Yellow [Dwayne Hoover]

10

"Alright. Everybody look for the exit, ok?" Richard instructed as the drive continued.

Dwayne had calmed down significantly since his break down but he was still upset. He laid across the seat, legs over yours.

"Ok, here! Here's the turnoff. Turn in here." Sheryl pointed. "Does anybody see the Redondo Suites?" Richard asked. "There! There's the hotel!" Olive pointed, leaning forward. "There it is! There it is, Olive." Richard chuckled, "We're gonna make it. We're gonna make it. Alright."

"How...how the hell do you get over there? Sheryl?"

"No, no, no, no!"

"No, no. You're passing it!"

"We gotta turn around, turn around."

"You drove past it!"

"You've gotta turn around!"

All the shouting was making a headache form at the base of your skull.

"Put your seat belts on!" Richard shouted as he nearly sped off the exit. "What are you doing?!" Sheryl gasped as he drove the van straight through a security barrier. "I can't slow down! I can't!"

"Why time is it?"

"Oh, 2:59." Frank answered. "Dad!"

"It's a straight shot from here. We're gonna make it."

"It's a dead end!" Sheryl scoffed. "I'm not goin' back!" Richard huffed, turning the van. "Richard, you have to go back!" Sheryl argued. "That is a one-way road! That'll take us all the way back to the freeway!"

The two of them continued to argue. Dwayne sat up and looked out the window in curiosity, Frank doing the same while you squeezed your eyes shut. Richard took a hard turn shouting 'hold on!' causing you to fly into Dwayne with a small 'oof'.

He stomped on the breaks in the parking lot, Frank sliding the door open (it fell off) and darting out of the van. "Mom!" Olive squealed, jumping out of the van and taking Sheryl's hand before following after Frank.

"Come on guys! Pick up the pace!" Richard complained, jogging off.

You couldn't help but scoff slightly as you stumbled out of the van; Dwayne behind you. "It has definitely been a day." You mumble to yourself, leading the way to the building. Dwayne kept quiet as he followed close behind.

The main lobby was dead aside from a few staff members passing through. The registration area was full of staff, parents, and children; it was a little overwhelming if you were being honest. You and Dwayne weaved through the crowd and waited against the wall for Sheryl and Richard to sign Olive up.

"This is a little scary..." you mutter, nudging Dwayne's arm. "Yea..."

You smiled a bit hearing Dwayne talk again. It was a little strange hearing his voice again but it was nice, you liked it.

You watched Sheryl walk away with Olive and Richard walk back towards the exit/entrance. Frank made his way over and noticed your expression, motioning for you both to follow. "Sheryl said she'll find us when Olives about to perform." He explained, leading you both to the smaller lobby just outside the registration area.

"Did she say how long that'll be?" You ask, sitting on the floor, against the wall, while Dwayne and Frank took to two seats. "Nope. I have no clue." He sighed, grabbing a random magazine on the small table beside him.

A rough five minutes passed of doing absolutely nothing in silence. Rapid footsteps were heard as two girls all dressed up ran by, giggling and almost tripping over your feet.