Hell Ride

By Curtis Miller

Two friends engage on a seemingly boring road trip to visit a dying family member. Little did they know they would be thrust into the fight for their life. A fun "Fictional Autobiography" about the lengths that someone will go to for the people that they care about, and the bonds of friendship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665547536

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© 2022 Curtis Miller. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  08/11/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4751-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4752-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4753-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021925320

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

T hank you to everyone who helped make this story possible. Not only the people who shared many of these adventures with me, but the people who helped me finally get this story finished, edited, and published. Thank you, Allison, Gale, Curt, Zack, Denise, Victor, Dennis, and Connie, and Alicia, for helping me edit the book and work out the kinks. Thank you, Cheryl Hawley, for helping me with the final edit. A special thanks to Delta Company 795 th MP Battalion, 3 rd Platoon for being there when the book was written and all the Soldiers who trained with me during Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Another special thanks to Franzen LTD for creating the amazing cover artwork. Without all of these people this book could have never been finished. I hope you all enjoy Hell Ride.

CHAPTER 1

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I t’s funny how things go sometimes. Here I am at the end, and all I can think about is the beginning. About how I got here and how I wish I could just go back and change a thing or two. Would it really change that much, or would things end up even worse? I do believe in fate, so I guess things turned out just the way they were supposed to. All I know is I promised a friend that I would tell you everything we did to come find you, and let you know how much you mean to me. So, here it goes. I apologize in advance, as you know I do like to talk.

The summer of my senior year of high school is when it all began. I can still hear the bells ringing as I pulled out of the parking lot for the final time, and the sound of my CD in the stereo that skipped every time I hit a bump, but that didn’t stop me from screaming the words as I blew the stop sign onto Hobbs Road. I couldn’t wait to leave that place and never look back. Funny thing is, that’s what I have done every day since — I have looked back at those days and wished I hadn’t taken them for granted. That day was the start of something that, back then, I could not even begin to understand. But I digress. As always, I am getting ahead of myself.

Now, I don’t like to brag, but I had it pretty good. Most people didn’t know it at the time, but I did. I had two amazing parents who taught me everything I needed to know about … basically everything. A sister who supported me in everything I did, even when what I did wasn’t the best idea. I also had a few of the best friends a guy could ask for. So I guess you could say I had it made. Yeah, I definitely know that I had a great upbringing; however, I was missing something. I was overlooking my relatively perfect life because of one minor flaw — I was single.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d had my chances at dating over the previous four years, but I’m not exactly what you would call … smooth. I like to bide my time until someone else beats me to the punch and then wallow in self-pity. Yup, that’s my move — procrastination. But never mind that. Those pathetic stories are between me and the unlucky women who I share them with. Trust me when I say they are pathetic. I can remember this one time when I … well, I guess I am starting to get off track. Where was I? Oh yeah, dating. On the topic of dating, there was someone who just so happened to be in my life. By Just so happened to be in my life, I mean we were not dating and it seemed as if I was invisible to her. Yeah, I was hopeless.

Anyway, during the last four years of my life I had been severely friend zoned. When I say severe, trust me, it was severe. The worst part was I knew we were meant to be together. No matter what I did, she was the one thing on my mind. I had watched her find love and watched her be destroyed by it. To be honest, I even helped her find those guys a couple of times. Yeah, you heard me. I actively helped her find men to replace me just so we could spend time together. And time and time again I watched those men walk into and out of her life. But this summer was going to be my summer. I had decided that I was going to tell her how I felt, even if it went badly. I was going to either be with her or get over her. It had come down to this. Shit or get off the pot, as they say. (Sorry for the imagery but I couldn’t think of a better way to convey my message.)

That is where my story truly begins. This is when my life changed. For better or for worse is up to you. Either way, it was the beginning. It sums up the pain and anguish of an adolescent’s greatest dream and his worst nightmare. It was the focal point of what seemed to me to be all of the emotion that I could or would ever feel. And it was the target on which I had decided to transfix my gaze.

I guess that sounded a lot better in my head. But whatever, it’s my story. I guess there is no other way to say it, I was in love. No, I am in love. That will never change, that I can promise.

The problem was, how could I tell her? How could I let her know how I’d felt all those years? I guess all of these are rhetorical questions at this point, but we’ll get to that shortly. As always, good things require patience, and for this story you are going to need it.

Wake up! is all I heard as I jumped up in the driver-side seat of my Oldsmobile, not realizing I had fallen asleep while waiting.

Sorry, man, I was just resting my eyes, I said as I rubbed the sleep out of them in a desperate attempt to see straight. When my vision began to regain focus, I could see the silhouette of Zane getting into my car.

