the one before me - mr harrigan's phone

10 - roadtrip

❝ you're my experimental game, just human nature. ❞

- i kissed a girl by katy perry
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MATILDA'S POV

We stood outside the Poole residence, Craig shutting the car trunk shut after having loaded our bags inside.

"Got your triple A card?" His father asked, hands on his hips with a satisfied smile.

"Yup," Craig responded cheerfully, turning to the both of us.

"And, uh, new mailing address is on the kitchen table?" His father asked once more, making me chuckle from how hard he was trying to stall. I appreciated it, though. Finally letting your son who's been by your side ever since the woman who brought your world into existence has a really big impact on your daily life.

"Yeah," Craig leaned in closer to me, stuffing his hands in his pocket nervously. There was a short pause, before Craig's father spoke again.

"Make sure you guys set up accounts at the bookstore- and do it soon in case they run low on supplies," He suggested.

"Ok, we will," I responded, earning a humoured scoff from Craig's father.

"Winter coats?"

"No, we'll be back, dad, before winter," Craig chuckled, smiling at his father. I looked up at him, his face lit up like a light bulb that had just been replaced; as new as ever. He was excited; content with the idea of finally going to college to pursue his dreams. His father's eyes started to gloss, making Craig's smile fall slightly, "Gonna be okay?" He questioned his father.

"Yeah," He responded, a smile bigger than one that could fit on his face, "I'm just so happy for you, buddy. Going to college with the woman of your dreams?" He teased, making my cheeks grow red.

"Very funny, dad," He then hesitated before approaching his father, embracing him in a long hug, "I love you," I heard him whisper.

"I love you too, buddy," His father said, patting him on the back, pulling away, "C'mere, Matilda," I grinned, walking up to Craig's father and hugging him as well, burying my head in his shoulder. I looked up to see Craig giving me another warm smile, sniffling and rubbing his nose, "Call me if you need anything," He mumbled to me, also patting my back and pulling away.

"I will," I said, but it came out as merely a whisper. Craig started walking round the car, opening the driver seat's door, "See you soon, Mr. Poole," I said, giving him one last smile before heading to the car along with Craig.

"Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid!" He yelled out, earning an eye roll from Craig.

"She's got the stupid already injected into her blood, nothing you can do to keep her from doing the stupid with me!" Craig yelled back before slamming the door shut.

"Got it," I said, giggling at what he'd said as I got into the seat beside Craig. He got the engine starting and held the steering wheel firmly.

"Seatbelt," He reminded, giving me a cheeky smirk. I scoffed, pulling the belt from my right and fastening my seat belt, "Alright. Boston, here we come," He began driving out of the driveway, glancing at the rear view mirror and slowing down. I looked at him as he stared at the mirror, not peeling his eyes from it.

"Craig?" I said, softly. He hummed in response, "You alright?"

"Yeah, yeah..." He said, trailing off, seeming unsure of himself. He looked forward again and turned to the main road of the neighbourhood, "Can you switch on the radio? See what's on it?" He asked. I nodded, dialling up the volume.

this was never the way I planned,
not my intention.

"I got so brave, drink in hand– lost, my discretion-!" I loudly sang as the song continued. The car filled up with the music, a smile on both of our faces.

I kissed a girl and I liked it.
the taste of her cherry chapstick.

"I kissed a girl, just to try it–" Craig quietly mumbled to the music.

"Louder, Craig! We're in a car for god's sake," I teased, singing my heart out like it was my very own concert.

I hope my boyfriend don't mind it.

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words: 774

A/N:
I AM SO SO SO SO SORRY NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I APOLOGISE IT WILL NEVER MAKE IT UP FOR ME NOT UPDATING FOR A MONTH IM SO SORRYYYYY!!! IVE BEEN SUPER UNMOTIVATED AS A WRITER BECAUSE THE SHIT I WRITE SUCKS 😭😭 i still love u all tons so im still here dw <33 it does say im on a hiatus anyway so - Raven

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