Road Trip

3-Bar Fight

"So," TJ began, breaking the awkward silence. "Where we're y'all headed before your car broke down? Whose car is that by the way, because that is one sweet ride." She added appreciatively.

Harry chuckled and raised his hand. "That would be my 'sweet ride.' And we're just headed towards Las Vegas, Nevada."

"Why there?" Jessica asked.

"To celebrate Harry's birthday. He's turning 20." Niall said, clapping Harry on the back.

"Happy early birthday!" TJ sang, very off key. Jessica and the boys both laughed at her awful singing attempt.

"What about the two o' you?" Niall asked.

"We're going to California for the summer before we go off to college." TJ replied. "So where are y'all from? Harry, you definitely are British, that much is quite obvious, but are you Scottish, Niall? It's either that or Irish."

Harry immediately bit his bottom lip, trying to hold in his giggle, but to no avail. Niall turned beet red at her statement.

"I'm Irish." He said in a clipped tone. Harry collapsed into a fit of giggles, while TJ and Jessica looked at each other in bewilderment.

"I'm sorry, Niall becomes quite upset when people mistake him for many thing other than Irish." Harry answered their unspoken question in between fits of laughter.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry Niall, I didn't mean to offend you, my bad." TJ gushed, in an attempt to make amends.

"Don't worry about it. S'quite alright." Niall smiled at her, blue eyes bright. They smiled at each for what seemed like minutes before TJ looked away in embarrassment.

Harry noisily cleared his throat, trying to make the situation less awkward.

"So where are you ladies from?" He asked politely.

"Georgia." Jessica answered.

"Ahhh, that explains the 'y'alls' after every other word." Harry jokingly said.

"Is it really that bad?" TJ laughed.

"Just a little bit, but s'okay, it's cute when you do it." Niall said, turning slightly pink upon realizing what he just said. "I just mean that-ya know it's nice when-what I was tryna say was-" he stuttered, sure that he completely embarrassed TJ with his compliment. But TJ just laughed it off and graciously thanked him for his compliment.

***

Some hours later, the group finally reached the motel. The sun had just sunk under the horizon and all that was left was faint tinges of fiery pink and burnt orange. Jessica parked the jeep and everyone hopped out.

"Let's go book our rooms." Jessica suggested.

"And after, Niall and I can use the motel phone to call the mechanic." Harry added. They all trooped into the lobby of the Super 8 and approached the receptionist.

"Welcome to the Super 8, where we have Great discounts,great deals, and free wifi. How can I help you?" The blonde haired woman droned, not bothering to look up from her magazine.

"Umm yes, we would like to rent two rooms please." Harry politely asked.

"Sorry, there's only one room available." She said, snapping her gum.

"No more rooms? Are you sure?" Harry asked.

"Yes sugar, I'm positive. Now do you want the room or not?" The old blonde woman asked rather rudely.

"We'll take it," TJ hastily replied. "But could we have more blankets and pillows please?"

"What do you think this is, the Ritz?" The woman grumbled underneath her breath before handing over the bedding. While Niall took the things from the old lady, Jessica roughly grabbed TJ and pulled her to the side.