A New Hope

Josephine Bennett

My R2D2 text tone chirps at me while I sip my morning coffee from a cheap paper cup,

courtesy of the Holiday Inn continental breakfast. Lifting my phone off the table I press down on

the notification and open my messages.

*Unknown Sender*

Hey, it's Hannah :)

I think for a second, realizing I don't know any Hannah’s, or at least haven't since back in

grade school.

Hannah who?

I shoot back, hoping to get some clarification.

Don't be silly, Hannah from the bar last night! You know, the bartender who you kept flirting

with and gave your number to when you closed out?

As someone who is now three years sober, I don’t go to bars unless I’m meeting

someone, and last night I was still deep in my drive to this dingy motel in the outskirts of town.

I wasn't out at any bar last night, I think you have the wrong number, sorry.

After a few minutes without a response, I thought that was the end of it. I finished what

was left of my breakfast, a sad blueberry muffin, and made my way back to my room to get

started on my task for today. I've been on the road for about three weeks now, traveling across
the country helping people who need it. The whole excursion is paid for by my sponsors who are

huge supporters of my vision.

I sat down at the desk-counter thing attached to the wall, pulled my laptop out of its black

leather case and started my search looking for locals who had recently gone through something

tragic. After some digging, I came across a family who just lost their daughter to a car accident

last night, someone ran her off the road causing her to wrap her car around a tree. The article I

read said there were two sets of tire skids on the road at the point where her car went off, and the

other car didn't stick around. Happy R2D2 noises came from my phone again.

Sorry for the random text then, he must have given me a fake. Probably has a girlfriend or

something.

I shot a text back.

No worries, he probably wasn't worth it anyways.

I switched my phone to vibrate, placing it on the desk and opened our company social

site on my laptop, the calming blue browser coming to life as it loaded in. I sent a message off to

my sponsor group chat, asking if anyone was available for a quick call to discuss the possibilities

and budget for the dead girl case. Within seconds, melodic tones came through my speakers, a

pending video chat with my top sponsor. I sat up straight on the poorly cushioned chair and

clicked accept.

“Hello there Lucas, I’m assuming you’ve found another project for us?” the redhead on

the other side of the screen chirped at me, resting her elbow on her desk and her chin on the palm

of her hand.
 “I’ve got a good one Priscilla,” I responded back, resting my elbows on the desk and

intertwining my fingers on both hands together, lightly rubbing around the cuticle of my left

thumb with my right, a nervous tick I’ve been doing since childhood.

“Well, what have you got for us?” she sounded excited as she asked, her eyes lighting up

like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Just last night a girl was run off the road and unfortunately passed, and I’m wanting to

help out the family with funeral costs and any other possible way I can.”

“As someone who lost a close family member to a car accident, not too long ago actually,

I’m in full support” she paused for a moment, thinking over what to say next. “I’m giving you

the go ahead to do what you feel is right to help them, within reason obviously.”

“That’s fantastic!” I exclaimed; I’ve always been bad at hiding my enthusiasm. “I’ll go

ahead and reach out to the family then and hopefully I can take some of the burden off their

plate.”

“Off to it then,” Priscilla smiled wide, red lips parting and showing off a glistening white

smile. “Go help out this family.”

With that, she ended the call, and I was left staring at my reflection on my screen. My

phone buzzed on the table.

Honestly, you're probably right. A couple questions for you, are you one of the good ones and if

so, would you possibly want to keep talking? You seem nice, not everyone would keep on a

conversation with a random number.

 Considering my job this might seem strange, but I have a bit of anxiety when it comes to

talking to new people, especially strangers from a wrong number. I sat for a minute, looking out

the window of my hotel room and up at the mountain peaks reaching into the sky, their caps

covered with a blanket of snow. Being from Florida, being around snow in general is a wild

concept for me but it’s something I’ve had to get used to the past couple weeks as I made my

way through the northern states, apparently snow is a common thing mid-November. I

deliberated not responding to the mystery girl, but my need to help people took over.

