Across the diner, Audrey goes back to swaying dreamily to the music, which is suddenly overtaken by bass bumpin' hip hop.
Drifting over a vast Expanse of Western Desert
Kyle Williams POV
The noontime sun bakes the strip of highway slicing through this barren country. A black Cadillac Escalade blazes a path. Heavy beats thunder from within.
The stereo in this rig could shake mountains. I pass a weathered road sign: ENTERING PARADISE FALLS, NEXT SERVICES 50 MILES. My expression says this is not good news.
I grab my cell phone off the passenger seat. No signal. Fantastic.
''Shit...'' I say.
I spot a truck stop diner just up the road ahead and head there. I pull off the highway and roll to a stop at the lonely row of old gas pumps.
I get out and survey the scenery with dismay. I see this is a place time forgot. I sea mechanic's bay is attached to the diner. Grease stains and rusty car parts litter the ground. Behind the place is the Silverstream trailer Jeep lives in.
The only things here that looks fairly new is the UHAUL truck parked in front of the garage with its hood up, two campers, and a Ford F-150 truck.
I grab a crumpled hand drawn map from the front seat and flatten it out on the roof of the car. I spin it around. Which way is north?
''Darren, your directions suck, man.'' I say to myself.
I hear a Camaro suddenly and I see that it either needs gas or something. And I will learn that it was on empty, meaning that he was lucky to get this far.
''I'm gonna need some gas.'' the dude who I will get to know is named Evan Downey is actually holding his anger in as he was on his way to visit his parents.
I check my cell phone again. Again, no chance of a signal way out here. So, I shuffle around to the side of the diner in search of a pay phone.
While Evan goes into the Diner and orders food as he is hungry and then he'll go to gas up his car to go to his family.
The good news is that I find a pay phone. The bad news is that it's been broken for ten years. Leaning next to the broken phone, however, is a very pregnant woman wearing a shabby, faded waitress uniform stretched tight around her very pregnant belly.
Adding to her perfect mother-to-be look is that cigarette dangling from her lips. The plastic name tag pinned to her chest says CHARLIE.
''Hey...'' I say.
She eyes me, looking mildly intrigued, and takes a drag.
''You know that shit right there ain't good for the baby.'' I say.
She lets out a long slow exhale.
''Guess I should think `bout quittin' then.'' Charlie says.
''Now hold on, girl, let me bum one before you do.'' I say.
''You can buy a whole pack inside.'' she says.
''Tell ya what. You let me have one of yours, and I'll give you two from the new pack you're gonna sell me.'' I say.
She looks like she's considering it and then pulls out a cigarette. She lights it off the end of hers then hands it to me. I take a drag and pull out my crumpled map.
"Am I in the right place?" I ask.
"Only if nowhere's right, `cause that's where you are." Charlie tells me, peering at the map.
"Sonuvabitch. There another phone around here? You know, one that works?" I ask.
"Bob'll probably let you use the diner phone if you ask him real nice...And pay `im somethin'." Charlie says.
"I can handle that. You got pancakes here?" I ask.
"Yeah, we got a buttermilk stack for three seventy-five. We also got french toast for four dollars if you're into that. I personally like the pancakes though." Charlie tells me.
Charlie POV
''You okay, Charlie?'' I hear Jeep say.
We both turn to see Jeep behind the diner, wearing mechanic's coveralls and holding a dusty old crib. I quickly hide my cigarette behind my back. I am so busted.
''Yeah, I'm okay. This guy's just lost.'' I speak.
Jeep nods, uncertain, and he eyes Kyle another moment, then he shuffles along out of sight. I bring the cigarette back up to my lips.
''Three seventy-five, huh?'' Kyle asks after an awkward moment.
Inside PARADISE FALLS GAS `N' GRUB - Day
Hyacinth POV
The door opens and jingles as a man I will know as Kyle and Charlie come in the diner.
I see Audrey's eyes light up when she sees Kyle. I see he notices her as well. How couldn't he? She's directing every ounce of sex appeal she has in his direction.
Her parents, on the other hand, shoot a look of utter fear in Kyle's direction, as if he personified their worst suburban nightmare. I see Charlie head to the register. She digs out a fresh pack of smokes from underneath the counter.