It’s cool. He sighed as he buckled his seatbelt. Sorry I took so long, I had to take out the trash. He fidgeted around in the seat as he always did, trying to make the seatbelt untwist as it held his torso to the faded gray seats of my car. As always, he was not successful. I decided to break the silence before he went into another rant about how much he hated my seatbelts.

No worries. Like I said … I was just resting my eyes. I shrugged as I switched the car from park into drive. I had to shift the stick a few extra times to get the transmission to shift, but otherwise it went smoothly. Zane smiled as I struggled.

Zane is what you would call my best friend. I know when you hear the term best friend you think of a twelve-year-old with friendship bracelets, but that wasn’t the case here. We weren’t twelve. Earlier I mentioned having a sister I was close with. Well, Zane is like my brother. We watch out for each other and keep each other company through both the hard times and the good. That being said, all I could think about were the plans that I had that evening.

Zane said something but I didn’t hear him.

What? I asked as I turned out of the neighborhood and onto Coldwell Drive.

I asked you where we’re going tonight. He kept on fidgeting with the seatbelt, seeming unphased by the fact that I was distracted.

No clue, I said as I averted my gaze. I hear Emily is having a few people ov—

Whoa, wait a minute, he interrupted. You’re going to go tell her how you feel about her, and find out that she feels the same way, and the two of you will live happily ever after?

Pretty much summed it up, I think. I gave him a sideways glance. How did you know?

He slapped his hands down on my dashboard and chuckled. I don’t know, maybe because it’s all you’ve talked about for the past four years? He chuckled a few more times but I could see the concerned look on his face. After the past couple of years, he must’ve been sick and tired of hearing about Emily and how amazing she was. It figures though. Every single time she shut me down he helped pick up the pieces. I know I sound pretty pathetic right now, but what can I say, I was naive back then. I was a lot of things back then that I wish I still was, but the thing I miss the most is my innocence. And, sadly enough, that’s what this story is about.

There I go again, getting ahead of myself.

So we were in the car, making the short drive to my parent’s home. As I pulled into the driveway the two large potholes just past the sidewalk snapped me out of my trance as they always did. Once I pulled the car into my usual spot next to the large pile of wood and put it in park, I looked over at Zane. You know you can’t give me any crap, right? I laughed as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

He looked at me with a terribly puzzled face. I have no clue what you are talking about, he managed to get out as he struggled with his seatbelt. Cupid’s got your sorry butt, not mine.

I just sighed and shook my head. I looked at him as I opened up my door. Don’t worry, you won’t be bored tonight, I said as he began to get flushed in the face. From what I hear, Christina will be there to keep you company.

He looked at me awkwardly and shook his head. Not this again. I don’t think you understand. We are just friends. I wouldn’t want to risk that by dating. That would just complicate things. He managed to get himself free from my demonic seatbelt and quickly exited the car. Why would you even bring that up?

I shrugged as I struggled to close my door. The lock had fallen out of place and it stuck sometimes. After a few moments it shut and I began to walk inside. You two do look cute together.

I told you we are just friends, he stuttered, his face beginning to turn a very vibrant shade of red. Just friends, he repeated to himself a few more times, getting quieter each time he spoke.

BS, I said under my breath as I slid my Chicago Bears house key into the lock and started shaking the handle to find the sweet spot so the door would open.

When are you going to fix that door? He tapped his foot to signal that he was waiting. That thing has been broken for as long as I can remember.

I finally pushed the door open and shot him a look. If it still opens it is not broken, I said, very matter-of-fact. Try not to change the subject; we were talking about you and Christina.

He pushed past me and stepped into my foyer. He slipped on the rug as he stopped. Come on! he yelled as he steadied himself. Every time I come over here, I almost die. As soon as he steadied himself, he sat down on my staircase and began to take off his shoes.

Why don’t you just slip them off? I asked as I slid off my shoes while I remained standing.

He shot me another look as he untied his laces. Because these shoes were expensive, and I don’t want to mess them up like you do yours. He finished untying his second shoe, placed them neatly on the mat near the other shoes, and stood up. I just shook my head and smiled.

What are you laughing at? he asked.

I am not laughing at anything, I bit the inside of my mouth to keep myself from laughing. Let me just say this and we can finish our discussion about Christina and Emily.

He rolled his eyes at me. Okay, what is it?

I put on a serious face. At the end of the day, we are both in the same ship … and it’s sinking. And we—

He interrupted. Are the only ones who realize it and blah blah blah blah blah. He overexaggerated each and every word with his hands. He mocked me relentlessly for my habit of doing the same thing.

I just looked at him stunned. Am I really that predictable?

