It Starts With Him

28

I don't know how I haven't crashed yet.

I've been completely unaware of the drive this far, my mind on autopilot and my hands subconsciously turning the steering wheel the proper way. I haven't been actively focused on anything since I pulled away from the hill other than the pure shock that mom sent me such a clear message, whether she meant to or not, and also on Ace. On his face, his callused hands, on everything about him, and every inch of him.

What happened to my mom wasn't his fault. And though his father is an absolute monster, Ace is not him. Not even close.

Aaron Crawford is dark. Malevolent. Abusive. Aaron is someone who cares about nothing and no one but himself. But Ace Crawford... Ace is just the complete opposite. The complete and utter contrary.

I only start coming to my senses when I start recognizing landmarks. I drive past the tavern my mom sang at, and then past Nightscape. I'm getting closer. Getting closer to him.

I can practically feel his lips on my cheek and his breath on my neck when I spot Hayes walking along the sidewalk of the downtown area, her hair in a ponytail on the crown of her head and a wetsuit plastered closely to her skin. I slow down, and turn on my hazard lights, pulling up next to her as the cars behind me start to weave around mine.

"Dev!" Hayes calls as she spots me, pulling an earbud out of her ear and prancing up to my truck. She leans in the open window, resting her arms on it.

"Where are you heading off to? You look like you just saw Jesus," she says to me, a bright, bubbly laugh escaping from her lips. I catch sight of myself in my rearview mirror. My face is red and splotchy, not in a sickly way, but in an 'I just ran a marathon' way. My eyes are wide and bright, my hair wild from the wind having ripped at it for the whole drive.

"Somewhere I never should have left," I reply, leaning back in my seat, anticipation rushing through my veins. "I finished a song," I add, gasping out the words. Hayes backs up from the window, noticing I'm in a rush.

Her eyes light up and she clasps her hands together. "Really? Dev, that's amazing! Do you want to give me a copy I can pass to my dad? I guarantee with that voice of yours, you'll be in Hollywood in no time," she gushes, excitement dripping from her voice.

With all that's been going on, I haven't really thought about her mega-famous producer dad recently. Haven't thought about what could come of me if I give him my song. Where I could go, and how much my life would change.

Before, the offer sounded undeniable. Something millions of people dream for every day, working their way to the top. But is that what I really want? Is that really where I want to go? Who I want to be?

An idea sparks in my mind that sends a chill down my spine, and I turn back towards Hayes, a relieved smile on my lips.

"I don't think I want to be in Hollywood. I think I want to stay where I am," I tell her, making my decision as the words come out of my mouth. She cocks her head. "Are you sure? Isn't this what you've been wanting?"

I consider, looking at her with the most solace I've felt seemingly in ages. "I think... I think what I've been wanting has been here this whole time."

She smiles at me and pats the side of my car, urging me to drive away and get back to what I was doing. "Do what makes your heart happy, Dev," she beamed, and with a gratifying smile in her direction, I pull back onto the road and floor it.

. . .

As I park on the side of the street in front of Ace's house, the sky is a dusty shade of rose and violet, signaling the near demise of the sunny day. The air is chilled by dusk as I jump out of my truck and half-jog to the front door, rubbing my arms to soothe their newly-sprouted goosebumps. I'm nearly to the porch steps when I hesitate. The sun fully hides behind the trees as I pause on the sidewalk, its edges taken over by overgrown grass.