''I hope Salem Lights are okay, cuz that's all we got left.'' I hear Charlie say.
''If I can smoke `em, I'll take `em.'' Kyle says.
''Where ya been, Charlie?'' Bob asks as he steps off the chair. ''This ain't a resort you know. I got orders stacking up here.'' he says even though it isn't true. Bob sees the two cigarettes Kyle's handing her.
''You best not be smokin' again. Not in your condition.'' Bob says.
''Bob, do you see where am I right now? Can my condition really get any worse? `Sides, you ain't one to talk.'' Charlie says.
''What? I quit two years ago.'' Bob says.
''Yeah, so why you still carryin' that fancy lighter `round for?'' Charlie asks Bob.
''It was a gift from my ex-wife, alright? I'm sentimental. I don't wanna forget how much I hate her guts.'' Bob says in response.
Bob POV
Hey man?'' a man asks me and I turn and look at him and I don't like what I see. A gangster or just someone who doesn't trust easily.
''Can I use your phone? My cell doesn't get a signal out here and the pay phone outside is busted.'' the man says, and I go to answer when I am cut off.
''Excuse me?'' Howard asks, oblivious to the conversation I was having. ''Any news about when our truck might be fixed? You said your boy would have us on the road two hours ago. The rate we're going, we'll be lucky to make it to Scottsdale by Christmas.'' he says, and my face darkens as I hear that.
''Goddamn it. Where the hell is Jeep?'' I ask.
Jeep POV
The scene changes to grimy piece of wood being cleaned.
I wipe away the dirt with a cloth, revealing the partial image of an angel carved into the surface. I am carefully cleaning the old wooden crib on a workbench. There's an unsettling intensity in my eyes, as if fear itself were driving me.
''Hey, Leonardo...!'' my dad yells.
I freeze, knowing that I am in deep trouble. I reluctantly turn to see my father standing next to the Anderson's broken-down U-Haul. Ah crud, I'm dead.
''The fact that this truck's hood's up mean anything to you?" dad asks.
I stare at the ground, very uncomfortable.
''Yeah...I'll get to work.'' I say. Dad approaches me and peers at the crib.
''Whaddya workin' on that's so gosh darn important you're not doin' your job?'' Dad asks and I squirm.
''Nothin'...'' I say, trying and failing, to hide the crib, hoping he'll leave it at that but dad just looks at the crib with a dismal look.
''Found it under a bunch of stuff in the storage shed. I know you never like to throw anything away...'' I say, trying to come up with something so he will lose the dismal look. Dad's look softens.
''Whaddya doin'?'' dad asks me.
''What...?'' I ask him.
''Jeep, I like Charlie. I do. And I think it's real good of you to lend her a helping hand, but she is not your responsibility.'' dad says.
Having heard, I brush past dad and tell him to leave me alone.
Bob POV
''Don't walk away from me while I'm talkin' to you!'' I tell Jeep.
Jeep walks out toward the gas pumps, but I'm right alongside him, not giving up.
''How long you gonna follow her around like a puppy dog? Cleaning up the messes she makes while she steps out with every guy around here other than you?!'' I ask.
I see Jeep stiffen and turn around.
''Don't say that about her! She's not like that!'' Jeep says to me. I give Jeep a hard stare and think 'Yes she is.'
''You really think she's gonna stick around here after that baby is born and off her hands?'' I ask my son as I know she won't.
Jeep shakes his head, as it burns him to know she won't stick around.
''Look I know it doesn't make any sense to you, but it's just something I have to do.'' Jeep says. I sigh and feel sorry for my son.
''See that up there?'' I ask my son, pointing at the sign. ''Your mother thought I was crazy for wanting to buy this place, middle of nowhere... But I just knew this was what I was supposed to do. Told your mom to just wait. Told her when they finally ran the freeway through here like they were plannin' on, this place would be like Grand Central Station.'' I say as I take a breath. ''But I was wrong. The freeway never came and now the only people who ever stop here are the ones who are lost. And your mom? Well she got tired of waitin'.'' I say.
''C'mon dad. You can't blame yourself for what she did-'' Jeep says.
