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Nancy Screw and the Coming of Age (18+) Chapter 20

A Near Miss

By Alder StraussPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Redhead art by Glen Orbik

Chapter 20

A Near Miss

The three girls found themselves at the bottom of Monte View Way just as the car with Margaret and the man disappeared around a corner veering to the left. Beth stopped for the intersection and then continued along the road. She made sure to maintain her distance so she could forsake the disadvantage of turning her lights off. It was still all too risky. As Beth’s car approached the corner where the two before them had disappeared around, they caught a glimpse of their taillights once more, which flashed as they disappeared and reappeared in amongst the growing density of trees. They were heading towards Ghost Pines, a secluded community that was nestled secretly amongst great firs and maples, which acted as a natural dome; keeping the cruelties of the elements out. From time to time, Nancy questioned the name. Had there once been pines here? The name leaned towards yes, but no one could really confirm.

“Wow, it’s spooky out here, isn’t it?” Beth spoke quietly. The only thing that could be heard besides her was the purring of her engine and the coarse sound of her tires clutching the road.

“Sure is,” Janet replied. “Look, they’re speeding up! Have they seen us?” Beth accelerated.

“I don’t think so,” Nancy informed, and pointed to a sign that Beth’s headlights had revealed: 35 MPH. Beth soon matched that speed but stayed more than a few car lengths behind. The road twisted more and dipped much like a roller coaster would. Beth went over the first dip with ease, then the second. The car naturally sped up as it descended from the third and, just as Beth prepared to complete the abrupt turn ahead, something shot out of the bushes near the roadside. In one fluid motion of uncontrollable reaction, adrenaline took over Beth and she slammed on her breaks to avoid hitting the intrusion while cranking the wheel to the left in an effort to make the turn and stay on the road. The car slid helter-skelter into a slight embankment where it came to rest at a skewed angle along the side of the road. With eyes wide in shock and disbelief, the recreation of the event passed over the three and left them clutching their chests, sucking in air, and looking around them in a bewildered state, working on a solution as to what happened. Finally, the clip-clopping sound of hooves captured their attentions to a slightly visible part of the road where a doe had started its journey across the road.

“Deer,” Beth reported to the rest. “At least it’s okay,” Nancy added.

The three exited the vehicle, their legs wobbled slightly in the questionable terrain underneath them, but found the balance they needed. Each one complained in excess to one another.

“Eww. Mud,” one stated.

“It’s practically up to my ankles,” a second continued.

Beth examined the car.

“Well, it’s not damaged as far as I can see. Just stuck.”

Beth got back in and started the engine. She pressed down on the gas pedal when the other two made room. The tires spun with dizzying fury, but hardly caused the vehicle to do anything but fishtail slightly in its rut. Beth shut the engine off and shook her head. She would have to call a tow truck. Beth looked at her wristwatch. Time had somehow flew by. It was nearing nine.

“Shoot,” Beth moaned, slapping the hood. “This is just great. I’m sure our parents are already worried sick.” She looked over at Janet.

“It’ll be okay, Beth,” Janet assured. “If we need to make a call we should get off to find someone who can help us. I haven’t seen much traffic on these roads, but there’s bound to be a house we can find.”

Beth nodded her head. The sooner the better.

“Nancy, you coming along?”

“I wish I could, but two should be enough. I need to catch up with Margaret Turner.” Nancy started to jog down the road they had been following.

“Nancy,” Beth shouted into the night. “Nanc—!”

But it was no use. Nancy was already down the road and out of sight of the two that stood bewildered by Beth’s stranded vehicle.

“C’mon, Beth,” Janet grabbed onto her hand to lead her across the road. “We’ve got a job to do as well.”

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