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Claudia looked disappointedly at her watch, it was 6 PM. She had been waiting for half an hour in the grassy car park next to the local football field, but the person she was waiting for didn't seem to be coming at all. It's not the first disappointment since the 45-year-old divorced mother started dating online. Claudia had shoulder-length blond hair, brown eyes, she was 166 cm tall and weighed 83 kg. Today she made an appointment to meet a 28-year-old man and the deal was made, that they will meet at this slightly out of the way place. Claudia was surprised that so many guys much younger than her had started courting her on dating sites, and she enjoyed the sudden attention. Since divorcing her husband two years ago, she has long rejected men's advances and only recently decided it was time to start dating again. Or at least to try to meet people, because the trouble with young people seems to be that they are frivolous and run away when it comes to meeting in person.
Claudia was expecting a lot from this date, she liked a lot of the things the young man told her in the chat, and she tried to please him with her outfit. She wore a purple sleeveless party dress with a skirt that ended above her knees. She wore dark brown tights and purple patent high heels.
Claudia's car was now considered an oldtimer, a brown Skoda 120 car, made in 1986, that she inherited from her mother. The car had seen better days, but unfortunately, as a single mother, most of the family budget went to pay for her son's university studies in the capital city.
She looked around as she disappointedly stubbed out the third cigarette she had lit since she had been waiting there. The football field was empty, apparently, none of the local football teams had a training session today. A young boy, the caretaker no doubt, was making his way around the stands, looking as if he would soon be done with his work. The sun was slowly setting, the yellow rays of sunshine filling the grassy car park, which gets packed during football matches. Years ago Claudia used to come here often when her son played in the school football team.
Claudia glanced at her phone: her date was already 40 minutes late.
- I'll try to call him again - she thought to herself. She put the phone on speaker, waiting for the guy on the other end of the line, but she was disappointed, no one answered.
- I guess I've been stood up again... - she mused to herself when suddenly someone approached her car.
- Good evening!
Claudia was startled, not having noticed that anyone was there. When she looked over, she recognized the young man standing there, the caretaker of the football field.
- Good evening - she said, greeting him back, trying to hide that the guy's sudden appearance scared her for a second.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to ask you, is everything all right? - asked the young man.
- Yes, everything's fine, thank you.
- Claudia, is that you? It's been a thousand years since we've seen each other! - said the guy happily
Claudia looked at him, not knowing who she was facing.
- Oh, you don't recognize me, I'm Norman
She realized that it was her son's childhood friend, who lived 2 houses away when her son was going to primary school. Sadly the boy's family had moved away 7-8 years ago.
- Shit, I'm sorry, I really didn't recognize you! Yes, it's me. But you've grown! How are you doing?
- I'm fine, thanks. I work here at the football field. I'm the janitor. And you, what are you doing here?
- Oh, well... - Claudia was suddenly embarrassed, she couldn't think of a clever excuse for why she was here.
- And dressed so nicely... - Norman continued
Claudia was still searching for words...
- Is there something wrong with your car? I can't believe you are still driving this antique car of yours!
- Thank you Norman. Yes, I still haven't changed the car. It's still going quite well, and you know, all the money is going for my son's school expenses these days...
- I was just talking to your son the other day! He told me he's studying in the capital. He always dreamed of becoming an architect! And I'm sorry, she told me that you got divorced... If you'll allow me to say this, that pig didn't deserve you...
- Thanks dear Norman, you're very kind.
- Oh, I'm sorry, it's none of my business...
- It's all right... You see... the truth is I was just about to meet a friend of mine, and we used to come here a lot with my son, so I thought I'd meet him here. But unfortunately, he couldn't make it.
- I see... I'm sorry to bother you like this, I just saw your car parked here, and I remembered you... I thought I should check what is happening, but I didn't expect to meet you here.
- I'm sure you have a lot to do, and I'm just leaving, I've been waiting for nothing.
- Actually, I'm almost done with my work, I just have to turn off the lights.
- Then you're done too... Can I drive you home? Although I don't know where you live...
- I live across the street from the train station, in the high-rise. Do you still live in the suburb like you used to?
- Yes, still there. Then it's not a big detour for me, go, finish what you have to do, and I'll wait for you.
- Thank you very much! I'll be back in 5 minutes.
Claudia felt a little better, despite the failed date she felt good about meeting Norman, many old memories of when she and her son were little children came back to her.
