We're Not Related Anymore...

Awkward

Maddie: Three Years Ago

Two weeks later and after six driving lessons, I almost feel like a confident driver. Hudson encourages me to drive through a drive-thru and we end up ordering some McDonald's as a way to celebrate.

Hudson holds the items in his lap, directing me after we pull out of the restaurant's lot on how to get to a park he knows about.

Once we get there, I remove the keys from the ignition and stare out the windscreen at the beautiful, but fairly empty park we've arrived at.

"I hope you brought a picnic blanket," I say as I get out of the car. I don't see any sort of seating area or bench.

"We'll sit on the hood of the car," he says, and I watch as he hops on, setting our food in the center. I watch him with disbelieving eyes. If any of the men in my family knew I was doing something like this on purpose, they'd have a stroke.

I follow Hudson's lead and hop up on there myself. The hood of the car is still warm from the engine and it's a pleasant feeling. Hudson passes me my McDonald's burger and coke and we drink and chew in silence. I gaze over the rolling green hills and tall grass, breathing in the fresh air. Moving here from New York hasn't always been a smooth process but certain moments like this, in the most peaceful beautiful nature you'll ever see, make it worth the while.

"So how do you feel about driving now?" Hudson asks. I glance over at him, watching him wipe his hands clean on the jeans he's wearing.

"Well, I can hold a conversation without being distracted and I haven't almost killed someone. Yet," I tack on because the day is still young.

"You must let me know how your test goes," he continues, squinting at me and shielding his eyes with his hand as the sun reflects the light off his silver car.

"I will," I say. We both go to grab the same punnet of fries and laugh when our fingers brush up against each other. He holds the punnet up, offering it to me.

"You take it," he insists.

"Where's the other one?" I ask and start digging around in the brown paper bag. There's nothing in there except the cardboard from the food we've already eaten. "They forgot," I say, in sadness. I jut out my bottom lip in disappointment as I realize that I have to share the unhealthy deliciousness.

I divide the fries up evenly, trying not to notice the way Hudson has inched closer to me on the hood of his car. Since we've been doing this I've learnt a little about him. He's nineteen, he works as a farm hand on the Rowland estate and unfortunately, despite his good looks, I feel zero attraction to him.

I was hoping I would. I was hoping after all these driving lessons some spark would form. And although I like the guy, he just doesn't compare to someone else I know. Although, to be fair, few do.

"So," Hudson starts, brushing his fingers, this time purposely, against the hand that I've rested against the bonnet. "Are you going to miss these lessons as much as I will?"

I laugh nervously, forcing myself to not lean my head away when I feel his inching closer. Just let him kiss you. Maybe it'll help you forget. "I guess," I say, wanting to shut my eyes tightly like a child.

"Oh?" He's so close now that I can feel his breath on my neck. It sends shivers down my spine and not the good kind. I force myself to turn to face him and find him staring at me with dilated eyes. They flash to my lips and he takes the plunge. He reaches out with his hand, cupping my cheeks, and brings my face closer to his. He stops though, after pressing a soft kiss to my mouth and finding my lips pressed tightly together.