Gerty… (6)

Gerty was feeling a little embarrassed after calm had returned to the room. She had never felt this exposed to another person since leaving her home which seemed a lifetime away. The psychiatric hospitals had been a breeze as she just had to pretend she was accepting her wrong and go to all her sessions happily talking the advise of the therapists. Once free, Gerty could be who she really was and that surely was not someone who shared anything inside. There no longer was an inside for Gerty. The world was meant to die just like Gerty died inside so many years ago. Now there was the J-man stirring up things and seeing my sleep. Gerty doesn’t sleep.
Johnny could see the inner turmoil on Gerty’s face and she was keeping her eyes away from him. Johnny clasped his hand on hers and turned her to make their eyes meet. Gerty tried to stay down cast but Johnny’s persistence brought them face to face.
"Never happened Gerty. Didn’t see or hear a thing. So darling, seems like our choices are simple. Let’s fuck or get the fuck out of here."
Gerty showed a bit of a smile and gave him a little push back and there was that goofy smile and perky disposition.
"Seems like we might be able to squeeze in both."

Johnny was packing up the truck when Gerty said that she wanted to go get some drinks and see what they get to eat from the diner for the road. As Gerty walked away Johnny’s inner alarm went off as Gerty had her backpack hung over her shoulder. Johnny yelled out,
Hey Gerty, you want me to pack up your bag?"
Gerty spun twice around and and then walked backwards towards the diner with her big smile saying,
"Why thank you kind sir but I like my bag with me and I want it up front when we ride."
Johnny thought the same over the long scheme of things but right now he knew one thing. Trouble stayed very close to that bag. Johnny would like to take a peek in that bag one of these days.

Gerty walked in with her glorious smile and carefree gait and went to the service counter to see what treats were available and buy some sodas. The manager of the hotel was apparently working double duty as he came around from the kitchen. Mid fifties and a balding man with a friendly disposition.
"Heading out I see. Is there anything I can get for you miss?"
Gerty sat her pack on the counter and unzipped the side pouch without a word.
"You kids on your honeymoon or something? You sure are a cute couple."
Gerty thought a moment and then looked back out the window. Johnny was leaning against the truck and gazing at the diner door. He was making no effort to get into the cab and seemed to be waiting for her. Maybe he was waiting to open the door for her. Johnny was a keeper.
Gerty turned around still ignoring the man’s remarks. Gerty just looked at him in silence. Finally, Gerty spoke.

Tell the truth Daddio
what sounds good when you gotta go

With the uncomfortable silence broken and manager smiled and said,
"You are just the cutest thing. Our muffins are the greatest if I do say so myself. Great with some coffee for the road. Tell you what it’s on the house. Consider it a wedding present."
Gerty looked at the man with her hand deep in her pack. Maybe not a daddio. He doesn’t want anything from me. He wants to do something for me.

Hey, hey, what do you say
this sure is your lucky day

Gerty’s smile was gone and her faced was pinched in conflicted thought. Meanwhile the manager bagged up two muffins with matching coffees and set both on the counter. Gerty’s hand had not left the pouch so the manager reminded her that no money was wanted.
Frustrated Gerty zipped the pouch and grabbed the treats and mumbled a thanks and shuffled towards the door. Gerty’s bouncy step was gone and every drop of energy was being spent on not slitting the man’s throat.
The manager watched her walk towards the truck with her beau patiently waiting. As they drove off her thought to himself "I sure don’t get these kids nowadays….