Center Stage

n i n e

•9:07 pm•

Ten minutes into the drive, eerie silence filled the car. Rusty's headlights pierced through the winter fog outside, allowing Josh to see the deserted road.

Taylor sat beside him in the passenger seat, leaving me in the back. Josh's eyes flickered from side to side, checking his mirrors constantly. His fingers nervously drummed against the gray steering wheel. He was so anxious that even a bump in the road, or seeing another car made him jump. We'd veered into the other lane about seven times now. His anxious driving was making me anxious. "Pull over at the next gas station." Taylor calmly said to Josh.

"What? Why? We haven't even been driving for more than fifteen minutes, we can't stop now! If it's because you have to pee, I'm very sorry. You should've gone before we left. Taryn's college and career rests on us right now." He rambled.

Taylor sighed, "Pull the car over, Josh."

"No, we have to keep going! I'm not gonna pull over now! I'm sorry, Taylor, but no!"

"Joshua Braehead, you will pull this car over right this instant, or I swear to God Almighty I will reach over and grab the wheel myself!" Taylor shouted.

"Fine, whatever." He muttered, turning into the parking lot of a rundown mini mart.

Josh questioningly looked at Taylor, who was already climbing out of the car. She walked around to his door, yanking it open. "Get out." She demanded.

"Why?" Josh asked, unbuckling his seatbelt.

"You're too on edge to be driving. You can't be like that, Josh, it's dangerous. I know that you're worried about Taryn, but you're putting all three of our lives in danger right now. From here on out, I'm driving, and you're gonna sit in the passenger seat. Got it?"

"Got it." He replied.

I smiled, "Thanks, Taylor."

"No problem, Matty," She winked. "Someone's gotta keep this loser in check."

Josh laughed as he slid into the passenger seat, "Well, you sad yes when this loser asked you out."

      Taylor rolled her eyes, sat down, and buckled up. She placed her hands on the steering wheel and pulled back out onto the road.

Obviously, Josh was still antsy. He began quickly zipping and unzipping his blue jacket. That is, until Taylor told him to stop, of course.

      Those two made an excellent couple, always making sure the other didn't do something stupid. Taylor made small talk with Josh as she drove, but I'm sure it was just to keep him calm.

I, on the other hand, barely said a word the entire drive. With my headphones in, I peered out my window, through the fog, and into the passing woods.

Hopefully, we'd get to Tarrie's house soon. I really hoped that nothing was seriously wrong. Josh and Taylor had refused to tell me what was going on, but I'm sure it can't be too bad. And besides, even if it is, I'll love her just the same.