The Harper Generations: Country Roads

Heading home

Misty

My dad woke me up early to eat breakfast before hitting the road. At least we weren't awake before the chickens this time. I used the bathroom before heading downstairs to eat cereal. My mom didn't want to clean a lot of dishes before leaving. I couldn't blame her.

We finished our breakfast and did an idiot check to avoid forgetting anything. Once we had everything and the cars were loaded, Grandma and Grandpa hugged us and said goodbye.

I wasn't sure if I would return to West Virginia again. So I took one look around at the farm. For nineteen years, I visited my dad's stomping grounds. It was bittersweet.

Nash wrapped his arm around my shoulder and looked at me. "Ready?"

"For a new chapter?" I glanced at him and arched my brow.

"Always." Nash gave me a crooked smile before kissing my temple.

We returned to the car and climbed in before my dad shut the door and climbed behind the steering wheel. He waved to my grandparents before pulling onto the driveway and heading toward the main road.

I watched the farm, and my grandparents disappear from view before turning forward. Nash slid his hand into mine and intertwined our fingers. My dad turned left onto the main road and drove toward the interstate. It would take us forty minutes to reach the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I settled into my seat while my dad drove with my mom in the front passenger seat. I came here with a dad. Now, I'm leaving with a mom and a dad. My lips curled into a smile.

*******
Valentino

Eight vehicles followed us as West drove around the mountains until we left the West Virginia state line and entered Maryland. It took forty minutes before we drove through Somerset and entered the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

This past month has been insane with everything that happened. We found out family secrets on Mags' mom's side. Mags discovered she had a long-lost cousin. We had a psycho demon hunt us. Azrael gave us insight into our future if we succeed in our quest. I learned that Mags has always been my soulmate.

A few hours into our drive, we pulled off the turnpike and pulled into a McDonald's to get food. A bowl of cereal wasn't cutting it. Our parents gave us our orders and sent us inside to get the food. The ten of us stood behind people as they stared at us.

When we reached the counter, I held a piece of paper and read everyone's orders to the worker. His finger tapped the screen while he imputed our orders. Other workers rushed around, filling bags with food and drink cups with pop. Once I finished giving the guy our orders, he tallied our total, and his eyes widened in shock. I handed him Grandpa's credit card to pay for the food since everyone gave Grandpa cash for their food.

The guy swiped the card and handed me the receipt and card. The girls took the drink containers while we grabbed the bags and gave everyone their food and drinks. Misty and I climbed into the car with her parents and started the next leg of our journey home.

Three hours later, West drove a stretch before entering the Ohio Turnpike. He carried on once he got his ticket until we pulled into Burger King, except we went through the drive-thru. Nine vehicles filled with people meant a lot of food, especially for those who had returned. My appetite increased as energy vibrated through my body.

We had to leave Burger King's parking lot and drive to a rest area. West screeched to a stop in a parking spot. I got out and ran into the wooded area as footsteps thumped behind me. I whirled on my dad and West as I released massive energy, causing trees to explode around me. They covered their heads to keep from getting hit by splintering wood.