Highway to U

Chapter 1

A laugh escaped Amber's lips as she leaned on her boyfriend's arm. They had managed to get from the park, to the library, and then to the bowling alley. Amber enjoyed every waking moment with him, and since she had aced the Algebra 1 End-of-Course exam, she was given a handsome reward of thirty dollars from her parents.

"I beat you again, Derrick!" She laughed as she stood on her toes in order to mess up her boyfriend's chestnut hair.

"So you did. It's not a surprise, honestly," Derrick chuckled as he took Amber's hand in his and pressed a kiss to it, "M'lady."

Amber rolled her eyes and playfully shoved him, laughing. "You goof!" She exclaimed through fits of giggles.

"Your goof," He corrected with his usual cocky smirk. Amber let out another giggle before pressing her lips to his in a small peck. 

"My goof," She agreed as she she laced their fingers, "I need to go home. Wanna walk with me?"

"Of course. It'd be very rude of me not to after you dragged me here," Derrick laughed before leading her out, but not before earning a playful smack on the back of his head.

"Jerk," Amber mumbled with a soft smile. She allowed him to lead her home. They paused at the steps that led to the door.

"I love you," Derrick murmured into her long dark hair. Amber smiled and kissed him lightly, feeling him respond with the same gentleness.

"I love you too," Amber replied, her hazel eyes bright as the two parted from the kiss. He smiled and turned, walking off.

Amber stood for a moment with a pleased smile playing on her lips before turning to the door and opening it. She was instantly overwhelmed by the sounds of sobs and her mother's figure hunched over with her father's arms around her in a soothing manner. 

"Mom? Dad?" Amber's voice quivered as she stepped in and shut the door.

"Come here, sweetheart. We need to have a talk," Amber's dad said with a serious look.