Convergence

Chapter 2 cont.

"Because that's where I live. Duh."

I looked at him wide eyed and shocked by his request. Why would I go with him? I didn't even bother to ask again, he obviously thought I should just know. I stared at him a little while longer hoping that he would realize that I needed an explanation. He understood.

"I need to stay with you, to protect you, but I can't do that if you're in Petaluma and I'm in Tahoe." He spoke slowly, insinuating that I wouldn't be able to understand him if he didn't.

"Well I can't just pick up and leave my school, or my parents for that matter, so that you can protect me in Tahoe." I wanted to go with him. I just didn't want to admit it, mainly because I didn't know why I should go.

"I know you want to."

Again with the mindreading.

            "How could you possibly know that?"

            "It's easy for me to read you. Now stop trying to find excuses and pack your stuff. At least until we figure out what's going on, you're coming with me."

That was it. I couldn't refuse him, I wanted to go. If I went with him we could probably figure out what was going on more quickly, he would be satisfied, and I could sleep. Well, that was my rationalization anyway.

            "I'm in."

He beamed at me.

            "But only on one condition." His grin wavered. I held up my index figure to emphasize the importance of my condition, Sam giggled. "I have to be back by Monday in time for school, I can't miss more than a week without falling too far behind." It didn't take long for him to agree.

            "Your life's in danger and you're worried about missing school?"

"Yep, oh one more thing,"

            "Yes?"

            "We're taking my car. There's no way I'm sitting on a bus for five hours."

Sam happily obliged my request. He didn't seem to enjoy his bus ride. I began to rifle through the piles of mess on my floor, searching for my overnight bag. I found it hiding under an empty box of tissues and some shirts. I walked over to my closet and started to pick out outfits for the coming days while Sam impatiently watched.

"Seriously?"

I turned around.

"Just pick something out and put it in your bag. It's not that hard."

Sam's impatience was funny to me. It lightened my mood. I pretended to lean into my closet in slow motion and pick out a dress. He wasn't amused.

            "I'm going to the kitchen to make myself some breakfast, and by the time I get back you will be finished." I stifled a giggle as he left the room and continued to stare into my closet. I couldn't figure out why he was acting so serious again when just a few seconds ago he was telling me that he was fine. After a few more moments I had all of the outfits picked out in my head and began to pluck them out of the closet. Once I had decided what I wanted, the process went by quickly. By the time Sam came back I was sitting on my bed, overnight bag in hand. I looked up at him.

"Jeez what took you so long?"