The Journey - Bean Town to L.A.

By William Malic

Two women graduating from college, with different backgrounds and personalities start as casual friends but in the course of their journey cross country become entwined. Together they experience the good, bad and ugly. Olivia is a smart, serious student with a clear set of goals. She isn’t entirely innocent, but has been reserved for most of her life. Chloe acts on impulse, preferring shock and awe, particularly in sexual relationships. Her goal is to be with as many men as she can seduce. Spoiled by a privileged upbringing, she is materialistic and shallow, but not without scruples, however her version of morality is skewed far from the norm. They get of the interstates and experincelife, culture, cuisine and love. From day one they encounter their first affair and it doesn’t end till the journey is almost complete. Any good story has hidden agendas, and this will surprise even the most hardened heart. If the reader wishes, the route can be followed by going to the Appendix and using Google maps

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781105940057

Book preview

The Journey - Bean Town to L.A.

The Journey - Bean Town to L.A.

Preface

Two women graduating from college, with different backgrounds and personalities start as casual friends but in the course of their journey cross country become entwined.  Olivia’s destiny resides in California, but before she takes her vow, she needs to experience the world.  Chloe has a vague idea of where she is going; nowhere in particular.  Together they experience the good, bad and ugly, experiences of a lifetime.

Olivia is a smart, serious student with a clear set of goals.  She isn’t entirely innocent, but has been reserved for most of her life.  Independent and self-assured, she knows what she wants and has the work ethic to achieve success.  Still she feels she has been sheltered and needs to expose herself to a world she is uncomfortable with.  Relationships, particular with men, have been fairly conservative, but there is a wild side straining to escape the bounds of propriety she has nurtured since coming of age.

Chloe acts on impulse, preferring shock and awe, particularly in sexual relationships.  Her goal is to be with as many men as she can seduce.  Becoming sexually active at an early age and never learning restraint, she will try anything; with anyone.  Spoiled by a privileged upbringing, she is materialistic and shallow, but not without scruples, however her version of morality is skewed far from the norm.

The pair shares a common attribute; they are both drop dead gorgeous, though in completely different ways.  Attracting men is as easy as getting up in the morning, but learning to love and be loved is much more difficult.

Olivia maps a route from Boston to Los Angeles.  Following the interstate across the United States would be the easiest and fasted way to travel.  Not restrained by time, not wanting to see the country from a four lane ribbon of concrete, and using their ingenuity to maximize their finances they decide to follow a route excluding major highways; using the byways through small towns to large cities.  This way they can experience the real America.

If the reader wishes, the route can be followed by going to the Appendix.  Google maps have a feature which allows for a 3-D virtual excursion with realistic representations of scenes encountered along the way.

The women planned their trip with a purpose.  They wanted to experience life, culture, cuisine and love.  From day one they encounter their first affair and it doesn’t end till the journey is almost complete.  Some encounters are pleasing, while others test their endurance, a few stepping well over the line.  Each is learning; but some of the experiences they would have rather not had, much like life in general.

Any good story has hidden agendas, and this one will surprise even the most hardened heart.

All events and characters are fictional, reference to actual places are for story purposes only

Chapter 1

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

~Dr. Seuss

Olivia stirred, shot through with periodic spasms of excitement, and yet there was an occasional bite of genuine dread.  Today she would graduate from a prestigious Boston university; that was the exciting part.  Tomorrow she would be basically homeless, without a job and beginning a journey with only a dream, and not much more to sustain her.  The journey would expose her to the world; filled with adventure, promise, intrigue, and challenges.  It would also levy a toll on her being, nearly corrupt her principled morals, test her resilience, and except for a surprising intervention, it could have led to her destruction, even death.

