Do You?

Ten

     Derek gently wrapped his arm around my waist, allowing me to put most of my weight on him.
    "Thank you," I murmured when we eventually reached the car.
     He helped me over to the passenger side door, and opened it for me. I slid in, and he fastened the seat belt around my waist.
     "Don't fall asleep, ok Spence?" He asked. "I'll be right back."
     "Ok," I whispered, leaning my head against the headrest.
     I listened to him working outside, determine to keep my promise and not fall asleep. I began signing to myself quietly.
     "I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you. No one understands me quiet like you do, through all of the shadowy corners of me-"
     "You have a pretty voice Spence," Morgan said, popping up suddenly by the drivers side door.
     I screamed. "Don't do that Derek," I cried. "You gave me a heart attack!"
     He grinned at me. "Awh poor baby," he giggled. "We're all set to go."
     I sat back again, closing my eyes this time, trying to stop my racing heart.
     All was silent for a few moments. "Hey Spence? You still awake?" Derek asked me gently.
     "Yeah," I whispered. "Why?"
     "I was just making sure. I'm worried about you."
     I smiled a little. "Don't be. I'm fine," I promised him, just as soon as I broke into a coughing fit.
     He placed a hand on my shoulder and looked at me worriedly. I waved him off.
     "Just fine," I finished.
     He looked at me skeptically. "At least keep talking, so I know you're not asleep. Please," he said.
     "What do you want me to talk about?" I asked him.
     "Anything. Whatever suits your fancy," he told me.
     "Anything? Hmm," I mused, trying to think of something to tell him.
     "I'll help. What's your earliest memory?"
     I winced, feeling tears fill my eyes. I chuckled humorlessly. "My first memory... my first memory is my parents, fighting behind a locked door."
     "Oh god Spencer I'm so sorry," Derek quickly cut in.
     "It's ok," I told him quickly. "The funny part is, I was actually reading Charles Dickens," I laughed, but this time it sounded more hysterical. "So now every time I hear or see something about him, I go into a full panic."
     Derek grabbed my hand. "Don't cry baby. It's ok. I-I'm sorry I brought it up."
     I sniffled, squeezing his hand back. "W-what about you? What's your earliest memory?"
     "My earliest memory is my mom bringing home my baby sister. I was so jealous of the attention she got."
     I giggled. "Aw, that's so cute." I yawned, and I blinked, trying to stay awake. "I'm tired Derek," I mumbled.
     "I know kid, just try to stay awake, we're gonna be at the hospital in about fifteen minutes," he informed me, glancing at the GPS.
    "Can't you just take me home?" I asked jokingly with a giggle.
     He rubbed his thumb over my knuckles reassuringly. "We'll be home soon, baby."