''Yeah, I can. And I'm sayin' you're about to make the same damn mistake I made, believing in something that's never gonna happen...Or someone. It's time for you to move on from this place, Jeep. I don't wanna see you wake up one morning old and pissed off, realizing you're lost just like everybody else who stops here.'' I say.
Jeep looks up at me, my words hanging heavily. A tough pill to swallow.
''Now get to work on that truck. I wanna have these people on the road by nightfall. At least the suburban people on the road by nightfall, maybe get the Potter kids away from the Dursley's but ehh...'' I say not admitting to liking the Potter's and the Blonde female Dursley (not Petunia, but her kid that's a blond-haired Lily) as I could kinda see them as family myself.
Jeep POV
Dad walks back into the diner. I go to work on the U-Haul truck first but I see something is off in the distance. Dark clouds line the horizon to the south like a living wall. I shift my gaze up the highway to the north. Same thing. Dark clouds are pushing their way over the distant mountains. A storm is coming.
Inside PARADISE FALLS GAS `N' GRUB
Aster Primrose Dursley
I see a man, Bob I think his name is come into the diner, from talking to the mechanic I believe. He sees Kyle sitting at the counter, digging into a plate of banana pancakes. Kyle is about to address him again, when something else steals Bob's attention.
''Yeah, wait a minute.'' Bob says.
The tv has gone on the fritz again. Only now, the image is mostly snow. Bob climbs back on the chair and faces the tv.
''What's wrong with you today?'' Bob asks the tv before he whacks it. The image flickers but doesn't improve.
''I told you to get the satellite TV. But you don't wanna listen.'' the cook, Percy says.
''What the hell do I need that crap for?'' Bob asks.
''History channel man!'' Percy says.
''I got all the history I can take.'' Bob says.
''That's for sure.'' the waitress, Charlie says.
''What's your problem now?'' Bob asks.
''Where do I start?'' Charlie asks.
''You know, this was the top-of-the-line model when I bought it.'' Bob says.
''Yeah, in the 50s.'' Charlie says.
''You shouldn't be watching anyway. Okay, baby, this is gonna do it.'' Bob says and then he whacks the tv.
The picture snaps back into focus. Only it isn't the picture he wanted.
see the tv screen has the graphic of the Emergency Broadcast System and I go pale. What has happened?
The tone echoes in the diner and I try to breathe normally as I am worried and panicking. Everyone turns at the tone and I see my family ready to do anything to keep me calm.
''See? Clear as day.'' Bob says while mom comes toward me.
''Everything's going to be okay Hope.'' mom says.
''Nice work Bob. What the hell's that?'' Percy asks at the me time mom tells me everything's going to be okay.
''It's just one of those test things.'' Bob says but the screen has ''this is not a test.'' Bob switches the channels. All the same.
''Don't look like a test.'' Charlie, the waitress says.
Bob steps off the chair and backs slowly away from the TV as if a little distance will bring some clarity. He bumps into Kyle.
''Yo, am I the Invisible Man here? Do you have a phone or not?'' Kyle asks as he peels a five-dollar bill off a serious wad of cash. That gains Bob's attention. Bob snaps the money out of his hand.
''In the back past the kitchen. Make it fast.'' Bob says. Kyle hustles past Percy.
Charlie is standing by the Anderson's table, clearing dishes. Everybody's eyes are locked on the TV.
''If there's a real emergency, aren't they supposed to give us some information about what to do?'' Sandra asks.
''I'm sure it's a mistake.'' Howard says.
''Hey, Percy, give that old radio of yours a shot. Maybe they got some news about the TV.'' Bob says.
Percy grabs an old battery powered radio off a kitchen shelf. He puts it on a counter and switches it on. Static is all we hear. He spins the dial until he reaches a clear signal. The same hollow tone of Emergency Broadcasting. Station after station is the same thing. The diner is overwhelmed by a chilling chorus of hollow tones. Everyone goes very still, and I have to calm the twins down.
Kyle Williams POV
''Let me talk to him...'' I tell my ex as I sit at a messy desk in this dark, wood paneled back office, phone to my ear.
