In the Pursuit of Mr. Reeves

Chapter 10: Day 1

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!
The crew had driven out of Connecticut and now made their way through New York. The coming morning was hazy, snow covering every inch of the ground, but the sky was simply grey and quite dreary. Peyton watched the world outside, humming along to some music that played in the background. Rupert and Ted were snoring away, Mr Wick driving onward. Constantine was trying to find something to do after he was done reading his book and there was no cars to observe. Harker was scribbling in the leather book in front of him. He wouldn't let Peyton see, for every time she glanced over, he put up his book. He was blushing, staring at his book and looking away. Peyton was curious but she kept quiet as they drove through New York.

"It takes 43 hours to get to the Hollywood Hills," Mr Wick finally spoke for the first time in a few hours," We can keep going until we're almost out of gas, then we'll make a few stops for gas. When night comes, we can find a hotel, crash for a few hours and be on our way."

"Where do you suppose our first stop is gonna be?" Peyton asked.

"Somewhere in Pennsylvania," Constantine shrugged, touching Mr. Wick's phone to search where that would be.

John tried to get the detective off but he wouldn't budge. Peyton was growing nervous as she thought about the idea of stopping in her old home town. As much as she missed it, she knew that this trip was way better than her hometown. But she just knew she wanted to be back and she wished she could figure out why. Harker noticed her fidgeting but said nothing more. As they drove, and the sun slowly came up, Ted suddenly woke up, turning green as he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Ted?" Rupert asked,"Are you okay?"

"I feel...sick...dude," He groaned.

"I told you not to eat those bagels," Mr. Wick warned," Look, we're almost to Scranton. When we get to the gas station, you can throw up. Can you hold it in for that long, kiddo?"

"I dunno..." Ted mumbled.

Peyton knew this was just her luck. She would just sit in the car and wait until they were on the road again. However, as Mr. Wick was contacting the others, Peyton was rubbing his back and telling him it was going to be okay. She had a feeling she would end up getting out of the car.

"We're almost out, Ted," she whispered," just a few more minutes."

Peyton looked all around her home. Nothing had changed since she left. It was still as odd as it had been when she packed up and left. She had half a mind to end her journey there and go back to her parents. She felt her own stomach tie in knots as they stopped at a gas station that she recognized. It was one she went to often to fill up before school. She actually loved the place, just as much as she loved her home, but she felt like she was no longer welcome. Everything seemed to be changing and she had to get used to it. But something was holding her back.

They stopped and Ted and Rupert immediately ran out of the car. Peyton went to follow, but Rupert insisted that he'd help his friends. Still, she followed, trying to keep her eyes to the ground. Harker trailed right by her side, hoping to help his friend. However, they were already in the bathroom and locked the door. The two trailed to the drinks, Peyton picking out ginger ale for the 'baby' of the family. She didn't want to be out, so she quickly grabbed a few things for the others and went up to pay. The cashier didn't recognize her and, for some reason, she found relief in that.

"Are you okay?" Harker whispered.

"Huh?" Peyton jumped," Oh, I'm fine. I just...I dunno. I guess I'm just nervous being back here."

"Oh, I completely understand," he said, then paused," Why? Are there vampires?"

"No," she said with a smile," but there's just a lot of memories...good and bad. I worked hard to get away from here and...I guess, as much as I don't want to admit it, I miss being here."