Yeah, I'd be down. I'm always down to cheer up and help people, plus you seem like a lovely

person so far.

I closed out my messages and dialed up the parents of the deceased girl. "Hi is this Mrs.

or Mr. Solo?" I asked when someone answered the phone.

"Yes, this is Mr. Solo, may I ask who's calling?" a gruff man’s voice asked.

"Yes sir, this is Lucas Walker, first and foremost you and your family have my

condolences, it’s not easy dealing with such a great loss. I’m currently traveling the country

helping people and I’m reaching out today to see if you wouldn’t mind me helping pay for the

funeral costs and anything else I can do to assist you and your wife through this process."

"Thank you so much, with everything going on, my head has been all over the place.

Can you meet us at Celestial Sip on third around two pm tomorrow? We’re meeting up with

some of her friends so it would be nice for everyone to meet you and we can discuss having you

help us out.”

"Sounds good to me, I'll see you tomorrow at two."

 As I was setting my phone down another message came through.

So, what do you do for fun? I'm sorry, I haven't even asked you your name yet.

I like travelling and helping people, meaning I love my job since it involves traveling around the

country and doing things for people that need it. Also, my name is Lucas.

I turned my ringer back on and clicked the lock button on the side of my phone, setting it

back down on the desk and got up out of my chair. I walked over to the bathroom and turned on

the shower faucet, letting the water heat up. I began lifting my shirt over my head when I heard

my phone go off in the other room. I made my way back out into the room, discarding my shirt

onto the pile of yesterday’s clothes as I passed by. I picked my phone up.

I like the name Lucas; can I call you Luke? I've always wanted to know someone with that name,

huge Star Wars fan especially with being named after a character.

I caught myself smiling at my phone.

I suppose you can call me Luke, also got to love a girl who knows her Star Wars. Tell me

something fun about yourself.

I locked my phone again, deciding to take it into the bathroom with me, the anticipation

of another message fueling that decision. I finished undressing, checked the water and turned the

shower on. Sliding the shower curtain to the side and stepping in, feeling the warm water flow

over my body. I grabbed the tiny hotel shampoo bottle from the corner ledge, popping the cap

open and squeezing some into my hand. I began working my hands through my hair, making

sure every inch of my scalp was covered in bubbles. I grabbed the body wash and did the same to
the rest of my body, making sure I was nice and scrubbed up for wherever the rest of my day

would take me.

Once I was satisfied that I was sparkly clean, I stood under the water, letting it cascade

over me like a waterfall, feeling the soap and whatever stress I had slide off my body and down

the drain. Turning the water off, I heard the happy little R2D2 sounds come from my phone once

again. I slid open the shower curtain, grabbed the white fluffy towel off the bar. I threw the towel

over my head, squeegeeing whatever water I could out of it. I toweled off my feet and legs,

stepping out onto the bathmat as I did so. Wrapping the towel around my waist, making sure my

right hand was dry enough before reaching for my phone.

I have a secret talent that I developed and is probably the coolest thing about me; I can speak

Wookie. It’s silly I know, but my friends and family love it.

I chuckled while reading the message, shaking my head as my thumbs took over typing

back.

I love that! I wish I had a talent like that, all I can do is make my ears move back and forth

without touching them.

I clicked send then stopped for a moment, I wanted to know more about this mystery girl,

I needed to know more.

Do you have any hobbies? I told you what I like to do for fun, it’s only fair you do the same.

I hadn’t felt this kind of playful energy come out of myself in a long time, not since my

father died. We had a lot of fun while I was growing up, he took my sister Ashley and I on all

sorts of trips, maybe that’s why I love my job so much, I get to travel a lot. He passed about four
years ago, I was living with my ex at the time, his death broke something inside of me and I put

all my time and focus into my work, meaning my relationship died not long after he did. I

haven’t met anyone since, although I didn’t really try. Maybe this stranger on the other side of

the phone is just what I need to bring me back out of my shell.

