Guardians

Marie-8

We had been in the car for three hours already. If he had just told us where we were going we could have flown!

Penelope was sleeping on Brady's arm and I envied her slightly. She had the guy of her dreams. James and I were freaks of nature, destined to be forever alone.

I laid my head on her lap and felt her arm wrap around me. Brady gently smiled and closed his eyes.

"Marie?" Jeremiah asked me quietly.

"Hmm?"

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes, can we stop so I can stretch and use the restroom?"

"Yea." He pulled off the highway and into a seven-eleven gas station.

"Everyone's covered?"

"Yep."

"Okay, be careful."

We got out of the car and walked in casually. There were a few people in the store but not enough to really cause attention. I walked cautiously to the bathroom and checked for any cameras. Fortunately, there were none. I went into the bigger stall and slid off my hoodie so I could stretch my wings real quick. I coudln't stretch them all the way but it felt great not to have them pinned against my back for a little bit.

"Marie?"

"Yes?"

"Just seeing if you're in here."

I slid my jacket back on and got out to check my reflection.

"My hair is a rat's nest," I complained and started combing it with my fingers.

"We'll fix it in a little while when we stop again. You hungry?"

I walked out with Penelope to grab some chips and candy.

"Yo chica, you want some of this?" a man said approaching Penelope.

"Excuse me? I don't see anything for you to offer," she retorted.

He winked and whispered, "guess you'll find out."

"Not interested," she replied coolly and took my hand towards the checkout counter.

"All ready?" Jeremiah asked and paid for our food.

"Let's go before this man follows," Nel said urgently.

"What man?" Brady asked while glaring at all the guys.

"Don't worry about it, let's just go."

We got in the car and quickly sped off and onto the highway. There was some traffic which would make it easier to get lost in the crowd.

"Are we in trouble?" James questioned.

"I don't think so. Did he see your wings?"

"No, there is no way he did. They aren't visible."

"We should be fine then. Let's just keep going. We're almost there."

"Where is there?" I asked earnestly.

"California."

"We're going to California!"

"For a short time yes, but I think it would be beneficial if we enrolled you guys in school as well."

"You can't be serious," Brady started.

"You guys need to start living a somewhat normal life. So I'm enrolling you guys into school for the semester."

"Jeremiah, Penelope and I can't get a degree for college or anything."

"I know but it would be good for you two."

"Why so we can live a fake life and be disappointed?"

"Brady, enough," my sister warned.

My only thought was whether we would get to visit Disneyland or not.