She scarcely remembered not having worked at least part-time, often full-time, sometimes part-time at one job and full-time at another, and in one chapter in her life toiling at three part-time jobs simultaneously.  In her spare time she attended school.  It had taken six years to get her degree, but she had earned it.  Not only was she about to graduate, she was graduating with honors.  The economy sucked and there were no job offers, or at least none that measured up to her expectations.  She could have continued to work, as before, taking the type of jobs hard to fill even in a recession.  Quitting her last job a week ago, her other part-time job ended yesterday.  She shared an apartment with two other women, also graduating, so with the lease running out they had till the weekend to vacate the dump.  Her roommates were moving back home with their parents.  She had none, since both had died in a horrible car accident her senior year in High School.  The drunk driver was still serving time, had not been insured and didn't have any attachable assets.  Her parent’s tiny life insurance just paid for the funeral.  The meager settlement she received from a state fund had paid some of her tuition, the rest and her living expenses she earned on her own.  However, she was not exactly desolate.  Saving, what little she could was always a high priority.  One necessary luxury she allowed was her older model Subaru Impreza Wagon whose style and utility followed the beat of a different drummer, much like her.  Very good in handling, decent fuel economy, and trouble free maintenance, it served her well.  Except for a little worry over its seat comfort during long trips, it was perfect for what she now had in mind.

Another dynamic worked to her benefit, at times.  She was a very attractive woman, though that had not spoiled her.  She could walk into any restaurant or other establishment where physical beauty was an asset and land a job serving customers in the front and fending of lecherous co-workers in the back. Bars were even easier, particularly if they catered to lonely men in search of some voyeuristic delights. She knew how to turn a man's head, whether dressed in loose fitting sweats or form revealing attire, though she preferred the later.  In cooler weather, a pair of tight fitting jeans and a cleavage revealing blouse suited her fine.  Warm weather brought out the short skirts or even shorter shorts on Friday hooker night at the local Wal-Mart.  Only a dromedary exhibited a better camel toe, and it didn't have a bare midriff to go along with the pleasurable image.  Olivia was not shy, had allowed herself to occasionally enjoy the pleasures of a man, but she was not a whore.  She just liked to dress like one.

Chloe was her friend, of sorts, not a bosom body, but more a casual acquaintance that shared some classes, met for lunch once in a while or went out on the town the small number of times when Olivia was up for some wild reckless behavior.   They shared one trait, both were eye-catchingly gorgeous.  Chloe had short brunette hair and brown eyes, while Olivia was a long haired blue-eyed blond.  Chloe barely reached five feet two inches, looking even smaller next to the lanky long-legged Olivia, breaking five feet ten inches.   Olivia took her academic work seriously, having paid for her schooling herself and expecting a maximum return.   Chloe came from a rich family, never took anything seriously and anxiously waiting for her trust-fund to mature.  Olivia seldom drank liquor, never used drugs, and always insisted on using condoms.  Chloe was her opposite.  How these two girls came together on the scheme to both go on the journey was a mystery, even to them.  Olivia's savings would have to last.  Chloe had a credit card.  There were rules; no drugs, no hitchhikers, and they had to look out for each other’s backs.

Olivia had always had a dream of going to California.  Chloe thought it would be a lark, though she'd been there before.  Olivia grew up with a mid-western conservative background, but the North-East liberal haven where she had lived the last six years all but abolished her former social and political tendencies.  She still maintained a strict conservative economic attitude.   Chloe exhibited no political ideals, lived for the moment evolving with whatever interested her, and had no idea what money was, except it could buy her whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it.  Olivia would be in charge of their finances.

As for social interactions along the way, both girls wanted to experience as much as they could.  Men would definitely be a major attraction.  They had agreed to explore different cultural opportunities whenever possible and always keep an open mind.  Olivia of course would be discerning and proceed with caution.  Chloe was quite simply a whore.

In preparation for the journey Olivia studied Google Maps with a passion, wanting to select a route allowing for the maximum adventure.  To drive directly from Boston to Los Angles the quickest and shortest way meant driving 2,982 miles, and in an actual driving time of 2 days 0 hours.  Thank you President Eisenhower, for the interstate system, she thought.  But this modern wonder of man's ingenuity had spawned countless miles of identical interchanges, with rubber stamped landscapes filled with national chain restaurants, stores and lodging.  Every one of them looked essentially alike.  The diversity of American byways and highways had been turned into one long stretch of humdrum boring pavements to obscurity.  That would not do, they would have to get off the main highways.  She chose instead the option to begin at the starting point of the Freedom Trail, Boston Common,  the oldest park in the country, never get on an interstate, pay a toll or get caught up in the mazes of cloverleaf interchanges.  They would travel through towns, small and large, not around them; 3,170 miles, actual driving time 2 days 17 hours, not factoring in side trips.  When the mood moved them they could divert to whatever interest caught their fancy, within 50 miles of their route.  They would never eat in a chain restaurant, or sleep in a chain hotel or motel; that is when they didn't sleep in the car or camp out.  Chloe had wrinkled her nose at the camp out part, but she was willing to give it a try.  Time allotted; two months.  After that Olivia's money would dip to a dangerously low amount.

