LITMIR.BIZ

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down.”

      “No, you won’t. At any rate, I’m ahead of schedule this trip.”

      “Oh, I don’t know—”

      “Listen, Kell. The cab of a big rig like mine is comfortable, roomy, and infinitely quiet. You’ll find lots of time to think. And I promise,” he symbolically crossed his heart, “that you will be absolutely safe. I’ll be with you every second. And though we’ll be side by side in the truck, I won’t infringe upon your privacy. There’s a little bunk in the back where you can nap anytime. You’ll see, it’ll be great.”

      “But I have no money—”

      “You won’t need any.”

      “I’ve got to eat.”

      “Ah,” he said. “How much can a little thing like you eat?”

      I gave him a skeptical smirk, then nodded toward my empty plate. Not only had I scraped it clean, but I’d wolfed Luke’s bacon and toast, as well. “Since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve developed a hollow leg! And I have to fill it up at least three times a day.”

      “Well,” he shrugged, grimacing comically, “I’ll start a tab that you can pay after everything is straightened out.”

      Despite the turmoil that raged within my soul, a few pertinent things did stand out. I had a tough choice to make, and I didn’t want to bungle it with a pressured, snap decision. A decision that, no matter what course I selected, would haunt me forever—mold the rest of my life. I’d already made one major error, and I couldn’t afford a second, perhaps more traumatic, one. Nevertheless, to run off with a virtual stranger. . . .

      “We hardly know each other, Luke. We’re merely a couple of ships passing in the night.”

      “That’s not true, Kelli.” Luke appeared somewhat taken aback, hurt even, by my feelings. “During the past six months, I’ve made this Michigan run a dozen times. I’m so predictable and methodical that I always stop at the same truck plazas along the way. Each place is loaded with colorful characters and friendly waitresses. I see them so often that they become like family. But this place is my favorite—homelike. Why? Because of a sweet girl named Kelli.”

      “Why, Luke!” I patted his reddened cheek. Luke rolled his eyes, embarrassed.

      “Solo truck driving is a lonely profession. I could use some company. Come on, Kelli. What have you got to lose?”

      “My parents will kill me . . . I’ll miss two weeks of school,” I said, defeated. “Of course, my reputation is already in tatters.”

      “Hey, now.” Luke stiffened, his expression stern and foreboding. “None of that ‘let’s beat up on Kelli’ routine. Everybody stumbles, everybody falls facedown sometimes. But that doesn’t make them bad people. It just makes them human. You’ve had some rotten breaks, some lousy luck. Now, it’s time to lick your wounds and plot your next line of action. The separation from your folks might give them a necessary period of adjustment, too. Come with me, Kelli; let me help you help yourself.”

      Not unlike my earlier bout of morning sickness, my body was a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. But I felt Luke’s outstretched hand too welcoming and sincere to refuse. Although his reason for rescuing me remained a mystery, I didn’t push him. I just accepted.

      “Okay, Luke. What time do you want to blow this pop stand?”

      “That’s my girl!” He winked at my giddy joke. “We’ll leave as soon as possible.”

      “Half an hour?” I suggested.

      “Great! I’ll have the truck all warmed up and ready to roll.” He smiled.

      I stood, prepared to leave, when Luke clutched my hand, his eyes full of concern. “Kelli, maybe I should go with you, you know, speak to your parents. They’ll be worried—”

      “They’ll be at work and won’t even miss me until after six o’clock tonight. I’ll leave a note for them.”

      “Still, Kelli, you really should—”

      “It’ll be okay. Now, Luke, you’ve got to trust me!”

      Feeling like some kind of common criminal, I trumped up a lie to tell my boss, then scurried home to pack a bag. I was glad no one was there. I didn’t want to face them in person.

      The letter I left was cryptic and brief. I merely assured them that I was with a dependable friend and would return in a few days. I grabbed my vitamins and iron pills, and hurried back to meet Luke.

      Surprisingly, once we hit the highway and crossed the state line, I felt as though a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The ironclad band that had seemed to constrict my chest suddenly loosened. I lowered my window and took in a fresh breath of air. Of course, Luke saw my relaxed posture and smiled at me.

      “Freedom!” He nodded in understanding. “Exactly the reason I love being a trucker.”

      Funny how we don’t realize things. I’d been under so much stress, suffered so many restless nights, that I slept for the better part of the next two days. Luke didn’t mind, as he said he made better road time. But after I caught up on my sleep, and the tension drifted away, I found the passing sights fascinating. My morning sickness abated, though I continued to eat like a horse. This was a constant source of amusement for my traveling partner.

      But as always, his jokes were lightly aimed, more silly than judgmental. And despite the unorthodox trappings of the semi’s constraints, I felt at home—safe, secure, and pampered. I had originally presumed that Luke viewed me as just another stray creature, a needy case. Yet, as the miles whizzed by, he genuinely seemed to enjoy my company.

      Luke showed me off at truck stops with a proud demeanor and a boastful smile. Although my pregnancy was still a secret to the outside world, for all intents and purposes, Luke acted as if the baby developing deep inside my body was his, a growing symbol of his love and devotion. Luke catered to my every whim, and looked out for my well-being as no one ever had before. We were inseparable, and oddly content to be so.

      It was a peculiar scene, but again, I didn’t question his deeds too profoundly. I just accepted his kindness with a thankful heart and prized my momentary respite.

      By the time we’d reached Luke’s home base in Detroit, we still had not discussed my future. Luke had not divulged any new options, nor suggested any further propositions. Furthermore, I still had not figured out what to do. Yet, I felt calmer, more capable, and finally in control. It was my life, my choice, and I alone who should determine my destiny. Thanks to Luke, that much was assured.

      To my additional astonishment, Luke took me home to meet his family. Naturally, he didn’t mention my being with child—nor did he mention my dropping out of school, or how I’d ran away from home. They didn’t even seem to notice the difference in our ages.

      His siblings were a curious array of blondes, brunettes, and one little redhead. Luke and one brother were well over six feet tall, while the rest of the boys looked dwarfish beside them. It struck me as curious, but of course, it would have been impolite to actually speak about it.

      Regardless of their physical disassociation, however, they, up to and including Luke’s parents, shared a uniquely streamlined philosophy: Any friend of Luke’s was a friend of theirs. They welcomed me with open arms. In fact, they treated me like some long-lost cousin—or the girl who had stolen Luke’s heart.

      Three days later, when we headed back for the return trip, I sincerely regretted having to leave. But, I knew that I had to go home and face the music. Once more, the dilemma loomed in front of me. Yet, this time, I was backed by Luke’s steady regard and his family’s easygoing manner. I was ready to meet the challenges squarely and logically.

      “Did you notice anything remarkable about my brothers and sisters?” Luke asked conversationally after lunch one day.

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