Project Living (girlxgirl)

Nine

It's Savannah's turn to be behind the wheel, so I sit comfortably on the passenger's side. We should make it to New York by tomorrow.

I look out of the window, watching the fields go by in a blur. Birds fly in a V above us. The radio, softly buzzing, is the only sound in the car. I hum along to the tune.

   Savannah glances at me, "Tell me about your mom."

I crane my neck to get a look at her. She seems genuinely curious.

I try to hide a smile, "Are you sure?"

She grins, "Of course."

I don't hesitate, "She was absolutely beautiful,"

Savannah interrupts me, "Well duh."

I roll my eyes, "Do you want to know about her or not?"

She laughs, "Sorry."

My lips spread into a smile, "She was absolutely gorgeous,"

Savannah mouths an I knew that already.

I wave my hand, "Enough of that. Anyway, she was the sweetest person you could've ever meet. She was always determined and persistent through life. Always got her way."

"She sounds like you." Savannah comments.

I shrug and hug my knees to my chest, a smile plastered on my face.

"What did she look like?" Savannah continues when I don't respond.

"She had long brown hair. Her eyes were hazel, mud brown with a mix of green. Freckles dotted her whole face.. angel kisses were what she called them."

The corner of Savannah's mouth perks up, "That's so sweet. What else?"

"She was so skinny and fragile.. that was because of the drugs, though. I would be scared to touch her. One gentle nudge and I thought she'd just break into a million pieces."

She never did. Always gave the best hugs.

Savannah cuts in, "What was her name?"

I hesitate before replying and she notices, "You don't have to tell me."

"No. It's okay," I smile weakly, "Her name was Addison."

"That's beautiful, Wren."

"I know." My words come out hushed.

I close my eyes, remembering her making breakfast.

Sunday morning... we always had pancakes. God, we loved her pancakes. She didn't eat often, but she always ate breakfast on Sunday. All of us did.. even dad.

"I wish I could've met her."

I nod, "She would have loved you."

A comfortable silence settles between us. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but I don't mind. I turn my attention back to the window.

Nobody's ever asked about my mom. Who knew just talking about her would make me feel so warm?

I glance at Savannah. She seems completely at peace. She's chewing on her lip, something I've come to notice is a habit. Her eyes are focused on the road.

"What about your dad? What's he like?"

She drums her fingers on the steering wheel, "You don't have to ask."

I feel offended, but try my best to hide it. "I know I don't. I want to know."

Her eyes dart between me and the road, "Oh.. okay."