I placed my phone next to the sink, grabbing my toothbrush and toothpaste out of my

toiletry bag. I squeezed some toothpaste onto the bristles and ran it under water before I began

brushing my teeth. I kept glancing at my phone, checking to make sure I hadn’t missed a

message, so far there was nothing. I rinsed my toothbrush off, placing it on the edge of the sink

to dry and threw some deodorant on. I walked back out of the bathroom, towel still around my

waist and phone clutched in my hand. I sat on the edge of the bed for a bit, scrolling through

work emails, Priscilla had sent me one just a message confirming that everyone else on the

sponsors list was on board with me having no financial limits for this project so long as I don’t

overdo it.

After about thirty minutes of scrolling, still no message, I decided it was time to get

dressed. I draped my towel over the curtain rod in the bathroom to dry and made my way to my

suitcase. I pulled out a white tee and blue jeans and putting them on. As I finished getting my

jeans zipped up, I heard my phone go off, I almost tripped while pouncing at it. I looked at the

screen and felt disappointed as it was just a message from my sister asking if I had gotten settled

in at my current stop. I told her I’d call her tomorrow after my meeting with the family and fill

her in on everything.

I sat down at the desk chair and slipped on a pair of black vans, glancing at my phone

screen while I laced them up. It had been nearly an hour since I heard from Hannah, I found

myself wondering what could have maybe happened, maybe she lost interest. I’ve heard of
people being ghosted before, even when things seem to be going well, maybe that’s what this

was. I felt my heart sink at the thought. I shook off the feeling, I’ve only been talking to this girl

since breakfast, a few hours now at best. I had other things that needed to be taken care of,

primarily getting some lunch, no need to get sucked into feelings by someone I’ve never even

met. I grabbed my wallet off the desk and made my way out of my hotel room.

I walked downstairs to the lobby of the hotel, and over to the front desk where a younger

gentleman sat looking at the computer screen. “Hi there!” he said, cheerfully as I leaned up

against the countertop.

“I was wondering if there was a restaurant close by, I’m absolutely starving and could use

a meal.”

“We actually have one down the hall that way” he smiled, lifting his hand towards the

hallway to my left. “They serve some of the best burgers in the area, which probably seems

surprising since it’s in a hotel. But I assure you they’re delicious.”

“A burger does sound good right about now, thank you.”

“Happy to help!” he nodded, turning his attention back to his work.

I made my way to the restaurant, a dimly lit room with about a dozen tables scattered

throughout the area. I chose a table closer to the kitchen, I sat down as a waitress spotted me and

headed my way, carrying a menu. She placed the menu down in front of me and asked if she

could get me something to drink.

“Only water please, and I hear you guys make good burgers, so I’ll go ahead and get one,

let the chef decide which one for me.”

 “I’ll go send that in” she said, smile on her face as she grabbed my menu and walked

towards the kitchen.

My phone buzzed in my pocket; I pulled it out trying to contain my excitement when I

saw the message on the screen.

Sorry for the late response! I was out with some friends. I don’t really do much besides work and

hang out with my friends. I guess you consider it a hobby, but I like to go on drives through the

mountains and take in the beauty of nature. I just love exploring.

I didn’t want to seem eager and respond right away, but I couldn’t help it. The feeling I

was getting from talking to her had me buzzing.

Oooh, what kind of car do you drive? There’s nothing quite like taking a drive. Don’t worry

about it, friends are a good reason to be busy.

I looked up from my phone as the waitress brought over my water.

“The burger should be out shortly” she said, setting the glass on the table before walking

over to another table where a couple had just sat down.

I looked around the room, tapping my finger on the table as I took in the rest of the room.

There were a couple of booths across from me, red leather seats that were starting to tear along

the sides. The floors were black and white tile in a checkerboard pattern, it felt as if this

restaurant was more of a diner you’d find on the side of the highway and not tucked into a hotel.

My phone buzzed on the table.

