Aftereffects

Mr.and Mrs. Toton

As I put my backpack beside me I tried keeping my face as covered as possible now wondering if this had in fact been a good idea.
" Thank you for the lift" the couple looked in the front mirror smiling.
" No need to thank us especially since it looks like it might rain"  the woman replied
" In Evelyn Toton and this is my husband Clyde" he nods smiling once more
" Pleasure to meet you" I nod back
" It's nice to meet you both" then silently I looked out the window awkwardly. It had been such a long time since I socialized.
" So where are you heading?" I look up
" Oh umm I'm heading to Duskwood" the couple look at eachother
'' Oh, are you going for the festival?" Mr. Toton asks
I nod
" Yes " I paused
" Well kind of you see I travel to new places and post pictures" I lie again
Mrs. Toton smiles
" Oh I hope you are safe and travel with someone" 
I nod
" Oh of course I travel with my friend Cassie" Mrs Toton nods still looking nervous
" Is it always just the both of you?" I hear Mr.Toton chuckle
" Honey I'm sure both ladies know what they are doing" he glanced over at his wife who sighs
" You're right I'm sorry I tend to get worked up about young people's safety" she chuckled patting her husband's cheek
" Clyde has to reign me in sometimes" I watch as Mr.Toton kisses his wife's hand
" Thank you dear" she smiles and I feel a pain of sadness as my mind wanders to Jake and what could have been
" Oh I'm sorry dove I'm sure you don't want to see two old geezers being lovey dovey" I smile
" I don't mind at all Mrs Toton it's actually really nice to see" she looks back at me
" That is very sweet dove" I look away
" Would it be too much to ask your name?"
I hear Me. Mr. Toton chuckles
" She can't help herself" she then glares at him
" You just shush and keep your eyes on the road" she says gently, swatting his arm.
" It's Avery" I smile
" Avery Milton" another lie slips out of my mouth leaving a slight bitterness.
I knew I had to lie to keep myself safe but lying to a kind older couple just seemed wrong.
" Well Avery it's nice to put a name to your.." then she stops chuckling, joined by her husband then myself. As we composed ourselves it fell silent
" Thank you for worrying about me  but you won't have to because her brother will be traveling with us from now on"
I smile, feeling slightly hot from the sweater. To my surprise my window rolls down
" We live in the town after Duskwood we can drop you off at a diner.
" Thank you"  Mr Toton nods, grinning as he turns on the radio and begins to sing. I smile seeing the couple singing and I feel the ache in my heart again. I look away watching the scenery in a blur.

As I feel a hand tap my knee I jump ready to swing as I see Mrs. Toton
" It's okay Dove it's just me" I rub my eyes
" Sorry I didn't mean to doze off," she smiles gently squeezing my knee
" We're going to be  arriving soon " I sit up looking out the window
" Do you know if there's a flower shop in Duskwood?" Mrs Toton nods
" Yes there is" I nod and I feel her squeeze my knee again. I gave her a small smile but inside my heart's beating like a drum. Knowing that they had possibly seen my face.