man who wouldn’t let me stay on the Norwegian fishing boat, drops by. He comes into the house, and says, “Hey, what’s up?”
“Not much. Just taking it easy,” I say. “Been partying too much.”
“I’m headed out to the island to buy a make-and-break engine. Thought you’d like to come with.
“I’m not sure,” I pause, “I’m so fucking tired, and a boat ride will probably make me puke.”
He chuckles, and says, “Fresh air might do you good.”
“I doubt it.”
“Come on, Barbara, get up. Come outside and join us.”
“Us?” I sit up, confused. “Who’s us?”
“A friend of mine.”
“What friend?” I’m even more confused why he’s inviting me when he’s already got a friend with him.
My mind immediately thinks it must involve sex.
Does he think I’ll have sex with the two of them?
Suddenly very alert, I say, “I’m not going with you and someone I don’t know. And if you think — ”
“Come on now.” He shakes his head. “It’s not like that. We’re just going to the island. Nothing else. I promise.”
“Yeah, right? Like I believe it.”
At least come out and meet my friend. He’s a really nice guy.”
“I’ll just bet he is,” I say sarcastically.
“Come on, Barbara, you might change your mind.”
“I’m tired, like I said, I’ve had a rough few days.”
“A minute, that’s all,” he insists. “Get some air. Say hello.”
“Okay.” I huff and finally agree, figuring it’s the only way to get him to leave me alone.
Outside, everything happens fast.
Just as Danny and I exit the house, my best friend Maria unexpectedly pulls into the driveway.
I glance at the guy sitting in the passenger seat of Danny’s truck. I take in his long, straggly hair. The disheveled sight of him freaks me out.
I blurt, “I’m not sitting next to him.” I point and turn to Danny. “You must be crazy thinking I’d go with the two of you.”
“Barbara, I keep telling you, we are only going to buy a motor, nothing else — ”
“I just remembered,” I blurt. “I’ve gotta go with Maria. Sorry. Got to go.”
Before Maria can step out of her car, I run over and jump in. “Drive,” I say. “Just back the fuck up and leave. Go.”
“What the fuck?” she says, and puts the car in reverse.
I smile and wave goodbye to Danny.
She heads down the driveway, and asks, “What the fuck is going on?”
“Danny showed up with that creepy-looking guy. Did you see him? No way I was getting in. No way — ”
“You didn’t give me a chance to see anything. You jumped in so fast I didn’t know what happened.”
“He wanted me to go to the island with them.”
“Couldn’t you just say no?”
“I did.” I light a cigarette. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer.” I exhale smoke before taking another drag. “Hey, turn in here.” I point to a dirt road that follows along the shoreline to where there’s a view of my parents’ house.
She slams on her brakes and cuts the wheel hard.
I flick my ashes but miss the ashtray. “Go ‘round. See if they’re gone.”
She lets out a frustrated sigh, but does as I ask.
“If they’re gone, take me home,” I tell her.
“Anything else, your royal highness?”
“Yeah.” I ignore her bad mood. “I just want to go home and rest.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. I can’t believe you’re not even coming to town with me.”
“No, I can’t. Sorry. Really. I mean, I’m just too hung over, too tired. I need rest.”
“Fine,” she says. “I’ll take you home.”
At home, before drifting off to sleep, I feel bad about not trusting Danny. He’s never given me a reason to doubt him.
I wonder if I’ve become too jaded about all men. And that maybe not all men are the same. Maybe everything isn’t about sex.
Two years later, Danny’s friend will return to my place and our meeting will be life-changing.
You can read about it here.
Here is the story of Danny and the Norwegian fishing boat.
