The Only Exception

6

Jo

Letoya came rushing into my office suddenly, making me look up at her. "What's wrong?"

She caught her breath as she bent over for a bit before she finally answered. "I had to run some blocks."

"Why?" I questioned as my eyebrows furrowed slightly.

It was simply her third day here, and she didn't seem that keen on getting places on time. Truthfully, it didn't bother me none, stuff didn't get hectic around here til lunch time.

She answered me as she began taking her coat and scarf off. "They changed bus drivers today and the new one didn't want to bring me here like the other one always does. I was going to be late if I hadn't have ran."

"You don't—." My phone buzzed and I looked down at the message. Taking a deep breath, I stood up as I grabbed my work badge. "Come with me."

Walking out of my office, she followed behind me as I got on the elevator. Hitting the button 'P', it took me to the companies parking garage.

Stepping out, my journey led me to the room off to the side. Using my badge, I swiped it and the door unlocked.

Grabbing the first thing I set sight on, I walked out the room letting the door shut tight behind me. Looking down and unlocking one of the cars, I threw the keys to Letoya and she caught them.

"Take me to the court house, will ya?"

Her eyes widened when she saw what she was about to drive. "You want me to drive you in this?"

"Yes. You can drive can't you?"

She nodded and I got in the passenger seat as she got in the drivers. Her fingers tapped on the steering wheel for a while.

"I'm not going to lie, your tapping is making me nervous. Stop it."

"How do you start this thing? Where's the part for the key?" She asked me as she looked around.

Smiling in amusement, I pointed at the button. "Put your foot on the brake and push the button in. It's a push to start."

She looked at me before following my directions. When it started she shook her head as she put her seatbelt on. "I've never driven one of these before. All of my mothers cars weren't push to start."

"Well drive this like its one of your mothers cars." I replied smartly and I could have sworn she rolled her eyes. We sat for a long time before I looked at her in annoyance. "Letoya, what are you waiting on?"

My question caused her to look at me as she gestured over. "I'm waiting on you to put your seatbelt on."

Grabbing the seatbelt, I placed it around my body and secured it before asking, "Happy?"

"Very." She replied back as she put the car in gear and finally drove off. When we were about to turn she looked at me. "How do I get there?"

"Letoya! What do you know how to do?" I asked in irritation that wasn't truly aimed at her. Realizing that I had hurt her feelings, I retracted. "I didn't mean that. Take a left."

She nodded softly and we began driving in silence. Every so often I would give her directions and she would simple do as I instructed.

After a few minutes, I took a breath and broke the tension filled silence. "What side of town do you live on? Can't be this side."

"The South." She replied as her eyes stayed straight ahead. "I've never been to the courthouse either."

"How come?"