Back Seat Fun
“I'll take a pack of Camel cigarettes.” I told the clerk.
“Would you like soft pack or box?” The clerk asked.
“I'll take them in a box please.” I replied.
“That will be three dollars even.” He said while punching buttons on the cash register.
I laid three dollars down and walked away.
“Thank you ma'm.” The clerk said as he took my money off of the counter.
I lit a cigarette and blew the smoke out of my nostrils. I hadn't had a cigarette in a few hours. My hand shook from withdraw. The smoke felt harsh going into my lungs, but it tasted good. It tasted good because I knew it was going to calm my nerves.
I took a few more drags off of my cigarette. About half way through the cigarette, my nerves calmed down. Isn't it strange how needing a cigarette wrecks your nerves? I haven't been able to figure that one out.
“Another fucking lonely Saturday.” I said out loud as I threw the cigarette butt on the ground.
I lit another cigarette and felt guilty. I felt guilty because I was chain smoking. I can remember when my grandpa used to chain smoke Lucky Strikes. All he would do is smoke cigarettes. He even smoked while he ate. I guess I lit another one because I was full of self pity. I didn't want to spend the weekend alone again.
I sat down on the curb near the side of the store. I know the guy who owns the place, so I wasn't worried about having the cops called on me. He has been a family friend for years. When I was growing up, everyone would hang out at the store. Sometimes the owner would even give us free candy. That used to make our days.
“Hey Cindy.” A voice said from a distance.
I couldn't tell who it was or where it was coming from. It sounded so far away, I assumed they were talking to someone else.
“Cindy, over here.” I heard.
I looked over and he said. “It's me Mark.”.
I hadn't seen Mark in ages. We grew up together and he moved off to go to some fancy college. It always seems to end up that way. No one ever stays in this town, unless they get married when they are young.
“Mark, is that you?” I shouted while running up to his car.
“The one and only.” He said.
“How long has it been?” I asked.
“I don't know. Five years maybe?” Mark said after pausing to think.
I always had a crush on Mark. He is cute, in a nerdy way. I like the strange geeky kind of guys.
“What are you doing tonight?” Mark asked.
“Nothing.” I replied after taking a puff off of my cigarette.
“Would you like to go to the drive in and get something to eat?” Mark asked.
“I'd love to!” I said.
“Get in.” Mark said right before he unlocked the passenger side door.
“This town never changes. It is just the way it was five years ago.” Mark said as he pulled out of the parking lot.
“You know it. Everyone is gone but me.” I joked.
“It seems that way. All of my high school buddies have left. I was surprised to see you here.” Mark said.
Mark put on his turn signal and drove out of the parking lot. I wasn't sure where he was going. The drive in is on the other side of town.
“Fuck! I think I made a wrong turn.” Mark said as he pounded his fist on the steering wheel.
“Yeah, but if you take a left at the light, we can get there. Then you need to go straight for about a mile and take another left on Main Street.” I said using my finger to show him what I meant.
“You look better than ever.” Mark said as he looked me over.
“I lost a lot of weight. I used to be pretty chubby in school.” I said.
“You lost weight, but you didn't loose those nice tits of yours.” Mark said.
What?” I asked shocked.