Teacher's Pet

XXIX

Mollie

We walked out of the diner, and I led him to my car. Since he tossed his keys to his group of friends, that was the only option. "Did you plan on me taking you home, or were you just going to walk?" I asked him dubiously. A little presumptuous if it's the former.

"Nah. I would've had Chase pick me up, but now that we're going to my place, I figured I'd save him the trouble." He said, leaning against the driver's door. He looked out of place next to my hunk-o-junk. Landon belonged either on a motorcycle or something like a Dodge Charger. "Now how about you let me drive?" I looked at him silently asking if he was joking, to which he replied with an "I'm waiting" expression. Reluctantly, I handed him my keys and let out a sigh.

"Go easy on her, would you? This car is old enough and not the greatest, but I can't afford a replacement right now." It was embarrassing, but it was the truth and all I had at the moment. I slid into the passenger seat, not used to seeing the interior of my car from this angle. He tried to get into the driver's seat, but I'm a few—many—inches shorter than him and his knee was stuck against the steering wheel. I couldn't help but chuckle at the way he looked scrunched up like that. He fumbled underneath the seat until he found the adjustment lever to let him scoot back to give his long legs enough room.

"Does it run?" He asked.

"W-well yeah, of course?" I answered, confused. I drove to the diner didn't I?

"And it gets you to where you need to go?"

"Yeah, I-I suppose." This car always got me where I needed to be, minus the few times I had to get repairs to keep it from falling apart.

"Then it's perfect," he grinned, "and don't worry, I'll take care of her." He winked at me and tapped his hand on the steering wheel. Throwing the car into gear, he pulled out of the parking lot and floored it.

"Landon!" I squealed as I grabbed the 'oh-shit-handle' on the ceiling of the car, trying to keep myself from slamming into the window. He just laughed and smiled brightly at me before cranking up the radio. Like A Virgin by Madonna blasted through my car because I was listening to an 80's pop station. Oh the irony. No longer a virgin, and fully embarrassed in my choice of music, I shoved my face into my hands. He suriped me by shouting "I love this song!" and turned up the radio until it shook the windows.

***

Landon was actually fun to be around, and able to lighten the mood like it was nothing. Singing and laughing the entire way to his house, and my shoulders seemed to lighten a little bit. I stepped out of the car, shutting the door behind me, and took my keys back from Landon.
"I didn't know my car could even go that fast." I said. "It was fun though, right?" He asked with a laugh. The sound of it made me smile as we walked up the steps and onto the front porch. "It was," I agreed, "I guess I needed that bit of fun even if it didn't last long."

I heard glass shatter and someone shouted from within the house, and Landon motioned for me to wait. "Give me a sec, and I'll see who all is here tonight." Tonight? There wouldn't be a party going on tonight would there? In all honesty, it wouldn't surprise me if there was one going on since apparently the university campus was only a few blocks away. While I stood there, I tried to see down the street with the assistance from the street lamps lining the sidewalk. A few cars drove by, but the street was nearly empty given how late it was. Maybe there aren't parties going on after all?

"Shut the fuck up and listen! Anyone see D?" I could hear Landon shout from inside. I blanched, not thinking Dreven might not have shown up. I couldn't keep myself from pacing back and forth. I need to find him. That was the whole point in coming here with Landon.

The front door swung open, and Landon leaned out, lip busted and panting. "Well, babe, your brother isn't here but he sent someone over. You can come inside, if you want, and we'll figure something out." He said in a manner that seemed like he could sense my worry. I just gave him a little nod, and followed him into the house.

The scent of pot and alcohol swirled through the air, making me want to gag, but I tried to focus on not tripping over beer cans and empty bottles of wine coolers. "Yeah, I know this place is a fucking wreck, but it WASN'T LIKE THIS WHEN I LEFT." He directed that last part of his sentiment towards the guys passing a bong around on the couch.

"Oh shove it, Landon." A girl sitting on the couch sneered at him. Her black, bobbed hair swayed as she lifted her face from the guy's neck she was sucking on. In return, Landon gave her a rude gesture and guided me into a bedroom.

"Well Dreven isn't here, and the buddy he sent over for him is busy getting stoned in the living room." He sighed, plopping down on what I assumed was his mattress. Not wanting to pace around his room, I took the liberty of sitting at the desk across the room. "Awe c'mon, I won't bite." He joked.

"Maybe not, but that doesn't mean you won't do something else." I quipped, crossing one leg over the other. He just smirked, and rolled his eyes at me before continuing, "I could have his friend out there take us to his place, or we could try again tomorrow." I thought about it for a minute, internally debating on the better choice. We couldn't go with the boy out there tonight because he was as high as a kite from what I could tell, but following him would be more effective right?

Sitting here doing nothing would not accomplish a single, damn thing and I think my persistence would drive Landon crazy. Regardless of how tolerant he seems to be of me. If I found out where Dreven was staying, I could make him come home with me somehow, or get him help. If I didn't know what drugs could do to a person, I'd ask to live with him, but I don't know if I can handle that again... Maybe for him.

"I think following him to Dreven's house is the best option. When he's not—um preoccupied?" I answered. "And I know we just got here, but my brother isn't. I think it'd be best if I went home, and we could meet again this week?"

"Sure, I understand. Just message me a time and place. I don't mind helping you." Oh, right. I'll have to remember to unblock his number. "Thank you for the help." I replied. I wouldn't be able to find him without you, I wanted to say, but kept to myself. Some sentiments don't come off as platonic, and that would be the last thing I needed right now.

Especially since I had to go home and figure out what to say to Xander if we're even speaking to each other.

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シ M. Reeds