Ch. 2: Part 2

It had gotten dark fast. The moon wasn’t visible through the cloudy night; their only light streaming from the yellowish headlights.
“So, what’s your name?”
“Leo.”
“You got a last name?”
“Kosky.”
“Kosky, huh?” She wrinkled her nose. “Don’t know any uh those.”
“What’s your name?” Leo asked. He was a little surprised at himself. Should he care what her name was? Should he allow himself to?
“Lana Ricky.” She thrust her hand at him, her eyes still on the road. He took it and she gave it a good shake. Her hand returned to the wheel.
“Have you lived here a long time?” He asked, curiosity taking over.
“Just since I was sixteen.”
“You live by yourself?” Was it his business?
“Yes.” She glanced at him and he saw her face had taken on a guarded expression. Definitely not his business.
“Sorry. Just trying to guess how old you are.”
She still looked a little suspicious, but she answered anyway. “I just turned twenty-one.”
“Sorry.” He said again. He hadn’t meant to make her uncomfortable. She probably thought he was a creep. She sighed.
“No, it’s fine.” She smiled a little at him. She turned back to the road, then more quietly, almost to herself, she added, “You get a little paranoid when you been through things that I have.” Leo had a feeling sweep over him he hadn’t expected. He was suddenly angry at what ever had hurt her. Whatever had made such caution a necessity in her life. He crumpled his brow and bent his head to stare at the floorboard again. She looked sideways at him and snickered. He looked up startled.
“You ok?” she said, apparently amused at his seriousness. He shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. She raised her eyebrows at him but let it go.
“Uh, where do you want me to drop you off at?” He looked up. They were back in the little town. Strangely, he was saddened. He liked Lana. She wasn’t fake. Her loud laugh and lack of tact were oddly comforting. He didn’t want to go back to his dark lonely camp and face his problems.
“Are you working tonight? At, uh, Larry’s?” Maybe he would take her up on her offer.
“No, I’m taking off for my birthday.”
“Your birthday’s today?” He asked with high eyebrows. Her face lit up in a sly smile. “I told you I just turned twenty-one, didn’t I?” He smiled back. His eyebrows furrowed. “Aren’t you going to Larry’s for your birthday? To celebrate?”
“Ugh. Hell, no. Why would I pay to spend a night in that dump? I try not to go there unless I’m getting paid.” This surprised Leo. There wasn’t that much entertainment around here besides the tavern. Maybe she would have friends over.
They were sitting in front of the conveniance store now. The clouds had cleared away enough for the moon to peek through. It was almost full with just a small fraction shaved off. She raised her eyebrows at him. It was time for him to go home.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll just walk from here.”
“It’s kinda late. Are you sure?”
“Yeah. It’s not that far.” He grabbed the door handle. “Thanks.” He pulled on it and got out of the car. He bent his waist to look at her through the window, hands balled up in his pockets. “Happy birthday.” He smiled and shut the door.
He turned and started back towards camp.
“Seeya.” She called. His shoulders hunched involuntarily. This was stupid. Why was he being like this? It was pathetic. He hardly even knew the girl.
He’d only gone about thirty feet when her car pulled up along side him again. This time the driver’s side window facing him.
“Do you want to celebrate it with me?” She bit her lip. It was the first time he had seen her unsure of herself. He looked towards at the trees, towards camp. Wasn’t this what he’d wanted? But he suddenly wasn’t sure if it was such a good idea. Should he be making friends? Having relationships? Probably not.