After a few minutes, Norman came back and got into the passenger seat next to Claudia. When he saw the prettily dressed lady, he was visibly embarrassed.
- Wow, Claudia, you look amazingly pretty! I think your friend should be sorry he didn't come...
- Oh come on Norman, please don't exaggerate! I'm just a little dressed up, that's all. And at least fate made us meet today, I can't remember the last time I saw you...
- It's been a long time... I brought you something... The cap of the football team... I don't know if you still come to the games or not, but I thought I'd surprise you with this...
- Oh Norman, you shouldn't have!
- It's just a little something... A thank you gift for taking me home.
- Oh, thank you. You're very kind. Shall we get going?
- Yes, of course - said Norman, who couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful woman sitting next to him.
Claudia fastened her seat belt, settled herself in the seat, gently pressed the accelerator, and turned the key.
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Claudia looked at the dashboard with a mildly annoyed expression, while Norman watched her every move with a wary eye. The interior of the car was arranged in such a way that he could see Claudia's shoes on the pedals without any obstruction.
Claudia gave two barely visible squeezes on the gas pedal and then tried again.
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- Is everything all right, Claudia? - asked Norman with a smile.
- Yes, it's just that sometimes my poor old car needs a little encouragement. It's not like today's modern cars, it doesn't start on the first try, but usually, it starts up after a couple of tries - smiled Claudia.
- No problem, I'm not in a hurry," smiled Norman.
Claudia felt a little uncomfortable having to fight with her car in front of the young man, and in such a dress. She knew well that the old car needed a few tries to get it going, but she hadn't had any major problems recently. The weather was not such today that made her expect any problems with the car.
Claudia settled into her seat, moving a little closer to the steering wheel, barely noticeable. She glanced down at her stockinged feet and turned the key again.
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The old car gave no indication that it wanted to start, it just cranked dryly.
- Sorry Norman, it looks like my car has to show how unreliable it is, right in front of you - said Claudia, a little embarrassed.
- No problem Claudia, but I already know this car well! You drove me and your son to school so many times when I was little... And I have to say, this car hasn't changed a bit since then.
- Really?
- Yes, even then I thought it was very cute, I don't know why... Maybe because you always drove it... And I remember that even then it didn't want to start for you sometimes - Norman smiled.
- Really? Well, I don't remember that!
- Well, yes, you had trouble a couple of times in the winter when it was cold. I remember one time, in front of the school building, you pulled out of the parking space, and the car stalled. And then you couldn't get it started. The school bus honked behind us because we were blocking the road. And the whole school was watching you trying to start your car - Norman smiled
- Oh, don't tell me... But I really don't remember that... I really hope my car won't make me so embarrassed today... Did you hear that? -said Claudia to the car questioningly.
Norman laughed... - Do you think she will listen to you?
- I hope so - smiled Claudia.
- I'm rooting for you - Norman said with a smile as he patted the dashboard in front of him with his palms.
Claudia smiled at this little joke and then turned her attention back to the car. She pressed the accelerator halfway down 4 times with her purple shoe and then tried starting it again.
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Claudia gently pressed the gas pedal again, a couple of times.
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- It seems she has other plans - Norman said jokingly.
- Yes, it looks like it - said Claudia. She was beginning to feel embarrassed by the situation.
- Does she often behave like this?
- No, it's been a pretty good car lately, I had to try 2 or 3 times and it always started. I don't know what's wrong with it now...
- Maybe she just likes this place and doesn't want to go home yet - said Norman
- Yes, it looks like it... - Claudia said shyly - But I can help it a little bit, I am sure this will make it start - she said, then reached for the choke and pulled it almost halfway out.
- What are you doing? Start with the choke in the summertime?
- Yes, it usually helps... Why?
- Well, I think it's just going to make it harder to start... But your car, I'm just watching what are you doing...
Claudia blushed. She was well aware that the young boy liked to see her dressed like that.
- I'll try it! - Claudia said proudly.
She pulled herself even closer to the steering wheel, and after a short wait, she tried again.
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- "Please don't say anything - Claudia said to the boy with downcast eyes.
- It's okay Claudia... At least you don't have to sit here alone. I'm here and I'll help you in any way I can.
- Thank you Norman, you are very kind, but I don't know what you can do...
- If you like, I could look under the hood...
- Do you think you can do something?
