Stuck on You, 14: You’ve got it.
Jenny Shay.
That afternoon after school, it was raining.
Like, heavy rain. Which sucked for me because 1) I walked to school this morning, that means I had no ride home, 2) I didn’t expect it to rain any time soon, heck even today I didn’t expect it, and 3) I don’t have a rain coat with me, which goes back to problem number two.
I was waiting at the waiting area, as I wrapped my arms around myself because of the cold, which didn’t help at all, though.
I called dad earlier, and I already expected his answer.
“Dad?” I said after he picked up on the third ring. “Is it okay if you can pick me up from school?
“I can’t, sweetheart.” So, there. “I’m busy—” as always, “—why don’t you ask one of your friends to drop you at the apartment?”
“Alexa had to go home early just now.” I told him, “She had a family thing.”
“What about your other friends?”
I instantly thought of Andrew, and shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Well, okay. Why not just wait for the rain to stop? I bet it’ll stop soon.”
I looked at the almost pitched black sky and heavy rain. Sure it will. I sighed and had no choice but to say, “Okay, then.”
“Atta girl. See you later, love.”
“Bye, dad.”
“Bye, sweetheart.” And that was that.
So now, I’m still here, practically soaking wet, with no ride home. Dear God, I live a sad life.
But a few short seconds after that, I heard a honk.
I turned around to see Andrew sitting in the driver’s seat of a black car. He got out and walked to me, his hair and uniform wet, but he still had a smile on his face.
“Well, somebody’s soaking wet.”
I rolled my eyes, refraining myself from smiling, “Look who’s talking.”
“I’m guessing you don’t have a ride home.”
“Gee, ain’t that obvious?”
“To me, yes, apparently.”
I scoffed, “You drive now?”
“Yup.” He smiled happily.
“What happened to your superstar limo and driver?” I teased.
“Hey!” He said, “Just because I have a driver and a limo, doesn’t mean I can’t drive.”
“Well, didn’t think a superstar like you would ever drive.”
“Don’t call me that.” He rolled his eyes. “And hell yes I would drive. It’s kind of a guy’s dream.”
“Or it could be yours.” I smiled.
“Whatever.” He said, “You want a ride?”
“Hmm.”
“Oh come on, you so need a ride, Jen.”
“Or, I could wait till the rain stops.”
“Which will take somewhat forever to.”
“Story of my life.” I sighed.
“Well,” He said as he grabbed my hand, “Come on.”
***
“The Beatles?” I asked as he turned on the radio in his oh-so-expensive-Mercedes car.
“Hell yeah. They’re the best.”
I laughed, “Wuthering Heights, Math and The Beatles? I’m impressed.”
“Not to mention I’m English.”
“You’re too full of yourself.”
“What’s not to be?” He winked.
Silence.
“Damn, traffic.” he said, “Looks like you’re gonna be stuck with me for a while.”
“I should be scared. The next thing I know is that I’m gonna end up stranded inside an old house being kidnapped by you.”
“You watch too many kidnapping movies.” He pointed out.
“I so do not watch too many kidnapping movies.”
“You read about them, then.”
“Do Not.”
“Do too.”
“Whatever.”
Silence.
“So…” Andrew started.
“So…”
“I’m bored.”
“Focus on the road, Jackson. I don’t wanna die yet.”
“Got it.” He said, “But with this traffic, I’m pretty sure you won’t end up dead on my watch.”
“Gee, thanks for being so positive.” I smiled.
“No problem.”
“So, why drive?” I asked.
“Just felt like it. You know.”
“No, I don’t, hence I asked you.”
“Jeez, you’re so specific.”
“I’m a specific type of girl.” I said as a matter of fact-ly.
“It’s just that… I just wanna do something by myself you know, without telling anyone to do this and that.”
“Like… driving.”
“Exactly like driving.”
“I bet you’re proud of yourself.”
“I am.” He looked from the front and faced me, his cocky smile plastered on his face, “So, just straight to your apartment?”
“Yeah, where else would I be?”
“Um… Borders or Starbucks?” He smiled.
Right. “Right. Well, not this time. Just home sweet home.”
“Okay then, milady.” He joked.
I felt my cheeks growing red. “Shut up.”
***
“Thanks again, for the ride.” I said as Andrew pulled his car in front of my apartment.
“No problem.”
“Well, see you around in school.” I said as I opened the door.
“Hang on.” He said as he took his hoodie from somewhere at the backseat and gave it to me.
I shook my head in response, “I—”
He cut me off, “—need it more than I do.”
I hesitated for a few seconds then took it from him. I awkwardly put it on. It was kind of huge for me, but hot against my wet uniform.
“I’ll see you soon.” Andrew told me.
“Definitely.” I agreed and opened the passenger door, “Be careful. Don’t drive too fast. The rain is still heavy, you know.”
“Got that.” He winked at me, “Bye.”
“Bye.” I said as I closed the door and ran towards the apartment door.
