The Secret Life of Penelope

Chapter 5: Shake it out

"DREW!"

My protests had finally gotten through to him and Drew slammed on the brakes. My outstretched arms braced the dashboard as I jolted forward. Furiously, I turned to him. Before I could berate Mr. Fast and Furious, he had already swung the car door open and leapt out.

"Drew?!"

I freed myself of the passenger seatbelt and followed suit.

He was fast, his strides were long and determined as he ventured off into the desert landscape.

Where the hell is he going?

"Drew, get back here!"

He kept going.

And why the hell is he not listening to me?

I huffed at the silent treatment as I hurriedly followed him.

There was copper rock hills scattered around the desert. I watched in astonishment as Drew proceeded to hike up a particularly tall one. I knew he was athletic. He was captain of the swim team and practically played on most of the school's sports teams. But watching him, effortlessly maneuvering the rock hill and swiftly making his way to the top was impressive.

I was still following, albeit struggling, behind. Once I made it to the top, I spotted Drew. He was sitting with his back against the cool uneven surface of the rock hill. His arms were crossed and rested on top of his raised knees. With the humid weather, his dress shirt clung to his form. I was quiet as I approached him. 

Drew was intensely staring out into the openness. His brownish-blue eyes were blank and void of any emotion.

All I did was sit beside him. I didn't say anything because I wasn't exactly sure what to say. I only stared out into the desert as well. A couple minutes passed before I broke the silence.

"You shouldn't run off like that."

"I'm sorry," he said softly and I turned my attention to him.

"C'mon, let's get going. We're practically sitting ducks," I smiled but Drew didn't make any moves to budge.

"I want to go home."

I internally scoffed at this request. It was a little too late for that. I parted my lips to express that very thought, but I fought against it. I had to be considerate. I tried putting myself in his shoes and once I felt confident in my response, I decided to speak.

"Drew...we can't right now. I don't know how Berlin keeps tracking us but I'm sure more of his minions are on their way. But we'll be okay," I reassured. Drew finally turned his eyes onto me, and I could see the pain behind them. The charismatic spark was gone. Drew was no longer just an empty object of my infatuation. He was human.

"Fuck that, I want to go home," he retorted. I furrowed my brows.

Don't get an attitude with me!

I took in a deep breath.

"Get back in the car," I let out through gritted teeth. Upon my demand, Drew shot up which took me by surprise. He began making his way down the rock hill in silence. I mentally took pride in my authority and began to follow suit. Once down I had expected Drew to make his way towards the silver Carrera, but I was left bewildered when he walked right past it.

"Drew, where are you going?"

No response.

He was starting to get on my nerves. Within seconds I had run up and cut in front of him.

"What the hell are doing? Do you want to get killed?" I questioned and he only glared at me.

"Might as well, right? Save them the trouble," he stated with obvious sarcasm. He knocked my shoulder as he brushed past me, heading to the dangers of the open road.