To celebrate their graduation, Chloe's father had invited his daughter's best friend to dine with them. None of Olivia's relatives attended, the few she had couldn't afford a trip east.  It will be only a few close friends of Daddy's, and of course Mummy. Chloe assured her.  They dined with the Chancellor of the University, his wife and three other couples, all members of the University Board; seems Daddy was one of the biggest donors to the University endowment fund that year.

The Chancellor congratulated Chloe as a fourth generation alumnus and lauded her father for his many civic contributions.  Olivia had never put two and two together till then, finally realizing that one of the new buildings on campus had the same name as Chloe's surname.  Quite surprisingly, he also toasted Olivia.  The best example of what perseverance, hard work, and dedication can achieve.  Olivia had never had such a reception from such notables before, causing her to blush repeatedly.  Nothing was said about the future, jobs or their trip.  Later Chloe's father segregated her from the rest and thanked her for being an acquaintance to his daughter.  He said he had doubts about the journey they planned, but after finally meeting Olivia he was sure his daughter had finally met someone level headed enough to permit his blessing on the affair.  Perhaps it was true, but now she had a responsibility; which was not part of the plan.

Their first BIG challenge was to pack Chloe's gear.  The Subaru has amble cargo space, but there had to be limitations.  Most of the things Chloe just had to have weren't even considered by Olivia.  Clothes, bare essentials and a brand new sleeping bag went into the car.  Multiple pairs of shoes and designer outfits, every imaginable electronic gadget, hordes of cosmetics and tons of junk were to be packed by the movers and shipped to her father's estate.  Olivia added her few essentials and they were ready to leave the next day.   Chloe adamantly insisted on bringing a small chest, securely locked, which they found room for in the rear above the wheel well.  There isn't any drugs in there, is there?  Olivia asked her car mate, just to be sure.

Chloe frowned, Nothing illegal, just a few things we might need in an emergency.  And I told you, I don't do drugs anymore.

In an effort to establish trust, Olivia did not ask her to open the chest.  Emergency supplies might not be a bad idea.  She had weaseled out a complete maintenance check of the aging car by a mechanic, who frequented the cafe she worked at, and he had certified it to be in good order.  He even procured some fairly new tires for her and all four wheels were balanced and aligned.  Chloe wanted to know how much she had had to put out for the courtesy, then was disappointed when she found out it was simply an act of friendship.  He said he would miss my smile at breakfast and wanted to give me a going away present.  Chloe had no concept of charitable contributions, unless strings were attached.

Before leaving the beloved city of Boston they drove to the Common.  Until 1817, public hangings took place here, you know, Chloe seemed to have a knack for the macabre.  Parking across from the Massachusetts State House the girls took a last stroll through the park.  Families gather regularly to picnic, or otherwise meet for informal gatherings.  Events such as concerts, softball games, and ice skating in winter (on Frog Pond),along with the occasional protests take place in the park, but today it was still early and only a few joggers were threading through the paths.  Olivia was surprised at the realization of just how much she was going to miss this city.   Chloe was hungry and wanted to find a place to eat.  Olivia gave her a granola bar and they loaded up and headed west on Beacon Street.

Chapter 2

Wherever you go, go with all your heart

Confucius

Thirty eight miles after leaving the Common, Chloe would not be satiated and her whining was getting irritating.  At this rate it would take two months to get out of New England.  Worcester was ahead and she announced she had found a pleasant breakfast place, of course on Pleasant Street, on her I-phone. Olivia had to admit she had one of the best omelets she had ever eaten.  Worcester is known as the Heart of the Commonwealth, thus, a heart is the official symbol of the city.  It was May and there was a hint of summer temperatures, warming as the day progressed.  Trees had leafed out but still had their lighter green hue, providing a warm glow of anticipation at reaching maturity.  Spring foliage was accented by vibrant blooms of cultivated May flowers, Azaleas, late-bloom daffodils, tulips, peonies, along with native dogwoods and other flowering trees.  People were emerging from the gray doldrums of winter, bursting with new hope, while immersing themselves in outdoor activities.

