Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Trust and Obey (don't write about the song) (05/21/15)
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TITLE: Shortcut to Trouble | Previous Challenge Entry
By
05/26/15 -
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The herd of cows in the next field glanced in disdain at this unwelcome disturbance to their early afternoon grazing. The three friends had got themselves into some sticky situations over the years, but getting stuck, literally, in a sodden field in the middle of nowhere, on this day of all days, surpassed them all. No roads, no church, just deep mud, a little grass and a lot of slurry. Ben didn't dare look at the state of his car. Reliable as it was, considering its age, it hadn’t been designed with off-roading in mind. The same could be said of their tuxedos and perfectly polished shoes, for which his soon-to-be in-laws had paid a hefty damage deposit.
"Didn’t you see that mahoosive No Entry sign?” William rolled his eyes in exasperation. “You should've let me or Blake drive! You obviously weren't fit to!"
"What sign? The sat nav said this was a shortcut!"
"Up a dirt track? You must be having a laugh! Anyone can see this track’s going nowhere."
"Give over, would you? We were late and the—"
"Yeah! Late because you insisted on following the whacky route the sat nav took us on, even though every road sign we passed said we were going the wrong way. Where’s the map route we agreed on yesterday?"
Ben was too busy glaring at the cows to reply.
Blake looked up. "Guys, don't you think we ought to ring someone to let Lucy know that Ben actually intends to marry her today, before she starts thinking he's jilted her?"
"Good idea, Blake," William fished his mobile out of the glove compartment. "When I'm done, I'll see if I can pull up a map to find out where the… Bother! No signal! Right, lads. I'll walk back the way we came and find somewhere with signal. With any luck, I might find someone who can give directions."
***
Ben wiped the perspiration from his face and took some deep breaths. The flickering dashboard clock indicated yet another minute had passed, bringing no sign of William.
Blake rifled through the map pockets. "Is there an atlas in the car?"
"No way! Who needs that sort of clutter from the last century when they’ve got a spanking new sat nav?"
"In case you get lost in a field."
"Whatever! Hang on - who's that over there, trying to climb over the hedge?"
Blake and Ben watched the figure in the distance conquer its obstacle and trudge towards them via a cryptic route through the cowpat minefield. Soon enough, the figure assumed a more familiar form, albeit covered in mud.
Ben wound down the window, gagging due to the fresh cowpat directly below his door.
"What took you so long, William?"
"It took ages to find somewhere with signal but I finally got through. The vicar thinks it all hilarious, not sure your in-laws-to-be agree, though. Oh! I met the farmer on my way back. He couldn't believe you missed his massive No Entry sign. Anyway, he’s drawn us a map of where to go."
Ben jabbed the map in disbelief. "But that's not what the sat nav said!"
"Ben, you're unbelievable. That farmer knows this area like the back of his hand. All the road signs you ignored agree with his route. Seriously, do you still insist on trusting and obeying that thing after it's got us so lost? Personally, I know which I'd rather follow!"
Ben ripped the satnav off the window and punched the code in.
"You’re kidding – however did I manage to misprogram this thing?!"
"Look, mate. You're supposed to be getting married in twenty minutes. For pity's sake, quit fussing and get pushing!"
Blake rolled up his trousers and gingerly climbed out, muttering something about taking over the driving. Meanwhile, Ben battled in vain with the door latch. He knew it was old and inclined to be somewhat cantankerous, but he could have sworn it was taking its revenge. Putting his full weight against the door, he tugged at the lever one more time. The door flew open, launching Ben into something soft and squelchy on the ground. Trying to ignore his mates’ howls of laughter, he wondered if Lucy would ever speak to him again. One thing was certain: as soon as he had eventually paid off an astronomical cleaning bill, he would be investing in a new atlas.
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Creative take on the topic, I liked it very much.
Wing His Words