It was ten o’clock on a Thursday morning in late May.  The sun was just beginning to take control of the sky. Sparkling reflections of the last bits of dew danced among the well-kept blades of grass. The long chain of green snowcapped mountains settled the background with silent dignity.

A red Jeep rumbled up to the small service station fuel pump. There was mud caked on the bottom of each fender, and a dent on the left side of the hood. In the back seat the tips of two duffel bags peaked into view. The noise from the radio died. Ticks of the cooling engine faded away. The driver’s door groaned open. A young man sidled out. His sneakers made a thud on the concrete. He reached for his wallet and removed the gas cap.  His blue cargo shorts had a tear at the knee. Paint was splattered near the pocket. The collar of his red t-shirt was frayed.

The handle kicked. Fuel began to course in just before the passenger door popped open.  The young man was leaning against the car watching the numbers on the pump change. His passenger skipped to his side. The girl was much shorter than he was. Her delicate frame contrasted against his lumbering silhouette. She held a pale handbag.  It matched her soft yellow sundress. The dress hung loosely off her pink shoulders. Blue flowers on the hem swayed to and froe. Her sun kissed blonde hair drifted down her neck. She wore red lip-stick and a playful grin. He looked up and couldn’t stop himself from smiling. He looked down. She giggled and watched the back of his neck turn red.

She held her handbag in front of her hips and twirled side to side.  Her grin grew into a smile. Two small dimples formed. She played with her sunglasses as she spoke.  “Goin’ to work?” His hand moved to the phone sized bump in his front pocket.   “Not today.”

“Where ya’ going then?” He paused.  “Don’t know yet.”

“Takin’ anybody with you?”  He inhaled deeply. “Probably taking this girl I met.”

“A girl! Is she nice?”

“I only just met her. I think she’s probably pretty nice.””

“You get to go on a trip with a nice girl? You’re awfully lucky.” The boy responded with a shy smile. She winked and walked into the small convenience store.

The pump kicked off. The boy returned the nozzle to its holster and put the cap back in place. He got in the car and watched the girl return. She had a plastic grocery bag swinging in one hand.  Her flip-flops scuffed and slapped as she skipped across the concrete.  She jumped into the passengers seat and put the bag on the armrest between them. “I got you something.”

“What did you get me?”

“I got you something for your trip to nowhere?”

“Anywhere but here. What did you get?”

“Close your eyes.” He closed his eyes. “Okay, open them!” He laughed. “What are these?”

“They’re chocolate covered cinnamon gummi bears.” He eyeballed the small package. “Chocolate covered cinnamon gummi bears huh?”

“What? You’ve never heard of chocolate covered cinnamon gummi bears? They’re wonderful.  I heard if the bag is sealed they last for EVER.”

“Forever huh?”

“For EVER.”   He turned the bag in her hand and read the ingredients. “Dimethyl glycernic starch, red dye 6, carnauba wax. These aren’t real food. They’re not even real candy. Nothin’ real about em.’”

“You think you’re smart? If they weren’t real then I couldn’t touch them. So ha!”  He watched her nose wrinkle with the final Ha!  She popped one of the small candies in her mouth then held one to him. He stared with a smirk.  “There’s no reason for chocolate covered cinnamon gummi bears.’”  The girl rolled her eyes.  “Maybe they don’t need to exist, but they’re lovely. I already told you they last for-EVER. They’re perfect for trips to anywhere but here.”

“Hmh.  Nothing good lasts for EVER.” He winked at her. She stopped chewing.   “Just try one.”   Her voice had softened.

He took the candy from her hand and tossed it in his mouth. It was terrible. “That is perfect.  Unnecessary, won’t last forever, but right now, it’s perfect.”  He put the key in the ignition. The engine shot to life. The tires ripped against the concrete as the Jeep pulled away. She flipped her sunglasses down with a squeal, and threw their folded up map into the back seat. Right before she held another chocolate covered cinnamon gummi bear up to his mouth.