𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 [𝐣𝐣 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤]

𝟗𝟓 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

I accepted my fate as we hit an hour into our drive. I had finally found my phone in the go-bag only for it to be dead. I had no way of calling anyone to tell them I wouldn't be able to make it and that they just needed to go save Big John without me.

"Is there a car charger?" It was the first thing I had said to my mom in the last hour. She looked surprised as I spoke and went in the center console to get me one. She eagerly plugged it into the lighter spot before handing me the charging cord. "Thanks." I mumbled and waited for it to power on.

"I'm sorry this happened the way it did." Now she caught me off guard. Why was she apologizing? She never apologized. "I don't want the circumstances to ruin your time in Charleston." I looked out the window and didn't respond. Instead, I went to sleep.

When I woke up, we were in hour 4 and my phone still hadn't turned on. The charger must be broken. I unplugged it and held it in my lap as I watched the scenery pass by. I thought about everyone and hoped they'd be safe. I hoped Ward didn't try anything and they were safely on their way to South America.

"Do you want anything to eat?" My mother asked as we zoomed down 95 South. Suddenly my stomach betrayed me and growled. The pancakes had done their job and now I was hungry again.

"Can we do Zaxby's?" as she nodded, I accepted the fact I was in Charleston until it was otherwise said. Might as well not make it a living hell for myself.

At the first sign of the fast-food restaurant, she was getting off the exit and heading for it. We waited in the drive thru, ordered, and then we were back on the road for the next 3 hours.

I enjoyed my meal until it was gone, then it was back to staring out the window. Only this time, I was thinking about my dad. I missed him so much. He would've understood my needing to be with my friends in South America and would've allowed me to go.

When we were close I got a little excited. I was ready to be out of the car. I practically threw myself out of the car when it finally parked, rushing to get my things and head for the front door. "You're eager to be back."

"I wanna go see the boys." I caught my mom's smile as the words came out of my mouth. I knew she was enjoying the fact that I didn't exactly hate being here. When the door was open, I went in and put my stuff in my room. I rooted through my desk to get my charger and plug my phone in. I waited for it to turn on before I checked it. There were no messages from anyone besides my brother telling me he loved me. I quickly texted Miles who answered right away and told me he was home and I could come over around 7.

That gave me time for my phone to charge while I took a shower. When I got out, I put on a pair of shorts and a hoodie before I sat down to brush my hair. He texted me 'I can't wait to hang' as I brushed the last section of hair. When my phone was almost fully charged, I unplugged it and went to find my fuzzy UGG slippers. They were a splurge present from my dad. The weather wasn't cold enough for them, but I wanted to, so I did.

Before I left my room, I made sure to grab my go-bag. I wanted to take the opportunity when I had it to leave.
"I'm going to Miles'! I'll be back later." I grabbed my car keys off the counter and headed out.

The short drive there consisted of me listening to at least one song I wanted to. When I pulled up out front, he was sitting on the front porch with another person. I got out and excitedly walked over to him. "Zach!" I said as I realized who it was. He wrapped me in a hug before I moved to hug Miles. Even though I saw him 2 days ago, it was still nice to see him again.

"Okay, first order of business. Surf, tomorrow morning." Miles said as we walked in his house. I giggled as we walked into the living room.

We sat around and talked for a little while before deciding to go and get some food. Miles took us to the closest sit down restaurant and we chatted some more while we ate.