How To Love Again

7: Closer

• Skyler •

"Crap!" Justin sighs and tries to start the Jeep's engine one more time.

Nothing happened.

I can't help but giggle. "I don't think it's going to turn on, Justin. You've been trying to get some response from for about an hour now."

Justin chuckles and finally gives up. "You're right. But aren't you going to get into trouble for getting home late?"

I shrug and lean back in the passenger seat. "It doesn't matter. We're late anyways. Besides," I tell him. "I had fun."

He smiles and I notice a slight blush form on his cheeks. "We could walk home. It shouldn't be too far. I'll see about the Jeep tomorrow."

I nod and begin to get out of the Jeep. "Sounds good."

I meet Justin on the other side and we begin to walk down the sidewalk. The air is slightly chilly so I'm shivering a little, hugging my arms to my chest.

"You're cold." Justin notices. It's a statement, not a question.

"A little." I admit.

"Stay here." He orders. "I'll be right back."

"Justin-" I begin to stop him but it's too late. He's already running back to the Jeep and prying the backdoor open.

It takes him literally ten seconds to return, a black hoodie in his hands. He hands it over to me, smiling.

"Thanks." I thank him, slipping it on. It's just a bit big on me but not too much. In fact, it's warm and Justin's scent lingers on it.

"No problem." Justin says, still blushing. He shoves his hands into his jean pockets and looks away as we start back down the sidewalk.

He seems to be blushing quite often, I realize. I wonder why? I push away the thought and search my mind for something to say. Anything to start a conversation.

At last, I ask him: "How long have you played guitar?"

He turns to answer, a conversation finally starting.

• • •

I wave goodbye to Justin and bounce up my porch. The door was unlocked which didn't surprise me. My mother was probably worried sick.

My assumptions were confirmed when my mother suddenly appears, enveloping me in a hug.

"Oh gosh, Sky! I was so worried! Where were you?!" She demands, sighing.

"I'm fine." I assure her. "I was with a friend."

The worried look doesn't leave my mothers face. "Kate called. She wanted to know if you've gotten home. She wouldn't exactly tell me what happened except that you fainted and-and some kid drove you home-"

"Mom," I place a hand on her shoulder. "Mom, it's ok. You know Justin? He lives across from us?"

Mom nods and I keep going.

"He drove me and when I woke up, didn't feel like going home straight away." I tell her honestly.

Mom calms down a bit. "Where did you guys go?"

"Just...somewhere." I didn't want to tell her where. I felt like it was somehow...private. Something only Justin and I share. Our little secret.

Mom doesn't say anything for a while. Her eyes scan over my face and she crinkles her forehead.

"You seen...happier." She observes. "Did something...happen?"

I roll my eyes and begin to walk past her. "Nothing." I shrug. "I guess I just found a really, really good friend."