Between The Lines

Chapter 140: I Hate Dropping You Off Here-

Rebecca's POV (1st Person):

The drive back to my house was quiet, a stark contrast to everything that had happened today. My head rested against the window, watching the houses and streetlights blur past as Lane drove. The knot in my stomach had loosened after our conversation, but there was still something about going back home that made me feel uneasy. Maybe it was the fact that everything outside this car still felt messy. I wasn't ready to face it, not after the calm we had just shared.

Lane's hand found mine on my lap, squeezing it gently. I looked over at him, seeing the way his jaw was clenched, his eyes focused on the road ahead. He hadn't said much since we left, and I knew why. Dropping me off at my parents' place felt like a reminder that, no matter how strong the bond between us, the reality was I still lived under their roof.

"You okay?" he finally asked, his voice soft, barely audible over the hum of the car.

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah. Just... not looking forward to going back inside."

"I know," he replied, his eyes softening as he glanced at me. "But I'll be here whenever you need me, you know that."

"I know," I said quietly, squeezing his hand back. "It's just... hard sometimes."

He didn't need to say anything more. He understood, just like he always did. There was a comfort in that—a comfort in knowing that, even when I stepped back into that house, I wasn't alone in this.

As we pulled up in front of my house, the familiar sight of the porch light glowing softly against the dark made my heart sink. My stomach churned at the thought of walking back in, pretending everything was normal.

I turned to Lane, who had parked the car but didn't make a move to unlock the doors. He was staring straight ahead, his grip tightening on the steering wheel for a second before he exhaled.

"I hate dropping you off here," he said, his voice low, filled with frustration he couldn't quite hide.

I bit my lip, feeling the weight of his words settle between us. "I know... I hate it too."

Lane turned to face me, his eyes searching mine. There was that look again—the protective, fierce one that made me feel like he'd do anything to keep me safe. "You don't have to stay here. You know that, right? You can always call me. I'll come get you. Anytime."

I smiled, touched by his offer, even though we both knew it wasn't that simple. "I'll be fine," I whispered, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips. "I just need to get through this."

His hand cupped my cheek, thumb brushing over my skin as he deepened the kiss. It wasn't rushed, or desperate, but filled with a quiet promise. When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine.

"You call me if anything happens. Okay?"

"Okay," I said, nodding.

I could feel the reluctance in him as he finally unlocked the car doors, the weight of this moment heavy between us. I unbuckled my seatbelt slowly, wanting to prolong this a little longer. But I knew I had to go inside.

"I'll text you," I said, grabbing my bag.

"I'll be waiting," he replied, giving me one last lingering look before I opened the door and stepped out.

The cool night air hit me as I walked up the front steps, my heart pounding with each step closer to the door. I glanced back at Lane's car one last time, seeing him still sitting there, watching me. I waved weakly before turning the key in the lock.

As soon as I stepped inside, the house felt colder than it should. Not physically, but emotionally. The weight of everything that happened between my parents, the arguments, the silence—it all came rushing back. I closed the door quietly behind me, taking a deep breath.

The place was quiet, no sounds coming from the living room or kitchen. I tiptoed upstairs, careful not to make too much noise, and made my way to my room. As I closed the door behind me, I leaned against it for a second, letting out a long breath.

I already missed Lane.

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Lane's POV (1st Person):

I watched her disappear behind the door, the light from the porch fading as the door clicked shut. My fingers tightened around the steering wheel, a familiar frustration building in my chest. Dropping her off here always felt wrong. It felt like leaving her in the middle of a storm, knowing full well I couldn't control what happened once she stepped inside.

I hated it.

With a long exhale, I shifted the car into gear, pulling away from her house and heading back home. The night was quiet, streets nearly empty, but my mind was anything but still. Thoughts of Rebecca filled every corner of my brain. The way she had looked at me tonight, the way her eyes softened when she talked about us—hell, even the way she'd shoved that glass of wine away like it was the worst thing she'd ever tasted.

She was everything.

And now, all I could think about was how I couldn't be there with her right now. How I couldn't protect her from the mess she had to deal with at home.

The drive back to my place felt longer than it should've, but eventually, I parked the car in front of my house. I didn't get out right away, though. I just sat there for a minute, staring blankly at the steering wheel, my mind swirling with too much—too many things I wanted to do, too many things I wanted to say to her.

I needed to figure this out. I needed to make things better for her.

Finally, I got out, locking the car and heading inside. The house felt emptier tonight, colder without her. I'd gotten so used to her being around that the silence seemed louder than it should've been. I kicked off my shoes and walked into the living room, collapsing onto the couch with a sigh.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out quickly, hoping it was her.

Rebecca: I'm okay. Just wanted to let you know.

I exhaled, relief washing over me. At least for now, she was fine. But still, the knot in my chest didn't fully loosen.

Me: Good. I'll be here if you need me, remember that.

I stared at the screen, waiting for her reply. But none came. She was probably tired, I reasoned. She needed rest. We both did. Still, I couldn't stop the restless feeling from creeping in. I tossed the phone onto the coffee table, running a hand through my hair.

How much longer would this go on? How much longer until she didn't have to go back there? Until I didn't have to drop her off like this and watch her walk into that house, knowing I couldn't do anything about it?

I glanced around the room, my gaze landing on the small pile of papers on the table. I hadn't planned anything for tomorrow yet, and maybe that was part of why I felt so uneasy. I didn't want our time together to be limited to stolen moments like this. I wanted to give her more.

An idea slowly began to form in my mind—something special, something different. Something that would take her mind off of everything.

An idea slowly began to form in my mind—something special, something different. Something that would take her mind off of everything. A night out, somewhere she hadn't been, somewhere we wouldn't have to hide. Somewhere I could just enjoy her company.

I grabbed my phone, scrolling through a list of places, looking for the perfect spot. Not a loud club or some crowded restaurant, but somewhere with atmosphere. A bar came up on my search, a small, tucked-away spot with dim lighting and a live band. 

If I couldn't change the situation right now, I could at least give her something to look forward to.

I booked it before I could second-guess myself, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. Tomorrow was going to be different. It was going to be exactly what we needed.

And I couldn't wait to see the look on her face when I told her.

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I hope you liked it. -Luna xx