The Heart of Cars

Chapter 6

I sigh and get out of Colton's Chevy pick-up. I walk up the four stone steps up to the wooden front door. "You can come in, Sam's still here too." I tell Colton as I open the door to get an excess amount of questions yelled at me and at Colton once he walked through the door. I calmly take off my Nikes and put them on the rubber mat for shoes as Colton did the same. I sit next to my silent dad and take the hot chocolate he gave me that he just got out of the microwave. I slowly sip on my favorite warm drink that always calms me down as my dad whistles and gets everyone to go silent. Huh, I guess that's why he is in charge of the army and training.   I keep drinking as my father calms everyone down and finally he turns towards me and calm talks to me. "Where did you go?"

"The cliff."

"Why?"

"I needed to get away."

"Why? You couldn't do that here?"

"No, I definitely couldn't."

"Why?"

"How many times are you going to ask that question? I knew sooner or later Sam would come over or maybe Colton because he felt bad or some crap and I can't think about that with them hanging over me!" I stand up and turn to leave. "Don't you dare, Jolene Rose!" I freeze since my dad never calls me by my full name and definitely not my middle name. I sit down and clench my jaw knowing better than to talk back right now seeing as me and my dad both have major anger issues. "No more running away. I wanted to tell you without others here but once the festival is over you have to make your choice. I have let it slide for a few years but not anymore." I stay quiet thinking of what he was talking about. "No! Dad! What the hell?"

"Language. Now you need to go to sleep, we are leaving at 6am tomorrow for the festival. So no more running anymore, there won't be anywhere to run." With that he left and I sat there staring at the table, waiting for the inevitable question. "What is he talking about J?" I look at Jared, who must have shown up after I left, since he asked the question, "He wants me to choose if I want to...go into the military or...not." I look back at the table, embarrassed by the subject. "What do you mean?" I sigh and let my head hit the octagonal table, "Seriously, Jared? Girls have to choose whether to have a kid or go into the military for a year." Sam and Jared turn red and Colton coughs at the awkwardness. "And your dad is making you choose after the festival?"

"Right after the festival."

"Um, ok. What about the non-military part?" I blushed and put my head on the table again. "Can't you ask someone else, Sam?"

"I could but I'm asking you."

"Girls who chose that...route need to have kids within that first year."

"What if girls...can't have kids?"

"Then they, like all guys, don't have a choice." he nods slowly, and I look at the now empty cup in front of me. "Are you guys done with all the awkward questions yet?"

"One more, didn't you go to that juvenile detention center in the next town over?" I nod and look at Colton confused by his knowledge of me and his question. "Okay, Just checking cause I think you don't have to choose."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure yet. I'll let you know tomorrow."

"Okay, well I won't be home. What's your phone number so I can call you and figure out whatever you think you know?" He laughs "Oh yeah, I forgot we just met." He gives me his number and I give him mine. "Well, I believe it's bed time. Night guys" They mumble goodnight as they walk out the door and I go upstairs to my bedroom.

*edited*