Yeah, he said. You are.

I kicked my shoes over to the mat where Zane’s shoes were, knocking one of his shoes out of alignment. He mumbled under his breath, Maybe we should hang out with other people, as he bent over to fix the breach in protocol.

Are you breaking up with me? I asked as I walked into the living room. The smell of spaghetti and turkey meatballs hit me like a slap in the face. Hey, Mom! I said loudly Those turkey meatballs smell great!

Zane smiled as he smelled the air, I smell food, that’s all I smell, and by the way … I am not breaking up with you. He began to walk into my living room as my mother’s head poked through the kitchen door. She startled him a bit.

Hey, guys! she said as she gave each one of us a hug. You always are able to guess what I make for dinner. How do you do that? she asked, looking puzzled.

Guess you are just getting predictable. I smiled and kissed her cheek. She pretended to hit me in the stomach. I played along.

Like mother, like son, Zane said as he patted me on the back.

Oh, shush now, blue eyes, she joked as she turned around and walked back into the kitchen.

Ouch, he said as he followed her back into the kitchen. Looks like your mom still has the hots for me. He pushed aside the curtain that my mother used to keep the heat of cooking out of the rest of the house. He walked to the cabinet to grab a glass, filled it up, and sat at one of the place settings at the table.

Make yourself at home, my mother said as she handed him a big helping of spaghetti. Would you like some parmesan cheese?

Yes, please, he said with a full mouth of food.

Wow, serve him before your own son. I see how it is. I walked over and took my usual seat by the water cooler. Before I had a chance to speak again my mother already had a serving ready for me as well. I looked over at Zane.

This is why I come here; service is always so good.

He smiled.

We conversed as we ate dinner, discussing each of our days. It was the usual routine we had set for ourselves over the past few years. Like I mentioned before, I was truly blessed with family and friends. I just didn’t know exactly how to appreciate it back then. I do now, trust me.

As soon as dinner was finished, Zane and I were excused from the table and went upstairs to my room to plan our evening. Zane plopped down on my futon.

Maybe we should just skip the party and play some HALO? I asked as I put my head into my hands. Zane looked up at me with a look of wonder.

Wow! he said as he stood up What a little baby. After all the business you gave me about Christina, you’re just going to bail on your last chance to tell Emily how you feel? You are a lot of things, but a coward is not one of them. We are going to go to that party and we — I mean you — are going to tell her how you feel! He sat back down on the couch abruptly to emphasize his point.

I looked up at him. Damn. Why do you always have to be reasonable like that? You make me look bad, I said.

He shrugged. Sorry, but the truth is you make yourself look bad. He reached for my Xbox controller and turned on my television. "We … I mean you need to go there and say what you need to say to either start something or end it, once and for all." He said all this without taking his eyes off the screen. He bobbed left and right as if it would actually help him keep from getting shot in the game.

As always, you are right, I said as I got up and then sat down at my desk, turning on my computer. I messed around on Myspace for a few minutes until I decided to check the weather. I noticed a bulletin on the news website I checked the weather on. Oh, wow, I said as I turned the chair around to point at the computer screen. Over fifty more people have died this week from that flu epidemic downstate.

Zane looked away from his game and sighed. It is getting pretty scary out there, he said as he continued playing his game. I nodded in agreement.

Over the past couple of weeks there was a really bad flu going around. It wasn’t anything we weren’t used to. Over the past couple of years, we’d survived swine flu, bird flu, Ebola, West Nile virus, and various others. None of them ever made it this far north but this one seemed like it could. One of the last things we did in high school was line up in the gymnasium and receive mandatory flu shots. It was torture, mainly because I’m terrified of needles. It even had Zane worried, and he never gets worried. He had a lot of family down south and you could tell that they were on his mind.

He paused the game and shook his head. That is starting to get really bad. He stared off into space for a moment, but he finally shook it off and tried to scrape some pasta sauce off his Iron Maiden T-shirt. I guess we dodged a few bullets already, he said grimly, still playing HALO.

I am surprised you’re not more worried, he said as he threw the controller down, mumbling something about grunts. You are the one who is always sick.

I laughed, mainly because he was right. I did tend to get sick more than most and usually blamed it on fate instead of the fact that I did not lead the healthiest lifestyle. Twenty-hour days of work, school, and video games followed by little sleep. I did not leave my immune system with much room to work. It’s funny you should say that actually because I feel pretty good. I feel like big things are about to happen.

I bet you do, he said smugly. Now can we figure out what we are going to do about this party? Are we just going to show up? We are invited, right?

Calm down, I said. Of course we are invited. She invited us last week when I went over to her house to take a look at her car.

