Kids in the Dark

Chapter 23

Ryder's P.O.V

We left Theo beside the gas pump, filling up the car, in search of food. The gas station's shop was surprisingly busy considering the time. I felt the eyes of everyone fall upon us as we entered.

"The food is this way," Marc said leading the way over to the back of the store. I headed to the fridge for drinks, as Marc went to pick out a box of cereal. I pulled open the door and grabbed 4 water bottles along with 3 cans of monster. I was trying to balance the drinks in my arms when Marc wandered over. "You guys like Frosted Flakes right?" He asked taking the 3 cans from me.

"Yep. I still have like 10 bucks spare, do you want anything else?" I asked as we made our way towards the checkout.

"I think we're good." Marc smiled handing the box of flakes and the drinks over the counter.

"And will that be all for you today?" The cashier asked in a bored voice.

"Yeah," I replied handing over the money.

"$11.50 is your change." He said handing over the money. I thanked him, pocketing the cash, and helped Marc carry the stuff back to the car. Theo smiled over at us leading Tank back over to the car after letting him out to do his business.

"Alright, what's for breakfast?" He asked, rounding the back of the car, and grabbing a bowl full of dog food.

"Frosted Flakes and Monster," Marc replied taking the bowl of food from his hands, and sliding into the back seat, luring Tank with the food.

"Classy." Theo chuckled, as he and I reclaimed our seats. "Ryder and you open my can?" He asked pulling back onto the main road. I reached for one of the cans that sat in the cup holders between us. I popped it open making a satisfying fizzing noise. "Thanks," Theo said taking it and drinking deeply.

"Better?" I asked taking the can from him when he was done.

"Much," Theo replied letting out a large belch.

"Ryder, can you pass up one of the waters?" Marc asked from behind me. I reached down and snatched up one of the waters that lay at my feet. I held it over my shoulder until I felt someone take it from my hand. There was a moment of silence as Marc poured the water out for Tank when Theo hit a pothole. "Crap." Marc moaned screwing the cap back onto the bottle. As the car had jolted Marc had sloshed water all down his shirt, I couldn't help but snort with laughter.

"It's not funny. Now my shirt's all wet."

"Take it off then, hang it over the back of the seat." Marc considered this for a moment, before deciding to take Theo's suggestion as a good idea.

"Theo, do you have Jace's cousin's number on your phone?" I asked taking his phone from his pocket.

"I think so, his name's Oliver." I scrolled through the long list of names, stopping at the sight of the name Oliver Sullivan. I tapped the green call button and put the phone to my ear. One ring, two rings, three rings.

"Hello?" Someone answered.

"Um, hi, Oliver. It's Ryder, one of Jace's friends."

"Oh, hey, what can I do for you?"

"Well, Theo, Me and a friend need a place to crash for a few days."

"Hiding from the cops?" He laughed slightly.

"Yeah, kind of," I said, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Shouldn't be a problem, I'll text you my address. How far are you from Clarksville?"

"Fiveish hours," I said.

"Ok, see you then." Oliver hung up, the promised text coming through moments later.  

"So?" Marc asked dragging out the 'o'

"It's cool. I've got the address." I replied holding up the phone to show him.

"Well. Now we have 5 hours to kill." Marc commented, twisting in his seat so that his legs lay along the whole back row. Tank barked happily sitting on top.

"Music?" I asked Theo.

"Music." He replied with a grin. The first song to play when I hit shuffle was 21 Pilots Ride. Marc sang and rapped along effortlessly.

"You sing so well it's annoying," I said envious of Marc's talent. Marc didn't reply, but his cheeks flushed red.

We made it through about an hour and a half of driving this way, but soon everyone was in need of a rest stop.

"Okay, the best I can do is a park about 5 minutes from here," I said looking up from the map. "Just take a left here."

"That's cool. I don't mind pissing in a bush." Theo joked following the directions I gave him. We pulled to a stop moments later in a gravel filled car park. All of us got out of the car, Theo instantly vanishing into an area of thick greenery. I laughed, signaling for Tank to sit by my side.

"Finally," Marc cheered stretching out his limbs. "I'll be right back he said before breaking into a fast run. In a matter of seconds, he was the size of my thumbnail. Tank made a whining noise beside me. I glanced down at him to find him looking longingly up at me.

"Oh, go on then." I laughed, and he rocketed off after Marc, the two of them began a race back to the car.

"I win!" Marc exclaimed pumping a fist into the air.

"Good for you, now watch Tank I need a piss," I said leaving them behind me. I trudged through the gravel over to the spot I had seen Theo disappear, sending up small plumes of dust with each stepped. I pushed passed the lower hanging branches, almost crashing into Theo. he pointed me in the direction of a private spot, before continuing his way back to the car. I found the spot he spoke of and did my business, before hurrying back to the car.

As I rejoined the others Marc followed the directions given to him by Theo and went off. Theo had taken up residence behind the Camaro's wheel.

"Can you show me where we are on the map?" He asked looking over at me.

"Yeah sure," I said unfolding the map and indicating a splodge of green amidst the many intersecting lines. "Oliver's house is somewhere over here," I said circling an urbanized area further up the map with my finger as Marc made his way over. I got out of my seat to let him in, helping Tank in after him.

"Okay, we have a 2 to 3-hour drive, so get comfortable," Theo said starting up the engine, the rumble it made drawing the eyes of nearby dog walkers. "Ready?" He asked as I did up my seat belt. Marc and I both nodded in response. "Let's go then."