Chloe's stomach finally satisfied, they started again, passing Clark University on Main Street.  Detour, chimed Chloe.  Now what? Olivia thought.  Over there, park over there, Chloe insisted. When you first meet Chloe you get the impression she is a shallow, self-centered, spoiled rich girl; which is correct.  Chloe also has a deeper, more elusive side.  She enjoys the hustle and bustle of the city, large crowds, and relishes an opportunity to express an urbane life style, polite or polished in manner.  Other times she is boorish; marked by a lack of civility or graciousness, awkward and uncultivated in her manner, or behavior, or is just downright rude.  In a moment of quiet solitude she can be introspective, rather philosophical and even intelligent.  In a crowd she is often impulsive, impatient and a total bubble-head.  Chloe's Jekyll and Hyde persona often intrigued Olivia, but made her immediately wary whenever she bound off on a caper.  Following her companion as she bolted from the car, Olivia could only wonder what was to develop on their first day of freedom.

Chloe settled into a slow pace as she entered the campus, contemplating the academic buildings, remarking on their architectural features.  Jonas Clark Hall, which was built in 1887 is the center of campus and housed the economics, psychology and education departments, she read out loud a small plaque.  You know Clark is the oldest educational institution founded as an all-graduate university in America.  Olivia couldn't find were it said that and wondered how she knew it.  Clark now also educates undergraduates, but they are probably gone for the summer.  There should be some graduate students here though.  Look a squirrel?  I love how they collect nuts to get them through the winter. Maybe we girls should do that?  Olivia dared not pursue the double entendre.

Another rule they had made: never use your real name, or where you're from, flashed through Olivia's mind.  Chloe's sudden scholarly interest in the institution, though plausible, probably was contrived; she was up to something.  She noticed Chloe was convincingly sincere in her quest for enlightenment, but her eyes kept darting around as if seeking some additional discovery, which had no connection to college buildings, landscapes or squirrels.  Proceeding through the maze of brick and mortar, Chloe let out a quiet squeal, Follow my direction, just go along with me, and this could be fun.

They had left the campus Red Square when they saw two geeky looking guys approaching.  Look sexy, Chloe commanded her friend.  The guys were engaged in a heated discussion and apparently weren't interested in anything else.  Chloe almost ran into one, on purpose, excuse me, but we seem to be a little lost.  We were wondering if you could give us directions.  Both guys became instantly uncomfortable, finally noticing the two ladies who were obviously out of their league.  We are visiting for the day, and need someone to show us around, if you have the time.  Both men were self-conscious, yet curious.  Within a few minutes they were on a guided tour of the campus.  Chloe was first to get chummy with one of the guys and following her example Olivia latched on to the other.  It was obvious the two had not been campus heartthrobs, probably had little experience, and none with classy woman like Chloe and Olivia.  Still they were reasonably social and slowly warmed up to the fact that they might even hope to get more than a little friendly.  Their confidence grew exponentially, particularly when they were noticed by other students; actually Chloe and Olivia were the interest, but since they were with them, it bolstered their resolve.

Having completed the tour, Chloe took the lead and wanted to know where there was a good place to eat.  Olivia could never figure out how the girl could eat so much and yet maintain her slim figure.  Her metabolism must be always at full throttle.  Back to Main Street they found a nice cafe, and the guys paid.  Olivia liked the arrangement now even more.  Stuffed to the gills, Chloe asked about Hadwin Arboretum, again baffling Olivia.  Abandoning their previous plans, for they were nerds, not fools, and a chance like this might never happen again, the two men escorted the ladies up Maywood Street to the 6.4 acres of unspoiled woodland green space in the heart of Worcester city.  The Arboretum's network of trails and beautiful scenery offered an agreeable refuge for hiking, picnicking, photography, quiet contemplation, dog-walking and even catching an intimate moment.  Olivia marveled at the practiced schemer as Chloe arranged for a sufficient separation between the two couples; realizing she would be on her own.  Her mate offered no resistance, and they were soon engaged in more than just friendly embraces.  What he lacked in experience was more than compensated by his enthusiasm.  Who said men don't have instincts?