Thank you for being understanding! We haven’t seen each other much the past couple days so I

had to go hang out for a bit. I drive a 1962 Ford Falcon, she’s my baby. I need to get some work

done on her soon though, just a little tune up, nothing major. What do you drive?

That’s a great car! Meanwhile I drive a 2018 Tacoma, nothing as classic as yours but it’s

proven to be a godsend on these wintery roads I’ve been travelling on.

The waitress brought over my burger, a tall meaty thing like something you’d see Shaggy

and Scooby eat. I took one bite and melted; it was the most delicious burger I’ve ever tasted in

my life. It was juicy, had the right amount of everything. If it were possible to marry food, I’d be

settled down with a family with this burger, that’s how good it was. I got halfway through when

the fullness hit, I waved the waitress over and asked for a to go box. As she ran into the kitchen, I

got another message.

Hey, can I text you a bit later? I’m heading to my parent’s house now, going to spend the

weekend with them. Just wanted to let you know so you won’t miss me too much ;)

Of course! Wouldn’t want to distract you from your driving, and no promises on the missing you

aspect, I’ve grown quite used to seeing your name pop up now.

I clicked send as my box was brought to my table along with the check. I got my food put

away and paid the waitress, making sure to leave a nice tip since it seemed kind of slow for a

lunch hour. I left the restaurant and headed back to my room and flopped onto my bed. I flipped

on the TV and watched the local news; they were covering more of the accident. There were still

no suspects, and no specific details were given out to let the family keep some sense of privacy. I

flipped through a couple more channels until I came across one showing ‘The Princess Bride’

one of my all-time favorites.

 I don’t know when it happened, but at some point, I had passed out and sun was shining

through the window in my room. I checked the time on my phone, it was one pm and I needed to

leave soon. I scrambled into the bathroom, cleaning myself up and brushing out my blond hair,

making it look half decent. Breakfast was long past due, so when my stomach grumbled, I

grabbed a granola bar out of my bag and scarfed it down. I slid on a black tee and yesterday’s

jeans. I slipped into my grey button-down coat and made my way outside, the cold air taking my

breath away.

Climbing in and sitting on the black cloth driver’s seat of my truck. My truck growled to

life as I turned the key in the ignition, I pulled up the map directions to the bar on my phone and

before I could set it into the holder another text popped up on my screen.

Sorry I didn’t get back to you last night, I ended up preoccupied with my mother and her drama.

Always something going on with that woman. I figured you’d already be asleep by the time I

crawled into bed and didn’t want to wake you.

Don’t even stress about it. Family first, always. I’m heading out to meet with a client I’m

helping, so I might be a bit slow at responding.

After clicking send, I turned my ringer off placing my phone in the holder and clicked

start on the GPS. Not even fifteen minutes later I pulled up to the bar. It was an old red brick

building buzzing with life, the sound of upbeat jazz making its way out of the building and into

the ears of the people walking down the street. I stepped out of my truck and made my way

towards the door, a bell jingling as I walked inside. I found the Solos sitting at a booth near the

back, a few people sitting with them, talking about Friday night’s happenings. I walked over and

introduced myself to the group and sat down.

 "I can't believe this happened" one girl, she had said her name was Lani, sitting opposite

of me, brown hair pulled back into space buns sighed "at least the car went with her, she loved

that thing, and it feels right that it is hers forever."

"What type of car was it?" I asked, the article I’d read didn't provide any photos or

descriptions of the car, so maybe I could do something with that to help the family out.

"It was a Ford Falcon, her pride and joy."

"She wasn't supposed to work Friday night" a guy said, pulling my attention back up

from my phone, his name was Brad, if I remembered correctly. "The last text I got from her was

her telling me about this guy who kept buying drink after drink and chatting her up."

"She doesn't usually flirt with customers while she's working" Lani responded to Ben,

then she turned to me to explain "as a bartender she gets a lot of drunk weirdos hitting on her".

"Nothing will be the same without Hannah" my head snapped in the direction of where

the voice came from, Mrs. Solo was dabbing her eyes with a napkin, Mr. Solo patting his wife's

back soothingly to calm her down some.

