NORA

I can barely keep my eyes open. I louden the radio. The news are coming, it's 11 PM. Maybe I should stop for a while, but I only have 5 miles left. No, I'll make it. Fifteen minutes, and I'll arrive. Mum already waits for me.

I drive carefully, it's the middle of november, already freezing, the roads are greasy. Finally, I see the familiar board, "Welcome to Gracetown!"

Two more miles.

Suddenly the car jumps high under me with a huge BANG! What the hell was that? The car starts acting weird, I have difficulties holding the steering wheel. I better stop and take a look at it.

I pull up my coat to look around. It's dark and cold outside, only one lamp lights above me. It's a little scary here. I quickly find the reason of the noise, a tyre blown out. I know nothing about tyres, don't even have another one. Great!

I sit back into the car looking for my mobile. I call mum, she sends somebody. I find it, but it isn't working. The battery is dead. I forgot to charge it. F*ck, stupid phone! I throw it back into my bag.

Ok, so I have to walk. I'll freeze to death in this weather. But staying in the car on the side of the road would be even more dangerous. I have to try. Maybe somebody will help me on the way.

My shoes aren't for walk or for this weather, I can't feel my toes after 5 minutes. My coat is warm at least, but I left my gloves in my suitcase. I turn left when I reach the end of the street. It's the south end of the little town I grew up. I remember the way to mum's house, I have to walk down this long road, turn right, two more streets, and turn left. It will be an hour walking with this speed. Hell, it's so cold here!

Suddenly I see some light not so far from me. I move closer and I see that it's a store. The label shines bright on the top of that: Gracetown Car Accessories. Why would it be open at this late? Well, questions later, now let's find the solution. I get closer as fast as I can in the high heels. I look into the store through the window, the lights are on, but I don't see anybody. Maybe they forgot to switch off.

I knock on the door as a last chance.

- Hello, is anybody in?

I pull down the handle and I find the door open. Maybe somebody's here after all.

I slowly open in, and head inside.

- Hello? Are you open? Is anybody here?

No answer.

- Hello? I'm not about to rob you, I'd just like to use your phone!!

- Don't have to be so noisy, I'm coming! - Finally a man's voice! 5 seconds later I see the silouettes of him, and soon he stands in front of me.

Short cutted chocolate brown hair, icy blue eyes, sneakers, jeans, black t-shirt. OMG, it's HIM!!! He's changed a little, but I'm sure of it.

- Good evening, sorry but we are already closed. Oh...

He recognizes me as well as he lifts up his gaze to look into my eyes. His jaw drops down, as he's taking in my view.

- Is that really you? - I ask uncertainly trying to force a natural smile. - Jake?

- Nora Wilkins. You haven't changed a bit.

Not sure if this is a compliment or not, but I'm glad he remembers after all these years.

- You haven't changed either. - For two or three seconds we just stare each other, like we can't believe that we really meet here in the middle of the night. But soon he starts speaking.

- Did I hear well that you need a phone?

- Oh, yes... my car broke down not far from here, and the battery of my phone died. I'm on my way to my mother's house. If I can get your phone for a little, I'll call her and she can send somebody.

- It isn't necessary, I'll take you. I can check your car as well on the way.

- Thanks, but I don't want to trouble you. Otherwise what are you doing here at this hour? Do you work here now?

- Actually, this is my store. I've just finished some paperwork when I heard you.

- Wow, congratulations! - I shiver as I say this, and my hands shakes from the cold.

- You are freezing! My flat is upstairs, come, I give you a blanket and a hot tea before we leave.

- It isn't necessary. Emily is probably already sleeping upstairs. By the way, how is she?

- I guess, she's fine, but I don't know....We divorced last year.

- Oh. I didn't know, I'm sorry. But I heard she's just had a baby a couple of months ago.

- Yes.

- But that means...

- I live alone, you can come up. And you should, you're gonna catch a cold or worse. You can call your mum and tell, that I'll take care of your car and you'll go home tomorrow. It's very late after all.

I decide not to force him for more information. His offer is very tempting, I'm dying for a hot tea. I have doubts about going to his place, but my freezing fingers say yes. I guess it would be weird between us, but if he doesn't mind, I can bear a couple of hours in his company.

- I'm... I guess I'm out of excuses.

- Good. Come with me.

- Thank you.

He closes the store, and opens a door at the back inviting me in. A staircase leads to his flat on the first floor.

It's a small flat - no question that he truly lives alone here - but it's cozy and surprisingly tidy. He shows me to sit down on the sofa and he quickly brings a large soft blanket. I take off my coat which he takes from me and he helps covering me. He gives me his phone as well.

- Here, call your mum, I'll make the tea. With lemon and one sugar?

- You remember.

- Of course.