Senior Year - An ONC 2024 Novella

Chapter 3

As Sarah navigated the car through the familiar streets of our city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reminiscence wash over me. The familiar landmarks and bustling streets seemed to blur together as we drove, the city slipping away behind us as we made our way toward the open road.

As we left the urban landscape behind, the scenery gradually began to change, giving way to the sprawling suburbs that dotted the outskirts of town. Rows of neatly manicured houses lined the streets; their pristine lawns and colorful gardens starkly contrasted the bustling city we had left behind.

"I think we should listen to some classic rock," Devin suggested, his voice enthusiastic as he scrolled through the radio stations.

Sarah wrinkled her nose in disagreement. "No way, Devin. We need something upbeat and fun, like pop or dance music."

The back-and-forth banter continued, with each of them passionately arguing about their preferred genre of music. As the debate escalated, Sarah shot me a pleading look, knowing all too well that I would ultimately side with Devin.

"Jess, you're the tiebreaker here. What do you think?" Sarah asked, her voice tinged with resignation.

I hesitated for a moment, torn between my loyalty to Sarah and my desire to keep the peace. Yet, deep down, I knew that Devin's suggestion of classic rock resonated with me on a personal level.

"I think Devin's right," I admitted reluctantly, my voice mingled with apology as I met Sarah's disappointed gaze. "Classic rock sounds like a good choice."

Sarah groaned in mock frustration, rolling her eyes playfully at Devin. "Fine, you win this time," she conceded, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Devin grinned triumphantly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "See, I told you she'd agree with me," he teased, nudging me playfully. "I owe you one, Jess," he remarked, his voice filled with gratitude.

I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment settle over me. "No problem, Devin. Just don't expect me always to take your side in arguments," I replied with a playful wink.

As we continued on our journey, the suburbs gave way to open fields and rolling hills; the landscape stretching out before us like a vast painting waiting to be explored. The sky above was a brilliant shade of blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the warm breeze.

With each passing mile, the expectation for the weekend ahead continued to build, mingling with a sense of excitement and wonder at the sights unfolding before us. The roads stretched out before us like ribbons of asphalt, leading us ever closer to our destination.

"Hey, Jess," Devin asked from the back seat. "Do you remember when we used to get all the kids in the neighborhood to play sardines?"

As Devin mentioned our childhood game of sardines, a flood of memories washed over me, transporting me back to those carefree days of innocence and laughter. I couldn't help but smile as I recalled the thrill of hiding in the dark, my heart pounding with excitement as I waited for Devin to find me.

"Yeah, I remember," I replied softly, a hint of longing coloring my voice. "Those were some of the best times."

Devin nodded, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "They really were," he agreed, his gaze distant as he reminisced about days gone by. "Playing sardines with all the kids from the neighborhood is one of my favorite memories."

As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a pang of yearning tugging at my heartstrings. For so long, my feelings for Devin had colored my memories, tinting them with a bittersweet hue that I couldn't quite shake. Yet, amidst the nostalgia and longing, there was also a sense of gratitude for the moments we had shared, however fleeting they may have been.