Stranded (closed for Steffi200051)

[Undercoverseeke]

"Dammit!" Sierra grumbled, turning the key in the ignition again. The engine of her Ford Explorer struggled valiantly, but refused to turn over. She was hopeless with machines, so she had no idea what was wrong.

Thankfully, her parents had set her up with AAA before she had gone off to college... but when she checked her cell phone, it was to find that there was no service out here. Great. Just great.

Sierra and Jenny had been looking forward to driving up to Sierra's uncle's cabin in the mountains for winter break. The cabin had all the comforts of home -- hot tub, satellite TV, even Internet access -- but the rustic feel of being surrounded by forest. It would be a great place for them to just chill out and relax after a stressful semester, and best of all, they would have had it all to themselves for a week.

Now, though, they were stranded a good ten miles from the cabin, in a car that wouldn't start. And already a chill was starting to creep in.

She hugged herself, unconciously reaching up to smooth back her long red-brown hair. "Jenny? I think we're in trouble..."

 

[Steffi200051]

"Yeah, it really won't budge."

Jenny made her words mild compared to the status of the situation. The temperature was about 35 but was sure to go lower and there was a steady drizzle that would turn over to snow after dark. The cellphone was the best option, but they might need to walk to a higher open spot. Fortunately, the car was well stocked with provisions.

"I think it might be best to wait for the rain to stop, no need to get wet--right?"

Sierra had a swell plan. It was just the right time for a trip to the mountains as the leaves were still gorgeous. The idea of being secluded in nature was always a great way to unwind and right now she needed that in her life. Just to sleep in and wake up to fresh air would be a huge relief. Besides, Sierra had described the cabin as almost a private resort.

Jenny began looking around at the amount of gear they had stowed. At that moment the tiny sounds of sleet began showering the Explorer. It was almost as if the decision had been made for them. Sierra made a reaction that spoke for both of them, "oooohhhh."

 

[Undercoverseeke]

"Ooooooh... shit." Sierra thumped the steering wheel. "Okay, now what, Jenny? Do we walk? Or sit here and hope someone drives up and rescues us?"

 

[Steffi200051]

"OK, we only need to get in the clear, facing West on high ground to pick up a tower. But it might be best to wait till morning. Getting lost would only add to our problem....."

Jenny was not sounding upbeat, but the car provided some shelter and staying dry was important. They both kept searching for cars on the gravel road as daylight faded.