Convergence

Chapter 3 cont.

That was it. I couldn’t refuse him, I wanted to go. If I went with him we could probably figure out what was going on more quickly, he would be satisfied, and I could sleep. Well, that was my rationalization anyway.

            “I’m in.”

He beamed at me.

            “But only on one condition.” His grin wavered. I held up my index figure to emphasize the importance of my condition, Sam giggled. “I have to be back by Monday in time for school, I can’t miss more than a week without falling too far behind.” It didn’t take long for him to agree.

            “Your life’s in danger and you're worried about missing school?”

“Yep, oh one more thing,”

            “Yes?”

            “We’re taking my car. There’s no way I’m sitting on a bus for five hours.”

Sam happily obliged my request. He didn’t seem to enjoy his bus ride. I began to rifle through the piles of mess on my floor, searching for my overnight bag. I found it hiding under an empty box of tissues and some shirts. I walked over to my closet and started to pick out outfits for the coming days while Sam impatiently watched.

“Seriously?”

I turned around.

“Just pick something out and put it in your bag. It’s not that hard.”

Sam’s impatience was funny to me. It lightened my mood. I pretended to lean into my closet in slow motion and pick out a dress. He wasn’t amused.

            “I’m going to the kitchen to make myself some breakfast, and by the time I get back you will be finished.” I stifled a giggle as he left the room and continued to stare into my closet. I couldn’t figure out why he was acting so serious again when just a few seconds ago he was telling me that he was fine. After a few more moments I had all of the outfits picked out in my head and began to pluck them out of the closet. Once I had decided what I wanted, the process went by quickly. By the time Sam came back I was sitting on my bed, overnight bag in hand. I looked up at him.

“Jeez what took you so long?”

            He frowned. “Let’s go.”

When we walked outside I checked the door to make sure it was locked and Sam took my bag.

            “I can carry that.” I said hastily trying to snatch it back.

            “It’s fine, I got it. Now do you have your toothbrush and everything else you need?”

I couldn’t hold back the laughter.

            “Why are you laughing? What’s so funny?” he demanded

I took a deep breath trying to collect myself.

“What are you?” I laughed, “My mother? I’m a big girl I think I can prepare myself for a six day trip.” I caught my breath. “Just relax.”

            “Relax? Some unknowable thing is after you and you want me to relax!?”

The smile fell off my face.

            “I think you’re the one who needs to adjust her attitude. You obviously are unable to comprehend the severity of the situation, which is why I have to compensate.”

He was right. I knew I could be in danger, but I felt so safe. It was hard to worry with him around. I stared at my feet and rocked back and forth on my heels slightly embarrassed.

            “Look, I’m sorry” he sighed. “I know this must be hard for you,” It wasn’t, “I just feel like I need to get you out of here… to safety.” He lifted my chin up with his index finger. I immediately backed away from his touch, as did he.

            “Ouch you shocked me.” I said angrily rubbing my chin.

            “Just get in the car please?” he begged.

            “Ok.”