by Kelly Monteith

Created on: November 05, 2009

Irene finished her shift, and ran quickly to her car.The rain came down in sheets, and the frustration of not being able to find her keys turned her into a drowned rat.After using a few choice words, she settled in and started her car.Driving along a highway without street lights and the pouring rain made Irene a little nervous, for this would be the one time an animal would either park itself on the road or would make a run for it and hope it didn't become road kill.

Irene seemed to relax just a bit and decided to turn on the radio and listen to some music;thinking it might calm her down more.This small little town had been her home all her life.She left high school because her parents both passed away too early in life, and with a sister and a brother younger then her,Irene was now the bread winner.

Stopped at a light, she noticed a man standing on the side of the road.As she drove closer she saw he had his thumb out.Her father always told her never pick up strangers, and normally she took his advise, but this time it seemed different.Pulling off to the side of the road she stopped and waited for the stranger.

"Hi there, where you headed"?Irene asked as she rolled down her window.

"I'm just passing through.I hoping to find a place to stay for the night.Could you tell me where the nearest hotel or motel would be"?

"Sure, hop in and I'll take you there".Irene reached over and opened the passenger car door and the stranger got in.

"Wow, what a night out there, my name is Michael".As the stranger extended a hand to Irene.

"My name is Irene, yea I'm hoping it stops soon.We both have something in common-we're soaked to the skin".

Michael looked down at himself and looked at Irene and smiled.Pointing to each other the started to laugh.For some reason this total stranger made Irene feel comfortable.Michael explained he was passing through and just wanted to find a place to sleep, get some food into him and be on his way.They made small talk, and as Irene drove into the parking lot of the hotel there was several seconds of silence.

"Why don't you come and spend some time in my room, once I get settled, that is".Michael reached over and touched Irene's hand.Her heart started beating faster and she did not pull it away.

"I can't Michael.This is a small town and everyone knows everyone's business.I don't want anyone talking about me in that way".

"I understand that.Why not wait until I get my room.I'll stand in the doorway to let you know which room I'm in".

Irene sat

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