- I don't know, but it's worth a try. Open it up and I'll take a look.
- Here's the key, you have to open it - Claudia said with a smile.
- Oh yeah, and the engine is in the back, right?
- Yes, it is.
They both got out and went to the back of the car. Norman opened the bonnet and smiled when he saw a thick layer of dust and oil covering everything.
- Oh my God!
- What's wrong? - asked Claudia, worriedly.
- It looks like nobody's been here for a long time... Am I right?
- You know... I don't know much about cars... I fill it with gas when I need to, I keep it clean and drive it. That's all I can do with it. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to take it to the mechanic regularly, so if there's something wrong, I usually ask a neighbor to look at it.
- Oh, not mister Jack?
- Yes, why?
- No offense, but I wouldn't trust that drunkard with anything.
- I understand, but I'm on a tight budget right now, and he's always happy to help me out, I usually bring him a couple of bottles of beer and he'll fix whatever needs to be fixed.
- A car this age needs a proper mechanic!
- Unfortunately, I don't have the money for that now - Claudia said, a little ashamed.
- Please don't take this the wrong way, but looking at the way things look around here, I'm surprised the car's running at all... It would need a lot more careful not to let its pretty owner down - smiled Norman
- Thank you very much for the compliment! Maybe you can do something with it so that its pretty owner can give you a lift? - smiled Claudia
- The wiring seems to be in place, but I'm not sure, maybe the fuel line or a filter is clogged, and I really don't know anything about that...
Norman fiddled around with a few more parts, then handed the key back to Claudia.
- Please try starting it again - he said.
Claudia walked back and got in, Norman followed and stopped at the driver's side door. The sun's rays shone through the open door, illuminating her dress, her stockings glistening in the sunlight.
Claudia saw him staring at her, and she blushed.
She put the key in the ignition, pressed the accelerator halfway, and started the car.
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- Try it again, but give it a little more gas.
- OK... - Claudia pushed the accelerator down to three quarters and cranked the car again.
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- Shit... Why can't you work?" said Claudia angrily
- It's okay, she's just old... Everybody has bad days, it seems your car is having its bad day today...
- Yes... just the perfect moment to make my day even worse. I had a flat tire this morning, then I got stood up on my date, and now my car is letting me down... What's next? - Claudia suddenly turned pale when she realized what she had said out loud... She looked shyly at the boy.
- It's okay. I thought something similar might have happened... Why else would a pretty lady like you come out here in the middle of nowhere, dressed so nicely...
- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... - stammered Claudia, embarrassed... - And... my son doesn't know I'm seeing anyone... Please don't say anything to him, okay?
- Don't worry, I will not say anything to him. A beautiful woman like you, of course, you can't be alone in life.
- Thank you, Norman - she said, a little reassured. - I can imagine what you think of me, I've seen how you were looking at me...
- I must admit I find you very pretty, and yes, I am a little reminded of those old experiences when you used to drive us when I was a child.
- Yes... but at least my car started then, and now it doesn't - Claudia said angrily.
- That's not entirely true... - said Norman, smiling - but you are much prettier now than you were then. I have to admit that I liked you a lot even then, and this situation has only brought those feelings back to life... And I must admit I'm glad that your car won't start now...
Claudia blushed, embarrassed. She was angry at her car, at herself, at this whole situation, but she was also pleased by Norman's kind words.
- You are glad? Why? - Claudia looked questioningly at the boy.
Norman hesitated a little before answering.
- Probably you will think that I am crazy, but I always liked it when a pretty lady's car refused to start for her. I have no idea why is that so... But so many memories are coming back to me right now, about occasions when your Skoda wouldn't start for you... And I never could have dreamed I'd see you in such a situation ever again...
- Norman... I'm sorry... I didn't know... - she said. She was confused.
- There's nothing to apologize for, in fact...
- This is so embarrassing for me... I wanted to help you, I offered you a ride, and now my car lets me down.
- It's okay! As you have said, sometimes it needs a little bit of encouragement... - Norman tried to be nice to the woman. - I'll go back and check the engine again.
- Thank you - said Claudia, with downcast eyes.
Norman walked back to the open hood of the car. As he moved the wires, looking for anything out of ordinary, he noticed a crack where the fuel filter meets the fuel line.
- There you are... - he said loudly
- What? - asked Claudia from the car.
- Come here, I've found the problem!
