The Threat Of Fear

chapter 3

         "We're stopping at Iowa for the night." Alec yawned. "We'll find a hotel to stay at."

"How about we stop here and switch spots again?" Nick suggested. "You look like you're about to pass out."

Alec nodded. "Once we find a spot to stop and switch out."

"How about right there?" I hummed, pointing at a rest stop that's not too far down the road.

I glanced at my phone quickly to check the time.

It's 10:30. We've been driving for quite a while.

Shade conked out a few hours back. His head feels light on my shoulder.

He looks so peaceful when he's asleep, like a young child almost.

I wonder...

No! I can't think like that.

"What's gotten you all smiley, sweets?" Nick asked, looking back at me through the rearview mirror.

"Hmm?" I looked up at him. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking."

"About what?" he questioned.

"Stuff." I shrugged. "I guess nothing in particular, really."

"Ahh," he murmured.

It doesn't really sound like he believes me, but, whatever.

I started playing with the charm on my neck. I decided to wear the one that Shade gave to me.

Oh, right, I forgot about that. I forgot that there was an engraving on it.

I got my phone back out and turned the screen on so that I could read what it said.

"Is there something wrong with the chain?" Nick wondered.
"No, no, nothing like that." I hummed. "I just wanted to check something."

"You can check it when we stop," Alec sighed. "Just keep your phone turned off for now."

"Sorry about that, Alec." I smiled sheepishly. "I already looked at what I wanted to, so it's all good."

        "Hey, Rachel," Alec murmured. "Shade. It's time for you to wake up now. We're at the hotel, Nick's already gone in to get us a room."

"I'm up," I whispered, opening my eyes up. "I'm up."

"Me too." Shade groaned beside me.

"Good." Alec nodded, moving out of the way for Shade and me to get out of the car. "So there is one problem."

"And that is?" I asked, stretching my arms above me. "Do I need to go into police mode?"

"We're only able to get a two-bedroom, meaning the two of you are going to have to share a bed."

"I can sleep in a chair if there's one in the room." Shade offered.

His dark hair is messed up due to being asleep, how cute.

"It's fine, Shade." I smiled softly. "We can share the bed if you're comfortable with that."

"Can you two just get together already?" Alec muttered under his breath quietly.

"What was that?" I asked, looking at Alec.

"I said can we just get inside already!" he huffed loudly. "It's cold out here!"

"Alright." I giggled as I started walking inside the hotel.

I totally know what you really said, Alec.

"This place isn't so bad, being a quick place to stop." I hummed, looking around the room. "Considering everything."

        There are two queen beds placed at opposite corners. There's a lot of cream and gold colored decorative colors around the room to make it seem fancier than it actually is. In the opposite corner of the beds, the one furthest away from the door resides two plump, cream-colored chairs with a small, round brown table in between them. In between the two beds, up against the adjacent wall from them is a brown dresser with a TV on top.

It seems like a pretty normal hotel room to me.

"Well, now that everything is situated," Nick sighed, plopping on the bed closest to the door. "Everyone should get some rest now because we still have quite a bit more to drive till we get to our destination tomorrow."

I nodded, delicately sitting on the other bed. Shade did the same.

I can't believe that this is happening. I'm going to be sharing a bed with Shade.

"Good night, everyone," Nick said, turning the lights off.

"Good night, my wonderful family." Alec murmured.