He made a whip noise and motioned, whipping me with his hand. Whapish! He repeated the motion several times and then got bored of it. You really need to learn how to say no when she asks for help. Don’t let her use you like that.

I knew he was right. I was constantly doing things for her and she really never did anything in return. For the most part she was unavailable to hang out, or whenever we were talking in person she always had to go. But over the phone and through instant messaging she was a completely different person. She was open and honest, and expressed how she felt. It made all the bad times good. It made it all worth it, or so I thought. But I just ignored Zane’s comment and continued checking my emails. I had been put on some type of email list recently and got like a hundred spam emails a day. I deleted them from time to time, and that is all I was expecting to do. But I was wrong.

Holy crap! I said as my heart skipped a beat. The only person who made me feel that way was Emily.

Zane was already creeping over my shoulder asking, What is going on? as if they had discovered the final resting place of Jimmy Hoffa.

I pushed him away slightly as I cracked my knuckles. Relax, you have to be cool. I got an email from Emily, I said, feeling like a badass.

He smacked me upside the head Okay, ladies’ man.… What does it say?

Let me open it, I yelled back. My internet is being lame and it’s taking forever to download.

He stood there for a second. I could hear him breathing heavily over my shoulder. Do you mind? I asked. I can smell what you had for lunch … chicken salad?

He backed up to put his hand to his mouth to check his breath. That’s not fair, you only know that because you were there when I had lunch. He checked his breath again.

We both sat there enthralled as the email finally came up on the screen. He nudged me and cleared his throat, prompting me to read it.

Hey there. I really hope you plan on coming to my party tonight. It would be really awesome to celebrate graduation with you outside of school. I can’t wait to see you, and of course Zane. I know he follows you everywhere. Well, I’ll see you tonight. I can’t wait.

PS: If you can, you should bring some drinks. I will have some of my own, but I have a feeling that it will not be enough. Thanks Bye ~ Emily

So now we have to bring alcohol? he asked, looking as if I just asked him to do the impossible. Where the hell are we going to find booze? The party is in a few hours. he looked at the email again. Wait, what does she mean? I don’t follow you around, you follow me around.

I smiled from ear to ear as I shut off my computer and I stood up. Stop worrying. I know someone who could hook us up for tonight.

Someone that can hook us up? he shook his head. You’re going to ask your sister, aren’t you? That doesn’t count. We both started to pack up our stuff.

Oh, yeah, and you better tell your sister not to tell your parents. Because if she tells your parents, and my mom finds out, I am done for.

Okay, relax. I’ll make sure she keeps quiet.

He gave me a look of desperation. You better, he replied almost automatically, but then he corrected himself and slapped me on the back And hell yeah, she sounded excited to see you tonight. Her car must be acting up. Again, making a whipping noise.

I don’t know whether I would be more pissed because she was using me or because I just fixed the damn thing. I stood up and walked over to Zane’s phone. Better get your night straightened away as well, I said as I shoved his phone into his chest.

He grabbed it and looked at it for a few seconds, then put it back down on the desk. But we are just friends, he reassured himself, as if he were trying to convince himself more than he was trying to convince me. I can’t risk ruining that.

I slapped him upside the head, mockingly of course, and replied, You were basically telling me to do the same thing with Emily, and now you are doing the same thing I always do … wussing out. Grow a pair.

He knew I was right, and I knew he didn’t like it when I was right. He crossed his arms across his chest and sat back on my sofa, holding the phone in his hand and staring at it as if it would give him some kind of insight into the situation.

If you don’t at least text her I am going to call Emily and let her know I can’t come fix … I mean, cannot come to the party.

He looked up at me and we both laughed. I’m sure you will, he said, trying to call my bluff. I quickly picked up the phone and dialed, waiting for an answer.

BS, he said over and over again, trying to convince himself that I was, in fact, bluffing. The receiver on the other end picked up.

Hello? I answered quickly. I’m not going to be able to make it tonight, it feels like I am coming down with something. I faked a few good coughs to drive the point home. Yeah, I guess we are going to have to find another time to hang out. I hung up the phone and started laying it on thick. Slowly sitting down on the couch next to him and slouching my shoulders.

What the hell was that, man? Call her back right now and tell her that you will see her at the party … like right now! He pushed my phone into my chest and gave me a stern look.

I will if you text Christina about the party tonight. I shrugged my shoulders and gestured toward his phone.

Fine! he said as he picked it up. I’ll text her and ask her right now. Then you’re going to call Emily back and say that you were just kidding, right?!

For sure, just text her.

After a few moments Zane put down his phone. Are you happy now? He was already starting to look quite worried about what he’d just done. I’m blaming you when this all blows up in my face.

