The Unspoken Promise

Meeting Up.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the gas station as the Sinclair and Bellington families pulled in, eager to start their holiday together. The familiar sight of the gas pumps and the little convenience store brought a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of many trips shared in the past.

Jace  jumped out of his family's SUV, his dark hair tousled by the wind. He spotted Vivienne at the pump next to them, her long brown hair catching the light as she laughed at something her younger sister Sofia had said. Jace felt that familiar flutter in his chest, the unspoken tension between them palpable even in a simple moment like this.

"Hey, Viv!" he called out, a grin spreading across his face.

"Jace! Ready for some road trip snacks?" she replied, her eyes sparkling. She tossed a bag of chips at him, which he caught effortlessly.

"Always. But don't think I'll share," he teased, playfully popping a chip into his mouth.

"Hey! I was saving those!" Sofia chimed in, sticking her tongue out at him.

"Maybe next time," he laughed. He walked over to where the Sinclair family was gathered. "How's everyone doing?"

Sebastian looked up from fiddling with the gas pump. "Doing well, just refueling for the adventure ahead! Can't wait to hit the road."

"Me too!" Lydia added as she emerged from the backseat. "What's the first thing we're doing when we get to the cabin?"

Cassandra smiled, joining the conversation. "First, we'll settle in, and then maybe a little hiking? The views are beautiful this time of year."

"Or we could just go straight to the lake and swim," Nathaniel suggested, eyeing the convenience store. "We'll need to cool off after this drive."

"Fine by me!" Evangeline  replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I brought all the beach toys. Serena, did you remember the floaties?"

Serena, the youngest, nodded eagerly. "Yep! And I have the unicorn floatie too!"

"That's my favorite!" Sofia exclaimed, bouncing on her toes. "We have to race in the water!"

"Only if I can beat you," Jace teased, leaning against the SUV, his gaze still lingering on Vivienne.

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As the gas pump clicked off, Sebastian replaced the nozzle and turned to his family. "Alright, everyone, grab what you want from the store. We're in for a bit of a drive."

The families dispersed into the convenience store, the chatter continuing as they navigated the aisles. Jace and Vivienne found themselves side by side, both reaching for the last pack of gummy bears.

"Looks like we both have great taste," she said, laughing softly.

"Why don't we split it?" Jace suggested, his heart racing slightly at the closeness. "You can have the first pick."

"Deal," she replied, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I'm taking the red ones."

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After paying for their snacks, they all regrouped outside, the evening air filled with anticipation. Jace looked at Vivienne, his gaze lingering just a moment too long, and she blushed, turning her attention to the rest of their families.

"Everyone ready?" Nathaniel called, gesturing toward their vehicles.

"Ready!" the Bellington's replied in unison, piling back into their car.

As the families settled into their cars, Nathaniel turned to Sebastian and Cassandra in the behind them. "You two lead the way. We'll follow you to the cabin."

With a nod, Sebastian slipped into the driver's seat, feeling a rush of excitement. The sound of engines revving and doors closing filled the air, and soon they were on the road, the sun dipping below the horizon.

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"Let's crank up the music!" Lydia shouted, reaching for the aux cable.

"Only if you promise not to play anything embarrassing," Jace warned, shooting her a playful glare.

"I make no promises!" she laughed, plugging in her phone.

As they pulled onto the highway, the excitement of the trip ahead filled the car, the chatter of both families echoing in the warm evening air. Vivienne's laughter rang out, and for a brief moment, Jace forgot everything except the thrill of the road and the anticipation of the adventures that lay ahead.