''Cuz a father should be able to talk to his son, that's why. Now put 'im on the phone.'' I wait and then ''Is that my little man...? Yeah, well I'm working hard, so that I can be with you. You bein' good?'' I ask. But then I hear static and the call is being disrupted.
''Wait... You're breakin' up. Hello...? Shit!'' I say as I hang up in frustration that my call was interrupted.
I stew for a bit before picking up the phone to redial. But the odd thing is I don't hear a dial tone.
''What the hell...'' I say. I keep trying but nothing, nada, zilch.
Rose Potter POV
"Maybe there was an earthquake?'' Howard states/asks and everyone looks at him, Uncle Vernon looked at me and Hyacinth with a glare that has us shaking.
''They keep saying we're overdue for a big one.'' Howard states.
''Lot of folks could he hurt.'' Percy says. Bob clears his throat and pointedly looks at me, or my sister or cousins so they know not to talk about it but apparently, they didn't hear him.
''Not if it was centered in the desert.'' Bob whispers or tries to. He sucks at it.
''Exactly. Could be nothing to worry about.'' Howard says.
''So, then why's the tv out?'' Sandra asks.
''Maybe it just hit the relay stations. Aren't those usually in remote areas?'' Howard asks.
''Yeah, 'cause of the radiation they give off.'' Bob 'whispers.'
''There ain't no radiation comin' from those things. Plus, that don't explain the radio being out too. Some of those stations broadcast over hundreds of miles. Any quake that big and we would a felt it.'' Percy says.
''Percy's right. I didn't feel nothing.'' Charlie says.
''Maybe it's a terrorist attack or something...?'' Audrey says/asks.
''Oh god...'' Sandra says, covering her mouth as everyone starts taking in the possibility and I start to panic but Aunt Petunia gets a look that says that she would give us to the terrorists that quickly terrifies me.
''Well, for cryin' out loud. There's no use in speculating. I'll just call my brother up in Needles. He must a heard something.'' Bob says loud and clear so everyone will stop making assumptions and making a pregnant woman panic.
''I don't think so.'' Kyle says as he comes back into the diner, and I have a bad feeling.
''Whaddya talkin' about?'' Bob asks.
''Phone's dead. Just tried to make a call.'' Kyle says.
''You're shittin' me.'' Bob says but Kyle shakes his head and sits at the counter. I close my eyes, hands shaking as I fear for my dear Corbin.
''Oh, this is just great.'' I hear Mrs. Anderson say.
''Relax, Mrs. Anderson. Nothing to get excited about. Probably just working on the lines.'' Bob says. ''Sides, I'm sure Jeep'll have your truck fixed up quick as can be, and then you'll be on your way.'' he says, trying to calm the situation.
Outside PARADISE FALLS GAS 'N' GRUB
Jeep POV
I'm buried under the U-Haul's hood, working at something with a socket wrench. It's not going well.
''Damn it!'' I say.
I pull myself up. Grease covers my face and hands. The sound of a car approaching catches my attention. I watch as a beat-up '80s Cutlass Supreme pulls off the highway and rolls to a stop at the pumps. It's a mystery how anyone could see through the layer of dust on that windshield.
After a moment the car door pops open and the legs of an elderly woman swings down to the ground, followed by the metal frame and wheels of a walker. The little old lady gets out of the car, steadies herself on the walker, and then slowly makes her way toward the diner with the rickety frailness of an old turtle.
I watch her disappear inside. I then look towards the horizon again. The wall of dark clouds is growing ever closer.
Inside PARADISE FALLS GAS 'N' GRUB
Hyacinth Potter POV
I hear a jingle as an old lady enters. She surveys the scene as if feasting on paradise. Maybe her eyes aren't so good.
''Have a seat wherever you want, Ma'am. Specials are on the board.'' Charlie says.
''Thank you dear.'' the old woman says.
The old lady settles at a table across from the Andersons. She smiles at them pleasantly. Charlie is about to hand her a menu, when she speaks.
''Oh, I already know what I want.'' the old woman says.
''Okay, what'll it be?'' Charlie asks.
''I'll have the steak, please.'' the old lady says.
''And how'd you like that cooked?'' Charlie asks.
''Rare if you would. And water, no ice.'' old lady says.
