3.0 The Chronicles of Us - Choas & Clarity

Chapter thirty-one

•★ Tex ★•

 "Was that the last box?"

Ellie nods. "Yes, I think so. I never brought that much with me to begin with. It's mostly clothes and work stuff. All the furniture came with the rent."

"All right, then." I shut the boot and walk up to the driver's side. "Let's get you home."

We both smile; both grateful to finally be truly together again. I help her with the seatbelt before putting on my own. "I got a call from the insurance company today. I'll probably get a pay-out since the accident wasn't my fault."

Drunk motherfucker.

"That's great!" She turns down the music and looks at me with that pretty smile of hers. "Are you getting the same bike or another model?"

Before answering, I leave the shitty parking lot and her even shittier apartment behind. Thank fuck she signed a short-term lease agreement. Meaning: we only have the pay for the remaining days of the month. Not that I really care about the money. I would've sold a rib to get her home.

Once we're on the main road, I place my hand on her knee and keep it there. "I was thinking maybe a car this time. You know, a spacious one for strollers and shit."

She does a quick eye-roll at my lovely phrasing before patting my thigh. "That's not necessary. We have my car, you should buy a motorcycle if that's what you really want."

If only that were possible ... "Since your car is a classic, it doesn't meet all the safety requirements. It has no crumple zone or seatbelts in the back."

"Well ... " A sad sigh falls from her pouty lips. "I guess we could trade mine for a safer one so you can get one of those mean machines."

"Are you fucking crazy?" I suppress the urge to slam the brakes and shake her shoulders. "This is our car! We made a lot of memories in this one."

"That's true." She nods slowly, eyes on the hood. "Honestly, it would break my heart to give this car up. But what are you getting if I'm keeping mine?"

"Minivan?" I had to force that word outta my mouth.

"God, no! I'm sure you can find something a little less awful and a little more manly."

Thank the petrol heavens. "Yeah, maybe an SUV, then. Roy's car is pretty much a small tank." Silently, I imagine a damn cool scenario before glancing at her again. "Do you think it's allowed to drive an actual tank in the state of California? For the safety of the kid, of course."

"You're being silly, Tex." The playful squeeze on my thigh makes me happy and, possibly, a little horny.

Not now.

Later.

"What can I say? It's my trademark." At my wink, she shakes her head with amusement. I slow down to a stop when the traffic light at the end of our street turns red. "Can you do me a favor and close your eyes?"

"Why?"

Always so fucking stubborn.

"Just do it. I have a surprise for you."

"What kind of surprise?"

I sigh a half-fake one. "That's not how surprises work. Close your eyes."

She doubts for a second longer and then shuts her eyes; beaming smile on her face. My girl is so goddamn beautiful. It's unreal. I swear, she's glowing like the evening star. When the car behind me honks, I quickly hit the gas.