Penny nodded and tapped a finger on her lips in thought. She had the money to buy a nice used truck, but she remembered her older brother had a truck he wanted to get rid of. That was like a month ago, so she didn't know if he still had it, but it was worth a shot. [color=f49ac2]"I have an older brother that was trying to sell his truck. I'm not sure what the specs are on it, but I can call him and ask."
[/color]
Penny had two older brothers. She wasn't very close to them since they were a good eight to ten years older and loved practicing an avoidant attachment life style, but she figured it didn't hurt to ask. [color=f49ac2]"It was about a month ago, so I'm not entirely sure if he still has it, but I can call him."[/color]

Penny pulled her phone out of her pocket and scrolled down her contacts to 'Luke Lowe'. The phone rang a few times before a voice answered. "Hello? Penny?" 

[color=f49ac2]"Luke, hey,"[/color] Penny responded. Luke's voice was deep for a guy and his tone usually made it sound like he cared about every little detail of your life. Earlier in life, he wasn't like that at all- caring, but as they've grown older and gotten further away from their mother and their childhood trauma, he began reaching out to Penny more and more. [color=f49ac2]"Are you still trying to sell your truck? I know you called me about a month ago for it."[/color]

"I thought you didn't want it?"

[color=f49ac2]"Well, I didn't, but circumstances have changed. Can I buy it off you for cheap?"[/color] Penny crossed her fingers in hopes he'd say yes.

"Are you kidding? It's a brand new truck, Penny. Barely any miles. I haven't sold it yet, but it's only a year old. I paid a fortune for this thing."

Penny felt disappointment replace her feelings of hope. [color=f49ac2]"Fine, at least let me pay half. I have the money for pay for it in full, but Luke, I've had a really hard time lately. Can you just do me this solid?"[/color]

There was a sigh on the other end and a pause. "Fine. Half. That's seventeen grand," Penny nodded, a smile breaking out on her face. She looked at Christian and gave him a big grin with a thumbs up. "Listen, I heard over the news what happened in your little town. Are you okay? Those dead and missing students were your neighbors, right?"

Penny felt a pit form in her stomach at Luke's inquiry. He sounded like he cared and wanted to comfort her and Penny appreciated it, but it just felt weird. Her smile straightened out and she nodded, though he couldn't see it. [color=f49ac2]"Yeah. I sold that house before it happened. I guess I just had a bad feeling- and for good reason. That's why I need a truck. I'm buying a trailer. I'm going to just travel a bit and live as I please."[/color]

"Just be careful. There are tons of weirdo's out there just waiting to prey on a young, cute, woman like yourself. Especially if you travel alone."

Penny began to feel irritated. Why did he care so much? He wasn't there for her when her mother took a metal rod to her back so why was he trying to be there for her now? [color=f49ac2]"I won't be alone,"[/color] She snapped. [color=f49ac2]"I'll stop by tomorrow for the truck. Text me your address."[/color] Before he had a chance to say goodbye, Penny pulled the phone away from her ear and hung up. She felt her face heat up and she felt embarassed for the show she put on in front of Christian. [color=f49ac2]"Sorry for that. My brother is.. he likes to pretend he cares, sometimes."[/color] Penny gave Christian a small smile before gasping. [color=f49ac2]"Crap. I told him I wasn't traveling alone. He's going to be curious when we go pick up the truck."[/color]

Penny sat down on the small bench in the camper. [color=f49ac2]"Like I said, he likes to pretend he cares. He may grill you. Perhaps you'll want to stay invisible when we drive down."[/color]