You're Family Now

Part 36

Gems pov-

After a few minutes of driving we got to Target. The entire ride I could feel Preston's eyes tracing over me and every now and again I would make a dumb face to catch him off guard. I didn't know why he was doing it, but I got him to laugh, so I don't care.

"Okay P, help me pick a movie." I instruct at the obviously tired Preston.

"Okay." His eyes scan over the list of movies, reading a short part of the description on one that look interesting.

I don't realize how long I've held my gaze on him, looking at each feature. His tired eyes still shone with a cheerful gleam and his face held a boyish complexion that would make one think he's younger than he is. His hair was messy but at the same time controlled.

"What about 'The Boy'?" He asks, then points to the description.

"A horror movie?" I ask calmly but on the inside I'm screaming 'FUCK NO! GOD NO! PLZ NO!'

Except my mind and body haven't been too in tune the days.

"Sure, I'm down but you have to sit closely 'cause I'm awful with horror movies." I answer and he smiles.

I pay for the movie along with '50 first dates' since it's a great movie and we head deeper into the store to find snacks.

"Why'd you get that second movie?" Preston asks reading the label.

"Because it's my favorite movie of all time. A beautiful story told in a light hearted way with a sweet ending." I describe and he nods. "I don't think anyone else will want to watch it though."

"Well I've never seen it so I'll watch it with you, if you don't mind..." Preston tells me and runs his fingers through his hair nervously.

Smooth Preston. I chuckle internally.

"Sure, why not?" I shrug. "Now c'mon, we each pick out a candy for ourselves and then one to split and a bag of chips."

After grabbing our snacks and paying we head back in the direction of the house.

"Hey, where are you going?" Preston asks as I drive down the interstate in the opposite direction of the house.

"I want coffee, you down for coffee?" I ask, not really caring about his response.

"Sure, I'm always up for coffee." He answers with an smile. "You know there's this great coffee place back in Texas, they make THE BEST coffee."

"Really?" I question skeptically.

"Heck yeah! I'll have to take you sometime if you decide to come.. visit..." His words slow as if he realizes something.

"P? What's wrong?" I ask, my eyes flickering between him and the road.

"I uh... nothing! Don't worry about it!" And avoids my question, a fake happiness in his tone.

I pull over and look at him, running over his words again. I'm not staying here much longer, we're all moving back to our homes. We're all moving away from each other.

"Preston... we don't have alot of time left together..." I mumble, realization covering my face.

"I know.." His fake cheer gone, and sorry laces his words.

My eyes begin to water. I have less than 3 weeks left with Preston. I have less than a week with Lachlan. I have 2 weeks left with Adam and Alesa. I don't have much time left with all of my family.

"Preston," I say choking back tears "I don't want to lose you guys."

"Do you want me to drive?" He asks, not really as a question and I nod.