Racing Andrius

Peter: Searching

"You keep looking around. What in the world are you looking for?" a voice said sharply causing me to jump in my seat. 

"Sorry mother, I was just thinking."

"That sounds like something your brother would do," she said, and my heart skipped a beat. "Your brother is the quiet kind. Always looking off into space as if having a mental conversation with the air."

"That's true," I forced myself to say.

"You know, I never got along with those kinds of people in general. They like the quiet and are happy to let the conversation drop so they can do their own thing." She sighed, "Those people are independent and don't need anyone else. The more you pester them, the more annoyed they get and want to get away from you."

"Really?" I mumbled numbly.

"It's a pity your brother is that kind of person."

"Truly is a pity," I echoed, "I-" I hesitated and from the corner of my eye, I noticed that Andrius was looking at me. I cleared my throat, "I bet if he were here, he would apologize for not understanding your intentions."

My mother smirked softly before sighing out the words, "Maybe,"

I grew silent not knowing what to say as if my brain had been emptied of all knowledge of how to speak. Andrius did not say anything either and only watched me then looked at the table. I took a deep breath. 

"Isn't it strange how in the end, I still ended up finding a quiet friend."

"Not strange at all darling," My mother smiled, "Since we are about finished here, would you two like to come home for the weekend?"

"Why not?" I looked at Andrius and he nodded

"One of you have to drive since I took a taxi over here,"

"I will," I said quickly not leaving room for discussion

"Now there is someone eager to get behind the wheel." my mother said, and I smiled.

The car ride back home was quiet as mother had decided to take a nap. However, I was okay with that because I had a lot to think about. I glanced at the rear-view mirror and found that Andrius had closed his eyes and was listening to music from his earbuds. Guess it's going to be an extremely quiet car ride. Just me and my thoughts. How come after one dinner, I want to be both Peter and Charlie...However, if I want to be Peter and Charlie, I am neither of them...so who am I then...

"Your thoughts are so loud Charlie," Andrius muttered, and I looked at him in the mirror. Andrius had sat up and put away his ear buds. 

"I didn't realize you were awake,"

"I never fell asleep in the first place."

"Busy looking in my mind?"

"I don't know if you realize it, but you actually make noises when you overthink things."

"Noises?"

"Like you know how adult voices are often manipulated in cartoon movies, that is what your voice sounds like," Andrius smirked 

"Interesting, I'll try being more careful next time and not think too loudly." I smiled, amused at the thought. 

My mother shifted and opened her eyes then looked behind her to say, "Andrius? I'm surprised you didn't drive over," 

"His car is at the repair shop," I said quickly

"I see...although I thought I saw it in the parking lot," My mother said looking forwards again.

Then something wacked me in the head then a voice whispered next to my ear, "Did I ask for you to cover for me. Fix the mess that you made."

"Cassio has a similar model you probably saw his," I said giving Andrius a annoyed glance. I tried to help you; you know. So ungrateful. 

"I see, well, I look forward to seeing you two race at the next tournament."

"We know," I sighed then looked at Andrius who was simply looking out the window. Maybe I am friends with Andrius not because our passion for racing, but because we are both looking for something...something beyond our reach...

...What are you looking for Andrius?