During the separation Chloe finished weaving her web.  They were invited to spend the night, since they hadn't arranged for a place to stay.  The apartment was small, stark and old.  Yet it had a certain interesting manly cave like charm, and it had two bedrooms.  Instead of eating out they had picked up supplies, which the guys purchased, and made their dinner in a chaotic manner; but it was a satisfying social quartet.  Olivia had not set her mind on sleeping with her partner, so she hadn't really thought about which of the two guys she was to be with.  After spending the day with the one left after Chloe made her choice, she was not disappointed in the selection.  If Chloe had purposefully planed the paring, she had made a good choice.

After watching a movie, the guys offered to sleep, one on the couch and the other on the floor, as perfect gentleman are apt to do, so the girls could have the beds.  Olivia thought they were cute for offering.  Chloe scoffed and unceremoniously dragged her guy into his bedroom and slammed the door.  The other guy looked awkwardly at Olivia.  She is a bit impulsive, she cooed. I guess we have a choice, your bed, or the couch.  He looked understandably disappointed.  Actually the bed would be more comfortable, and they retired to his bedroom.

In the morning it was obvious neither girl had been disappointed.  The guys were fawning over them as if they were goddesses.  Each traveler managed a shower, and a change of clothes.  Breakfast was surprisingly delicious.  Parting after exchanging obligatory emails, the girl’s addresses of course were bogus; they left the men with their memories.  In the car a satiated Chloe purred, stick with me girl, this is just the beginning. Olivia smiled and started the engine.

Chapter 3

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.

Nelson Henderson

Olivia drove through the morning, stopping only once for a comfort break.  Taking advantage to stretch her legs she also took the time to update her diary.  She wanted to document the entire journey.  They had remained under budget, even though she had not allowed for the breakfast stop in Worcester.  The free lunch, dinner and today's breakfast, not mentioning overnight lodging was music to her financial mind. Their unexpected extracurricular activity with the two graduate students was however weighing on her conscious.  She HAD enjoyed the companionship.  It was highly probable that she would not have solicited their company if Chloe had not initiated the whole affair.  In a way it would have been her loss, for they were quite engaging, after overcoming their initial shyness and obvious shock.  Throughout her life she had been cautious at who she had chosen to socialize with.  First impressions could be wrong.  Had she missed wonderful experiences because she didn't think a particular person or group was of interest?  The guys were actually fun to be with, offered refreshing intelligent conversation in areas that she might have not explored alone, and they definitely were completely thrilled to be with Chloe and her.  Placing them on a lofty pestle, they had not realized their stars were tarnished.  Chloe and she had used them.  Admittedly they had received an amble reward for their attention.  The sex had been good.  But they had been led by deception.  Olivia wrote GUILT to finish her entry.

Those guys will never be the same, Chloe chuckled, they got something they never dreamed possible.  Instead of guilt you should write SERVICE.  We gave them more self-confidence then you can imagine.  The next time they are attracted to a woman, no matter how gorgeous, or plain, they will remember yesterday.  They knew it was a onetime thing.  But the next time, they can hold their heads high and go for it.  Who knows, it just might be the catalyst to the real thing.

Olivia slammed her lap top shut. Excuse me, this is personal, and I don't appreciate you peeking over my shoulder.  She was steamed that Chloe had been reading her entry.

Okay, sorry.  But make no excuses for last night, Chloe wasn't a bit sorry though she had said it.  We gave them their money’s worth.  How much did they spend on us, and they had the apartment already?  You know what it would have cost if they hired dates with privileges for the day?  There were no losers.  We didn't have to pay to eat, or sleep and at least mine was pretty good between the sheets, awkward at first, but eager to learn, she giggled.  "How was yours?

Quite good, thank you, Olivia wasn't sure if she should be offended or if Chloe made any sense at all. So that's how it is going to be.  We will sell our bodies for expenses?

I didn't sell anything, sweetie, Chloe countered.  "I see it more as bartering.  I had a