Claudia was relieved, she quickly got out of the car and walked back to Norman.
- Did you find out why my car won't start?
- Yes, this pipe here is cracked... - she pointed to the cracked pipe with his hand - And air keeps leaking into the fuel system, forming bubbles, and that's why the car won't start.
- Can you fix it?
- I think, hold on for a second...
Norman went forward to the passenger seat and took a roll of duct tape from his backpack. Claudia watched Norman with interest.
- Unfortunately, it's the only thing I have to seal the crack now, it'll last a day or two, but you will have to replace it anyway.
- Thank you! I don't know what I would have done if I were alone!
Norman smiled as he tried to get his hands to the crack
- Why are you smiling so pleasantly?" asked Claudia curiously.
Norman was embarrassed.
- I'd better not say. You might have a much worse opinion of me afterward...
- I doubt it, you're helping me fix my car... Let me hear what made you smile so much.
Norman was silent for a long time, then he started. - I was just smiling, imagining what you would have done if you were here alone, trying to start your car, in that pretty dress.
Claudia blushed.
- And since you're helping me, you can see for yourself, can't you? -smiled Claudia.
- Yes - Norman smiled. - I think I'm ready.
- Great. So now my car will start?
- That depends on whether there's any fuel left.
Claudia looked at him questioningly.
- Through this little crack a lot of fuel could have leaked out. Haven't you smelled gasoline lately?
Claudia thought - Yes, I think I did this morning... But then, it wasn't that long ago that I filled my car up with gas, I thought it was because of that... I hope there is some fuel still left in the tank...
- I think it's completely possible that the car won't start because there's no fuel left in it. - smiled Norman, suspiciously.
- Oh dear, it is so embarrassing! My car didn't start all the time because I have run out of fuel?
Claudia got into the car and checked the gauge - But it still shows a quarter of a tank!
- I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't accurate... - Norman walked back to the driver's side door
- And how can we check that?
- I say try to start it, if it starts after a few tries, there's still some left in it. But even if there is, it won't start easily! The air that got in through the crack has to get out, so the fuel has to get back to the engine first, and that takes time - he smiled.
- I am sure it will be a good car now... - said Claudia, patting the top of the dashboard with her hand - You agree, right? - she said to the car.
She positioned herself a little in the seat, pressed the gas pedal a couple of times, and tried to start the car.
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She gently pumped the gas pedal again and took a quick glance at Norman, who couldn't take his eyes off of her. Claudia liked this strange interest of the boy.
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- It won't start? - asked Norman with a huge smile.
- No... - said Claudia disappointed, "I was sure it would be a good car now, and it would listen to me!
- Does it often happen that it's not a nice car?
- What do you mean?
- Does it often happen that it doesn't want to start? - asked Norman
Claudia smiled.
- Yes, unfortunately, it happens sometimes that it doesn't listen to me... Mornings are the worst in winter...
- Is he freezing?
- Yes, unfortunately, it sleeps in an unheated garage, and the sub-zero temperatures are not good for its mood. I try to be sympathetic, start the car with the choke, and I try to give it plenty of gas - smiled Claudia.
- But in the meantime, someone has to hurry to work, right?
- Yes, it can be very unpleasant when things drag on... That's why I usually leave early if I'm expecting a cranky morning...
Norman smiled. - I can imagine how uncomfortable it must be, sitting there, turning the key, pumping the gas pedal... And waiting for the poor little car to start!
- Oh, so much! Especially when it's cold and the battery is weak... I turn the key and I feel it's trying much more slowly, almost painfully I would say. I feel very sorry for the poor thing.
- It's true, old cars don't like the cold... And have you ever been late for work because of the car?
Claudia smiled - Yes, unfortunately, it has happened. I kept trying until the battery was completely flat. Then I was in a hurry to call a taxi, but of course, when you're in the biggest hurry, they make you wait...
- I'm so sorry... - said Norman
- You're kind, but I think you're more sorry that you didn't get to see these occasions... aren't you?
Norman closed his eyes but felt his face flush.
- It's all right. You're very kind and sweet, and although I admit it's a little strange that you like this so much, I can understand it a little. Guys like to see a lady in trouble - smiled Claudia.
- Believe me, I don't know what it is that attracts me so much to this... And I haven't had the pleasure of seeing many people, but I'm very happy to see you...
