Amanda Perry - On the Edge of Forever

T he sun shone brightly over the approaching horizon. The glare bounced off a sheen of dust that accumulated during the long ride, the small microscopic pebbles glistening like diamonds. Remy pushed the sunglasses up higher on her face, trying to keep the light from blinding her. Being late afternoon, the temperature outside remained a constant ninety-eight degrees. The air conditioning worked overtime, trying to cool the dry desert heat as it wafted through her overtaxed vents. Remy squinted further against the brightness, trying to make out the details of the SUV far ahead of her, hoping it was her dads car.

The life she knew disappeared slowly behind her, one agonizing mile at a time. Her dreams and aspirations, gone, her whole life uprooted all thanks to her dads new job. A junior in college, one moment shed been enjoying the last few days of the semester with all her friends, every adventure being committed to memory. The next, her father came home with the news of his new position. Her last week of school was spent helping her family pack up the house while her friends partied each night.

Maybe destiny wanted her to find her best friend and boyfriend in bed together. Maybe the fickle bitch wanted to uproot Remys life, causing turmoil just as Remy was getting a solid foundation under her feet. With the news of the impending move breathing in her ears, she begged to be left behind, wanting nothing more than to pursue her own path. She was twenty-one, legally an adult for over three years. But the news about her dads position spread. Society labeled him a traitor against humanity, and the whole family suffered for his decision. Without provocation, the University revoked her scholarship.

Of course, Remy and her father protested the decision, demanding a hearing. When the dean of the school mockingly referred to her dad as a furry lover, Remy lost it. Her arm swung out, nailing the nasty man right in the lower jaw. Caught off guard, the obnoxious jerk tripped over the leg of a nearby chair as the force of Remys punch propelled him back a step.

The stupid shit ended up with a broken arm as well as a sore jaw. Remys father had grabbed her up before her carefully orchestrated kick could connect with the deans private parts. Kicking and screaming, her father hauled her out of the university office, laughing joyously at his baby girls actions.

In her tight-knit family, Remy's temper was legendary. Her sweet demeanor often mistaken for submissive or demure, people were quite shocked when her true colors came to light. Granted, Remy was shy and quiet for the most part but mess with anyone she loved or piss her off, she lit off like a rocket, always swinging first, damning the consequences.

Shockingly, after the altercation, her father's new bosses had pulled strings to ensure charges weren't brought against Remy. This spoke volumes of the desperation his new employers faced, needing her dad's services. When Remy once again balked at moving, a new opportunity was presented; another full ride scholarship. The school coincidentally happened to be located in the same town her family planned on moving to and Remy would have to move with them to take advantage of it. Like a debutante with a diamond dangled in front of her, Remy relented.

Two weeks later, she drove behind her family's SUV in her beat-up old truck with her music blaring out of the speakers, her small backpack of favored personal items next to her.

Remy groaned. She needed to make a pit stop. If she didnt, the seats were in jeopardy of getting wet. Her dads relentless need to get them to their destination had them only stopping when absolutely necessary. Knowing she couldnt hold out much longer, she reached for the cell phone lying in the center console. Keeping an eye on the road in front of her, she used her thumb to press the home button. When Siri dinged at her, she responded tightly, Call Dickhead.

An eternity went by before the ringing stopped and an annoyed voice yelled, What?

Remy ignored the snark. Tell Dad I need to stop.

Holy crap. You just went an hour ago. What the hell? You on your period or something? Her sixteen-year-old brother, Todd, had no filter. And apparently, couldnt tell time either.

It was three hours ago, you dipshit. Tell Dad I need to stop. Otherwise, Im stopping on my own and Ill catch up with you. Remy jiggled around in her seat, trying to relieve some of the pressure on her bladder.

Her brothers loud complaining came through the phone but her fathers response was muffled.

Dad said were almost at the border crossing. Once we pass into furry territory, he says theres a rest stop.

You shouldnt call them that. Its derogatory, Remy lectured for the hundredth time.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Thats what you say all the time. Give it a rest, why dont cha?

Remy gritted her teeth, biting back her retort. She waited until she reined in her temper before responding. Fine, but if you open your mouth and one of them takes offense, dont expect me to bail your dumb ass out.

Her little brothers attitude annoyed her but he was only repeating words hed heard before. Most humans held the same prejudices. Lycanthropes would forever be known as furries, Vampires as fangers, and Fae as fruit flies.

Remy hung up the phone and said a silent prayer that her bladder would hold out.

Thirty minutes later, they finally crossed the border. Remy followed her dad's car into the parking lot of a small convenience store just a half mile in from the border. Without waiting for anyone else, Remy leaped from her car and rushed into the building, cursing every god she could think of when she discovered the unisex bathroom locked. Her eyes drifted up to the hanging sign reading, Patrons must obtain the key from the attendant at the counter. Management.