''Coming right up.'' Charlie says.
''Charlie, is it?'' I hear the old woman ask.
''Yeah.'' Charlie answers.
''What an unusual name for a girl.'' the old woman says.
''So, they say. I'll be right back with your water.'' Charlie says and turns around and takes the lady's order to the cook.
''Actually, Charlie is short for Charlotte half the time. The female form of Charles meaning free man.'' I say and then, I see I have everyone's attention and I start to blush when Aster, Audrey, Kyle, Percy, and Charlie start to clap. But Vernon smacks me for being a smart mouth. I am close to crying and everyone in the diner separates me and my cousins from Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon after Vernon drags us, except Dudley by our hair, and beats us in the back room, and was caught by Kyle.
The old lady then turns to the Andersons.
''Hello, I'm Gladys. Gladys Foster.'' Gladys says. At least I don't have to call her old lady anymore.
''Nice to meet you, Gladys. I'm Sandra and this is my husband, Howard.'' Sandra says.
''What a nice young couple you are. What brings you out to these parts?'' Gladys asks.
''We're moving out to Scottsdale. But our truck broke down, and so we're stuck here while it's being fixed.'' Sandra says.
''Oh, what a nuisance.'' Gladys says. A fly begins to buzz around Gladys's head. She doesn't seem to notice it.
''Say, Gladys, it seems the lines are down around here. The phone and TV, you know?'' Sandra asks Gladys. ''And I just was wondering if you might have heard something on your way up? You know, about what's going on?'' Sandra asks Gladys.
Gladys smiles strangely. ''Oh, don't worry yourself about that, sweetheart. It'll all be over soon.'' she says.
Sandra nods at the old woman, unsure of what to make of that response. The fly that was circling her head, now lands on Gladys's face. It crawls across her cheek without her reacting in the least.
Howard and Sandra exchange looks. Creepy.
Charlie serves us regular breakfast now, since we're away from the Dursley adults. giving us pancakes, eggs, and bacon!
Jeep POV
The door jingles as I walk in. I head straight for a quiet huddle with dad. All the while though, I keep one eye fixed on the old lady sitting at the table near the Andersons. Something about her...
''The carburetor's shot. Don't know why. Looks brand new.'' I say to dad.
Dad glances over at the Andersons. ''Ah, shit. They're gonna be pissed.'' dad says.
''I could try to rebuild it, but it'd take a while, and I don't think we have all the parts. If we call right now, we might be able to get a new one down here tomorrow morning.'' I speak.
''That's not gonna happen. Goddamn phone's out.'' dad says.
''What?'' I ask, surprised.
Hyacinth POV
Charlie places a bloody red steak in front of Gladys and I get nauseous at the sight.
''Thank you, dear. How far along are you?'' Gladys asks Charlie.
Charlie rests a hand on her belly. ''Just about there.'' Charlie says.
''The father must be very proud.'' Gladys says.
''I wouldn't know.'' Charlie says.
''You mean they're...'' Gladys goes to say.
''Out of sight. Out of mind.'' Charlie says.
''Oh, I see. So, Charlie you're not married, I take it?'' Gladys asks. A fly lands on Gladys's steak. Charlie tries to wave it away. But another one lands in its place.
''Nope.'' Charlie says.
Gladys starts to dig into the steak with a real ferociousness you wouldn't expect from an old lady. More flies begin to land on her body. On her food. Charlie is still trying to wave them away.
''That's too bad.'' Gladys says.
''No, I prefer it that way. I don't need a man tellin' me what to do.'' I hear Charlie say.
''But what about the baby?'' Gladys asks Charlie and Hope goes to step in, but John just shakes his head.
''I've got it under control.'' Charlie says to both Gladys and Hope.
''Yeah, but it's gonna burn.'' Gladys says. Rose, Aster, and I freeze. Charlie freezes. The Andersons turn to look as well. Kyle glances over from the counter.
''What did you just say?'' Charlie asks.
''I said your baby's gonna burn.'' Gladys says and I see Rose wanting to flay Gladys verbally to kingdom come.
Charlie shakes her head at the woman, not giving in. ''Go to hell, lady.'' she says.