- Thank you Norman. So tell me, what do you think we should do now? Should we find some way to get fuel? There's no filling station nearby, is there?
- I'm afraid not... But maybe I can get some for this pretty lady!
Claudia looked doubtfully at the boy
- Norman? What would you like to do?
- Oh, don't worry, it's nothing bad. We've got a petrol motor mower, we use it to keep the grass on the field in shape. We don't have to mow the lawn for a couple of days now so I can get some fuel out of the tank to get us to the gas station.
- Oh, Norman, are you sure this is the right thing to do?
- Yes, I'm sure. Don't worry.
- All right, then. I'll gladly accept the gas from you - Claudia said with a kind smile.
- I'll get it, don't go anywhere until then!
Claudia laughed - Oh Norman, I'm busted now! I was planning to start my car as soon as you're out of sight, and get the hell out of here!
Norman paused and smiled suggestively at Claudia. - You can try, but I don't think you'll make it. - Norman hesitated. -Err, Claudia, can I ask you something?
- Yes, go ahead.
- Could you please try to get away? I mean, it's like you want to run away while I'm gone... But in the meantime, I'd stay here and watch you try.
Claudia smiled at Norman. - You know I wouldn't leave you here after all the help you've given me!
- Yes, of course, I know. It's just that, as you mentioned this, my mind got thinking, and the idea seems so interesting and exciting... But, um...
- Okay, I'll try, why not? If it will make you happy - Claudia smiled.
- Oh, you don't know how much it will! - said Norman shyly.
Claudia turned her head back as if looking at the entrance to the football field.
- Oh please, just this once, start for me, until he gets back - Claudia said to the car, then looked at Norman and winked.
She quickly pressed the accelerator and turned the key.
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- Please... you have to start...- said Claudia sweetly
Claudia stroked the steering wheel with her hand.
- But if you don't start, I won't be able to leave... I know it's hard, but you have to do this for me!
Claudia pushed halfway down on the accelerator and gently, very gently began to caress it, trying again.
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- Oh, why are you doing this to me? And now of all times? I'm not dressed up so beautifully so that my car won't start in the parking lot! - she said, imitating nervousness.
Norman was mesmerized by her sweet talk, he couldn't get enough of the sight of the woman.
Claudia nervously shook the gearshift and settled into the seat, pulling herself closer to the wheel. Meanwhile, the hem of her skirt slid up her thighs, revealing more of her dark-colored tights, glistening in the setting sun. Claudia felt her skirt slide up, but pretended not to notice. She hastily pressed the gas pedal.
- Come on, you have to get going. He can't find us here when he comes back!
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- Are we trying to go somewhere? - asked Norman, pretending he'd just got back.
- Oh Norman! - smiled Claudia, - I just thought I'd try to start the car again, just to see maybe it will start!
- It looked to me like you wanted to get away while I was gone! "Only his car wouldn't start - said Norman kindly.
- Oh Norman, you know how unpleasant it is for me that I can't get my car to start!
- And in the meantime, your skirt was riding up quite a bit!
- Oh, really! How unpleasant! - laughed Claudia
- I really can't allow such a pretty lady to be in such a desperate situation. I'll be right back with the gas.
- Thank you very much - said Claudia.
A few minutes later Norman came back with a small can and a funnel. Claudia smiled when she saw him.
- My savior!
- I'm just helping a lady in distress, it's the least I can do.
Norman carefully poured the gasoline into Claudia's car, closed the hood, and they both got into the car.
- Is this the moment of truth? - asked Claudia
- Yes - smiled Norman. - It will take some time for the petrol to reach the engine, but I'm confident that your car will start now.
- Oh Norman, I can't wait! I hope you're going to show me what it's like when you're nice to me! - she said to the car.
Claudia settled into the seat, pressed the accelerator a few times, and then started the car.
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Claudia looked anxiously at Norman
- It just needs a little more time. Try again.
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The car started up, Claudia revved the engine at high throttle, indescribable relief filling her. After a few seconds, she took her foot off the gas, checking that the engine was running properly. When she was sure the engine wouldn't stall, she leaned over to the passenger seat, hugged Norman, and kissed him.
- Thank you for saving me. I could never have started my car on my own - she said in a sweet voice to him.
- Thank you for letting me watch you try - Norman said with a smile that reached his ears.
- Can I give you a lift home in my car? -I hope it won't let me down now - Claudia said with a smile.