Between Us (all of us #1)

T W E N T Y S I X

T R E N T O N

One Hour Prior

I spent a little extra time getting ready today. I got A hair cut, showered, dressed in summer friendly clothing. Even broke out a new pair of Nikes because my last check was great—so great that I picked up my car this morning.

When I went with Diesel to pick out his first car, I was jealous. The feeling went just as fast as it came. But now as I sit behind the wheel of my first car, I realize nothing can compare to this feeling. Having worked my ass off, I now know that all the waiting and saving was worth it. Especially since I plan on taking Aubree out tonight.

Somewhere far away from here where no one knows our names or our stories. Somewhere we can just be us without having to hide or put up a front.

Every time I get to Diesel's house, I'm struck with nerves. My stomach quivers, my heart feels like it's trying to burst through my rib cage. As much as I hate the feeling, I love it.

I admire my car once more before hiking up the steps, but before I reach the door, Diesel's already come outside with a look of surprise on his face.

"What! When did you get a car?!" He walks past me and straight to the vehicle. "This is nice, man." He wrinkles his chin as he scopes it out.

Aubree comes outside and my knees almost buckle when I see her smile.

"I got a car, Mrs. C.," I say, rubbing the back of my neck.

"I can see that." She grins, coming toward me. "I'm impressed."

I turn around to glance at Diesel, still walking a full circle around the car.

"This is nicer than my car." He tilts his head as he opens the drivers side door and gets inside.

"You look so handsome today."

"Thank you, beautiful." My smile is wide and the type that's sure to be the reason why my cheeks are sore later. "We're going out, tonight," I say to her in a low volume, keeping it short because Diesel can pop back up any moment.

Her face brightens and I really want to kiss her, but I settle for a subtle touch to her arm. It's crazy how a small thing like the feeling of skin can a give off the same sensation as if we did kiss.

Finding it hard to break away from her, I head down the steps anyway and get into the passengers seat while Diesel's connecting his phone to the radio.

We stayed out in the driveway for twenty minutes as Diesel gushed over my new car. Repeating the fact that he wishes he could trade up for a new one like mine.

When we went inside, Roger was rustling through the fridge, going up and down the stairs in preparation to leave. Aubree looked to be helping him pack, but she was mostly just circling the house like he was.

Diesel and I played video games in his room until it was time for Roger to finally go. He wasn't in the worst mood today, but definitely not a good one.

He peeked in and said goodbye to us, and as soon as he left, Diesel seemed ready to go too.

"You're leaving already?"

"Yeah. Chloe's dad wanted me to meet some family tonight." He wraps the controller around its cord before setting it inside the shelf of his entertainment center. "And I definitely don't want to be here, so..."

"Why not?"

"I haven't really been a big fan of my mom lately." He speaks with his back to me. "She's trying to make everything harder for me than it already is."