01

“I swear, if I get cut off in traffic, that's it. I’ll move to Wyoming or something.” Ross mumbled under his breath. He pulled into a free parallel space outside Dixie University's tag and permit office. He had to get fresh parking permits for the rest of campus.

His day so far had been filled with bad news of finals that got graded, and his parents were moving from his childhood home. I just need a break. His parents had Secession War weapons money, so he didn't have to keep a GPA up for a scholarship, but he didn't like to disappoint his mother. They don't even have to sell the house. God dammit.

A crash sounded outside, so Ross rushed out, to find the rear end of his Ford truck crushed in. “Fucking dammit.” He slammed a fist into the side of the bed, and rushed around to confront the driver.

The driver in question was a girl, Ross’s age, with shoulder-length blonde hair and freckles. “Oh my god I am so sorry.”

Ross’s heart jumped in his chest when he saw her. “I uhm a don't worry about it.” the words stumbled over themselves.

“No it isn't, I crushed the bumper here.” She jumped out of the car to survey the damage. “Okay you fared better than I did. That’s good at least.” The front of the girl’s sport car was crumpled, but Ross’s bumper was all he had. Luckily the frame wasn’t bent. “My car’s built like a tin can. Stupid thing crumpled from pulling in too far.”

The girl wore shorts, showing off her legs, and the tank top she wore showed her shoulders. She took a headband from her car, and crawled under Ross’s truck. What the hell?

Ross joined her on the asphalt, looking up at his frame closer. “Yeah, this isn't bad at all. My dad runs an auto store not far from here. I’ll get it taken care of.”

“I but uhh…”

“Nah, I insist. I’ll have him send a tow for my car. I’ll take you to my dad’s shop.”

“Alright.” God finally. He gained some composure when he unlocked the door for the girl, who he still didnt have a name for. “You go to Dixie too?”

“Weapons craft major. It runs in the family.”

“Ah nice. I transferred my major to that this year. I did HVAC last year, not my favorite subject.”

“Basically a freshman then?” The blonde chuckled.

“I suppose so. My parents have weapons money, so I don't care too much about it.”

“That’s fair I suppose. I got in on scholarship. My parents weren't selling to both sides so they didn't get insanely rich off it.”

He pulled the truck into a bay, at the request of the strange girl. Ross left his truck in park, and entered after the blonde.

“Dammit Eve. You cant go around hitting people in that car. It’s probably totaled.”

“Nah dad, it bent the hood, crushed the headlights, and cracked the wind shield.” Eve replied.

“You’re the boy she hit I take it.” The man asked. He was in his 40s, if not his 50s, salt and pepper hair.

“I am, good to meet you sir.” Ross shook his hand, which was scarred from more than just hot metal.

“I’m Julius, you met Eve. Take a seat i’ll assess the damage and get a time estimate to you.” Julius exited the show room to take a look at the truck.

“Nice place you got here.” Ross commented Idly.

“Eh. It bores me sometimes.”

“You work with your dad often?”

“I help out when I can, maybe a shift or two a week.”

“Oh fair enough. I currently work for the library on campus.”

Eve suppressed a laugh, “you work for the library?”

“Yep. It’s boring as hell but pays surprisingly well.”

“Gotta admit its kinda funny though.”

“Oh I would be the first to admit that.” Ross smiled.

Eve was a pretty thing, bright blue eyes to match her blonde hair. He finally gained enough confidence to chat, over the shell shock that was his introduction to the girl.

“I am Ross, by the way.”

“Eve. Pleasure to meet you, even under these circumstances.” She accepted his handshake, fingers slender but held a strong grip. “You were flustered originally.” Eve grinned.

Oh, I was indeed. Ain't every day an angel hits your truck.” Ross said it in a flirty tone, but did mean it. What the hell am I doing?

Eve laughed. Her father returned within a few minutes. “Alright. We’re looking at getting a new bumper. The rest seems intact.”

“That’s about 3 days right?” Ross asked.

“If you want a brand new from factory one, but my brother has a yard. I can get you one installed end of day.”

“Works for me, what do I owe you?”

Julius waved a hand. “I got you, kid. Eve, get my wrecker, tow your car back here. Take the young man wherever he needs to go.”

“Sure thing, dad.”

Ross took shotgun, while Eve cranked up the tow truck.