I got back into the car and turned the key again, wishing that it would start.
Putt. Putt.
I slammed my hand against the steering wheel in frustration.
There was no time for this!
Climbing back out of the car, I tightened my hair tie trying to decide what to do.
A student rounded the corner. His backpack was hanging off one of his broad shoulders. His curly, blonde hair fell in front of his eyes as he was glued to the phone screen. He walked with a natural sway down the sidewalk.
“Excuse me!” I called out before I had time to think through what I was doing. I jumped up from the parking lot to the sidewalk, dodging a bush while briskly walking to him. “Can you help me? My car won't start. My dad is at work and my brother won’t answer his phone.”
Only when I got closer to him did I realize how tall he actually was. He towered over me, at least 6’3” if not 6’4”. I could not see over his shoulder even if I stood on my tiptoes.
He looked up from his phone and caught my gaze. “Just call a tow truck,” he said in a dismissing voice.
I sighed. “I can’t afford that!” I threw my arms out. Time was running out. Fast.
He tucked his phone into his back pocket. “I can take a look. No promises though.”
I released a breath I did not know I was holding. “It’s right over here.” I led him to my small, unimpressive Kia. He dropped his backpack to the pavement with a thud.
“Keys.” He held out his hand.
I dropped my key ring into his palm as he opened the door, sitting sideways in the driver’s seat with his left leg sticking out.
He turned the key once, receiving the same result I did. He tried a second time, his eyes distant as he listened to the puttering sound. I bounced up and down impatiently.
“Definitely a problem with the starter,” he spoke in a deep, almost soothing voice.
“What does that mean?” I asked clueless.
His brow furrowed as he attempted to explain it then quickly gave up. “It’s just a part of the engine.”
“How quickly can it be fixed?” I wring my hands.
“How quickly do you need it fixed?” he watched me.
“Well, class starts in ten minutes. It is exam day and the instructor said if we don’t show up she will fail us.” My breathing becomes rapid at the thought of having to redo the entire class again.
“Alright.” He stands, picking up his backpack. “I’ll take you in my car. Then while you’re in class. I’ll fix this baby and have running for you when you finish.” He pats the small, black car on the roof. “I’m guessing you’re Compass student if you are trying to get off campus to go to class.”
“Yes,” I nod at him, in slight shock at his kindness.
“Come on. My truck is right here. I’ll get you to your exam in plenty of time.” He walked to the passenger side of his pick-up, opening the door for me.
“How do I know you aren’t a serial killer?” I cross my arms in a playful jester.
“You know, that’s funny! The other two asked the same thing! Since them though, I’ve gotten really good at hiding the bodies.”
I rolled my eyes refusing to give him the satisfaction of a laugh before climbing into his truck.
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“Tada!” Hudson held out his hands in an over-exaggerated motion. Climbing into the driver seat, he started the engine flawlessly. “Told you I could fix it!”
“Never doubted you,” I smiled as his inner child started to shine through.
“All it needed was starter fluid. A quick run to the nearby repair shop and done!” Hudson’s smile revealed that he was extremely proud of himself.
I reached for my purse. “How much do I owe you?”
“No, no, no. Please.” He held out his hand to stop me.
“Well at least let me do something to return the favor. You fixed my car and drove me to the other side of Grand Rapids.”
He stood up and took a step closer to me. “How about coming to my soccer game?”
“Tomorrow night?” I recalled the advertisements. “You want me to create a poster board with your name on it and chant your number?”
“Won’t decline the offer.” He smiled. “And one more thing?”
I crossed my arms. “Ok?”
“Will you let me take you out for ice cream afterwards?” His eyes became huge as he waited for my response.
I bit my lip to keep from smiling too big. “Sure.”
He grabbed his backpack and threw it over his shoulder. “I will see you tomorrow night then.” He winked before heading towards his truck.
I open the door of my car and climb in.
Turning the ignition, I only smiled bigger.
Pulling out my phone, I send a quick text to my bestie before heading back toward my dorm.
You won't believe who I just met!
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