She slaps the check down on the table and walks back toward the kitchen, passing Jeep and Bob.
''What happened?'' Bob asks.
''Total Jesus freak.'' she says.
Gladys begins to laugh innocently as she continues to devour her meat. Red juice drips down her chin. The flies are swarming now. How did so many get in here? Sandra and Howard are mortified at this sudden turn of events.
''All those babies. They're gonna burn.'' Gladys says and I am getting up to punch her and more.
''Gladys, please. There's no reason to -'' Sandra starts to say only to be cut off as Gladys's head suddenly whips toward her.
''Shut up, you stupid bitch! All you do is complain! Complain! Complain!'' Gladys says.
Sandra covers her mouth in shock. Everybody in the diner is now focused on the old lady. Howard gets up from the booth.
''Howard, it's okay! Don't listen to her!'' Sandra says but Howard's already standing over Gladys.
''Who the hell do you think you are, lady?! Now, I'd like you to apologize to my -'' Howard says only for him to be cut off by Gladys lunging at him and taking a monstrous bite out of his neck! She pulls back to reveal a mouth filled with tiny razor-sharp teeth.
Almost everyone freaks as Howard crumbles to the floor.
Gladys rockets to her feet, knocking her table over. Blood covers her face and chest. ''You're all going to die!'' she says.
Percy is the first to react. From behind the counter, he whips a heavy metal frying pan at Gladys that knocks her head sideways. THWACK! Bones break and burst from her neck. Impossibly, Gladys is still standing.
I hear Gladys let out an inhuman screech and see her scramble across the diner, knocking tables and chairs over in her wake. Bob pulls a shotgun from behind the counter.
''Don't move!'' Bob tells Gladys but Gladys not only moves, she scurries right up the wall like some kind of bizarre crab. Bob can't believe his eyes, and neither can I sister and cousin behind me.
But Bob gets over it real fast, as the crab lady rushes toward him - ACROSS THE CEILING - UPSIDE DOWN!
Bob pumps the shotgun, trying to take her down, but he can't track her fast enough. Instead, he blows enormous holes in the ceiling, a rain of plaster. Gladys drops down right in front of Bob.
Bob struggles to cock the gun. ''Shit.'' he says. Gladys smiles sweetly before slapping him clear across the room! The shotgun clatters to the floor at Jeep's feet. He snatches it up and aims it at Gladys who turns calmly to face him.
''Shoot her, Jeep!'' I say scared. Jeep's about to fire, when the old lady's eyes go all white.
Suddenly, a red beam comes out of my hands, and she screams.
''You'll never save them.'' Gladys says with a sickly-sweet smile. Jeep freezes, stunned by her words, overwhelming fear paralyzing him where he stands.
''Shoot the bitch!'' Percy yells. Gladys rockets straight at him but Jeep's too afraid to move. He clamps his eyes shut, bracing himself for the end.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! A rain of bullets rips into Gladys, taking her down like an animal. Jeep slowly opens his eyes. His gun's still cocked. Gladys lies dead in a smoldering, bloody heap at his feet.
We turn to see Kyle with smoke rising from the barrel of his silver-plated Western Arms 45. If everyone else wasn't so shocked, they'd probably be wondering why this guy is packing such serious heat.
I go to Kyle and hug him, thanking him profusely.
''Somebody help me!'' Sandra says. Sandra is on the floor with her husband. Blood pours freely from his neck. Kyle stares at the dying man - a moment of hesitation - then he rushes to help.
''Press your hands over the hole!'' Kyle says. Sandra looks fearfully up at Kyle, at the gun still in his hand.
''Don't look at me like that, lady! I'm tryin' to help you! Now put your damn hands over the hole before your husband bleeds to death!'' Kyle says. Obeying, she cups her hands over the hole in his neck, desperately trying to stop the flow of blood leaking out between her fingers.
Percy scrambles over with a first-aid kit and together he and Kyle get to work on Howard's neck.
A few feet away, Charlie helps Bob, Rose, and Aster bruised and bleeding, to their feet. Bob cus the old lady. Aster, Rose, and I cus of Unca Vernon, but since I already got up...
Rose goes to Howard and tries to help and the wound starts to heal before our eyes.