Yes, I am very happy, I replied feeling quite good about myself. Just as soon as I spoke my mother came rushing into the room.

Are you okay? she asked, rushing over to feel my forehead. What was all that about feeling ill and not being able to go to the party. What party are you not going to? she asked again, this time tapping her foot waiting for an answer.

It’s okay, Mom. I’m fine, I said, laughing while looking over at Zane.

Yeah, he’s fine now, Zane responded as he punched his fist into his palm. But not for long.

CHAPTER 2

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A s I drove to my sister’s house, two things were bothering me: the fact that I had to convince my sister and her boyfriend to buy me alcohol, and the baseball-sized bruise that was forming on my left arm. I looked over at Zane and rubbed my upper arm. Hurts, doesn’t it? he said as he waved his arm out the window, watching his hand fly up and down with the wind. That’s what you get.

Yeah yeah yeah, you got me pretty good. I turned into my sister’s subdivision. Well here goes nothing, I said as my car hit her curb. I pulled into her driveway and placed the car in park. I paused for a moment and took a few deep breaths before turning off the ignition. We walked out and approached the door. Right before we knocked, my sister came bursting through the door, putting on her jacket.

Hey, baby brother! she said as she ran toward her car Sorry I can’t stay and chat, they called me into the hospital because of that stupid flu outbreak. I love you. And before I could say anything she was in the car driving away. She stopped suddenly and rolled down her window. Go ahead and stay for a bit, Steve is inside, she yelled, and then she was gone.

Great timing, as always, Zane said as he started walking toward the passenger seat of my car. Now where are we going to get all of that booze?

We heard footsteps walking toward the open door. Did somebody say booze? said a voice from inside. A figure appeared in the doorway. A figure that was not wearing pants.

Hey, Steve, Zane and I said, almost in perfect unison. Why do you ask?

Steve slapped Zane on the back. The look on Zane’s face was priceless. He has always been a bit timid when it comes to being close to any guys, let alone a man not wearing pants in broad daylight. So, it looks like you guys are in a bit of a pickle.

You see, I like Steve, and he seems to be a great guy, but he and my sister have not been dating long and them living together kind of weirded me out. He’s also kind of creepy. You know what I mean —those guys that just … ugh, off track again. Back to my story.

I guess you could say we are in a bit of a pickle, Zane managed to say as he slowly removed himself from directly beside Steve. And what can you do to help us? he asked, once he was far enough away. He brushed his shoulder off as if the spot where Steve touched him was tainted.

Well, knowing you two, I would bet you need liquor because of lady troubles, and you need to drown your sorrows on each other’s shoulders while playing HALO. He nudged Zane with his elbow repeatedly, begging for a response. Zane just looked away and fidgeted. Well, I don’t really care why you need it or not, I was just about to head to the store to pick up a case of beer to watch the game … care to drive me? he stumbled a bit, and it was only then that I realized he had already been drinking.

So, basically, we drive you, and you get us what we need? I said, gesturing Steve toward my car.

Sounds too easy, that can’t be all we need to do, Zane said, sounding quite negative.

Fine, Steve said. Let’s just say that you owe me one. He climbed into my car. Zane and I both followed suit.

As Steve shut the door and prepared to buckle himself in, Zane looked back at him.

Missing something? He said pointing down towards Steve’s underwear. Steve blushed for a second.

Ok, I will be right back. He left the car and ran towards the house. He opened the door and disappeared into the entryway. Zane took this opportunity to say what was on his mind.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Zane said, again struggling to get the seatbelt to operate in its correct manner. Owe you one? That doesn’t sound good. Steve appeared out of nowhere. This time with pants.

Let’s just say that when the time comes that I need something, you two have to do it, Steve said as he finally managed to shut my door. Get this damn thing fixed! he managed to say after the struggle was finally over.

I never have any issues with it. I turned back to pull out of the driveway.

Yeah, that’s because you never have to use your back seat, he said. And Zane, just consider it an IOU. I know how much you like those.

Fine! we both said reluctantly as we continued to our destination.

But nothing illegal. Zane added We have reputations to uphold.

Sure, you do, Steve said. But I apologize, we are going to have to do something illegal.

I looked back at him with a confused look on my face. I forgot my wallet, he said, tugging at his pockets. We need to pull a U-turn.

We drove back to their house and began to walk up to the doorway. Steve stumbled around with the keys and after a few moments finally was able to get them in the door. Step into my office, he said with a grin. As we stepped into the house, I realized that both Steve’s and my sister’s day off were interrupted by the fact that she got called into work. The TV was on with some romantic