Breaking the Chains. William T Blake
my eighteenth birthday a few months ago and I’m traveling to the West if you’re going that far?”
“No problem, nice to have the company,” he replied as the big rig continued its slow travel through the countryside.
Early evening was approaching as the driver pulled into a petrol station to re-fuel and buy some hot food and coffee. “You want something to eat?” he asked. Maggie was hungry. Since running away from home she had been living in the dilapidated warehouse, too frightened to venture out in case she was caught by the authorities and forced to return home. As a result she had only eaten the two packets of biscuits and half bag of pretzels which she had brought with her. Despite all her reservations, she accepted the offer, believing there was always a cost. He purchased food and drinks which they shared and then they continued on their journey.
The conversation between them was scant and labored. Maggie unsure what to or how much to say had for much of the afternoon and evening feigned sleep. When asked, she responded saying that she had been travelling for a long period with little rest.
In the late of the night the driver pulled the big rig into a truck bay telling Maggie he had to take a break to get some sleep. As he climbed from the driver’s seat into the sleeping compartment of the truck, fear crept into Maggie’s heart, she had expected this would happen at some point and had been trying to prepare herself. No matter how hard she tried she could never get used to it.
“You can try and get some more sleep on the seat if you like,” he said, throwing her a blanket and pillow, "and by the way, my name’s Bob.”
“Thank you” she answered with relief “I’m Maggie.” It was then that she started to cry, at first just softly but then the tears flowed with uncontrolled sobs. The fear and exhaustion had finally caught up with her.
Bob waited until she had cried herself out and then asked her quietly if she wanted to talk. Maggie replied that she would just like to get some sleep and maybe talk in the morning. The remainder of the night proved uneventful.
Having slept soundly, Maggie awoke in the early morning to the sound of the truck engine starting up.
“Sleep well?” asked Bob. Maggie just nodded her head in reply. Noticing she was holding a small ballerina doll, the kind used to decorate cakes. Bob smiled slightly but made no comment. His heart went out to her. She was obviously escaping from something or somebody. He often ran into people like Maggie as he travelled to and fro across the country. "So many people running away from something." He thought to himself.
“There’s something to eat in the locker behind you, it's not gourmet but it will take your hunger away, you can help yourself to whatever you like.” Maggie gratefully ate the food while questioning Bob as to how long it would take before they arrived at their final destination. “About another thirty hours or so, depends on traffic and police. It's a long haul and this is a slow heavy rig, get stuck behind someone slower and there's just no chance of passing. We’ll stop for a half hour break at the next service station and you can get yourself cleaned up and stretch your legs. After that we’ll only make necessary short breaks before stopping for a few hours of sleep to-night.
True to his word the big rig traveled at a slow but steady speed throughout the day. It was a comfortable journey with opportunity for conversation interspersed with long stretches of silence. Maggie enjoyed taking in the changing views of the countryside and towns they passed. It ended with Bob finally pulling over for the night.
“Same sleeping arrangements as last night,” he said as he climbed into the sleeping compartment; however this time, without saying anything Maggie climbed in with him. It was the first time ever that Maggie had been a volunteer to the act and she particularly noted the absence of any horrible smells and gone was the compelling need to wash and scrub herself clean. More than that came a significant realization, Maggie could not understand why she hadn't seen it before this. She had always felt intimidated and overpowered by the predators that had inflicted such unspeakable horrors on her. Now, suddenly she understood that men could be the victims of their own desires. They did not necessarily have the power over her but her over them. Still she felt confused by the revelation. Maggie’s life had conditioned her to expect the worst and afterwards it seemed that Bob’s attitude toward her changed, “just like the others” she thought with disappointment.
The following morning as the big rig neared its final stop Bob informed Maggie he would have to drop her somewhere in the outer suburbs explaining he was not allowed to carry unauthorized passengers in the truck. He pulled the big rig to the side of the road, parallel to a railway station where Maggie could catch a passenger train into the city. He handed her a sum of money saying he hoped it all worked out well for her. Maggie understood what the money was for, she knew what her mother did and she felt angry. Bob had seemed so nice, caring and friendly but now she knew for sure that he was just like the others, but at least this time there was something in it for her. In her anger she decided that this time she would strike back. ”By the way Bob,” she said, “I’m only fifteen, how old are you?” Maggie watched and enjoyed the look of horror on Bob’s face; she was at last learning to retaliate.
Climbing out of the truck she walked to the train station without turning to watch as the big rig pulled away and continued its journey.
Chapter 11
- She observed Peter’s eyes settling on her a number of times causing her to shudder knowingly, she had seen that look before. -
Maggie had been frustrated by the unfamiliarity of the ticketing system and the strange surroundings. With some kind help from a stranger she managed to book a seat on the next train leaving for the city. The hour she waited gave her the necessary time to compose herself and gather her thoughts together. She took the opportunity to regain her resolve knowing she must focus on building a new life and putting the old behind her, including the episode with Bob. The fact that she had liked him; he made her feel comfortable and at ease, made it all the more disappointing.
The train journey to the city proved uneventful; however Maggie thoroughly enjoyed the view, captivated by studying the change from rural to metropolitan. The swaying rhythm produced by the constant motion had lulled her into an almost sleep state. All too soon, the train pulled into the central city station on schedule and towards the latter part of the day. Duffel bag in hand, Maggie wandered aimlessly whilst surveying her surrounds. She was surprised at how small the central city area was compared with her home town. Nevertheless, there was the usual hustle and bustle of traffic and its accompanying sounds together with the chaos of motion. People leaving work and heading home.
She decided to find a place to eat and take the time to contemplate where she would sleep for the coming night and formulate her next strategy. She was sure she couldn’t go to any of the shelters as questions would arise that were too difficult to answer. She simply couldn't risk making any mistakes now. She had come this far and was determined to make things work. She could not take the chance of being caught and sent back home where she would have to live with the fear and self-loathing once again. Faced with that degradation she believed she would lose all resolve to break away a second time.
Wandering aimlessly she eventually stumbled across a cafe with a few grubby seats out front. The food was unappetizing and looked re-heated from the day before. Nevertheless, she purchased take away and found a strategic spot where she could sit and eat her hamburger and fries without being disturbed by the other customers. She tried thinking but nothing rational would come to her. She just could not decide on what to do. Even though she had spent a few nights sleeping rough before hitching up with Bob she hadn't felt this alone before. Now she felt desperate with the enormity of her situation. Briefly, she even considered returning home to accept what life sent her way.
By the time she finished eating, her positive outlook returned and even though she had not yet come up with any plan she set out walking the nearly deserted streets. Although, emptying of business people and workers, she knew it wouldn't be long before the gloomy atmosphere would pass and be replaced by the night crowd. Those people coming into the city to enjoy a movie or perhaps friends gathering at a pub for a drink or maybe enjoying an evening of entertainment at the theatre.