Chapter 10
754 Words
Just like yesterday, most of our ride was in silence. We drove for hours. I stared out the window, mostly lost in my own thoughts. I looked over at the clock. It was now 11:55 am. I know at some point we had entered Missouri. I figured at some point Jay would get tired of driving, and we would be getting closer to taking a pit stop. The clouds looked dark and it was starting to look like a storm was about to roll in.
"I sure hope we beat this storm." I said, looking over at Jay.
He ran his hand threw his shaggy brown hair, and glanced over at me.
"Nervous?" He questioned.
"Slightly, I don't really like storms." I replied.
"It will be fine Jess. It's just a little rain." Jay chuckled.
I rolled my eyes and focused my attention back on the window. Other than flying to Alabama when we moved, I had never really traveled much. Even though I was technically on the run, I seemed to enjoy the ride, with what little time I didn't focus on the fear of getting caught. Eventually, Jay pulled the car into a rest stop.
"I need to stretch." Jay said.
"Yea me too." I agreed. "Maybe we should try calling Adam?"
"Yep, I was thinking the same thing," Jay replied.
Jay pulled the car into a parking spot, and we both got out of the car. Jay stretched his arms above his head. He let out a slight sigh and started walking toward the Welcome Center Building. I stretched and followed slightly behind, taking in the scenery. When we got into the building, Jay headed toward the men's bathroom, while I stood around looking at all the maps and vending machines. As I walked down the small hallway, I saw the payphone. I walked up to it and dug in my pockets for some change. I had a dollar and 50 cents in quarters. I quickly inserted the money and dialed my brother's number. The phone rang a couple of times and asked for a recorded name. "Jenny" I said. I was too scared to use my real name, thinking the call could be tracked.
"Hello," Adam answered.
"Adam?!" I said.
"Sis," Adam replied."How are things going?"
"Fine," I replied. Confused as to why he was acting like this call was just a casual hello.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Where is Pete? Have you heard from Jace? Is he okay?"
"Yes sis, I have Pete. Jace, well I'm in the process of working things out. Listen sis, you don't need to be calling, for now. Just stick to the plan and don't worry, okay?"
"Oh..okay. I just... I miss you guys."
"We miss you too. Everything will be fine. Just stay safe, sis, and we will be home before you know it.I've got to go okay. Tell Jay I'll be in touch."
"Okay, Adam, I love you. Tell Pete I love him too."
"We love you too, sis."
Adam hung up the phone. I felt tears starting to build up. It was so good and reassuring to hear my brother's voice. I terribly missed them and was beginning to get home sick. Before I knew it tears were running down my cheeks. I began wiping them away, I felt a hand on my back. I jumped and turned around quickly, it was Jay. He pulled me into his arms. I buried my face in his chest.
"Shhh. It's gonna be okay." Jay said, trying to comfort me.
I just cried in his arms and he stood there holding me. I pulled my head back and looked up at him with tears rolling down my face.
"Thank you for everything, Jay." I replied.
"You're welcome, Jess. You know I will always be here for you." He smiled, as he wiped tears from my cheeks.
Jay pulled me in closer to give one final hug. As I pulled away, his eyes met mine. I felt butterflies in my stomach and I started to blush. Jay just smiled. I don't think he has ever looked at me that way before. There was something different about it. I felt my heart skip a beat as I looked into his beautiful brown eyes.
"Are you..ugh..ready to go back to the car?" Jay stuttered.
I nodded as I dried my cheeks and sniffled. I kind of felt stupid for crying in front of Jay like that. I turned and started walking back to the car.
- Writer
