Parting Ways (Part 2 of 7)

​On the previous Friday, they packed their bags and planned their escape. Just Nic, her best friend, Bryant, and $750 between the two of them which was running out sooner than they’d anticipated.

For the first few days, they mulled over what they would do and where’d they’d go all while seeking shelter in shifty motels during the day. The day rate worked for now, but they’d need more money if they were to replenish their food — highly processed snacks and off brand sports drinks. 
 
“I don’t know how much longer we’re gonna last out here, Bryant. What happened to your    friend in Reno? You know, that guy you met in that chat room who was supposed to have some extra space in his garage?”
 
            Bryant took another bite of his sandwich, taking a few more seconds to decide whether or not to lie. He had been in communication with Reno-guy almost daily for nearly three weeks before he and Nic left, but couldn’t get a hold of him in the days leading up to their exodus. Reno-guy had all but disappeared from the chat room, profile deleted, no pictures to be seen, and all his previous posts had been wiped clean. Bryant had come to believe that Reno-guy, or whoever he really was, thought this was all a lot more exciting before he knew Bryant was serious about trekking to California, especially with additional assistance from a good internet Samaritan.    
 
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