Dodgy Ignition(Annie Frame) Dodgy Ingnition.

Denise had been dating Craig for a few months, but was tired of his bad moods and controlling habits. She wanted to finish with him, meet someone new, who would respect her and make her happy. Would she ever get rid of him? She felt doubtful. His company had cost her dearly and any self confidence she’d had was gone. Glancing at her watch she realized he’d be waiting at the corner. They always met there, because he said so. Grabbing the car keys she hurried out the door. A grin spread across her lips as the engine started first time. Craig had been hitting the roof, because the dodgy starter had been leaving them sitting high and dry. Sometimes it would oblige other times it wouldn’t. Not anymore though. The good looking mechanic that lived down the road had fitted a new one at cost price. He’d asked for a date too, but she’d promptly refused fearing one of Craig’s rages.

Denise drove off preparing to collect the bane of her life, while daydreaming about the dishy date she’d refused. The car zoomed into action and it wasn’t long before she spotted a lone figure with a miserable bracket. As usual he was in a foul mood and waiting to take it out on her. Her gut ached as she pulled into the kerb, forcing a smile she tried to hold it in place, hoping it might brighten his murky world. It didn’t and yanking the car door open he got in, glowered in her direction and hissed, “About time.” She knew she wasn’t late, so did he, but he wanted an argument so needed a reason. Any reason would do.

A long disdainful silence hung between them making the atmosphere as heavy as it always was. She was just about to turn the ignition when he spat, “Well lets see if the heap of metal starts shall we?” The words almost left her, but they didn’t. She held onto them as the get-out-quick plan evolved from the crevices of her mind. He had never once offered her a penny in petrol costs, treated her with complete disrespect ever since they’d met. There was no butterflies in the tummy, there never had been. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Her fingers fumbled with the key, and made sure not to turn too far. The car coughed and died as she knew it would. Craig’s featured darkened as his lip curled, “I don’t need this! Rubbish car, rubbish bird. I can do a lot better!” She kept her mouth shut hoping his anger would carry him to pastures new.

Tucking both hands underneath her thighs with both sets of fingers crossed she waited for him to make a move. He did and leapt out of the car slamming the door as hard as he could, while she thanked her lucky stars to finally be rid of him. He did not look back and she didn’t want him to. Once the coast was clear and her senses told him he had gone she turned the ignition for a second time. Sweet as a nut! Turning the car around she started to drive home. It was a good thing that she had not told Craig about the car repair, because it had turned out to be an escape route.

She was almost home when she spotted him. Without hesitation she pulled over, lowered the window and asked, “Is that date still available?” The handsome mechanic winked and replied, “The sooner the better.”

By Annie Frame Copyright August 2013

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