Boarding school

Chapter 10

(Dani.)
I never thought I'd want to hear the sound of the old Chevy truck once my dad pulls into a parking spot. But I guess I missed it.
I pulled the duffle bag over my shoulder and nearly sprinted through the rain and to the red, beat up Chevy.
Dad was in the driver's seat, Jack was even there in the passenger's seat, and Peyton was in the back. Finally.
I climbed into the back, next to Peyton and dropped the duffle bag on the floor. "Hey." My dad cheered, Jack looked up from his phone and provided a wave, "Hey, Dani." Peyton said in a sing - song voice.
I wrapped arms around his shoulders. "I missed you man!" I exclaimed pulling away quickly, they were all smiling.
Peyton looked like he needed a hair cut, Jack looked like he hadn't put anymore weight on since I left, and dad looked like he hadn't shaved in a while.
I used to always make sure Peyton had haircuts, dad shaved, and I cooked a lot for Jack.
As an athlete, he always had to put on weight for weight lifting. I frowned a little seeing that they have not been staying up to tasks like they used to.
"We've missed Ya." Dad said pulling away from the school. It felt good, almost like I didn't have to go back. But I did. But I didn't think of it then.
We got out of this town, and started down the highway and back onto the inner state making small talk.
Peyton started talking my ear off and I didn't mind, how could I? I had probably missed him the most of all.
My dad started asking me questions about the school and Jack asked me about the football and basketball teams. I mentioned that I was friends with Logan who played.
Peyton asked me random questions that seemed kind of irrelevant, it was funny though.
The sun has set at that point and things quieted down, my dad played country music which was the only sound besides the tires on the pavement.
Between occasional texts with Lola and Logan and Gage, (Lola made a group chat) I payed attention to the scenery.
It didn't occur to me till now, but tomorrow I'm going to be making the same drive back but by myself.
It settled like a cold stone in my stomach. I hadn't really driven much alone be chase I just turned 16 and then moved here. Right when I got my license.
But now I'd be all by myself, driving from Alabama to Tennessee. It scared me, why was I being trusted so much? I couldn't even take anyone with me. Alone.
We were back home now, in the familiar neighborhood. I really did miss it. I slung my duffle bag over my shoulder and sprinted up the steps.
I completely forgot about getting a car and wanted to just be home. Even if I'd only be here for like 12 hours.
I grabbed my key from my pocket and unlocked the door, just like I still lived there.
Once I ran inside, I was greeted by our old pitbull , Gator. He looks terrifying but is the sweetest dog I've ever met.
"Hey boy! I missed you." I smiled scratching his back. He followed me toward my room where I dropped my bag in front of the door and walked into the kitchen.
Jack was talking to the dog and Peyton was filling up a glass of water, I sat down at the table next to my dad.
"So how's school?" My dad asked as Jack and Peyton gathered around the table. It was probably around 9 o'clock.
"Good." I said, wanting to bring up Logan and Lola and Gage, and my minor crush on Gage but no. They're boys.
"Dani why don't you go to the Bulldogs anymore?" Peyton asked. "Washington." Jack corrected. My old school and his current school was "The Washington Bulldogs"
I shrugged and glanced at dad "I don't know." I said, tracing circles into the table.
"Northridge is a great school." My dad commented. Jack almost looked disappointed. He was talking less than ever like something was bothering him.
Was it my presence? If so he's being a major brat.
"But I want Dani to go to the Bulldogs- I mean Washington." Peyton said with a sigh. I couldn't say anything but I wanted to look my dad in the face and say "I told you so."
"Well, bud...I'm sure she's got some new friends there." My dad said looking at me. "Friends are less important than family." Jack snapped a little.
"Yeah, I mean...I do miss you guys." I said kind of awkwardly. I guess I wanted my dad to change his mind. Pull me out of there, and let me be happy again.
The only source of happiness at boarding school is writing songs and my three friends.
"How about we go see your new car?" My dad asked quickly changing the subject. "Oh yeah, erm okay." I said and we got up, walking to the backyard garage.
"I've been driving it while you've been gone." Jack said with a smile. "Thanks, is this your truck?" I asked pointing to the silver truck with a red car beside it.
Both were used, but it never mattered to us. We were 16, and living with a single parent. It was cool enough we both got cars.
"Wow, dad this is great." I smiled looking at it.
"Yeah, it should be just fine for that trip to Tennessee" he smiled.

Yet my chest throbbed.