I looked back to my phone as I got another message, starting to feel a little uneasy.

No worries! I’m just hanging out with my parents today, so I’ll be here when you can!

“I still can’t believe she’s gone,” the tall hairy man sitting at the far end of the table,

Charlie, said, “it’s hard losing your best friend so suddenly.”

“I know it’s hard, but we all know she wouldn’t want us being mopey” Lani responded

reassuringly “just remember all the crazy adventures she had dragged you on. She’d want you to

keep on exploring in her honor.”

 “She always made me laugh when she’d do the Wookie noise” Brad smiled, “she was

way too good at it.”

I quickly pushed out the thoughts that started forming, this could all just be a morbidly

funny coincidence after all.

Hey Hannah, does your last name happen to be Solo?

I locked my phone but kept holding on to it. I looked around the table, studying the

grieving faces around me. The Solos might have lost a daughter, but judging by the tired, somber

faces, the world had lost someone great. My phone buzzed in my hand, my anxiety sending

shockwaves through my body as I unlocked it and glanced at the message on my screen.

YES! Oh my god, how did you know?

Dread began clouding out the anxiety, I felt a pit forming in my stomach. I tried pushing

those feelings aside, there’s no way this could be the dead girl, I thought to myself shaking my

head to clear my mind. I forced my confidence into my next message.

Just a lucky guess since you mentioned being named after a Star Wars character earlier.

Also, you mentioned you’re a bartender, would the bar you work at happen to be called Celestial

Sip?

I picked up my glass of water and took a big drink, feeling the cool liquid slide down my

throat soothing the dryness that had developed within it. I slid my phone back into my coat

pocket and tuned back into the conversation at the table, distracting me from my own mind.

“You said your name was Lucas Walker?” Brad asked, drawing everyone’s attention

towards me.
 “Yeah, kind of silly I know. Lucas is a tradition in my family for every other generation’s

first-born son to be named that.”

“I love that,” Charlie piped in, “Hannah would have loved your name too, we had a

yearly tradition where we all got together and binged the whole Star Wars series.”

The waitress came over, refilling our waters and took the table’s orders. I couldn’t begin

to think about eating with the current state of my stomach, so I stuck with my water. Once she

walked away everyone continued talking amongst themselves, reminiscing about their favorite

times with Hannah. My phone vibrated in my pocket. The dread came back tenfold as I read the

words on my screen.

It seems you've figured out quite a bit about me haven't you.

“It’s weird, but it’s like I can feel her presence here now,” Mrs. Solo said with a sniffle,

pulling me back away from my phone, her eyes softened a bit as a slight smile broke on her face.

“You know what, I think I feel her too” Mr. Solo added in, putting his arm around his

wife’s shoulder and pulling her to him.

The rest of the table began responding with varying phrases of agreement, sending a chill

down my spine. I looked back at my phone in my hand and typed out my next message, my

thumbs hesitant to click send, not sure if I really wanted to get a response.

Where are you right now?

Before I could even put my phone back down, another message came through.

Use the Force and sense where I'm at :)

 I felt a cool breeze on the back of my neck, it felt like someone was lightly walking their

fingers around front along my collar bone. The wind fingers traipsed along my jawline, stopping

at my chin before breaking contact. I was on edge, my jaw clenched tight as I sent my next

question.

There’s no way that was you, is there?

I stared at my phone waiting for a response, ignoring everything around me. I didn’t have

to wait long until my suspicions were confirmed.

Look at you Luke, using the Force.

My phone fell out of my hand, crashing hard against the stone floor. I had been talking to

a dead girl, and the worst part is that I had felt a connection to her that I’d never felt with anyone

before. I looked up from my phone at the ground and saw everyone staring at me.

“Sorry, I can be quite clumsy sometimes” I said, picking my phone off the ground.

Lani studied my face, it felt like she was staring into my soul. “You look like you’ve just

seen a ghost.”